#i'm so amazed at everyone's writing in this community

[alchemicaladarna]

I've had a little more time to gather my thoughts after today's events, and while I do still feel sad and upset that this particular chapter has come to an end, I'm still very grateful that it happened.

I'm so grateful to all the good it has brought so many people. Helping many communities around the world unite and be able to talk to each other, breaking down language and cultural barriers just to freak out about their favorite cubitos.

I'm grateful for all the memories we made. The good and the bad. The sad and the happy. The ones where we all laughed at the silly moments and cried in the tragic ones. I'll look back on them very fondly, and I'm so glad to have been a part of the journey for most of the way.

I never thought I'd get back to watching another SMP after the dsmp ended to be honest. I was just kind of there for that server because I joined at the very end and only watched clip compilations and stuff. So when I heard Quackity was launching a server with Spanish and English speakers with some CC's who I already knew previously, I thought, huh. That's a neat concept I guess. I might not stick around for very long, but I'll check it out I think.

So I began to watch Phil's pov and vods, and I'll never forget the first time I saw an egg live- and just how their characters and stories completely captured my heart in a way that I can't even begin to explain. After that, I decided you know, I might have to stick around for a little while longer. And lo and behold, a year later, here we are.

I also admittedly didn't watch every streamer's pov so I'm not knowledgeable in every character's story, but because of you guys here on qsmpblr, I really felt like I was a part of every community when I read everyone's posts, theories, admire art, or fics people would write too.

I've switched povs a lot throughout the year and I just wanna say thank you to the Crows, Doozers, Jaiden fans (I forgot what you guys are called I'm sorry D':) and especially the Ghosties <3 for keeping me company. I genuinely feel so blessed to have interacted with all of you. Thank you for having me.

And yeah Ghosties, because of your streamer, I'm permanently stuck in that bell now so thanks a lot /j XD

To every fan, on tumblr and elsewhere, thanks for keeping this project- the characters and all the memories we made of it- alive in the fanart and fanfiction. You guys all work so hard and are so very talented too!

To every admin who was part of the project. Thank you for pouring so much love and contributing so much of yourself to the server. It wouldn't have been the same without you. Regardless of if you were a builder, an actor, a writer, etc. you made this project beyond amazing. If it weren't for you, I doubt this project would have reached the same heights that it did. Thank you for all the love, the memories, passion, and care you gave to the qsmp. You all are the best <33

A special thank you to my fellow ghosties here as well. Bad has genuinely become like, my comfort streamer this last year, and I wouldn't have discovered him if it weren't for you guys going crazy over his lore on the dash XD

Thank you everyone. Thank you admins. Thank you CC's . Thank you everybody. This was a wonderful experience and I hope this won't be the last.

This place will always hold a special place in my heart but for now...obrigada, merci, gracias, and buenas noches everyone <333

[pixiel]

I created a Userstyle for the Chrome/Firefox Stylus Extension that reverts the new dashboard to the old format. This took a lot of tweaking and it's not perfect at all, but if anyone wants it I'll be uploading it soonish now!

You need to have Stylus installed. So if you don't have it:

Install the Stylus Firefox Addon or the Chrome Extension (You can install Chrome Extensions on Edge as well)

Once it's installed into Firefox/Chrome/Edge you can proceed with adding this style or any other.

To add the style, follow the instructions:

Go to this link: https://userstyles.world/style/11286/old-tumblr-dashboard-july-2023

Click on "install".

Style will open a tag with it and in the left side you'll have a button that says "install style", click there. (Step-by-step copied from the lovely dorothyoz39 who wrote this in a reply!) If you don't want the sticky header you can remove the labelled script at the top of the css below /* Sticky Header*/

Be sure to check for updates regularly, I'm fixing things as I go! And because everyone keeps asking here's how to support me on Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/pixiel !

To update click the Manage button on Stylus and click the check for update button below then click again to install! If you experience any bugs let me know - feel free to edit it yourself as well! P.S. This userstyle works just fine alongside Xkit!

NEW UPDATE: 24/05/24, 19:43PM BST v11.7

v9.6: Moved the Following | For you | Your Tags to below the create a post panel. Fixed the Accounts Menu! + Bugfixes V10.3: Patio compatibility. Added a way to hide the Patio button & "patio feedback?" button, just search for patio in the code and follow the instructions! v11.0: Temporary Chat feature fix after Tumblr broke it, fixed some positioning issues and j/k scrolling!

v11.7: Communities Update, changed the new search bar on communities page to resemble the old one. The search bar still doesn't work on these pages yet for some reason. Blog view icons fixed.

If anyone wants to help test out a new feature (Post width, dashboard positioning, etc) it would be super helpful! Read more about it here and shoot me a message!

THE CREATOR OF THIS USERSTYLE SUPPORTS THEIR TRANS SISTERS. WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!

Thank you dragongirlsnout for all your work on Dashboard Unfucker it was amazing working towards the same goal of fixing this website with you! As a Trans person (Agender, They/Them) I am saddened by the issues trans women have been facing on this site and the women who have been bullied into leaving Tumblr for good. I wish the best for you in all that you do next!

Check the readmore for the changelog, custom code & known issues!

----- Known issues:

Only two columns in Masonry view. Unfixable, Tumblr creates columns based on monitor size, if I try adding another column (because it doesn't exist) it just perpetually loads on screen. Tempfix: Zoom out in chrome/firefox and it adds more columns

Search bar doesn't appear on some pages (like viewing a post), this is because Tumblr removed the search bar on those pages completely. Unfixable!

Tumblr has ONCE AGAIN CHANGED THE ACCOUNTS MENU. The menus are now shorter and have less information on them. This is unfortunately permanent. I do not see any way to fix this. Unfixable.

If you want people's icons to stay fixed in place, instead of scrolling with the dashboard add;

.FtjPK .AD_w7 .JZ10N, .RYkKH > .nZ9l5 { top: 0px !important; position: relative !important; }

to the top of the code! You can also create a second userstyle by clicking the 'tumblr.com' part of the link in 'Write new Style' and adding the code in there! That way you don't have to worry about re-adding it when you update.

Solved issues: (Update)

Menus need to be manually closed SOLVED! in V.4 and updated in V.5! The menu & icon WILL scroll with you if you have removed the sticky header CSS, however, clicking anywhere on screen will make the Menu disappear still.

