fix-it-darlin

[fix-it-darlin]

You're welcome!

@shinimint

Here's how I make my tapes in Canva:

So I usually use the Youtube Thumbnail template and start out with the blank cassette template. You're going to want to select the image and go into image settings. There's an effect that you can select that's called Duotone. You're going to want custom Duotone for this next part.

2. Only edit the highlight colors here with the color you want to use for the tape. I'm going to go with a bit of a purple color, but having a hexcode for the specific color you want will probably be more efficient than scrubbing through the color selector until you find one that you like. (I usually scrub through the color selector. I only just realized that inputting a hex code was possible and I've used Canva a lot).

3. Once you've got that set, you're going to pull in the cassette template from your uploads again (the unedited version) and crop out the elements that you want to keep black and white - this will usually be the viewing port for the tape and the tape cover itself.

4. Next thing you're going to do is find what image or color you're going to want for the background of your tape cover. I usually use stock images from Pexels and edit them up a bit. For this one, I've applied the Belvedere filter and blurred it at twenty four strength.

5. Next you'll add your text and speaker icon to the cover. I've been using League Spartan for the font of most of my cassette covers, but recently found out that Anton is the font that Erik uses for his stuff. I usually apply the lift effect to these guys so that you can see the actual text on the cover.

6. And so what you're going to do now is get one of the other cover templates and crop it down to where you have only the 'Parental Advisory Explicit Content' bit showing and then bring it up to the position that you want it to be on your tape cover. (I have added extra effects to the cover because that is what I wanted to do, you do not have to do that).

7. And then you're going to add the lines that you want to highlight in whatever story that you're telling with this tape. Font size for me is usually at around 16, but it can go smaller if you need to fit more on the line. I alternate colors for this because I find it visually pleasing, but I know that others use single colors for it.

8. You'll add your character title and edition on either side of the Parental Advisory warning, and voila! You have yourself a lovely tape! I'd suggest exporting it as a jpg if you plan on sharing it anywhere, but for personal use, png's a pretty good way to go.

I hope that this was helpful, and if you have any further questions, please feel free to let me know. I'll get back to you as quickly as I can!

[fix-it-darlin]

?

Guys pls, I wanna react with my moots more, and just the redacted community in general soooo um, repost this and I’ll give you a listener and also aesthetic based on your posts! (Please I am BEGGING you 😭😭😭)

[fix-it-darlin]

Another Mondheuler. Note the human mouth behind his canine mouth :3

[fix-it-darlin]

Before Milo met Sweetheart he probably struggled so fucking bad with keeping his bedroom clean because that mf just has way too many clothes and never puts them away properly after he gets them out of the washing machine so his bedroom was always just littered with towers of washed clothes. This only stopped once Sweetheart started coming over regularly because Milo didn't want them seeing the mess.

[fix-it-darlin]

Completed mens and womens uniform (It's 2 am rn, GOOD NIGHT)

@escapedaudios

[fix-it-darlin]

@shinimint

Here's how I make my tapes in Canva:

So I usually use the Youtube Thumbnail template and start out with the blank cassette template. You're going to want to select the image and go into image settings. There's an effect that you can select that's called Duotone. You're going to want custom Duotone for this next part.

2. Only edit the highlight colors here with the color you want to use for the tape. I'm going to go with a bit of a purple color, but having a hexcode for the specific color you want will probably be more efficient than scrubbing through the color selector until you find one that you like. (I usually scrub through the color selector. I only just realized that inputting a hex code was possible and I've used Canva a lot).

3. Once you've got that set, you're going to pull in the cassette template from your uploads again (the unedited version) and crop out the elements that you want to keep black and white - this will usually be the viewing port for the tape and the tape cover itself.

4. Next thing you're going to do is find what image or color you're going to want for the background of your tape cover. I usually use stock images from Pexels and edit them up a bit. For this one, I've applied the Belvedere filter and blurred it at twenty four strength.

5. Next you'll add your text and speaker icon to the cover. I've been using League Spartan for the font of most of my cassette covers, but recently found out that Anton is the font that Erik uses for his stuff. I usually apply the lift effect to these guys so that you can see the actual text on the cover.

