#I hate that I am a member in this channel because now it means I have better knowledge of what's going on

[thefloatingstone]

*looks inside the official DeviantArt discord I'm part of* ru roh.

#text post #I hate that I am a member in this channel because now it means I have better knowledge of what's going on #which means I am gonna get so angry at misinformation #But also be unable to correct misinformation because there's little chance any correction I make will be heard #instead of just buried in the replies

[danandfuckingjonlmao]

me, waking up drenched in sweat, violently sitting up in bed and letting out a gasp: IT'S A METAPHOR FOR BEING A YOUTUBER

idk if someone already thought of this and this is also probably the most obvious reading of it but here i go anyway: i was just walking a dog and listening to potato prints and when phil said "you've come a long way daniel" i was like "huh phil is in the teaching position in all of these just like he was for youtube" like phil just gives editing pro tips the whole time and it all parallels their story as a youtube duo.

and obviously the entertainment industry is rife (not proper usage of that word but it Feels Right so fuck you) with satanic symbolism/imagery/iconography/motifs. being an entertainer is "selling your soul to the devil" etc etc and we know dan hates being a youtuber and does feel that way. you gotta upload twice a day every day in order to be the number one art channel on youtube dot com after all. you gotta make those crafts for satan. bo burnham has a ton of lyrics/songs that i'm thinking about rn like "you used to do comedy when you felt like being funny but now you're contractually obligated so dance you fucking monkeeeey DANCE MONKEY DAAAANCE" and in "repeat stuff" which is a commentary of how mainstream pop love songs and pop stars have to be really superficial and unoriginal because they need to appeal to everyone and at one point he sucks satan off lmao and is like AHFRUEHQFWIIO I AM A VESSEL IDUSHISKA 666 KAJSDFI ILLUMINATI UIGDFSAHIO FREEMASONS. highly recommend looking at the lyrics to that song if you're into that kind of thing.

also the (very rightful) dig at phannies for the "don't cry craft" spamming like "we love all of our crafty audience that spread the message of this channel on all the other videos on the internet! everywhere! everybody enjoyed that!" is how creators who want to keep status have to address their audiences no matter how annoying or harmful they're being. thinking of the ajr line "stay out of politics, stay on the fence / stay out of all of it to keep half your fans" because like,, yeah if a creator ever expresses an opinion that declares their feelings on one side of an issue then they will lose support (smosh is a perfect example of a bunch of people never ever ever expressing an opinion if it could be considered controversial among their audience, like refusing to address the genocide happening right now and just taking their zionist member who the fans are mad at out of some videos to be like "shhhhh nothing to see here we don't know what you're talking about"), ESPECIALLY if that issue is the behaviour of their audience.

obviously the first dapc video was not made with any intended meaning, they just woke up and were like "let's be weird and freak people out" and they did that, and then adding in symbolism and making it all mean something developed with time. but i'm gonna pretend that it has always had consistent meaning because i'm neurodivergent and love overanalysing silly little media.

i am so jhfbvdahfkiufadkhlj right now so if anyone has more theories or things to add lmk and thank you for coming to my ted talk

#me saying shit #dnp #dan and phil #phan #dan howell #daniel howell #amazingphil #phil lester #danisnotonfire #yeet my deet #yeet my deenp #danandphilcrafts #squareflakes #glitterfaces #potato prints #slime

[luckyarchivist]

Touchstarved LIs and Fanfiction AUs They Should Be In

Haven't been able to stop thinking about the people who said Ais is "always the tattoo artist in tattoo shop/flower shop AU". I don't even like tattoo shop/flower shop like that but it was such a correct thing to say and I have to acknowledge that. So here's that plus AUs I've seen that I think the LIs should be in.

Ais

Flower shop/tattoo shop, as mentioned. This one is TOO good. Come ON. Ais as the hot-ass owner of the local tattoo shop? Him listening to your idea for a tattoo and then smoothly and easily inking it into your skin and telling you you're good when you don't cry? I don't even need to explain this one. It makes sense in like every way.

NASCAR/Formula One AU. The idea of him getting out of that car sweaty as hell in the full racing suit after crushing a track record? Like, taking off the helmet and shaking his hair out and looking like he couldn't give less of a shit about winning first place? Yeah. I am not immune to vroom vroom

Mermaid AU but he's a bull shark or an octopus, not a fish. IDK if I want his claspers or his tentacles more, but either way he should be lurking in the briny deep and protecting me from the real ocean monsters and threatening to eat me even though he probably doesn't mean it, probably.

Vere

Magic/Witches AU. - C'monnnn, he's already so witchy! He's got the sleeves and everything. And yes I know TS already has magic in it, but you know what I mean. He, like, lives in the spooky forest and the people of the village are deathly afraid of him, but you need his magical help, so against the wishes of family and friends you seek him out. And he forces you through a series of dangerous illusions as a trial and, when you successfully pass them, finally agrees to help you for a price...

Royalty AU as either the capricious king of a powerful nation or that king's advisor, formal or informal (smart concubine). I've never seen Game of Thrones but that kind of castle politics, shadowy backstabbing shit seems right up his alley.

Modern AU as an artist: I already talked about this with Vere as an artist and game dev, but I think it'd be so funny if Vere was just sitting in a coffee shop (local, Starbucks is below him) trying to finish his commissions in peace because his roommate(s) are annoying and/or distracting. Honestly, Vere would also rock as a modern AU witch, like urban fantasy type.

Leander

Barista/Bartender AU. He's so extroverted and congenial I have to put him in a drink service AU. He definitely has a "time to mix drinks and save lives" type of work ethic behind the counter. He remembers regular customers and their drink orders, he is LIBERAL with discounts, and he leaves little notes to the people he thinks are cute.

Serial killer AU. I am so basic and even though I have no desire to watch or listen to true crime now, I was raised on the Investigation Discovery Channel and I've never lost that. Look at his fucking face. He's asking for it to be covered in blood. Even better if this is combined with the above AU and he's a sweet server by day and a ruthless murderer by night but he keeps the same wide, pleasant, and genuine smile on because both things are things he loves to do. Even BETTER if he has an obsession with one of his regulars and starts killing people around them in an attempt to get closer with them.

Theatre AU. Siiiighs. Yeah, I'm a theatre kid. And I just know this guy would be one of those actors who wants to be a mentor/older brother figure for any new troupe-members. He's walking you through all the vocal warmups. He's offering to help you run lines. He's driving you home after rehearsals. He is a triple threat, but he doesn't prefer musicals because he doesn't like singing in front of an audience (even though he's an amazing singer). And I just know props absolutely hates him because he keeps touching shit that isn't his.

Kuras

Hospital AU and Angels/Demons AU is too easy. Instead, I'm giving him the flower shop owner in flower shop/tattoo shop AU. Anyone here like KurAis? Anyways, I think it would be sweet to have him be the super-tall, kind but a little awkward and very knowledgeable owner of a flower shop. He probably enjoys crafting bouquets that have meaning in flower language. And yes, he knows about the nice meanings and the rude meanings, so you can get a "fuck you" bouquet from Kuras.

Detroit Become Human AU as an android. I barely remember D:BH but it was one of the first things that occurred to me when thinking about AUs for Kuras. Maybe because he'd be the kind of android who was like, "Don't worry, I'm not a real person, it's okay if I get shot repeatedly," and wouldn't understand why someone would be concerned about him anyways.

Elementary school teacher/single parent AU but I don't know if I want him to be the teacher or the parent. Do I want him to look after a group of children, making efforts to understand their silly little words and communicate with them so they learn and feel cared for? Or do I want him to be the struggling single parent who is so happy to see their child finally getting the attention they deserve outside the house? IDK, but I'd be happy either way.

Mhin

Superhero AU. They're kinda already halfway to superhero gear with the hood and the cape and the tight pants, but I think it be cool for them to dart from rooftop to rooftop, saving civilians and fighting crime. IDK if it'd be cooler if they were half-hero half-villain (controlled by their bird-monster side and wreaking havoc) or if it'd just be nice to have a crow hero motif. Anyway they save me and I'm a reporter who uses my reporter contacts to try and track them down not knowing they're actually my upstairs neighbor who I bring shepherd's pie and strawberry cupcakes to sometimes.

The other tattoo artist in tattoo shop/flower shop. You know how there's always some other character working in one or both of the shops? Ayeah that's Mhin. Number one, I think it'd be hot if they had tattoos. But even if they don't they're still hot when they give the tattoo because focus and skill are attractive. They're talented enough that Ais keeps them around even though they hate him. They never talk to him even though he's their boss. Over the course of the fic Mhin and Ais get closer b/c Kuras is friends with both of them and he wants them to like each other.

Angel/Demon AU as an angel because I want them to be corrupted :) I want them to be forced to submit to their own worst impulses :) and eventually realize that being evil makes them feel good and more importantly liberated and in control :) also maybe they can get wrecked by a demon please :)

Aaaand the DLC cast gets one as a treat!

Sen

Pacific Rim AU but PLEASE don't ask me why. I don't even REMEMBER Pacific Rim. But the clarity with which I could imagine Sen in a Pacific Rim AU is startling. She's gruff and she doesn't want to partner up with you, a rookie, but somehow you have perfect chemistry in the mech she doesn't want to acknowledge. She's too reckless out of disregard for her life, and you reel her in; you're inexperienced, and she fixes your mistakes. Then one day she starts to notice that she's guarding her own life more fiercely than ever before...because of you.

If that's not what Pacific Rim is about shhhh don't correct me /j

Elyon

Easy answer is pornstar/industry AU or camming AU but I'll never take the easy way out. And I know we don't know shit about the guy but I think reincarnation AU would kinda hit with him. His promo talks about wanting things money can't buy? Like possibly the ability to save his soulmate from dying and forgetting him over and over while he retains the memories of every life they've both shared and lived separately, as friends, lovers, enemies, and strangers? That would go hard imo.

If you read all of that, thanks! I hope you enjoyed~

#luckyfiction #touchstarved game #touchstarved vn #ais #vere #leander #kuras #mhin #sen #elyon #touchstarved au #was gonna include psychopass au but istg i'll put ANYBODY in psychopass #when i rewatch psychopass s1? it's over for y'all #also don't get me STARTED on omegaverse #maybe later i'll do smthn for that #(if people won't strangle me) #anw that ppt post is so fucking funny #i started laughing all over again please look at it if you haven't

[itonashi]

I am ME.

SUMMARY : Known around the world — a genius scientist named [Name][Last Name]. Everyone sought to be her as she was deemed perfect. A young prodigy that managed to climb up the ranks alongside her friends. She met her demise at the age of 35. It shook the world. Tears fall because of her. Will there be another her?

PAIRING : aquamarine hoshino x fem!reader

WARNINGS : implied deaths, stalking, drugs, slow burn romance, murder, more will be added.

A/N : 2k words. goddamn.. hehe enjoy and pls remember im not an expert still in the adults world neither i am that smart LOL.

4 years later...

You're 6 years old right now. Well, physically. You do not have the patience to restrain myself from not talking all the time. Your babysitter is sleeping. You're infront of a tv. Remote beside you. Maybe, you should change it to a music show?

You're bored after all. No freedom so what else can you do? You change the channel to a music show. After you change it, The MC was announcing the winner for the music show.

"Let's congratulate, B-Komachi!" The MC exclaimed and the audiences roared at the mention of B-Komachi. The members went up the stage, taking the award.

"That girl... looks familiar." You muttered under your breath. A beautiful girl with a blue purplish hair color took the mic and start her speech while giving a heart gesture.

That's the girl you met before. She was interesting to say the least. Even from a first glance, you knew that she hailed from an abusive and solemn past. She was expressionless, she talked to you without any interest in the world and show the real her. To see her become an idol.. does that means she's lying to herself right now.

What drove her to be an idol? You met her only once and yet you feel like, she would be important later on. How captivating, you hope the future is kind to her.

"And that's all from me! Ai!" She waved and giving the mic to another member.