Masonry view in searches is now fixed!

Resized Messenger Chat Box!

NEW UPDATE 16/08/23, 23:55 BST v6.5: Figured out how to reorganise the icons in the header. Let me know if you have any problems with it and make sure to update your Userstyle! Some icons are hidden with Display: Block; you can hide more icons with this method!

Solved issues p2

Brought back SOME of the icons for Tumblrs latest update - Unfortunately, this does not bring back user icons for Reblogged posts! Make sure to yell at Tumblr for removing the icons as well as the horrible dashboard update here! v7.5 Fixed icons for all posts and put them back where they came from!

v6.9.6.9 (I promise this is the last funny number): Fuck Off Buggy The Clown Update + All languages support for the old header design!

v7.0: Fixed the search bar for tumblrs new collections feature, so it looks like the original search bar!

v8.0: Fixed masonry view icons, hidden the reblog icon on dashboard icons, fixed icons in blog viewport

V8.1: Fixed issue with icons not working on soft-refresh & with endless scrolling disabled - be sure to complain to staff!

v9.3: Changed a few things with the search feature, I also made the posts less round.

UPDATE2 11/04/2024: SO We mighhtttt have overrun their servers. 😅 I'm getting a 500 Internal Server Error every time I try to fix it or upload it as a new style - the massive influx of people downloading the userstyle was probably too much. The Tampermonkey backup on Greasyfork works just fine though! Probably easier for a lot of people migrating anyway! UPDATE 11/04/2024:: My code has broken on Userstyles.world, (it is now fixed as of 12/04/24) until this is fixed I have created a Tampermonkey Backup Version of the Userstyle so feel free to use this version if you've broken yours!

https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/492279-old-tumblr-dasboard-backup

[word-wytch]

I think there's something that needs to be said about encouraging readers to leave feedback.

For me it's not about "tell me my writing is amazing and stroke my ego"

It's more about "please engage with me so that I can experience your joy secondhand and foster a connection with you"

I understand that not everyone wants this in their reading experience, some people are shy and a million other reasons why maybe someone wouldn't want to engage and that's perfectly fine!

But what I'm trying to steer away from is being a passive content creator with passive consumers. What I want to steer toward is fostering a community that is essential to fandom. I want to see your reactions because it makes me feel like I'm a part of something.

On encouraging reblogs —

I understand that not everyone is comfortable reblogging, especially explicit content. This is ok!

But just consider that the only reason you were able to enjoy a fic or fanart is because someone else shared it, and by not sharing it yourself you are potentially robbing someone else of the opportunity to enjoy it as much as you did.

As OPs our reach only goes so far and this website relies on reblogs in order for anything to truly get seen by a wider audience.

So that's really it! That's why I encourage these two things at the end of every story I post. Not because I'm trying to be demanding and "make people feel bad" if they don't do it.

I know most other social media sites encourage mindless content consumption and that's just the way of the world nowadays, but I am from a time when community was at the heart of fandom and I just don't want to lose that.

[luveline]

I LOVE YOUR WRITING IT'S SO ASDFJKFTICDHBDIGDGXSJOHCBCFG

so I wanted to request Sirius x reader where the reader is on veritaserum and has a banter/ tongue in cheek sorta relationship with Sirius. And then when she's on the truth serum she has to hold back witty comebacks because when she opens her mouth all she keeps saying is how disgustingly cute Sirius looks when he smiles, and how she just wants to snog his face off PLEASE IF YOU CAN 👉👈 🥺

REMINDER: YOU'RE AMAZING AND I'M HAPPY AND PROUD OF YOUR SERVICE TO THE FANFIC COMMUNITY

thank you ♡ —you can't hide the truth from sirius, and he doesn't want to try. 1.3k

cw spiked drink

"Why would someone put veritaserum in the pimms?" you ask James meekly. 

"Shortcake, I'm really not sure. Don't get upset about it, alright? Remus is going to tear them all a new one." He squeezes you by the shoulders. "Don't worry, Jamie's here." 

"You're very handsome, but I don't fancy you. Much." 

James smiles. "Good to know, lovely. I don't fancy you much either. I'll assume you're saving yourself for our mutual dark-haired friend and I shan't be offended." 

You slap a hand over your mouth and shake your head, but the truth comes out muffled into your palm anyways. "I really like him," you say, eyes wide with terror, "I don't want anyone else. Oh, James! You're such a dick!" 

"Do you mean that, or are you just angry with me?" James asks, helping you out into the garden away from the party and your peers, who can't be trusted to leave you alone when you're set to tell them any secret they want. 

"Both!" 

"What's wrong?" Sirius asks. 

Your neck almost snaps as you look up. James swears, trying to save it as your body instinctively answers. "Someone's spiked our girl," James says extremely loudly to mask your more honest confession, "I'm worried I'm going to tell you I like you," you say. 

Sirius, sitting on a low garden wall with a packet of cigarettes in his hand, is puzzled. "What?" 

"Someone's put veritaserum in her drink. Maybe in the pitcher. I've brought her outside so she doesn't accidentally tell everyone she's in love with me."

Sirius grins. "Don't be daft, Prongs, she's clearly team Black. Aren't you, sweetheart?" 

"You're the prettiest of your trio," you say, sincerity like a blade at the back of your throat, aching, "I'm definitely on your team." 

James squeezes your shoulder and helps you into a garden chair, the metal cool against your back. "I'll forgive you because I know you can't help it, and because I know you're dying of embarrassment," he murmurs. 

"Thank you. I love you." 

"I love you too, shortcake," James says easily, kicking out a chair for Sirius and flopping into his beside you. "Aren't feeling ill, are you?" 

"Just terrified I'll say something too honest," you say, holding your breath between words. 

Sirius sits in the chair that's been kicked out for him with a cigarette held between his lips, unlit. He lift a his hips to pull a lighter from his back pocket and you flush with heat at the motion, wondering if you're a pervert for looking, for thinking, but lately your flirty banter has your heart doing front flips, and every time you see him you're zoning in on his hands, his arms, the slip of skin at his navel when he stretches, the low sound he makes when something pops. 

"Stop ogling me," he says without looking from his cigarette, the end glowing orange in the flame of his clipper. 

"I don't mean to," you say. 

