#interactive media strike

[elfroot-and-laurels-moved]

I'm looking into whether or not Dragon Age: The Veilguard is included in the games currently being struck as part of the Interactive Media (Video Game) strike. So far, there are no results for the production ID (1845910), the old code name (Joplin), or the new code name (Morrison) on their search page.

The production ID is, according to the SAG-AFTRA site for the strike, the most accurate way to check if a game is struck or not. It's possible that Veilguard falls outside the strike order, but it's also possible that the publicly listed production ID is inaccurate, or that the full code name is different than those we know.

It is also important to note that the union itself recommends that you consider the strike not in terms of companies necessarily (though EA is one of the companies listed), but in terms of individual games, as some games have interim agreements that mark them outside the scope of the strike (hence why they have this search tool in the first place).

As far as what counts as crossing the picket line as a fan, a content creator, a streamer, etc, most of it seems to be pretty standard. No paid promotion, no official collabs, etc. Streaming and playing struck games evidently is just fine, as is creating free or personal content. There is a lack of clarity at the moment over whether or not buying struck games is considered crossing the picket line. I have only seen one source mention this, and cannot find any definites on the website made for the strike. If anyone has any clearer info, it is welcomed. If any rules of what constitutes the picket line change during the course of the strike, those updates are also welcome.

Solidarity forever gamers✌️

[blackfilmmakers]

While I completely understand how messed up it is to deny someone's Blackness, I also understand someone's skepticism when it comes to moments like what you dealt with when it happens online. Like when you're observed to only break out the aave when trying to look a certain way (threatening or comical, otherwise you aren't just talking like that) and when you wildly misuse very Black specific terms and phrases (like not knowing what a hotep is, how are we messing THAT up???) and we can't SEE you AND you're very obviously doing this for nonblack observers/followers and even letting said observers chime in on Black discussions, then you will just have to come to terms with the fact that your behavior is at best a little suspicious (I hesitate to say a lil coonish).

One of those moments where you wouldn't be surprised the result is either or

I try not to assume right off the bat, because yeah we got some clowns here too, every racial group has them

But I'd be lying if I said I didn't think that interaction was sus

[jemandrr]

tbh, realizing how many people actually like the Darth Vader AI unironically would be such a gutpunch if I had any faith in humanity left

[aroaceofdiamonds]

SAG-AFTRA IS STRIKING AGAIN

This time, for video games.

Some key information:

They are striking so all performers will have protection against AI

The struck companies are those signed to the Interactive Media Agreement

The listed companies by SAG-AFTRA include Activision Productions Inc, Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc, Electronic Arts Productions Inc, Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc, Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc, VoiceWorks Productions Inc and WB Games Inc. Though this may not be everyone.

Important things from the FAQ:

Some games from struck companies are non-struck (due to the Collective Bargaining Agreement still being in effect)

Localisations will be affected if covered under the Interactive Localization Agreement

Actors who are part of SAG-AFTRA cannot work for non-union or independent/low-budged productions during the strike unless they are signed to an Interim Interactive Media Agreement, Interim Interactive Localization Agreement or a Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement

Similarly to the previous strike, struck work cannot be promoted. This includes accepting awards for performances in struck games. This does NOT include hosting/performing a skit at an awards show and San Diego Comic Con (the latter due to the close proximity to the calling of the strike)

As implied by the point above, SAG-AFTRA performers cannot partake in panels related to struck games or companies, including finished games produced by struck companies

The best way to check if a game is struck is to use the search tool provided by SAG-AFTRA

Most importantly: You are NOT being asked to stop playing video games, as highlighted in the FAQ for creators and streamers. This does NOT cross the picket line. Though please do talk about the strike and show your solidarity

I expect to see the same amount of support from y'all that we saw in the last strike. Just because it's video games doesn't mean performers deserve any less support and protection.

Also please reblog with any additions (with sources - we are NOT here to spread misinformation)! And please correct me if anything listed here is incorrect.

SOURCES:

Video Game Strike FAQs | SAG-AFTRA (sagaftra.org)

SAG-AFTRA Members Who Work on Video Games Go on Strike | SAG-AFTRA (sagaftra.org)

[videocontentcreators]

🎥 Dive into the world of visual storytelling! 🌟 Unleash your creativity and captivate your audience with striking images, engaging videos, and interactive media. 🚀 Let your stories come to life and leave a lasting impact! #VisualStorytelling #Creativity #Engagement #MosaicoProductions

[iww-gnv]

SAG-AFTRA is going on strike again. This time, the union is calling a work stoppage against the major video game companies after nearly two years of trying to renegotiate its Interactive Media Agreement. The decision to hit the picket lines comes 10 months after the union’s initial strike authorization vote. The strike goes into effect July 26 at 12:01 a.m. The 10 companies facing the strike are Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games, Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc. “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.

[skipppppy]

Only Gravity Falls fans with media literacy interact with this post pls ok ok ok so do you think some of Ford’s resentment towards Stanley was in part because he felt like he had to “protect” him from Filbrick as the golden child? Like can you imagine if everytime you got mad at your brother, no matter how justified, your dad would verbally abuse him at best and kick him out of the house at worst? How much that fear would weigh on a kid? He loves Stanley, of course he does, and OBVIOUSLY Stanley isn’t the one at fault, he’s a victim, but what is a little boy supposed to do when he’s stuck being “the good twin” and any strike against his brother, no matter how small, could result in him getting hurt? How much anger did he bottle up? How many times did he force himself to turn the other cheek just to keep him safe? How horrible that night must have been, when everything he’d spent his entire life trying to prevent ended up happening anyway? How his dreams were crushed, a promising future was snatched from him, and the one time he actually lets himself get angry about it his brother is permanently disowned? Imagine how he must have felt looking down from that window. How angry at himself he must have been. How ashamed. Man I’d close the curtains too. Torn in half between feeling responsible for the suffering of someone you care so much about and feeling rage at them for being the reason you had to stifle yourself for so long. He probably let himself believe Filbrick’s words just to bring himself comfort. Anyway I love nuance I love analysis I love when characters are flawed in ways that aren’t excused but are still tragic and understandable I love critical thinking

