#Am I good at giving advice? No? Ok that's fair

[jinnie-ret]

9th member! Liking changbin and constantly complimenting him/his rapping and his muscles but he doesn't realise it untill the guys point it out?

macho man

changbin x ninth member!reader

genre: fluff

content warnings: none

word count: 1.4k

summary: the other members help you in your quest to showing changbin your true feelings

Thank you so much for your request! I hope you enjoyed it!

CHANGBIN'S MASTERLIST

MAIN MASTERLIST

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Felixxxx, I don't get why he doesn't see it," you groaned, hands over your face as you flopped down on the sofa next to him in the practice room. Your music was blasting from the speakers so you weren't worried about the sole occupier of your thoughts hearing your stresses.

"Y/Nnie, you just need to tell him," Felix patted your head sympathetically.

"It's not that easy! How do I know if he likes me back?" your voice was muffled by the leather of the sofa, yet he still heard you.

"I think you need some wingmen to help you, my dear Y/Nnie," Felix proposed his idea, and you could hear the smirk in his voice.

Phase 1: Compliments

"Woah Binnie, your arms are looking big these days," you commented as you laid down on the floor next to him in the room provided backstage at Music Bank.

"Ah, you think so?" Changbin smirked slightly as he flexed his arm, scrolling on his phone at the same time.

"Oh definitely," you said, feeling a bit disheartened that he didn't take the hint.

"What about my arms?" Han fake pouted, standing in front of the two of you.

"Yeah! Or mine?" Seungmin goofily posed too, tensing his arms, winking at you subtly.

"No, Changbin's the strongest for sure!" you brushed them off, which made him turn to you with a smile.

"I'm the strongest yeah? Let's have an arm wrestle, Y/Nnie," Changbin shoved your shoulder playfully, and out of the corner of your eye you saw Han and Seungmin nodding encouragingly.

"Fine, but I bet I'll win," you tease, thinking back on when Hyunjin said you should be playful in your flirting, hoping it would work, or at least rile him up.

"Sure, give it your best try," Changbin fake cooed at you, which you couldn't deny made you blush slightly, and your hands connected.

"Let me be the judge! I'll count you in, 3, 2, oh wait!" Felix sat down in front of you, "Changbin you need to move closer so it's fair."

You didn't know where that logic came from, and Changbin didn't seem to either, but you weren't complaining. At least you got to be closer to him before he slammed your hand down against the floor, cheering victoriously.

"I'm not shocked you won," you pout at the smug man in front of you.

"Neither am I," he shrugged, before returning to browsing tiktok on his phone.

Dammit. It didn't completely work, but you felt closer to him with your intentional flirting.

Phase 2: Physical Contact

"Two big Binnie arms wrapped around one Y/N works perfectly, the girl math is mathing," you nod excitedly at the idea from Minho that more physical contact would be a good idea.

"Right, ok, enough of that weird internet language, just listen to my advice, yeah?" Minho rolled his eyes at your hyper self who was sat across from him in the lounge.

"Plus, Changbin loves cuddles, I'm sure he'll say yes," Chan added, trying to make you feel more relaxed at the idea.

"Ok, ok, I can do this," you nodded to yourself and nearly facepalmed. Why were you getting so worked up about a cuddle? You've hugged him before, it wasn't unusual, but now you knew there was a different sentiment behind it. You noticed your feelings for Changbin for a while now, the way he always made you feel safe, made you laugh, knew how to comfort you when you was upset. He was just all round an amazing person. You loved the way that when he smirked only the right side of his mouth would rise. You loved the way he would clap his hands after giggling. You loved the way his voice would go deep and husky when he rapped.

"Y/Nnie?" Changbin waved a hand in front of your face.

"Huh? Yeah?" you jumped in your seat, looking up the hunky man who was snug in a grey hoodie. His fluffy black hair was covering his eyes slightly, round glasses perched on his nose.

"You good? I asked you a question but it's like you were in your own world?" he gently tilted your head up to face him.

"Oh, um, yeah, um," you malfunctioned, blinking in an empty way.

"Move up then haha," he nudges you and laughs as he plonks himself down next to you on the sofa, tugging a blanket over himself.

You shudder in nervousness, but it seems to play in your favour.

"Oh, you cold? Here have some blanket too," Changbin noticed your shivering body and tugged the blanket over you too, naturally shuffling closer to you, your legs touching.

"Cuddle?!" you suddenly blurt out loudly, immediately shrinking into yourself after.

"Haha," he laughed at you, "yEs?!" he said in the same tone, meeting your energy as he wrapped an arm around you and your head rested comfortably on his chest. It rose up and down gently, lulling you into a more comfortable and relaxed state as you watched a movie with him and the others. Jeongin smirked at you from across the room, chuckling lightly to himself.

The movie soon ended, and were snug in the arms of your crush. Oh, yes, the girl math certainly was mathing. The rest of the boys had dispersed to their rooms and you thought this was your moment.

"Hey, um, Changbin, I-"

"I'm sorry you can tell me in a second I just really need to pee right now," Changbin shuffles out from underneath you and rushes away to the bathroom and you sigh. Apparently this wasn't the moment.

Phase 3: Confess

"It's not going to work, the last time I tried he ran away," you sighed, laying in your bed next to Jeongin.

"Yeah, because if he didn't move when you told him you had a crush on him, he would have peed. On you. That would have been so traumatising, Y/Nnie," Jeongin laughs at you, making you see some sense.

"I knowww, but just... when will he realise? You and the boys have been dropping hints for ages and-"

"Hey, Y/N I was going to," Changbin knocked at your open door, but then stopped when he saw you laying down next to the maknae. "I was going to ask if you could help with something, but I can see you're busy," he frowns.

"No! Umm it's nothing, what's up, Binnie?" you sat up, observing his soured mood and downcast gaze.

"I was wondering if I could talk to you? Changbin asked, to which you and Jeongin nodded. "Privately."

Jeongin got the hint and left the room, patting his hyung on the shoulder as he left.

"Here, come sit," you nodded to next to you, and Changbin sat down.

"I have something to... ask you about," Changbin tentatively intertwined his pinkie with yours.

"Me too," you breathed out.

"You go first."

"No, you, you said first."

"But you seem nervous."

"Nervous? Me? Never... you go first Changbin," you convinced him, and he sighed, letting out a little laugh.

"Ok, fine. Ummm, do you, like, me?" Changbin turned to look at you, yet you couldn't make eye contact back with him.

"And what if I said yes? What would happen then?" you bit your lip nervously, pulling your hands closer to yourself, the little contact you had with each other breaking apart.

"Then I'd say... I was an idiot for not noticing the signs. And, and, I'd say that I like you too, I really do," Changbin rushed out, grasping both your hands this time, making the braver move.

"You do?" you look up into his eyes, your faces inching closer and closer.

"I do," he lips meet yours, the passion and love filling your senses as your lips mould together before you both pull back.

"Haha, wow," you giggle giddily to yourself.

"We just kissed, and now you're giggling?" Changbin pushes your shoulder playfully.

"Can't help it, I've had a crush on you for so long now," you mean against him, arms hugging his muscly arm.

"I wish I knew sooner, I wouldn't have kept you waiting for so long," Changbin delicately placed a kiss into your hair.

"It's ok, I don't mind, I'm quite happy as we are now," you smile fondly at him, and the two of you sat like that for a while, both content in knowing that your feelings were clear with each other.

tagged: @skz-streamer @kiraisastay @hannahhbahng @backintomykpopphaseagain @sakufilms @hanjiquokkaaa @arloo00 @dunno-wut-to-do @splat00z @cheesemonky

[eerna]

eerna what's going on in s3 bridgerton your posts and answers making me scared to watch on my life lmao

pls don't hate me, Colin lovers, but I was told by a friend who read the series that he's more fun and chill in the books and also i just....find Polin from even s1 is kinda uhhhhh?awkward?? cuz he's kind of unnecessarily serious and so not chill in the previous seasons?? maybe i don't see his appeal because I'm no Penny but i do not see his appeal in the show

so rn i haven't even watched it and seeing your posts is making me moreeeeeee 😶‍🌫️ it's okay give us the cringey details

Nsbysbbsb NO WORRIES!!! I have a weirdly big amount to say about this show bc I am no longer suffering as much as I did in s1 and 2. Prepare for an essay on my feelings on Polin and thank you for enabling me.