James shifts uncomfortably. Everyone knows you like Sirius, maybe even Sirius, but he hasn't said a thing about it and you've stopped yourself (so far) from telling him. Any truth has been said under the guise of a joke. 

Sirius takes a short drag and holds the cigarette out and away from you, smoke curling in the cold autumnal night. "Shall I go help defend your honour? I assume that's where Remus is. Being spiked isn't funny." 

"I'd like it if you stayed here," you say. 

James laughs. Sirius leans forward a touch. "Then I'll stay here. Do you need something to drink?"

"My mouth is really dry," you say. 

Sirius sends a saccharine smile James' way. It's the look of an older brother used to getting his way, to which James sighs and grumbles, standing from his chair, "Don't ask her anything cruel," he says severely, kissing the top of your head quickly. "I'm serious." 

"I won't. I quite like her, in case you forgot. I've no interest in torturing her." 

You believe him. James departs with a pat, leaving you and Sirius alone at the garden table, still but for the little motion he does every now and then to fleck ash onto the floor. 

"You sure you're okay?" Sirius asks.

"I feel fine. Warm, but that's probably because you're smiling at me." 

He raises his eyebrows. "Maybe we should talk about something else. I really don't want to ask you anything too personal while you can't keep a secret. James gave me veritaserum once, when we were kids." 

"He did?" you ask. 

"Too much of it. I was sick, and I couldn't stop telling him how much I wished we were real brothers. Which he knows now, but at the time it was, you know, very sincere." 

"You and James are real brothers," you say. 

"I'm glad you can say that. It must be true," he says. "I'm lucky, even if he has tried to poison me." 

"James is lucky too. We all are." 

"Yeah?" he asks. He's about to continue, but your mouth does the choosing for you, and you cut him off. 

"I love knowing you, Sirius, I feel lucky to be your friend, and I–" You bite your tongue hard enough for tears to catch in your eyes immediately. 

Sirius' blasé fades, falls away slowly, like a moving cloud unveiling a slice of light, "Don't hurt yourself," he says, alarmed at your wincing. He drops his cigarette and smashes it with his heel, shuffling his chair closer to yours. 

"I just don't want to tell you something," you say, shaking your head. 

Sirius touches your hand. "Okay, I won't ask you any more questions. I'm sorry. Everyone's allowed their secrets, lovely, I didn't mean to make you answer me. I thought it would be easier to skirt around the issue." 

But it's a big feeling, and it's in everything you do. You really, really like him. If you can't be honest about that, maybe you can be honest about something else..

There's no shame in finding a handsome man handsome. And maybe you can convince him that that's all it is. "I just want to kiss you stupid, Black," you say, "like, kiss you until I can't feel my mouth anymore. You look like you know how to really kiss someone." 

Sirius laughs suddenly, startled. "I want to kiss you stupid, doll. You're a fucking dime piece," he says through laughter, "and that's the truth."

"You look really nice when you laugh," you further, wondering if this is the wrong thing to do. 

"You look beautiful when you laugh," he says. 

"Joking with you about stuff is the best part of my week." 

"It's the best part of mine. I wish we saw each other more often," he says. 

"Did you drink the pimms, too?" you ask. 

"No. I'm stone cold sober, sweetheart." Sirius looks behind you and you follow his gaze to the patio doors, where James and Remus are arguing good-naturedly, a tall pint glass filled literally to the rim with water in James' hand.

"Has he left you alone?" Remus asks, quick down the short step to defend you. "I love you, Sirius, but I don't trust you to not ask her embarrassing questions." 

"I'm starting to get offended. No, she hasn't told me anything embarrassing. Only that she wants to snog my lips off, but I knew that already." Sirius smiles at you dopily while his friends seize up. "And that's hardly embarrassing, because I want to do it to her first." 

[eldritchravens]

WHAT IS HAPPENING

SO THIS IS WHY CLOWN POSTED A TON OF STUFF ON THEIR KOFI. SOMETHING IS HAPPENING.

So a few weeks ago some light changes had been made to the Welcome Home website and everyone, including me, was extremely confused right? There seemed to be a number of commands scattered across the site like "Write Hello." or "Write OK."

Everyone lost their damn minds because it was extremely confusing and nothing we tried worked! And no wonder nothing worked, because these messages weren't for us, they were for Wally!

LIKE??! OH MY GOD???

At first I thought these messages were from Wally to us. Turns out, these messages were from whoever is managing this website for Wally to read and respond to. You know what this means? At least one person in the Welcome Home Restauration Project is starting to realise Wally is there, seeping through the site, and this person is attempting to communicate with him!

When I tell you reading this gave me goosebumps... Good lord something really important is happening there. Wally is responding to the person managing the website. And this person is realizing that something is very, very wrong.

The barrier between our reality and Wally's reality is slowly breaking. Fiction is seeping into our world.

AND THIS??? JESUS CHRIST.

I'm not sure why, but this right there made my skin crawl. The fact that Wally can just... demolish the laws of reality and flip an illustration on a website to show the "behind the scenes"... Where the illustration ISN'T SUPPOSED TO HAVE A FLIP SIDE. IT'S A 2D DRAWING. He could have just flipped the image normally, but no, he litterally showed us what was behind the curtain. That shouldn't even be possible. It's terrifying. I am confused, fascinated, amazed and terrified at the same time.

This is all I managed to find so far, let me know if other things have been discovered!

[inkskinned]

okay yes it's often bad and hard and sometimes i am so anxious my whole body feels like it's vibrating but also at the same time the gps took me a different way on my drive and i got to see more of the river than i usually do and yesterday the sun was still above the horizon after 7pm and that was amazing and the whole sky turned an orange-gold like how they try to make ice cream taste; you know, one of those evenings that just tears you open no matter how jaded you get. it's warm for the first time here and people had lined up against the water just to stand outside and watch the sunset

and yeah it's tax season no i haven't done mine yet but when i mentioned it offhand in a single side-comment three days later my friend sent me a list of helpful tips and followed up to see if i'd need help on them

there's this parking lot for a walking trail near where i live and one of the two google reviews is my actual favorite: love it here. there were so many beautiful parking spots but sadly we could only take one. and no this person isn't going to go viral and probably the only people navigating to this spot are extremely local - but there's something so precious to me about someone taking the time to write something that will make strangers in their community laugh, even though there's no way for me to tell them good one! directly

