#and she's been exploited...

[teatimemols]

No, no, I didn't feel like reading more about one of the (potential casual) LIs' sexual adventures. Like, the scene was super odd. There seemed to be like two guys, and the woman was interested in the other guy, and then she realized the demon was there, so she went...for him instead? And they talked about it being casual, and then they started making out, and she seemed to be laying with people to have a better life....

Ehhhhh

Nah, thank you, but no. I was kind of interested in him, but it really turned me off. I don't really enjoy asking and hearing details about ex relationships of people I'm interested in, I mean these sort of details.

[kristybluebird]

A flash and it's born, a flash and it fades.

A flash and it's born, a flash and it fades.

[letyhide]

I am NOT looking forward to that Sunkissed talk today.

Already heard him explain it to Pangi and was not impressed. His plan was to "give Zam a taste of (her) medicine by helping the enemy team" or something like that (he implied, like Zam had done with the Bacon wardens , and the Jumper hearts etc..). And it was a way to show her how its "bad" to play all sides... which.. urgh....

Zams whole thing is about Balance: He helped Bacon because, realistically Bacon was doing something for the server (by making it active again) and was gonna get banned by natural causes. So Zam decided she wanted to be a helping hand in making everything more fun, and make Bacon last just long enough for everyone to be satisfied in the arc. Bacon was alone in his effort, a clear underdog. When He found the materials chest, Bacon was only on 2. He needed the help or he could have easily gotten banned

(ik he said he would have probably gotten the materials himself, but like technically he could've died obtaining them, while afking a farm. Or something. Ending the arc randomly, casually. In an even less satisfying way, as Bacon put his banning as the "stop spawning wardens" condition)

Without Zams help, things would've played out differently. And its not like she wasn't out for Bacon's blood, she wanted to ban him almost more than anyone. She Just wanted to give more time for him to achieve his true goal of understanding Subz.

Again to Zam it's all about Balance and helping the server itself function, so when a low-hearts player has a cool idea, even tho they're your enemy, if they're in dire need: you help them, because nobody else will. It gives people a chance to log on the server, and do stuff, and be active enough to have those ideas and put them into fruition (and make the server intresting. A way to make things HAPPEN). It's such a noble and important cause for a content-oriented-server. That recently seems to be more pvp-oriented (or that's how the chunpire's ideals would seem to make it).

And I would like to say that there is NOTHING wrong with not understanding Zam's goals and her view on the server. Nobody is expected to, and realistically, it is more interesting for people to oppose her.

But what is odd, is having a player, seemingly piece together Zam was helping Bacon. Confront her about it, and sit there and pretend to have a complete understanding of it, and promise to always be by her side. Just to go ahead and do something behind her back, and then claim to be doing it for Zam's sake ????????? The only way you could see these situations as similar, is by viewing what Zam did with Bacon and Jumper, as "Betrayal" yourself, which would again prove that Derap did NOT understand Zam.

It's not a crime to betray, it's more annoying how Derap doesn’t see it as such, and thinks he's somehow in the right, and is gonna try and make Zam feel bad for it, by "apologising" for all the wrong things. But, again, he has already kinda revealed his true thoughts in part. "I didn't like that you gave Jumper hearts". which, again, makes Derap's way of thinking closer to Mapicc's than Zam. Then, why did he lie back then?

If he TRULY understood Zam, he could easily see how giving Bacon hearts and giving Chungpire are not that comparable. If the goal is Balance, helping a team which is already significantly stronger than yours, and has goals that are fundamentally opposite to them, is not really,,, the move, per say... Atlas was the underdog. The chumpire would have probably won every fight and confrontation even without the extra information.

It's almost like Derap pretended to understand her just to be by her side, while not listening or respecting her enough to ACTUALLY understand her motives. Which is something that has been happening her season between sunkissed. Derapchu pushing this relationship, repeating the same phrases of "I care about you most" "ill always be by your side" Sweet stuff, said in a vacuum. But when you listen to the way he talks to other people, you see that mask fall.