Idol. A career that isn't appreciate enough. Some people on the world looked down upon this career. Just singing and dancing, they said. It's more than that.

Idol need to have a perfect image. One wrong step, then scandal will come for them. Especially if you're a famous group. They have to lie. They have to please their fans. One mistake and it will be talk about for years even after disbanding. The entertainment industry is dangerous. Strict to the point they could take your life.

Idol is also human. They're not robot. They also have feelings. Idols are admirable, they need to have a strong mental to handle the hate. The world is unfair to them. There's so many cases on what happened to idols for the past years and some of it is cruel.

Every career have it's upside and downside. There's no need to compare.

You broke out of your thoughts when the front door opening. You didn't even realize your babysitter already went home. "[Name]." Your father called out to you. You stand up and walk towards him with a tiny smile on your face. Your father wasn't that bad now that you have observed him for 3 years.

He looks like he love your mother dearly. Before going to work, he would always give a kiss to the cheek on your mother. Your mother would blush a little. He carry you to his arm and bring you to his lap.

"I need you to make a decision, [Name]." He said with a stern tone. You tilt your head and nod. "Do you want the easy life or the hard life?" He added, starting into your eyes with a little smile.

You widen your eyes a little "I choose the hard life!" You give an eye closed smile to your father. You felt like being silly while saying that. You expect that if you choose the hard life, he would put you into the entertainment industry. This is the time for you to reveal how smart you are to your family. You aim to be the youngest people to be scouted into the world organization you were previously in. It is possible, in that organization there's no rules for age. You learn that when a child was born in that organization from a couple.

How's that child you see as a little sister figure doing? You hope she still love drawing and painting. Your plan starts now.

Your father sae the expression on your face and laugh "That's good, [Name]. In this world, there's no one living the easy life. Next week, you will follow me visit some director." Your father said with excitement. This is probably the second time you see him that excited — the first one being the time when you talk for 'first time'

He pat you on the head and left you alone on the couch. 'Did he do that just to left me on the couch?' You deadpan at your father but shrug it off. You lay on the couch and close your eyes, gathering the information you gotten for the 4 years you have been living in this new body.

One thing for sure, one of your friends had a baby at the same year you were born. You pray for the chances to meet the child. This time, there's no mistake. You want more connections than before.

"[Name], are you excited to see a child acting on the site?" Your father is driving the car to a filming site. He said the director is someone named Taishi Gotanda. You don't really remember the great things that Taishi guy have did since you weren't that keen on keeping up with the media world.

"Yeah! I'm excited! They're the same age as me, right?" You exclaimed. "No, you're the older one there." He said. Great, being the eldest means babysitting. Well, not if the children is discipline properly.

You arrive at the site and you scan around the site for a potential connection to be made with. Your father tap your back and you follow him behind his back. "Oh, Yoshino-san. Great to have you here." The Taishi guy shake your father's hand and he noticed you behind your father. You notice his eyes and smile while waving to him. 

'This is boring.' You thought while walking a little bit away from your father. "Yoshino-chan, please follow me." A staff called out to you. You faced them and nod. "Your father said that you would only see how the process goes. You don't need to do any acting." The staff stated while leading you to a waiting room. You only hum at her to show that you're still listening to her.

'What a quiet kid...' The staff thought. The staff left you as soon as you arrive at the waiting room. You saw three kids and overhear their conversation. "Bet her acting was so bad they had to cut it all out! She seems to be good at buttering people up, though!" The child with red hair uttered.

The red hair proceed to be kinda rude in your opinion to other people. She left not before noticing you though. She look at you up and down and left. 'Is this how kids are?' You sweat at the child behavior. You look inside the room and saw two kids who you assume is twin because of the similarities. The annoyed expression on their face is visible, probably because of that girl? She's Arima Kana , if you remember correctly.

The girl who can flick a crying switch. Well, whatever. You bow at the twin and introduce yourself. They notice you and bow as well. "Oh, I'm Hoshino Ruby! And he's my brother. Hoshino Aquamarine but call him Aqua." The girl claim. What a weird name for japanese people.. The first thing you noticed about the pair is their eyes. It was captivating enough to lure you in. I'm sure they would become a big part of the entertainment industry. A powerful duo, they would say.

"Nice to meet you.." Aqua greet you with a neutral face. An opposite personality of his sister. A smile crawled up your face. "Soo.. why are you guys here?" You questions their presence at the filming site. "I will be acting while my sister here well.. she's just here, I guess." The boy deadpan. "How rude!" Ruby exclaimed.

You nod and cross your arm "It seems like Ruby is the same as me. I will only be watching." You hope that a friendship will bloom between you guys.

Amazing. You lightly smirk at the acting Aqua did. He only act like himself but he was incredibly creepy with it as that was what's the director aiming for. Maybe, the main part of it was because he seems mature for his age and his eyes. You just can't seem to let go of the beauty. "How did you think about it, [Name]?" Your father ask you with interest towards the young boy. "It's amazing, father. Can I start acting too?" You replied while staring at Arima Kana who was crying.

"It's never to late for you to be like your mother." Your father stated while lightly smiling at you "I can get you a role. Make sure to past my expectations." He added. Looks like the expectations for results is starting.

After that, your father have been keeping contacts with the twin since he have taken an interest on the young boy. You occasionally met the twin and learn more about them one by one. Sadly, your father couldn't keep hold of the them — Director Taishi Gotanda did.

You appear on multiple drama show as a child actor and made a name for yourself. There have been talks that you would conquer Arima Kana the child actor prodigy. You don't intend to do that but if that's what happen, it will happen. But they have to stop the  comparison because every person have their own flaws.

You even got to do some photoshoot for a child's brand. Well, this will be memories in a few years. Atleast, you get to feel being a child again. A carefree child. Because of all the acting, you had to learn new skills everytime even things that you didn't learn in your past life. Naturally, you're good at it.

I guess you would still be a genius this time too.

When the death of Ai Hoshino happened, you attend the funeral with your parent. The people grieving over Ai's death make you recall the time your parent got into a bad accident and passed away because of that. You didn't cry because you had no connection to her but it still hurts to know that the stranger you have met before when they're a teenager to died when they almost turn into a full fledged adult.

You hope the people from Strawberry Production is taking their time to heal from the loss of a staff. You can only give prayers to them.

Later on, the death of Ai was just like a wind breeze that pass every day. No one talk about it after a week. Some may move on and some didn't. Ai Hoshino may you rest in peace.

A year of being in the entertainment industry — thanks to your father. You don't care if they call you a nepo baby. You're talented, that's all that matter. You were invited to a variety show and you were excited since you can freely show your talents there. No on can say a thing about it. No one will question it.

You met the cast and greet them. It was going well until they start talking about your acting career. "Yoshino-san, you really resemble your mother and your acting skill is incredible. Mind to share a tip?" The MC compliment your acting. "I can't because I am ME. I don't think much on what to do and just go with the flow." You said with a neutral tone. One thing about the entertainment industry, they won't question what the kids say since their still not mature for their age and just let out what's on their mind. Even if you have a sharp tongue, the people will love it. They don't mind it when a kid do it. At the very least, you have to have a character that will make people love you.

That would make people remember you for a long time.

"Yoshino-san, your father said before in an interview that you are a genius. Top at everything, is that true?" One of the cast commented. You smirk "Why don't you give me a question and let me answer it? I would prefer if it's a math question, though." With this, you will make moments for yourself. The cast laugh at your confidence and gave you a whiteboard. You will be competing with the 'smartest' cast, they said.

"69 x 4."

Ding!

A ring was made by you. The questions was too easy. As former scientist, you had to count percentage so this is a piece of cake for you. The cast beside you look at you bewildered. "276." You confidently said. "Correct!" The MC exclaimed. You know that they're looking down on you. You ought to prove them wrong.

After a series of questions, the people were speechless upon your smartness. The adults didn't expect this. Your mother look at you behind the swarm of staff and smile widely. You notice it and wave a little.

Soon, the filming ended. You were tired and hold out your arms to your mother. Your mom chuckle s and carry you up to her arms and kiss you on the cheeks. "You did good, my little angel." Your mother praises you. You snuggle up to her. Even though, you are an adult mentally but you want to indulge in this child body of your of receiving parent's love.

Even an adult wants to heal their inner child.

TAGLIST : @glitch-karma @kult-o @miyakoa @pandaswitch @serbian-x @nambii @bajifairyy @lumiriai

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itonashi © // don't plagiarize, copy or edit my works.

#oshi no ko x reader #oshi no ko #aquamarine hoshino x reader #aqua hoshino x reader #aqua hoshino #aquamarine hoshino #hoshino ai #ruby hoshino #kana arima #akane kurokawa

[magenta-embers]

Hi! Nice to read you.

I've been in Tumblr for years, and this is the first time I send a message. I mostly use this app to read, and I'm usually just a ghost because I don't comment or anything else besides read, lol.

Well, the reason I felt like I needed to send you a message is because this channel of yours is new and I have read all your posts so far and I am absolutely intrigued to read more from you in the future because you already made me laugh a few times plus you have a psychology degree and although I don't have one because funny enough, I hated reading so much when I took psychology classes that I couldn't fathom getting that degree.

I do have a way with humans that is not common with the bast majority. I'm very intuitive and empathic as well, which makes my interactions with people deeper than I sometimes would like it to be. But that's a different story... I digress...

I found BTS this year because of K-Dramas. All of a sudden, I don't know how my Instagram went from KDramas to BTS. They are all over my explore feed, lol.

(Well it's not that difficult for IG to full my feed with them since once you like KDrama stuff, the whole South Korea country shows up in the algorithm lol, I just find it funny, sorry again I digress...)

The way I got to "meet" BTS was with the Run Episodes mini Reels in IG. Again, they are all over my feed. So eventually I found out they sing, and found a song I liked, searched it up, found out it was from them, got obsessed with the song, and now I have a few more that I like a lot so far.

I do not consider myself an Army, and I don't think I ever will. I do think BTS is absolutely talented and great performers and I may like more songs in the future if I go over all the albums because so far their songs find me in reels and that's how I have come to like the ones I do. But I do think the fandom is very toxic in my opinion, I'm not saying that all the people in there are, but overall from all the experience I have so far from them, that's the feeling I get as of now from most of the fandom. so I don't see myself connecting that far.

I like all the members. They each have something that I like about them, but what I have come to find out is that Jimin is out of this word. I don't know what that man has, but for God's sake, he can get people obsessed if they are not careful.

Do I consider myself a PJM? No.

However, the man can convert me at any minute to be honest, and I won't notice.

Well, my main reason to write to you is because although I've known about them in more detail the past few months, I'm really new to them. The past month, I got to know what shipping means, and like you, the first thing I saw on Instagram was the JK and TH one. I did not understand what was the romantic side of the videos I was being shown because I couldn't see anything beyond a great friendship. Then, I don't know how, but a video of JM and JK showed up. It was a compilation of them staring at each other and another one of JK walking to any direction JM was going to, and let me tell you...

I felt like I was spying on a couple that were in their private room and I just happened to be in the closet looking through a small hole because I got trapped there before they showed up and shut the door and I could get out. I FELT SO INTRUSIVE THAT IT MADE ME TURN MY HEAD SIDEWAYS MORE THAN ONCE, like I shouldn't be watching such a intimacy without consent. JESUS!!!

The feelings were deep. Let me tell you that much.

So, I, as a romantic person that loves LOVE and anything related to that, such as movies, and again K-Drama, well... I came to Tumblr to investigate this situation, hahahaha... and let's just say that in the past 2 weeks, I have consumed an insane amount of BTS shipping posts than what I would be proud to admit. It's very bad, I need a break. But I'm a binge watcher, and the content seems infinite (WOW), I'm the type of person that watches a K-dramma in one sitting because I can't do it anyway else.

Well, I have told you too much irrelevant sh*t sorry lol

My reason for the message was because I would like to read more posts of JM and JK from the perspective of people that that have follow them for a while and watch original content and express their thoughts on what they see and why they think of them as they do because of what they see.