yes i am not doing well sometimes i'm doing even very-badly but recently i have been given enough breathing room to say okay, this situation is bad, but then it will be over, and you will be moving onto the next thing and it's true that i need to get groceries and pay rent and argue with my health insurance but it is also true that in the absolute stress and anarchy of my life today someone recognized my dog before they recognized me and was so excited because "they tell everyone about the greyhound in the area and didn't get a picture before so can they take a picture now please"

in class we all stand in a circle and are all grown adults and for a moment while the teacher is figuring something out, we all hold hands, just to be silly and connected. for no reason at all at 8pm on a thursday my friends and i start breaking out the dance moves to high school musical. my coworker gchats me during a meeting about the book he recommended to me and i'm enjoying reading

i help a high school set up for a star-themed dance and while putting up streamers i find graffiti that says if you're reading this, i love you, and we're both going to get out of here right next to fuck everyone, live out of spite, don't let the fuckers make you die. on the bridge where i walk my dog someone has written i love you and on the sidewalk in chalk someone has written i love you and on the side of the water tower someone has written i love you

at the bottom of a text post an internet poet says - i love you, i love you, i love you. i've never met you, i love you because you exist and we exist together. and isnt that enough for now. just for this moment, i mean. like, if you just close your eyes and breathe - somewhere, across this world, i love you, because you're here with me.

[thalfbloodloser]

i wish we had alloaro representation in media. a charming character who fucks - both literally AND aesthetically. one that makes other characters go "wow! they're so cool and good in bed, but ultimately un-datable, because as soon as they sense any romantic intention on you, they flee" (kinda like lucifer morningstar from "lucifer". he's aroallo in my heart)

a character who's funny and has a horrifyingly 80's sense of fashion (they have a curly combed-out mullet and mismatched earrings. you'll find them at pride wearing a corn costume because it "matches the aroallo flag" and they're "being subtle") or one who's the embodiment of a 60's greaser (their motorcycle helmet is themed after the aro flag and the back of their leather jacket says "LOVELESS / LOVE LOSES") or one who's a girly fanfiction writer that has more ships than a star wars movie (their fics are muntifandom-ly famous and most their stuff is covered in yaoi/yuri patches and stickers. everyone thinks they're a hopeless romantic because of it, but that's exactly why they're so big on the fiction ≠ reality discourse) or...

anyone else, really. just ultimately a HUMAN who's casually aromantic. one who doesn't make it a parade but isn't subtle about it, either. will they hold other character's hands? maybe. kiss their cheek? perhaps. hang out with them, on picnics and walks along the river? can't see why not! but platonically. or maybe have them be genuinely romance-repulsed & not so eager to participate in anything socially perceived as romantic. that would also be amazing.

let them express themselves sexually! let them fuck. give them a..."fuckbuddy", if you must. or a best friend who's sexually involved with them - classic romcom material, i know - but without it being "complicated"; because there's no romance involved to complicate it.

give them funny scenes. another character tries to kiss their lips or ask them on a date? they laugh nervously, the scene cuts and we get a hilarious shot of them escaping through the bathroom window. or audibly saying "ew" and then regretting it. another character is struggling to write a romcom/romance book without it being corny? we get a scene where our character casually describes the most romantical (and, to them, unappealing) plot ever - because, much like aces acing the smut department, they're far from misunderstanding what is or isn't heartstopping for alloromantics - only to have the other character stare at them like "?????????? HELLO????". give us a scene of them being confused as to why their hookup is yelling at them for acting "so casual" and responding with a quotable shitty line ("just because we had sex last night i can't call you "bro"? / "what? expected me to marry you or something? get off my bed, it's 9AM" / "would you rather have me mad? sad? what's happening here. give me a hint")

but give them complicated scenes too. scenes portraying the loneliness that comes with being aromantic but not asexual, the lack of community. them talking about how hard it is to maintain sexual relationships just sexual. the painful "breakups" because one of their friends declared their undying love for them but they cannot possibly match that energy, even if they wanted to. have them weep because somehow that keeps happening. the unfairness in being accused of heartlessness and selfishness by other queers. the shame on being told they're fetishistic and the reason why queer men/women/people are seen as sex-crazed or impure.

...anyways, i'm rambling- do y'all have any aroallo ocs? or ideas for alloaro characters? maybe aroallo headcanons? i'd love to know what you think! :)

(don't tag as #ace / #asexual / #asexuality)

[eulalielatibule]

H-O-T📣T-O📣G-O

Pairing: Cheerleader!Jake Jensen x Cheerleader!Reader x Quarterback!Ari Levinson

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: Implied smut, fluff, like seriously Jake and Reader are the absolute cutest, threesomes, open relationship, language

Summary: You and your boyfriend, Jake Jensen, want to hook up with your rival team's Quarterback, Ari Levinson.

A/N: Ahhhh I got it done in time!!! I'm so excited. I've been planning on writing this fic for MONTHS but I couldn't think of what to do until @stargazingfangirl18 and @labella420 started their community extravaganza! Please note that Ari, Jake and Reader are in the NFL. My prompts were: Yellow + Feel like you’re being watched + “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

📣

The locker room buzzed as you and your fellow dancers got ready for the big game. As you finished up your makeup, you thought about how lucky you were to be a dancer on your dream team.

Dance and cheer were your life. Middle through high school you were on the varsity cheer team, and somewhere along the way you started taking acro and hip hop dance classes. Not only were you passionate, but also naturally talented. And it showed when you were out on the field with your dazzling smile and killer moves.

Being on Gladiators’ football field was your second home. Your first home? That was with your boyfriend, Jake Jensen, a fellow cheerleader.

You met him when you were auditioning for the first time. You didn't want anyone to know you were as nervous as a mouse being chased by a cat. So you occupied yourself by going over your routine again and again and again. You only stopped when you felt a tap on your shoulder and turned to see the cutest guy with baby blue eyes and spiky blond hair. He had offered you a snack, and you two got to chatting. One thing led to another, and now here you guys were, dating for three years.

Everyone loved you as a couple. You were very popular on the team's various pages and amongst the fans, which you couldn't blame them- you guys were an amazing couple. Not that you were biased.

“5 minutes!” Your manager called, and everyone finished up their prep and got in formation- two lines that ran out onto the field ready to do the opening dance.