Will never forget him telling Zam over and over again how "nobody respected you for how much care you put into rebuilding spawn!". But when Bacon was the one rebuilding it, Derap would get in the call and ask the same damn questions Zam was always so tired of other people asking. "Why are you doing this Bacon? What's the point?" And even started saying stuff like "why even rebuild spawn the way it was before? Why not make new builds?". The same type of questions Zam has been asked time and time again. The same questions that someone who actually understands her Knows not to ask. Because in a way, that is exactly the kind of disrespect Zam was shown by other players. The behaviour Derap was condemning in front of Zam, but practicing on another Spawn-repairer.

And then he lied to Zam about Bacon choosing to not repair Zam's builds? and trying to claim he was completely alone in the warden efforts. Says it was a miscommunication error, but it was really convenient how it was used to push this idea of "it's just us two against the world" sentiment that he had been trying to convince Zam of all season huh....

((Then the Flame fights happened, and Derap called her "insane" and "crazy" for basically throwing herself at the enemy time and time again, and said that She was "stupid" for not asking for his help. yet on Evbo-day when Mane, Flame and Clown were chasing her. Derap made some sly comment of dismissal when asked if he wanted to help Zam at all. (something like responding "probably somewhere getting killed by flame idk" when asked where Zam was... or he said something about there being no point. i don't remember exaclty and i'm not bothered enough to go check, sorry). But then seemed so proud of her after. convienent))

And let's not forget the whole “forgetting to tell her he had been using exploited items (prot-4 armour) for months” ordeal. Something Zam has been deeply against for YEARS. saying "no more secrets" but being caught in another lie again and again, and saying "he forgot" to tell her that one small detail... but it happened like 3 times in a row. I already said it somewhere, but to me, that day is when Sunkissed should've ended as a teamup.

But back to the betrayal itself. From the way he put it, i got that, he didn’t agree with the way Zam thinks (despite telling her the whole season he did), and instead of communicating that, he was gonna go behind his back, to give the enemy team information, to “show her a lesson” on why playing all sides is bad. (again proving that He didn’t listen to or understand Zam at all, only pretended to).

It’s just so wild to me, because this is definitely targeted, he’s gonna say this was for “Zam’s greater good”, but you cannot tell me that this doesn’t come from bitterness. He didn’t like Zam giving hearts to Jumper at all. Then says “we need teammates Zam, sort things out with Mapicc”. But when the teammate who helps is ManePear, Derap isn’t happy (which.. Okay,, fair enough ig,, but how come Zam HAS to settle his differences with Mapicc, but he can’t with Mane?). When talking to Pangi Derap says “I would never work with Mapicc!” when that is exactly what he was trying to push Atlas into doing. Also, to add, he DID work with Mapicc When he GAVE HIM PANGI’S COORDS in secret, again when his goal was to teach “Pangi a lesson”, lying again.

And if we REALLY wanna compare this with the giving bacon hearts situation, there is ONE clear difference between those two situations. When Zam was confronted by Derap on whether or not she did it, Zam confessed everything. He was honest with Derapchu, explained his reasoning and everything, because he felt bad lying to him. But we know damn well Derapchu doesn’t feel bad lying to Zam, that’s all he’s been doing this season. When they were face to face, in that base, Zam asked again and again if Derapchu was betraying, and Derapchu goes “Are you crazy???? Are you insane? I would never work WITH MAPICC” now we know he was clearly latching onto a technicality, he wanted to work with Minute (who works with Mapicc, and told him everything), but he never misses a chance to make Zam feel lesser than for his paranoia, and talks down to her. Because he thinks he knows what’s best for her. During the Bacon confrontantion Derapchu insisted that he wasn't mad at Zam for the hearts themelves, but more of the fact that she didn't tell the team, which, when looking back, is pretty ironic. Because Zam in the end conefssed everything to him when confronted, Derap didn't.