I am interested in reading how people evaluate what they see without my personal thoughts about what I see as bias. I have been finding the posts I have read like that entertaining. But unfortunately the past weeks as well most of the things I see is people asking bogglers why they think JM and JK are still together and a constant fighting about recent things like video leaks, JK meeting too much with his friends but no with JM, this or that, and it's getting boring seeing these bloggers intelligence wasted on those questions.

My opinion is this: I won't assume they are a couple unless they say so (highly unlikely) or when definite proof gets leaked or posted by Dispatch or something like that. (Which I really hope it never happens, they don't deserve an outing like that if they are not ready) but I find it very concerning that these so called fans, and shippers just want proof that they are together so bad, that they don't care how that proof gets to them, which may hurt their so called bias. That's honestly SICK behavior! And then they wonder why people joke that BTS fandom is full of 12 years old. Again, I digress...

So, as I was saying, I won't assume they are a couple because I respect people, and I don't want to assume their sexuality or relationship. But I don't judge those who assume in a respectful way, I just personally don't want to cross that line.

In my personal opinion, they make me feel like they have feelings for each other and that they are aware of them. Have they crossed the sex line yet? Maybe.

The vibe I get is that they are aware of their feelings towards each other and might be scared to cross that line for the sake of their friendship or the group. Though, that doesn't stop them from being as physical as they show to be on screen.

They're like, "we know we have feelings for each other, we won't cross the sex line, but we will play with fire." And one thing is for sure in this life, intimacy goes beyond the sex act.

They are probably more intimate than what sex could make them be. I don't even know how to explain it in a coherent way to those who just see sex as the way of being fully intimate.

Also, I don't know why people have to assume that they are gay if they are proven to be with each other. I can never get disappointed enough of humans and their limited intelligence, like sometimes two people have a connection so strong that even if they have been only in a heterosexual relationship their whole lives, and there was this one instace where they were in a homosexual one, it automatically doesn't mean the person is part of the LGBTQ+ community, it's just means that there was a person, possibly what they would consider their "soul mate" that happen to be their same sex. But otherwise they have only been attracted to the opposite sex and will find themselves only attracted to the opposite sex if that person no longer exist in the picture, because they will never feel somethig like that again.

I've seen it, that's why I get mad when people don't see that, in this world there's so much that can be possible without putting a pre-existing LGBTQ+ label on it, that's why there's a + in it I guess. But AGAIN, I digress...

Now, even if JM and JK come out saying that they never have had anything going on, that they are with other people in a relationship or whatever else. I won't ever doubt that they had feelings for each other up to 2023. That much I am sure of, no matter the outcome of their relationship. These two had a mini encounter on a live a few days ago, and they both malfunctioned at one point lol they don't know how to control themselves.

But I just wanted to say that I hope you share more of your thoughts of what you see and saw on content where they are part of, like the youtube video you shared, (which I will watch once I have almost 3 hours to spare because once I start that, I won't stop until it's done lol) so I hope to read your opinions on those contents, your thought process as you watch those things. That would be entertaining for me as a new person viewing this shipping world, and those new like me that want to read stuff like that as entertainment or to learn more about them.

People here write as if all the readers are old in the BTS world or, more specifically, the Jikook world and not all of us are. I caught you doing some comments like that too so far, like "if you know you know," or like "you know what I am talking about," and I'm like... "But I don't know, I want to know but don't know lol" so I'm left clueless lol

Please, I hope that if you are here for a long run, remember that people like me will always exist and we may find your blog in our way to discovery and won't know sh*t lol. Also, I hope you tag more words so your posts are easier to find for people like me. Like when a post is about Jikook, you can also tag JM and JK tags since it is about them anyway. I was just following the Jimin tag, and now I will follow the Jikook one because some posts don't make it to the Jimin tag even tho the post includes him. But you may have your reasons, so it's totally fine if you don't.

Sorry for the long message. It's my first one ever, and I took it seriously, apparently lol.

I'm a millennial, I use lol a lot...

Att: The LOL Millennial

P.S. Any possible grammar/spelling mistakes are expected for my old age lol, thank you :)

God, I love a good, long message. Hi! Hope you don't mind me sharing your story and thoughts. It was a good read! I've also been a lurker until recently.

I'll try to respond in order.

"But I do think the fandom is very toxic in my opinion, I'm not saying that all the people in there are, but overall from all the experience I have so far from them, that's the feeling I get as of now from most of the fandom. so I don't see myself connecting that far."

It is absolutely okay to be a casual fan. It's healthier even. About the fandom, it's big enough to be a country, and as we know, a country holds many perspectives, personalities, religions, opinions, factions, moral/political alignments, criminals, and creeps, but also mostly just regular folk trying to make it through the day. That's how I see ARMY. It's simply too massive for everyone to get along. I think the toxicity has gotten much worse since the solo era started and the fandom is more divided than ever.

However, I believe that once BTS returns as a group, all of the garbage that's happened or been said this year will be forgotten. Solo projects have rotted the fandom's brains and yet were absolutely vital to the artistic growth of each member. It's a necessary evil, and BTS will be way, way stronger for it. We, the regular folk here, just keep our heads down and weather the storm. Amazing things are coming.

"But unfortunately the past weeks as well most of the things I see is people asking bogglers why they think JM and JK are still together and a constant fighting about recent things like video leaks, JK meeting too much with his friends but no with JM, this or that, and it's getting boring seeing these bloggers intelligence wasted on those questions."

We're getting a lot more fan interaction from the members during this hiatus than I thought we would. So it was surprising to me to see people whining about Jimin and Jungkook not posting about each other enough. Some people seem to think those two need to communicate solely via public social media otherwise they hate each other. Some people have entire narratives on how/when/why jikook broke up based on the stupidest shit you can imagine. As I said, solo era has been painful. My brain cells are dropping like flies.

"but I find it very concerning that these so called fans, and shippers just want proof that they are together so bad, that they don't care how that proof gets to them, which may hurt their so called bias."

Because to them Jungkook and Jimin are dolls to smash together while making kissy sounds. They just want to "win" their little ship war. As far as I'm concerned, there is no war because jikook is an actual possibility and the others are not. End of story. Any explicit "proof" getting out would be disastrous for them at this point in time.

"In my personal opinion, they make me feel like they have feelings for each other and that they are aware of them. Have they crossed the sex line yet? Maybe.

The vibe I get is that they are aware of their feelings towards each other and might be scared to cross that line for the sake of their friendship or the group. Though, that doesn't stop them from being as physical as they show to be on screen."

I think this was pretty much my opinion too until I started my deep dive and observing the timeline. The "state" of them of being aware of their feelings for each other but hesitant was late 2015/first half of 2016, in my personal timeline, it's one of the big shifts I saw. Their relationship has several developments after that too. So if they're currently in a romantic/sexual relationship, they have been for years. If they're not, then it's not likely to happen.

"in this world there's so much that can be possible without putting a pre-existing LGBTQ+ label on it"

Sexuality is a spectrum and people shouldn't have to define themselves if there is no label that quite fits. The more labels and distinctions we make, the more we box people in and become less inclusive. Jimin could be bi, Jungkook could be gay, but we don't know. We can't know. What I do know is that they really find each other really, really attractive.

"But I just wanted to say that I hope you share more of your thoughts of what you see and saw on content where they are part of, like the youtube video you shared"

Thank you for your support! That's the plan! It was painful to be so undetailed in the intro post.

"People here write as if all the readers are old in the BTS world or, more specifically, the Jikook world and not all of us are. I caught you doing some comments like that too so far, like "if you know you know," or like "you know what I am talking about," and I'm like... "But I don't know, I want to know but don't know lol" so I'm left clueless lol"

I know that's annoying, it was for me as well when I was starting my journey. But the "if you know you know" stuff I'm referring to is pics/info that leaked and we weren't supposed to see. More "evidence' I suppose. Nothing that would ruin their lives, obviously, but far far more telling than any dumbass clip/pic we've gotten for their other dating "rumors." Maybe you've already seen them. I'm not going to gatekeep these things, since they're out there anyway and you can find them, but you can reach out to me if you'd like and I can tell you in private.

"Also, I hope you tag more words so your posts are easier to find for people like me. Like when a post is about Jikook, you can also tag JM and JK tags since it is about them anyway."

The reason I didn't tag them individually is because solos, akgaes, and taekookers (jk tag) lurk in those tags and they're eye-twitchingly annoying. Especially right now.

Nonny, thank you so much for listening to my story and sharing yours. It was lovely to wake up to. I appreciate the interest a lot. I hope to hear from you in the future!

E.

#jikook

[secretgamergirl]

A Teachable Moment

So I hopped into some freshly minted Discord server, maybe a month ago, and the norms of it still haven't settled into place. It's open to the public and focused on a game, so there's a bit of a mixed crowd, let's say, and prior to the incident I'm setting up the backstory for, there hasn't really been a test of their ability to moderate their damn public spaces.

Also when I say there's a mixed crowd I mean there's both a good number of trans women (because if you are making a deep game for a niche audience, we're gonna make up a shockingly high percentage of that audience every time), and a few right-wing extremists doing their best to "hide their power levels" (because if you create and promote literally any sort of social space, they WILL show up to test for whether local conditions are suitable enough to build a nest). In the early days of things they mostly kept their masks on aside from using the nazi frog as a reaction image to things (which IS something everyone should have a zero tolerance policy towards, but I feel like I need to know someone fairly well before I can explain that one), and their eyes lighting up when they see the server rules include "no politics" (a perfectly fine policy to have but you need to understand that if you post it you WILL have to constantly ban nazis who think you're using "politics" like they do- a euphemism for all the people they want dead).

Anyway, there's a few people on my radar here, but everyone's been civil enough, and it's a pretty relaxed vibe. Pretty quiet. Mostly just icebreaker talk. The most prolific poster is this one guy who saw there was a pet photo channel and just kinda sat down and made a point of posting several images a day to it, of a particularly uncommon sort of cute pet. Naturally this lead some people to ask some follow-up questions about whether these are his and how long he's had them, and this yielded the pretty damn weird in retrospect response that no, he has no pets at all, but would like one of these some day.

Now, this isn't at all the main thrust of this, and I wouldn't like, start keeping vigil for this as a sign of troublemakers, but a thing that undercover bigots do all the time as can be seen here is set up in a community and just kinda spam harmless generic platitudes and such to try and establish themselves as a known chill person. This goes double for anywhere that has a general public/trusted community members split. Never just go by "well he seems pretty chill" for giving people access to more private spaces, they can wait as long as they need, generally, as long as they don't have to improvise a normal person response to a situation where bigotry is in play.

Anyway, getting to the main event, a few days ago in this server, someone posted some cute little comic which... you know let me just find it.

Clever little subversion there. Got a polite chuckle out of the bulk of those paying attention, but seeing a nice wholesome bit of trans positivity incensed pet-poster guy, who immediately shouts "I've seen another version of that comic!" and posts a variation I am absolutely not going to share where the girl in the last panel is dead.

That is as clear cut of a do not pass go, do not collect $200, ban that piece of garbage permanently without a word and delete the post as soon as you can before anyone has to see that sort of hate directed at them offense in absolutely any community. Even moreso in this case as in the time it took a moderator to notice, this creep was going full mask off and responding to everyone's horrified reactions with grotesque anti-trans propaganda of a particularly hardcore "my other hangouts have openly posted swastikas" variety.

Here, people did delete the profoundly offensive comic, but then, to be blunt, otherwise handled this like a kindergarten teacher seeing a kid grab the blocks another kid was playing with and just nonchalantly explaining some basic manners. First off, nobody goes that hard on hate speech accidentally, and more importantly, showing a lack of willingness to dole out any real consequences for such an open act of hate has an emboldening effect. Sure enough the other sleeper agents present jumped up to try and push things farther, encouraging them to also remove the comic above, ban any mention of trans people, and jump the gun with prepared responses that don't work in context (you call everyone you don't like a nazi! Both sides are wrong! etc.).