[felassan]

SAG AFTRA news update:

"SAG-AFTRA Members Who Work on Video Games Go on Strike July 25th A.I. Protections Remain the Sticking Point SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, acting under the authority delegated by the SAG-AFTRA National Board, and with the unanimous advice and counsel of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, called a strike of the Interactive Media Agreement, effective July 26 at 12:01 a.m. Today’s vote to strike comes after more than a year and a half of negotiations without a deal. The convenience bargaining group with whom SAG-AFTRA is negotiating includes Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc. Any game looking to employ SAG-AFTRA talent to perform covered work must sign on to the new Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, the Interim Interactive Media Agreement or the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement. These agreements offer critical A.I. protections for members. Negotiations began in October 2022 and on Sept. 24, 2023, SAG-AFTRA members approved a video game strike authorization with a 98.32% yes vote. Although agreements have been reached on many issues important to SAG-AFTRA members, the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their A.I. language. “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate,” stated SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.   “The video game industry generates billions of dollars in profit annually. The driving force behind that success is the creative people who design and create those games. That includes the SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life, and they deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as performers in film, television, streaming, and music: fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the A.I. use of their faces, voices, and bodies. Frankly, it’s stunning that these video game studios haven’t learned anything from the lessons of last year - that our members can and will stand up and demand fair and equitable treatment with respect to A.I., and the public supports us in that,” said Crabtree-Ireland. “Eighteen months of negotiations have shown us that our employers are not interested in fair, reasonable A.I. protections, but rather flagrant exploitation. We refuse this paradigm – we will not leave any of our members behind, nor will we wait for sufficient protection any longer. We look forward to collaborating with teams on our Interim and Independent contracts, which provide A.I. transparency, consent and compensation to all performers, and to continuing to negotiate in good faith with this bargaining group when they are ready to join us in the world we all deserve." said Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee Chair Sarah Elmaleh.  For more information and to search whether a video game is struck, please visit sagaftra.org/videogamestrike."

[source]

[scifi4wifi]

SAG-AFTRA Members Approve Video Game Strike Authorization

The SAG-AFTRA strikes that have paralyzed Hollywood and film and television production around the world are not finished yet: SAG-AFTRA members have voted 98.32% in favor of a strike authorization on the Interactive Media Agreement that covers members’ work on video games. 34,687 members cast ballots, representing a voting percentage of 27.47% of eligible voters. The strike authorization does…

[achorusofnonsense]

The Pre-Timeline of Dimension 20

Just because I've seen a lot of confusion about this following the release of The Roll of a Lifetime: How Dimension 20 Sold Out Madison Square Garden, in which the story of how Dimension 20 got started is edited in such a way that viewers come away with an odd impression about the timeline, I thought I'd put together as clear and annotated a timeline as I can of how and when the Intrepid Heroes met, got into D&D, and got cast in Dimension 20, plus some of the greater context they were operating in. All of this is publicly available information, gleaned mostly from years of interviews, Adventuring Parties, NADDPod Short Rests, and social media posts.

1998: Noted science-fiction author Elaine Lee signs her ten-year-old son Brennan up for a Dungeons & Dragons game at October Country, a local comics and gaming shop, in order to provide him with a social and creative outlet after having to start homeschooling him due to pervasive bullying at school. Within weeks, he begins running his own games for fellow children.

December 1999: CollegeHumor.com launches, posting user-submitted funny and/or titillating content from around the web. Within a few years, banner ad revenue and merch sales have made its founders young tech millionaires. By 2004 they are hiring writers to produce original content.

August 2006: CollegeHumor is acquired by InterActive Corp. Shortly thereafter, Sam Reich is hired to produce video content on the strength of videos he'd posted online of his improv team Dutch West.

April 2007: CollegeHumor staff writers Jake Hurwitz and Amir Blumenfeld begin posting videos of themselves performing absurdist sketches in their downtime at work; this inspires the long-running Hardly Working series, in which CollegeHumor staff appear as heightened versions of themselves in the office.

2008: Brian Murphy is hired to answer phones at the CollegeHumor offices. He soon begins writing for the website and appearing in videos, striking up a nerdy friendship with staff artist Caldwell Tanner.

2011: Emily Axford is hired by CollegeHumor as part of a wave of new talent as the original CollegeHumor cast moves on to bigger opportunities. She and Murph are memorably cast as romantic interests in Jake & Amir videos; some time later, they begin dating.

Early 2014: CollegeHumor's video team relocates to Los Angeles in order to establish themselves as a traditional TV production house, including shows like Adam Ruins Everything and the Jake and Amir series Lonely and Horny. Murph and Emily are among the cast who make the move. They marry in September and begin developing the TV sketch show Hot Date.

Early 2015: Siobhan Thompson, Zac Oyama, and Grant O'Brien are hired to write and act in sketches for CollegeHumor as cast turnover continues. Emily and Siobhan become close friends, and Zac bonds with Murph and Emily over anime.

August 2015: Jake and Amir, having quit CollegeHumor earlier that year, start the podcast network Headgum, whose initial slate of podcasts is shows by other CollegeHumor alums.

November 2015: Brennan Lee Mulligan wins $50,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, pays back a loan for medical expenses, and begins the process of relocating to Los Angeles to pursue more opportunities in production and development.

July 2016: Siobhan throws herself a birthday party, inviting people she knows from doing comedy in New York and Los Angeles. At the party, Emily overhears Brennan talking about D&D and corners him to ask him to run a game for her and her friends. During the conversation, Zac turns around, asking what they're talking about, and gets invited too. Siobhan, Zac, Emily, Murph, and Adam Ruins Everything producers Jon Wolf and Travis Helwig start playing in a home game with Brennan DMing. Murph plays a paladin, Emily a druid, Siobhan a ranger, and Zac a monk.