Ok so Colin. Not saying your friend is wrong bc I didn't read the book, but p much everyone I saw talking about it said Colin was very angry and aggressive in it, and for NO REASON since he's supposed to be the "calm brother". I'm glad that the show let him get upset, but never the way he was in the books/Anthony was in s2, where I legit worried about Kate's safety sometimes. Colin was my fav Bridgerton brother bc he was totally different from all the other men on the show, calm and silly and romantic.

Thar being said!!! I never ever thought of him as a GOOD love interest, and s3 only made it worse. First off, yeah, s1 and 2 do NOT show him and Pen as friends nearly enough to warrant the speed of their connection in s3. I blocked s2 from my memory bc I hated it So Damn Much so I can't 100% stand behind my words, but I don't really remember many friendly scenes with the two of them that didn't feel like he was just entertaining his sister's bestie? I remember he once danced with her, and he sent her letters from his travels, and that's it. Then in s3 we are supposed to believe Pen knows him soooo well, she sees through his tricks when no one else does, he can't stand losing her friendship when she stops talking to him. How, when the impression I got from their relationship was "oh she is clearly silly in love and he doesn't care about her enough to notice"!!!

And s3... Oh boy. Colin gets his "glowup" and becomes a rake bc Bridgerton writers would probably spontaneously combust if they wrote a virgin male lead. We see him flirt and smash other women and it is always so so so awkward. I've seen people trying to rationalize it as "Oh he is supposed to be pretending, oh we are supposed to find it cringe" but NO, he is objectified the exact same way Simon and Anthony were, and we as the audience are supposes to think it is sexy. To be fair, Pen finds it concerning but I think that has more to do with the amount of silly, vapid women constantly swarming around him. So now we are even FURTHER away from seeing any reasons why the two of them would be friends. And then we get hit with the "Colin teaches Pen how to find a husband" plot, and oh my god it is so bad, IT IS SO BAD, they have like 2 lessons across 1 episode before they are busted and stop and he literally taught her NOTHING she IGNORED HIS ADVICE AND FIGURED IT OUT BY HERSELF but everyone treats him like a war hero for taking one for the team and teaching the poor unlikeable social reject how to act. We also have the stupid scene where she is criyng begging him to kiss her because she is convinced otherwise she would die without being kissed, and he is trying to elegantly avoid it, and oh my god, I hated this, it is framed as cute and romantic but it is so uncomfortable and bad. AAAAAAAA. Anyway. Then there is this hilariously horrible incident where he saves her from a feral balloon, and if you are wondering wtf am I talking about, its because it is really bad and written like a Scary Movie slasher scene. There are exactly 3 moments that I liked, and ALL of them were bc Colin seemed very lost and desperate. First was when Pen told him they should stay away from each other after the scandal of them hanging out came out (which I liked bc if it were any other girl, some unhinged character would force them to marry, but since it was Pen they were like "Well obviously it's true there was nothing untowards happening it is just cringe haha loserrr"), and he looked like he stopped comprehending English. The second was when he was confessing his feelings, he got on his knees and looked like he was about to cry and I thought that was sweet! Well, he did mention torture which is a very ugly word to use in such a speech, but whatever. The third was after the Infamous Carriage Scene when he says something silly and the two giggle together and I was like PLEASE WHERE WAS THIS ENERGY IN S1 AND 2!!

And may I just say!! The actual Bridgerton Glowup one was PEN and NOT COLIN. In s1 and 2 you could tell she was pretty, but in s3 they made her so damn beautiful that my friends and I would go "Oh wow" several times per episode. And it's not only the clothes, they would put her in rooms where she pops out and sparkles and frame her in shots just perfectly. Idk why they only gave her 1 alternate love interest and then shot her Like That, there should have been at LEAST one more guy following in Debling's trail. Now she's the hot one in the relationship so I can't buy her desperation for Colin's approval or society's perception of Colin as a charity in any way.

With all that said. I think this is the best season of Bridgerton proper. It still isn't something I'd enjoy unironically, but at least it is neither a horrible age gap dynamic feat. SA nor a horrible disgusting juggling of sisters feat. murderer vibes. The only thing I'd say is worse than it used to be is the clothes, which are slowly creeping towards The Reign level of ahistorical and bad.

[knbposting]

the kagami + momoi friendship makes me cry because he's SO nice to her and is such a good friend, usually in direct contrast to aomine being a dirtbag. yeah kagami's really blunt and he doesn't ever mince his words, but even though momoi is sensitive, i just KNOWWW she is able to learn to live with that when they hang out. and he gives her his jacket if she's cold, he'll help her carry her shopping (as long as she's also carrying shopping, so it's fair), he'll aggressively scare off any creeps around her (he'll pretend to be her boyfriend if that's how she phrases it!!!), he'll provide the blankest most innocent advice in response to her problems. i am not saying it would ever happen because why would it but if she ever asked him to buy her pads, he'd say "ok" then face time her in the supermarket like "dude what the FUCK are wings. actually i dont wanna know but what the fuck am i looking at?? is it this brand. is it this one. just say yes when i land on it. momoi. is it this one"

[ghouljams]

Aspiring slut anon again. I liked most of your advice but one thing is a sticking point that kind of upset me? The thing about I probably won’t come. Like men get to finish but I don’t? How is that fair? That’s one of the biggest reasons I’ve been put off by sex. Sure, sex feels good, whatever, but if it ends before I’ve gotten an orgasm, meanwhile my male partner got his, how am I supposed to be okay with that? That feels like letting someone use me as a fuck doll to get off. I know you said you’re not a slut like the way we’re talking about, and believe me I’d ask the more appropriate person if I knew who that is, I’m not trying to like center all of my insecurity on you. I just don’t understand how “you probably won’t come” is something I’m supposed to just accept when it’s representational of an unfair sexual dynamic.

If you truly do not believe that sex can be fun without that moment at the very end, then don't have sex. I have a lot of thoughts on this, but I'll try to keep it short.

The reality of the situation is that most afab people don't orgasm with a partner, at least 50% of the time. This can be because of stress, anxiety, a lack of stimulation, a lack of lubrication, feeling a lack of connection to their partner, or any combination of things. The orgasm gap is a real thing and you're right it isn't fair, but if you're thinking about sex only in terms of orgasm, then you're not going to enjoy the experience of it.

Most men, the men you should be aiming for when you're looking for folks to sleep with, want you to come. They will actively do their best to make sure it feels good for you, and they'll try to make sure you orgasm. That doesn't mean it will happen. If you really want to up your odds you have to get real comfortable with telling the person you're hooking up with what you want and what feels good, you're going to have to direct them. I don't want it to sound mean when I say, I assume you do not have the confidence to do that with someone you've just met if you are a virgin.

Not to be too TMI Bestie but I don't come every time I have sex with my partner and that man... whoo he is good at what he does... I still have fun, and I still enjoy the activity.

I'm going to say this as nicely as possible, but please remember that I am an older sibling(mean by birth) and also a random person on the internet(that you don't have to listen to): If you are not considering yourself an active participant in sex, or you are only concerned with your own pleasure, you do not sound mature enough to handle being a slut. You are not a "sex doll" being used by your partner to get off because you should be actively participating in sex. Sex is not a thing that is done to you, it is a thing that you do with someone.

"You might not come" is something you need to accept as part of sex because sex can be disappointing. It's not magical, it's messy and imperfect, and sometimes you don't come. That's it.

Fanfiction glorifies orgasm as this thing that always happens during sex, because fanfiction sex is wish fulfillment, everyone comes all the time and it's great! And maybe you will come your first time! It's a good thing to shoot for and hope for, it should impact your partner choice, and there's nothing wrong with going in wanting it to happen. But if it doesn't, what then? Will it still have felt good? Will you still have had fun, gotten some enjoyment from the experience?

Being "ok" with disappointment is part of being mature. Not everything is always going to be perfect and give you exactly what you want. Sex is just sex. You can have fun without a big finish.

