#Verify Windows version

[fitlifefuel]

How to Know Which Version of Windows You Have: A Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered which version of Windows your computer is running? Whether you're a tech newbie or a seasoned user, knowing your Windows version is crucial for compatibility with software, drivers, and updates. This guide will walk you through the simplest methods to find out your Windows version, along with some extra tips and tricks to enhance your knowledge. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Importance of Knowing Your Windows Version

Knowing your Windows version is essential for several reasons:

Software Compatibility: Ensures that applications and programs run smoothly.

Security Updates: Keeps your system protected with the latest security patches.

Troubleshooting: Helps resolve system issues more efficiently.

Methods to Determine Your Windows Version

Here are some easy ways to check your Windows version:

Method 1: Using System Settings

Open Settings:

Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.

Navigate to System:

Click on "System" and then "About".

Check Windows Specifications:

Here, you’ll find your Windows edition and version.

Method 2: Using the Run Dialog

Open the Run Dialog:

Press Windows + R.

Type winver:

In the Run box, type winver and press Enter.

View the Information:

A window will pop up displaying your Windows version and build number.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt:

Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt" or "Windows PowerShell".

Type the Command:

Enter systeminfo and press Enter.

Check Windows Version:

Scroll through the information to find the "OS Name" and "Version".

Additional Methods

Using Control Panel: Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > System to view your Windows version.

Windows Logo: On older versions like Windows 7, the Start menu logo gives a clue about the version.

Understanding Windows Version Numbers and Build Numbers

Microsoft frequently updates Windows, releasing major versions and build numbers. Here’s a quick rundown:

Windows 10: Known for its frequent updates, e.g., Version 20H2, 21H1.

Windows 11: The latest version with an updated interface and new features.

Addressing Common Questions

Q: Can I upgrade my Windows version for free? A: Yes, Microsoft often offers free upgrades from older versions to the latest one, like from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Q: How can I find out if my Windows version is genuine? A: Check your activation status by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.

Tips to Keep Your Windows System Up-to-Date

Enable Automatic Updates: Ensure your system receives the latest updates.

Regularly Check for Updates: Manually check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Use Trusted Sources: Download updates and software from official sources to avoid malware.

External Links to Authoritative Sources

Microsoft Support: Find your Windows version - Official guide from Microsoft.

How-To Geek: How to Determine Which Version of Windows You Are Running - A reliable tech site with additional tips.

PCWorld: How to Check Your Windows Version - Another trusted tech resource.

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to determine your Windows version and keep your system running smoothly. Stay informed, and enjoy a seamless computing experience!

[subjectsix]

I don't know I'm not done talking about it. It's insane that I can't just uninstall Edge or Copilot. That websites require my phone number to sign up. That people share their contacts to find their friends on social media.

I wouldn't use an adblocker if ads were just banners on the side funding a website I enjoy using and want to support. Ads pop up invasively and fill my whole screen, I misclick and get warped away to another page just for trying to read an article or get a recipe.

Every app shouldn't be like every other app. Instagram didn't need reels and a shop. TikTok doesn't need a store. Instagram doesn't need to be connected to Facebook. I don't want my apps to do everything, I want a hub for a specific thing, and I'll go to that place accordingly.

I love discord, but so much information gets lost to it. I don't want to join to view things. I want to lurk on forums. I want to be a user who can log in and join a conversation by replying to a thread, even if that conversation was two days ago. I know discord has threads, it's not the same. I don't want to have to verify my account with a phone number. I understand safety and digital concerns, but I'm concerned about information like that with leaks everywhere, even with password managers.

I shouldn't have to pay subscriptions to use services and get locked out of old versions. My old disk copy of photoshop should work. I should want to upgrade eventually because I like photoshop and supporting the business. Adobe is a whole other can of worms here.

Streaming is so splintered across everything. Shows release so fast. Things don't get physical releases. I can't stream a movie I own digitally to friends because the share-screen blocks it, even though I own two digital copies, even though I own a physical copy.

I have an iPod, and I had to install a third party OS to easily put my music on it without having to tangle with iTunes. Spotify bricked hardware I purchased because they were unwillingly to upkeep it. They don't pay their artists. iTunes isn't even iTunes anymore and Apple struggles to upkeep it.

My TV shows me ads on the home screen. My dad lost access to eBook he purchased because they were digital and got revoked by the company distributing them. Hitman 1-3 only runs online most of the time. Flash died and is staying alive because people love it and made efforts to keep it up.

I have to click "not now" and can't click "no". I don't just get emails, they want to text me to purchase things online too. My windows start search bar searches online, not just my computer. Everything is blindly called an app now. Everything wants me to upload to the cloud. These are good tools! But why am I forced to use them! Why am I not allowed to own or control them?

No more!!!!! I love my iPod with so much storage and FLAC files. I love having all my fics on my harddrive. I love having USBs and backups. I love running scripts to gut suck stuff out of my Windows computer I don't want that spies on me. I love having forums. I love sending letters. I love neocities and webpages and webrings. I will not be scanning QR codes. Please hand me a physical menu. If I didn't need a smartphone for work I'd get a "dumb" phone so fast. I want things to have buttons. I want to use a mouse. I want replaceable batteries. I want the right to repair. I grew up online and I won't forget how it was!

[deliciousmicroplastics]

new job orientation today Ive got anxiety and am wondering abt some things

- am I gonna make it through the week without accommodations

- how long until I crack and say the places name on tunglr

- will I have time to take my dog outside before I leave or do I need to be out of bed already for that to happen

[lowrisemiller]

ᴄʜᴀʀɪᴛʏ ᴄᴀꜱᴇ

pedro pascal x younger!fem!reader one-shot

insta smau

or just being pedro’s secret controversially young gf . ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊

a chance raffle win leads to unexpected texts, slow-burning chemistry, and stolen moments with pedro pascal. she’s younger, balancing school and real life. he’s careful, charming, and maybe a little too into her for his own good. what starts off light turns tender, and one cozy night might just change everything.

masterlist | 9k words | all fiction, pedro is 45-50 and fem!reader is 23 (I don't rlly gaf if you're annoyed with age-gaps if you don't like it fucking scroll), flirting, YEARNING (you’ll never stop me), kissing, celebrity things like that paparazzi, fingering, oral f!recieving, pussy job, unprotected piv sexxx

You hadn’t even meant to enter.

Your best friend, Kelsey, had texted you in the middle of a script revision meltdown with a link and three question marks.

“A Pedro Pascal charity meet & greet raffle. $25 to enter. Winner gets a private lunch.”

It was for some children’s literacy nonprofit, and you’d clicked it half-delirious, half-joking, adding one entry just to say you did.

Two weeks later, you got the email.

You thought it was a scam. Then your phone rang—an actual event coordinator from the organization, confirming details, verifying your ID, telling you a car service would be provided, that Pedro’s team had already cleared the date.

You stared at your phone long after the call ended. You were twenty-three, in college for a degree in screenwriting, juggling a bookstore job and unpaid pitch work. Pedro Pascal had been your comfort actor since your late teens—long before the mainstream hype. You’d watched his indie films, not just the blockbusters. You knew lines of dialogue he probably didn’t even remember.

Now you were going to sit across from him. At lunch. For an hour.

You didn't even have anything to wear that didn't look like it came off a Goodwill clearance rack.

The restaurant was tucked away in Laurel Canyon, low lighting, all exposed brick and polished glass.

You checked your reflection four times in the car window. A blouse that didn't cling too tight. Mascara you applied with shaking hands. You told yourself he probably did dozens of these. He wouldn’t even remember your name.

When you arrived at the restaurant the host said, “Right this way,” and there he was.

Pedro Pascal. In a dark blue button-up, sleeves rolled to the forearms. Sunglasses pushed up in his hair. Beard trimmed. Brown eyes soft.

He stood when you walked up.

“Hey, you must be the donor,” he said warmly. “Thanks for donating.”

You managed a smile. “Thanks for being the prize.”

He laughed. A real one.

You thought it would be awkward. Stilted. But he was funny, sharp, easy to talk to. You ended up rambling about how much his performance in The Bubble meant to you—how you watched it on your laptop in your dark bedroom during a bad depressive episode, how it got you through that awful year.

He looked surprised. Touched.

“I forget anyone actually saw that movie,” he said with a lopsided smile.

“I watched it five times. At least.”

He blinked. “Wait, are you messing with me?”

“Nope.” You grinned. “I even wrote a paper on it for a class on satire. You play a man who's aware he’s a fraud but keeps smiling through it—like, that’s the whole metaphor.”

Pedro blinked again—then gave you a slow, stunned laugh, mouth slightly open.

You weren’t flirting. You were just being honest. And maybe that’s what caught him off guard.

He walked you out after. His hand hovered at the small of your back but never touched.

“Seriously,” he said, “this was the best version of one of these I’ve ever done. I usually feel like a trained monkey. This felt like…” he paused. “A real conversation.”

You tried to play it cool. “That’s the goal. I’m supposed to be a screenwriter, right?”

He smiled, wider this time. “If you ever finish something, I’d love to read it.”

You stared at him, then snorted. “That sounded like a line.”

You were standing on the curb with him now, your rideshare still a few minutes out.

Pedro leaned against the building’s side wall, sunglasses back on, arms folded. The California sun caught the edges of his hair, bringing out the warm gray in his curls. You tried not to stare.

 You were failing.

“Do you ever get tired of people telling you they’ve been obsessed with you since they were sixteen?” you asked, mostly teasing.

He laughed under his breath. “Depends on how they say it.”

You glanced up at him. “And how did I say it?”

His mouth curled. “Like someone who isn’t obsessed anymore. Just curious.”

That made you blush, which only made it worse. “Right. I’m too grown for fangirling.”

He tilted his head a little. “How grown are we talking?”

You gave him a look. “Grown enough to know that question is a trap.”

He grinned. “Smart.”

The pause that followed wasn’t awkward—it was warm, almost private. Like something unsaid had passed between you, and he was waiting to see if you’d name it.

You didn’t. You weren’t that bold. But you did say, “So, are you always this charming at these things? Or did I just catch you on a good hair day?”

He chuckled, then looked at you fully, one eyebrow raised. “Can I be honest?”

“Please.”

“I thought this would be fifteen minutes of smiling, nodding, and trying to avoid weird questions about The Mandalorian. I didn’t expect to actually…” He stopped, glanced away for a second, then back at you. “...like someone.”

Your stomach fluttered. “Someone?”

“You,” he said plainly.

Oh.

You blinked. “I—um. Okay. That’s… wow.”

Pedro rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly sheepish. “Sorry. That might’ve been too much.”

“No—no, it’s okay,” you said quickly, too quickly. “Just wasn’t expecting it.”

He smiled again, softer now. “That’s fair.”

Then, casually—almost like it was nothing—he said, “Would it be weird if I asked for your number?”

You stared at him. “Wait—seriously?”

He shrugged, smile tugging at one corner of his mouth. “Yeah. I mean, if you’re comfortable. If not, that’s okay. I just—” he hesitated, then said, “I think I’d like to talk to you again. Not in front of cameras. Or PR people.”

You swallowed. He was looking at you like he meant it. Like he wasn’t in a rush, like he could wait forever.

“…Okay,” you said. “Yeah. I’ll give it to you.”

Pedro handed you his phone. No hesitation.

You typed it in, heart pounding a little harder than it should’ve. Saved ___(from lunch) and handed it back.

He glanced down at it, then nodded. “I’ll text you. So you have mine.”

“Cool.” You tried to act normal. “Cool, cool, cool.”

Pedro smirked. “You’re very cool, yeah.”

Your rideshare pulled up just then. Saved by the bell. He opened the car door for you, gentlemanly as ever.

Before you got in, he said, voice low: “I’m really glad it was you.”

You didn’t even know what to say to that. So you smiled, and got in the car, and tried not to immediately check your phone.

But when it buzzed two minutes later, your breath caught.

Unknown Number: Glad I made it through lunch without embarrassing myself. – Pedro

You didn’t text back right away.

Mostly because you didn’t want to seem eager. But also because you were still staring at your phone like it had just whispered your name out loud.