Around the same time: Lou Wilson meets Brennan through Upright Citizens Brigade (where Brennan coaches improv) and begins playing in a different home game as a barbarian. Both of these games are played in 3.5, Brennan's preferred edition of Dungeons & Dragons at the time.

September 2016: Murph, Emily and Caldwell start 8 Bit Book Club, a podcast about video game adaptations, on the Headgum network.

April 2017: Ally Beardsley is hired (along with Raphael Chestang and Rekha Shankar) to join the CollegeHumor sketch-video cast, as Siobhan has left to pursue other opportunities and Murph and Emily are busy with Adam Ruins Everything and Hot Date. During this round of hiring, Brennan is considered but doesn't make the cut, although a few months later he is hired part-time to write questions for Um, Actually. Ally and Zac become close friends and perform improv together.

Summer 2017: Zac leaves CollegeHumor to write on a new season of Adam Ruins Everything. Rather than go through another round of auditions and hires, Sam bumps Brennan up to main cast.

Fall 2017: Wanting more of a return out of their investment, IAC insists on CollegeHumor starting its own streaming service. Existing staff are required to pitch original shows. Brennan is halfway through writing a pitch document for a TTRPG actual play, citing the success of The Adventure Zone and Critical Role, when he is called into a meeting and asked how he would feel about DMing an actual play.

October 2017: Brian Murphy guests on If I Were You, Jake and Amir's flagship podcast, and explains Dungeons & Dragons. Jake is intrigued, Amir not so much.

November 2017: Dimension 20 begins the planning stages. For the next three months, Brennan works with producer David Kerns, coordinator Ebony Hardin, director Michael Schaubach and designer Rick Perry to develop a unique set, feel, and pace for the show. After some chemistry test games, the initial cast is set as Brian Murphy, Emily Axford, Siobhan Thompson, Zac Oyama, Lou Wilson, and Rekha Shankar, who has never played before.

December 2017: At a Headgum Christmas party, Jake Hurwitz corners Murph and suggests that they start a D&D podcast so that Jake can play.

January 18, 2018: Murph, Emily, Caldwell and Jake announce Not Another D&D Podcast on an episode of 8 Bit Book Club.

February 7, 2018: The first shooting day of Fantasy High, which will be the first season of Dimension 20. Only a few weeks before shooting, Rekha has a scheduling conflict and can't fit Dimension 20 in between her duties as head writer of CollegeHumor's sketches and developing other shows for Dropout; Ally Beardsley becomes her replacement at the Dimension 20 table. It is Ally's first time playing D&D at all; it is Brennan, Zac, Siobhan, and Lou's first time playing 5th edition. Earlier that day, Brennan shoots the first CEO video, which will net him viral notoriety and a vocal fanbase within the CollegeHumor audience, with an undercurrent of "finally, a straight white man" to the praise.

February 8, 2018: The first campaign episode of Not Another D&D Podcast is released. It releases weekly thereafter, and they are 32 episodes in and have done their first live show before Dimension 20 premieres.

September 26, 2018: The first two episodes of Fantasy High are available when Dropout goes live. It is the immediate breakout hit of the platform, so much so that the second season, The Unsleeping City, goes into production while Fantasy High is airing; but because it will take so long to edit before it's ready to air, a short "sidequest" is filmed in a weekend with Matt Mercer, Erika Ishii, Amy Vorpahl and Ify Nwadiwe from the online gaming world and Mike Trapp and Rekha from CollegeHumor to tide the audience over, establishing D20's production rhythms for the next several years.

[northopalshore]

Rising signs in the

Juno Persona Chart

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✧ Juno (3). The rising sign in your JPC represents your first impression of your future spouse as well as certain physical traits they may have. Juno represents the contracts & how we gain abundance in our lives. In this context, we will be focusing on the marriage (romantic contract or relationship) aspect it signifies in one's chart.

୨୧ Please do not repost without consent ʕ⁠´⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠`⁠ʔฅ🔉

🪷 In the signs & degrees

୨ৎ Aries 1°, 13°, 25°:

Your future spouse is someone very attractive, could look very muscular or athletic and fit. They could have a little rough exterior as in they may look a bit messy or unmanaged. They are stubborn hotheads with a high s*x drive. They could act rather rash or unmannered at times. They are likely to be the first one to initiate the relationship or talk to you. Attraction/lust at first sight! You could meet at a competition or at the gym.

୨ৎTaurus 2°, 14°, 26°:

Your future spouse is someone very romantic and down to earth. They have very beautiful and symmetrical faces. You might think they have many admirers. They may also have a stubborn streak to them lol. They could be bulkier or big boned. They could be heavier or taller than you. You could meet them at a restaurant, dating apps, the mall, spas or social media (beauty related).

୨ৎGemini 3°, 15°, 27°:

Your future spouse could be very pale. They might be tall or average height but most likely on the thinner side. They could look very dorky or nerdy. You could meet them online or through friends and school. They could look very youthful or they don't age that quickly. You feel that you instantly click with them when you first meet. You will talk to each other a lot and enjoy exchanging views when you first interact.

୨ৎCancer 4°, 16°, 28°:

They are someone very sensitive, kind and reassuring. They will look very innocent and gentle. They will look very young, could also be very pale. They could be wearing comfortable clothes when you meet. Perhaps their eyes will shine like stars when you look at them. Love and comfort at first sight.

୨ৎLeo 5°, 17°, 29°:

Your future spouse is very attractive. They will strike you speechless with how charming and gorgeous they look. They can seem out of your league, and the fact that they're talking to you will leave you in a daze lol. They could look and act pretty dramatically but know with every action they take, nothing is superficial. They could have seen you or you could see them in special events or online (your thirst traps lmao)

୨ৎVirgo 6°, 18°:

They could be quite petite. If they are a woman, they are likely much shorter than you. They could look rather frail too. They will look very clean and presentable. You'll notice how they remember even the smallest things you tell them. They may act rather distant or weary at first. You'll notice they spend a lot of time looking at you, trying to understand you. You could first see them at home or while doing regular activities.