[polyamorousmood]

hi! i'd love to get some sympathy/advice/etc from other ppl about this. so long story short my girlfriend (wonderful amazing great i am so happy with her) has a boyfriend, and i at first their rs was meant to be ephemeral, but then things changed and they realized they could make a longform commitment work out, so they tried! problem is, during the trial run, the guy realized poly wasnt working for him and he failed to communicate this well, so it caused a situation where he was very much just fishing for my partner to get in a closed rs with him. when she expressed how hurtful and wrong that was, he apologized and changed his behavior and after some more various ups and downs we've now settled into a pretty good situation where he's giving polyamory a serious try and seems sincerely committed to making it good! i trust my gf wholeheartedly and i want nothing but the best for them both, and for that brief period of time where it was ok we even had 3person dates and really special interactions, so i came to sincerely like guy a decent bit and i am cautiously but sincerely optimistic. however, by having to admit shit to himself, he's now of the mind that he'd like a much more segmented-off rs with my partner, which is fine, but also the resentment he felt towards not being able to have my gf all to himself made him lose his positive feelings towards me and now he expresses a (his words) 'goodwilled indifference' and we havent even Talked since he tried to effectively ultimatum my gf out of being poly. and that is just SO hurtful when i know i did absolutely nothing wrong to warrant the loss of what i felt was a genuinely precious and positive connection, and like, the first time ive had the chance to have a metamour! like as someone who really cares about learning how to admit fault i really cannot stress enough how much i didnt do jack shit here i was just vibing and trying to be nice and now it's just this sad thing i have to deal with. i know it has everything to do with his own preferences and insecurities and nothing to do with me, but i still feel a big child-like sense of betrayal and injustice and it makes me want to be mean and bitter and defensive ("well if you dont give a shit about me and wanna pretend i don't exist, then im gonna do the same! how do you like that, huh?" type beat). i know those feelings are to be worked with and worked through instead of acted upon, but it's still hard :-( i dont really miss *him*, really, i just miss not being in a polycule that has a member who struggles so much with polyamory. and though i trust her deeply, i am still sad and worried that this is a precarious situation that can end up hurting my partner and hampering her ability to feel free and happy in polyamory, which only adds to my mistrusting of the guy. anyone else in a similar situation, havin' to work with a poly-newbie metamour or something similar? im not crazy for getting bad vibes, despite my best hopes for them? thank you either way, i dont know enough poly people irl and ive been bursting with this shit for a bit so it helps even to just ramble it out

Yeah, I've been in similar places. Just putting the read more immediately because I don't have a good pithy introduction. But uh, TL;DRI guess? 🤷‍♀️: its totally fair for you to struggle with some negative feelings. But you are still in it together (even if he's pretending you don't exist) and the only way to the other side is through.

Its shitty, its exhausting, its infuriating. And it's all the more frustrating that you like... don't even WANT to be mad at him cause he DID apologize and now he IS trying to change the shitty parts, so you WANT to encourage that. Feels very

And it puts your mutual partner in the tough spot of having to balance⚖️ things between you two if he's unwilling to talk to you. And like, you're stuck waiting for him to come around, you can't even really DO anything, its all on HIM to prove he's not going to be an asshole forever.

And you kinda resent him for causing this much trouble basically all on his own! And then thinking he can still get all the good shit after stirring the pot! Like he tried to break you up and now you have to be the bigger person?? What kinda bullshit--

Fucking. Sucks.

I do have some advice, though as with most things, its not magic 🪄

🤬Be mad for a little bit! Allow yourself to feel it. You're not gonna wallow 🐖there, but let it hit you full force how much you dislike being in this bullshit situation. Maybe have a cry about it or throw some darts at his picture 🎯. Then, and only then,

Set it aside. Set the anger aside in your mind, set the situation aside in your discussions. Say "yup, sucks. Moving on..." and enjoy the good parts of your life.

As part of that, remember polyamory is a big ask for people who've never done it before. Him even just politely ignoring you is likely, in his mind, him compromising on everything he's believed in for years and the fundamentals of what his life will look like. That's a big deal. It's hard to do after there was previously a higher standard set, but try to give him some credit for that anyway. (Again. You are probably going to have to Be Mad first to be able to do this. That's okay. Don't skip ahead.)

I don't think having approximately the same attitude back is necessarily a bad strategy. Maybe don't do it with the petulance you presented in the ask 😝 but if you're able to just gently, non-judgmentally accept neutrality as a mode of operating with him... might save you a lot of trouble honestly🤷. Warmth is great and all, but I think it runs the risk of you burning out and feeling greater resentment down the line if it stays one sided (but you know yourself better than I do, so if you can handle it, power to you).

Know your feelings about this really well. Know what you're good with 👍, know what bothers you but you're willing to do for the good of the polycule😖, and know what really upsets you👎. Is this something you can make work long term? What changes would you need to have it work long term (including progress from him, accommodations from your partner, etc)?

Consider confronting him directly. You'll know better if that's actually a good idea in this situation than I will, but consider it. It may help you move past things to air your feelings, it may help him understand you better and vice versa, and it may lay the groundwork for a more functional relationship down the line. I must admit bias here. It is VERY important to me that things can be relaxed with my metas. The idea of refusing to engage with me feels like they're refusing to engage with the very concept of polyamory, and I that cannot work in my life - like, I run a poly blog you can guess how I value polyamory 😂 If you can be comfortable with something closer to parallel polyamory, this may be unnecessary.

And of course, through all of this, you have to talk to your partner. All of it. If you have a tendency to martyr yourself so as not to stress your partner out, overpower that tendency for this one. You are NOT doing your partner any favors by doing bottling it up. 🍾

For example, earlier I said your partner is going to have to balance things between you and your meta. It may be tempting to think you can spare her some of that by shrinking your feelings and needs, so maybe you'll just bite your tongue. However, she has to do the work anyway, and forcing her to work with incomplete information actually makes the balancing that much harder. While you shouldn't harp on them about it, she should know where you're at in all this. You owe your partner the ability to make informed decisions, and your happiness and ability to sustain a certain set-up is going to be an important factor to them! Tell them your misgivings, tell them if its going to take you some time to forgive him his bullshit, tell them if you are okay with something in the short term but don't know if you can spring it long term, tell them if you need a break from thinking about the whole damn situation. (And of course, as always, tell your partner when something feels good or is going well 😊)

It can be recovered. It will require patience. Hang in there. 🤗 I admire your commitment to figuring it out, and it sounds like you have a splendid partner who is just as committed to making it workable. I'm rooting for you all 💙💖🖤

[bitchesgetriches]

Hi Bitches! I'm about to come into a fair bit of money in the next month or so. I would really like to buy a car but also build my credit a bit. Would it be best to put the majority of it down and then pay of a smaller amount? Like if it was $40k total (not saying it is) and I put maybe $30k down, would that be okay? I want to be smart with this money and I am ao tired of commuting at least 4 hours on transit every day (more if i'm working too lol) thank you!

Honey, our first advice is to never spend more than $20k on a car. And even that's pushing it. Here's more on buying the car:

Buying a Car with the Bitches, Part 2: How to Pay for Your Car 

Buying a Car with the Bitches, Part 1: How to Choose Your Car 

Next, it's absolutely ok to make a large down payment that will lead to small monthly payments on a car loan. That's a great way to build good credit if you need to. Do some math to figure out what kind of monthly payment you can afford, and what size down payment will give you a decent interest rate. You got this, baby!

If you found this helpful, consider joining our Patreon.

[radioactive-reactions]

good evening :)

would it be ok to ask the fallout 4 companions reacting to a sole who manages to get a tank working and takes it for a little cruise?

please and thank you!

Good afternoon! What a polite ask! You’re very welcome. To be honest, I’ve been expecting them to add (or, well, re-add) vehicles into Fallout ever since they made the move to 3D. I suppose there’s always Fallout 5...

Cait is all for it, going so far as to straddle the main guns and point out targets for the tank’s wrath as the Sole Survivor pilots it. Every shot threatens to buck her right off with its force- and only makes her manic grin all the wider. “Yeah! Get that radstag next- wait, fuck do you mean we’re out of shells?!”

Codsworth, more than anything, is just worried that the Sole Survivor is going to run themselves over- or worse, blow themselves up. He constantly hovers behind the tank, chiming in with advice that he surely thinks is helpful. “I beg you to think about this for a moment! The family Chryslus is one thing, but... oh dear.”