You waited ten minutes.

Then typed:

You: I think we both made it out with our dignity intact.

But that’s a pending review once I replay the whole thing in my head at 2am.

The dots appeared instantly.

Pedro: Damn, you’re already funnier over text. I’m scared. Should I be worried about my performance?

You smiled, flopping back on your bed.

You: You were decent. You only said “like” twelve times in that one story about Oscar Isaac. Pedro: You counted?? You: I’m a writer. I observe. Pedro: Dangerous. Pedro: Remind me never to lie to you.

He kept texting over the next few days. Nothing crazy. Nothing that could get him in trouble.

But his messages were always right there—close enough to be curious. Casual enough to deny.

Sometimes it was jokes about his press schedule. Sometimes questions about your scripts. One night, it was a photo of an old movie on his TV.

Pedro: I think this director peaked with this one. Tell me I’m wrong. [screenshot from Days of Heaven] You: You want discourse at midnight? Pedro: I want you to talk to me at midnight.

You stared at that one for too long.

Typed. Erased. Typed again.

You: That sounds dangerously flirty for a man with a whole IMDb page. Pedro: That sounds dangerously flirty for a girl who called me “decent.” Pedro: …But I’m not taking it back.

By the end of the week, he was sending you voice memos.

Low, rough-voiced ones. Mostly teasing. Sometimes just quiet thoughts he didn’t want to type.

“You know, I reread your screenplay sample. You weren’t kidding when you said it was dark. That final scene? Fuck me. Also, I think I’m obsessed with the way your dialogue sounds.”

Another night:

“Couldn’t sleep. Thought about texting you something sexy but decided on this instead: Do you think people fall for potential, or do they fall for the version of themselves they think the other person sees?”

That one stayed in your phone for days.

You didn’t answer it. Not directly.

But your next message said:

You: If you’re ever back in L.A. and bored, I know a dive bar that makes the best nachos in the city.

We could talk about your IMDb shame pile.

Pedro: You tryna seduce me with nachos? You: Maybe. Pedro: Tell me when. And don’t wear that blouse again. Or do…

Four Weeks Later

The texts don’t come every day anymore.

He warned you. Said work was picking up again—press junkets, travel, long days on set. You said it was fine. You meant it. You’d gone in expecting one hour of his time, not a month of flirty messages and midnight voice memos.

But still, you missed it. The tiny buzz of your phone. His name lighting up your screen.

You missed the way he made you feel like he actually saw you—like you weren’t just some girl who lucked into a celebrity lunch but someone with ideas, talent, nerve.

The last message had been five days ago:

Pedro: Sitting in a hotel bar in Berlin. Bartender looks like he’s judging my wine choice.

You responded. He didn’t reply.

You told yourself he got busy. Maybe he’d fallen asleep. Maybe it didn’t mean anything.

Still, you reread the thread more than once.

He kept opening your chat. Typing. Erasing.

He didn’t know why you stuck in his head. Why you’d gotten under his skin like a song he couldn’t stop humming. You were so much younger, so new, but you had a sharpness he envied. You made him want to say shit he hadn’t thought to say to anyone in years.

And you hadn’t even done anything, really.

You were just... honest. No agenda. No sucking up. You looked him in the eye like he wasn’t on a billboard but sitting across from you at a tiny table, halfway real.

And now you were quiet.

Maybe you’d gotten bored. Moved on. Maybe it was better that way.

But when his plane landed in L.A., jet-lagged and strung out, the first thing he wanted—before coffee, before sleep—was to see if you were still around.

You’re watching a terrible dating show in your apartment, sipping flat wine, wearing the same hoodie three days in a row when your phone buzzes.

Pedro: Back in town. That nacho place still open?

You stare at it.

Then:

You: It closes at 2am. So yeah. Still time for questionable choices. Pedro: Are we talking about food or me? You: Don’t make me say it. Pedro: Say it in person.

Then:

Pedro: Tomorrow night?

Your stomach flips.

It’s been weeks. You thought he forgot. You thought maybe you dreamed the whole thing.

You wait ten seconds.

Then:

You: Tomorrow night.

The bar is dim and humming when you walk in. Wood-paneled walls, strings of yellow bulbs, and that warm, greasy smell that hits just right after 9 p.m.

You spot him instantly.

Pedro’s in the far booth—back against the wall, baseball cap low, beer bottle sweating in front of him. He’s dressed down: jeans and a hoodie, that you recognize from one of his press photos. 

He looks up and sees you. Smiles.

Not the friendly kind. The fuck-I-missed-you kind.

“Hey,” you say as you slide into the booth opposite him.

“Hey yourself,” he murmurs, eyes not leaving yours.

You settle your bag beside you. Try to ignore the way your heart’s fluttering like it’s your first date in high school.

He leans forward slightly. “You look…”

You raise an eyebrow. “Tired?”

He laughs. “No. Just better than I remembered.”

You smirk. “You say that to all the raffle girls?”

Pedro grins and takes a sip of his beer. “You think I’m doing a lot of raffle lunches lately?”

You don’t answer. You just meet his eyes—and hold them a second too long.

The first drink goes fast. So does the second.

Conversation’s easy again—teasing, snappy, laced with innuendos but grounded in that same curiosity he showed the first time.

“You’ve got that look again,” you say at one point.

He tips his head. “What look?”

“Like you’re thinking too much.”

Pedro taps his fingers on the table. “I am.”

“About what?”

“You.”

That shuts you up. For a beat.

“Okay,” you say carefully. “You’re officially flirting.”

“Only officially now?”

You glance at him. “Are we pretending we haven’t been doing that for weeks?”

He leans in a little, voice lower. “I haven’t been pretending, cariño.”

That word—cariño—drops right down your spine.

You sip your drink just to buy time.

Half an hour later, the nachos are cold and forgotten.

He’s shifted to your side of the booth. Close enough that his thigh brushes yours when he moves.

You can feel the heat of him—slow and steady, like a stove left on low.

“You’re braver than I thought,” he murmurs, voice near your ear.

You turn your head, pulse thrumming. “Why?”

He’s looking at your mouth when he says, “Because I think you know exactly what this is.”

You swallow.

“You think it’s a game?” you whisper.

“No.” His eyes lift to meet yours again. “I think it’s trouble.”

You let the silence stretch. Then, quietly:

“I think I want it anyway.”

Pedro exhales, almost like relief.

His hand finds your knee under the table, gentle at first—like he’s asking.

You don’t stop him.

Back at your place — 1:07 a.m.

He doesn’t kiss you right away.

He stands just inside your apartment, glancing around like he needs to ground himself. Like he’s cataloging every detail in case it’s the only time he sees it.

“Cute place,” he says.

You shrug. “It’s fine. It has a couch, at least.”

Pedro gives you a look. “So subtle.”

You smirk, toeing off your shoes. “I’m not trying to seduce you. I’m trying to sit down without my feet throbbing.”

“Oh, is that what this is?” he says, trailing behind you into the living room. “Because when you leaned over the jukebox earlier, I swear I saw—”

“—Shut up,” you laugh, swatting his arm. “I was picking a song.”

“You were bending the laws of nature, muneca.”

You plop onto the couch and toss a pillow at him.

He catches it easily, eyes dancing.

And then he sits.

Close. Closer than necessary.

Your knees touch.

And for a moment, neither of you say anything.

His hand brushes yours.

Once.

Twice.

Then it stays.

“I keep telling myself not to do this,” he murmurs, thumb tracing the back of your knuckles.

You tilt your head. “Then don’t.”

Pedro looks at you.

Long. Direct. Hungry.

And then he kisses you.

It starts slow.

His lips soft, searching. No rush. No agenda.

But your hand slides into his hair and his body shifts, just a little, and suddenly—

His other hand is on your thigh, gripping it.

You gasp into his mouth, and it makes him groan. A low, broken sound, like he’s been trying not to make it for weeks.

“Fuck,” he mutters. “You’re gonna kill me.”

“You started it,” you whisper, breathless.

His tongue traces your bottom lip. “Don’t remind me.”

He pushes you back into the couch cushions, one knee slipping between yours, just enough weight to make you feel it.

You arch beneath him. Hips rising—seeking.

He pulls back just enough to look at you.

Your hair’s messy, lips kiss-swollen, pupils blown.

“You’re so goddamn pretty,” he says, voice low. “You know that?”

You blink up at him, dazed. “You’re not bad either, old man.”

He huffed a laugh—and kissed you harder.

You end up straddling him, your hands under his shirt, his teeth grazing your neck. You whisper something shameless into his ear and he freezes, groaning into your shoulder like you just ruined his life.

“Jesus Christ,” he mutters, voice thick. “You’re dangerous.”

“You like it,” you say, biting back a smile.

“Too much.”

It doesn’t go any further.

Not because he doesn’t want to.

Not because you don’t.

But because there’s something delicious about stopping here. Something about the ache. The tease.

 1:41 a.m. your apartment

You don’t get off his lap.

Even after the kissing slows. Even after his hand stills on your thigh and his breath evens out against your collarbone.

You just lean into him, cheek resting against the warm curve of his neck, and say:

“So what’s your comfort movie?”

Pedro chuckles, a low, content sound. His hands stay on you—one lightly tracing your waist, the other cradling your knee.

“You want comfort?” he murmurs. “I watched Paddington 2 three times in a row on a flight once. I cried. Full grown man. Tears.”

You sit up just enough to look at him. “You’re joking.”

“I wish I was.”

You grin, brushing your nose against his. “Mine’s Coraline. I know it’s for kids. Don’t care.”

“Oh, I respect that,” he says, nodding solemnly. “Creepy doll button eyes? That’s some formative trauma.”

You laugh into his shoulder. “Exactly.”

The conversation drifts.

From movies to music, then weird dreams, then the worst job he ever had (you make him promise never to do commercials for adult diapers), and the story of your first kiss (in a movie theater during a Marvel sequel, popcorn still in your braces).

You fall asleep like that for a while.

Wrapped around him. The TV is still on. His hoodie swallowing your frame.

It’s not a sleepover. But it’s the kind of night you only have when the flirting has already cracked open into something more dangerous—something real.

5:07 a.m. 

He kisses you again on the sidewalk, slow and tired and a little reluctant.

The Uber’s headlights bounce off the curb.

“You sure you don’t want me to stay?” he murmurs, thumb brushing your hip.

You raise your brows. “You’d behave?”

“No.”

“Then go home.”

Pedro grins, teeth sharp in the early morning haze. “I hate that you’re right.”

“You love that I’m right.”

He kisses your forehead. “Text me when you wake up, cariño.”

Then he climbs into the car and disappears into the fading dark.

Later

You you looked like a mess when you left was kind of hot

Pedro don’t start i walked into my kitchen like a teenager head against the fridge door. dramatic sigh.

You “what is she doing to meee…”

Pedro don’t mock the broken man

You it’s cute I kinda like breaking you

Pedro yeah i could tell you were smiling while you ruined me

You and you didn’t stop me

Pedro never would

Pedro (real talk though… i haven’t kissed someone like that in years) what are we doing?

You no idea but i don’t really want to stop

Pedro good i’d be pissed if you did

You also i’m watching Paddington 2 tonight thought you should know

Pedro you’re trying to make me fall in love with you

You Trying?

A Few days Later

Pedro okay serious question what’s your go-to coffee order i’m at a café and there are too many words on the menu

You iced oat latte. extra cinnamon. no reason. just vibes. why?

Pedro just wondering what i’ll need to remember when i see you again it’s been a minute you free soon?

You maybe. depends. is this a brunch date disguised as a “casual hang”?

Pedro yes. and i might wear a hat and sunglasses like a criminal

You hot I’ll see you Sunday then

Two Weeks Later

Outside a café, 2:12 p.m.

You’re holding iced coffees, your oversized hoodie tucked into the waistband of biker shorts, and Pedro’s walking beside you—cap pulled low, hoodie up, sunglasses on.

You look like…friends.

Which is the goal.

Except his hand keeps brushing yours.

And when you laugh too hard at something he says about a failed audition back in ‘99, he looks at you like he feels it. Like he wants to bottle it.