I came pretty close to just quitting the server on response to that, but stuck it out a bit to double check if this wasn't just one particularly green mod trying to put the fire out before double checking if that's ban worthy when someone else was awake, or if I needed to explain the code-talk in the following conversation, or hell, if they just need more mods. I'm decidedly overqualified for that sort of thing.

Anyway, moderation policy handled that poorly... and to be clear, I'm not pinning that on any one person, basically everyone who ends up in a position of authority has a gut instinct to moderate as laxly as possible and needs some real training, reading, or tragic experience to learn how vital a firm swift hand is if you don't want people like this to show up and drive everyone else away. Especially not going to put this on the one green volunteer awake at 4 AM or whatever.

Still, the ball was dropped here, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how the rest of the community stepped up to hold their ground. Over the next couple of days, people just started casually dropping every cute trans positive thing they had handy in there, agreeing with each other that it was all nice and sweet. This both reestablished that chat as a relatively safe place to exist with a kind general vibe, and really got under the skin of these mask off nazis who started throwing tantrums. Apparently they just started privately messaging the mods to flag every single wholesome little image or comic as offensive to the point where people higher up the food chain came in, did some more serious reprimanding, and added an explicit policy against transphobia to their TOS... and threatened to ban these people if they pull this crap again.

Now, that increased firmness plus the community in general making it pretty damn clear they don't tolerate hate does seem to have scared the bigots into hiding (the one guy made this pathetic desperate effort to retake power by threatening to stop posting the animal pictures... that he's just pulling out of an image search, it was pretty funny), but... they're still there. The people they were threatening both broadly and as specific individuals still have to be careful not to share anything these scumbags can screencap and weaponize against them, and I'm sure at some time in the future when it's clear there's no mods awake they're going to pipe back up to do as much damage as they can in a blaze of glory if spying on all the queer people doesn't pay out for them, so while it is nice to see how just actively rejecting this sort of ideology can at least temporarily shut this crap down even without people in authority taking real action, I want to reiterate what responsibilities those in authority are neglecting here.

As a moderator of literally any sort of space, your basic duties are to keep things safe and to keep things civil. Those are two separate duties. Don't ever try and merge them together, and don't ever forget that safety must always take priority over civility.

If you see a situation where people are just getting randomly heated and angry over something inconsequential (happens a lot), yes, by all means, try to just deescalate things by stepping through just taking a stern tone, formal warnings, timeouts, 3 strike rules, temporary bans, etc. These are situations where we can hope that people who otherwise get along just let their emotions get out of hand and will hopefully shake hands and make up after having some time to cool off.

If on the other hand you see a situation where someone is threatening/antagonizing/intimidating someone else, especially in a case like this where the reason is transparently that the offender is a bigot who genuinely wishes harm or death on the target, there are no steps to escalate through. You remove the dangerous person from the community immediately, no exceptions, no warnings, no escalating response scale. That nazi posting crap about trans women in nooses, Jews in ovens, black people holding spears, women being raped etc. is not a friend having a rough day. There can be no reconcilliation no matter how much time you give. You just have a predator here to whittle your community down, and a vulnerable person who needs you to reassure them that they are safe in your community. The only option that should be on the table is the permanent zero appeals ban, and you should have no hesitation in deploying it.

Oh and here's the part where I remember that I am going to lose my home by the end of the year if I don't ask people to throw more money at me (this is a link). I hate doing this, but my other options for income went up in flames so completely I don't even know how to start to rebuild.

#moderation #safety

[sleepdeprivedsimp234]

~incorrect quotes for the new friend group that I made and am still trying to figure out what I’m gonna call them~ (The members of this group are: Loui, York, Texas, Florida, Mass, and Georgia <3) @simpyfrog cuz Loui 🥺

=======================================================================

Georgia: Stop setting things on fire because you're curious about what will happen. What will happen is fire. 


Mass: B-but what if something else happens just this one time.

============================================

York: Yeah, I f(speaks New York)in’ hate people. 


Georgia: Oh, well now that’s not fair Yorkie. Have you met all of them? 


York: I’ve met enough of them. People. What a bunch of b*stards!

============================================

Florida: Pfft- What’s wrong with you? You look 10 seconds away from ripping someone’s throat out. 


Texas: F(speaks Texas)in’ Loui and Mass were trying to invoke one of the minor gods again last night. I didn't get an ounce of sleep, thanks to their bloody chanting.

Florida: Aww why didn’t they invite me :(

============================================

Someone: When York was born, the gods said, "Awwww he’s too perfect for this world." 


Mass: Please. When he was born, the devil said, "Oh, competition."

============================================

Loui: When will Ted himself...finally show up to the talk? 


Tex: The final boss. 


Georgia: You guys know TEDtalks stands for technology, entertainment, and design talks, right? 


Florida: We shall not let Ted hide behind these lies any longer!

Georgia: Y’all are a bunch of idiots…. *sips coffee* It is too early for this….

============================================

Loui: Is stabbing someone immoral? 


York: Not if they consent to it. 


Mass: Depends on who you’re stabbing. 


Georgia: YES??!!?

============================================

Tex, taping a knife onto a Roomba: Be free, my child. 


Georgia, entering the room with a small cut on his ankle: Who the f-

============================================

Florida: Do you have a self-care routine? 


Tex: "Keep going b*tch" said to myself in different accents.

============================================

Geo: York is not a morning person. Or a night person. There’s really only about seven minutes a day you are fun to be around. 


York: Yup, and the best part is you never know when they’re coming.

============================================

York: Hello, my name is Failure, and you're watching my life crumble into pieces. 


York: *waves his finger and sings like he’s in a Disney Channel intro*

============================================

Geo: Do you see yourself as a glass half-full or glass half-empty kind of person? 


Mass: Half-full, definitely. 


Mass: Half-full and constantly rising. 


Mass: Soon the water will escape its container and consume us all.

============================================

Mass, sitting on his bed: Get out of my room. 


York, being the mischievous youngest sibling he is and standing just outside of the door frame: I’m not in your room :)

============================================

York: *weird inhuman sound*


Georgia: WHAT. 


York: *even louder inhuman sound*


Georgia: WHAT DOES THAT SOUND MEAN THIS TIME YOU WHIMSICAL PIECE OF SH*T?????

============================================

*when a child starts crying in public* 


Loui: *tries to make the child laugh* 


Tex: *tries to play a game with the child to make them calm down* 


Georgia: *gives detailed instructions to the parents* 


Florida: *cries with the child* 


York: *ignores the child* 


Mass: *is the reason why the child is crying*

============================================

Mass: Let's just agree to both say we're sorry on the count of three. 


Mass: One... two... three. 


York: ... 


Mass: ... 


Mass: See, now I'm just disappointed in both of us.

York: Same…. Wanna go get coffee?

Mass: Yea sure why not.

============================================

Loui, walking into room where Mass and Texas are sitting on their phones: If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands! 


*I’ve never heard silence quite this loud* 


Loui: Damn, y’all depressed as f(speaks New Orleans)! 


Tex: You didn’t clap either- 


Loui: *tackles him* SHUT UP!

============================================

*Loui drunkenly wanders around the house and Texas is drunkenly giggling* 


Georgia, completely sober: *sighs* Well, looks like it's just me and you against the wold, Flo. 


Florida, going to his room: Haha nope, just you. *shuts door*

============================================

Tex: Did you have to stab them? 


Loui: You weren’t there. You didn’t hear what they said to me. 


Tex: What did they say? 


Loui: "What are you going to do, stab me?" 


Tex: That’s fair.

============================================

Mass: Loui.… bud…. W-Why did you draw a pentagram on the floor? 


Loui: Your text told me to satanize the house before you returned. 


Mass: 


Mass: I wrote sanitize, Loui.

============================================

Geo: Imagine if someone handed you a box full of all the things you lost throughout your life. 


Mass: It would be nice to have my sense of purpose back... 


Florida: Oh wow, my childhood innocence! Thank you for finding this. 


York: My will to live! I haven't seen this in years. 


Tex: I knew I lost that potential somewhere. 


Loui: Mental stability, my old friend! 


Geo: Jesus, could you guys lighten up a little?

============================================

Loui: What’s it like being tall? 


Mass: Is it nice? Can you reach comfortably for the cupboards? 


Tex: We live in constant fear of the short ones who, in my experience, will climb four chairs, two boxes, a small coffee table, and six oddly placed stools to get what they want.

Loui: I SWEAR TO F(SPEAKS NEW ORLEANS)IN’ GOD IT WAS ONE TIME-

===========================================

Geo: Why would you think any of this was a good idea? 


Mass: Probably because I’m a dangerous sociopath with a long history of violence. 


Geo: 


Mass: I don’t know how you keep forgetting this.

============================================

Geo: You remind me of the ocean. 


York: Because I'm deep and mysterious? 


Geo: No, because you're full of salt and you scare people.

============================================

York: I’ve never smoked marijuana. I ate a brownie once at a party. It was intense. It was kind of indescribable. I felt like I was floating. Turns out there was no pot in the brownie. It was just an insanely good brownie.

============================================

Tex, to Loui: You drink too much, swear too much, and your morals are highly questionable. 


Loui: … 


Tex: You are everything I’ve ever wanted in a lil’ brother

Loui: :D

============================================

Mass: HELP! I TOLD LOUI I'D COOK DINNER TONIGHT BUT I CAN'T COOK! 


Florida, pouring milk directly into the cereal bag: And you thought I could help?

============================================

Loui: Mass is okay. 


Geo: He’s okay? He said he was going to break my legs! And don't tell me he didn't mean it, okay?! 'Cause he gave me the mackerel eyes, he meant it! 


Loui: Geo, Mass threatened me. He threatens Tex every day. He probably threatened York before breakfast this morning. It's what he does. Grow a pair.

============================================

#welcome to the statehouse #welcome to the table #ben brainard #wttt louisiana #wttt new york #wttt massachusetts #wttt texas #wttt florida #wttt georgia #I’m obsessed with this new group-

[moiraineology]

Hi, it's me again😅 I got another headcanon for you!

So I was rewatching 1x08, the scene Moiraine tells Rand how she learned to channel when a mentor Aes Sedai beat her with the One Power until she channeled and this time I recalled how Liandrin used the same method to force Nynaeve to channel and it occured to me Liandrin was breaking the third oath: "Never to use the One Power as a weapon, except in the last extreme defense of her own life, or the life of her Warder, or another Aes Sedai." She could do this because she was a Black Ajah but so did Moiraine's mentor!!

This to me can only mean 2 things! Either the person Moiraine looked up to was another Black Ajah OR that person was in fact Liandrin!

On the other hand, I never understood why Liandrin holds so much contempt against Moiraine, it feels really personal honestly and it really makes me think perhapse Liandrin was that Aes Sedai Moiraine admired so much and I wonder exactly why they had such a big fallout.

What are your thoughts on this? Sorry if this has already been discussed in the fandom, I couldn't find anything in the tags but it really fascinates me!

Ayyyy another amazing headcanon from themoonfortress! Thanks so much for sharing!

I am totally intrigued and I never set Moiraine's traumatic memory against the Aes Sedai oaths, but indeed you are right, it is perfectly reasonable to assume that Moiraine's mentor was Black Ajah, which a) explains Moiraine "Everyone is a Darkfriend Unless Otherwise Proven" Damodred and b) explains why her search for the Dragon is so urgent/secretive. She literally encountered a member of the Black Ajah during her training (and ostensibly it was someone she admired and trusted). So she is well aware of the threat that they pose.

As for Liandrin being her mentor, that is very juicy and I would give my left arm for a fic of that, especially because the power dynamic between them now seems to tip in Moiraine's favour. I personally headcanon them as being of similar ages (cause I love the idea of them having a love-hate relationship as novices and being weirdly drawn to one another, but then of course Moiraine grows up and Liandrin...continues to be weirdly drawn to her). But that's not to say I disagree. It could add a very fascinating dimension to their relationship to explore that.