6. And so what you're going to do now is get one of the other cover templates and crop it down to where you have only the 'Parental Advisory Explicit Content' bit showing and then bring it up to the position that you want it to be on your tape cover. (I have added extra effects to the cover because that is what I wanted to do, you do not have to do that).

7. And then you're going to add the lines that you want to highlight in whatever story that you're telling with this tape. Font size for me is usually at around 16, but it can go smaller if you need to fit more on the line. I alternate colors for this because I find it visually pleasing, but I know that others use single colors for it.

8. You'll add your character title and edition on either side of the Parental Advisory warning, and voila! You have yourself a lovely tape! I'd suggest exporting it as a jpg if you plan on sharing it anywhere, but for personal use, png's a pretty good way to go.

I hope that this was helpful, and if you have any further questions, please feel free to let me know. I'll get back to you as quickly as I can!

[fix-it-darlin]

darlin who has the same mindset that milo has about shifting magic being ‘too much’ to bridge or magically connect with anyone so for sam welcome their magic felt so good

darlin who never thought they of all people would be able to heal, so they didn’t expect much to happen

darlin who saw themselves in that sapling

darlin who was overthinking the whole time wondering if sam would be disappointed if they couldn’t do it and how to save this romantic moment when they inevitably can’t

darlin who felt sam’s magic guiding theirs and it was one of the most comforting things they’d ever felt

darlin who was focusing more on the feel of sam’s hands and the feel of his magic rather than anything else

darlin who heard the magic but didn’t believed to worked until they opened their eyes to healed sapling

darlin who has never felt prouder of themselves

darlin who finally sees how much they have grown, that they aren’t the sapling anymore. they were aware of their growth but, this moment..put things into perspective

darlin who has recently taken up gardening

[fix-it-darlin]

You can always tell when a character is all up in your face because they get louder without the volume being increased and than goes back to regular when they're done getting close and personal.

It happens with Hipswitch, it happens with Albus but it mostly happens with Atilla. Because that man likes to get in your personal bubble but rage when you dare ever do the same. All three of them mostly use for intimidating, Hipswitch did anyways in the first ep.

I like this, because it makes it more immersive. You don't just think they're just standing there, they move around in your head space.

Also The mad crow is louder than the characters because he IS in Kamors head, I can't think of any way to get more personal than that

Anyways I love BVZ can you tell I love BVZ? I love Atilla. He's so silly

[fix-it-darlin]

So I wrote a thing for Jo (the Redacted OC I introduced a little while ago) and I really like how it turned out.

I did also make the tape.

Walked Home By A Gruff Dock Worker [F4A] [1940s Setting] [Meet Cute] - Jo

[cat meows]

[tin rattles]

[night ambience]

[footsteps]

You know, most cats won’t let you catch them unless they want you to.

[fabric rustles]

Whoah, slow down there, Sugar. I ain’t trying to hurt you none. I’m just saying that whatever kitten you’re trying to lure out with those scraps probably isn’t too interested in it if they haven’t come out by now.

…

Which isn’t to say that you can’t catch them. Hell, you could come back every night and you’ll eventually get them, but that’s if you’re being stupid, Sugar. A smartly dressed fella like you shouldn’t be out after dark chasing strays, especially not on this side of town. What the hell are you doing on Southshore?

…

[laughs]

Research? You really mean that?

…

Alright, let’s say I believe you, Sugar. Let’s say that you dragged your pretty little ass down to Southshore for just that research. Get yourself lost in all the complicated numbers and class dynamics, inform the higher ups about all the strays, communists, and homosexual degenerates you can find. Yeah, I find that real plausible. Your story could hold up that way if it were broad daylight and you were wearing a shabbier coat.

…

Yes, I can see that you made an effort with the shoes, but no reporter comes to Southshore all starry-eyed and unprepared unless they’re looking to get robbed or are just plain stupid.

…

Now, I know that you ain’t stupid because you thought of the shoes, but if someone smart as you ended up in the dangerous part of town trying to pick up strays and covering with supposed research – which no fool would think to use– I think that you’re trying to get after a bit of adventure in your life, Sugar.