You don’t even notice the guy on the opposite sidewalk.

Phone angled low.

The shutter click barely audible.

Another car slows down. Just a beat.

Pedro notices first.

His body tenses next to yours.

You follow his gaze. A pair of figures across the street. Hoodies. Big lenses. Moving fast.

Click click click.

You suck in a breath. “Shit.”

He doesn’t grab your hand.

He can’t.

Instead, he leans in like he’s just whispering something dumb.

“Just keep walking,” he mutters. “Act like you’re annoyed with me.”

You glance up at him. “That’s not hard.”

He grins, tight-lipped. “Atta girl.”

You duck into a bookstore.He buys a random novel and keeps the receipt.

You pretend to browse while your stomach spins.

He brushes his hand against your back briefly as you walk toward the back exit.

“Your face was covered,” he says quietly. “You’re fine.”

But he doesn’t sound entirely convinced.

You slip your sunglasses on, exhaling.

“I knew this might happen,” you mutter. “Still sucks.”

Pedro looks at you for a second too long. Then, under his breath:

“If anything ever actually comes out…I’ll handle it.”

You nod.

But it hangs there. Heavy.

You’re still you. Still just 23. Still not used to this world he lives in.

But the part that makes your pulse spike isn’t fear.

It’s the way his voice dipped when he said “I’ll handle it.”

Like he already decided he would.

Like you weren’t just a girl from a raffle anymore.

Pedro they didn’t get anything you’re safe

You you sure?

Pedro i’ve done this a long time if they had something good it’d be online already trust me

You i do just didn’t expect it to feel that...real

Pedro it is real at least for me

You i know. me too.

Pedro next time no public sidewalks just you my place pizza and zero danger

You and maybe another dramatic sigh against your fridge?

Pedro oh i’m already practicing i’ll be thinking about you all week

You good maybe i’ll make you wait again

Pedro maybe i’ll let you

Few More Days Later

You i just bombed my stats exam tell my family i died doing what i hated

Pedro nooooo not stats not you :(

You i’m so tired i might actually cry in the campus parking lot like a teen drama character

Pedro you want company or silence? or pizza? or a forehead kiss?

You omg

You that last one just made my brain short circuit is that allowed???

Pedro it is if you want it to be offer still stands come over i’ll put on something dumb and hold you until your brain restarts

You you’re dangerous give me an hour

That night — 8:13 p.m. 

Pedro’s apartment.

The kitchen smells like garlic and fresh basil.

Pedro’s in front of the stove in a worn tee and joggers, barefoot, stirring pasta like this is just…normal. Like you always do this. Like he wasn’t in a galaxy far, far away a few months ago while you were still writing essays in the library, humming through AirPods.

“You ever cook for girls like this?” you tease lightly, watching from the counter stool.

Pedro smirks without turning around. “Not girls who make me nervous.”

You blink.

He glances back at you. “Just being honest.”

You open your mouth—then close it again.

Your throat’s warm. So is your chest. Your fingertips tingle against the glass of red wine in your hand.

The rest of the night unfurls gently. Like a held breath being let out.

He makes a simple pasta with veggies. You help slice strawberries for a little balsamic-glazed dessert (“This is so extra,” you laugh, and he just shrugs—“You deserve extra”).

You eat on the couch with the coffee table dragged closer, your knees brushing under the bowls.

Music plays low. Something acoustic and nostalgic.

His hand rests on your leg, casual but firm.

Yours finds his thigh a little later.

You’re sitting sideways in his lap again, back to his chest, your cheek against his jaw. He smells like citrus body wash and red wine and something inherently him.

His hands haven’t left you all night.

Thumb tracing slow lines into the top of your thigh. Fingertips under your hoodie hem.

He kisses your shoulder. Then your jaw.

You hum softly, turning your face toward his. He doesn’t hesitate.

The kiss starts easy. Then deeper.

And deeper.

You straddle him this time, your knees pressing into the couch cushions, your hands in his hair. His grip tightens around your hips—then softens again, like he’s reminding himself to slow down.

There’s heat. So much heat.

You shift against him, just slightly—and feel him underneath you.

He breathes hard into your mouth, breaking the kiss. “Wait—wait.”

Your foreheads press together.

You blink. “Did I do something—?”

Pedro shakes his head fast. “No, no. God, no. You’re perfect.”

You’re quiet. His thumb brushes your cheek.

“I just…” he swallows, “don’t want this to be fast. I want it to be right.”

You exhale, your nose brushing his. “Okay.”

He looks at you—tender, serious. “You trust me?”

“Yeah,” you whisper. “You trust me?”

Pedro leans forward and kisses you again, slower this time. His hands stay on your waist. Yours trail up the back of his neck.

Then he says the most dangerous thing of all:

“Stay tonight.”

You borrow one of his tees and wash your face in his sink with the cleanser he shyly offers you.

The bed’s big and warm. You climb in beside him, and he pulls you close, one arm under your shoulders, the other across your waist.

Neither of you says much.

But when you whisper, “You smell like something familiar,” he smiles into your hair.

And when he murmurs, “I like having you here,” you smile too.

You fall asleep curled up against him. No more nerves. No more pretending this is just for fun.

It’s not the night everything happened.

But it’s the night everything changed.

The Next Morning — 9:12 a.m.

You wake up warm.

Pressed against a solid chest, one of Pedro’s hands heavy over your waist, his breath slow and deep against the back of your neck.

It takes you a second to remember where you are.

The smell of his sheets. The weight of his arm. The stretch of your legs tangled with his.

Then it hits you.

Last night. Dinner. That kiss. Him asking you to stay.

You shift slightly, careful not to wake him.

But you feel him stir behind you.

His voice is a slow, rough murmur in your ear. “Morning.”

You twist in his arms to face him. His hair’s messy. His eyes are sleepy, half-lidded. There’s a small smile on his mouth that makes your heart kick like a rabbit.

“Hi,” you whisper.

He leans in and kisses you—soft at first. Barely there.

But then he kisses you again, firmer this time. Longer.

And it doesn’t feel sleepy anymore.

It feels like wanting.

Pedro’s hand moves under your shirt, smoothing up your back, dragging his fingers up your spine. You sigh into his mouth as you press your chest against his, your body already buzzing.

He rolls gently onto his back, bringing you with him so you’re straddling his hips. His hands settle on your thighs, his thumbs tracing slow circles just beneath the hem of your borrowed sleep shirt.

“You okay?” he murmurs, looking up at you.

You nod. “Yeah.”

His eyes search yours. “We don’t have to—”

“I want to,” you say, clear and certain. “I really want to.”

That’s all he needs.

He sits up, kisses you again—this time with intent. His hands slip under your shirt fully now, dragging it up over your head and off.

Pedro pauses when he sees you.

Like he’s trying to remember every inch.

“God,” he breathes, hands sliding up your waist to cup your chest. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

You shiver as his thumbs graze your nipples. You shift forward, rolling your hips against his just a little, and feel him hard underneath you.

He groans, dropping his head to your shoulder.

“You’re gonna kill me.”

“Good,” you whisper, tugging his shirt off too.

It’s slow. He treats your body like something worth learning.

Mouth on your neck, teeth grazing your collarbone, tongue dipping below your breasts.

He lays you back and kisses down your stomach, looking up at you the whole time like he’s waiting for you to change your mind.

You don’t.

You arch for him, tug his hand between your thighs.

Pedro groans when he finds you wet.

“So ready for me,” he murmurs, kissing your inner thigh. “Jesus, baby…”

He touches you slowly, gently, working you open with his fingers until you're panting, until you're grabbing at his hair and whispering his name like it's the only word that matters.

Then he comes back up and kisses you again—deep, messy, tongue pushing into your mouth as his fingers stay between your legs, stroking you through every soft sound you make.

“You like that?” he breathes.

You nod, nails digging into his shoulder. “Yeah. God, Pedro—”

He groans, pressing his forehead to yours.

“Tell me if it’s too much, okay?”

You smile shakily. “I’ll tell you if it’s not enough.”

When he finally pushes inside you, it’s slow.

Painfully slow.

Like he wants you to feel every inch of it. Like he wants to feel you—wrapped around him, holding him, trusting him.

You gasp. He kisses your cheek, your jaw, your temple.

“You okay?”

You nod, hand fisting the sheets. “Keep going. Please.”

Pedro groans, deeper this time, and begins to move.

It’s not fast. It’s not rough.

But it’s intense.

Every roll of his hips is deliberate, slow and deep, the kind of rhythm that builds unbearable heat between your legs. He stays close, his chest brushing yours, one hand cradling your head, the other gripping your hip like he needs to anchor himself there.

You moan into his mouth. “Pedro—oh my god—”

“I know,” he pants. “I know, baby. You feel so fucking good.”

You wrap your legs around his waist, tilting your hips to take him deeper. The change makes you gasp—your whole body tightening around him.

He curses, thrusts harder once, then slows again, like he’s fighting to stay in control.

“Not gonna last,” he groans into your neck. “You’re too good—fuck—”

You cling to him, mouth at his ear. “Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.”

And he doesn’t.

He fucks you through it—slow, patient, like he’s memorizing you.

Until you come with a cry, back arching, legs trembling.

And then he lets go.

Buried deep inside you, his arms locked tight around your body, he shudders with a groan that sounds almost broken.

Pedro lies beside you, one hand still tracing circles over your bare back.

You’re tucked into his side, head on his chest, your body boneless and warm and aching in all the right ways.

He kisses the top of your head.

You murmur, “So…”

“So?” he echoes softly.

“I don’t want to leave.”

He smiles. “Then don’t.”

You lift your head, meeting his gaze.

“Okay.”

10:36 a.m.

The bedroom’s quiet, dim with late morning light.

Pedro’s hand is still on your back, fingers idly tracing slow, lazy shapes like he doesn’t want to break the silence. You’re sprawled across his chest with your leg slung over his hip, still tangled in sheets and sleep and warmth.

You murmur, “My thighs hurt.”

Pedro laughs softly under you. “That’s a good sign, right?”

You pinch his side gently, but you’re smiling. “You’re annoying.”

He kisses your hair. “You’re glowing.”

“I’m sweaty.”

“Same thing.”

You hum, turning your face into his neck. “We should get up.”

“We don’t have to.”

“We will eventually.”

He sighs dramatically. “Fine. But I’m making coffee and putting on music and not wearing pants, so. Prepare yourself.”

You brush your teeth side-by-side in front of the mirror, barefoot and rumpled. He’s wearing plaid pajama pants slung low on his hips. You’re in one of his big, soft shirts that barely covers your ass.

Pedro spits, then wipes his mouth and gestures toward your reflection. “You’re doing the ‘walk of shame’ all wrong.”

“Oh yeah?”

He steps behind you, wraps his arms around your waist, kisses your shoulder. “Yeah. You’re supposed to sneak out. Look flustered. Not stand here looking like a smug little goddess.”

You lean back into him. “I can sneak if you want.”

He brushes your hair over your shoulder, mouth at your ear. “Don’t you dare.”

You perch on the counter while Pedro makes eggs and toasts thick slices of sourdough. Coffee gurgles in the French press. Music hums low from a Bluetooth speaker—Fleetwood Mac, or maybe The Rolling Stones, something vintage and cozy and a little flirtatious.

He hands you a piece of toast like it’s a peace offering.

“You’re spoiling me,” you murmur between bites.

He shrugs. “You stayed the night. That earns you toast rights.”

“What else does it earn me?”

Pedro leans on the counter next to you, pretending to think. “More coffee. Back rubs. The good chocolate from the top shelf. Maybe a foot rub if you beg.”

You laugh.

But he watches you for a second, quiet, eyes soft.

Then, a little more serious, he says, “You’re okay? With last night?”

You nod right away. “Of course I am.”

“You don’t feel—like it was too fast?”

You pause. “No. Do you?”

He looks away for a second. Then back at you.

“No. I just… I don't want to mess this up.”

Your heart thumps.

“You’re not,” you say, and it’s true. “I like being here. With you.”

Pedro steps closer. Kisses you on the forehead.

“You make me feel lucky,” he murmurs. “Like… really lucky.”