Curie is right beside Codsworth in fretting, nervously watching the tank trundle along while half-expecting it to spontaneously explode. “You... need a license to drive such a thing, non? Ah, it is very dangerous- it is not, what is the saying, legal for the street?”

Danse gives it a routine inspection, viewing it as yet another piece of useful pre-War technology to be catalogued, preserved, and never thought about again. “Dual 140-millimeter cannons, smoothbore. Depleted uranium penetrators. Four tread arrays, in good condition. This is a big find for the Brotherhood, soldier. Proctor Ingram’s going to have a field day with this one... you are donating it, correct?”

Deacon wastes little time clambering into the cabin, running his fingers over all the little switches and dials. He looks so at home in the tank that it’s hard to remember that he has absolutely no idea how to use it. “Who, me? Uh, yeah, I’ve seen one of these before. Seventh... Republic of Dave... Mechanized Division, man. It’s a real thing.”

Hancock insists on hotboxing the tank, reminding the Sole Survivor that he’s never had the chance to try it with an actual functional vehicle. What little smoke escapes it as it rolls along only convinces poor Curie further that a catastrophic engine failure has occurred. “It’s a symbol, you dig? We take this Army shit, we smoke up inside it? It’s like giving the Man a big, rolling ‘fuck you’. Trust me on this.”

MacCready takes every opportunity to ham it up alongside Deacon, recalling his time in the Gunners to more accurately imitate a military hardass... which lasts for about fifteen seconds once the lurching tank gives him motion sickness. “Is that insubordination on my crew, private? Drop and give me twenty... oh, God, once we stop. Can we stop?”

Valentine would whistle if he could. He’s not shy about getting up close and personal, nudging the treads with one of his well-worn shoes. “...Well, would you look at that? You fixed the only machine in this place more broken-down than I am. Kinda gives me hope.”

Piper joins the peanut gallery with X6 and Curie, already scribbling the rough draft of an article in her omnipresent notepad. “I dunno, Blue. Tell you what: you can ride around in the big metal coffin all you want, and I’ll tell you when you’re about to crash into a tree. Deal?”

Preston is more than a little nervous... but just as impressed, too. Still, he won’t go near the thing, preferring to have Sturges check it out on his behalf. “...Wow. Uh- wow. General, are you sure this sends the right message? We’re here to help the Commonwealth, not... you know, level it.”

Strong feels a bit threatened by the presence of something potentially more destructive than he is, and immediately tries to lift the tank to prove that he’s still on top. He manages to get its front end maybe half an inch off the ground before collapsing, shamed and indignant. “STRONG NEVER LIKE MACHINES ANYWAY. DON’T FIGHT FAIR!”

X6-88 just watches from a distance, thoroughly unimpressed with it all. “No. I don’t think it’s likely to be of any value. A competent asset retrieval team could take it apart in minutes.” Behind those dark sunglasses, though, his eyes are as wide as dinner plates... and is he flinching every time another explosion rocks his surroundings? A trick of the light, surely.

Dogmeat loves it. Of course he does. It stirs primal memories of chasing cars in his little brain- and this one is actually slow enough to catch!

[my-castles-crumbling]

Swiftie Anon

Hi guys! I got an ask from an anon that might be triggering so I'm copy-pasting it here so I can put a 'read more' button. I'm naming them Swiftie Anon because they said Taylor really helped them.

TW: SH, SI

Hi Cas, hope you’re ok, because I sure as hell am not. Trigger warning, like mentions of self harm and stuff like that I think.

I’m a seventh grader and recently I’ve been thinking about killing myself a lot more than I usually do. During the pandemic I was in 3rd grade and I kinda realized how much life sucked, but when I went back to school in 5th grade, I realized that this hadn’t occurred to anyone else. I kind of brushed it off bc I’ve always been sort of a pessimist but then I sixth grade I started having suicidal thoughts, I think. I just felt really done with everything, I didn’t want to draw or read or write, and my parents were pissed all the time, it felt like my friends were bored of me (I have abandonment issues from all my friends in elementary school leaving me) (I think)and I thought it would just be easier to not exist anymore, it wasn’t that good. I discovered Taylor, the angel that she is, she just felt…like a friend, like she was right there, you know, and I’ve been mostly okay-ish since. But school fucking sucks and in 7th grade I had to do a presentation in front of my class and I started crying and hyperventilating, I couldn’t even stand up. I think I have anxiety idk. I’ve always been shy, and I’ve hyperventilated before when my parents were yelling at me about stuff and my arms started bleeding because I was digging my nails into them. My parents found out at conferences and I got grounded. my brother knows bc he walked in on me crying and hyperventilating once but he’s leaving for college next year and idk how the fuck I’ll stay together without him. My younger sister and I are really close, but I don’t want to drag her in onto this stuff. And ik once I get to high school it’ll be even worse bc high school sounds horrible and I might be all alone again bc I might not go to the same high school as my friends

I haven’t said a word about this to anyone voluntarily and I know I can’t tell my parents. I always lie on those surveys you get at the doctor, and my parents are always saying I should have a more positive outlook on life and try to be happier and it makes me so pissed bc I am trying as hard as I can to be happening but nothing fucking works.

idk what do with myself anymore, a teacher mentioned college today and I almost broke down sobbing bc I don’t think I’ll let myself live that long. It’s just…really hard and everyday feels like years. Should I tell someone? I’m not as bad as I was in 6th grade, but I know I should be getting help somehow. But I suck at asking for things and I can’t trust any adults.

sorry for the rant, I just need some advice. And a virtual, pat on the head or something, idk.

---

Hi hon!

First, (with your permission), I'm like to give you a virtual hug, because it sounds like you're dealing with a lot <3

I'm gonna be really real with you right now: You need to ask for some help. You have a lot going on, and some really heavy feelings, and you don't deserve to be dealing with them at ALL, let alone by yourself.

You're young, and you have SO MUCH life left to enjoy, and suffering through it like this isn't fair. So I'm going to share something about myself with you, okay?

When I was younger, I was very depressed. I was in a bad relationship and I felt very trapped, and I got to a point similar to you.

One day, I got so overwhelmed that I sort of realized that I either needed to ask for help or I would end up making a really bad decision. So, I asked for help.

Again, I'm going to be real: It was SUPER scary. I had to see a lot of doctors and I cried a lot. But after a lot of work, I was able to get better, and now, years later, I am in a (different) healthy relationship, and I have a job and a pet, and I'm here talking to you.

I know this sounds stupid because it's like some feel-good story and right now I'm sure you feel less than great. But I say this because you NEED to ask for help, even if it is difficult. Because there are real things past this feeling. A future job, a future relationship (if you want), a future pet, future kids (if you want). They're all very real and achievable and this feeling is temporary, even thought it feels so permanent right now.

So I'm going to give you some options, since it seems like you don't want to talk to your parents:

Talk to a doctor. Doctors are trained to help you, and they have a lot of resources.

Talk to a trusted teacher. Teachers can sometimes be amazing resources as well, and a lot of them want to listen when you ask to talk.

Talk to a different adult (aunt, uncle, coach, someone!) that you feel close to that will help.

Call/text/message a hotline. Here is an example of a hotline you can talk to via messaging, text, or phone, depending on what you prefer.

But you need to ask for help, because you DESERVE to be happy and living your best life.

It would make me super happy if you message/inboxed me an update, whether you're doing better, worse, or the same! I'm so proud of you for reaching out and I'm cheering you on!

[purgatory-hotel]

halloooo everynyan!!! and welcome to my blog (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

I'm currently doing a hazbin hotel rewrite in the form of a comic (purgatory_hotel on Instagram) and this is where I've decided to dump stuff about it! I won't be posting the comic itself on here, give or take some panels, but I will be sharing extra bits of info and asking for advice!!

you can read the synopsis for the story here!