Jake stood next to you in line and he kissed your cheek. “We're gonna do great.” You smiled at how sweet he was and kissed his cheek back, careful not to leave a lipstick mark. The speaker turned on and you grinned as the team was announced.

“Everybody make some noise for The Roman Legion!”

Cheering filled the stadium as you guys ran out, big smiles on your faces as you waved to everyone. The music started and you began doing your dance and pom routine. You were in the zone, your flow state as you let yourself go with the music and performed. At one point in the routine you turn around and you see none other than Ari Levinson watching you. You meet eyes and he throws you a wink which makes your smile brighten.

Ari Levinson was the Quarterback of The Knights, your rivals. You weren't really sure why you guys were rivals- Gladiators and Knights were kinda similar. Perhaps it all started 50 years ago when The Knights beat The Gladiators by a few mere points, making it to the Superbowl.

You didn't really care either way. While you thought the innocent rivalry could be fun at times, you wanted to be the exact opposite of a rival to Ari.

You and Jake loved each other more than anything. You knew that you were going to spend the rest of your life with him, and he knew the same. Another thing you two agreed on was your mutual attraction to Ari.

You felt bad about it at first, how you'd find yourself staring at him and daydreaming about how good he looked when on the field. But then Jake approached you one day, all nervous, and confessed to feeling the same way. You were relieved, and it led to a long talk which eventually ended with you two agreeing to approach him.

There was a rule that cheerleaders and football players on the same team couldn't fraternize, but there was nothing about if they're on different teams.

“Look who's watching us.” You whisper to your man as you get ready for him and another male dancer to lift you. Jake looks ahead and sees Ari, and you see how Ari smirks at Jake. If by some miracle he was into the both of you like you two were, then this would be a lot easier than you thought.

After the game you all signed some autographs and took pictures, and then everyone finally went back to the locker room.

“Ari Levinson was checking us out all night!” You whispered to Jake as you changed out of your yellow-gold uniform. Despite seeing you naked plenty of times and being your literal boyfriend, Jake still blushed when he saw your body- yet also couldn't look away. It was sweet and you giggled as he eyed your breasts.

“Jake! Up here,” you snapped your fingers to get his attention, and he let out a sheepish chuckle before clearing his throat.

“He was, wasn't he? Do you think it was just a coincidence?” You shook your head, 

“No, of course not. Everyone knows we're a couple. And wanting to be in a threesome isn't an uncommon fantasy you know.”

Jake nodded as he changed into one of his favorite graphic tees. “Yeah, but is he even into guys? What if he wants to cuck me or something.” You scoffed and shook your head again, buttoning up your blouse.

“Have you seen the way he interacts with his teammates? That man is definitely bi. And I would never let anyone cuck you. We're a package deal.” You emphasized your point with a kiss before you finished getting dressed in your regular clothes. Jake smiled at you and nuzzled into your hair for a moment before he too finished.

“I know you wouldn't. And that's true. So what should we do?”

“Well, he'll probably be at the after party tonight. I think there is a good place to start, don't you?”

And so you two made a quick stop at your shared apartment to get dressed for the party. You put on a sparkly form fitting dress in your favorite color. Jake, not really being one to dress up, decided to wear one of his nicer shirts and a sports jacket and slacks. He also put on some fun patterned socks, because otherwise, “the outfit just wasn't me.”

The two of you eventually arrived to the party and had a great time. You mingled with your fellow dancers and had some drinks. You danced with your man. The whole time you kept an eye out for Ari but had yet to see him.

Starting to feel discouraged and a little overwhelmed by all the people, you and Jake stepped outside for some fresh air.

“If we don't see him tonight maybe we can hit him up on Twitter or something?” Jake suggested and you smiled with a shrug.

“Yeah, maybe. I just kinda hoped that we'd, you know, have some extra fun tonight.”

Jake scoffed light-heartedly. “You know we have plenty of fun together.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively which made you laugh.

“Mm, we really do.” You purred as you pressed against Jake, a big stupid grin on his face as he held you close and you two kissed.

You thought you two were alone but you felt eyes on you as you kissed. Whether it was the paparazzi or maybe someone who happened to be looking? You weren't sure but you didn't really care. Being in the spotlight you grew used to having eyes on you.

“Well look who it is, the NFL’s favorite couple.” You heard a playful voice say. You recognized it immediately to be Ari and you grinned against Jake's lips, kissing him once more for good luck before turning around to greet him.

“I don't believe we've met, I'm Ari Levinson.” He enveloped your hand in his larger- and deliciously rougher- one. You gave him your name and also introduced Jake.

“Ah yeah, nice to meet you too Jake.” He shook Jake's hand and patted him on the shoulder. Jake's cheeks had turned pink as he smiled up at Ari- you thought his little crush was adorable.

“Yeah, nice to meet you too! You're great at touch downs and stuff!” Jake babbled out, making you giggle quietly. You wrapped an arm around his waist as you cuddled into him.

“He always got a little shy around pretty people.” You spoke to Ari, making Jake blush more and Ari had an amused smile on his face.

“Oh yeah? Well that's a high compliment coming from you. Thank you, handsome.” He gave Jake's arm a squeeze and then turned his warm gaze to you.

“And you, you're even more beautiful up close. I don't know how you two do it.”

You felt giddy at all the praise being showered your way. You beamed up at Jake who looked like the excitable golden retriever he was. Ari chuckled at how adorable the two of you were and ducked in close.

“I can't believe I'm doing this…” You felt something brush your hand, and when you looked down you saw it was a hotel key.

Ari’s hotel key.

You cleared your throat and flashed the key to Jake, who's eyes widened like he just got a brand new bike for Christmas.

Ari’s big, affectionate smile never left- god you two were the cutest fucking people ever.

“I hope you'll meet me tonight. 10 o’clock?”

You shared another look with Jake, who nodded vigorously and you turned your attention back to Ari.

“We’ll be there.”

📣

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

01/15/2024 Crew Recap

Hey all, today has been a very very very long day. I’m typing this with my eyeballs glazed over and half open. However, so much has happened in such a little amount of time I wanted share a few things before I pass out I know a lot of you are in different timezones, are busy with life, and taking a break, so maybe this will help with parsing through some of the crazy stuff the crew has been up to.