…

Yeah, adventure! I might be just some grunt from the docks, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have a good head on my shoulders. Now let me guess, you’re some kind of pencil pusher, secretary, maybe even accounting if the ink on your hands is anything to go by, and the quality of those specs, mm! You’d been sitting in that office of yours, solidly set in a job that can get you whatever you want so long as you can keep your mouth shut, and you’re bored out of your mind because your money can’t buy you an adventure in this economy. You look out that window and see some delivery chap in his tatters mouthing off to a store owner the timing of things and you watch him going riding off to his next destination. You think to yourself, ‘Well that must be exciting. What I wouldn’t give to live a day like his!’ You put on your shoes from the deep depression after work and take the yellow cab to the bad side of town and figure yourself an adventurer.

…

Not an accountant, but a writer for a newspaper serial. What else do you do then?

…

Oh, I get it. A fella’s got to have their secrets then.

…

No, no, I understand perfectly well.

[fabric rustles]

You’ve gotta enjoy a good mystery. My pa loved those too, would read them all the time in the serials. His favorites were always the… the Sherlock Holmes ones, through he did say he liked the Poirot ones a bit too.

…

You write the more romantic type? Well, I’ll be. Looking for romance in the gutter. You really are committed to your craft, huh, Sugar?

[laughs]

Makes sense. You got a name to go with all those credentials?

…

Well, I’d like to read the work of the esteemed young writer who deigned to grace Southshore with their presence.

…

Flirting? Sugar, if I were flirting, I would have greeted you with something more respectable than criticizing you for trying to catch a cat. I don’t play games with the people I fancy.

…

Now, if I really wanted to charm you, I would have helped you to your feet. 

[Jo grunts as she helps Sugar stand]

Set you steady with a hand on your waist like so…

[fabric rustles]

And then moved away respectable-like, and greeted you with a ‘Hi sugar, are you rationed?’ Just to make sure that I ain’t overstepping any bounds.

…

Well, if you said no, then I might have complimented you on the shape of your lips or that cute little furrow you had in your brow as you called out to that stray, but you’re obviously a smart kind of fella, and well-off to boot. I ain’t got an interest in ‘seducing’ and dragging you into a rough kind of world if you don’t want it. People like you don’t mix with gals like me, Sugar. Not unless they really want it.

…

My name? Well, everyone at the docks calls me Fitzpatrick, but I don’t think that quite satisfies your curiosity. I saw the way you was looking at me. Don’t think I didn’t catch that little frown! You, I suppose I’ll make an exception, you can call me Jo. 

…

[something crashes off in the distance]

[Jo’s tone darkens]

I ain’t treating you no different, Sugar. Now, I think you should be getting home soon. Most people around here aren’t as friendly as I am, and that cat won’t be reappearing any time soon. I’ll walk you home.

…

Why? I don’t know, maybe it’s ‘cause I don’t trust you not to get yourself killed out here without some kind of protection. You’re cute, Sugar, and people tend to think someone cute as you is gullible and get real angry when you tell them no. Trust me, you don’t want to be running into Hank and his crew. Sure, they’ll tell you all sorts of nice things, whistle, and make eyes, but that don’t mean all that sweetness ain’t poisoned. That’s how they get all the mice ‘round these parts.

…

C’mon, it’s well after curfew.

…

I’m not kidding around, Sugar. Get a move on. Or am I going to have to drag you out of here myself?

…

If you wanted me to be nice about this, you wouldn’t have argued with me in the first place. It’s not safe to be out here.

[footsteps]

No, I’m not scared. I’m worried. There’s a difference, Sugar.

…

Hank don’t scare me. It’s what he does.

…

[grits teeth]

I ain’t supposed to say nothing about what happened between me an’ him. 

…

Let’s just say he took something of mine, and I made him pay me back. This ain’t me being sweet or protective. It’s being a decent person.

…

Don’t turn that way!

…

Yes, I’m aware. We are rather close. Just let ‘em pass by and shut up, alright?

[chatter and footsteps]

[tin rattles along the road]

[footsteps]

…

[whispered]

I don’t know. He doesn’t usually come this way unless– Christ I forgot! Basil said he was going to try and negotiate with the crumb tonight.