BYF

I'm not a fan of hazbin hotel 💔 I wouldn't say I hate it, I just wouldn't consider myself part of the fandom and it's not really my cup of tea. I watched it mainly because Keith David was init and I had seen people's redesigns/rewrites and got hooked to the aforementioned redesigns/rewrites, so I decided to make my own. having said that, if you are of a fan of hazbin hotel then you can absolutely interact just so long as you're a decent person

I do not support the creator either. she has said/done some very questionable things to put it lightly. this isn't a blog for debating her and her actions. I will be mentioning the controversies/criticism only if it's relevant

I also don't think I'm "better" than viv and this isn't a project made out of spite. I do think hazbin hotel is a genuinely good concept and I was inspired by other people's work. rewrites and aus have existed since the beginning of fandoms as a whole (I mean look at the absolute beast that is journey to the light and I don't even think that's a fic that exists 😭)

I am a proud Valentino hater 😁 in my opinion he's a character who exists purely to be a horrible person so I am going to perceive him and treat him as such. if you do find him to be an interesting villain then that's fine, same if you like his design. I know he's written to be purely terrible but I've seen a few too many people say that hating him is like wishing death on an actual person

a fair few characters have changed sort of kind of drastically in terms of appearance 😭 again this is just me changing the designs to have fun and fit my own personal style of character design

I'm projecting my headcanons into this comic as well tee hee 😋 again just having some fun

[decolonize-the-left]

Millenials & Gem Z are turning into Boomers over this therapy speak bs

I hate therapy speak because today I read a AITA post on Facebook where Person A was arguing with Person B about roommate stuff when B said 'stop texting me I have an early morning' and A didn't stop. Instead, A sent one last argument with good night tacked on the end. B responded by saying that A crossed a boundary, B is done with them, and not to text B until the 25th.

A then comes to Facebook to make a post about the whole thing and see if the roommate was overreacting.

The comments say things like:

B didn't have to read what you said

Why wasn't their phone on DnD?

That's technically not a boundary.

Their morning plans aren't your responsibility

B sounds exhausting

Why should your relationship be 100% on B's terms?

I would never interact with someone like this

Well B got to say one last thing, right?

When I tell you I was sitting there in disbelief reading the 130+ comments from full grown adults admitting they have NO emotional regulation and that somehow gives them the right to text someone who they know doesn't wanna be texted. The amount of justifications that the comments made up to text someone who Explicitly said Stop Texting was insane.

There is One comment where someone agreed with B. There is a reply to that comment that tries to explain that B was wrong actually and A was so relatable for wanting to get another reply in. B got to say something and it wouldn't be fair if A didn't have one last thing to say too.

The person who agreed with B responded: I can't relate, I am both capable and a regular patron of waiting til the next day to resume so both parties can calm down anyway. If you can't say ok goodnight and pick up the next day at a reasonable hour that's.... yeah.

The response? "Let me get a ladder to help you off that high high horse."

???????

I'm full of genuine cringe/horror at the idea that full grown adults are really out here trying to JUSTIFY going against someone's clearly communicated "stop" and that Respecting that line is somehow Unheard Of to these people.

Imagine you say "alright I'm going to bed, don't text me so I can sleep please." And your friend goes: wow so everything we do always has to be on your terms, huh?

Fucking wild the amount of legit abusers giving people relationship advice, I'll ya hwat

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

hi. sorry to bug you, but i just learned about the props auction, and i'm a little sad. i know there were people trying to be uplifting about it, but i just can't shake seeing things from the revenge get auctioned off. idk. if it was something that appeared once or twice, then sure ok. but the wall sconces? from outside the captain quarters' main door? :(

it's just not sitting right with me at all. so i was just wondering if you had any advice or had a way to positively swing it. sorry again :(

Hey Anon! I'm so sorry that the props auction is causing you stress. I know it sounds bad-- but the scuttlebutt I'm hearing is that this is fairly normal, as long as they aren't "dismantling the set" we're probably still in a pretty good place. It sounds like depending on the size/cost of the props it can get pretty expensive to house them (like that canon) and I know WB is trying to recover some of their losses right now.

From what I've read... some places will even sell things off even if there is a renewal because for example the prop may cost $10 to make, but a fan / company will pay $100 for it, so why pay to have it sit around when you can profit the difference? I wish I remembered where I read that so I could send you a source. Something else to think about is-- we have no idea what's in store for s3. It could be possible that we don't even see the Revenge for most of the time. Maybe it's focused on Ed and Stede a lot, or maybe Frenchie really fucking hates those wall sconces, or there's some epic battle that damages the ship and they have to rebuild all sorts of stuff.

I don't know if that helps, but I personally am not as much worried about the props than if they very specifically said "The Revenge is being dismantled" because that was such a huge effort and took huge amounts of money to build, and that wouldn't be easily replicable (Ra Vincent went crazy with that set and all the hidden crap).

I hope that helps a bit *hug* I know it's probably just the inner clown, but I am with a lot of other people where I think David Jenkins has been (albeit sneaky about it) pretty open about "who we should go after" and if he didn't think there was any chance, I doubt he'd continue to support us and not just say flat out "It's over yall". We haven't heard much from him lately, but I think that's a good sign, that means he's probably spending his time negotiating, and who knows, maybe he's out there bidding on the props, lol.

Anyway, sending love and hugs, I know it's hard, and it's totally fair to feel concerned. But try not to give up hope! There's so many things pointing towards "positive" still that I think we still have a shot.

Take care anon <3

[bacchicly]

List day + a bit of journaling

I am feeling sorry for myself today - amid a mix of other emotions and I know that when I start to get resentful of the universe it can lead to bad things...especially if I push it down or try to pretend that everything is fine. The challenge is I feel guilty about feeling cheated. I compare my pain to those around me and know that I actually have it pretty good...VERY good. But feelings...they don't understand scale and feelings are not there for anyone but me. If I am to talk to myself the way I would talk to a friend (isn't it annoying that hackenied advice like that is actually good? Gah.) I have to tell myself I am allowed to feel what I feel and not worry about it...not feel guilty...but yes make a choice to express it in a way that will not hurt those I care about and love. Express it in a way so that it doesn't poison future moments. I need to lean into my decision to live like I matter and that I deserve care and that I may not be able to choose how I feel but I can take steps to choose how I express them. (Oh god...it's like I am turning into an after-school special...a televangelist or pop psychologist...blech).

Context - I took this week off partly because my kid was supposed to be at school this week and had an overnight school trip planned for tonight...but...and I 100% know it is worse for them...they are coughing too much to go. So they are going to be home today and tomorrow and then into the weekend. And my time I planned to spend mostly alone doing chores or hanging out with my husband is now not going to happen.

Ok so what am I feeling?

Afraid- I had things to do this week and frankly I have done none of them yet. And I know I can still do them but having my kid here makes it more complicated and there is no way I am going to get as much as I hoped done...and I know people always tell you that there are more things in life than a clean house...but guys? Mine is not untidy. It is filthy. It is covered in pile and piles of stuff - not all of it mine of course - but that just makes it more complicated to tackle. If it was all mine - yes it would be easier - but then I would also be alone and not have the good things. Easy is not always good. Simple is not always the more beautiful choice...But if I am choosing a life that is complex....then I need to bring more complex skills to the table. I need to give myself the gifts of time and kindness and space to practice them.

Gah. I need that meme...the one that is about taking my stupid body for a walk...or the grumpy penguin making valentines...

You know what I hate? I hate that manslowe's hierarchy of needs makes it seem like it's a linear process that if you are self actualized you have clearly mastered the lower stuff. That is fucking hooyie. I am great at self actualizing. I am terrible at some of the lower stuff and so are many maybe most of us. Fuck you manslowe. (No don't come at me I know that wasn't exactly what the pyramid was trying to say...but the long term impact has not been good...well except the legacy of those memes that alter it. I fucking could eat those.

Ok. So what else do I feel?

Angry? Disappointed? Why me? Frustrated?

Yeppers. Life is sometimes not fair and it is no one's fault. And I am allowed to feel that shit. I deserve to. It's part of life's tapestry. But...I can choose how I process it. I can learn new skills. I can vent to strangers and friends on the internet and not be a jerk (knock wood) to my family. I can sit and let the feelings take me on their glorious rollercoaster. I can enjoy thinking about why anger is so much more comfy for me than fear or sadness or helplessness. I can think about how lucky we are to have petty disappointments and tragedy (for now at least) and use this time to practice my skills for when it is harder. When I don't have time or space to process right away. When it is something harder and less clear cut - with far fewer upsides. Using tragedy to practice for tragedy feels gross and grizzly in some ways... but at least it is doing. At least it makes me stronger and less likely to hurt people I love. At least it makes it easier to ask for what I need to keep going.

