#and enabling to basically choose your own ending

[pickyperkypenguin]

i've just listened to the black tapes podcast (2015-2017) and i kind of really liked it for what it did with the genre

also, apparently, the last episode went through the fandom like a bulldozer: i went through some discussions out of curiosity and seen that most people were screaming how this was the most unsatisfying ending they've ever encountered and also the implied romantic potential (or, some said, insta-romance) was just an insult to an injury

meanwhile, i: finally some fucking sane ending to a podcast like that

also... if one thinks what transpired between alex and richard was an acute case of insta-romance and overwhelming in its magnitude... i would suggest reading a book/consuming a medium that contains actual romantic story. no, mrvel movies do not count

[qqueenofhades]

https://www.tumblr.com/qqueenofhades/743255237060689920/the-thing-that-confuses-me-about-the-dont-vote

The “don’t vote” left’s point is basically that, if Biden gets a second term, it’ll basically signal that “They’ll vote for us as long as we’re not Republicans, why don’t we do some REAL fucked up shit, if we can get away with it?” It takes the power out of the people’s hands and places it firmly in the party’s.

I can’t completely disagree with that, my caveat is that there’s no real alternative system or party in place, because top-down change is ineffective; a third party president has to contend with a two party congress.

Except no. This whole "Biden just wants to do as much fucked up shit as possible while not being a Republican, and if you give him a second term he'll do more fucked up shit deliberately to spite you" mindset is only possible as an interpretation if you a) deliberately and comprehensively ignore everything he has done to date, and b) you approach the situation with the maximum bad faith possible. Not to mention, the ultimate outcome of this Big Important Teaching Biden A Lesson is that Trump gets back into power and makes everything orders of magnitude worse, because he does in fact want to deliberately do evil shit to everyone and says so at every opportunity. There is not some magical happy alternative that springs into existence by not voting. If you choose this as a year to Teach Biden A Lesson, you are enabling Trump. Trump will be much, much worse. If you don't care about that, I still do not care what your Great Ideology is. You are not helping anyone and you are directly and irreversibly hurting everyone.

I made a post a few days ago wherein I mentioned that I want to assess Biden fairly, taking into account both strengths and weaknesses, but the rampant bad-faith, lying, misreading, misrepresentation, and open sabotage of him (especially by the online left; the GOP sometimes only wishes they were as good at turning Biden's voter pool against him) makes it really difficult to do that. My frustration with those people makes me just want to go "BIDEN IS GREAT THE END." I know he is a flawed old man (though by literally every account of a career spent in public service, he really does care about making the world a better place and any remotely good faith reading of his accomplishments thus far can see that). It is also very likely that he goes MORE left in a second term because he won't have to face the electorate again, he has always gone more left when pushed before, and he's not actually the scheming genocidal mastermind that leftist social media paints him as. Shocking, I know.

I know there are things in the world we don't like and don't want and want to stop, and therefore we blame our own president for not making it stop. But I have zero, no, none, absolutely none whatsoever sympathy for this pseudo-populist "WE NEED TO TEACH BIDEN A LESSON BY ELECTING TRUMP AGAIN, I AM VERY MORAL MUCH ACTIVIST" mindset. There's this funny thing about America wherein it is still (for now) a democracy. If Biden wins a second term, he can't run again. I would take literally anything these people said more seriously if they focused on developing their dream progressive successor for 2028 (and also figured out how to get that person elected and in a place to make real change) rather than cynically sabotaging Biden in the most consequential election year, again, of our lifetimes. If you don't like him now, find a way to make his successor a better option. Throwing a toddler tantrum and handing the country back to a senile, deranged, fascist, revenge-riddled, theocratic Trump HELPS. NOBODY. I still don't know how many times I'm going to have to say that, but yeah.

[ladyinsanity]

Preserving Your DHD Library

Dark Horse Digital is closing up shop and is ending support March 31st.

All purchases through DHD are on a "license the right to read" basis - we do not "own" the books. While they say we have until March 30 to download to our Bookshelf library, the ability to read on the website will only be available "at least through summer".

Well, that's awful.

If you want a way to preserve all your books, detailed instructions under the cut.

As a disclaimer, this may not be legal in all jurisdictions. Use your best judgment. Also, this method does not work for all titles, and has not been updated since 2017.

That said...

How to Download your DHD Library

Step 1: Install Tampermonkey extension via Chrome web store. (If other browser, check Step 1 here.)

Make sure to also enable "Developer mode" in extensions. On Brave you can access it through the Settings - Extensions - Manage Extensions. For Chrome, refer to this video to enable.

Step 2: Copy (CTRL+C) all the code from the Dark Horse Downloader script by oxguy3, under "Code" tab.

Step 3: Click the Tampermonkey extension in your browser and choose "Create a new script."

Delete the default code and Paste (CTRL+V) the script. Then, click File - Save.

Step 4: Log into Dark Horse Digital and go to your Bookshelf. Make sure "Stack by Series" is disabled. You should see something like this image - press "Download" for the title you want to keep.

Step 5: Download will start automatically. When it is done, it should pop up in your Downloads folder as a CBZ file.

CBZ files are basically an archive of all the images from the title. You can use an app like YACReader or CDisplayEx to view like a book.

If you want a more visual explanation, this video on how to bulk download Kindle titles has a similar method.

(And FYI, Amazon is also removing access to download Kindle titles after February 26. Isn't that a fun coincidence. /s)

Anywho, best of luck!

EDIT: I added a step in Step 1 to enable Developer Mode.

[youngwonhui]

✦ flying saucer

*•. member: hansol vernon chwe x fem! readers

*•. summary: universe conspire misery to love company. Hansol has his own fight within himself, you with your own. The probability is the spark that fuse the end of your night with the start of Hansol’s morning.

*•. genre: smut, MINORS SHOO, car sex, no protection, DONT DO THIS

*•. wc: 6705

*•. warnings: slight angst, depiction of failed dreams and overall feeling of being trapped, but they know better, they will do better, alcohol consumption, petty banter

*•. cross posted in AO3

Hansol loves his life.

He makes music, he do what he loves for a living, and he gets to party basically every night in the sake of getting inspiration.

As much as inspiration he could get from frequenting a club basically managed by his music label.

He practically knows everyone.

The bouncer, the bartender on shift, the cooks and even the valet driver.

Because one thing that Hansol loves from his work is it’s enabling him to fulfill his desire for anything money can buy.

Mostly.

“Alone again?”

Hansol laughs bitterly after a sip of whiskey. He’s immune to Mingyu’s teasing. beacuse who’s he to call Hansol bitchless when the man walk in alone just like every other night.

The same fluorescent lights running against the surface. Music blasting the latest pop or edm beats that runs like white noise to Hansol and his friends.

Yet they return like moths to flame.

Although Hansol hoped someday there’s something pull himself away and let him see the world apart of the flame.

As much as he loves to make generic music like his label has forced him to, the artist gene passed down from his father runs strongly through his veins. As much as he hated to admit it.

“You know you should look at the mirror.” The music blasting doesn’t deter Mingyu’s annoyingly exceptional hearing ability.

The tallest of the bunch throw a piece of grape to Hansol. His tumbler of whiskey already empty.

“At least one of us can get laid. You both has no right to bicker with each other.” Wonwoo quipped. Choosing to break his silence to manage the two for causing him more headache.

“I don’t know how you manage to find time time to drink with us every night? Aren’t you busy strategizing something on your little computer?”

Hansol earned himself a side eye from Wonwoo. From across, Mingyu who already topped up his whiskey glances at Hansol and Wonwoo interestingly. Something to distract his mind about to start.

Despite their age, and how serious job they have, Hansol and his friends aren’t above petty fights. Some nights they have Seungcheol to break it off when things when out of hands.

But tonight, their oldest friend is tending to his personal love life. Leaving the self-proclaimed miserable bunch to their own device.

“Don’t forget you works on that ‘little computer’ of yours, making some kind beats that teenagers use to dance on tiktok.” Mingyu snickers in amusement. He rarely sees his roommate spits some roasts to the younger one. And with sobriety out of the equation, the petty fights became their choice of poison to pass time.

“You can laugh when you get that Michelin star dude. How many years has it? Oh yeah, countless. And only surrounded by fans yet not even a bib gourmand in sight for consolidation.”

“Ooh burns.” Wonwoo muttered after sucking his teeth and then hiding his smirk through sipping his whiskey he’s been nursing.

Mingyu on the other hand. The words hit past his funny bone and straight to his head and rattles around with each drop of alcohol circulating around his brain. Fueling the gremlin that burns self-hate every now and then.

“That’s far out, Choi Vernon.”

Maybe it’s the darn place. The perfect mixture of darkness, noise, and lack of oxygen altogether. It wipes logical conversation out of the equation. Not that there’s many come to the club to do that. Most arrive with few things in mind. To distract them from it, or just numb it altogether.

Tomorrow when the friends see each other, contrition will be expressed with clearer minds. For now, its burning embers that spread uncontrollably.

Hansol decided he didn’t have enough alcohol in his body to fight with the people he can calls brother. A slight sick feeling in his stomach, not from the few sips of whiskey is enough to create a nauseous feeling in his mouth.

With a shake of his head and a bitter laugh, Hansol decided to step out for air. Maybe starts smoking, drive his beloved car, or just get some smoothie. Anything to calm his temper.

Climbing up the stairs, the fading out sound of drum and bass lowers his heartbeat just a smidge. Hansol thought to himself, maybe a drive with a window down will be enough.

The damp street outside greets him like an annoying gum sticking to his shoes. But the cold air hitting his face is painfully freezing. Hansol pulls up the hood of his jacket. His own decision to cut his hair short begins to feels like a regret.