You hide your face in his shoulder, smiling into his shirt. “Sappy.”

“You love it.”

“I kinda do.”

You end up back in bed with the window open and your coffee cups half-full on the nightstand.

You scroll through your phone lazily while Pedro reads a book beside you, one hand resting on your thigh like he just needs to be touching you, even when he’s distracted.

Eventually, he sets the book down and watches you instead.

“Next time,” he says quietly, “let me take you out properly. Like a real date.”

You glance up. “Like…in public?”

He nods, hesitating. “If you want. I can be careful. Private table. Back entrance.”

You study him for a beat.

Then smile.

“Okay.”

He exhales, slow and relieved. Pulls you toward him.

And it hits you—how easy this could be. How dangerous. How close you already feel to something you shouldn’t want this badly.

But you let him kiss you again.

Because right now?

You just want more.

Pedro 🍯 Friday night okay for our scandalous outing?

You depends will there be food? and you opening doors for me like a gentleman?

Pedro 🍯 I’d open every door in LA for you even the ones I’m not supposed to

You that’s hot okay I’m in what’s the dress code? do I need to look famous?

Pedro 🍯 You are famous. In my phone. In my bed. In my head. But no—look like yourself. That’s what I like.

You you’re lucky you’re cute I’ll give you flirty and effortless

Pedro 🍯 It’s a look that destroys me every time

 Friday Night – 8:04 PM

Private restaurant in West Hollywood

The hostess barely glances at you as she leads you down a narrow hallway to the back, where the lights are low and the table is tucked away in a cozy, dim corner.

Pedro’s already there, standing when he sees you. Black dress shirt, a little open at the collar. Trim beard. That soft smile that’s reserved for you now.

He says, “Wow,” under his breath when he sees you.

You grin. “That’s what you were waiting for?”

“No,” he murmurs, stepping closer. “But it’s a damn good bonus.”

He pulls your chair out for you, brushes his fingers down your arm as you sit. The tension’s quiet but buzzing. This isn’t like being at his apartment in sweats and bare legs. This is real.

The waiter arrives quickly—Pedro’s arranged everything. Wine’s already poured. A cheese plate. You’re grateful, because you’re nervous.

“Not what you expected?” he asks, eyes warm.

“It’s nice,” you say. “Just… kinda crazy. We’re really out.”

He leans in, voice low. “We don’t have to stay long.”

“No,” you say quickly, surprising yourself. “I want to.”

You talk about movies. About food. He asks about your classes. You ask about scripts he’s reading. It’s easy, even with the candlelight and clinking glasses and murmurs behind you.

But at one point, you feel someone glance toward the corner—just a shift, a flick of someone’s head.

You both go still.

Pedro reaches across the table and touches your hand, thumb brushing the back of your fingers.

“Don’t look,” he says gently. “They won’t get anything.”

You nod, swallowing.

“I’m okay,” you whisper.

His grip tightens slightly.

“So am I.”

Outside the restaurant

Pedro’s car pulls around to the back entrance just like he’d asked. You both slip out quietly, sunglasses on—even though it’s dark—and hoods up. The manager gave him a discreet nod on the way out, like this wasn’t his first time protecting someone.

Once you’re in the car, doors shut, windows up, and seat belts clicked… he finally exhales.

You laugh a little, heart still racing. “That was weird.”

“It was,” he agrees, starting the engine. “But not terrible, right?”

You glance at him. “I don’t think I’ve ever been watched while eating cheese.”

Pedro grins. “To be fair, you looked very hot doing it.”

You nudge his arm. “You’re ridiculous.”

“You love it.”

You do.

 10:05 PM – His Apartment

He lets you in first. The lights are soft. The space smells like bergamot and whatever cologne still clings to his jacket.

You take your shoes off by the door without thinking. He shrugs out of his coat, throws it on the back of the couch. His shirt’s still half-unbuttoned.

“Wine?” he asks.

You shake your head. “Just water.”

Pedro nods and heads to the kitchen, grabbing a glass and filling it from the fridge. You trail behind him, watching the lines of his back move beneath the dark cotton of his shirt.

When he turns, you’re sitting on top of the counter, arms crossed.

“You’re quiet,” he says gently, handing you the glass.

You take a sip. “Just thinking.”

He nods. Waits.

You hesitate. Then, “Do you worry? About people knowing?”

He pauses. Then crosses to stand in front of you, leaning back on the opposite counter, arms loosely folded.

“I do,” he says honestly. “Not because I’m ashamed. I just… I know how people talk. And I don’t want them to get it wrong.”

You nod slowly. “Yeah.”

He watches you.

“I also don’t want to stop seeing you,” he adds softly. “So I guess I’ll figure it out.”

That makes your stomach flip.

“You don’t think it’s a bad idea?” you ask. “This?”

He tilts his head, thoughtful. Then he shook it.

“No. Not when you look at me like that.”

You blink. “Like what?”

Pedro smiles a little. “Like I’m not just some actor you had a crush on once. Like I’m… real.”

You don’t say anything, but you take a step forward. So does he.

Your hand lands gently on his chest.

“I like the real you,” you say. “Even when you’re dramatic.”

“I’m not dramatic.”

“You literally made an escape plan for dinner.”

He chuckles in a low tone. “Fair.”

Your fingers hook at the collar of his shirt.

“Can I stay again?”

Pedro leans down and presses his forehead to yours.

“Please do.”

Pedro steps between your legs, his palms firm against your thighs, slowly sliding up under the hem of your dress. The fabric bunches at your hips, but neither of you cares. You’ve kissed him before, but not like this—not when everything feels like it might break open if you dare to go a little further.

“You’re killin’ me,” he mutters, lips brushing just below your ear as his hands roam.

Your breath catches. “I haven’t even done anything.”

Pedro pulls back just enough to look at you. “You wore that dress.”

You tilt your head. “You told me to.”

He smirks. “Yeah. My own damn fault.”

His mouth is on yours again—hot, unrelenting. The kiss turns hungrier. You moan into it when he presses closer, the hard line of him slotting between your thighs.

His hands are greedy now, tracing the backs of your thighs, then cupping your ass, pulling you forward against him. Your hips grind instinctively. He groans into your mouth, like he’s trying to hold back but failing.

“Fuck,” he breathes. “You feel—Jesus—”

One of his hands slips around to your front, dragging his fingers between your legs over your panties. He feels how warm you are, how soaked the fabric is. His eyes flick up to yours, dark and full of heat.

“This all for me, baby?”

You nod, lips parted. “Been like that since dinner.”

He lets out a low, guttural sound and presses the heel of his hand right where you’re throbbing. You roll your hips against it, helpless. Your legs tighten around his waist as your back arches into him.

Pedro leans in, his voice ragged. “You want me to touch you?”

You barely manage a breathy, “Yes.”

His fingers hook into your panties, dragging them to the side. And then he touches you—slowly, carefully—like he’s trying to memorize every reaction. The pad of his middle finger slides through your slick folds, circling your clit just once.

You jerk slightly, gasping.

“Fuck,” he murmurs, watching your face. “You’re so wet already.”

You try to kiss him again, but he teases you, keeping his lips just out of reach. His fingers move lower, pressing gently at your entrance. He slips one inside, slow but sure.

Your head falls back. “Pedro—”

“I’ve got you,” he murmurs, adding a second finger, curling them just right. “You feel fuckin’ incredible.”

You rock your hips in time with his rhythm, your moans filling the quiet kitchen. The counter is cool beneath your thighs, but you’re burning everywhere else—chest flushed, heart racing.

Pedro leans in and kisses the underside of your jaw, then your neck, his voice hot and gravelly against your skin. “I wanna see you come like this. Just like this.”

You grip his shoulders, legs trembling slightly as the pressure builds. He keeps his thumb on your clit, circling it in time with every curl of his fingers.

“Fuck—don’t stop—please don’t stop—”

“I won’t, baby. I’ve got you. Let go for me.”

It hits fast. Your hips stutter, mouth falling open in a whimper as you come around his fingers, clenching tight while he keeps working you through it. He watches every second of it, like he’s completely wrecked by the sight of you falling apart in his hands.

When it’s too much, you grab his wrist, panting. “Okay. Okay—”

He kisses you then, deep and messy and full of hunger. You taste yourself on his tongue, and somehow that just makes it hotter.

“Next time,” he murmurs against your lips, voice full of promise, “it’s gonna be in bed. And I’m not gonna stop until you beg.”

You smile, still breathless. “Who says I won’t beg right here?”

He laughs softly, tucks your hair behind your ear, and leans his forehead against yours. “You’re trouble.”

“You like it.”

Pedro hums, pressing one last kiss to your lips. “I really do.”

Pedro kisses you again—more urgently this time, like he’s chasing the taste of your moan. You’re still coming down from your high, but he’s nowhere near finished. His hand strokes down your thigh, then back up slowly, deliberately. His lips drag down your neck to your collarbone, tongue flicking over the skin as he murmurs, “You’re so fuckin’ pretty like this, baby.”

You squirm in his grip, panting softly. “Pedro…”

He groans when you say his name like that, like a plea. His hands slip under your thighs, and in one swift, effortless movement, he lifts you from the counter and carries you into the living room. He lays you out gently on the couch, kneeling between your legs, spreading them with his hands.

Your dress is still bunched around your hips. Your panties are crooked, barely hanging on.

Pedro looks down at you—lips swollen, legs open for him, pupils blown wide. “You want more?”

You nod, voice shaky. “I—I want your mouth.”

“Jesus Christ,” he whispers. “You’re gonna kill me.”

He leans in, dragging your panties down your legs slowly, deliberately. You watch him with wide eyes, chest rising and falling. He kisses the inside of your thigh first—soft, reverent—then bites, just a little, enough to make you whimper.

And then he licks you.

It starts slow—his tongue parting your folds, gentle strokes that make you arch your back. But he doesn’t stay soft for long. He groans into you like he’s starving, hands gripping your thighs as he locks you in place and sucks hard on your clit. Your hips jerk up, and he just tightens his grip, flattening his tongue and dragging it slowly up and down before circling your entrance.

You’re already close again.

“Pedro, fuck—oh my God—”

He looks up at you, mouth shiny, eyes wild. “Come again for me. Just like this.”

You tangle your fingers in his hair, anchoring yourself while he devours you. He slides one finger back inside you, then another, curling them just right as his tongue works your clit. You fall apart again—loud, shaking, hips grinding against his mouth as you come harder than before.

You feel him groan when you clench around his fingers. He fucking likes how wrecked you are.

When he finally pulls away, you’re breathless and trembling. He kisses your inner thigh one more time before leaning over you, lips slick with you, eyes blown wide.

You reach for him, cupping him through his sweats. He’s rock hard and twitching under your palm. “Your turn.”

He swears under his breath, grinding into your hand. “I’ve been dying since you walked in.”

You tug the waistband of his slacks down. He helps, finally freeing himself—and your mouth waters at the sight of him. He’s thick, flushed, already leaking at the tip.

Pedro watches your face as you stroke him slowly, teasing him the way he teased you.

“You gonna let me take care of you?” you ask, sweet and soft.

He groans low. “Not gonna last if you keep looking at me like that.”

But he lets you guide him on top of you, your thighs still slick and spread. You rub his tip against your folds, not letting him in—just grinding, coating him in your arousal. You both moan at the contact.

He leans down, forehead pressed to yours, hips moving in slow, desperate circles.

“Fuck, that feels good,” he mutters.

You wrap your arms around his neck, legs around his waist, your voice a whisper against his jaw. “Next time, you’re gonna fuck me for real.”

Pedro pulls back just enough to meet your eyes. “This isn’t even close to done, sweetheart.”

He ruts against you again, both of you panting now, bodies slick and sticky. He kisses you—deep and messy—as he comes against your stomach with a groan, your name falling from his lips like a prayer.

You lie there together, tangled and panting, the whole room humming with the tension that still lingers.

Pedro finally exhales a breathy laugh. “We’re in trouble, aren’t we?”

You grin, heart racing. “Big, big trouble.”

He kisses your shoulder and smiles into your skin. “Worth it.”