I downloaded a new app... Designed to help manage ADHD...it costs a fair amount for the year - but about the same as one massage or therapy appointment - and I have a 7 day trial. So I am trying to decide if it's something I should commit to. It's confusing though because I know my first while with anything new is a honeymoon...and eventually I will disengage. But I am working on taking that into account but also not not taking opportunities because of it. I think this could be good for me. Therapy has fallen by the wayside for now... And my other apps aren't working. This is working right now...but...while I have no plans on changing...change will come. Friends or myself will have life things that may prompt us to either change apps or the app itself may cease to exist or even if I use tumblr ...or the list day thing may just stop working...I mean it morphs regularly already and works sometimes and not others. So I just need to keep swimming. Fortunately I love swimming.

I think though...this new app and tumblr could work well together for awhile. And me going through the structured learning and activities wouldn't hurt. And not actually having to talk to a therapist means...well it's a bit like writing fan fiction...I can jump right in...I don't have to paint the picture and go through the usual rigamarole of having to explain the nuances of my character and life to give the therapist context....which tends to just make me feel defensive and kind of bored. My life is so far from anyone's textbook...it's hard to catch people up quickly (and then they want to keep telling me "everyone" feels that way about everything and I just feel like shouting ...keep up! I know that! I am not stupid! Besides if I want to take an hour out of my schedule to talk to someone...I'd rather spend time with someone I am allowed to love and care about or at least produce things with...therapists can only be therapists. You aren't allowed to be friends or write a play together or draft new policy. And it's unfair because they are always such interesting and dynamic people. No. I will talk here. I will paint the walls of my blog and write fan fic and then have coffee with my husband and go camping with my kid. I will carve out time to finish the plays I am writing and email the director I was talking to last week and arrange to do a reading of one of my WIP.

Yes I have mental stuff. Yes I have physical stuff. Yes I have a difficult but rewarding job. Yes I have a difficult but wonderful home life. But that's what life is. Plot. Improv. Contribution.

Ok I feel better. I can and will do this life thing. One step.... One blog post... One list at a time. There is too much beautiful and terrible not to. I will kiss the damn whole thing open mouthed. I will fucking make a meal of it. I will go big and be home!

Ta da! Tra la! Ok now for my list. It is 11:43... And I have the whole damn day to make the world a bit of a better place...

Ok

Journal - ta done!

Make list - started!

Go downstairs and make lunch for me and my gang.

Eat and watch Golden girls with my kid. Tell them how proud I am of them for making the decision to stay home (I was ready to make a decision if pressed but instead I did a good job of setting it up so my kid could make the decision on their own. I am proud of that.)

Do the dreaded dishes but revel in how brave and awesome I am at it - even the yucky parts. Take that stupid dishes! I will set a damn timer for an hour (audio book) and race to finish. Stay on task!

Clean out the fridge drawer of death. Light sabers optional.

Find the library book that is tragically overdue. See if I can still return it or if I have to pay the replacement fee. Get my library card reinstated. (If you guys ever think ADHD is not a thing or that I am not the poster child...we'll give your head a shake.

Sit at the library for an hour or so and do whatever the fuck I want. Delicious.

See where I am at.

If you read this far...or even just skipped to the end. Thank you for being here. Whether you comment or like or just lurk and leave nothing...please know just by being a witness to this tiny side show you are making a difference. Me being able to use this space ...to feel like someone out there is watching... It helps a lot. It makes me much stronger and more likely to behave in a way I can be proud of. It means I do less harm. So thank you.

[helenofsimblr]

Amara: Do you want to know what you are having?

Bob: Hopefully a boy. I would like to know but it’s your call honey.

Lyra: I don’t know, you can tell that?

Amara: With 95% certainty.

Lyra: Ok, sure, what am I having?

Amara: You are having a boy. Congratulations Mrs Robinson.

****

Dream: There in the image of an unborn child, her unborn child… all her nightmares about Cedric melted away in that image scan and an interesting thing happened… she realized she’d do anything to protect this child, to make sure that he would get the best life possible. The claws of a mother protecting her clutch is not one I relish being on the opposing end of. Mothers are universally protective of their young and she had one person still testing the limits of her patience. 

****

Amara: So, welcome to the future, where now we can see your unborn child.

Lyra: It’s amazing isn’t it Bob?

Bob: It certainly is! I am very impressed. 

Amara: So from the look of things I have zero concerns, Um, the advice has changed somewhat since your first pregnancy Mrs Robinson, we do now urge all mothers to stop smoking or at very least cut down, there is mounting anecdotal evidence that smoking is not good for you.

Lyra: I only lightly smoke. I have maybe five a day if that.

Bob: More like 10. But she has cut back in fairness to her.

Amara: This is good, on the whole I would just say to try and be as sensible as you can, as you’ve been doing of course, and everything will carry on being fine. I will give you a chance to get dressed and we will see you at the delivery. Reception will have a picture of the baby.

[thefisherqueen]

Letters from Watson The Missing Three Quarter it is today. After this story I'm completely caught up again with these letters. Very happy about that :)

Even the most insignificant problem would be welcome in these stagnant days.” Be careful what you wish for, Holmes

For years I had gradually weaned him from that drug mania which had threatened once to check his remarkable career. Now I knew that under ordinary conditions he no longer craved for this artificial stimulus, but I was well aware that the fiend was not dead, but sleeping; and I have known that the sleep was a light one and the waking near when in periods of idleness I have seen the drawn look upon Holmes's ascetic face, and the brooding of his deep-set and inscrutable eyes. Ok nevermind, give this man all the cases he wants and needs. These stories really get very real about mental health struggles and the ever-slumbering fight that is addiction. It's really quite beautifully and sympathetically written and cuts right to the heart

that dangerous calm which brought more peril to my friend than all the storms of his tempestuous life. I feel like this is a good reminder that needs are so different person by person. A lot of mental health advice and resources are about helping one calm down, relax, while for some that's really the opposite of what they need. It's the same for me. My natural state is to be calm, tending to tired and sluggish and almost empty. And I can function in that state but barely. I need regular external stimulation to pull me out of that, need to do something with my hands, something that stimulates my brain and gives me energy to actually live my life

sixteen stone of solid bone and muscle *calculates how heavy that is* Just a little over 100kg. Not at all what I would consider enormous, but then everage height was lower back then so I guess he'd be stockier

“It's awful, Mr. Holmes, simply awful! I wonder my hair isn't grey. They really were fond of overnight grey hair transformations back then, weren't they?

Godfrey Staunton—you've heard of him, of course? He's simply the hinge that the whole team turns on. I'd rather spare two from the pack and have Godfrey for my three-quarter line. Took me a while to remember this was about rugby. So, a missing rugby player then. Could be interesing! Everything from kidnapping to murder to runaway to disorientation is on the table

Good Lord! Mr. Holmes, where have you lived?” Holmes laughed at the young giant's naive astonishment. “You live in a different world to me, Mr. Overton, a sweeter and healthier one. My ramifications stretch out into many sections of society, but never, I am happy to say, into amateur sport, which is the best and soundest thing in England. However, your unexpected visit this morning shows me that even in that world of fresh air and fair play there may be work for me to do This is so funny, and also kind of wholesome? Holmes is very amused that Overton assumes he knows anything about sports, but also doesn't tear Overton's passion for sports down, just points out that it's not his area yet still wants to help him

Half an hour later the porter tells me that a rough-looking man with a beard called with a note for Godfrey. He had not gone to bed and the note was taken to his room. Godfrey read it and fell back in a chair as if he had been pole-axed. The porter was so scared that he was going to fetch me, but Godfrey stopped him, had a drink of water, and pulled himself together. Then he went downstairs, said a few words to the man who was waiting in the hall, and the two of them went off together. This sends off all kind of alarm bells

So Godfrey was already anxious, received a note that made it worse, and then went off with someone without telling or taking anything. This gives major blackmail vibes

The visitor of the night before was not a gentleman, neither was he a working man. He was simply what the porter described as a “medium-looking chap”; a man of fifty, beard grizzled, pale face, quietly dressed. He seemed himself to be agitated. The porter had observed his hand trembling when he had held out the note. This rough-looking man might be innocent, then

“We have only to find to whom that telegram is addressed,” I suggested. “Exactly, my dear Watson. "My dear Watson" will always make me smile :)

here is so much red tape in these matters! However, I have no doubt that with a little delicacy and finesse the end may be attained. I'm excited for some clever tricks and manipulation!