But that one afternoon the thought cross his mind feels like the idea of a lifetime.

Fishing the valet ticket, Hansol handed it to absentmindedly.

“Hey bud, i don’t think i could hand you your key.”

That steals Hansol’s attention to you. The valet driver clad in your uniform but covered in a jacket to fight off the violent wind.

“It’s my car.” Hansol states matter-of-factly. Hand remained mid-air the wind hitting the valet ticket as it flaps against his fingers.

“Well you’ve been drinking. And i have obligation.”

“Your only obligation is kinda just to bring my car around though.” The regret came as quick as turning winds. Hansol notices how your face turns with a little disdain. Your body angled slightly away from Hansol as if the vicinity alone is repulsing to your body.

“You know what, i would let you knock yourself out. But i pity the beautiful car too much for you have to let it became a wreck.” Your fingers kept the key close to you. Far enough not to let Hansol snatch it from your grip.

“That flying saucer? I have a few in my garage.” Hansol scoffed. Squinting against the winds that picked up once more. You also tightened the jacket around your body.

Seeing you in clothes other than your uniform caught him slightly off guard. Hansol usually sees you when he dropped off his car. But rarely sees you when he walked out.

Maybe because usually Hansol has lost his own bearing when he stepped out of the club. Gets dragged out of the institution and responsibly driven back home by one of his friend or someone kind enough to call the service driver instead.

You scoffed at Hansol’s bragging remark. The better part of you decided that amusing Hansol’s banter does not worth the time and you should just handed him the keys and get yourself home.

Your shift ended moments ago.

Yet the other side is enjoying the time spent arguing with the famous music producer with selection of sports car you could only dreamed of.

As much as painful to hear Hansol disregard such beautiful car you came to admire, you caught how he acknowledge the nickname the special edition Alfa Romeo. Yet you doubt that Hansol appreciated it enough.

The sentiment might apply for some other aspect in his life too.

You known him for awhile, even before you bumped into him when he’s a new hot producer in town and you’re just taking gigs as valet driver because your latest rally team tanked.

Hansol was drunk out of his mind when you drove him home that first night. His friend, Wonwoo had kindly directed you to Hansol’s apartment.

“I doubt that you have another special edition car manufactured by Italian brand in collaboration with famous coachbuilder from back in the ‘50s.”

“An Italian wha-“ your words might have both stumped Hansol and amused him at the same time. A frown growing on his brows is accompanied by the slight curve of his smile. “You know what, keep the key. Keep the car safe, i’ll just walk home.” Hansol chuckled one last time before turning on his heels. Facing the cold wind of the night as he leaves you stumped in return.

A power move on his side.

But a dumb one as he remembers his house is not within a brief walking distance. His legs will be screaming halfway through. Hansol might have to take a break of nap on a park bench. Maybe at dawn by the looks of things.

No one truly recognizes themselves this night.

Words turned bitter, alcohol doesn’t work as it used to, bad decision was made one after the other.

And you are not an exception tonight. Because why are you, instead of slotting the keys to the beautiful car back to its drawer begin to walk to the direction where the car is parked in the valet area.

Turning on the keys in the ignition and feeling the machine rumble and its vibration purrs right into the expensive leather under your ass. The rush of adrenaline is pumping faster as you move the gear and begin to pull away from the lot.

A smile crept up on your face. The feeling of control under your palm, and the security of freedom lays on the empty street illuminated by moonlight and scarce neon from the shops that are closing for the night.

With a quick scan of the surrounding, you found Hansol’s hunched figure walking along the pavement. Slowing down to match his pace and lowering the window to face the rightful owner of the car you’re technically stealing right now.

“You’re stealing my car.” It was supposed to be a question, but Hansol‘s amusement outgrows his confusion. Yet the fact remained.

“Wrong, i’m driving you home.”

“Y/n you’re in my car with its key and engine running, and i’m outside being slapped by the wind.”

“Amazing observation skill.”

“I am quite literally sober now.” Hansol deadpanned. Waving the hands inside his jacket pocket. “And you’re still stealing my car. The fact stands”

“Then get in and i’ll drive you home.”

Wordlessly, Hansol feet takes him off the pavement and enters his own car’s passenger’s seat. Begrudgingly so, but an amused smirk grew upon how his night panned out.

“You know your friend let me drive you home sometimes.” You begins. It didn’t surprise him a bit.

Because sitting in his own car’s passenger seat and you on the steering wheel doesn’t felt uncomfortable at all. His sobriety being the biggest change is all. Somehow Hansol doesn’t have the confident to talk to you in this state.

He can embarrass himself when alcohol is running through his veins. Doing stupid shit and relying on other’s good-willing heart to help a miserable man.

Being sober and driven home by you sets Hansol an impossible standard of being a decent human being. A rapport he has to keep after picking a fight with his close friends back at the club.

“Thanks.” Hansol muttered.

You reply with a hum. Skilfully driving his car like it’s rightfully yours.

“Do you even know what car is this?”

“Nu uh.” Hansol couldn’t be bothered to think.

He got offered the car as a payment from an old acquaintance that appreciated his music back in the day. Being young and glittery eyes thinking every form of payment is cool enough for the ‘experience’.

“That’s what i thought.” Hansol chuckled at your reply. “The car is barely taken care of. No offense but this kind of antique car needs all the love and pampering to not let it deteriorate. All the checkup maybe every three months if you want to be diligent. I can give you a number of my friend’s autoshop. They’re magic at old cars. Aston Martin, McLaren, you name it.”

“I know you’ll send it to me anyway.”

“You know what? i’m surprised you saved my number.” There’s many surprises for you tonight.

“I might be a jerk, but i’m a grateful jerk.” Hansol looks out to the window. The passing lights of the city which he love and hate at the same time.

“Don’t expect me to hand you a medal for being grateful.”

Hansol always love when you never cut him some slack. Not the way his friends always tolerate his acts whenever Hansol needs to blow off some steam. Seungcheol though never forget to reminds him to take care of himself properly. And Hansol always absentmindedly agrees, yet returning to the club like he has nowhere else to go. ”Hey can you drive me to the hill park instead?”

“It’s 2 AM, and you’re starting to make me regret driving you home.” You sighed. Yet Hansol recognize the turn you take to reach the destination he just mentioned on a whim.

“You shouldn’t have steal my car then.” Hansol turns to you who gave him a side eye briefly and returned to focus on the road uphill.

“I kinda prefer when you’re almost passed out off a thousand bucks whiskey if you continues like this.”

“You prefer anytime you can drive my car. That much is i know.” Hansol crossed his arms and shifts on his seat to continues to look at you driving.

“Ha, that much is right. I love this car the most though.” You jokingly shot Hansol a look. Fishing a playful banter from him that you had surprisingly enjoy despite the prolonged night activity.

“I am not giving you this car.”

“Dude you said it yourself you have a ton in your garage, i know you don’t care about this beauty one bit and i’m half convinced you don’t even know the name of this car.”

“Why’s it only half?” You shot Hansol a confused frown at his question. “Why are you only half convinced that i don’t know the name of this car.” Hansol doesn’t know why he’s asking such. How your perspective of him piqued his interest at 2 AM when you both in a brief impromptu roadtrip.

“I don’t know. Hope for the better? If you don’t know jackshit then i should’ve known better.”

Hansol can hear your chuckle. The hum of engine serve as enough background to fill the silence. He couldn’t find any appropriate words to talk to you. Too scared to ruin the perfect moment. A rare silence where Hansol doesn’t feel too much of self-deprecation and guilt is not eating his heart.

The fact that his antique sports car that you love is not accommodating enough space for a sound system, that also one supporting fact of the silence.

For once, Hansol didn’t hate said fact.

“You know you call it a flying saucer earlier.” Your voice breaks the silence eventually. “I thought hey, maybe you’re not that ignorant and have some inkling of appreciation of this car.”

A chuckle escapes his lips. A shake of his head upon remembering his own words from just a moments ago. Amazes himself when you can look past him being a jerk and actually listens to his words.

“Disco volante.”

“Aha, so you do know your cars.” The small lilt of realization in your words amuses him more.

“Not as much affinity as you, but i appreciate the beauty.”

Your eyes are sets ahead, beside you, Hansol said the words with his eyes clearly pointed towards you. As clear as the night sky with its twinkling stars.

The same sky they about to witness in a few moments as they reach the destination. The park placed strategically on the side of hill road. The perimeter of said park with enough secluded parking lot that overlooking the city.

Once you arrive, you’re quick to turn off the car and leave Hansol to his own device. He sees you walking ahead and leaned against the hood of the car. Hansol sucks in his breath and contemplate his thoughts. Decided to follow the strange energy that has been flowing ever since he steps out of the club and remained sober as you drove him.

Closing the door behind him, Hansol joins you to sit on his car. Glad that the wind isn’t as violent as earlier.

“Why are we all ended up at that place?”

You didn’t even mention the club as context, yet Hansol knows exactly what you meant. The disdain in your tone isn’t hard to discern. Yet he understands completely of what you‘re feeling.

It’s easy for him, each time he sees you sheer admiration for the cars that frequent the club. But each experience often tarnished by some rude clientele that’s insecure of their own self.

“It’s be quite miserable if we all can’t help it. But it cheers me up to see much of us so alike ended up the day there.”

“Misery loves company.”

“Yeah you could say that.” Hansol chuckled as he glances at you.

“I shouldn’t have take too many shifts there. Use my driving skill for something better.” You muttered, looking down at your worn out shoes. Kicking small unassuming pebbles. “Should i start crowdfunding for my rally car?”