The petition hit 50K, and is at 52.5K at the moment

Fundraisers: I didn’t even realize there were two different fundraisers for Palestine/Gaza going on but we blew both out of the water. (Note: the second picture is from a November campaign but I think its just as important to highlight— ty for the correction anon!)

The Emmys hashtag turn out was great tonight. There was some pretty amazing and creative stuff going on across all the platforms. Some can be seen on IG, but if you wanna see the majority of it, check out twitter #SaveOFMD #75thEmmys

---We have new ways of protesting and advocating for our show, see here for the thread on tumblr (from twitter):---

And to support that @saltpepperbeard was kind enough to put together a wonderful guide on how to Call It Through as a Crew: Alleviating Some Phone Anxiety which as someone who is socially anxious and sometimes verbally vomits on people when on the phone, is AMAZING and thank you so much for doing that to help.

-- > There is also this new thread on some new places to call into. Don't quote me on that being an official thing we should do, I'm sure @renewasacrew and others will have more in the AM, I just wanted to share it so people could follow if they wanted to.

------------------

New Articles!

Our Flag Means Death: Here’s why season three deserves to be aired

Petition to save BBC show with rare Rotten Tomatoes score gets 50,000 signatures

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There's so much more that's happened today-- but I can't write it all down because my brain is couscous.

<---So instead, I'm going to use this last part to gush over you all and your amazing contributions in all your unique ways. The community support the last few days has been SO INCREDIBLY UPLIFTING.-->

I saw (and experienced) people reblogging asks where random followers, anons, and mutuals just reached out and sent love because they could tell people were struggling.

I've seen comments all over the place on Tumblr, IG, Twitter, and Facebook where each and every person is encouraging each other to speak their mind, or complimenting their artwork, encouraging them if they were feeling uncomfortable with things outside their comfort zones, coming up with new and exciting ways to fight back, people reaching out to the cast/crew just to say hi and remind them we love them.

I've seen Self-Care checkpoints all over, reminding people to drink water, take a break, block your notifications for a while, not engaging in negative behavior.

I've seen people being so nice on instagram posts that the people who were being dicks about all our comments turned around and decided to watch OFMD!

I saw so many people doing new analysis of scenes and characters, and having really deep and friendly discussions that make everyone think in new ways.

I saw people digging through old tumblrs to bring life back to old posts and artwork.

I saw so much NEW artwork, new FICS! New GIFS! So much new art and love!

I could literally go on and on, but I've just...I had to dump this out of my brain otherwise I'd explode. I've just seen so much today that continues to make me so proud of our little safe space ship and so happy to be apart of this community.

You all continue to be the best of the best of humans, and I am so very grateful to get to witness and be apart of it. Rest up lovelies and have a good day / night, wherever you may be. May you dream of sexy middle-aged gay men kissing, or hugging, or whatever else you want them to be getting into.

[54625]

I'm not sure if this is the end for the QSMP, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were shut down soon after this.

The eggs have been the lifeblood of the server since they were introduced, and having some of them permanently gone from the server is devastating for so many reasons, and bodes terribly for the future of this project. My optimism has run out. I will still wait for updates but I have no hope.

However, I wanted to write a piece for the community here on Tumblr. I know we're all very emotional right now, because while we have no confirmation that the QSMP will permanently close, we now have good reason to assume there might just be no other clear path out of this.

To the community:

Do not feel like you have to stop loving the server and everything it created. Do not stop creating art. Do not stop sharing why you loved the characters and the story and the world.

To completely boycott everything QSMP, you are discrediting the incredible work that the admins put into the server purely out of passion and the kindness of their hearts. Do not waste their sacrifices. Talk about the server and everything they did for it, give them recognition, let them know we love and appreciate all the time and care they poured into this project. Thank them by caring about their work that they put so much of themselves into.

To completely boycott everything QSMP, you are ignoring the beautiful friendships it created between content creators who otherwise would never have met, and the way it ignited such a fierce determination to learn about others' cultures in them. You are forgetting how much these streamers strived to tell engaging, relatable, fun stories, by themselves or with each other, and to have their fans talk about how much they liked their newest lore. You are refusing to acknowledge the effort put in by everyone on the project to tell amazing stories through the language barrier.

And to completely boycott the QSMP, you are denying yourself the fact that you loved this server; the eggs, the streamers, the stories, the cultural events, the laughter, the sadness, the friendships, the ship ships, the builds, the mods, the languages. You are part of this server for enjoying it's wonderful vitality and beauty and hilarity. As a community, we all are.

I have had my gripes with the QSMP fanbase, as anyone has gripes with the dysfunctional mad household they live in, but at the end of the day, I love it so much. This has been my first time actually being part of a fandom; interacting with people and sharing my art and my ideas, getting into silly debates and arguments, running my mouth off more than I should. I love this bizarre toxic fandom for all of it's worth; I love the fanfic writers (even if I think their characterisation is terrible), I love the fanartists (even if they give Pac those yellow scleras that always make me think of jaundice), I love the live bloggers (even if they clog up the main tag), I love the people who write analysis, the people who make animations and animatics, the people who webweave, and all the other things people in this fandom do to interact with the media we all collectively love and bond over.

We do not need to let this be the end of our community, as we can still share our admiration for the hard work put into this project, lift each other up, express praise where it is warranted.

And we can talk to each other, we can vent about how this has negatively effected us (provided we tag it appropriately 👁️👁️) and respond in kind to those seeking someone to speak to who relates.

The QSMP taught us the value of communication. While behind the scenes, it itself did not abide by it's own rules, we can. The QSMP itself is not the figurehead of communication; the content creators and the fans it sent this message to are. We can be an example of what the QSMP should have stood for.

I do not love the deeply flawed execution of the QSMP, but with my whole heart I love the idea; the ambition, the goal. It was noble. It, to some extent, worked.

It united communities.

Let it unite ours.

[sphireath-wisp]

#To Live, Not Survive.

Sypnosis: I think finding reasons to live in others is one of the most intimate and beautiful things ever. Like, "yes, I want to live one more day, to wake up in the morning and drag my tired feet across roads to see you - because what would I do without you?" So, I wanted to write that out!

Warnings: Not Proofread, some quotes I made myself (so they might be a little cringy?), messy interchanging grammar, all characters in Sae's section are aged up including Sae himself, cursing, Sae and reader are the biggest situationship ever, Sae's section gets lowkey suggestive at the end(?)