୨ৎLibra 7°, 19° :

You could think they are someone well mannered, well dressed and very charming. They could be very flirty and extremely attractive. Smells good & looks good. They could be very particular with their appearance or aesthetics. They could be someone very popular with lots of admirers. They might give off fuck boy/ girl energy at first lol. Think Flynn Rider. You could meet on dating apps or on tiktok (beauty related).

୨ৎScorpio 8°, 20° :

They could look very cold or mysterious. You could have a hard time understanding them or their intentions at first. There is a strong sexual connection with them even from the first meeting. Something about your first meeting could be rather taboo like they could still be in a relationship (at the verge of breaking up) when you first meet but it's not always the case.

୨ৎSagittarius 9°, 21°:

They could be significantly taller or shorter (usually taller). They could look a little scruffy or unmanaged. Something about them could look foreign or exotic, usually from the way they like to dress. They could look very different from you too or are literally from a different culture. You could think they're really friendly and funny. Your relationship could start off as a friendship. You could also meet at highschool, university or church or while travelling.

୨ৎCapricorn 10°, 22°:

They could look much older than their age or are literally older than you. They look and dress very sharp & neatly. Could have a sort of dress code or just in formal wear when you meet. You could think that they're serious and distant. However, they will treat you with great care and respect. It's likely they'll show genuine interest straightforwardly. You could meet them at work or at a formal setting.

୨ৎAquarius 11°, 23°:

They could have a social media presence. They will look and dress in an eclectic way. They could be foreign from you i.e from another culture/country. They'll be very genuine and authentic with how they present themselves. They could come off very friendly or you could be friends at first. You could meet through friends or online or even through social events.

୨ৎPisces 12°, 24°:

Love at first sight. You will be enchanted by each other. They will look out of this world, they might look sleepy or detached from reality. They will come to you like prince charming lol. They will treat you very kindly and you will feel their genuine interest and curiosity when you look into their eyes. You could meet them at a healing getaway, near the ocean or at night. You could also meet them at church or online (could also be tiktok where people are collectively delulu lol).

˚₊‧꒰ა paid readings available ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

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content provided is subject to change depending on other placements as well, reader discretion is advised.

Thank you for reading ♡

@northopalshore

@northopalshore Juno persona chart 2024 all rights reserved. Disclaimer

[foldbaron]

Spearheaded by Neil Newbon, Pixel Pack are a collective of actors redefining the role of talent in the gaming business. At a time when SAG-AFTRA's "Interactive Media (Video Game) Strike" continues the fight for better workplace protections, including from A.I. replacements, the Pixel Pack seeks to remind everyone of a simple truth: The actors within the gaming sector are indeed actors, and they are pushing for recognition and respect as artists.  PHOTOGRAPHERS Lead Photographer & Editor: @ivanweiss.london

BTS Photographer: @richsoublet2

TALENT Abubakar Salim: @abubakarsalim Ace Ruele: @CreatureBionics Alix Wilton Regan: @alixwiltonregan Andi Norris: @Andi_Norris Anjali Bhimani: @sweeetanj Ben Starr: @the_ben_starr Bryan Dechart: @bryandechart David Menkin: @davidmenkin Devora Wilde: @devorawilde Díana Bermudez: @dianabermudez Doug Cockle: @dougcockle Erika Ishii: @erikaishii Fred Tatasciore: @fredtatasciore Jane Perry: @thejaneperry Jennifer English: @jenniferenglish Jennifer Hale: @jhalegram Joseph Balderrama: @thebaldedrama Luisa Guerreiro: @luisaguerreiro_official Maggie Robertson: @maggiethebard Matt Mercer: @matthewmercervo Melina Juergens: @melinajuergensofficial Melanie Liburd: @melanieliburd Neil Newbon: @neilnewbon Nick Apostolides: @nick_apos Noshir Dalal: @noshirdalal Roger Clark: @rollingrog Sam Lake: @samlakewrites Samantha Béart: N/A / **@SamanthaBeart on Bluesky/X Troy Baker: @officialtroybaker Yuri Lowenthal: @yurilowenthal

BTS CREW UK - @luckylannon LA - @SternDust Editor - @blue_owlz_medic

PR ShineHouse: @ShineHouseGroup

[Source]

[femmesport]

Three Strikes, We're Out

prompt: paige and azzi never meant to be a secret. it took subtle changes for the teammates to catch up. wc: 1.6k an: hii!! i know i just posted, but i saw a tiktok and idk i was inspired. please please pleASE send me prompts or ideas i need some ahhh also please ignore any mistakes - i'm too tired to edit ahhh

neither paige nor azzi meant to keep their relationship a secret. honestly. well, partially. it was meant to be private not secret from fans, but then staying quiet about it became too easy. their love was never the loud type anyway. they showed love in small interactions but never seemed to find the words to tell their closest people. it was easy that way. not that they would ever lie if anyone asked, but no one did.

to be fair, their teammates never thought to question them. anyone with eyes could recognize that paige looked at azzi like she hung the moon. and azzi would occasionally shut down and only let paige in to work through it. in the team’s eyes, this was simply the product of years of friendship long before they had even heard of their other teammates.

the shifts came in paige’s final year at uconn. they were small, but the team was observant.