Hansol chuckles, sniffing through the cold air. He rakes his brain for the memory of you.

He remembers the first time he met you. Paying you extra bucks to take Mingyu’s freshly bought Z4 on a joyride.

You are not one to brag of your skill, but Hansol was daring your side that often lives off of adrenaline. You take him on that offer before upping the ante to take the BMW on a donut at the empty valet floor of the club.

The laughs resounding at the end of that night filled his memory and he boxed it in a prettier ribbon than others. Strangely he hate himself less that day. Although the slight disappointment is apparent when at the end of the night, he exchange his valet ticket to another guy and not you.

He regretted his decision to ended up going home sober that night.

“How long has it been since you last race?” Your quick chuckle came as a reply. A shake of your head as if you really trying to pushed the thought away.

“Awhile now. No one is really funding for an undermanaged team barely have people to make a semblance of a rally car. I don’t know, my driving skills are probably rusty anyway after the team went under.”

“Hey, you want a rally car with my name as a sponsor?” Hansol’s word sent you laughing between your contemplating thought. “I’ll fund your car but you have to put my name. And i want it huge.”

The incredulous look with a side eye is enough to make Hansol almost topple over laughing.

“I mean as long as you’re funding me, i’ll welcome it. But i wouldn’t accept anything inappropriate.” Your words stop Hansol mid-laugh. Looking at you, as it determining whether the seriousness in your face will slowly fade and reveals your usual playful nature.

“Huh, you’re surprisingly civil of the idea.”

“Although, i also don’t want anything repulsive. So no placing your face on my car as well.” You ended up laughing while Hansol now in turn rolling his eyes.

He relaxes himself beside you. Gaze upfront to the still sparkling city although dawn almost break. Hansol took the serenity and odd silence of it all.

To no one’s surprised, the two of you retreated back into the car. The strong gusts of wind have picked up after the long silence of stargazing.

“Bet you didn’t thought the night would end up like this huh?” Hansol muttered, a small chuckle as he turned to you. Curious over your response.

“More like, i didn’t know i even would start another day with you.” You look back to Hansol. Seat leaned back and a casual relaxed looks on his face. Strangely enough, seeing Hansol in his passenger seat staring back at you is an odd sensation that spark an even stranger chemicals in your brain.

“What is so bad about it?”

Hansol whispers, you avert your eyes to the horizon afar. The dark void welcomes your sight, but soon discernible tinge of purple will fill the sky and morning will arrive.

Sunlight won’t arrive as fast as the nervous energy that burns through your vein. The long night is enough to take you to place you’d never thought would venture.

“I mean, i can make you a list to make things feel better.”

“Hmm, a list?” You nodded to Hansol‘s reply, an addition of smirk on his face. Piqued by the the slight enthusiasm in your words. “And what is on that list, pray tell?”

“Well, i could come over there to show it to you. I think that would be better.”

Hansol smirked, bit his lower lip before nodding towards his lap.

With as much grace as your body could manage, wriggling across the console of a vintage sports car, you eventually sat on top of Hansol. You had to admit, the enclosed—minimum space has heightened your senses towards your surrounding.

How the old leather left a scent reminding you of worn your out racing glove with a tinge of musk from Hansol’s body scent. You can smell it clearer now that he’s under your touch.

The short hair he’s sporting reveals the slight brownish glow to his hair. Which you always thought as dark midnight. Under the minimal light of blinking lamppost outside, you can discern the lighter glow of it.

You ran your hand across his head. To which Hansol’s eyes followed the movement of your hand, but quickly flutters close as he felt your touch.

When your hand rest on his cheek, you guide Hansol’s hovering hands to your hips. Which he shuddered upon contact.

You only chuckled lightly.

“Bet you didn’t thought the night would end up like this huh?” Hansol shakes as he laugh.

You reciting the exact words with the closeness the two of you are having now has tickled his funny bone.

Might also gave him one more bone.

“I know it could be better though.” Hansol scans your face, a smile shadowing his lips as he thought about what he wanted as of now.

The same one mirrored on your face. More like a grin. Recognizing the feeling from Hansol, now so palpable as he absentmindedly rubbing your still clothed thighs.

“You could be kissing me, for example.”

”I guess i’m not one to deny anyone of good example.”

“Please.”

You grin. Leaning down to press your lips to Hansol’s awaiting ones. It was brief a touch of lips on lips. Until Hansol’s entire nervous systems eventually sparked off and responded when you’re about to pull away from the kiss.

Hansol’s hand had traveled to your nape and gently pulls you back to a kiss. Now with a hunger he had unknowingly concealed throughout the night.

A tug on your lower lips lets you hum in reply, rushing the pleasure through your vein. Hansol skilfully took your lips between his teeth and lets you fight for what you want.

Maybe at this point what you both want.

As the kiss grew sloppier, Hansol tugged your body flush to his. A groan at the back of his throat resounding to your lips as you grind yourself to his tenting crotch.

“Fuck— Y/n.”

You didn’t let Hansol speak no more. Guiding his lips back to yours while his hands roamed your body. Familiarizing each plane and shape, memorizing the expanse of skin available to his touch.

His response spur your action more. After the initiative grinding, you angled yourself to continue the motion of even faster. The friction of your clothed cunt against the growing bulge under Hansol’s expensive jeans. It felt childish, grinding like a high school kids chasing the newfound pleasure in each others.

But you both said no complain, Hansol enjoyed all you can give. Although it left him wanting more, but he could not complain of how his shitty night has ended up.

Don’t mess this up. Don’t mess this up. Don’t mess this up.

The words uttered like mantra inside Hansol’s head.

The moments passed with you growing more and more desperate for the hot burning pleasure in your vein. Deciding that dry-humping Hansol has lost its novelty and you searched for more.

In hurried hands, you tried to rid of your clothings.

“Help me Hansol.”

Fuck, she said my name.

“Uh- huh yeah.” Naturally Hansol stuttered.

Your shirt’s buttons are off. Exposing your entire torso, and Hansol didn’t hesitate to grace the newly exposed skin with a kiss. You smiled at the look of awe in his face before diving in.

He’s of no help yet you ain’t complaining.

As much as you love the Alfa Romeo, the interior of the two seater are not fully accommodating to the shenanigans you both about to embark.

You just felt thankful you’re not doing this with Hansol when he’s driving the Ferrari Spider. Exhibitionism is not on your list of kinks. Yet.

You bring Hansol’s lips back to you. Silencing the mumble his lips waste as the pleasure runs faster than his mind could comprehend. Your touch roamed the freshly trimmed buzzcut.

Hansol has managed to hid the result of his drunken shenanigan under his hoodie. In embarrassment after Seungcheol has gathered the group of friends and lectured them about enabling behaviour under influence.

Speaking under influence. Hansol has a smidge feeling that your touches has gotten him so. He felt half embarrassed that he just sat there and let you do all the works. Once his focus return to the present, he had found you rid of your pants and only leaving you sat on his lap with only your panties.

“FUck.” Was the only thing he muttered before his lips dive to devour your nipple. His hands roamed across the expose skin of your back and fiddle with the material of your flimsy underwear. He thought he might have to rid of it, feeling the damp wetness had reached into his own pants.

The rush of pleasure got you arching your back and revel at the mixture of pain and pleasure from Hansol’s ministration. You don’t know how long you can hold on until it’s not enough.

“Vernon-” You rarely called him by his middle name. He did not regret making it his stage name, but it became too familiar in the lips of the crowd. And the sound of ‘Hansol’ from your lips felt different and some kind of special too.

Now though, listening to the name Vernon adorned with the sigh and your little needy noise has just upped the ante in Hansol’s level of pleasure. He’d felt embarrassed because most of it is just you and the millions way you called his name. Through your lips and paired with the smile he had secretly adored but fear to admitted.

“Tell me what you want, please.” Hansol managed to mumble amidst grazing your shoulder and neck with kisses. His hands gripping your hips tighter. He needed so much but he just wanted you to say that you truly want this.

In slight annoyance and with displeased grunt, you pulls away a little but your hands remained circled onto Hansol’s neck. Your questioning gaze quickly snapped him into pumping blood to his brain, jolting it to work some sort of reasoning he knew he had, but his mind too clouded with having you on his lap.

“U-uh, i want this, i want you, believe me. I just don’t want things became awkward between us after this.” Hansol eyes ricochet among the micro movement of your expression. He didn’t regret saying all that. Now the jolt of anticipation now swirling in the pit of his stomach.

“We’re all adult here Hansol. I promise things won’t get awkward.”

In a clouded judgement, Hansol nodded to your promise. A tall shield of things you had chosen to left unsaid.

His hand flew to cup your face, bringing it down to close the gap between your lips. Desperate touches return and roamed your back. Hansol coaxed a moan and groan from you. Prompting your lips to open and eventually did so.

Your idle hands work blindly to unbuckle his jeans. Meanwhile Hansol’s tongue explore your mouth in careless abandon. Enjoying the jolt of pleasure you brought just from sucking his tongue. He fear for himself of what you’ll be capable of doing with your mouth.

Hansol gaze at you in confusion. You pulled away and took one look at the state he’s in. Drunk in something else than alcohol. Such a sight you had pitifully missed during the long time you had known him.

Hansol’s bubble of confusion ia quickly burst when you did an experimental stroke from the base to the tip of his cock. He moaned. Head thrown back to the old leather headrest as the pleasure run its course. Thrumming under his clammy skin with you in a proximity of needing to meld your skin to his.

He welcomes it all. Groaning your name like a prayer as you keep your hand pumping his cock. Red and ready. You keep your breath steady. Savouring the sight of Hansol completely surrendering himself into your hand. It clenched your heart a little, but you know that you couldn’t have it any other way.