…

Sh, sh, you’re gonna be fine, sugar. Just keep a lid on it.

…

Okay, they’ve moved on.

[fabric rustles]

[footsteps]

[wind]

…

Basil’s one of my mates from the docks. He’s the one who’ll talk his way out of any situation. ‘Course it helps that he’s got the crutch to keep people’s guards down.

…

Lifting? No, he’s running numbers and organizing as best he can. Drives the higher ups batty with how he keeps them accountable on the paychecks, but he also streamlines inventory taking. Army wouldn’t take him and–

…

What do you mean my eye?

…

Sugar, that is gruesome and entirely personal.

…

Now, we’re out of the worst parts of it, and I’m only just realizing that I didn’t ask you which street you’re from.

…

Don’t give me that look. I’m a dock grunt, and I might be a bit smart, but I ain’t all knowing.

…

Fine, I nabbed your keys to try and figure out where your apartment might be, very nice set by the way, when I was helping you stand. You should really keep them somewhere more secure. Scrap of fabric sewn into the inside of your coat with a slit for a button, keep it close to your heart, and no one’s ever going to get their hands on them.

…

Look, the only reason I’m telling you that is because I get the feeling that I might see you come down this way again and chasing after another stray no less. You’ve just got to make sure to do it during the day and go about things in a smart manner.

…

[footsteps]

[wind]

[unintelligible distant shouting]

…

I’ve got brothers and sisters. I know that I can’t stop someone once they’ve gone and gotten themself bit by the curiosity bug. Nessa’s given me heart palpitations with the creatures she’s brought into the home, and James is no better with his projects that he claims are ‘for school’.

…

Delightful is not the word I’d use to describe ‘em, but yeah, I love them.

…

This is your street, right? Your apartment very far down it? 

…

Then this is where I say goodbye, and you get home safely.

…

You want me to walk you the rest of the way, Sugar? You changed your mind awfully fast for someone who was this close to giving me a false address and was rightfully suspicious of me – one of the few sensible things you’ve said all night. 

…

[laughs]

Careful now, wouldn’t want you twisting an ankle trying to land a blow on me.

…

I think I’ve made up my mind now.

…

Yes, I’ve made up my mind, and there’s no changing it, but first, I’ve got to ask you, Sugar…

…

Are you rationed?

…

I’m not joking you!

…

Pity, seems like you’d make whoever you went steady with one happy fella.

…

Yes, I’m saying I’m interested. How d’you feel about having me as your personal guide to Southshore?

…

I’d like to start seeing you, Sugar –figure out if we’re right for eachother. Don’t know if I like all of you just yet, but that furrow in your brow and the laugh you got sure are sweet.

…

Glad to be of service then. Any chance I can get a kiss as a parting gift?

…

Not before I give you the keys– yes, the keys! [keys jangle] So sorry for taking those off you–

[Jo is cut off by a kiss]

[breathless]

Golly! That– that wasn’t quite what I had in mind, maybe just a peck on the cheek, but uh, you’re a real swell kisser, Sugar.

…

Oh, good night then. I’ll meet you on the street corner by O’malley’s on Thursday then?

…

Sounds lovely!

[door opens]

[door shuts]

…

[muffled]

Christ, Jo. You gotta be careful with this one.

[footsteps fade out]

[fix-it-darlin]

Assigning Redacted Characters Songs That I've Had On Repeat Because I Have Nothing Better to Do

Unsweetened Lemonade//Amélie Farren - Porter, he's angry, abrasive, and scared, for a long time he's only seen worth in what he and his body can do, also he's technically undead and 'I fucked the reaper' is just too cool of a line not to pair up with this man, not necessarily everyone's favorite flavor but boy oh boy are there some layers to unpack in the future

Interlude: I'm Not Angry Anymore//Paramore - Darlin' post Quinn Arc, I know I've touched on how I head canon that Darlin's got an underlying level of anger due to shoving their emotions and also sensory issues (yes this is projecting), and since they're in a more healthy situation, they're learning how to let that anger go and have a healthier relationship with their emotions, this song just feels like a long exhale after letting some of that anger go and I just feel like that fits