#moiraine damodred #liandrin guirale #cool headcanons #ask

[miqojak]

Gold 1: Does your OC have a long-term goal or ambition to which they are constantly working? Or do they tend to bounce chaotically from situation to situation, with no clear plan or sense of what the future may bring?

OC Questions on the Seven Colours of Medieval Heraldry

This is a tough one because it feels like both a 'yes' and a 'no'. I prefer for my OCs to have longterm goals, because otherwise it feels like...why am I out here? Why are they doing XYZ? What's the point? What are they doing it all for? With Jak, the specter of Garlemald hung over her shoulder, so she worked hard to become more physically fit, and to establish a name for herself among the underworld, and still is - but now the specter of Garlemald is gone! There's very little reason to push her body to its limits so she's "ready next time"...because now there will never be another 'next time' for Garlemald, hooray!

That, however, leaves a big hole in her life. She's like a tree that grew around a foreign object...and now that object has been cut out. What's left? Where does all the anger go? Where does she put it all? What's left for her, as a relic of Garlemald - as a now-forgotten creation of theirs? What does she channel herself into? In part, she still would like to become a fearsome and respected member of the crime community - renowned, admired, feared, respected... any combination of those things works for her. However... she needs something to sink her claws into besides the doldrum of Yakuza paperwork, and she and I are both looking for that at present... where does life go now? What does she apply that laser-focus to?

She has a chip on her shoulder regarding how the people of Ul'dah treated her and her twin brother when they arrived as refugees, so she's contemplating taking it out on the people of Ul'dah who deserve it most - primarily the wealthy elite and the law enforcers who were the worst about treating refugees/those in need like they were trash. I've always had a sort of 'dark justice' thing in mind in regards to her DRK soul crystal - like...what if Batman kept acting out of vengeance, instead of making it about the people he's trying to help? What if it was about making the wrong people pay, more than it was about helping anyone? She's a nihilist - and believes that breaking the wheel would just mean making a new one, where someone elseis on the top, and someone new is on the bottom... so why bother, if it's all just the same shit? Eat the rich, fuck the man, do what you want. (That all said, I have been seriously contemplating Jak stirring the pot in Ul'dah, so if anyone is interested in plotting...)

She's also spent plenty of time since Garlemald's fall hunting their refugees for sport, but as aid only continues to increase for them, she's backed off. It's not worth being caught, and isn't technically a longterm goal, I suppose? - she just hates that her people are being enlisted to sew tents, etc. for the people of the nation that caused her people to be refugees in the first place. Her tribe is utterly wiped out because of Garlemald, so she sees it as only fair if she exterminates the last of Garlemald - she's playing by the rules that Garlemald taught her, after all! (To her it's a longterm goal. But not one that'll ever happen, naturally - she's not going to single-handedly wipe out Garlemald's remaining populace, as much as she wishes she could.)

#thanks for asking #ffxiv rp #lfrp ffxiv #lfc ffxiv #ffxiv #miqo'te #garlemald #ul'dah #she's trying on this Ul'dah thing for size really #as a new sort of goal #she hates it in a way bc she's not trying to be some symbol of hope #she's not trying to be a hero #she just so happens to be doing things that people associate with that type of figure #anywho I don't have concrete ideas for ul'dah plotting - it's all proto-concepts rn #but I'd love to involve more people and meet folks and even have people try to help or hinder her #even in regards to Garlemald stuff #I am always open to plots and ideas #anywho she's in a transitionary period of her life and is trying on new hats - new goals - who knows where she'll end up next

[itsclydebitches]

Fandom: Ted Lasso

Pairing: Ted/Trent

Rating: Teen and Up

Word Count: 1,808

Summary:

With AFC Richmond hosting their very own biographer, Ted wants to update his contact list to include one Mr. Independent.

Unfortunately, that means Trent must undergo the mortifying ordeal of taking a selfie.

(Fic also below the cut!)

Howdy morning, evening, or whenever you get around to reading this, Trent! I was wondering if you might do me a little favor? Now that the illustrious Mr. Independent is a bonafide member of the AFC, I was hoping to secure your digital Hancock for my humble lists of contacts. Don’t you worry now, I wouldn’t release such a valuable piece to the masses without getting permission from you first ;)

Trent stared down at his phone, right hand snapping a hair-tie rhythmically against his wrist. He’d long since memorized the ridiculous message, but staring provided a comfortable illusion, especially among the hostile environment of the club. He was simply checking his email, browsing the news, any number of legitimate, everyday tasks that didn’t include agonizing over a text sent by Ted Bloody Lasso.

It had taken him an embarrassingly long time to decipher the message, a journey that included a deep dive into the absurdity of American slang. How was he supposed to know that a “Handcock” was someone’s signature? Based on what little Trent recalled from a Year 10 civics class, his people hadn’t been too pleased with that declaration and were far from inclined to linguistically celebrate it. Still, to think that if a revolt hadn’t occurred over two-hundred years ago, the world never would have produced the unique enigma that was currently leading the AFC charge...

Trent huffed. It was too early to wax poetic about Midwestern accents and cowboy aesthetics.

Not that there was ever a good time for that.

Was this his fall from grace then? Reduced to investigating - if one could even call it that - American eccentricities until he realized with a start, at two-fucking-three AM the night before, that Ted was asking for a selfie?

Perhaps. Probably. Trent couldn’t regret it though.

“Out of the way, wanker.”

No, not even now.

Jamie flipped him off as he passed, not bothering to make eye contact. Behind him Dani stumbled a bit through the asshole routine, but rallied and threw out a similar gesture. Trent mustered a sardonic smile and tipped an imaginary hat his way. He thought, as they rounded the corner, that Dani might have been fighting a smile.

At least someone here didn’t hate him.

Trent’s phone buzzed.

Two. Two someones.

Morning, Mr. Independent! I’m channeling your famous White Rabbit and running late, late, late for a very important date - my meeting with you, that is. I figured since fifteen wasn’t much worse than ten, I’d tack on a few extra minutes and snag myself some energy juice. You want a cup? Or are coffee orders top secret among you journalistic folks?

Trent breathed deeply in through his nose, out through his mouth. Yeah. It was way too early for this.

Bad enough that the man spoke like a perpetual sunshine machine, but did he have to text that way too? Trent rubbed his eyes beneath his glasses and tried to decide which of those increasingly insane statements he could reply to. Not the technical definition of a “date” - no, no, no, no - and Carroll’s works had left a soft spot under Trent’s heart that he couldn’t bear to poke just yet, so he settled for the easiest of corrections:

No coffee, but I’d be grateful for a tea if you’re willing. Just an Earl Gray, plain.

There, that was simple enough for the American to manage (Trent could add the embarrassing amounts of sugar and milk he preferred in the semi-privacy of the break room.) He should have known that Ted would be prompt - the accommodating bastard - because those three dots immediately popped into existence, going nowhere and making him twitchy the longer they faded in and out, in and out.

Higgins passed while he was waiting, Trent’s first and likely only genuine greeting of the day. He felt a little guilty for waving him off the moment Ted’s text popped into existence... but only a little.

Good golly gosh who is this? What stranger is gracing my phone asking for - *shudders* - tea on this otherwise bright, beautiful morning? If only I had a contact photo to identify such a silly person...

Ted, you texted me.

Who is ‘Me’?

TED.

Trent never used all caps when texting. Bloody hell, what had this man done to him?

That’s my name! No one’s worn it out yet. You gonna tell me yours?

You’re insufferable. You know it's Trent Crimm.

MR INDEPENDENT HIMSELF?? Well, knock my baby blue, hand-knit socks off, aren’t I the lucky one to be talking to such a celebrity. Of course, you could be Mr. Imposter for all I know. I’ve played enough Among Us not to be tricked by your devious schemes. Only a photo will convince me of the truth!

Trent groaned. So they’d come full circle. Honestly, the man was insufferable... though perhaps he’d have to contact the writers of the Oxford English Dictionary and get them to update the definition, because ‘insufferable’ wasn’t supposed to make your heart thrash and your hands shake.

Stuffing them deep into his pockets, Trent walked quickly down the hall, fingers fluttering until it probably looked like there were literal ants in his pants - fuck, but he was even starting to think like the man. Insanity catching, Trent slipped into one of the out of the way storage rooms, eyes peeled for the kitman (he had a tendency to pop up in the most unexpected places) before finally allowing himself to open the camera app.

He immediately grimaced. Trent was looking every inch his forty-eight years today, the lines on his face - too few of them from smiles - appearing almost crevice-like after a weekend of screaming toddler. The spring weather had whipped his hair into a frenzy and there was a slight blemish developing on his left cheek. No one had ever told teenage Trent that you still got acne into adulthood and that was probably a damn good thing, considering the crisis he would have had about it. Looking at the mess staring back at him, Trent supposed he could just copy one of his bio pics from google... but something told him that Ted wouldn’t settle for anything less than an original.

Was it even legal for someone his age to be taking selfies? Surrounded by the athleticism of the footballers, the hard-hitting beauty of Rebecca and Keeley, to say nothing of whatever Ted himself had going on, Trent had been feeling a bit like the ugly duckling lately, working among swans. Oh yes, “the hair and whole vibe” he’d said, high off his firing and allowing himself, just that once, to let his mouth run away with him. Bikes and dad jokes and delusional flirting that could never, ever go anywhere. Amazing how the body of Jamie Tartt, or the hair of Dani Rojas could take the wind out of a newly out, gay man’s sails. If he snapped a picture the Instagram police would probably kick down the door. Delete that monstrosity at once, Mr. Crimm.

Trent sighed. But Ted had asked him for this and, mortifyingly, he couldn’t deny the man a thing. Not even the remnants of his pride.

“Asshole,” Trent whispered, pointedly ignoring the fond thread in his voice.

Before he could think better of it Trent lifted his phone and snapped a quick pic. A head-shot, no smiling (did that make him seem cool, or cold?) and just enough bad lighting that you could maybe pass off some of his exhaustion as shadows. Trent did not agonize over the image. He certainly didn’t hesitate over the send button, old criticisms ringing in his ears. They were faint though, spoken over by the present (I like your glasses) and Trent let his thumb fall before he could rethink three years worth of choices.

The answer was near immediate: a digital heart and the ‘ping’ of approval popping up over the pic. Trent felt his ears flame up beneath his hair.

There he is! Handsomer than the devil in a three-piece suit ;) ETA of horrible brown water in 10.

With what he'd never admit was a whimper, Trent gave into the impulse to bang his head against the wall. His big, idiot skull gave a satisfying ‘thunk’ against the wood.

“Ted Lasso is going to be the death of me.”

***

Thirteen minutes later Trent had tea, Ted’s attention, and an apology for being three minutes off, all of which suddenly made the day that much brighter. For a short, glorious time Trent basked in the addiction of small-talk with this man until work forced them both to part. The piece of Trent's soul that had read too much Gothic Romances in his youth itched to write something outrageous about that.

Trent had been so focused on Ted that he’d failed to notice Beard enter the office. Giving him a late but meaningful nod - he rounded out the trifecta of downstairs club members who didn’t want his head on a pike - he was surprised when the returning nod changed to a turn-around, Beard’s eyes honing in on Trent’s tea.

“Did you want to share?” he blurted and then sighed. Dammit. Couldn’t he ever say anything normal around these people?

But if Beard found the question at all odd, he didn’t show it. Then again, his threshold for ‘odd’ no doubt far exceeded Trent’s own.

“No,” he said. Then he blinked. The blink felt significant, though hell if Trent knew why. “Ted doesn’t buy anyone tea.”

“... Sorry?”

Beard moved to his desk, shrugging off his backpack. “Hates the stuff. Everything about it. Waiting for it to brew, what to add, the smell, how long to leave the bag in... told me once he’d get you all to admit to the ‘spectacular joke’ you were playing on him, no matter what it took. It's simple. Ted Lasso doesn’t do tea.” Beard paused then, seeming to evaluate Trent to a degree that made his skin crawl; like a schoolmarm sizing up the troublemaker. "You ever seen The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes?"