You’re curled up in Pedro’s bed again, half-asleep with your cheek against his chest, his hand absentmindedly tracing lazy circles on your back.

He shifts a little beneath you, reaches over with a yawn to grab his phone from the nightstand, squinting at the screen as it lights up.

Then he goes still.

You feel it before you hear it—his body tensing just enough to draw your attention.

You peek up at him. “Everything okay?”

Pedro doesn’t answer right away. He swipes through something on his phone with a sharp breath through his nose, then hands it to you silently.

Your stomach flips.

It’s Twitter.

A photo. Grainy, long-lens, obviously taken from across the street.

Pedro Pascal on a late-night coffee date?He’s walking beside you on the sidewalk. His hood is up, and yours is too. Your face is angled down, half-covered by your oversized scarf. But it’s undeniably him.

His hand is on the small of your back. Gentle. Familiar.

The photo already has over 80k likes.

“Shit,” you whisper, sitting up a little.

Pedro watches you carefully. “Your face isn’t in it. You’re okay.”

“I mean… yeah, but people are gonna figure it out, aren’t they?” You hand him the phone, heart thudding.

There are already hundreds of quote tweets. Gossip accounts, stan edits, comments like:

“whoever she is… I fear I’m her now” “idk who she is but I know she smells like vanilla and reads poetry” “Pedro Pascal out on a date???? Real man hours” “y’all think this is PR? 😭”

You fall back into the pillows, groaning into the sheets. “I literally had exams yesterday. I was studying in a hoodie like twelve hours ago.”

Pedro chuckles softly. “And now you’re an anonymous femme fatale. Wild.”

You glance over at him. “This doesn’t freak you out?”

“Not really.” He reaches out, brushing your hair back. “I’ve been through worse. You okay, though?”

“I mean…” You sit up, wrapping the sheet around yourself. “I didn’t think this was gonna get real like that. That fast.”

Pedro watches you quietly for a moment. Then he reaches for your hand.

“We don’t have to rush anything. If you want to pull back, stay private, disappear for a bit, we can do that. But I also—” He pauses, thumb brushing your knuckles. “I like this. You and me. I don’t want to pretend it didn’t happen.”

You soften. “I don’t want that either.”

“Then we play it smart.” He smiles a little. “Let them talk. They don’t know anything.”

You squeeze his hand. “Okay. But if I get doxxed by a thirteen-year-old running a fan cam account…”

“I’ll delete the internet for you.”

You laugh, and he leans over to kiss your temple.

Just like that, the tension fades a little. Not gone, not really, but tucked away beside the coffee cups and slow mornings and quiet confessions in bed.

You wake up later to the smell of butter and fresh coffee.

The space in bed beside you is empty, but warm. Sunlight spills through the curtains in long strips, cutting across the crumpled sheets and your bare legs. You stretch slowly, sore in the sweetest way, your body still humming from the night before.

You find Pedro in the kitchen, barefoot in his plaid pajama pants, the ones with a little rip near the pocket. He’s focused on the skillet in front of him, brows furrowed, spatula in hand like he’s trying to win an award for best boyfriend breakfast.

You linger in the doorway, quietly watching him like you’re afraid saying his name will break the spell.

He turns at just the right moment, catching you with a sleepy smile.

“Well, good morning, mystery girl.”

You grin. “Don’t call me that.”

“What? You are a mystery.” He gestures to the open laptop on the kitchen counter. “You’re trending.”

Your stomach dips. “So it wasn’t just a bad dream?”

Pedro nods. “Hashtag 'Pedro Pascal Date Night' has entered the chat.”

You groan and pad into the room, barefoot in his T-shirt, curling your arms around his waist from behind. “This is so surreal.”

He leans back into you just enough to kiss your knuckles. “You’re still you. I’m still me. Nothing changes that.”

You rest your cheek against his back. “I know, it’s just… I wasn’t expecting it to feel this big.”

Pedro turns gently in your arms and cups your face with those warm, capable hands. “Then let’s keep it small. Just you and me in this kitchen. My bad pancakes. Your bedhead. The rest can wait.”

You nod. Let him kiss you. Let him hold you like that.

A few minutes later, you’re sitting at the little dining table while he plates the eggs, toast, and strawberries in a way that’s oddly charming and not very symmetrical. He brings you your coffee just the way you like it—too much cream, not enough sugar.

“God,” you say, taking a sip. “This is dangerously domestic.”

Pedro raises an eyebrow, settling across from you. “Dangerous?”

You smirk. “You’re lucky I’m into it.”

He lets out a low laugh. “You have no idea how into you I am.”

You pause, caught off guard by how easily he says it. How it doesn’t scare you the way you thought it would.

After a beat, you lean across the table and whisper, “So what happens next?”

Pedro reaches for your hand, his thumb brushing the back of it like it’s second nature.

“Whatever you want,” he says. “We will figure it out. Together.”

And there it is again—that quiet thrum of something honest. Something with roots.

Hope.

divider by @/cursed-carmine 🏷️ @zevrra @xodilfluvr @annulmaelae @millersdoll @inbred-eater @thezatannaprint @stvrl1ghtt123 @umadirectioner @aj0elap0l0gist @heather81 @subconsciouscollapse @catch1ngmoths @littlemillersbaby @lizziesfirstwife @amyispxnk

[all-the-fish]

Oh, you know, just the usual internet browsing experience in the year of 2024

Some links and explanations since I figured it might be useful to some people, and writing down stuff is nice.

First of all, get Firefox. Yes, it has apps for Android/iOS too. It allows more extensions and customization (except the iOS version), it tracks less, the company has a less shitty attitude about things. Currently all the other alternatives are variations of Chromium, which means no matter how degoogled they supposedly are, Google has almost a monopoly on web browsing and that's not great. Basically they can introduce extremely user unfriendly updates and there's nothing forcing them to not do it, and nowhere for people to escape to. Current examples of their suggested updates are disabling/severly limiting adblocks in June 2024, and this great suggestion to force sites to verify "web environment integrity" ("oh you don't run a version of chromium we approve, such as the one that runs working adblocks? no web for you.").

uBlockOrigin - barely needs any explanation but yes, it works. You can whitelist whatever you want to support through displaying ads. You can also easily "adblock" site elements that annoy you. "Please log in" notice that won't go away? Important news tm sidebar that gives you sensory overload? Bye.

Dark Reader - a site you use has no dark mode? Now it has. Fairly customizable, also has some basic options for visually impaired people.

SponsorBlock for YouTube - highlights/skips (you choose) sponsored bits in the videos based on user submissions, and a few other things people often skip ("pls like and subscribe!"). A bit more controversial than normal adblock since the creators get some decent money from this, but also a lot of the big sponsors are kinda scummy and offer inferior product for superior price (or try to sell you a star jpg land ownership in Scotland to become a lord), so hearing an ad for that for the 20th time is kinda annoying. But also some creators make their sponsored segments hilarious.

Privacy Badger (and Ghostery I suppose) - I'm not actually sure how needed these are with uBlock and Firefox set to block any tracking it can, but that's basically what it does. Find someone more educated on this topic than me for more info.

Https Everywhere - I... can't actually find the extension anymore, also Firefox has this as an option in its settings now, so this is probably obsolete, whoops.

Facebook Container - also comes with Firefox by default I think. Keeps FB from snooping around outside of FB. It does that a lot, even if you don't have an account.

WebP / Avif image converter - have you ever saved an image and then discovered you can't view it, because it's WebP/Avif? You can now save it as a jpg.

YouTube Search Fixer - have you noticed that youtube search has been even worse than usual lately, with inserting all those unrelated videos into your search results? This fixes that. Also has an option to force shorts to play in the normal video window.

Consent-O-Matic - automatically rejects cookies/gdpr consent forms. While automated, you might still get a second or two of flashing popups being yeeted.

XKit Rewritten - current most up to date "variation "fork" of XKit I think? Has settings in extension settings instead of an extra tumblr button. As long as you get over the new dash layout current tumblr is kinda fine tbh, so this isn't as important as in the past, but still nice. I mostly use it to hide some visual bloat and mark posts on the dash I've already seen.

YouTube NonStop - do you want to punch youtube every time it pauses a video to check if you're still there? This saves your fists.

uBlacklist - blacklists sites from your search results. Obviously has a lot of different uses, but I use it to hide ai generated stuff from image search results. Here's a site list for that.

Redirect AMP to HTML - redirects links from their amp version to the normal version. Amp link is a version of a site made faster and more accessible for phones by Bing/Google. Good in theory, but lets search engines prefer some pages to others (that don't have an amp version), and afaik takes traffic from the original page too. Here's some more reading about why it's an issue, I don't think I can make a good tl;dr on this.

Also since I used this in the tags, here's some reading about enshittification and why the current mainstream internet/services kinda suck.

[jjeremysstash]

Fixing Windows 11 - A Masterpost

Windows 11 is absolute crap for a good bunch of stuff so yeah, have a masterpost with most of the things I've found around to fix it haha (they're not all here because I did stuff around and I don't remember what)

YES, I KNOW at this point Linux would be a better alternative, however some here can't use Linux due to some proprietary programs that are not on Linux. This Masterpost is for the people in the same situation as I, aka those who have to have Windows or they can't do their job.

I am currently unemployed and haven't worked enough for the government to help me. I have a ko-fi if ever you want to help.

Stopping W11 from making you create an account/setting up your computer without internet (with a way to create gpedit.msc if your version doesn't have it)

Fixing the Taskbar (in case you also don't like the grouped Battery/internet/sound or the way the windows look)(there's more to it, check the settings)

There is the chance that Windows can't update because of this, you just have to uninstall it and reinstall it afterwards. They also completely nuked the Windows 10 look in the 24H2 update, so use the "Windows 10 (Explorer Patcher)" option instead of the plain "Windows 10".

Removing the rounded windows (since ExplorerPatcher doesn't do it anymore on 24H2)

https://github.com/valinet/Win11DisableRoundedCorners

How to move the volume and luminosity pop ups (so you can finally see those sweet sweet subtitles)

In case ModernFlyouts doesn't automatically start up, possible solution

Fixing the Start Menu (ExplorerPatcher can do that too, btw)

How to show all options right away

A way to bring back the Calendar

https://github.com/matej137/OutlookRemover

MICROSOFT FULLY NUKED THE CALENDAR!!! Possible fix is to downgrade the app (which is fine if you don't use the Mail), but do use the OutlookRemover to stop the automatic installation of the new version.

https://github.com/matej137/OutlookRemover/issues/15

Your Bluetooth suddenly doesn't work???

It happens sometimes for no clear reasons so here are a few things you can do:

Check if the icon is in the Taskbar. If not, verify if it is available in the pop up menu (the one from the gear icon)

If it's not here, check your parameter to see if you have the option to turn it on.

If it's still not here, reboot your PC.

If it's STILL not working, update your Bluetooth driver. You can do so by looking for "driver" in the menu and opening the Device Manager, then right click on the right Bluetooth component and update its driver.

If Windows says that the driver is up to date, try checking out this helper: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-bluetooth-problems-in-windows-723e092f-03fa-858b-5c80-131ec3fba75c

If really nothing help, download and install a recent Bluetooth Driver. Be careful of what you download and from where.

Someone who stumbled on this post fixed it by downloading the Bluetooth Driver 5.0.1.1500 from Softonic (https://www.softonic.nl/download/bluetooth-driver/windows).

How to remove Copilot if you have it (I don't, but it might be because I'm in Europe??)

Archive

Apparently Copilot is being forced on people so hummm

Other stuff not specifically related to the shit W11 did

Changing the size of the scroll bars

How to fully remove Cortana

Website with tools to fix W10 and W11

[iniziare]

Hi! I download your newest Photoshop 2024 two nights ago, and it's saying there is only a 5 day grace period before it uninstalls itself if I don't license it. I thought this was meant to be free, so did something happen when the file was created or did I misunderstand what is going on with this?

Update, please have a look at this updated fix/post!