Big Parade//The Lumineers - Sam, whole song is a bid to have someone stay as the singer has found new joy and love in this person, there's talk of violence and the push and pull of the stability of that moment and the chaos of the past, also just a solid bass drum through line that reminds me a lot of Sam for no good reason, it speaks to both Sam and Darlin' for me, but the stable through line and softness sells it as Sam the most

Sailor Song//Gigi Perez - Gavin, sexual undertones and just desperate yearning and love and this feeling of wanting to just hold and love someone with the full acceptance for who both of you are, has a fantastical romantic feel to it while also being very solidly set in the present day, also has an underlying but accepted fear that they will be separated someday but they will love eachother to the fullest while they still can, it just works

Heavy is the Crown//Linkin Park - William, I know that it's a loud song and that William is incredibly soft spoken but if you look at the lyrics I think you'll understand, it can be read as what he tells himself about his responsibilities and duties as a vampire king as well as how he situates his moral compass, he's a quiet man, but the effect that he has on the redactedverse is so loud, a loud song feels right

Safe Ship, Harbored//The Crane Wives - Treasure, look, I'm going to be plain honest with you, they probably have some mental health issues and are constantly prioritizing other people over themself and so they very rarely take leaps outside of the small world that they grew up in, Porter was an anomaly, sure they used to be more adventurous but they got worn down by everything everyone else had going on

Man of Stone//Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes - Asher, just feel like this ties in well to his struggle of feeling like he's a good leader and worthy of the position David's given him, also just has queer undertones to me and fits with that tension that Ash and David have going on in each universe

Foreigner's God//Hozier - Blake, look guy's pathetic but he also worships his partner like a god, religious trauma undertones as well as a narrative of control and grief? this is their song.

Retirement Song//The Longest Johns - dream! James, look, he just wanted to get home to his spouse, let him go home please, let him have that sweet reunion, let him have that quiet life

Siúil a Rúin//Colm Mcguinness - Avior, speaks to a great deal of heartbreak on the part of the singer who's lover has decided to put themself at risk for a cause they believe in and the struggle they have with letting them go and do it while also wanting them not to go, title literally translates to Walk My Love, I don't know it just feels right in line with Avior's conflict with Starlight with the main difference being that he hasn't resigned himself to just letting that happen

Automobile//KALEO - Sunshine, roadtrip! accident! also just this feeling of wanting to escape everything while having this tender closeness with someone who's been by your side for forever and letting them come along with you, no real angst for this one, just a nice little song

Classy Girls//The Lumineers - Vincent and Lovely, yes both our vampire guys leaving the Solaire clan get Lumineers songs, I don't know why but they're just Lumineers guys, Lovely was Vincent's out and wake up call in the same way that Vincent was an opening to the magical world and some of the fight that they didn't think they had in them, they're both fascinating to each other and for a time they both don't want to touch or break that fragile connection they have because they feel like it's not the right place to but they want each other so bad it's killing them

Bubble Toes//Jack Johnson - Angel, do we fuck with dancer Angel head canons? because I very truly believe that Angel was part of a couple of improve swing dance groups growing up and while those have broken up, they still take delight in it and for me, Angel in my mind is a joyful person who's fought to stay that way and this song captures a lot of that joy of dancing that they have as well as the boldness they choose to approach the world with

Like the Dawn//The Oh Hellos - Starlight, really captures the soulmates kind of dynamic they have with Avior as well as the slow realization of love and adoration, but also the underlying knowledge that something pulled them into this without any of their control

[fix-it-darlin]

So. I have a fiancé. A real life one. A guy who I love very much and will marry in 2026. I’m deeply, deeply in love.

When we started dating, I was emerging from a very abusive home life. I had learned through many, many years of experience that sharing my emotions with others was dangerous. That it would get me hurt. That it would get me hit.

So for a long time, I didn’t share when I was feeling frustrated. I didn’t tell him when I was upset. I didn’t tell him about the things that were bothering me. Either from home or work or whatever. It culminated in me experiencing those emotions and experiencing them on my own. It culminated in him knowing I was upset, often upset with him, but knowing that I wouldn’t talk to him.