“paige” azzi huffs out as she falls onto a bench after extra sprints, “can you please tie my shoe? i am going to pass out if i have to bend over.” azzi explains leaning back her head and throwing an arm over her eyes.

paige had been a few feet in front of her hunched over and not appearing to be doing much better. this had been the first set of sprints after a summer of strength training and basketball practices. everyone was struggling with conditioning. 

kk and ice had snorted, waiting for even paige to laugh in azzi’s face. this seems to be the annual routine on the first day of conditioning. however, the routine snapped when paige nodded her head in azzi’s direction and bent down in front of her to tie her shoe laces.

paige takes her time and gently laces it up and looks up and smiles at azzi, who has finally leaned forward with her elbows on her knees. their faces were only inches apart and it seemed so intimate. as paige finishes she wraps her hand around azzi’s calf without breaking eye contact.

“thank you,” azzi whispers with her eyes never leaving paige’s.

“anything for you, pretty girl,” paige whispers in return with a gentle squeeze to azzi’s calf before standing up to walk towards her water. azzi’s eyes follow paige’s retreating figure with a soft smile.

“i know y’all playin’ right now,” ice offers out while sarah simply looks at the two and shakes her head.

“that was too whipped even for you guys,” jana pipes in.

to their credit, azzi and paige had the decency to look somewhat embarrassed before standing up and returning to the court. everyone else just shook their heads and tried to justify their mental gymnastics being used to explain the behavior. conditioning resumed and everyone quickly became too focused to think of the interaction any longer.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

the next incident happened on media day. the music had been flowing as the team sat around an oversized makeup room while people fluttered in and out taking care of various people’s make up, hair, and any other micro detail that the camera could pick up on.

someone had a speaker set up blaring 30 for 30. the upperclassmen were sitting around and goofing off waiting for their turns to be called. some had been filming tiktoks and others just sat and relaxed in the few moments of silence. seeing each other all done up like this was always a little weird.

in a small group of players, paige had pulled azzi forward with her hand gently on azzi’s jaw. paige somehow had acquired the lip gloss that the make up team had been using. she took it upon herself to reapply it for azzi.

now, it wasn’t this act itself that made the team pause and really look at the two. it was how their faces were only a few inches apart and they were smiling softly at each other. it was how azzi was humming to the music with her hands set gently on paige’s hips. it was when paige paused her work to smile for azzi.

“only want your love if it’s solid” paige mouths to the lyrics with a smile. azzi just grins in return through the next line of the song before catching up.

“that’s the way i like it” she mouths in return and paige grins before pulling back as the two return to a respectable distance.

they turn back to their team and their smiles quickly turn to look sheepish. various people were sitting around staring at them. some with slack jaws and more theatrics than others. kk looked like she just witnessed the resurrection of jesus.

“uhm, so what was that?” kk hurries out with a point in their direction. she pointed more at paige knowing azzi was more likely to shut her out.

“what do you mean?” paige responds with a shrug pulling her phone out of her pocket.

“girl boo, you know what i am talking about. don’t even play” kk responds and azzi smiles and stands up as her name is called from the media team.

“nope. no idea what you are talking about,” paige then pushes herself up, “i’m going to go do my annual media day tiktok.”

as paige left the rest of the team groaned and then simply sighed and returned to their earlier activities. they knew they weren’t getting any answers and decided that pushing it was not worth it.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

the final straw came in a moment that was relatively subtle compared to the previous two. it came during a team hangout at the dorms. kk, sarah, and jana had found someone’s uno cards and began the most unseriously intense game. ice and aubrey were arguing over a tiktok. caroline and ayanna were raiding the cabinets for food.

paige had been sitting on the couch scrolling through tiktok. azzi had been in her room finishing up an assignment, but finally approached the chaos with a tired smile. her eyes scanned the room before landing on paige and moving in that direction as if with a gravitational pull.

paige looked up and raised her arm for azzi to settle into her side. azzi leaned into paige’s side with her head resting on paige’s shoulder. her body was pressed up against paige’s and at the proximity of the older girl, she simply melts.

“hey, beautiful” paige smiles down, “did you finish your work?”

“mm, i think so,” azzi mumbles sleepily letting her eyes flutter shut and somehow managing to snuggle closer into paige’s side.

“you’re clingy” paige jokes in a whisper down to azzi who just sighs.

“‘m sleepy and you’re soft” azzi murmurs and paige holds her tighter, leaning her mouth down to azzi’s head.

“just for you” she presses a kiss into azzi’s head and then looks back up realizing the room had gone silent. all eyes were pointed in their direction with everyone seemingly paused in the middle of their actions.

“...yes?” paige offers out after a moment of staring and for a moment you could hear a pin drop.

“you guys do realize you’re in love right” kk blurts out stunned in which paige and azzi both chuckle softly.

“i mean after two years together i would hope so,” azzi says nonchalantly while paige smiles down at her.

“pause” kk stands up and jana is quick to follow, “two years together? you’re lying!” kk is gesturing wildly while the rest of their team stands in shock.

“what do you mean two years together?” ice rushes out and paige looks back at them with a smile.

“i think we are past the half year point, so it actually might be closer to three” paige smirks, “but yeah, we have been dating for that long.”

“and why didn’t we know” ayanna groans out and aubrey starts laughing from somewhere to the side.

“you never asked” paige shrugs and azzi opens her eyes to look around with a smile.

“why would we think to ask? we had trust that our teammates–who are like family, mind you–would tell us something this wild” kk sputters out.

“guess we were thinking a little differently,” azzi adds, sitting up but remaining in paige’s arms. sarah simply shakes her head.

“i wish i could say i didn’t believe this” caroline offers.

“wait, who had that bet going” sarah pipes up and ice looks in her direction.

“damn it!” ice groans out, falling back into the chair.

“what bet?” azzi frowns as everyone starts getting louder.

“yes!!” caroline shouts out and runs over to hug sarah dramatically, “i completely forgot!”

“there was a bet going on when you guys would stop just looking at each other and actually do something about it, and carol was the only one who had faith in you guys getting together before paige graduates” aubrey laughs and paige feels her phone vibrate as she was sure someone was notifying the team chat.

“nah, you guys are crazy for that” paige laughs sitting forward.