“One moment! one moment!” cried a querulous voice, and we looked up to find a queer little old man, jerking and twitching in the doorway. Do we have Overton's uncle here?

 As to those papers with which you are making so free, I may tell you that in case there should be anything of any value among them you will be held strictly to account for what you do with them.” “Very good, sir,” said Sherlock Holmes. “May I ask in the meanwhile whether you have yourself any theory to account for this young man's disappearance?” Holmes is very much not impressed by this man's antics. I love how he just blandly agrees with him, which is the first rule of deescalation. Great way to keep him cooperative

“I quite understand your position,” said Holmes, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Perhaps you don't quite understand mine. Oh! Trouble for this sir!

Godfrey Staunton appears to have been a poor man. If he has been kidnapped it could not have been for anything which he himself possesses. The fame of your wealth has gone abroad, Lord Mount-James, and it is entirely possible that a gang of thieves have secured your nephew in order to gain from him some information as to your house, your habits, and your treasure.” Some clever manipulation going on here. Holmes already has deduced that this lord doesn't care at all about his nephew's well-being, so an appeal to help out of concern about his nephew's safety would accomplice nothing. If Holmes twists it into a threat to his riches, however...

Nothing would induce him to give his old uncle away. Awfully confident considering he never did anything for Staunton. Of course Holmes doesn't really think that the possible kidnappers are after information about the lord, but if they are, I guess they don't need torture

In the meantime spare no pains, Mr. Detective! I beg you to leave no stone unturned to bring him safely back. As to money, well, so far as a fiver, or even a tenner, goes, you can always look to me.” Goal accomplished!

I am sorry to trouble you,” said he, in his blandest manner, to the young woman behind the grating; “there is some small mistake about a telegram I sent yesterday. I have had no answer, and I very much fear that I must have omitted to put my name at the end. Could you tell me if this was so?” Yes! I guess that will work

that exceedingly unpleasant old person I just love Holmes' insults. They sound so polite and therefore somehow hit harder

“I have heard your name, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and I am aware of your profession, one of which I by no means approve.” “In that, doctor, you will find yourself in agreement with every criminal in the country,” said my friend, quietly. Solid burn from Holmes

Where your calling is more open to criticism is when you pry into the secrets of private individuals, when you rake up family matters which are better hidden, and when you incidentally waste the time of men who are more busy than yourself. Someone feels threatened!

Incidentally I may tell you that we are doing the reverse of what you very justly blame, and that we are endeavouring to prevent anything like public exposure of private matters which must necessarily follow when once the case is fairly in the hands of the official police. You may look upon me simply as an irregular pioneer who goes in front of the regular forces of the country. Is Holmes trying to protect Staunton here? If this case becomes public, I guess that would set off a lot of speculation about the player's fate, which - however unfairly - would harm his reputation

“I have no sympathy with these childish games. The young man's fate interests me deeply, since I know him and like him. The football match does not come within my horizon at all.” You cannot care deeply about Staunton and at the same time completely disregard his greatest passion, doctor. I don't like this man

Holmes replaced the bill in his note-book. “If you prefer a public explanation it must come sooner or later,” said he. “I have already told you that I can hush up that which others will be bound to publish, and you would really be wiser to take me into your complete confidence.” Really unwise to try to lie to Holmes

Dear me, dear me; the post-office again!” Holmes sighed, wearily. “A most urgent telegram was dispatched to you from London by Godfrey Staunton at six-fifteen yesterday evening—a telegram which is undoubtedly associated with his disappearance—and yet you have not had it. It is most culpable. I shall certainly go down to the office here and register a complaint.” Such a dramatic delivery. A+

Dr. Leslie Armstrong sprang up from behind his desk, and his dark face was crimson with fury. “I'll trouble you to walk out of my house, sir,” said he. Totally the villain of this story. My for-now theory is that this doctor is blackmailing Staunton, threatening to reveal medical information if Staunton doesn't pay him more. Not sure how the other 'victim' fit into this

“I have not seen a man who, if he turned his talents that way, was more calculated to fill the gap left by the illustrious Moriarty. Holmes is getting major villain vibes as well, then. Wonder how this will end

And now, my poor Watson, here we are, stranded and friendless in this inhospitable town, which we cannot leave without abandoning our case. This little inn just opposite Armstrong's house is singularly adapted to our needs. If you would engage a front room and purchase the necessaries for the night, I may have time to make a few inquiries.” Oh, the intimacy of it all

These few inquiries proved, however, to be a more lengthy proceeding than Holmes had imagined, for he did not return to the inn until nearly nine o'clock. He was pale and dejected, stained with dust, and exhausted with hunger and fatigue. A cold supper was ready upon the table, and when his needs were satisfied and his pipe alight he was ready to take that half comic and wholly philosophic view which was natural to him when his affairs were going awry. Good on Holmes for eating!

The sound of carriage wheels caused him to rise and glance out of the window. A brougham and pair of greys under the glare of a gas-lamp stood before the doctor's door. “It's been out three hours,” said Holmes; “started at half-past six, and here it is back again. That gives a radius of ten or twelve miles, and he does it once, or sometimes twice, a day.” The doctor himself is the one that is holding Staunton captive? I had not expected that

I do not know whether it came from his own innate depravity or from the promptings of his master, but he was rude enough to set a dog at me. Neither dog nor man liked the look of my stick, however, and the matter fell through. Relations were strained after that I bet they were. The image of Holmes wielding a stick as a weapon is very amusing to me

“Could you not follow it?” “Excellent, Watson! You are scintillating this evening. I have trouble reading Holmes' tone here. Not sure if this is sarcastic or not? I suspect it is - damn, Holmes, Watson is only trying to engage in your narrative. Have some patience

We had got well out on the country road when a somewhat mortifying incident occurred. The carriage stopped, the doctor alighted, walked swiftly back to where I had also halted, and told me in an excellent sardonic fashion that he feared the road was narrow, and that he hoped his carriage did not impede the passage of my bicycle. Now that is scary

Meanwhile, I can inform you that no spying upon me can in any way help Mr. Godfrey Staunton, and I am convinced that the best service you can do to that gentleman is to return at once to London and to report to your employer that you are unable to trace him. You underestimate Holmes' stubbornness, doctor. Curious to know how they will go on from here

I think that possibly I can attain our end by some independent explorations of my own. I am afraid that I must leave you to your own devices, as the appearance of two inquiring strangers upon a sleepy countryside might excite more gossip than I care for. Holmes, will you please be careful when you go out trampling off on your own?! This doctor will not hestitate to make you dissapear, too

“No, no, my dear fellow, there is no cause for alarm. It is not upon this occasion the instrument of evil, but it will rather prove to be the key which will unlock our mystery. On this syringe I base all my hopes. Oh well, now I am puzzled. It is a sedative? Then this might get dark

When you have finished come downstairs with me, and I will introduce you to a detective who is a very eminent specialist in the work that lies before us.” A dog that can sniff out the trail? Just a wild guess

When we descended I followed Holmes into the stable yard, where he opened the door of a loose-box and led out a squat, lop-eared, white-and-tan dog, something between a beagle and a foxhound. A dog it is!