To scratch the itch, you close your lips back to his opened mouth. Teeth almost clashing but Hansol is quick to catch your lips back to his. Reciprocating the euphoric dizziness that swims around his head.

Unable hold on any longer you unceremoniously sank down the length of Hansol’s cock. Sighing in pleasure once the fullness has put on a haze of abandon in your nerve.

Certainly making your guilt felt lighter. Just at this moment.

Hansol tightened his clutch back to your hips. He wants to chase his own release by slamming his cock up to your cunt with no regards. Paying no mind towards your own pleasure.

But he held back.

The sight of his cock disappeared into your warm enveloping wall as you bounced on his lap is worth enough to let Hansol stay put and put you on the wheel.

“Fuck, Hansol-“ you uttered hoarsely. Drowning in sensation of being fucked full. Hansol’s cock hitting enough spot that shakes your nerve ending every time you drop down to his lap for more.

Its warm, no, burning with engulfing fire of desire, as you exert every strength in your legs to bring your cunt down and chase the highest form of pleasure. Clenching the headrest behind Hansol’s head, you muttered incoherent words straight to his ears. An encouragement as Hansol helps to keep the pace. Knowing that your thighs probably shot.

The strong arms slid alongside your thighs and took over. You slumped forward a little, letting Hansol planted bruising kisses over the plane of your chest while his hands control the movement of the sloppy pace of his cock disappearing into your cunt.

You know he’s close. Hansol’s kisses stuttered. Lips agape and planted just for him to groan. Puffs of his hot breath hitting your skin. You’ve had your legs shaking for a while. The strings of pleasure taut in your stomach, as Hansol kept his cock pounding restlessly. Gravity is his best friend.

Your grip moved from the headrest to the base of Hansol’s neck. The unraveling jolt of pleasure break open the dam as you shudder through the orgasm. Flashes of white came to your view as you clutch harder to Hansol’s skin. Red marks visibly bloom on his skin. Eliciting a groan from Hansol as you unknowingly also tighten your vice around Hansol’s cock. Walls contracting from pleasure of his girth.

“Oh fuck- Y/n you’re coming so hard i almost bust.” Hansol muttered lowly. Sounded half muted in your buzzing ears. The slow rush of your orgasm clouded your senses in a burst of euphoric pleasure.

You haven’t realized Hansol was fighting for his life under your touch. The vein in his hand bulging as he kept the pace steady amidst your orgasm. Now, fully locked in you push your thighs once more. Bouncing up and down the length of Hansol’s cock in a new vigour.

The man throw his head back in the newfound pleasure. You smirk at the state he’s in. Taking in the rush of power you hold over him. Haven’t care less about your panties that only had pushed aside to let his cock slid in.

The sound of skin hitting one another, with a steady squelching sound of your cunt slapping into his balls. Almost too lewd for you but seeing Hansol’s expression and the pleasure you just came through felt fitting.

“Come on Hansol, i know you’re close.”

He groaned, then his lips morphed into a smirk. Partly in disbelief on how the situation has panned out between you and him. Beads of sweat forming as proof how you had him just within a hand clutch.

Pushing aside how his hand is partly numb, the sight of your marked up tits bouncing along as you fucking yourself into his cock is enough to let him burst. Hansol tighten his hold on to your waist and his hips raised to push into you one more time. Low groan filling the fogged up car as Hansol cum inside you. A few sloppy thrust just to drive it home.

You slumped into Hansol’s shoulder in a little fits of giggle. Hansol’s whole body shook. Jolted you back into upright position as your hands cupped the side of his face. You savour the sight of Hansol one more time. The faint marks of freckle adorned his face. The little scar barely visible under his eyebrow and the faint mark of his smile by the corners of his eyes. The same one which studied your every movement.

Hansol gaze up to you in an unimaginable feelings. Sets deep into his stomach as your face remain a perfect picture of sunshine. Hansol cannot bear to look at you long enough, lest he wanted to blind himself.

Hansol memories ran back to your promise, that it wont get awkward between the two of you. He hold it as close he’s able near his heart. He couldn’t know the fact that you are leaving the establishment.

After the sun rose high enough, Hansol drove you to your place. More like he dropped you into the closest block you had allowed him to. Insisting that you wanted to walk for the rest. Passing by Mingyu’s little restaurant. Hansol had recognize the building, the cozy place that had people flocking by to have a taste of the hottest chef meticulously crafted meals.

Hansol reminded himself to say sorry to him, lest that he want their next meeting to be awkward. Now that he paid enough attention, there’s a green Aston Martin Dbx parked outside. Hansol doesn’t remembered Mingyu getting one recently.

You stood outside Hansol’s car until he awkwardly wave to you and eventually drove away.

Truly you had kept your words. Things would not get awkward between the two of you. Because how could it be when you no longer work at the club.

You had submitted your resignation weeks ago. Last night, or morning had been your last shift at the club. You have had a sliver of plan, but something about having experienced broken dream had gotten you to push back trying again and had resorted to you picking up valet shifts at the club.

Now, you try again. Going to the rally cars meet-up and feeling out clubs that you deem fit with you.

Leaving the club, it had nothing to do with Hansol. Staying there though. He played a part of your pushed back dream.

Until one night, that had prolonged into morning. Then him dropping you a few blocks away from your home.

But Hansol didn’t really know that. He had excitedly turn to the familiar way to the club. Driving his Alfa Romeo, but the valet driver who welcomes him is a new face he didn’t recognize. Later at night, he had kept his sobriety, and half hoping you would emerge from his car. But met with the same face of the new valet driver.

“Where is Y/n? Is she not working tonight?” He eventually asks. Car door opened and the new valet driver stare back at Hansol.

“She’s gone. I’m her replacement.”

Hansol drove to his home in a bewildering state. Parked right beside the dusty Lamborghini, Hansol sat defeated by the fact you had lied. Or maybe not. Because how could things became awkward when the two of you would not meet again?

A laughter bubbled in his throat. Defeat tastes funny in his tongue. And bitter at the same time. Yet funny. So Hansol laughed until his legs felt numb for sitting in his car for too long.

Hansol had tried to accept the fact that he barely had any tangible memories of you to feel this betrayed. Yes, he had named the feeling as betrayal. His friends laughed amusingly, but none with surprise. They had bore witness to the weird dynamic between the two.

They’re either became sworn enemy of a destined lover. Either way one was obsessed with each other, yet unknown of how to channel such energy.

Wonwoo had offered he knew a few rally club just around the city. If you continues your dream, that’s probably where you would start.

Hansol had laughed and pushed the offer away.

Until he got drunk that night, and Wonwoo, who is sober had drove him home. The F1 strategist is met with a drunken plea of the old offer.

\\

“Good news, we might be able to afford the new spare engine that won’t bust at finish line.”

Your ears perked up, putting down the damp cloth you had wiped your sweat with.

Race days rarely had unexpected news, other than regarding the race itself. But the day had been long and after streak of mediocre result within a sweltering summer season, a news of sponsor willing to take your team to another level was a breeze of much needed fresh air.

You were breathless off of your morning run. Going straight to the office that had connected straight to the garage where your car sit pretty. You have been complaining of needing a boost of power to might be able to feel the glory of a podium place. But the tightrope of balancing result and minimum sponsor have been hanging around your team all the same.

“That’s a very good news.” You paused to take a sip of a drink. “But why do i feel that there’s a bad news there.” You quipped curiously. Your team manager sheepishly scratch his temple in a mixture of confusion and blind hopefulness.

You notices it. Knowing full well the extend of deliverables that had to be given just have an extra cash to afford some basic things.

Although such basic things like an engine might cost above hundreds thousands.

“Come on spit it out what do the sponsor wants? a product placement? or their logo in every surface of our garage in each race?” You huffed tiredly. Both from physical fatigue and the familiar rodeo of receiving a sponsor with their ridiculously absurd request.”

“They want a decal of a face on the hood of the car.”

You blinked. A wash of reality shone over you. A feeling that guised as regrets but took form more like a guilt sparked in your chest. It wrapped taut against your heart.

“It’s not odd about wanting sponsor branding on the car. But a face?” Your team manager still in the pit of confusion only grew more so when they see you slowly smile. A bitter one at that. “I ask their team about setting up the meeting, but the representative only told me to ask you first. What do you think?”

You went silent for a while. Shaking your head at the childish behaviour happening in your very much serious garage. Then again, you were the childish one for disappearing without proper goodbye. Deep down you know you deserved this. Hansol was kind and humorous enough to not hunt you down in hate.

For that you could thank him. Maybe right after you ask for forgiveness. Either way you couldn’t avoid it much further.

“Tell them we should meet.” You said in confidence, maybe a slight anticipation. “So i can tell the sponsor myself i’m civil to all of his idea.”

a/n: this will be a part of sports car series, but i’ll organize it later akshabaj

[metanarrates]

the bill (post that outlines it from last week) has been signed into law.

the slight good news: the language of the bill has been amended so that children can no longer be criminally charged for using a bathroom or locker room that aligns with their gender identity.

the bad news: literally almost everything else about the bill is the same. adults can still be charged.

in addition to everything highlighted in my earlier post, I would like to highlight that the law will charge transgender adults with trespass if “the individual enters or remains in the changing room under circumstances which a reasonable person would expect to likely cause affront or alarm to, on, or in the presence of another individual." in other words, if a transphobe is alarmed by a trans person existing in a restroom, and the judge agrees, that's a trespassing charge. maximum penalties for trespassing under utah law go up to six months in jail and a $1000 charge.