“please tell me we won’t have to deal with you guys being all couple-y and gross now” jana groans, falling back dramatically.

azzi shrugs, “i mean we have been together and couple-y for two years without you guys noticing.”

“hey, but now, i can be a little louder and prouder to show off my girl” paige says with a smirk as she wraps her arms around azzi’s waist and presses her face into azzi’s neck.

“nope, absolutely not” ayanna mumbles while everyone else freaks out.

paige lifts her head and smiles at azzi before leaning in to press her lips to her girlfriend’s. the reactions become far louder and dramatic and the two can only smirk as they rest their foreheads against each others’.

“guess, everyone knows now” azzi mumbles, eyes drifting to paige’s lips before settling back on her eyes.

“good” paige whispers and leans in, pressing another kiss. the room around them was loud, but this? this was all them.

feedback would be appreciated!! tysm <3

-- tea ★’*•.¸♡

[harmoonix]

SALVATORE

Astrology Observations

Descendant (your 7th house has the same degrees as your ascendant/rising), at 4° 16° 28° degrees craves a more soft love type. They're definitely attracted to more tender people

Descendant at 6° 18° degrees craves a more rational love. They wanna keep it real, and without any illusions or fake people, they're attracted to authentic people

Descendant at 1° 13° 25° degrees craves the dominant lover type, someone who they can rely on or and to be there when they need it. They're attracted to people who show dominant energies

Descendant at 5° 17° 29° degrees craves a type of love without any obstacles, no one can interfere in their love, someone who can give them the moon and the stars

Venus in the 3rd decan (20° - 29° degrees) can definitely experience more relationships later in life, probably more in their adulthood than teenagehood

Venus aspecting the south node, especially if they are in the 7th house, gives me major vibes of a widow in a past life

Venus aspecting Saturn natives crave long and durable relationships rather than hooking up around and having one night stands

Mars aspecting Jupiter in good aspects natives are full of ambition and power to work/going through lots of harsh things

Mentally, Mars in the 3rd, 6th, and 11th houses are good. Here, Mars needs a lot of stimulation of the brain and more focus on the details

Jupiter in Libra natives can get lucky with a relationship and the people they surround themselves with. Their personality is likable

If you have soft moon signs like Pisces, Libra, Taurus, or Virgo, but your moon is aspecting Pluto, it will automatically make it more dark, so you may not relate with the 'soft moon observations'

Venus, in the 1st, 10th, and 12th hosue age so beautifully with the years, definitely going old and pretty too. Beautiful everywhere

Lana del rey's chart will always amaze me. She has Venus in Taurus in the 7th house, and that makes sense to so many of her songs. Bless her. Salvatore and doing time are some of my favorites from her

Jupiter in Aquarius natives can be very popular online/liked on social media. At the point of obsession sometimes/they can have a mass of ppl following them too

Pluto aspecting Moon is so dark on an emotional level, the native with these aspects can be even interested in death themes/afterlife/spiritual connection after death

Asteroid Aphrodite *1388* in harsh aspects to Venus (opposite, conjuction, square) tends to have a hard time learning how to love or how to receive it

Aphrodite 1388 in air signs can possess beautiful voices. You can often get compliments about having a nice voice

Aphrodite 1388 in good aspects to Moon (trine, conjuct, sextile) can be more in tune with their energy/emotional state. These natives can also have a huge feminine energy

Aphrodite 1388 in both harsh and good aspects to Pluto can indicate a powerful energy, striking beauty, more dominant than submissive and dark personality

Moon aspecting Mercury natives are very soft spoken. They usually have a pleasant voice/good at interacting with others. They know how to charm softly

Asteroid Circe (34) aspecting in Pluto can indicate psychic powers, seeing ghosts/entities/shadows, having a curiosity about death or about what happens after death

Circe aspecting Sun can have healing powers, not physically..but they can heal others with their words/energy, these natives can make others feel better quite easily

Jupiter aspecting Moon natives have (in harsh aspects) can have a hard time being optimistic, and the same can happen for those with Saturn - Moon aspects.

Ascendant aspecting Moon or Neptune natives have that kind of face you'll never be able to forget. It can be quite nostalgic/familar

Sun in the 3rd/9th house can get social with everyone in the room as long as they share the same vibe. They're pretty open to everything

Scorpio Risings can have so many intense people in their lives due to Pluto ruling their 1st house and Venus their 7th house with Taurus

Virgo Risings tend to have exes coming back in their lives due to Pisces energy in the 7th house, + if you have Mercury Retrogade in your chart as your 1st house ruler

Pisces Risings tend to meet hardworking partners due to their 7th house in Virgo. They might have good communication in their relationship.

Saturn or Capricorn in the 12th house of karma can sometimes indicate a hard life. It's not taken out of context, but it's very karmic

Uranus aspecting Venus (in harsh aspects) can be quite confusing. Especially on what they want/crave from their love life or partners, indecisive

Lilith aspecting Moon in harsh aspects rely very much on their emotional side. They can be at their lowest and still need some nurturing/care

Have a great weekend,everyone 🖤🖤

Harmoonix 🖤🖤🖤

[uppersidedreaminnn]

ENOUGH FOR YOU ★ S.JY

SYNOPSIS: jake has been on tour for two months now. awhile you should feel happy for him. your boyfriend living his dream, performing in front of thousands, city after city—there’s something else growing inside you. a quiet, creeping insecurity that he’s slowly slipping away.

PAIRING: idol!sim jaeyun x reader

GENRE: angst, hurt & comfort, feelings of insecurities, long distance relationship.