Well, Pompey, you may not be fast, but I expect you will be too fast for a couple of middle-aged London gentlemen, so I will take the liberty of fastening this leather leash to your collar. Now, boy, come along, and show what you can do Very cute :)

“A threadbare and venerable device, but useful upon occasion. I walked into the doctor's yard this morning and shot my syringe full of aniseed over the hind wheel. Ah! Not what I thought at all, lol

And, by Jove! here is the brougham coming round the corner. Quick, Watson, quick, or we are done!” Love the amount of action happening in this story

My friend knocked at the little rustic door, and knocked again without response. And yet the cottage was not deserted, for a low sound came to our ears—a kind of drone of misery and despair, which was indescribably melancholy. Very scared now for Staunton

At the foot of the bed, half sitting, half kneeling, his face buried in the clothes, was a young man, whose frame was racked by his sobs. So absorbed was he by his bitter grief that he never looked up until Holmes's hand was on his shoulder. “Are you Mr. Godfrey Staunton?” “Yes, yes; I am—but you are too late. She is dead.” Those medical bills were for this woman, then, who I assume was Staunton's sweetheart? I wonder what the doctor's role in this was. Certainly nothing good

If, as I imagine, there is no breach of the law in this matter, you can absolutely depend upon my discretion and my co-operation in keeping the facts out of the papers.” Dr. Armstrong took a quick step forward and wrung Holmes by the hand. “You are a good fellow,” said he. “I had misjudged you. And so did I misjudge the doctor. What a twist. Doyle had me entirely on the wrong foot

She was as good as she was beautiful, and as intelligent as she was good. No man need be ashamed of such a wife. But Godfrey was the heir to this crabbed old nobleman, and it was quite certain that the news of his marriage would have been the end of his inheritance. All this secrecy and tragedy for the sake of inherentence? That is just sad. Was the problem then that this girl was low class? And marriage with her would be enough to exclude Staunton from the will? I will never understand financial law

I did not tell him how urgent the danger was, for I knew that he could do no good here, but I sent the truth to the girl's father, and he very injudiciously communicated it to Godfrey. So the other man Staunton went with was the girl's father? Last mystery explained!

Oof. That was quite a read, a lot of plot and excitement in such a short story. I guess it was Holmes' words about kidnapping, and Anderson's very suspicious and threatening behaviour that sets the reader entirely on the wrong foot. But not liking someone is of course not the same as actual wrongdoing. Quite a masterpiece from Doyle

[creatorbiaze]

Incorrect Quotes: Quoruvelm Edition

theres a lot so . below cut

Felix: What’s up? I’m back. Magnus: I literally saw you die. You died. You were dead Felix: Death is a social construct.

Cearo: If chickens were big enough to eat us do you think they would? Magnus: Without question! Keiluvi: Without remorse. Curirzu: Without hesitation.

Alex: Good morning. Amaranth: Good morning. Felix: Good morning. Curirzu: You all sound like robots, try spicing it up a bit. Keiluvi: MORNING MOTHERFUCKERS!

Keiluvi: New cryptid: It's me. I come into your window at night and I say "Feel how cold my hands are" and then I put my cold hands on the back of your neck. Alex: But... My neck! Keiluvi: You should've thought of that before you went and had a neck.

Cearo: Why do we usually only drink cow milk? What does whale milk taste like? I want some whale milk. Felix: Are you okay? Cearo: I WOULD BE if I had some WHALE MILK.

Cearo: I am an expert at identifying birds. Alex: Okay, what about those ones flying over there? Cearo: Yeah, they're all birds.

Felix: Dirt! Keiluvi: Mmmmm... Tasty... Felix: The D in Dirt stands for "Do not eat this, please." Keiluvi: But the I R T stands for "It's Really Tasty."

Felix, looking at a dead phone: How do we bring this thing back to life? Magic? Live sacrifice? I know a guy in town-

Cearo: Hey there demons, It's me, ya boi. Felix: Cearo, NO!

*Everyone is giving advice to Felix* Alex: It's okay to ask for help. Keiluvi: You're not a burden. Amaranth: Murder is okay. Magnus: Your feelings matter.

Keiluvi: I tried to write ‘I'm a functional adult’ but my phone changed it to ‘fictional adult’ and i feel like that’s more accurate.

Magnus: Imagine if someone handed you a box full of all the things you lost throughout your life. Cearo: It would be nice to have my sense of purpose back... Alex: Oh wow, my childhood innocence! Thank you for finding this. Amaranth: My will to live! I haven't seen this in years. Felix: I knew I lost that potential somewhere. Keiluvi: Mental stability, my old friend! Magnus: Jesus, could you guys lighten up a little?

Felix: Wow, that was quick thinking on that phony sacrifice stuff. Magnus: Oh, that was all real. Felix: Wait, you were trying to help them kill us?! Magnus: If I’m gonna be sacrificed, I’m gonna do it right.

Curirzu: We’re all in this together. If one of us falls, we all fall. Nobody is expendable on this team. Amaranth: Sounds fake but ok.

Keiluvi: Was walking my dog downtown and he stopped to drink from a dog bown in front of a bar and I was like "Oh, are you a thirsty little guy?" and Felix was sitting there and said "I guess I am," as he took a sip of his water, then realized I was not talking to him and looked completely horrified.

Felix: If I punch myself and it hurts, am I weak or strong? Keiluvi: Strong. Magnus: Weak. Amaranth: An idiot, is what your are.

Felix: Hi, could I ask how exactly does one accidentally set a lemon on fire?? Alex: Microwave for 40 minutes. 😔 Magnus: Why were you microwaving a lemon??? Alex: I read boiling lemons helps cover up up bad smells (I wanted to cover up the scent of burnt oranges) but I didn't own any pots. Amaranth: Did you burn an orange too? How??? Alex: Microwave for 40 minutes. 😔

*Felix dies in a game with ships* Keiluvi: This ship is no longer a ship of love, it's a ship of vengeance, a gavel of justice against all that is wrong in the world, showing no mercy, as no mercy was shown to us. Keiluvi: The spark of love will now fuel the fires of destructive glory as I wage my war across the world with righteous fury. Amaranth: Legend has it that Felix still haunts the ship, stealing my fucking drinks. Felix: Of course I do.

Curirzu: I lost Felix. Amaranth: How did you LOSE Felix?! Curirzu: To be fair, they are very small.

Alex: Gender? Ha, yeah. I totally have one of those, definitely. There's some sort of gender around here, gimmie a second. Alex, throwing dirty laundry around: Shit. I know it was here... I saw it yesterday! Alex, crawling around on the floor, looking under things: Ugh... Sorry, gimmie a sec... I swear, I had it just the other day...

[starlight-vixen-emiko]

"I don't even feel like salting on Adrien anymore so you can rest easy about that."

Really? Why not?

*sigh* I was afraid someone would ask me that.

Ok, I will keep this as vague as humanly possible but...I have been in this fandom long enough and I knew so-called friends who hated Adrien for siding with Lila and still being friends with Chloe even if she is a bully.

That's fair...I didn't like that either but those same so-called friends did something similar with me where I got bullied and nothing was done about it and some of them felt they could have it both ways and be friends with me and friends with the person who traumatized/bullied me as well.

So yeah, massive hypocrisy and coming off as giving all that good advice to fictional characters but being incredibly seldom about taking it themselves. Treating fictional characters like flesh and blood human beings but treating myself like a fictional character.

The kicker, I found out in the worst way possible...And I wasn't flattered by it...I didn't feel like it was an act of goodwill I just felt betrayed the person who bullied me was being defended and coddled. And the fact that they felt I wasn't going to connect the dots, I question how dense they think I am and how they seemed to think I was born yesterday.

So yeah...This probably isn't going to make sense to you but it's my explanation...That I was bullied by the Luka////nette fandom and I am upset that some people who claimed to be friends with me let it happen and be friends with the same person who traumatized me...I don't think they are in position to call Adrien a terrible person for that and quite frankly I am done.

Yes, Adrien is a very overrated character but what can I say that hasn't already been said? And some salt posts are incredibly hostile and such and I am tired of people in the fandom complaining about negativity but making incredibly venomous salt posts.

Not to mention, I am stuck in the world of my fanfics where Adrien is a decent well rounded rich boy with his insecurities being happy in his relationship with Kagami and being good friends with Luka and Marinette, no need for negativity.

And I may have mentioned him more than once but my best friend is Bearfoottruck and he adores Adrien...He just feels Adrien needs to be with the right girl (which is Kagami.)

Honestly Bearfoottruck and I are basically Adrien and Marinette irl but in the sense we are both platonic soulmates...Plus Bearfoottruck has his own Kagami and they are the cutest couple ever.

Well, at least I end this off on a positive note.

And this isn't me being holier than thou by saying that salt leads to negativity...I wholeheartedly believe M*raculous does not deserve the popularity it has and should be ripped a new asshole even moreso than V*ltron....But I am not going to be a part of it anymore I live by my fanfictions.

So, thanks for asking...