Then when Zam tries to kill him anyway. Derapchu, after running away,  has THE NERVE to message her “i forgive you” before logging out. A slap to the face. (im genuinely going to rip my hair out thinking back to that).

Derap says to Zam. “I forgive you” beucase, at that point, Zam didn't have enough proof of the betrayal yet to be 100% sure (the killing attempt was a test after all), so he wanted her to doubt herself, and make her think she was somehow at fault (because someone who needs to be forgiven has to have done something wrong,, right?) By sending that message Derap was targeting the fondness Zam had for him at one point. And trying to manipulate his way back into the team. During all of this Derap is betraying, but doesn't think he is. Insane stuff.

Then Woogie comes in after shouting “what the fuck did you do” making Zam feel guilty for everything, as if she was the one at fault, which lead to her throwing herself into the void (the guilt tripping worked). And then, later, she gets the proof straight from Mapicc’s mouth, and Here comes Derap saying “I’m sorry I lied to you” in messages. Only sorry when caught.

Genuinly so frustrating, but intresting... Derap pretends to understand Zam to her face, to keep her by his side, but his actions are fueled by bitterness of his misunderstanding of her. he is the one who put himself in the situation of "always being by Zam's side" when he doesn't even make an effort to properly understand her, and only repeats sweet nothings to gain her affection and trust.

Last thing. At the end of the Pangi talk, Derap says that his goal is to "save everyone", to have everyone unbanned. and, again, nice goal. awesome, you unbanned a bunch of people. okay, but that "everyone" seems to be a little distorted. With the screenshot he posted on twitter, it seems he unbanned everyone EXCEPT Flame, Mane (and Evbo). Just like he didn't like Zam giving hearts to Jumper. hypocrite. It's more "Help everyone who hasn't been mean to me" which, isn't a bad goal, you can have that as a goal, but don't try to hide yourself behind a noble cause when you're as selfish as the rest of the server. nothing wrong with that again, you need to own up to it.

but this again prooves that he his and Zam's goal never truly aligned.

[haliaiii]

daisuke sketch for fun

[miralines]

Fundamentally the interesting thing about Rose OUATIS is her position right at the intersection of privilege and exploitation

[slickricklj]

Jill Valentine + Chris Redfield - When you know, you know.

Bonus:

[kismetconstellations]

@sockdooe, This is the full original image:

According to the Tumblr post I originally snagged it from, it's an early piece of promotional artwork, meant to depict Keith as the series's central character. Shiro is shoved into the background, presumably to illustrate that he was intended to fulfill a Doomed Mentor role.

[mcytegg]

does anyone remember the time 4c said smt abt not just wanting to better the server, but how he wanted to better its people. or am i just saying words, making shit up, etc etc

[buckevantommy]

Buck/Tommy for build a fic, please: “they’re never going to hurt you again.”, hurt, a medical bay that stinks of antiseptic and fear

Everything's a little dull and fuzzy when Buck comes to. Gradually, he becomes aware of his surroundings: a soft surface beneath his body, a nurturing warmth to the atmosphere that's settled deep into his bones - a warmth he hasn't felt in far too long.

But it's the lack of certain things that piques his curiosity the most: there's no constant beeping of machines, no antiseptic curling his nosehairs, no pervasive stench of fear souring the air.

Blinking his eyes open is a little tough. They feel heavy, and his body is sore and tired but for once it feels like he's gotten the much-needed rest it's always begging for.

He's not alone. There's a figure standing by a large window overlooking a view of greengreengreen. A man. His size and the breadth and curve of his shoulders is familiar. The rich brown and gentle waves of his hair, the strength in his muscles. A prominent nose. Storm-blue eyes. Stubble on his cheeks and a dimpled chin.

Buck can't see his face, but he knows.

He knows this man.

He was there - in the facility, before.. before..

"You."

The man turns and is by his bedside in a moment.

"Evan."

Evan. No one but his sister has ever said his name with such gentleness. But.. but this man did - back there, in that place.. and Buck didn't feel resentful or probed by it, he didn't feel like a disappointment at the sound of his name in this man's mouth.