Trent stalled, thrown by the non sequitur. "Yes?" Then, so off-footed he could only offer more honesty: "It's one of my favorites."

"Hmm." There might have been an approving smirk there, hidden between beard and sunglasses. "You're the only glass of tea he'd be interested in."

Then Beard sat and opened his book, feet on the desk, conversation apparently closed.

Trent was left staring down at a takeaway cup of, yes, Earl Gray tea from the pocket of Ted Lasso, old metaphors running like rabbits around his head. He felt a heat in his cheeks and firmly told his legs to keep holding him upright; told his heart to restart again.

The only tea Ted would be interested in?

Taking a long, savoring sip, Trent decided that a bad selfie was well worth that miracle.

#Ted Lasso #Trent Crimm #Tedependent #Ted/Trent #Ted Lasso fic #it's been forever since I finished a fic for them! #feels good to be back <3

[cornus27florida]

PRISON BREAK - Episode 145 'reactions'

Before truly giving reaction to episode 145 of Cursed Princess Club with title `Prison Break' - I want to say that I mostly taking things that I writes upon in #fastpass-discussion channel from discord server 'The Cursed Princess Club' under the username 'Amaryllis belladonna' - when episode 145th freshly a fastpass episode. I am taking screenshoots from free episodes to shown the story and remember: it's breaking the law if SSing fastpass episode, but now ep 145 becomes free episode that means I could freely screenshoot things. Also want to pointed out that LambCat might overdid making this episode 145, it has 129 panels!! Personally my favorite episode of CPC, the redemption episode for Frederick that he truly deserves with nice balance between melancholy, determination and silliness of comedy there!

So without further ado, let's go there : (also warning- it gonna be SO LONG and mentioning dark things including the effects of self-hate and solitary confinement-please read these with caution!)- I am really sorry for it there making the reactions with very serious atmosphere

Prison break story is always badass (I am saying to good people that wrongly prisoned, like Frederick's case here) - I am very proud to Frederick there in this overall episode.

I am so sorry there LambCat, I can't joining patreon and every week - the ritual is at Friday 1 pm in my place, I will checking her patreon and screenshotting the image of the upcoming FP episode while predicting what will happen -> as the episode 145, the images from Patreon is the earliest part of the episode which as this;

Kinda dark there but from the patreon images, but what clear is LeoMieCake going down to that secret passageway.. and that Frederick in similar pose with what he did during the episode 'Punishment'. The ballon speech text for the following is worth to note down upon there;

Another recall ss there (and I think the actual scene of the episode is no needed? other people already do there ><)

LeoMieCakeDash. Jamie: "We've checked every room and prison cell down in these creepy halls, but he's not anywhere to be found". Isolde: "it has to be that one then!"

"Frederick must be in there!" pointing to the door -> also want to exclaim how creepy Leland is to confine his youngest son behind a thick and creepy huge wood wall there + I read these and I am absolutely horrified, solitary confinement that Frederick experienced actually much damaging that the physical torture of retraining gauntlet that Blaine and Lance got -> The effects of solitary confinement, and it is argued solitary is worse than physical torture because you can't replay physical pain in your mind, but you can replay loneliness for years afterwards. also want to add that people that prisoned in solitary confinement has much higher risk of death aven after not getting prisoned anymorehttps://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/12/08/solitary_symposium/

That panel that look alike that 'at the very bottom' of episode "Punishment" - Frederick's has inner monologue: "I can't believe I thought that I could'nt go any lower... After all, what could be more pathetic than having no actual merits in my real life.. that I have to constantly escaped into sea of fictional worlds...imagine myself as the protagonist.. who gets lifted up from the dirt by his angel of fortune.. defeats the big bad serpent.. and becomes the hero.. beloved by his friends and family and kingdom.."-> I personally felt that one about Frederick need to escape to sea of fictional world constantly, is really true and hit to close as is one of my own coping mechanism=yeah, Frederick is the most relatable character in CPC universe to me, minus the toxic father because fortunately I am raised in loving family T^T

The scenes leading up to this, I literally can't help myself for the overflowing tears there reading what Frederick feels when he learnt the truth and very sorry with Gwen, and where he grovelling (literally the top comment of early arc of CPC exclaimed Frederick that if he grovelling for forgiveness, it will help 'them' to forgive him) in pains of the guilts of his mistakes? I don't know if there's still be any reader that not yet forgiving Frederick ;-; Please please forgive our boi there

I am really glad that LeoMieCake team arrives on time before Frederick hurting himself more (s it not uncommon for prisoner of solitary confinement, to harm themself that even leads to su1c!d3) and giving words of encouragement that makes Frederick to determined saving himself to escaping break out from the prison cell. Also I want to point out my theory that the words that Frederick heard is the mixture of Jamie's talking over him (especially the part 'Gwen needs you') but also with Frederick's imaginations (the speech of choice to sink [keep stayed at the hole] or to swim [changes his own story] - as I think neither of LeoMieCake knew the Fred's situation that constantly need to choose sink/swim and his encounter with Whitney=The oldest prince of the Monochrome kingdom turns out be much more influential than his own blood brothers of the Plaid kingdom, Blaine & Lance). Also here the scenes from episode 'Where's Frederick?' that brought upon again in this episode - a very lightening words that Frederick truly need it -

Our boi remembering things that he said to himself, if he just sit here - it means that he can't see Gwen again

Btw this episode also showing the naturally gradual of Frederick catching feeling to Gwendolyn in the order; when she smiles after keeping to helps him climb up the cliff even though get hurt; after the conversation at the library, when he asked Gwen to joins the gala with him at the CPC, and at the gala

-> and yes Frederick, you know what you really want (to able meets Gwen again) and don't worry - unlike what happened at the military school, things won't shattered apart as you realized how many people that actually cares about you!

Especially Isolde, his mother that he thought not caring about him -> she abused and restrained with Leland's way of behaving royally, and feeling self-pity that she realized later on been learnt by Frederick as his way of seeing the world.

I literally sobbing that time I've reading Isolde tearful talk to Frederick :"I know that you feeling invisible and hopeless, like no one is on your side... And the best option is to sit back and hate everything instead - I know this because you learned it from me" -> more paralels between Frederick and Isolde there, the way they seeing the world is similar

-> For this scene, I feel for Isolde is Jamie who still accepts her even whe messed big with that 'cruel way to stop Leland' - but Jamie and Isolde interaction only happened mid way of the story, and Isolde already quite numb emotionally

-> while for Frederick, the 'right one' is Gwendolyn and people around her especially CPC [that understand how genuine his feelings to Gwen] and there's Jamie that reaching out to him so he could breaking out from the prison

P.S: Blaine and Lance are re-drawn with them looking like shadows, while lil' Frederick in ep 147 drawn chubbier.

I want to pointing out this panel, and the comment from webtoon -> Frederick not hearing Isolde's heartfelt speech and the reason Jamie reaching out (he thinks that Frederick is the answer of 'true love kiss') - actually a good thing: Frederick won't get his adrenalin lows down (the determination of him reaching Gwen, as I feel it could falters when he being told that the waffle note comes from his own mother) and he reaching the Pastel palace for genuinely making amends to Gwen - he's not thinking about kissing (which in sense, making out without consent) the sleeping Gwen at all - but want to be the hero, so he pull himself out.

Special credit to Miidou, as I put everything Miidou writes which as following; The good thing about Frederick not being able to hear through the door is that we know that Frederick is going to the Pastel Palace is to save Gwen from the evil Plaid plan even though he does not expect his actions to win back Gwen's affection and he does not know that any Pastel royal is on his side.

Directly after he exclaimed to be a plaid prince, the stone hits him back = really like showing Frederick that being a plaid prince isn't the answer, the right way is just to be himself

I wonder why Frederick brings along Laverne there (tease to fast passing : the answer in episode 146th) but I know it gonna be a reason for this.. I think even thou Frederick might come later in that three way race (vs Aurelia vs the Plaid) - I think Laverne that he bought up will be some force that can't be taken by anyone + there's unbound thirst from Laverne when she finally meets Whitney [like, I feel Whitney could say: trample the Plaid troop! And Bam! The rally no more due to simple word from Whitney to Laverne in heat].

Laverne Heat Cam xD

Btw the potrait that Leopold send to Frederick, is from ep 122

Frederick, the tiniest prince T^T our boi with shoulder so narrow and undefined that could fits through those bars

Does he really that a noodle or slimy little worm/serpent there haha, he's taller than Jamie so by same motion Jamie might slipping through the bars like Frederick there - ha Leopold roasting both Frederick and Jamie unintentionally haha

Frederick meeting Laverne and be the key of him escaping the prison is something that I foresee (from these theories below) - but I am surprised that it kinda the mix of all actually - but with 'carriage' as llamakärt + Frederick indeed running to reach Gwen in Pastel Palace + Laverne helps, the 'silly' mention of Laverne in heat turns out to be the vital point to pulling Frederick from the pit.

The theories as following;

Here possible travel ways for Frederick + LeoMieCake to the Pastel Kingdom:

1) on foot/running, Frederick did it Twice and even carrying llama - but this one the most dangerous as it could easily spot on by the others

2) with carriage (Leopold supposed to go to Plaid Palace by this, right? There's also Bart, his butler that could help for quick escapade) with the concern is how to be stealthly enough to hides 3 important people (Jamie, Frederick, Leopold) leaving the Plaid palace and must be unnoticed by Leland (+Blaine & Lance)

+ I am actusally not putting that on words, the feeling of Isolde might left herself behind which is true in episode 145

3) it kind of far fetched due to the spoiled personality of Laverne, but the mention of her being in heat and keep destroying her Harem of statues make me think she could be the Ally, either or could be both, as the means for distraction attack (destroying the rally formation) and transportation (carrying 2 people is the max for her ig, if even she let's it anyway ~ and that should be Jamie - who wanted Pastel kingdom of the rally and Frederick - who I think thel thought that the 'true love kiss' could not working and seeks CPC for help

-> I simply wrong for the need of distraction, Frederick doesn't need that as without wearing any green plaid - he easily blends in and not easily recognized and seems he'll be OK won't be noticed by the Plaid troop at any moment => remembers during Lance's birthday party, Leopold said that he don't recognize him at first because he's not wearing his trademark green plaid jacket? well it turns out wears simply makes him disguising himself there.

The only part that I don't like (so expect it to be quick one to explain) in the whole ep 145 is when we get the Plaid kingdom preparing the troop - but that important part to be told about, gonna start with pictures as the following;

-> In the Plaid trio, Leland complaining of them doing things too long - while Lance (but his face looking down, like feeling guilty) and Blaine keep silent till his fanclub member intruding -> which leads to the painful reply to her, which the pre-punishment Blaine won't do=he used to be somewhat caring to everyone especially his fanclub members

I am neutral to her, but I don't feel sorry or sad at all to what happened to her in ep 145 - she get what she reap (being a hypocrite and delusional-as Blaine's fan club themself that they gonna rip anyone that 'delusional' enough to claim Blaine for themself=> which what she exactly did), and it more like she get splashed with cold water bucket of realities much earlier to what 'her dream' actually is. It also kinda creepy as well that she remodelling her hair like Isolde, she mentioned that at the end of the gala)

Also suzana one word to ya there: DEFECT!

AURELIA!!! Really happy to see her again, and as this episode Frederick redeeming himself - so does Aurelia is gonna be, just iwsh you sweetie Aurelia - you not getting sick and even vomits.. because you know - err- your spit that mixed with vomit might dinsintegrating the carriage there.

At the end of reactions/review (?), I want to point out the tracks in episode 145 there;

Ep 145 Prison Break : track 5 dinner guest track 7 What he wants Track 18 Frederick arrives

The soundtrack of the ep 'prison break' is similar with episode from the potrait showdown arc - mho the track vibes kinda similar (Totes different title, but the vibe indeed similar espc the part where Frederick reaching out to Gwen's place

#cursed princess club #prison break #frederick

[nickgerlich]

Looking Into The Crystal Ball

There are more than three months on the calendar remaining until Christmas, and analysts are already making predictions about the most important aspect of the holiday: How much money we spend. Because—you know—any religious significance takes a back seat.