I don't think I need to explain the violence that trans people, particularly trans women, face in jail, especially if they are sent to a men's prison as a trans woman. I also don't think I need to explain the poverty that the trans community experiences as a result of systemic discrimination, and how devastating a fine can be to a poor person. and even without the charge, being harassed by both civilians and cops who will demand that you prove your gender is traumatizing and humiliating. even though this law does in fact only extend to buildings that are publicly funded (such as government offices, schools, possibly the salt lake city airport,) this will also embolden transphobes to harass trans people in other places. make no mistake, this law is violence.

additionally, the law also can give out charges of lewdness and voyeurism, both of which are sex crimes. being placed on the sex offender registry can be DEVASTATING for a person's job opportunities, ability to find housing, and basic rights to privacy. in addition to the already devastating housing and employment issues faced by ex-convicts, this would make life practically unlivable for anyone convicted.

I'll emphasize again that this endangers the trans community, particularly the transfem community, but I am also scared for black women, gnc people, and intersex people, all of whom are also vulnerable to gender policing and gender-based harassment. I am terrified at how openly this law gives leeway for civilians to act as vigilantes and for cops to demand to know what a person's genitals look like. I am terrified at the escalation of hate crimes and harassment that this will likely prompt.

please show up for the utah trans community. in the next few days, I will put together a list of trans people's gofundmes in the state. I would appreciate it if you would share that as well. chances are, we're going to need a lot of financial help in the future, especially if some of us end up choosing to flee the state.

as always, death to the american police state and all it enables.

[ellenchain]

I love the way you depict post-canon Jayce and Viktor in your comic! The faint hints of purple and…ethereal(? what do you call shimmering galaxy skin tones??) on parts of Viktor’s body and Jayce’s wrist are soooo good, and ofc I wholeheartedly believe Jayce should always keep his beautiful handmade (literally! Ha!) circlet design and the psychic connection it enables.

I’ve seen so many post-canon designs where they just go back to their entirely human bodies, or at least an earlier version of Viktor’s mechanical evolution, and I think that’s so lame visually AND thematically. S2 gave them so many new visual elements (that they earned through extreme pain and effort and love!) that fans can mix and match, and instead people choose to simply give them the ol’ factory reset??

Thank you very much! I'm glad you like the way I portray them! ❤️

Okay long answer ahead, sorry in advance

I honestly had a few trial runs where their bodies looked different. Viktor especially, as I wasn't sure how the rune affected him.

At first I wanted to give him a mix of Machine Herald and human body:

But then I reconsidered and changed it. The rune integrated itself into his astral form and… Destroyed? Healed him? At least we see that both Jayce and Viktor end up being sucked into the rune. So if we disregard the fact that they both died (no no), it would make the most sense that they ended up in another dimension (like Ekko and Heimerdinger).

Either they ended up in bodies that aren't theirs, or they got their own because they ended up in a dimension where they already died - like in my comic.

So there were two options for me: Viktor and Jayce look exactly the same as they were drawn into the rune (Jayce with full armour, Viktor in his Machine Herald form). But that would have not make much sense, because then what was the rune doing in their astral form? It would have had basically no effect (externally) and, as you wrote, that would have been a bit boring visually.

The second option would have been a ‘new’ body, affected by the Arcane and infused with magic. So in the end it was a mix of their old bodies for me: Jayce with a beard and long hair because that's sexy; Viktor with his weak leg and fragile body, but healed from the anomaly and the hexcore by the rune. But both are now connected to the Arcane, the rune has united them (as we basically saw at the end). In spirit they are basically one, physically of course still two different beings. That's why I like that Jayce retains his ‘scars’ on his forehead + wrist where he suffered hexcorisation, and Viktor has ‘scars’ all over his body that have effectively replaced his old body of machine and magic.

I also like the option that Viktor is still a divine entity, just healed by the dark influence of the Hexcore. Meaning that he still has his powers as we saw in act 3.

I know he's more mage than Machine Herald now, but maybe he'll replace his leg with part machine at some point, because that would be pretty lit.

On the other hand, I'd also think it would be nice if he had two forms now: his Machine Herald form, in which he can better control the Arcane, and his human form, which is powerful but still fragile.

Well, so much for my essay - thanks for your message hahaha!!! I find it so exciting how many fan theories there are now - one better than the other tbh

[jovial-thunder]

Downtimes, module editor, water temple

Happy summer! There's smoke in Portland but it's not too bad. Bless firefighters. Work on Lancer Tactics continues apace.

This month has been mostly focused on the largest heretofore-untouched section of the game: downtimes and the module editor for designing the sequences between combats. We're not planning on doing anything particularly innovative or new in its design — if you've played Banner Saga, Fire Emblem (gameboy versions), or Rogue Squadron you'll recognize what's going on here.

Repair, level up, have visual-novel-style conversations with companions, do some light choose-your-own-adventuring, and pick & launch the next combat. All pretty standard downtime fare — games have pretty thoroughly explored these patterns as vehicles for narrative at this point.

The unique thing that Lancer Tactics is offering on this front is an editor to make your own entire campaigns. Classic games like Warcraft or Age of Empires had incredible scenario editors, but making anything more than a one-mission map was solely the domain of modders. Over the last few weeks, we've gotten a full basically-visual-novel-editor working ingame where you can orchestrate NPC story arcs, clocks ticking, branching paths, and triggered events for all the stuff that happens between combats.

All of the campaigns we ship with the game are going to be made with these same editors, which'll force us to really make sure that they're solid tools. I think it'd be very funny to someday see someone like completely ignore all the mech stuff and just make a visual novel in this engine.

There's no new preview game build this month because adding this big section of the game means too many things are under construction. I'm happy with how fast we've been able to get this going, but making ingame editors is a lot of unglamorous UI piping and data refactoring work. Fingers crossed that it'll come together enough that we'll be able to get the first version of this editor in your hands in time for the next update

Other Changelogs

Carpenter has started re-making the tutorial level from the demo in this new engine, which is pushing us to add a bunch of stuff to the combat editor. I added triggers for playing arbitrary effects on the map, moving the camera, storing arbitrary data to the battle/module states, enabling/disabling/triggering other triggers, AND/OR conditions, and putting execution limits on triggers.

Triggers can highlight UI or actions (so it can be like "use the boost to get through!" and the boost button becomes all shiny)

New "camera start" zone type

Added a "hotspot" zone type that has a little floating title, and plastered the names of other zones on the map (visual style stolen from some Foundry VTT modules)

Added water, whose level can be set via the editor or triggers.

Added unmounted pilots who can mount up into Shut Down mechs. We continue to plan to not have pilot combat be a part of the core game, but it'll be useful for scenario or scripted sequences.

Added activation pips and template icons to the mini healthbar on units.

A bunch more portrait editor assets from Martina, including facial hair. Here's a check Carpenter did where he tried to recreate some official Lancer art ingame. ✨

Schedule update

Taking a look at our original date for the "bones" of the game ("finishing the battle engine, basic character creation, 2 mechs per manufacturer, and an a 'instant action' mode"), we estimated being able to get it done by the end of November. The emotional milestone for me on this front is getting the game to a complete enough state that I feel OK about swapping it in on the itch.io page.

I've been saying that the 3D cataclysm has pushed us back back about 3 months, and I think that's still holding true. Carpenter and I haven't officially made the call yet, but I think it's likely we'll need that time to port more mech content; here's a graph they made that shows about where we're sitting on the PC and NPC mechs for the "bones" target in terms of mechanics and action icon/sprite. 

(This data is pulled from a big table they made that includes ALL talents/gear/traits where we've been marking things off as we've implemented them. Very handy for tracking where we are.)

That's all for now. Tata!

[creepycoffins]

Hi yes I would LOVE to hear your jotakak hcs 🙌🙌🙌

ur all enabling me stoooop I'm cringe /lh

Here are my basic thoughts :))) fair warning I have Much to say wrt Kakyoin lives au uhhh man I should just write a fic. Whatever throws this at u

kakyoin lives but his healing journey is long and arduous and uncertain. Every day is a coin toss. The physical and mental toll on the both of them is too high--theyre both 17 for fucks sake it'd be too high for anyone. How could they navigate a budding, relationship (probably each other's first?? And what with kakyoins lonely past??) when they've got more trauma combined than what most people go through in a lifetime? When jotaro thinks for even a minute too long about what kakyoin is going through (because of him, his brain supplies helpfully), Jotaro starts to unravel. So even though jotaro is sure he loves kakyoin, he does leave. he's scared of the way he feels. he does choose to live a life away from Kakyoin who, for the better part of his twenties, remains recovering with and working for the Speedwagon Foundation. Kakyoin was never really mad at Jotaro tho. Sure, he was probably bitter and stubbornly pushed away how he felt to mask his disappointment. But it was a lot, they were young, and jotaro is famously bad at sitting with his discomfort. And kakyoin was so focused on like, basically relearning how to be a human all over again, he's not sure he would've been any better himself.

When they meet again, Jotaro has already been through a failed marriage and is a few years into fatherhood. And god, kakyoin is a hearth fire. Just as bright and sharp and full of life as he'd been before, but somehow even more honed, more graceful. Jotaro is well and truly fucked. He'd never moved on, not really. And kakyoin forgives him. He sees right through Jotaro, he knows what jotaro means when he stumbles. It takes Jotaro a while to lean into it, to let himself Receive, to forgive himself. But Kakyoin is patient. And when it happens, that's it. End of story. Ruined for anyone else tbh

They do laundry and taxes together, man!! They know how the other takes their coffee, how to perfectly steep each other's tea, they borrow each other's socks, they're so in sync it disturbs everyone around them. They're an old married couple. Their flirting is devastating. People think they're fighting. They use their stands inappropriately. Kakyoin is able to take Jotaro apart with a single word, a gesture, a look. They bicker. They're like two stones smoothed over to perfectly fit into the curves of the other. They critique movies together and take nature walks and go bird watching. They both smoke the same brand of cigarettes (they get help quitting from Koichi). They have a fucking porch swing. And kakyoin is a good dad. He's so god damn proud.