"How are you feeling?"

It's a variation of a question he's been asked a thousand times over the years, but never with quite so much genuine concern. Not from his doctors or the lab techs, not even from his own parents.

"I'm.." He feels.. good. Not great, but like his body has been given the opportunity to rest and start to heal. He needs more time, but whatever reprieve he's had is working. He feels.. strong. Stronger than he ever did within the cold unforgiving walls of the facility. "Where am I?"

"A safe location."

Safe from what? He wonders groggily, but the answer is right there within reach: his parents. The company. "Who are you?"

"I'm Tommy."

"Tommy," Buck sounds out his name. It feels right on his tongue. "We've met. Before."

"We have."

Flashes of memories come back to him: shouting, klaxons, an explosion— "Y-you got me outta there."

Tommy gives a small nod. "I did. We did," he gestures at the empty doorway. Buck eyes it then refocuses on Tommy.

"Why?"

"Because you deserve better."

Buck doesn't know Tommy but he knows strangers don't just walk into a high security research facility and walk out with a test subject. And even if they did, they'd need to have a damn good reason. "You don't even know me."

Tommy's gaze is soft as it tracks over his face, assessing. "I know someone who does."

Buck's heart lurches in his chest. "M-maddie?" It doesn't seem possible.

"She's not here," Tommy says quickly, "but she helped us find you."

Buck's breath picks up. He hasn't seen Maddie in years - years! He thought she'd left him for good, forgotten about him and their parents' insane scientific agenda and moved on to a better life.

"Hey— hey, it's okay." Tommy's hand lands softly on Buck's calf. It's big and grounding and he swears he can feel the ache of his scar tissue just above it ebb away at the contact. "It's okay, just take it easy. You still need rest if you want to heal."

Buck does want to heal. He wants to heal from everything that place put him through, but there's only so much that sleep can do. It can't reverse what they did to him, the ways his body has changed and what he's capable of.

"They're never going to hurt you again," Tommy tells him. Like a promise. Like a vow.

Buck closes his eyes and lets Tommy's words sink in, lets his voice wash through him. He works to slow his breathing and re-centre.

Maddie helped save him and now he can go find her and they can be together. He can do that, now. Tommy helped make that possible.

The air pressure in the room shifts as he breathes deep and calm and exhales, finding his resolve. His eyes fix on Tommy's when they open. "Thankyou."

Tommy nods a little jerkily, eyes wide as he takes in Buck's appearance. "You're, uh. Glowing. Are you okay?"

Buck smiles. A real, honest to God smile. It's been so long. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay, now."

Buck is finally free.

taking prompts from here

[kabutoden]

listen i know i said they dont have godtier powers but au where they do. list. listen. are you hearing me. mage of time ceruleanblood with intense and volatile emotions and low emotive knight of doom rustblood. its doomed yuri. its timed yuri. ill love you forever but we dont have that. and we never will. duty. knowledge. resignation to fate. a single moment between enemies/lovers to last an eternity the scorpion and the fly..........

[jannacalendar]

Jenny was possessed by a creature that had killed multiple other people. Eyghon attempted to tempt her boyfriend to 'take advantage of [her]' body which she had no control over. She was brought back from the brink with Angel's hands around her neck - the vampire who inflicted great trauma upon her people, the consequences of which she had to bear the burden of (and that, lest we forget, ultimately led to her death.) Three weeks later she was still having trouble sleeping due to what she endured.

That is such a violent, intrusive experience and yet that plot point is wrapped up with... Jenny feeling the need to apologise to the man who (however unintentionally) was the architect behind what happened to her - because she was 'harsh' when telling him she needed more time and space.

'You make me feel bad that I don't feel better.'

So not only is she dealing with the emotional and mental fallout from her experience, but Giles is repeatedly sulking around her because her recovery isn't quick or nice and tidy. I'm glad she got to shoot him with a crossbow.