WORD COUNT: 1.5k

likes, reblogs, and comments are always appreciated. let me know your thoughts!

the soft breeze brushes against your skin as you make your way home, the sky above dipped in rich pinks and oranges. it’s a beautiful afternoon—the kind that should make you feel at peace. and in some ways, it does. you smile to yourself, still floating from a client meeting that went surprisingly well. for once, the day felt like a win.

but just as you reach your apartment building, something stops you in your tracks.

a dog. a golden retriever, chasing after a ball that rolls to a stop right by your feet. his golden fur gleams in the light, tail wagging, tongue hanging out joyfully. you chuckle and crouch down, picking up the ball and tossing it again. the dog watches you intently before dashing after it like a bullet.

you pause, watching him go.

the golden retriever reminds you of jake.

that same playful energy, that same affectionate sparkle in his eyes. that warm, golden presence that always filled up any room he was in — and lately, one you’ve been missing more than you care to admit.

still smiling from the interaction, you make your way upstairs to your apartment, the image of the retriever lingering in your mind. as soon as you’re inside, you settle into the couch and reach for your phone almost instinctively. jake.

your fingers hover above the keyboard, wondering if he’ll even have time to read it. but you decide to text him anyway.

"hi, baby."

you pause, taking a moment to type your next words.

"you’re probably really busy... anyway, i had a good day today—something went right for once."

you add a smile emoji. then:

"oh, and i saw a golden retriever on my way up. he reminded me of you."

you chuckle softly at yourself.

"the universe keeps finding ways to remind me that you’re not here."

then, after a pause:

"don’t forget to rest, okay? and eat something before the show. i can’t wait to see you perform tonight. good luck, baby."

you stare at the screen for a second before sending it. you were about to get up when another thought strikes you, and you add:

“i’m proud of you.”

it’s been over six hours.

three since enhypen’s concert ended.

you’re in bed now, phone on your chest, the quiet glow of your room doing nothing to calm your nerves.

you know firsthand how busy jake is.

you know this is what dating an idol looks like—crazy schedules, endless traveling, demanding rehearsals.

you know.

but it doesn’t stop the ache from building in your chest. because it wasn’t just this text. it hasn’t just been today. it’s been happening a lot lately—short replies, late responses, sometimes none at all.

out of instinct, you grab your phone and open social media, hoping to feel some sort of presence from him. you scroll through the fancams and concert clips from today. you pause when you see jake. your heart swells at the sight of him on stage, glowing, confident, ethereal.

you continue scrolling until an upload catches your eye.

a video. a fan holding their banner that reads: “jake, i love you. say it back.”

and jake... he reads it. smiles. winks. says it back into the mic with that playful charm you fell in love with.

"i love you," he says, voice soft and flirty, the crowd screaming in return.

you try to brush it off.

but then you keep scrolling through the account. her videos are full of clips— him smiling in her direction, glancing her way multiple times.

your chest tightens the longer you watch. it’s not like this is new. you know it’s part of the job. fanservice. it’s expected.

still, something in your chest twists cruelly.

you open the comments, something you knew would do nothing to make you feel better.

"no bc he wants you," the top comment reads. you frown at the remark, but continue scrolling.

"i'd risk it all for jake," another person writes.

"girl, jake was looking at you all night."

you close the app.

you stare at the ceiling, lost in thought. you realize it’s not just that fan interaction that hurt.

it’s the silence from him. the long stretches of not knowing what he’s doing, how he’s feeling, or even if he misses you as much as you miss him.

at first, you were sure you and jake would never be the couple that drifts apart just because you’re physically apart, but now? doubt has crept in, gnawing at you.

you roll over, burying your face in the pillow.

why hasn’t he texted back?

you sink deeper in your bed, your emotions consuming you. you hate feeling like this— clingy, overly sensitive.

you try to remind yourself that you’re his girlfriend, that you matter. but right now, it just feels like you’re fading into the background of his world. like some quiet afterthought.

the night passes with no reply.

the next day isn’t much better. you decide to distract yourself with work, smile when needed, pretend like you’re not checking your phone every twenty minutes. pretending you’re not crumbling a little more inside, as you see your last messages to him.

it’s late in the evening now. you’re on the couch, laptop open, busying yourself with work, when your phone rings faintly from the other side. you reach for it instantly, eyes reading who the caller is.

jake.

your heart leaps, your thumb freezing just before answering. you take a beat too long and the call ends before you could even answer. you stare at the screen, waiting for another call.

minutes pass.

no call back.

you slump into the couch, your chest heavy with disappointment.

you don’t even know how long you sit there��just watching the screen like it might somehow blink to life on its own.

eventually, you open your messages app and text him.

"hey… just checking in. why didn’t you call back?"

you don’t expect a response, already in the motion to closing your phone.

but then—he reads it. and a few seconds later, three dots appear on the screen, a reply.

"hi. i’ll call back now, baby."

and he does. his name flashes across the screen again. you answer this time, even though your heart is beating painfully in your chest.

"hi," you whisper.

"hey," jake says, his voice soft.

you take in his appearance. his tousled hair, plain shirt draped on and glossy eyes.

he smiles. "i’m just leaving the hotel now. we’re headed out again, so i might not have long."

your smile falters a little.

"oh," you manage to say.

"how have you been?" he asks, eyes lighting up. "did you get that client? what’s her name again?"

you nod slowly. "catherine," you respond. "yeah, we got her."

jake grins at you. "that’s amazing. i knew you would."

you shift slightly. you know now’s the time to express to jake how you’ve been feeling the last few days. who knows when you’ll next be able to talk to him like this. so though the words are heavy on your tongue, you force yourself to speak them.

"jake," you begin, taking a breath. "why haven’t you texted me back?" you ask softly.

his face drops as he registers your words. he bites his lip, clearly caught off guard. you know that habit—it’s what he does when he’s trying to find the right words.

"i’m sorry, y/n," he finally settles on saying. he’s looking at you intently, eyes filled with guilt as realization creeps up on him.

"i got caught up with the guys after the concert. i didn’t even think to check my phone. i didn’t see your messages until just now," he murmurs, almost ashamed.

you nod again, but something in you cracks open, and you don’t have to force the next few words out anymore.