Hi there!! My apologies for posting this publicly, instead of answering you privately, but I just want to be able to make sure that if anyone else runs into this issue, that they easily have access to the fix. Now, this hasn't happened to me at present after numerous days of consistent use, nor have I heard of anyone else running into it, but I am aware that it can happen, but the fix is actually quite simple (I had to do this for a previous version). Okay, this involves a little bit of navigating and tinkering in Windows, but I'll run you through it, don't worry.

In essence what happened is that Photoshop was able to connect to the Adobe servers, where it verified itself through an automated process, and realized it wasn't quite activated yet. This is nothing concerning, and is something that us little pirates have had to deal with for years without any issue at the backhand. So the simple, very old, and private solution to this is to not let Photoshop connect to the internet at all (this will not limit it in any way), and accomplishing that is simple enough. Before you go through these steps however, please uninstall Photoshop, and reinstall it (ideally in a slightly different location, even if it's in a subfolder.) After that, here, let me run you through the steps!

Step 1. Do a search for 'Windows Defender', and click 'Windows Defender Firewall' when it pops up as a search result. When the window pops up, navigate to the left-hand side and select 'Advanced settings', like below:

Step 2. In the new window, click 'Outbound rules' to the left-hand side, and then 'New rule' on the right-hand side immediately after:

Step 3. Another window will pop up, and in the options given to you, select 'Program', and then, do you remember when you first installed Photoshop? Navigate to that folder, and you'll find the according application file called 'Photoshop' with its usual little icon on the left. To help you, the default path (where I have it installed) is as shown underneath, including the file you should select:

Step 4. Select the file, hit 'Open' in the bottom-right, hit 'Next', and make sure that you then select 'Block this connection'. On the next screen, it'll ask you when the rule should be applied and all options should be checked, if they are not, be sure to check them. You can name this rule however you want on the next screen, it won't matter! Hit 'Finish', and all should be fine from hereon out!

If you run into any problems with any of these steps, let me know, or leave me a little DM and I'll be happy to help!! I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. <3 Have a lovely night!!

[linuxgamenews]

Experience the Magic of Caves of Qud Full Release

Caves of Qud 1.0 for the science fantasy roguelike game launches on Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to the brilliant minds at Freehold Games for making it happen. Which you can find in full on Steam, GOG, and itch with 96% Overwhelmingly Positive reviews. Big news, friends – Caves of Qud 1.0 has officially launched. After 15 years of development, Freehold and Kitfox have brought their masterpiece to the finish line, coinciding with the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted showcase. So, if you’ve been waiting for a reason to dive into this mind-bending science fantasy roguelike, it's out now on Steam Deck (verified) and Linux.

What’s New in Caves of Qud 1.0?

This isn’t just any update – it’s the ultimate update. So, here’s what’s packed into version 1.0:

A brand-new tutorial to help newcomers learn the ropes.

The final quest in the main story, completing the epic journey.

Fresh music tracks, immersive sound effects, and shiny new items.

A whopping 40 new achievements to conquer.

Tons of bug fixes and small improvements that make the gameplay smoother than ever.

Caves of Qud 1.0 - Official Trailer

Introducing the Dromad Deluxe Edition

The launch also brings the Dromad Deluxe Edition, a treat for true fans. It includes:

The full Caves of Qud experience.

A newly enhanced soundtrack to get lost in.

The Harvest Dawn DLC pack, featuring in-game companions to keep you company. This includes previously Patreon-exclusive pets and one adorable new addition that’s making its debut!

Why it's Worth Your Time

For those who don’t know, Caves of Qud 1.0 continues is a mix of science fiction, fantasy, and roguelike brilliance. Imagine a title where you can teleport, swap bodies with robots, hypnotize goats, while digging into 10,000 years of history. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or crafting your dream character with over 70 mutations and dozens of cybernetic implants, there’s always something to surprise you. Prefer a hardcore challenge? Dive into Classic mode with permadeath. Want to relax and soak in the story? Roleplay and Wander modes are also here for you. So it’s no wonder this title has been a staple on PC Gamer’s Top 100 list for years!

Get Ready to Explore

Caves of Qud 1.0 is out now for 25.49 USD / £21.24 / 24,64€ with te 15% launch discount on Steam, GOG, and itch. If you need one more reason to jump in, it’s the perfect time to jump into this world of endless possibilities. So, gear up, grab your companions, and prepare to lose yourself in the legendary Caves of Qud 1.0. The wait is over – so it’s time to carve your story into the bones of this extraordinary world on Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC.

[dr-spectre]

This is literally my new favourite thing ever.

Holy mother of god i am in love with this beauty of a console pc handheld beast. This can play any game that i want, when i want, where i want. No strings attached, no bullshit, just raw gaming. One moment i could be playing Red Dead Redemption 2 at 40 to 60fps, and then jump into Project Diva or play Batman on the god damn NES.

Despite the Steam Deck being behind other pc handhelds that run Windows specs wise, the Steam Deck still destroys them and is the most successful one because of how optimised the OS is and how simple it is to just get into a game and play. You don't need to deal with the bloat and massive swarm of updates on Windows because you're running a version of Linux. Everything feels incredibly optimised for the deck, even non verified games work like a charm on the deck. (Well, most of em.) The unsupported tag can sometimes be half true in that some games, their online modes don't work such as GTA 5 and Ghost of Tsushima, yet their single player modes work fine and run really well on the deck. Make sure to always look up a game you wanna play on the deck to see if it can actually run on it or not, Valve's requirements can be VERY strict.

Also you can customise the FUCK out of this bad boy when you get Decky. From the boot animation, the ui, the theme, the sound effects, the colours, the suspend animation, the suspend animation that plays when you're in game. It is... so goodddd...

I need you guys to see this.

If that doesn't convince you to get a Steam Deck then I dont know what will.

Also for those wondering, yes it can run Switch games, no i have not tried it because i don't need to and i don't have a way to backup my Switch games.

"Why not pirate them?" The Switch is a console that's still being made today, it's game are still being produced and the developers can get money from me purchasing their games, I am not pirating them cause it's just wrong on a moral level.

But older consoles? HELL YEAH I WILL! If Rockstar games aren't gonna sell me the original versions of the GTA trilogy then I'm gonna have to do what I have to do, you know? Splatoon 1 isn't being sold anymore and will never come back, so i gotta do what I gotta do.

[whatdoseitmeantobehuman]

Lens of survival part 2 strangers with familiar faces

You woke to the steady beep of a heart monitor and the smell of antiseptic. For one terrifying moment, you thought you were back in the medical wing of Omega Valorant's headquarters, where he'd kept you "safe" after your third escape attempt. But no - the lighting was different here. Softer. And the restraints you'd grown used to were absent.

"She's awake," a gentle voice said - Sage, but not quite the hardened warrior from your world. This one moved with the same grace but carried less visible weight on her shoulders. You tried to sit up, but your body protested. A firm hand pressed against your shoulder. "Easy there," came a heavily accented voice that made your heart skip a beat. It was him- no, not him. Alpha Cypher. The differences were subtle but crucial. His touch was clinical, professional, nothing like the possessive grip you'd grown to fear. "You have three bruised ribs and severe exhaustion. Best to stay still."

You managed to turn your head, taking in the medical bay. It was larger than you expected, pristine and well-equipped. Through the window, you could see the sun setting over a city skyline that wasn't scarred by war. "Where..." your voice cracked. "Valorant headquarters," Sage answered, offering you water through a straw. "You've been unconscious for sixteen hours. We had to treat several injuries, some recent, others..." she paused, her expression darkening, "older." The door burst open, making you flinch violently. Alpha Yoru stormed in, his face twisted in a scowl that was painfully familiar - you'd seen it on your Yoru's face countless times when he'd patched you up after... "So this is the dimensional refugee," he spat, keeping his distance but radiating hostility.

"How do we know she's not a spy? Another Kingdom trick?" "Yoru," Sage warned, but you were already speaking. "You taught me how to make onigiri," you blurted out, looking at him desperately. "Not you-you, but my world's you. You said your mother's recipe was the only thing that could make any day better. You put umeboshi in the center, even though most people prefer salmon, because that's how she made it." The room fell silent. Alpha Yoru's eyes widened slightly before narrowing again. "A lucky guess," he muttered, but some of the hostility had faded.

"Perhaps," Cypher said, and you forced yourself not to shrink away from his voice, "but her injuries are very real. As is her fear." His tone was analytical, observant. "You flinch every time I move too quickly. You won't look me in the eye. And your heart rate spikes when I speak." He gestured to the monitor. "Why is that?" You closed your eyes, tears threatening to fall. "Because you look like him. Sound like him. The other you. The one I ran from." "The one who hurt you," Sage added softly, understanding dawning in her eyes.

You nodded, and the dam broke. Through tears, you told them everything. About how you'd met Omega Cypher when he'd saved you from a Kingdom raid. How charming he'd been at first, how safe you'd felt. How gradually things had changed. The surveillance. The control. The "accidents" when you disobeyed. How Omega Yoru had discovered the truth and spent months helping you plan this escape. When you finished, the room was deadly quiet. Alpha Cypher had gone completely still, his hands clenched at his sides. Sage's face showed a mixture of horror and compassion. And Yoru... Yoru looked like he wanted to tear through dimensions himself. "I know how it sounds," you whispered. "I know you have no reason to trust me. But I swear, I'm not a spy. I'm just... tired of running."

"We'll need to verify your story," another voice said from the doorway. Brimstone - this world's version of the commander - stood there, his expression grave. "But for now, you'll stay here. Under supervision." "Under protection," Sage corrected firmly. "She's a victim, not a prisoner." "Both," Cypher said quietly, and something in his tone made you look up.

His expression was hidden behind his mask, but his voice held a conviction that made your breath catch. "She'll be both protected and watched. Not because we don't trust her, but because if what she says is true, her Cypher won't stop looking. And I know exactly how resourceful I can be." A shiver ran down your spine, but for the first time in ages, it wasn't from fear. In this Cypher's voice, you heard something you'd almost forgotten could exist - a desire to protect that didn't come with chains.

"Rest," Sage instructed, adjusting your IV. "We'll talk more when you're stronger." As your eyes grew heavy again, you saw Alpha Yoru lingering by the door, his expression troubled. Just before sleep took you, you heard him mutter something that sounded suspiciously like "onigiri with umeboshi" under his breath. Maybe, just maybe, you could find a new family here. One that wouldn't break you.

[neogandw]

Hey wait a minute, these cards aren't legally endorsed by Jimbo! Who are these doofs?

So uh, fun short story, someone was making card-like things on a creative channel on the discord I'm at and I thought that was neat, so I made a mock-up to see if I had a program that could do mirroring like on a card.

Turns out FireAlpaca can, sweet, that may be useful later.

But then I had some folks be like "Ooh, Balatro, you can use aseprite for that" and "yeah you can mod balatro" and I' was like "...if people want it, sure, I can DO that?"

And so I did.

So how the crap do you use this? Well, for that you're gonna need this handy dandy file. Which I dubbed "The Friends of Jill Pop", this is where the mod will be at.

Okay so I hear you ask "how do I even get this working"?

Or "Wait, we can do that? how can I get my own OCs inside of balatro??", Well yes you can, let me tell you how:

Getting Balatro Modded.

So first of all, know that you can use this guide as your catch-all to install mods in it and cross reference with this video to see how its done.

You should generally follow those, but if you want the layman version for steam (check the links above for steamdeck), here it is:

Prepping Balatro

1.- On steam, run "Verify Integrity on Files", just to be sure nothing is foobar.

2.- Go to the installation folder for balatro (if you're on Verify Files through steam, just clicking the browse button will do).

3.- In the ensuing folder, unzip Balatro… no, seriously, you can do that. The app that just reads "balatro" is a compressed file, winrar or 7zip should be able to unzip it and give you a lot of files in that folder.

4.- If you have an antivirus you're gonna need to whitelist the folder you're currently on, copy the folder's URL and go to your antivirus to apply the white list filter (it varies on program).

The reason we do this is because the mods are technically injectors, which antivirus programs may protest to, so you need to tell it to chill the fuck out before you do anything with it.

Installing the mod

1.- You will need to install lovely, the core to inject code into the game. Direct download link here, so just get the latest version.