And the forecast, while in the positive direction at least, is not anything to write home about. Auditing and consulting firm Deloitte predicts that sales will increase by only 3.5% to 4.6%. While that may sound impressive, recall that the current rate of inflation is roughly 3.7%, and rising oil prices are bound to make it inch higher.That’s another way of saying that holiday retail, once accounting for inflation, will likely be flat compared to last year. And last year’s increase was 7.6%, at a time when inflation was running at about 8%. In other words, last year was flat as well.

And if sales are flat, it signals that consumers are not all that confident about their economic situation. In fact, “flat” means they are actually buying less overall compared to two years ago, yet spending roughly the same in inflated dollars. Gift recipients either received less in material items or gift card gifts, or—worst-case scenario—old Uncle Joe didn’t get anything.

There is one eyebrow-raising prediction, and this one is not bad in terms of the economy. It might cause BAM retailers to be a little more nervous, though, because the e-commerce component of holiday sales is predicted to jump between 10.3% and 12.8%, to the tune of total online sales somewhere between $278 billion and $284 billion. This one component is growing faster than the rate of inflation, meaning it is worth watching.

I did the math. Deloitte predicts that e-commerce will account for about 18% of all retail sales this coming holiday season. Nearly one in five dollars. Well, I might be bringing up that prediction, because I suspect that least 80% of my holiday spend will be online, but that’s because I hate crowds and love convenience.

Of course, it may be just a little bit early to be making any kind of predictions. We all know from watching The Weather Channel that forecasts are educated guesses based on models that, no matter how good they are, still come packed with error terms. Look at the “cone of uncertainty” for any hurricane prediction, and you will see that it fans out steadily the farther out you go, which is usually only a week at most. Now remember that this holiday forecast is for more than 90 days out.

While I respect professionals like Deloitte, and am certainly not one to besmirch anyone with training and experience, the “cone” for holiday sales predictions may be a little too narrow. Too many things could cause sales to plummet, or grow. For example, if oil were to top $100 a barrel, that would mean an average national gasoline price over $4 a gallon. That would then cause prices of anything else that is delivered to retailers and to our homes to jump as well.

Furthermore, since labor and talent strikes are the new black, consider how little (if any) gifts those people will be buying if they are still striking in three months. For example, while the current UAW strike is technically only going on at three factories, if union bosses put all 146,000 members on the picket line, those people will only be earning $500 a week from the UAW strike fund. That’s not enough to pay even the most basic of monthly bills, like mortgage, car payment, and food.

Retail always hopes for good weather, because sunshine and mild temps mean we are likely to venture out more times, and the more we venture out, the more we might spend. Snowstorms keep us home and/or shopping online. Even restaurateurs and movie theaters like all that good weather, because we are likely to couple shopping with dining and entertainment.

But don’t ask me or anyone just yet what our spending mood might be like in 90 days. My mood today may not be the same mood I have come winter. Just like the three-month weather forecast I just saw on The Weather Channel is very promising, calling for significantly warmer than normal temps across much of the nation, there is no guarantee we’ll be running around in flip-flops here in Amarillo come Thanksgiving. Maybe, but probably not, to be honest. I’ve seen some pretty bad snows here in November, so I know it can happen. It’s just too early, and too many current predictors need to stay constant.

Ah, but it is fun anyway to extend the regression line into the future. I am guilty as much as the Deloitte people are. I studied more statistics than most people. I also know that once you get out too far, those models are about as good as the palm reader down the street.

Meanwhile, start pondering your holiday gift-giving list, and if you see any bargains come up in the coming weeks, grab them. That’s the real beauty of looking ahead, because if you wait until December to shop, you might just find yourself backed into a corner with no extra money to spend.That’s my prediction, and I’m sticking to it.

Dr “Making My List And Checking It Twice” Gerlich

Audio Blog

#marketing #economy #Christmas #retail

[wool-f]

Wellness: Through & Through | Part Two: Pilates

If you subscribe to me, you’d know I posted a video on my channel not very long ago about my experience trying pilates for two months. It’s now been four months, and I can fully say that I am a member of the pilates cult that seems to be taking girl social media by storm.

I remember the first time I really began to see the rise in popularity of reformer, and it was just after an article where Lori Harvey said she loved pilates. After that, pilates was everywhere, and I really mean everywhere.

On TikTok, Instagram, Facebook even, my colleagues in the office were talking about how they were thinking of trying it, and my friends were signing up to expensive studios around Melbourne to get into the newest fad of fitness.

I say fad very loosely, because once I began classes at my local studio, I realised this trend was very quickly going to become a habit for me.

I’ll be honest, I was doubtful about whether pilates would do anything crazy to my body, and boy was I surprised! I had heard one of my friends talk about it previously but didn’t really think anything of it, until suddenly every second girl and their mother were achieving insane results from five 45 minute workouts a week.

I was flawed. I wish I’d listened to my friend sooner (take this as a lesson well learnt from me). So my friend and I decided to join a studio, and we got a pretty good starter deal. Pilates is quite expensive, it’s definitely not an affordable fitness method if you’re wanting to go to an actual studio, I will say that much.

Four months down the track, I can genuinely say I’ve never stuck to any fitness regime the way I have stuck to pilates, and I have never felt better. In the first two months of going to pilates consistently, I dropped FOUR KILOGRAMS without trying.

A disclaimer to this is that I never started this wellness adventure to lose weight - I don’t hate my body or myself, and I always wanted the focus to remain on how I feel about myself and my mental wellbeing, and what ways my physical health could assist with improving those aspects of my life. That being said, I can’t ignore the obvious difference in my body since beginning pilates.

Outside that, and now that I am well into my pilates obsession, I have a few notes on the difference it has made on my body.

I feel stronger in all ways, and I’m sleeping way better. I have gotten myself into the routine of getting up early to go to the studio and take a class before my work day begins and I notice that I have so much more mental clarity and motivation throughout my day. If I don’t get up and exercise before beginning my workday I often feel lethargic and foggy in my mind. I love the feeling of finishing a class and coming out of the heated room into the fresh air - my cheeks flushed and lungs breathing in the crisp smells of the early morning, and the satisfaction I feel when I finish a really tough class. I have increased my weight usage from 2kgs being my difficult weight to 4kg. I’m just happier as a person, obviously because any exercise creates endorphins.

If you’ve been looking for a sign to try out pilates, let it be this - it is honestly the best investment I’ve ever made in my health and fitness, and it’s an inclusive environment. It’s not necessarily price effective if you want to go to a studio, but there are so many free videos on YouTube you can use too - please try it if you’re even thinking about it.

If you are joining me on this group science experiment, investigating what wellness truly means and how I am achieving it, both physically and mentally, welcome! Comment below any suggestions or trends you are seeing to do with wellness that you’re too afraid to try yourself - I will try them. Also let me know if you tried pilates because of this post or my video! I’d love to hear your feedback :)

If you want to follow along with this experiment with me on a daily basis, please follow my Instagram and TikTok accounts, I am much more active on there and will have little updates throughout the weeks that I am posting the videos.

Leave any comments down below or in my questions box, and we can chat!

Until next week, all my love,

G xx

#. #health and wellness #healthy #health #habits #habit tracker #healthy lifestyle #healthy living #level up journey #levelup #levelingup #feminine energy #divine feminine #that girl #that girl aesthetic #clean girl #clean girl aesthetic #pilates #journalling #mindfulness #green juice girl #dream #dream life #self love #self improvement #self concept #affirmations #health journey #high value mindset #mental health

[perotovar]

Hi!!!! No worries if you don’t want to tell me or respond lol. But I really like the colour grading you did on that most recent Joel Miller gif set. I do photography and I’ve been struggling for ages to find a way to bring out the warm sort of brown tones without making things feel too muddy or red. Just curious about what HSL adjustments you made / what colour grading helped you get that look?

ohhhh my god thank you so much??? this might be a convoluted answer/unnecessary rant so i apologize in advance lol but i tend to keep the colorings/psds i use for gifs saved in a folder so every gif i make in a set is consistent with color/lighting/shading/whatever. i get anxious if there's even a little bit of difference per gif lol

a lot of what turned out in those gifs has to do with the lighting/coloring that's already in the show/that specific episode/scene. i've got the rest of the episodes' gifsets made and finished but i can try and kind of show what i'm talking about. they all look different color-wise, at least in my opinion, because of the differences in each episode's lighting. if that makes sense.

the goal with any gif i make, regardless of show/movie, is to make them either

1) better than what was there before (for example, if the movie is INCREDIBLY blue/yellow then i try and color correct that blue or yellow to be more neutral)(i'm looking at you triple frontier and your dark, blue ass scenes dfjkdflh)

and

2) not whitewash pedro. this is incredibly important (at least in my opinion) because i've noticed a lot of gifmakers (or least they used to) went for a really pastel/pale look and it whitewashed poc so dramatically and it was ~problematic~ to say the least. (i used to make gifs for a band that consisted of all mexican band members and i got hate a few times/people policing how i should color my gifs so the band wouldn't get whitewashed, so it's something i've been hyper aware of ever since)

so, even if i'm going for a more moody/darker aesthetic like i am with these gifsets of tlou, i never try and diminish the color pedro has in his skin tone. he's got a lot of color in his skin and i want to be able to see it, y'know what i mean?

basically, that boils down to keeping a lot of the warmer tones while also going for an ~aesthetic~ and it can be really hard sometimes. sometimes a show or movie, in this case the last of us, every episode is lit a little differently since it takes place over the course of a year.

i'll put some examples under the cut:

ok so i'll use episodes 2 and 8 as my examples.

to begin with, the last of us has, what i call, a "post-apocalyptic filter" over the top of it so i kinda have to work with that from the start. lots of greens/earthy brown tones and stuff.

this is with only sharpening applied and no color or anything:

and this is with my previously mentioned ~dark and moody~ psd applied on top of that sharpening:

now, this is the same color grading i used on that gifset you were mentioning.

this is also the same color grading i used on episode 8, which takes place in the winter/snowy areas so the coloring to begin with is going to reflect that:

and now with the coloring:

the big thing between these two scenes is that in the winter one, he's also recovering from actively dying and being deathly pale so any color he had in his face is really minimal lmao

so this is already way too fucking long and i don't think i even actually answered your question i am so sorry lol

to start, i ALWAYS start with an automatic curves layer and then adjust accordingly.

the actual color grading part mostly consists of vibrance, hue/saturation, selective color, channel mixer, gradient map, and level layers. i'm willing to give you the psd privately if you'd like to have a closer look at them!

thank you so much for asking and for putting up with my ranting lmao

#toointojoelmiller #asks #i really hope i answered this jfc #if i didn't i'm really sorry #it felt like i was trying to explain like 7 things at once lmao

[dennisboobs]

15 questions for 15 mutuals

I was tagged by @emodennis and @sewerkingcharlie <3

Are you named after anyone?

I named myself <3 but originally I was the bandom equivalent of someone naming their kid Sasuke. Except I was named after a member of Motley Crue.

Do you have kids?

Nope, and I don't want any lol. I parented my sibling and that's enough.

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

I Don't Know What Sarcasm Is And At This Point I'm Too Afraid To Ask.

First thing you notice about people?

I don't, I avoid eye contact at all times and if I'm lucky I avoid any and all contact in general.

But probably voice. I listen in on people.

What's your eye color?

Blue

Scary movies or happy endings?

I don't like horror movies and I have a weird sensitivity to seeing people hurt, definitely happy endings, I'm annoyingly an optimist and I love me some feel-good shit. But if it's done well it doesn't need to be a happy ending, just a satisfying one.

Special talents?

Catalogue of Dennis scenes in my brain. You can ask me anything about him and I'm able to give you the episode it comes from (huge boon for wiki purposes but also for editing and stuff too lol) based on like. nothing.