Note: Finding a reason to live in others does not mean fully using others and relying on them as your only reason to live - that is unhealthy and there should be a balance of self-sufficiency and independence in everyone.

Featuring: Michael Kaiser, Rin Itoshi, Sae Itoshi, Reo Mikage x GN! Reader

Michael Kaiser

"It's not every day I let someone waltz into my life and hang around me, so be honored. I don't let just anyone poke their nose into my business, so feel special. You pried your way into my heart and I chose you because I like you, so I'm gonna make you feel special and you have no say in it." - Sphireath-wisp

"You're home early." You throw off your shoes before he quickly pulls you into a tight hug. Kaiser lets you out of his embrace with a low chuckle, tucking your hair behind your ear as you continue, "I was supposed to make dinner tonight. If I had known you'd reach home early, I would've started preparing already."

You frown. "You might have to wait a little longer for dinner tonight then. Why didn't you tell me anyway?"

"It's fine," Kaiser brushes it off with a mischievous grin - you can already tell he has something planned. His hands clasp yours in his, a gentle tug towards the dining table without much explanation. You follow him in the dim lighting, eyes sparkling at the candlelit dinner on the table. The scented candles fill the room with the sweet smell of vanilla and cast a warm glow on the plates of food, all of which range from your home country's traditional dishes to your own personal favorites - there's even German food.

Pleasantly surprised, you question, "Woah, what's the special occasion?"

"Nothing much. Just felt like celebrating us, Meine Liebe." He hums, voice smooth as honey. He pulls out your chair, gesturing for you to sit first. The ends of your lips curve up - he was always such a gentleman with you. Getting comfortable in your seat, your eyes travel to the food again, euphoria swirling in you when you're reminded that he did this for you and only you.

By the time you look up, he's seated across from you. "This is amazing, babe." You comment and pull your plate closer to you. Kaiser begins dinner with you, placing a cut of schnitzel on your plate first before serving himself. "Go ahead, start eating," Kaiser grins from ear to ear, eagerly anticipating a favorable reaction from you.

"...Hey, it's pretty good! I didn't know you could cook."

"Germans tie a lot of importance to family and the community. I learned a few recipes from my family when I was younger." He took a bite out of his food.

"So this is why you had that shit-eating grin when I came home? Because you wanted to surprise me?" You gaze at him, the corner of your eyes crinkling when you can't help but smile. A little playful banter always made dinner fun. "I wonder which 'top 10 things to do for someone special' website you searched for."

Kaiser gasps, nudging you from under the table and earning an amused laugh from you. The latter rolled his eyes. "You know," Kaiser starts, "you're more than just someone special, der Liebling." Pink is dusted on your cheeks when you hear him speak. "Really? Is that so?"

"Do you not believe you're more than just special to me?" He scoffs. "I don't let just anyone become my significant other, so be honored." Kaiser points his fork at you. "I did all of this because you're special to me, so feel special, Meine Liebe."

And he wasn't saying this just to be romantic. No, he set up this dinner with you in mind. He researched and followed recipes to a tee because he wanted you to like them. He bought candles and put his whole heart and soul into them so you would feel special - because you are.

You're really something, you know that?

He didn't mind pampering you and spoiling you to no end. He's found purpose in reminding you that this relationship is worth investing into, worth all of the time and fights, worth all of the misunderstandings. He's found joy in helping you, in letting you rely on him when you need assistance in anything honestly. Maybe he was just power-hungry. Having you lean on him meant that he was in control, but Kaiser is genuinely fond of you trusting him enough to be vulnerable around him. Plus, it's cute and he can tease you all night about it.

"I do feel special." You say with hearts in your eyes, "But still, why the grand gesture?"

Kaiser leans in, warm gaze meeting yours. "I chose to do this because I love you and I'm gonna make you feel treasured - no matter what." You pause, blush creeping up your cheeks.

"You're so cheesy."

"You love that about me, don't you?"

Rin Itoshi

"I haven't shown you the extent of my passion. I need you to see me win because that's what I promised you - a future where you feel safe with me, where I can experience both your sorrows and joy, a future where I can walk next to you and recite to the world how lucky I am to have you. Please, let me prove this to you." - Sphireath-wisp

"You know Rin," You began suddenly, staring blankly at him. " I would marry you if you asked me to." The striker almost drops his pen at your words, his heart almost stops in his chest but continues to drum against his ribs. He glances at you from across the table, resting his cheek on his hand and effectively covering the lower half of his face - just in case he was blushing.

"Hah? Don't declare something like that as a joke." or so he chides. You have to be joking. He's positive you're joking because that's the only way he can play this situation off without it etching into his memory and replaying it in his mind. It'll haunt him for who knows how long and his heart will explode. Be a little more merciful with him, won't you? You don't know how strong of an effect you actually have on him.

"I'm not!" The words the irrational, illogical part of him was elated to hear aloud. You only reaffirm yourself even more when he doubts you, a pout on your face. "I'm being serious, Rin. I thought about it and everything."

"For how long? Ever since you sat down and stared at me (something he pretended that he wasn't distracted by) doing my homework 5 minutes ago?" You watch his eyebrows furrow and gaze harden. "(Name)... don't go deciding who you'll marry so early on."

"I only needed 5 minutes," You proudly announce, legs swinging back and forth under the table. "Doesn't that tell you that I needed little time to consider because I was so sure you're the one I wanna marry, my future husband?" Rin's head swerves elsewhere and you lightly kick him in the shin, under the assumption that he was so dumbfounded by your reasoning that he refuses to even look in your direction.

And you were right - half-right. He was dumbfounded, bewildered, stunned to the point that his composure had been rudely thrown out of the window. The deep breath he took - which you presumed to be an exasperated sigh - didn't help calm the intense pounding in his chest, he could still hear it loud and clear in his ears. He scowled, a heat he was forced to get accustomed to pooling in the apple of his cheeks and taking a physical form as hues of deep red on the tip of his ears. He can't risk facing you in this state.

In normal circumstances, he would label you as an idiot like he usually does, though he never actually means harm. He'd sigh at you and give you this 'seriously?' stare that told you he isn't on the same boat as you, so it won't matter to him if you're sinking. Now, you're the one spouting out poetic lines and you know exactly what you're doing to him - he's positive. Terrible, really, you truly have no consideration for his poor heart.