2.- On the folder for Balatro (the one that you unzipped the game in), just unzip that download and drop it into the folder, that's it. You may need to run it once and close out (you will know it works because there's a command prompt open for it).

3.- Once closed, open another folder navigation window and on the URL type %appdata%/Balatro so that it will take you to a folder with the game data in it. This folder is where mods will go (in fact, you will see a folder called "Mods", if its not there, create it with that exact name).

4.- Enter said Mods folder and you will need to get another program, Steammoded, just click "Source Code (Zip)" at the bottom of the page. Download that and unzip into your Mod folder.

5.- You will now have "smods-1.0.0" something or other on that folder, while you're at it, get Friends of Jill Pop and unzip it inside the Mods folder as well.

6.- Load up the game, fingers crossed, it should work now.

Making Your Own

If you want to make your own, just grab the Friends of Jill Pop zip and unzip it, you will find that it has 1 lua file and a folder named assets, in it the 1x and 2x folders and with 3 pngs each.

First the hard part which is graphics, the 1x and 2x folders mean "original size" and "double the size" for the sprites, the images are replicas of eachother just in different sizes and colors.

grab friendsofjillpop_lc and you can use that as a template to make your own cards, do note the "lc" and "hc" as that means LOW contrast and HIGH contrast, the two colorations used by the game.

Oh by the way, I did make a big sheet with the currently available friends of jimbo cards as reference if you need it, here it is.

The purple border is there to give you an idea of how big the drawings can be as all cards follow that size, remove that border once you're done.

So just make your sheet (you can even find the examples on spriters resource), recolor it and double it in size, you'll figure it out. (You may want to get dedicated art programs such as Aseprite or FireAlpaca to do this, its what I used).

by the by, the name "friendsofjillpop" is just the name I used for my files, you can use whatever you want for it, just be sure its the same name across all four files.

as for the icons… not sure what THOSE are for, but I wouldn't remove them (I got the sample from another mod), you could modify them I suppose.

Once you have your files ready, its a matter of modifying the lua file (you can use any text editor for this, just right click and "open with", I recommend getting Notepad++ for this).

You won't modify anything here below the green lines (the text tells you this), all you need to do in the lua is to change the values to the appropiate names

Mod_Name is obvious

Mod_Id and Prefix are "fri" (because "friends", 3 letters)

Mod_Author means you, keep the []

Mod_Description means you get to be witty

then you modify the actual code.

change atlas_key to your prefix instead of mine (in my case, its fri_atlas, so if your prefix is "abc" it should be abc_atlas)

atlas_path and atlas_path_hc is the names of your png files, so change them to what you named them

and local description is what it reads in the menu when you select the cards.

if all goes right, it should load up once you install it, beyond that its just naming your files as needed.

---

So yeah uh, balatro.

I mostly made this because people asked, so, enjoy and have fun making your own.

[netscapenavigator-official]

Okay. So here's my current situation: I'm trying to get The Sims 3 to run on my Linux machine. The Sims 3 has a "Gold" rating on the Wine AppDb, so it should run fine. I can't even get in game to test anything because of this:

The game's brightness, by default, is extremely low. As a result, it's supposed to hijack your screen controls and make the brightness like 200% or something. I've seen this behavior on macOS. However, for some reason, on Linux it isn't doing that, and the window stays dark. The solution is to run it in windowed mode, which does fix it, but... then it's in windowed mode (ew). So I saw on Reddit that Lazy Duchess's Smooth Patch came force the game into a borderless window mode. Great! That'll fix all my problems. However.

In order to make the Smooth Patch run, you have to launch the game from TheSims3Launcher.exe

Problem: I don't have a disc drive on this computer. I backed up all my TS3 DVDs onto a 128 GB flash drive, and I installed the game from there. My usual method of playing is to bypass the launcher entirely and launch the game directly using the TS3.exe file. However, doing so will cause the Smooth Patch not to launch. If I do try to open the launcher, of course, I can't launch the game because I don't have the disc inserted.

So, like, wtf do I do? I can't use LD's Custom Launcher because it's for 1.69 only, and the disc version is 1.67. So, like, is there any way to launch the game from the launcher without a DVD? Like, are there cracked launchers or some way of bypassing the disc requirement. Idk.

I can use a USB disc drive, but digging that thing out every single time I want to launch the game is gonna be tedious. I'd be nice to just be able to launch it normally. So any tips would be appreciated.

I could also, in theory, try compressing my TS3 Base Game folder into a .iso file and seeing if that'll trick the game. Idk, though, because idk what the launcher is looking for when it's verifying the disc.

[hydrossity-zone]

A Guide To Ripping Sonic x Shadow Generations Models

This guide is meant as a walkthrough to how to rip models from the PC version of SxSG. While this process and programs will work with the Nintendo Switch version, I cannot promise the decompilation and file directories will be the same, especially as there is a massive quality difference in the assets between the two versions.

I recommend already having fundamental computer literacy and pre-existing familiarity or experience with 3d models and programs such as Blender. I'll be using Blender here.

Now, lets begin!

What You Will Need

A PC version of Sonic x Shadow Generations, whether through Steam or Epic Games, installed on your computer. Please make sure you know where the file directory for your game is. for Steam, you can easily access this via the Properties menu for the game in your Steam library, Installed Files, and then Browse.

For Steam, your directory should look something like: Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SONIC_X_SHADOW_GENERATIONS

PLEASE make sure youre keeping track of which files are modified, if at all. While you can create new files and folders in your game directory without issue, you may break your game if you modify or delete existing files. If you encounter a problem, you may need to Verify the Integrity of Game Files (through Steam), or uninstall and reinstall your game entirely. You may want to Backup your game files just in case.

A 3d program for importing and previewing 3d models, such as Blender. Blender will be the program used in this tutorial.

Tools You Will Need

HedgeArcPack from HedgeLib - A program used for the decompilation of Hedgehog Engine .pac and .ar00 archive files. Currently works on all Hedgehog Engine games (Unleashed - SxSG). HedgeLib is a larger library of programs for ripping Hedgehog Engine assets. Modelfbx from LibGens - LibGens is a library of tools for modding and editing Hedgehog Engine asset files, originally a Level Editor for Sonic Generations. Modelfbx converts .model files to .fbx files for use in 3d programs. There are a bunch of other fun modding tools in here as well. NeedleTextureStreamingPackage from SkythTools - An extractor for the texture data of the dds files used in some Frontiers and Shadow Generations models. Not all models will need this. Part of SkythTools, a library of tools for modding and extracting assets from Hedgehog Engine games. I recommend reading through the page and seeing what all the other tools do and if theyre something you'd also want to use!

Both LibGens and SkythTools do not have a Releases page on their Github pages, so just download the master archive as a zip file as normal. All programs here work with drag-and-drop, meaning you drag and drop the files directly onto the .exe file. Do not open the .exe files. (nothing will happen if you do, it simply will not work.)

After downloading all three libraries in your preferred location, open your game directory.

Unpacking The Model Archive Files

Now that you have your game directory open, you'll need to locate the model archive you wish to rip. All of the assets for Shadow Generations is located in image > x64 > raw in your game's base directory. Lets rip Maria's model.

Maria and other characters are located in the character folder. You'll need to find maria.pac.

Open a separate file explorer window to where you have HedgeArcPack.exe. For simplicity's sake, Ive put it on the desktop. Drag and drop the maria.pac file directly onto the exe file.

By default, it will unpack the archive in the original folder with the name of the archive you unpacked.

In this new maria folder, you'll find a lot of files. Dont be intimidated - these are simply the raw files for all of the model's dependencies and assets, including animations, dds files (texture files), and more.

A quick glossary: - .model - the base model file in native format. This is what youre looking for. - .dds - the texture files for the model. You will need these for importing and previewing the model in a program, as well as exporting it. - .material - the material data for the model for Hedgehog Engine 2. You wont need these so as long as you have the texture files on their own. - skl.pxd - the skeleton data for the model for Hedgehog Engine 2. - .anm.pxd - this is the file format for compressed Hedgehog Engine 2 animations the model uses. They can be opened using a plugin like FrontiersAnimDecompress, however this isnt a tutorial for how to use those. Feel free to ask for a tutorial on how to extract game animations or look it up on your own time, though!

Before we can convert and import the model to Blender, though, we'll need to extract the texture data.

Extracting the Textures

Note: not all models, such as bosses like Mephiles or Black Doom, will require this step. However, Maria's does.

Open a file explorer window to where you downloaded SkythTools. Make sure you have already unzipped the file. In SkythTools-master, go to Sonic Frontiers, and find NeedleTextureStreamingPackage.exe.

In the needle_texture_streaming_path.txt file, copy the file path for your Texture_Streaming folder in your game directory, then save the file. This is the path the program will use to extract the texture data for the .dds files.

Once that's done, you will need to drag and drop each .dds file onto the .exe one-at-a-time. Maria has multiple .dds files for different parts of her model, such as her eyes and hair, so make sure you do this for every one of them.

If youve worked with 3d models and textures before, you may recognizes some of the suffixes used for the texture files. Hedgehog Engine games use pbr texture maps. abd is the albedo map, nrm is the normal map, prm is the map for Metalness, Roughness and Specular, ems is the emission map, etc.

Now we can finally convert the model for use in 3d programs!

Converting and Importing the Model

We're in the homestretch! Finally we'll be able to preview and use our model. But first, we have to convert it to an .fbx.

Just like before, open a file explorer window to where you have LibGens downloaded (make sure you have already unzipped it). Go to the bin folder. This time, youre looking for a program called modelfbx.exe.

Find your .model file in your unpacked archive. Drag and drop it onto the exe.

It will create an .fbx file conversion of the .model file.

Now, we can finally open Blender!

I am using Blender 4.1.1 here, though the version doesnt matter as long as it is 2.8 or higher, as Blender has an fbx importer by default.

Like you would any other fbx file, go to File > Import > fbx (dont mind my Choco Mint blender theme here)

You'll need to navigate all to where you converted that fbx file. (Alternatively, you can copy that fbx file to somewhere else for ease of access, I just like keeping everything in one place).

Import the fbx. You may notice that by nature of an fbx file, the albedo texture for the base model is already mapped to the model when you switch to Viewport Shading. However, sometimes, part of the model will be magenta, meaning we have a texture pathing error.

Hiding the bones, she looks a lil scary here--

Opening the material data for the mesh, you can see where our problems lie. The texture map for her face has a file path that does not exist.

Its pretty easy to fix this - just open the albedo file for her face texture and map it to the material. You can simply drag and drop the dds file into the node editor in blender - blender can read the dds files just fine since weve extracted the texture data from them earlier.

Pathing errors can either happen as a result of the fbx file being wonky or if you havent properly extracted all the texture data for the dds files, so keep that in mind!

If you simply wish to view the models in their base colors, you can stop here. However, you can also set up the normal and prm maps for use in 3d renders or exporting the model!

The prm maps for Frontiers and Shadow Generations work a little differently than in other games. Instead of Red = Metalness, Green = Roughness, Blue = Ambient Occlusion, and Alpha = Specular, Frontiers and Shadow Generations uses Red = Specular, Green = Smoothness (inverted Roughness), and Blue = Metalness.

Setting this up in Blender is quite easy - simply drag and drop the respective prm, fal and nrm and other dds files into blender for their respective maps in the material editor.

If you already know 3d, you already know how to set up a normal map in Blender. Simply take the normal map, set the Color Space to Non-Color, then path it into the Normal Map node.

For the unique prm maps, you will need to create a Separate Color node, then plug Red into Specular > IOR Level (make sure Distribution is set to GGX, not Multi-Faceted GGX), Green through an Invert Color node > Roughness, and Blue > Metallic.

Overall, your node editor should be set up something like this for each material.

(I know it looks intimidating, but I promise its super quick and easy to set up - dont give up!)

And now we have our ripped model! You are now free to pose, deconstruct, play with, do whatever you please with it. Please note that if you want to export your model, you may want to convert the texture files to png using a program like Noesis. I hope this helps, and have fun!

[motorspexx]

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Full Tech Specs and Performance

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 marks a new benchmark in American supercar engineering, combining advanced aerodynamics, powertrain innovation, and motorsport-derived performance.