I also went to art school for several years (throughout high school & then a year of college before i realized i hated it) and can draw (not that anyone would know because I never fucking do that <33)

What are your hobbies?

Channelling Dennis' essence like a spirit medium but like. not a scam. He is in my brain and I'm simply his scribe.

I think any of my hobbies are probably known by now on here; wiki editing, drawing, writing, playing video games, editing videos; I have a YouTube channel that I abandoned because I hate it, actually, fuck YouTube-- and archival work. Also sewing, occasionally. And more shit I'm probably forgetting.

Have any pets?

Oui, a dog, Arwen, and a cat, Frisk. I've had plenty of small animals as well, and desperately want pet rats again.

What sports do you play/have you played?

I am a frail little bitch.

How tall are you?

5'4"

Favorite subject in school?

I always liked my tech classes, always a fun day when I got to solder, but even more fun when I could infodump to the class about technology. I did a wholeass photoshoot for my NES opened up and gutted for a presentation in that class and I had truly never been so engaged in a school project before that lmao.

Dream job?

Probably working in JP-ENG game localization. I applied to Sega of America just before covid hit and pretty soon after that everyone I knew there had dipped lmao. I actually really genuinely enjoy working retail (lllloved working at EB Games/Gamestop, and I've worked at three different pet stores and I would literally work at one for the rest of my life and be completely content with it, one of the most rewarding and enjoyable jobs ever tbh), but I mean. You can't really compete with the $$$ that comes with being a welder. If I had the patience I would probably go back to school for translation work, or something psychology-adjacent, I would really love to be an advocate for better education re: autism. I've worked with Fandom for their diversity shit before and am just generally super passionate about helping people get the facts straight about what ASD actually is outside of the stereotypes. But I do that anyway, so I guess it doesn't need to be an actual job lol.

I think by this point everyone's been tagged by other shared mutuals, but if any of y'all want to do it and got passed over, feel free to take this as your sign to do it <3

#THANK YOU FOR TAGGING ME <33 #ada speaks

[larkawolfgirl]

Promnis Week Day 2: Caffine Overdose

Ignis could feel a headache coming on and took a sip of black coffee. The beverage was hot on its way down, and the heat helped cool his rising temperament. He should be used to this–his job description might as well read “never-ending headache.” Still, some days were worse than others, and this one was proving to be one of the worst in a long time.

Noctis had snuck out unattended–an ill-advised but not uncommon occurrence by any means. However, the reckless, underage prince had snuck into an adult store using a fake ID. If that wasn’t bad enough, the shopkeeper had recognized him as the underage prince when he was attempting to purchase notably “gay” themed sexual devices. Not only had Ignis had to intervene to convince the shopkeeper not to file a direct complaint with the kingsguard, but now he had to fight the press on the matter. Noctis hadn’t even bought the toys, but the press wouldn’t care about that. They wouldn’t care that he was a regular hormonal teenager. He was the prince, thus he was supposed to live up to pristine standards. They were also surely going to have a field day over the “revelation” that he was gay. Because they would never assume that he could be bisexual or have been buying toys for a girlfriend. The truth mattered little to Ignis, but he was disappointed that his friend hadn’t trusted him enough to ask him to buy them for him so that they could have avoided this whole mess.

Ignis had a long night ahead of him.

He took another sip of Ebony and stared at the string of emails flooding his inbox.

Good thing he had plenty of coffee in stock to keep him awake.

Ignis woke up to a kink in his neck. He sat up and rubbed the area, noticing that he had fallen asleep at his work desk. Luckily his laptop had been plugged in. It was still lit up, displaying an irate email from one of the council members. Ignis had never liked the man, but now he could fully channel that into hate at the man’s overly homophobic comments.

Ignis pinched his nose and took a deep breath. He was not ready to jump back into the fray just yet. If he didn’t take a step away, he was bound to say something ungentlemanly.

He glanced at his depleted supply of Ebony on the table. Perhaps a fresh, gourmet coffee was just what he needed.

Not half an hour later, Ignis found himself at a quant little coffee shop that he sometimes frequented. The atmosphere was cozy, the staff friendly, and the coffee divine. When he walked in, the barista of the day, a young man around the same age as Noctis, greeted him with a smile as radiant as the shade of his hair. Ignis returned his smile.

“Hello,” he greeted. He wished he remembered the man’s name, but thankfully it was written on a golden nametag. “Prompto.”

“Hiya, Iggy.”

Ignis flushed. How had he managed to remember his name? It wasn’t like he came here that often. “It is nice to see you again. A black coffee, please.”

“Coming right up!” Prompto pressed some buttons on the register, then turned around to begin to prepare his order. “How’s your day so far?”

Ignis was surprised that he was interested enough to make small talk. “So far it has been far better than yesterday, but I am not hopeful that it will stay that way.”

“Aw,” Prompto whined exaggeratedly. “Why’s that?”

Ignis sighed. “Because yesterday’s events have piled a huge workload onto my plate. It is not the sort of work I can easily sort out either.”

“That’s a shame.” Prompto glanced over his shoulder. “I was going to ask if you had any plans today, but I guess you’ll just be working all day.”

“Unfortunately, yes.” His curiosity was definitely piqued. “It sounds as if you were going to make a proposition.”

Prompto chuckled and grabbed a lid to pop on the top of his steaming coffee. “Yeah, it doesn’t matter now, though.”

Ignis took his offered coffee. “No, I’m interested in what this proposition was.”

Prompto leaned forward and stretched his arms across the countertop. “Weell, I had thought maybe you’d be interested in seeing my show.”

Ignis raised a sculpted brow. “Your show?”

Prompto pushed himself back up straight, beaming like the sun. “Yeah. I’m in a band. Nothing special. We’re playing at Tony’s tonight at 7.”

Ignis curled his hands around his coffee. He was struck with the intense urge to attend. But with work…

It would most surely be tight, but he was sure he could make it work if he worked non-stop, asked Gladio to drive Noctis home in his stead, and gave Noctis the green light to order takeout for his dinner.  

“I’ll be there.”

Somehow Prompto’s smile widened even more. “Really? Sweet!” Then he suddenly floundered nervously. “It’s not a big deal, though! Your work totally takes priority.”

Ignis smiled. “Naturally, but I am almost positive that I can manage to prioritize both.”

Prompto’s smile returned and he waved enthusiastically. “Bye! Don’t work too hard! I can’t wait to see you there.”

Ignis chuckled and lifted his coffee up high. “Thank you. Don’t overwork yourself either.”

Prompto scoffed. “Me? Never.”

Hours later, Ignis could feel his fatigue hitting him. His hand reached out for another Ebony but came up short. Groaning, he messaged his throbbing temple. It would take far too long to drive all the way home to grab some. He could take his laptop with him to salvage some time, but he still didn’t think it would leave him enough time to finish everything by 7. His only real options then were either to deal with the abysmal coffee at the Citadel cafeteria or return to the coffee shop. The decision was obvious.

Prompto was still on shift when he arrived. The man looked a bit worn out, but otherwise just as sunshiny as before. “Oh, hey, Iggy!” he called when he spotted him. “Taking a break from work?”

“Yes, unfortunately. I need the caffeine to keep up my trajectory.”

Prompto frowned. “You shouldn’t drink too much coffee.”

Ignis pursed his lips. He was used to this conversation, and he never enjoyed it. “I can make my own decisions,” he snapped.

Instantly, he regretted his outburst when Prompto’s lip began to tremble. Sighing, he said, “I apologize. I just tire of other people trying to dictate my habits when I have so much on my plate.”

Prompto shifted uncomfortably, most likely unsure how to respond to that. “Another black coffee?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

This time Prompto made his order in silence. Ignis took a sip and closed his eyes. It was so good. He opened his eyes, ready to take another sip, but the world seemed to be spinning slightly. He steadied his footing using the counter before slowly walking to a table.

Ignis could see Prompto eying him while he downed his drink. For some reason, he felt just as thirsty after having finished it all.

He stood up, but the room began to spin again, and he had to clutch onto the edge of the table.

Seeing his momentary stumble, Prompto rushed over and put a hand on his back. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” Ignis said. He tried to take a step but stumbled slightly.

Prompto frowned. “No, you’re not. I’m guessing you’ve drank way too much coffee today.”

Ignis tried to wave his help away. “Nonsense. I always drink this much coffee.”

“That’s even worse! Wait here!” He rushed off behind the counter and came back with a bottle of water. “Drink this.”

Ignis took the water and drank a small sip. His thirst took over, and he ended up chugging the entire bottle.

“How do you feel now?”

“Still a bit tired and dizzy, but better.”

Prompto sighed in relief. “Good. Let me help you get home.”

“No,” Ignis said immediately. “I need to get back to work.”

“Oh no,” Prompto said. “You need to rest. Look at those circles under your eyes. Did you even sleep last night?”

“If I get back to work right now I might just finish in time to make it to your concert.”

Prompto flushed slightly. “Forget about that. Your health is way more important.”

“Thank you for the concern, but I will be fine, I assure you.”

Prompto pouted. “No way. I’m not letting you out of here until you let me take you home or someone else does.”

Ignis met his challenging gaze for a long time before finally giving in and taking out his phone. Ignoring several new email notifications, he pressed two on his speed dial. It only took two rings for Gladio to answer.

“What’s up?”

“I need you to pick me up at the coffee shop on Golden Avenue. I believe I pointed it out to you once.”

“The one with the cute logo with a chocobo in a teacup?”

“Yes, that one.”

“I’ll be there in ten.”

Those were some of the longest ten minutes of his life. Prompto watched him like a hawk the entire time to make sure he didn’t check his phone. He was under order to sit and rest. Ignis could not even remember the last time he had simply“‘rested.” He was not used to it, and the stillness was making him fidgety.

Finally, Gladio arrived. “What’s the problem, Ignis?”

“Nothing,” he answered.

However, since there were no other guests to attend to, Prompto immediately added, “Your friend here is suffering from a caffeine overdose.”

Gladio looked Prompto over. Then he blinked. “Well, I’ll be damned. You’re Prompto, right?”

Prompto looked surprised. “Wait. You’re Noct’s bodyguard, aren’t you?”

Gladio crossed his arms and smirked. “Glad you recognized me.”

Prompto eyed him up and down. “I mean, it’s a little hard not to when you look like…that.”

Gladio smirked. “Yeah, well, it’s my job to remember how you look.”

“Hold on,” Ignis cut in. “You are associated with Prince Noctis? You are that Prompto.”

Prompto looked down, seemingly embarrassed. “Oh, uh, yeah. I’m guessing you work for the crown then? Sorry, I didn’t know your work was that important.”

Ignis shook his head even though that just made him even dizzier. “No need to apologize. Now that I have had time to clear my head, I realize that I have been far too impractical. I am not any help to anyone if I end up incapacitated.”

“Damn right,” Gladio said. “I’m taking you to Noct’s so we can keep an eye on you.”

Ignis chuckled. “I can’t say I blame you. I suppose a pizza does sound more appealing than cooking right now.”

“Pizza?” Prompto asked, sounding hopeful.

Ignis smiled. “I thought you already had plans for the evening.”

Prompto twisted his hands. “I mean, I do, but…”

“When does your shift end?”

Prompto glanced at the clock. “In like 10 minutes?” he said as if it were a question.

“Gladio, do you mind sticking around so that we might surprise Noctis with his best friend?”

Gladio plopped down in the seat next to him. “I suppose not.” He looked between the two of them. “I am guessing you’re expecting me to drive him to whatever these plans he has are then?”

Ignis smirked. “How perceptive of you. Although, perhaps, we could all go together.”

“Only if you feel better by then!” Prompto ordered.

Ignis chuckled. “Yes, of course.”

#promnis #promnis week #promnisweek2023 #ignis x prompto #ignis scientia #prompto argentum #ffxv #final fantasy xv #ff #final fantasy #my writing #fanfic #fanfiction