Kakyoin works for the swf and uses that brain for good, but he's still an artist. Jotaro is always encouraging him to try for galleries, and goes to his shows when he does make it in. Kakyoin loves that jotaro is passionate about his degree. They have a lot of respect for each other and support each other's work. Truly equals in every sense of the word.

They talk over the phone a lot while JoJo's in Morioh. They like playing chess together. They have a favorite late night coffee shop. Theyre diligent about returning their library books. Jotaro makes a really good pineapple upside down cake. you agree

I won't share my nsfw hcs this is a mostly sfw blog but. Trust me I have them :)))

As a caveat they're both such interesting characters on their own outside of ship. and I have so many thoughts on them individually I could write essays!!! But u asked for jotakak so here I've baked u cookies (jotakak hcs) enjoy

[freefromthecocoon]

You know me, but not well at all, though we've talked some, here & there since we've both been in this fandom for a very long time. As the main show was ending, I was very involved in & vocal about keeping positive, the excitement in regards to(what was to become) TBOC, & trying to light up Twitter to drum up excitement for it.

Then we got the news about Melissa not being involved & I tried to hang tough for a few months, pouring myself into hashtags & tweets about Mel.

I ultimately had to take a huge step back from the fandom, basically disappearing for the first time in(what had been) 10yrs. Not because of being disappointed with the show, but because your assessment of a certain voice in this fandom is correct. That person became so seemingly compulsive in their negativity that I couldn't take it. It was uncomfortable. When trying to point out silver linings, solutions, & disengagement with negative voices within our own fandom, I felt met with what amounted to presumed conspiracy & frustration at choosing high ground. I genuinely appreciated this person's analysis of the show up to that point, but between them & another person they communicated with regularly who gave them "industry tips", I felt like I was suffocating. Something that I loved(but like the rest of us, was dissatisfied with & frustrated by very often for an entire decade) so much was becoming a burden to endure.

I began questioning whether I even wanted canon to happen anymore, let alone Mel being bright back into the project because any time I saw Norman, I could only think of what awful assumed things had been said about him purposely going out of his way to ruin Mel's chance at being in the show.

My opinion, in as far as the billing situation goes, is as follows(not that it was asked for):

I share their opinion that I'd have preferred to see their names side by side, wholeheartedly. It would have more visually satisfying. However, I think we all know that despite the show's main title carrying his character's name, that they're both billed as the stars, whether her name is following his or not.

Andy's name was the first to appear in the credits for the duration of his run on the main show, despite us all knowing that in the show's prime, Norman was the fan favorite & was likely bringing in more money than Andy.

Another example of "order doesn't dictate billing" is, & excuse me for showing my age with this, Anthony Edwards was billed first in the opening credits for ER for years despite George Clooney & Noah Wylie being their big stars/cash-cows at the height of it's popularity.

Tl;Dr- My opinion is it is OBVIOUSLY both Norman AND Melissa's show now. And I'm going to choose to be positive again.

Hello Anon and welcome back. I feel that your last statement in your ask is not opinion, but fact. It is both Melissa's AND Norman's show. I also agree with everything you said about the billing, both with TBOC and with the other instances you mentioned. I am glad you brought up ER...yes I am that old too, lol. Several people in attendance of the premiere have commented that the opening credits/animation is beautiful and pays tribute equally to both Carol and Daryl and also to Melissa and Norman.

Watching clips and photos of Melissa over the past few days, I believe that she is incredibly happy with everything. She was completely glowing all weekend.

Now to address the elephant in the room. The negativity in our fandom, which thankfully seems to be dwindling rapidly. I think that part of what enabled the person you mentioned is that for the longest time, there was only rumor and innuendo. AMC handled this poorly from the start. I feel that pretty much everyone agrees about that point.

The frustrating point is that as more and more postive news came out...this person continued to double down with trying to tamp down positivity. I won't belabor the point here, but it became obvious to me and many others, as I am learning, that it was no longer about supporting Melissa, but it was about the negative person in question being right and retaining her perceived power in the fandom.

I too went pretty quiet for a while. But I never lost faith in Melissa or Norman, no matter what negative rumors were being spread about their friendship. (this goes back to the very beginning when the OG show ended and the spinoff changes were initially announced).

"I could only think of what awful assumed things had been said about him purposely going out of his way to ruin Mel's chance at being in the show." This was frustrating to me that so many people seemed ready to assume that Norman was out to get Mel. They have been good friends and colleagues for such a long time. A disagreement is bound to happen from time to time. I knew the idea of a tiff was not out of the realm of possibility. But the innuendo that their friendship was irrevocably broken never entered my mind. Seeing them together at SDCC that year and then seeing pictures of them together on the final day of filming for TWD busted the initial narrative that was presented as TWD filming ended and the announcement of the spinoff changes.

Now I ask you...does this look like a man who is trying to ruin the chance of Mel being in the show?

Does this look like people who can't stand each other? (Photos taken on last day of filming TWD)

(I frequently allow people I am on the outs with to lay their head in lap)

Look, this got a lot lengthier than I intended. Suffice it to say, Anon, I am glad that you are choosing positivity and I am really looking forward to our summer and fall of goodness. We all have earned the happiness we are feeling and we should revel in it!

Caryl on everyone!

[mabelskins]

How to: Accessibility [EN]

Part 01 - Visual design

It’s been a while since my last how to and felt like putting something together! First of all, HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! To everyone out there! Being in the queer community, i know the struggles we go through everyday and am wishing a very proud month to all of us <3

Moving on to the actual topic here: accessibility. It’s been shown here and there when discussing coding and skinning but WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY MEAN! 

Let’s go back a bit. For years people have been trying to achieve the impossible: an universal design. A design that is universal and usable for ALL people a one-size-fits-all design that will be usable and perfect for everyone. Now, there’s only one ‘little’ problem with this: people are different. I’ve always been overweight and whenever I’ve seen clothes that say ‘one size fit all’, I look at it very suspiciously. Bottom line is: every person is different, pain points and needs will also be different. 

So what do we do? One different design for every person who is using our product? 

Well, let’s make it equitable, let’s provide flexibility to cater for a broader audience, and let this audience choose what’s best for them. But! That’s doesn't take the responsibility from us, the designers (and coders) to make sure that we are making what we can to enable this flexibility. 

------------- I've started a list which I then realised would be way bigger than expected, so decided to make each item into its own post. We'll start with VISUAL DESIGN!

Part 01 - Visual design

Colour

I’ve mentioned before about the importance of contrast and contrast ratio briefly. If you want to go into more details, you may have a look at W3 Guidelines. In short: 

Don't rely on colour alone to convey meaning, information and actions;

Make sure there's enough contrast between foreground and background

Provide an option for light/dark mode

Light/Dark Modes

There’s a myth that dark mode is good for accessibility, because it improves text readability. (Personally, I’m a big fan of dark mode, as white/bright screens may trigger migraines). However, as everything in ux, the answer to ‘is it black or white’ is that it depends. As mentioned before, a good rule of thumb is not to generalise and provide flexibility. 

When using light and dark mode, make sure the colour contrast ratio passes on both modes. Here’s a few tips for designing for dark mode (according to atmos article attached at the end of this): 

Use tints (less saturated colours). Saturated colours can cause eye strain and will be hard to pass accessibility standards.

Image from Atmos website

Avoid pure black. Please. Pure black and pure white when used together might be the default instinct, but the contrast when used together is so strong it becomes hard to look at. Choose dark greys and off-whites/light grey when possible. 

Be patient with your colour palette, inverting colours won’t make it necessarily good. Take your time to build a palette that will be suitable for both.

Target Sizes

First, what is this? This refers to the dimensions of interactive elements such as links, buttons, icons or touch targets. Basically, anything you can interact/click.

WCAG 2.2 established a minimum for pointer inputs to be 24x24. This is the space that should be provided for a clickable area.

Image from W3 website

There's a number of exceptions and guidelines which I won't get into too much detail. It's important to think about the area which people are clicking into these elements. Also remember that this may be quite useful for users that are using the forum in their mobiles - so this is quite important (don't you hate when you can't click somewhere because you haven't clicked the EXACT area needed?)

In short:

Make sure target sizes are at least 24px

Make sure buttons look like buttons, anything that is clickable and interactive LOOKS like they are interactive

Make sure links are underlined (again, as an extra visual sign that they are clickable)

THAT'S IT!!

For part 01 at least. This is just the tip of the iceberg though. If you'd like to dive deeper into this, I highly recommend Stephanie Walter's content, as well as the Extra Bold book read. I'm attaching a few more articles and resources here too! If you've read all of this, you are a champ, I know this is longer than usual. Please like and share this content, let's get it out there!