At its core is the LT7 engine, a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. This engine produces 1,064 HPr at 7,000 rpm and 825 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm, making it the most powerful V8 engine ever by GM.

The LT7 is a significant evolution of the naturally aspirated LT6 found in the Corvette Z06. Key changes include forged aluminum pistons, strengthened connecting rods, and twin 76 mm ball-bearing turbochargers integrated into the exhaust manifolds. The engine also features an anti-lag system that maintains boost pressure during throttle lift-off, ensuring immediate power delivery when re-engaged.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch 8-speed transmission that has been reinforced to handle the increased torque. Chevrolet estimates 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 215 mph. In private testing, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 has achieved verified runs over 230 mph, including a peak of 233.

Standard models of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 feature a front splitter, underbody strakes, and an active rear spoiler. With the available ZTK package, the ZR1 gains a large fixed rear wing, dive planes, and additional carbon-fiber components. Combined, these upgrades provide over 1,200 pounds of downforce.

Chassis tuning includes Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and a track-optimized suspension geometry. The ZR1 is equipped with Michelin tires—20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear. Braking is handled by carbon-ceramic rotors, measuring 15.7 inches in front and 15.4 inches in the rear, with electronic brake boost providing consistent stopping power.

Cooling performance has been enhanced through several functional design elements. A center-mounted intercooler evacuates heat through a vented hood, while additional ducts in the front fascia and rear quarter panels direct airflow to critical systems. Roof and rear window have been optimized for thermal management.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – Technical Specifications

General Informations Model: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Body style: 2-door coupe, mid-engine layout Platform: GM Y2 (C8 architecture) Drive type: Rear-wheel drive Production location: Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA

Powertrain Engine code: LT7 Configuration: 5.5-liter V8, twin-turbocharged, dual overhead cam, flat-plane crankshaft Displacement: 5500 cc Induction: Twin 76 millimeter ball-bearing turbochargers integrated into exhaust manifolds Maximum horsepower: 1064 horsepower at 7000 rpm Maximum torque: 825 pound-feet at 6000 rpm Redline: 8000 rpm Fuel delivery: Direct injection Cooling system: Intercooler with hood vent, front and side intake ducts, roof-integrated airflow, and rear-quarter cooling channels Special features: Anti-lag system, forged aluminum pistons, reinforced connecting rods, dry sump oiling system

Transmission Type: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic Final drive: Strengthened limited-slip differential

Performance Estimates 0 to 60 miles per hour: 2.3 seconds Quarter mile: Estimated 9.5 seconds with ZTK package Top speed: Electronically confirmed runs over 230 mph, with a recorded maximum of 233 mph

Chassis and Suspension Front suspension: Short/long arm configuration with Magnetic Ride Control version 4.0 Rear suspension: Multilink setup with Magnetic Ride Control version 4.0 Braking system: Carbon-ceramic rotors, 15.7 inches front and 15.4 inches rear, with electronic brake boost Steering: Electric power steering with variable ratio

Wheels and Tires Front tires: 275/30 ZR20 Rear tires: 345/25 ZR21 Tire options: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S standard, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R optional with ZTK package Wheel sizes: 20 inches by 10 inches front, 21 inches by 13 inches rear Construction: Lightweight forged aluminum

Aerodynamics Standard aero: Front splitter, underbody strakes, active rear spoiler Optional ZTK package: Fixed carbon fiber rear wing, front dive planes, additional carbon fiber components Downforce: Exceeds 1200 pounds with ZTK configuration

Dimensions (estimated) Overall length: 182.3 inches Overall width: 79.7 inches Overall height: 48.6 inches Wheelbase: 107.2 inches Curb weight: 3750 to 3800 pounds depending on configuration

Interior and Technology Driver interface: Digital instrument cluster, performance data recorder Seating options: GT2 and Competition Sport seats Infotainment: Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium with 8" touchscreen Audio system: Bose sound system Driver aids: Launch control, performance traction management, customizable drive modes

Optional Packages ZTK Track Performance Package includes track-optimized suspension, Cup 2 R tires, and high downforce aerodynamic components Carbon Fiber Package: carbon trim elements on exterior and interior

MSRP Starting price above 185,000 US dollars

[blazehedgehog]

Would the Sonic Unleashed PC recompile be at risk of a C&D from SEGA?

I'm willing to believe that they were smart enough to avoid shipping their executable with any copyrighted material in it. That includes code -- code itself is a copyrightable resource.

It's not good enough to say "our executable scans for the retail data to verify a purchase." No, it has to be all 100% completely original code. But, in theory, that's why they tell you to rip the game data from your Xbox 360. Their executable is a translation tool, nothing else.

And that's the truth, right. This isn't a decompilation, it's "static recompilation." Unlike the Mario 64 decompilation, which required you to feed a Super Mario 64 ROM into a decompiler, then compile a native Windows executable in Visual Studio, this is basically one of these:

...but for Xbox 360 code. And, specifically, the Xbox 360 code that Sonic Unleashed uses and nothing else. MattKC has a video that explains it better and much more in depth than I do:

But as long as UnleashedRecomp.exe is just translating and does not contain any of Sega's original assets or code, they should be in the clear.

In theory, if Sega wanted to be Nintendo-levels of pedantic, they could go after them for using official character art in the installer:

The 4 or 5 images they use in the installer are officially copyrighted to Sega and would be grounds for a C&D... but removing them would be an easy fix. This installer looks nice (and it's based on something Sega was considering for the PS3 version) but it doesn't have to look this nice. And removing the art won't stop the installer from being able to do its job.

I think they're fine.

[jbfly46]

Your All-in-One AI Web Agent: Save $200+ a Month, Unleash Limitless Possibilities!

Imagine having an AI agent that costs you nothing monthly, runs directly on your computer, and is unrestricted in its capabilities. OpenAI Operator charges up to $200/month for limited API calls and restricts access to many tasks like visiting thousands of websites. With DeepSeek-R1 and Browser-Use, you:

• Save money while keeping everything local and private.

• Automate visiting 100,000+ websites, gathering data, filling forms, and navigating like a human.

• Gain total freedom to explore, scrape, and interact with the web like never before.

You may have heard about Operator from Open AI that runs on their computer in some cloud with you passing on private information to their AI to so anything useful. AND you pay for the gift . It is not paranoid to not want you passwords and logins and personal details to be shared. OpenAI of course charges a substantial amount of money for something that will limit exactly what sites you can visit, like YouTube for example. With this method you will start telling an AI exactly what you want it to do, in plain language, and watching it navigate the web, gather information, and make decisions—all without writing a single line of code.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to build an AI agent that performs tasks like scraping news, analyzing social media mentions, and making predictions using DeepSeek-R1 and Browser-Use, but instead of writing a Python script, you’ll interact with the AI directly using prompts.

These instructions are in constant revisions as DeepSeek R1 is days old. Browser Use has been a standard for quite a while. This method can be for people who are new to AI and programming. It may seem technical at first, but by the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using your AI agent to perform a variety of tasks, all by talking to it. how, if you look at these instructions and it seems to overwhelming, wait, we will have a single download app soon. It is in testing now.

This is version 3.0 of these instructions January 26th, 2025.

This guide will walk you through setting up DeepSeek-R1 8B (4-bit) and Browser-Use Web UI, ensuring even the most novice users succeed.

What You’ll Achieve

By following this guide, you’ll:

1. Set up DeepSeek-R1, a reasoning AI that works privately on your computer.

2. Configure Browser-Use Web UI, a tool to automate web scraping, form-filling, and real-time interaction.

3. Create an AI agent capable of finding stock news, gathering Reddit mentions, and predicting stock trends—all while operating without cloud restrictions.

A Deep Dive At ReadMultiplex.com Soon

We will have a deep dive into how you can use this platform for very advanced AI use cases that few have thought of let alone seen before. Join us at ReadMultiplex.com and become a member that not only sees the future earlier but also with particle and pragmatic ways to profit from the future.

System Requirements

Hardware

• RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended).

• Processor: Quad-core (Intel i5/AMD Ryzen 5 or higher).

• Storage: 5 GB free space.

• Graphics: GPU optional for faster processing.

Software

• Operating System: macOS, Windows 10+, or Linux.

• Python: Version 3.8 or higher.

• Git: Installed.

Step 1: Get Your Tools Ready

We’ll need Python, Git, and a terminal/command prompt to proceed. Follow these instructions carefully.

Install Python

1. Check Python Installation:

• Open your terminal/command prompt and type:

python3 --version

• If Python is installed, you’ll see a version like:

Python 3.9.7

2. If Python Is Not Installed:

• Download Python from python.org.

• During installation, ensure you check “Add Python to PATH” on Windows.

3. Verify Installation:

python3 --version

Install Git

1. Check Git Installation:

• Run:

git --version

• If installed, you’ll see:

git version 2.34.1

2. If Git Is Not Installed:

• Windows: Download Git from git-scm.com and follow the instructions.

• Mac/Linux: Install via terminal:

sudo apt install git -y # For Ubuntu/Debian

brew install git # For macOS

Step 2: Download and Build llama.cpp

We’ll use llama.cpp to run the DeepSeek-R1 model locally.

1. Open your terminal/command prompt.

2. Navigate to a clear location for your project files:

mkdir ~/AI_Project

cd ~/AI_Project

3. Clone the llama.cpp repository:

git clone https://github.com/ggerganov/llama.cpp.git

cd llama.cpp

4. Build the project:

• Mac/Linux:

make

• Windows:

• Install a C++ compiler (e.g., MSVC or MinGW).

• Run:

mkdir build

cd build

cmake ..

cmake --build . --config Release

Step 3: Download DeepSeek-R1 8B 4-bit Model

1. Visit the DeepSeek-R1 8B Model Page on Hugging Face.

2. Download the 4-bit quantized model file:

• Example: DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-8B-Q4_K_M.gguf.

3. Move the model to your llama.cpp folder:

mv ~/Downloads/DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-8B-Q4_K_M.gguf ~/AI_Project/llama.cpp

Step 4: Start DeepSeek-R1

1. Navigate to your llama.cpp folder:

cd ~/AI_Project/llama.cpp

2. Run the model with a sample prompt:

./main -m DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-8B-Q4_K_M.gguf -p "What is the capital of France?"

3. Expected Output:

The capital of France is Paris.

Step 5: Set Up Browser-Use Web UI

1. Go back to your project folder:

cd ~/AI_Project

2. Clone the Browser-Use repository:

git clone https://github.com/browser-use/browser-use.git

cd browser-use

3. Create a virtual environment:

python3 -m venv env

4. Activate the virtual environment:

• Mac/Linux:

source env/bin/activate

• Windows:

env\Scripts\activate

5. Install dependencies:

pip install -r requirements.txt

6. Start the Web UI:

python examples/gradio_demo.py

7. Open the local URL in your browser:

http://127.0.0.1:7860

Step 6: Configure the Web UI for DeepSeek-R1

1. Go to the Settings panel in the Web UI.

2. Specify the DeepSeek model path:

~/AI_Project/llama.cpp/DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-8B-Q4_K_M.gguf

3. Adjust Timeout Settings:

• Increase the timeout to 120 seconds for larger models.

4. Enable Memory-Saving Mode if your system has less than 16 GB of RAM.

Step 7: Run an Example Task

Let’s create an agent that:

1. Searches for Tesla stock news.

2. Gathers Reddit mentions.

3. Predicts the stock trend.

Example Prompt:

Search for "Tesla stock news" on Google News and summarize the top 3 headlines. Then, check Reddit for the latest mentions of "Tesla stock" and predict whether the stock will rise based on the news and discussions.

--

Congratulations! You’ve built a powerful, private AI agent capable of automating the web and reasoning in real time. Unlike costly, restricted tools like OpenAI Operator, you’ve spent nothing beyond your time. Unleash your AI agent on tasks that were once impossible and imagine the possibilities for personal projects, research, and business. You’re not limited anymore. You own the web—your AI agent just unlocked it! 🚀

Stay tuned fora FREE simple to use single app that will do this all and more.