For all her humour and lightheartedness, Jenny is a character whose foundations are build upon brutality and the show never once stops to tend to the gaping wounds such experiences leave - rather punishes her for them. Let's not even get into common strands of fan discourse around her reaction to the events of The Dark Age because that's a whole other can of worms.

[prismbearer]

Do you think the idea of severance came from Harmony's own desire to be free of the grief and ties to the labor they endured at that Factory?

[madokamanga]

[pocketramblr]

Oh no thought too hard about the Hypertime Jacket Thief version of Superboy and. Oh no. Canon Kon goes through some horrors but this kid has ALL the HORRORS yikes

[biggestdickinohio]

Milo and Friends 2

Wonder where one of the best jewelers in the city gets her pearls? Our fishy friend might just be the answer.

Original ref for the jeweler blue footed booby below

Valerie “Val” Zales, a big time jeweler in the upper city who sells rare and priceless jewelry.

I’d assume that most jewelry that anyone would be able to get would be pearls (they live out in the ocean after all). Though I’d have ideas for other rare minerals that could be cut into proper polished jewelry (#geology).

Anyways, she hires dock workers to gather pearls from any oysters they find. The more perfect pearls they bring her, the more she pays them.

Milo is usually called up by her to hunt down pearls, but perhaps she hires others too…

[aedislumen]

Prieur's last written letter

On the anniversary of his death, 11 August 1832, I want to share this very touching letter (for me, at least) that Claude-Antoine Prieur wrote to a certain Simone Frilley.

Simone was a young woman in her thirties, married with a pharmacist, Monsieur Frilley; he, Monsieur Monnet and their respective consorts where among the very few people that Prieur considered as friends and met with during the last years of his life, that otherwise would have been in complete loneliness. Indeed both his beloved daughter and grand-daughter died in 1831, not to mention the death of Catherine-Elisabeth, his life-long lover, which had happened just a couple of years before.

Despite Claude-Antoine's care for his friends and the many presents bought for them, despite the two being aware of Prieur's decision to include their names in his testament, thus leaving them with a great sum of money, both Frilley and Monnet never really returned his acts of generosity and affection and, in the case of Simone, he was always met with indifference, if not utter despise on various occasions, as the letter below shows.

5 May 1832, Could you ever take pleasure in making and leaving me miserable? Perhaps you ignore it and you will be surprised by that. But no, you know my feelings and you know that your friendship is indispensable to me. Whatever it is, without affection, without friendly words from your part, without receiving any invitation to come to see you and chat together, I am overcome with grief. Every time I come back from your place, I am sick. Your cold manners for me, they kill me, they make me do sad comparisons, they painfully remind me of other times. I truly feel unwanted and a complete stranger in your midst; you seem unapproachable. Ah! I say to myself, it is in vain that I wanted to adopt you as my niece. This makes me feel forsaken, abandoned and now all I am left with is a withered existence, consumed by useless regrets.

— G. Bouchard, Prieur de la Côte-d'Or, un organisateur de la victoire p. 428-429

Original in French: Pouvez-vous, disait-il, vous complaire à me rendre et me laisser malheureux? Peut-être l'ignorez-vous et en serez-vous surprise. Mais non, vous connaissez mes sentiments et savez que votre amitié m'est indispensable. Quoi qu'il en soit, sans un air affectueux, sans paroles amicales de votre part, sans invitation de venir vous voir pour causer ensemble, je reste abîmé dans le chagrin. Chaque fois que je reviens de chez vous, je suis malade. Vos manières froides pour moi me tuent, elles me font faire de tristes comparaisons, elles me rappellent douloureusement d'autres temps. Je me sens tout à fait étranger et de trop au milieu de vos entours ; vous me semblez inabordable. Ah ! me dis-je, c'est donc en vain que j'ai voulu l'adopter pour ma nièce. J'en suis délaissé, abandonné, et je n'aurai plus désormais qu'une existence flétrie et consumée par d'inutiles regrets.