Articles:

Designers Guide to Documenting Accessibility

Dark mode ui best practices

Dark mode best practices

Accessibility annotation examples

Colour accessibility tools

Inclusive components design

Accessible design in 60s

Target size minimum

Resources

Accessible colours

Accessible colour palette builder

[barbwritesstuff]

Anon who was asking about increasing powers yesterday. I feel like its not so much not being able to choose freely that feels frustrating, as it is the current requirements for gaining powers. I don't mind having restrictions on being able to learn powers in concept, and I think having them be tied to the world and your characters actions/choices is a pretty neat idea, I just think the current implementation just isn't quite clicking with me. The chapter 1 choices are somewhat better as I see the logic behind them. And while it's definitely a bit sad I can't always pick the combo of starting stat boost and background content I feel would best fit my character, it's not the biggest issue, not really that much of a bother. Chapter 5 is really the where I have my issue. Basically, while I can see why allying with the relevant trainer would enable a character to increase a power they wouldn't necessarily be naturally inclined to, I think I'm failing to see the other half of the requirement, which is why a character who is more inclined to one of the powers couldn't improve that power on their own, so the requirement ends up feeling somewhat arbitrary. There's also the element where it feels like another way the game is skewed in favor of less reluctant characters, since a reluctant character is far more likely to not make any alliances, and then just not get to increase a power in Chapter 5.

But knowing that I'm not totally locked out of path of the beast forever for not choosing to be a criminal or ally with Illya does make it somewhat less annoying, so thanks for the info.

I understand where you're coming from, but I'm not going to change my mind on this. Five years for a vampire to develop a new power is quick. If most vampires were doing that every 5 years, they'd be gods by the time they're 50.

But that's not the case. Lawrence Blackwell was 200ish when he fought the werewolves and he was only just able to give shadows form.

MC doesn't realise this, but if they have even one power by 5, they're a very impressive fledgling. Having two powers by that age is incredibly unusual and the only way I can see that happening is via rigorous training.

I also don't think reluctant vampires can't be allies and/or train with other vampires. You don't have to like being a vampire, or kill, or anything to get any of these allies. You just have to tell them that you'll stick up for them in court.

That said, I get it. Iliya is a bit of a prick when you first meet him, being a criminal isn't an easy pill to swallow, and I understand not wanting to engage in even the lowest level of politics... which means you will have to wait a little while longer to get super strength.

All that said, you don't actually need powers to play the game. I was even thinking of putting an achievement in for players who finish the game powerless.

Powers are get out of jail free cards and/or things that'll activate useful hints or flavour texts.

You'll end up in more sticky situations without powers (and the end game will be harder) but it's still totally doable.

Other choices matter more when it comes to actually changing the story. For example, what tribute you decide will pretty much determine the next couple of chapters.

I hope all of that makes sense. 💙

[justbookscatsandtea]

I got the feeling that people hate the arc in the mortal world where Yan Dan pushes Tang Zhou away after regaining her memories. But I have to say that I actually really liked that part ... I mean it was heartbreaking and I was somewhat frustrated but I also feel like it was necessary and beneficial for them in the long run.

After first regaining her memories, she was understandably upset because Ying Yuan did everything in his power to make her hate him so that she may have a future. She doesn't know that and her feelings of betrayal are valid (I do not blame Ying Yuan for his actions either. He had an abundance of horrible and worse options and tried to make the best choices. It might have been better if he and Yan Dan communicated more but I feel he was the only one who really grasped the enormity of the situation - that there was no way Yan Dan would have survived if he so much as hinted at caring for her - the emperor was on his case already). Anyway she feels betrayed and doesn't want to be with a man who could never love her (as he made her think) and could definitely never choose her. So pushing him away was her wish to save herself from future heartbreak. It also gave her time to come to terms with her feelings and to find out what really happened back then (like with the butterfly of hate but actually love).

Then comes the iteration where Tang Zhou does the unthinkable: he decides to choose her over his sect, over his martial arts, over everything that held importance in his life. I think that it did help her heal and see that duty is not more important to him than love. (Funnily enough I have the Barbie and the Pauper quote stucknin my head because of this show: duty is doing the things your heart might well regret. It just fits them so beautifully because honestly the duty of the Sovereign Lord alnost broke them both)

But then comes the most important part for her I believe - what she did not even manage to do in the heavenly realm as isolated as she was from the world up there: she understood what Ying Yuan meant to the world. That all her friends, her family, the people she loved needed Tang Zhou to become the Sovereign Lord again. He can choose his duty over her because the sect will be FINE. Sure they needed some help establishing themselves but ultimately they did not need Tang Zhou to lead them. The stakes were pretty much non-existent. This is not true for the world where a conspiracy 11 000 years in the making has already seen ENTIRE REALMS DESTROYED. He IS the powerhouse of the heavenly realm, the only one who can make things right. That is also the compromise they make at the end after all. AFTER fulfilling his duty and saving the world, he will leave for the mortal realm and they can be together. When the world is save to live in once again. And she needed to get to the point where she sacrificed the second part of her heart not only for love. The first half was mainly out of her love for him. Sure she thought that the heavenly realm might need him but the reasons where far more personal. Now she also knows that he NEEDS to be up there and make things right. In the end he sacrificed himself for duty and love for he had already hurt her with the demonic powers he cannot control and she choses to share his destiny which enabled them later on to be reborn together.

Another minor point is that she basically turned the Uno reverse card on him: now she will push him away for his own good. I think a part of her doesn't want him to choose between the world and herself again because it is at the end a cruel choice that will tear him apart no matter what. And she loves him too much to do that hence the compromise later on.

[hils79]

Hils Watches Conjuring Curse - Part 2

How long do we think it will be before Wu Xie blows up or somehow destroys these artifacts that he's vowing to protect?

We are 25 mins into this movie and Xiaoge hasn't uttered a single word. This is why Hei Xiazi calls him Mute Zhang :D

He spoke!

I'm enjoying Xiaoge's action scenes in this. Look at him spidering on this wall to stop it collapsing

Ah, fuck. We're back in the creepy doll room.

This dude just vomited up his own eyeball and now I also want to puke

The pingpang is strong in this movie

Xiaoge just grabbed Wu Xie and yeeted him through the rapidly closing door. Must keep both his idiot husbands safe

And a lil bit of Pangxie as a treat

I've been thinking. I'm enjoying this, but the movie isn't really giving us much of the relationship stuff. The thing that made the HeiHua movie so good is that it was as much about Hei Xiazi and Xie Yuchen's relationship as it was about the tomb stuff. This hasn't really given us anything like that so far it's all just been about advancing the plot. I know these three love each other, because I'm familiar with the franchise and the characters, but if someone was using this as their introduction I don't know that they'd necessarily get that these three have been through hell and back together.

Well that's your first mistake

Is he communicating with the stone? Or just feeling the vibrations so he can tell the arm choppy door has reopened? Not quite sure what's happening here

Oh, shit, the baby triangle are in the room where the dude died in the opening scene

Xiaoge once again being very quick to save both his husbands

I love that Xiaoge is basically Spider-man in this movie

Okay, I am cackling at Xiazi being translated to Blindie. But also, I am fairly sure even training with Xiazi would not enable Wu Xie to do the series of twists and flips he just did.

Pangzi just Incredible Hulk ripped his jacket in half to use it to cover some of the mirrors. I'm fine.

I did very much enjoy the sequence of the three of them working together to cover all the mirror. But I think Pangzi got hit by a beam right at the end oh no. PROTECT HIM.

I know Xiaoge is trying to stop Pangzis neck from being snapped but this really is starting to feel like the pingpang movie

I love it when they get caught in traps that need all three of them to get out of it *cries in baby triangle*

OH FUCK

See, this is what I mean. If this is post Bronze Gate I can't imagine either of them agreeing to leave Xiaoge behind without at least arguing about it first. I know they have no choice but, hell, remember when Wu Xie cried in Ultimate Note because he had to choose between carrying Pangzi or Xiaoge out of a tomb and that was relatively safe compared to this

Okay, Wu Xie does at least look back before they go and he's clearly not happy about it

Ah, yes, that is peak tomb nonsense

What the fuck is that?

Nope! Absolutely not!

Okay, there's about 30 mins left and I've hit the image limit again. One more post should get me to the end.

Part 3

[miraculousdeservesbetter2024]

Ships:

Chlonette

Adribrina

Lukalix

Characters:

Miss Bustier

Andre

Rose

Hmmm…🤔

Ships:

Chlonette

👍👍👍

My favorite Chloe OTP! On the surface, Chlonette might just look like your basic cute crackship or possible redemption/reformation story for Chloe, but thanks to this Chlonette server I'm in (with these awesome people I might add), Chlonette is a lot more complex and has more layers than you think. My reasons for shipping it are a possible Chloe redemption/reformation, Chloe can of course treat Marinette better, enemies to lovers (though in my case, it’s enemies, to hesitant friends, to friends and THEN to lovers), they generually look interesting together, and Chloe already has (or did have) a crush on Ladybug, so that's to assume if she had an crush on Ladybug, she might be her type.

Also, before S4-5, I saw Marinette (other than Miss Bustier, Sabrina, and possibly Adrien) being really the only one who truly understands Chloe. I feel that Mari being Ladybug is more prominent when it comes to this. Also, I feel that Marinette and Chloe are a lot alike when you really think about it when you take away their different upbringings. People dislike these two together for obvious and understandable reasons (the way Chloe canonically treats Marinette, Chloe's a bully, Marinette gave up on Chloe etc.), but I personally think it has potential (or at least it did, until canon/Astruc ruined it).

Adribrina

👍

Adribrina isn't a bad ship. Two friends of mine got me invested in this ship (and it also comes from the fact that I also ship Lukabrina). From what I’ve gathered, people ship because it’s “cat and dog” shipping and the lack of interactions these two had in the series. So basically it completely resonates from potential, which is understandable. I also think it would be a bit interesting to see these two interact.