By the time we had been together for a few months, the only times I was expressing any emotions to him were when everything bubbled over. I would burst into tears and sob or hours. I would yell. I would do everything I could to protect myself, even blame him for problems that I caused, because I had learned that vulnerability=danger.

A number of times I told him that being in arguments made me feel like I was going to die. That was not an exaggeration. The vulnerability of it made me feel like I was about to be killed.

But I owed it to my partner and to myself to try and reach a place where I could be emotionally vulnerable. He deserved someone who could access their emotions, share when they were struggling, and be emotionally intimate. If I was incapable of that, then I wasn’t ready for the relationship.

All of this to say: we DO owe our partners emotional vulnerability. If we say we want a deeper relationship, if we say we want to be closer than FWB, then we owe the relationship that. And if it’s shown to be a consistent problem that somebody can’t be emotionally vulnerable, then I think the other party gets to push. Or at least express their discontent.

This idea that Treasure violated Porter’s consent seems a little… immature? I don’t know. It feels like the musings of one who hasn’t had to navigate the back and forth of a real relationship.

Porter owes Treasure the vulnerability he claims he wants to give them. It’s okay if he doesn’t know how to do that. He has been hurt very deeply. That isn’t his fault. But the reactions that his trauma causes in him and the impacts they have on others are his responsibility. He is allowed to not be perfect at this. But he has to try. At least that. If he can’t, then maybe he’s not ready for them.

Treasure owes Porter the space to grow, the space to try in a safe way. If they can’t do that, if they’re too focused on their own hurt to recognize his extraordinary circumstances, then maybe they’re not ready for him.

But yeah. As someone who has Been Porter… maybe Porter is a lil in the wrong. And maybe he’ll get better. I did.

[fix-it-darlin]

Porter drawing under the cut lol

[fix-it-darlin]

I loved the new Porter audio So Much because I think it’s a common thing in relationships with emotionally avoidant people. Porter has learned that he doesn’t get the luxury of processing his emotions. Treasure makes space for him to, a time and place where he can feel what he feels safely. Suddenly he doesn’t have the excuse of “it’s not safe” to push it aside.

So what does he do?? He becomes the dangerous thing. He tells them they don’t understand, they can’t understand, that their problems are nothing compared to his and he doesn’t have time for them. It’s brutal. It’s cruel. He says what he needs to to make them stop pushing him.

Maybe they shouldn’t have pushed him in the first place. Maybe he’s claimed that he wants more and keeps avoiding sharing his real feelings with them. Maybe he denies them the opportunity to take care of him, or at least sit in the bad moments with him like a partner is meant to. Maybe it’s messy and delicious and Porter is about to have to eat his words and accept that offer of a safe place to bring the things he feels.

Sam said it best when it comes to Porter and his feelings: he’d rather be angry than scared. He’s so scared. Maybe he’ll get a chance to feel that with Treasure.

I personally can’t wait.

[fix-it-darlin]

Most of the redacted fandom when discussing Porter right now.

[fix-it-darlin]

Darlin used to not get healed as a kid because their parents believed they should ‘know the consequences of their actions’ because of their reckless attitude.

So, when Sam healed them for that first time they felt like they lost. Lost what? They didn’t know exactly. They just felt a general feeling of unfairly losing to a game they didn’t want to be in anymore.

Maybe it was losing their nerve - losing that desperate pattern of jumping back into danger despite already bleeding beforehand. Maybe they’d lost the familiar feeling of pain in every day moments. They lost the feeling like they were earning their survival like everybody else.

So, they keep the jacket covered in blood. Because it reminds them of what they lost. Gone were the threats of stitches bursting, gone were the days of tasting blood when they coughed, gone were the reminders that they had lived without truly trying to live at all.

So, the jacket. A small reminder remaining. A memory of losing something, but also a memory of being set free.

[fix-it-darlin]

Waiting for James' Audio Where Both He and His Partner are Together, Alive, and Happy | Day 134: It's either James likes coffee but only drinks it for the taste bcs it has been many years since it did anything to wake him up or he doesn't like it.

[fix-it-darlin]

Oh yeah, Porter's being dickish, but that was a fascinating turn for this story to take. I'm going to have to listen to that audio a few more times to be able to formulate my ideas on it, but wow! I'm excited to see where this goes.