"we’re supposed to be a team, jake," you whisper.

his eyes widen, opening and closing his mouth, trying to find the right thing to say.

"i’ve been waiting for you to reach out lately," you breathe out, your voice shaking, but you continue.

"it feels like i’m always the one reaching out. like… like i’m the only one trying sometimes."

"y/n…"

before he can continue, someone off-camera calls his name.

"jake, come one. we gotta go!"

he swallows hard, turning his head to the voice.

"y/n, i promise i’ll message you, okay? please wait for me. just—please?" he says firmly, pleading.

and the screen goes black. the call ends.

you stare at the empty screen, whispering to nothing, "okay."

hours pass, and you’ve already gone to bed for the day.

when you wake up the following morning there’s a string of messages waiting for you, a stark contrast to the lack of messages lately.

"y/n, i know you’re asleep now, but i can’t stop thinking about what you said during the call," the first text reads.

"i don’t even know what to say. i’m so, so sorry. i never meant to make you feel like that."

"i should’ve been better. you’ve always been there for me, and i’ve been letting the distance win. but i never stopped thinking about you."

"you’re right. we’re a team. and i’m going to do better. i need to do better."

"i love you more than anything. please let me prove that."

finally, your eyes read the last message he sent.

"wait’s over, sweetheart. i’m coming home to you."

there’s a photo attached: a blurry photo of a plane ticket, jake’s face peeking in, smiling gently.

your heart stirs—this time not from pain and uncertainty, but from appreciation. you let out a deep breath. he’s making it up to you.

maybe this ache won’t last forever. maybe, just maybe, it was worth waiting for someone like him.

[the-cosmic-cauldron]

What You Do During a Car, Bus, or Train Ride Based on Your Mercury Sign

Fire Mercury

• Listening to an energetic playlist that pumps you up.

• Talking on the phone or taking selfies.

• Eating snacks and telling the driver to speed up.

• Doing your hair or finishing your makeup.

• Singing or rapping out loud.

• Playing games on your phone.

• Texting everyone back after a long delay.

• Getting frustrated with bad drivers.

• Striking up conversations with strangers.

• Frequently stopping for breaks at gas stations.

• Alternating between sitting, standing, or moving around.

• Finally crashing and falling asleep after all the energy burns out.

Earth Mercury

• Listening to your favorite artists that bring you comfort.

• Thinking about your plans for the day, week, or month.

• Finally replying to messages you’ve ignored.

• Observing and appreciating your surroundings.

• Relaxing while taking in the scenery.

• Getting annoyed if someone sits too close or if the environment smells bad.

• Preferring a nice car or higher-end transportation.

• Sipping on your favorite drink or checking your reflection to ensure you look good.

• Sending emails or casually scrolling through social media.

• Exploring interesting topics online or reading something.

• Feeling irritated if someone stares at you but ultimately wanting to chill.

Air Mercury

• Playing music in short bursts or skipping it altogether.

• Talking on the phone, texting, or FaceTiming.

• Striking up conversations with strangers and debating theoretical or hypothetical ideas.

• Cracking jokes and casually chatting with the driver, whether you know them or not.

• Playing mentally stimulating games on your phone or scrolling through every social media app.

• Commenting on posts and sharing your thoughts online.

• Overthinking your existence and getting frustrated with slow drivers.

• Discussing places you’ve visited or passing by on the trip.

• Alternating between long silences and sudden bursts of conversation.

• Coming up with brilliant ideas or brain-dumping them onto paper.

Water Mercury

• Listening to a playlist that puts you in your feelings or sparks your imagination.

• Feeling nostalgic and reminiscing about old memories.

• Taking pictures of sunsets, scenic views, or interesting sights to share with others.

• Texting friends or family and getting irritated if the driver speeds or drives recklessly.

• Hoping the ride is long so you can enjoy the experience.

• Browsing your photo gallery or planning meals by looking at food pictures on your phone.

• Reading, journaling, or creating daydream scenarios in your head.

• Feeling a surge of excitement when you spot water like lakes or rivers.

• Avoiding interaction with strangers by sitting quietly and keeping to yourself.

Your Travel Style Based on the House Your Jupiter is In

1st House

• Solo traveler.

• Impulsive, “get up and go” trips.

• Short trips focused on reconnecting with yourself.

2nd House

• Trips you’ve saved money for.

• Traveling to shop for new things.

• Business trips or staying in comfortable, safe places.

3rd House

• Exploring your hometown or nearby cities.

• Meeting new people during travel and forming friendships.

• Being inspired to travel based on things you’ve seen on social media.

4th House

• Traveling with family, close friends, or a partner.

• Recreating the comforts of home while on vacation.

5th House

• Traveling for fun, pleasure, and romance.

• “Baecations,” partying, drinking, or experimenting with substances.

• Hooking up or seeking out entertaining travel companions.

6th House

• Planning every detail of your trip meticulously.

• Saving money and overpacking.

• Scheduling business trips or keeping a highly organized itinerary.

7th House

• Traveling with your romantic partner.

• “Baecations” or bonding trips.

• Collaborative travel plans or business-related trips.

8th House

• Transformative trips taken after breakups or for healing.

• Traveling with a life partner or for deep self-reflection.

• Spending lavishly during your travels.

9th House

• Traveling far and wide, often to different countries.

• Trips for school, spiritual retreats, or church-related activities.

• Adventurous trips focused on immersing yourself in local culture.

• Sharing your travels online as a “travel blogger.”

10th House

• Traveling for work or to reward yourself after major achievements.

• Preferring luxury and stylish accommodations.

• Spending generously and being selective about destinations.

11th House

• Group trips with friends or social circles.

• Traveling to meet long-distance friends or for niche group events.

• Volunteering or participating in humanitarian-focused travel.

12th House

• Astral traveling or vivid, dream-like visualizations.

• Exploring spiritual destinations or places surrounded by nature.

• Using psychedelics, meditating, or connecting with ancestors during travels.