Lukalix

👍

I prefer this ship as a strong friendship, but I’m perfectly fine with people shipping it. It has some potential and the two are holders of time-related miraculouses 😄

Characters

Miss Bustier

Eh…

👍👎

Sorry. I know it’s a copout, but I legitimately feel REAL indifferent on Bustier right now. Her teachings at first came off as wholesome and understandable, but once you really look into it, not only she’s an enabler to Chloe’s bad behavior, but throws her actual good student under the bus and doesn’t even bother to take up for her against Lila (Ladybug episode). Then later ends up throwing Chloe under the bus too once she starts to “finally understand Chloe’s true nature”. Which I GET the intent behind this, but I don’t like it because SHE’S one of the many adults who enabled her in the first place, but now she wants to give up on her!?

“BUT Chloe got her fired even though she’s pregnant!” It doesn’t matter? I’m not trying to sound cruel here (because that really is messed up), but I just think as the grown adult who choose to enable Chloe and gave her the benefit of the doubt (compared to what she did for her other students btw), does she really have the right to bail on her now??? I’m not trying to sound insensitive or unsympathetic of Bustier’s situation, but I just think it’s not all on Chloe. I don’t think Miss Bustier is a bad person, but some of the stuff she does is seriously questionable.

Andre

👎👎👎

I didn’t necessarily “hate” Andre in the past, but now? He’s a corrupt politician and a bad father who gave up on his own daughter AND replaced her with a girl who’s not even 💯 his. I also hate how he’s somehow more sympathetic than the 14 year old girl who he failed to raise property. It’s so dumb that it’s constantly said that Chloe is “evil” because she doesn’t want to lose her privileges, but who GIVES HER those privileges in the first place??? So that automatically falls on her PARENT.

Rose

👍

I like her! She’s not my favorite character, but she’s a sweet character who represents jubilation well. 

[mylittleredgirl]

Actually revising my last ask to all #s that haven't been answered yet (I agree that answering all livejournal style looks fun!)

i should have seen this ask first and spared everyone the many posts! thank you for enabling me <3

1. How many fics have you worked on since January?

12 fics posted, and 12 unfinished fics. not the worst ratio??

2. What’s something new that you tried in a fic this year?

it was very big and brave of me to post fic for m*a*s*h without having seen the whole series first

3. What piece of media inspired you the most? (This can be the fandom you wrote the most for, the one that spawned the most ideas, the one you thought about the most, etc.)

babylon 5, although you wouldn't know it to look at my finished ao3 works.

5. What ships captured your heart?

same b5 topic, this is the first time since puberty that i can remember going into fully feral otp mode with a non-romantic pairing (sinclair & delenn). screaming crying freeze-framing, the whole deal. it's so embarrassing of me that i don't even want them to fuck.

7. Did you write for any new fandoms or ships this year?

m*a*s*h <3 and ship-wise, sheridan/delenn and mirror trip/t'pol.

10. What fic was the most satisfying to finish writing?

WELL since a full half of my fics were posted 1 minute before the deadline (i wish i were exaggerating), the primary emotion involved was relief that the page loaded before the hour ticked over, but i worked soooo unnecessarily hard on Placed Among the Stars (stargate atlantis, sheppard/weir) and felt like i hit all the notes that it was the most satisfying to finish i think (even though i had more and it was going to be much longer -- hopefully a sequel this year!).

11. What fic was the most difficult to write?

Desert Fire (enterprise, mirror trip/t'pol). i thought i was going to have to download tinder to remember how sex works.

12. What fic was the easiest to write?

Difficulty: Advanced (stargate atlantis, sheppard/weir)

13. What were your shortest and longest fics posted this year?

longest was Desert Fire (7500 words), shortest was Evenly Matched (x-files, msr, 1700 words)

14. What were your go-to writing songs?

i somehow wrote so many fics themed around stars that i ended up with a songs-about-stars playlist. (favorite of the bunch is Stars Will Align by kygo & imagine dragons)

15. What was the hardest fic to title?

there were a couple real weak ones in the mix this year, the weakest being The Long, Dark Night (the x-files, doggett/reyes). like come on girl!

i listened to every possible song i could find with "stars" in the title to eventually run out of time and choose and at the center, just you and me (stargate atlantis, sheppard/weir, title from "stars fell on alabama"), but i'm happy with that now!

16. What's your favorite title of the year?

a road with no wrong turns (voyager, janeway/chakotay) because the line "the future is a road with no wrong turns" came to me first and then i write a fic that would let me use it.

17. Share your favorite opening line

none of them really nail it honestly! of the choices available, "It doesn't happen often." intriguing at least?

18. Share your favorite ending line

[redacted while fic is anonymous]

20. Share your funniest line

oh noooo when i couldn't think of one i went back through my works page and i haven't written a humor fic since 2022. the only thing i can think about is this little exchange because i smile when i picture it (keiko & molly on ds9):

“I didn’t know about that yet. We still lived on the Enterprise.” “Oh, of course.” Molly sighs so dramatically that Keiko has to pinch her lips to hold back a smile. “The Enterprise.”

22. What writing programs did you use? Did you write by hand?

i'm a basic microsoft word girlie, bravely writing fic with a software license owned by my employer

23. If you had to choose one, what was THE most satisfying writing moment of your year?

people enjoying my m*a*s*h fic! i still get nervous whenever i enter a new fandom <3

24. Did you do anything special to celebrate finishing a fic?

no, the very act of surviving a deadline is celebration enough. go outside? get some sleep??

25. How did you recharge between fics?

i almost always watch episodes of whatever fandom i'm going to write next to charge up before writing fic. we'll pretend it's not procrastination and just that i must become one with the character voices before i can proceed.

26. Did you create fanworks other than fic?

just a few tumblr creations, my favorite of which was an attempt at web-weaving (i am become a name; sinclair & delenn) and a recent meta post i'm proud of about chakotay and starfleet.

27. How many events did you take part in? (bangs, exchanges, ship weeks, zines, prompt memes, they all count!)

nine exchanges!

i answered all the other questions, but in looking at my stats i realized i am at 45k words for the year, so maybe by the end of 2024 i can make it to 50k... probably not though!

full ask list is rebloggable here

[tirfpikachu]

as someone with bpd it sounds like that girl has bpd. I behaved in the exact shitty way with new fps lol

DAMN IT U MIGHT BE RIGHT....... at least bpd-adjacent reactions. i have bpd as well and it took ages for me to grow out of that.

rn she's stuck living with her toxic family and is really isolated, not working or studying, waiting for a big chronic illness-related surgery. and she has a lot of trauma & anxiety & insecurities. she also says she doesn't want therapy cuz she's still living with toxic family, so she doesn't think it'll do much lol even though i told her i do nooot date girls seriously if they have issues unless they're heavily therapized. i feel like she's the type of sapphic who will uhaul VERYYYYY easily, especially to escape her current situation. and i get it bc i've been there. but it's also a suuuuper bad idea. if things continue i know i 100% will have to be firm about her moving into her own place first and doing some growth. i CANNOT have a repeat of what i've been thru in the past... and i've been on both ends. it rarely ends well.

if you've been traumatized and have low self-esteem imo it's always best to have some time to heal on ur own and develop your own strong sense of independence before you add someone else into your living space, or even date. i also wouldn't wanna live w anybody while i still have my senior bunny anyways since she's very messy, and i'm still learning how to juggle chores on my own. my ex did a loooot for me out of love, but honestly it was rly bad for both of us. including me bc i lost important life skills over time and it made things only harder and harder. it was enabling my anxiety & low self-esteem, and they felt bad for me so they weren't setting up boundaries no matter how many times i checked in w them. i refuse to put me or any other girl through that, bc now post-relationship my amt of guilt was/is insane. and it could've all been avoided!!! it's almost never worth it. she's already been kind of oversharing about very personal struggles. i know i share a lot, but i'm just generally like this as a therapized ambivert adhd chick with pretty decent emotional intelligence. and to her it seems like i'm an oasis bc no one else is giving her the very bare minimum. but it's still the BARE MINIMUM. so her gulping down my attention with such desperation makes me go HMMMMM... bc she's clearly not fully in her right mind or stable in her sense of self.

and it actually doesn't make me feel special, it really doesn't make me feel seen. i feel totally replaceable since i'm only giving her what any decent person would, she's just had bad luck. it's kind of... boring? because she's not actually getting to know me, she already has a perfect idea of me in her head and has me on a big piedestal bc i treat her decently. and we haven't even met irl yet, so i'm feeling the pressure building already lmao. she likes the idea of me, not the real me. it's limerence, basically. and this girl has been dating strictly long-distance beforehand afaik, and those are barely relationships the grand majority of the time, if you don't meet irl regularly or haven't spent a very extended amt of time together face-to-face beforehand. she doesn't notice there's endless fish in the sea. i don't want someone to choose me bc she thinks i'm the only option that's gonna come around... i wanna be chosen carefully and weighed against other choices. she's in a dark place in her life and i'm super aware of that, and viewing things critically & keeping my feet on the ground. i don't even know her enough to like her yet lmao... it feels so weird. it's hard, having been on both ends of the stick. but if she expects me to be exclusive before we even meet irl she'll be very disappointed lol... i don't put all my eggs in the limerence basket anymore. those kinds of girls are a bit scary honestly. it's like they see you as a character from a tv show. you're a blorbina not a real person.

i have charming girl swag so i have been a fp endless times... i'm really living up to my heartbreaker jacket hahaaaa 🫠 i don't think i'm gonna even do anything remotely spicy with her until i know she actually knows me and is realistic about this whole thing. i'm into casual too, but this chick would fall a billion times harder and be even more heartbroken if i decide she's not my serious type. i feel like i have a casual type in girls & a more serious type, and she does kinda have potential, but i don't see it as true potential unless the person is stable and secure in herself. otherwise... who tf am i even dating?