"What exactly were you daydreaming of during those 5 minutes? What was so convincing that it made you want to marry me, huh?" Rin presses on further.

"I love you. You stood up for me and defended me so many times. You reminded me and constantly drilled into my head that I shouldn't settle for less." and... silence, an uncomfortable one at that.

"That's it?" Rin's face scrunches up as if he was expecting more than just that. "That's all it takes?" He was no good with words, so it came out more harsh than planned. "Come on, there has to be more than that."

You stopped taking the conversation lightheartedly with the sudden change. Your gut churns uncomfortably in you. Your smile fades. "...Am I forgetting something?" Was he expecting you to list out everything he did? Did he think you forgot?

"No, it's just-" Rin curses himself. Pressing his thumb and middle finger on the temple of his head, he rubs his temples in circles and hurriedly slaps words together that he hoped would get his message across. "You can't marry someone for just... that. I won't let you."

You fidget with your hands on the table and he notices your discomfort - he hates this feeling of guilt that stabs his gut, he had forgotten how easy it is for his mouth to run. Stacking his hand on yours, he envelops your hand with the warmth of his - you accept despite everything.

"I'm... not that good at communicating. I still need time." Rin admits something he knew he needed to face if he wanted to be worthy of becoming your husband. He won't allow himself to take up the title of your future husband just yet. "There are still things I want to do to prove I'll always be there for you."

He has always been fighting to prove himself. In soccer, it's to beat Sae. Now, it's embedded in his daily life - whether it's planning dates or learning about you and himself - to prove himself to you that he's worth it. He finds purpose in improving himself and his attitude outside of soccer - to finally convince himself and you that he deserves you. "Don't go calling me your future husband. I'll get complacent before I can show you how far I'll go for you."

Your tense shoulders drop. Lovestruck eyes stare back at him as a relieved sigh escapes you. "Rin..." His name rolls off your tongue in a way that makes him remember just why your voice was his favorite sound, "I love you."

He rubs your knuckles as a silent 'I love you'/apology for the misunderstanding - he'll have to hurry up and learn how to phrase his words better in the future to avoid mishaps like this.

Sae Itoshi

"Humans were so desperate to understand each other that we created languages - both verbal and non-verbal. Isn't that the same for us? For a long time, we didn't know what to say or how to tell each other things so tender, to be vulnerable around each other, but we still wanted to know each other. You squeezed my hand, I squeezed yours - and I telepathically knew." - Sphireath-wisp

Sae can't help but let out a sigh, exhausted from the match that his team won. The tension he held in his body during the match released with the relieving announcement that he won, that all of his efforts didn't go down the drain, and left behind his worn-out body.

He wasn't fond of the idea of joining his teammates for an after-match celebration at the indoor barbecue grill just down the street. Sae was more than aware it would eventually end with them drinking the night away. He burned up enough energy during the fan meet-and-greet - the last thing he wanted was another few hours of putting up with his teammates' antics.

However, he couldn't, not with you in the equation. Oliver butted in during Sae's private phone call with you. Despite all of his objections and retorts directed toward Oliver, him and that smooth voice of his coaxed you into tagging along. Now that you were dragged along with them, he had to keep you close. He's not letting you hang around alone with them, he can't stomach the thought of them bringing you home.

It was a joyous occasion - or at least it was supposed to be. You could notice the glares Sae was shooting Oliver every time he poured another drink for you, the way Sae insisted he should sit between you and Shidou so you could sit at the very end of the seats. Everyone raised their glasses and you followed suit, but Sae always reminded you: "Don't force yourself to if you don't want to. Don't drink too much."

Sae lowers his glass after the collective "cheers", chugging it down with ease. Silently, he chews on his food, eyes occasionally glancing at you to check if you're okay. One sign of his discomfort and he's out of there with you - perhaps he was hoping the both of you could get out there as soon as possible.

He'll put you first this time - something he rarely does for anyone else because he's at his very core, egocentric. If you're enjoying this, he supposes it's okay.

"Hey Sae," You pour him a drink as everyone else is absorbed in their own conversations, the alcohol adding a slight flush to your face and the tips of your ears, "are you happy?"

He takes a moment to process your question, the alcohol having its own effect on him. "...yeah, why? Are you not?"

"I am, very actually. I'm happy you won. You worked hard for it and you deserved it," you add - being tipsy does certainly make it easier to express yourself to the midfielder as it causes you to begin rambling a little, "You just seem a little... upset?"

Things between you and him go quiet and you glance away. "No, never mind. Forget I said anything-"

"Yeah, I am. I want to go home." Sae speaks bluntly - he's always like this, but it seemed much harder with you. It was as if he had to be careful when it came to you, scrutinize and pick every word to make sure the message he wanted to get across wasn't distorted.

"You can always go, you know? I'm sure your team would understand," You say between bites. He's painfully reminded that you aren't his, that as much as he wants to tell you that he wants to go home with you - he just can't cross that line between friendship and something even bigger. Sae takes calculated risks, but his feelings aren't numbers, he can't decipher this.

His hand accidentally brushes against yours and your skin feels like it was on fire against his touch. Goosebumps made their mark across your body and he notices when you shiver. Under the table, you cautiously reach out for his wrist.

"Sorry, can I?" You mumble, looking elsewhere. You can't bear to meet his gaze right now, it'll melt you. Sae's hands reply by enveloping yours, intertwining fingers. He holds your hand tighter and it feels electric. You can feel every callous, his fingertips hovering over your skin. You look at Sae, making eye contact with him.

He's focused on you, hooked onto the way your hand was practically made for him. It fit so perfectly in his. He couldn't get enough. You started this, so you better finish this was the look Sae gave you, grip hardening when you reached out for your cup.

"Wanna get out of here?"

You watch his gaze soften, melting like honey. He's grateful you can understand him so effortlessly because he doesn't mind treating you better than any of his teammates could. He's sure to learn about you with time, he'll know you like the back of his hand. He lives for the way you already know what to say to him. He feels heard around you.

He's no good at anything else but soccer, so he's found a new passion burning in him to understand you - how you could sit there and look so pretty, eyes clouded and hazy, tips of your ears flushed a pretty red along with the skin of your neck and collarbone. You'll surely explain to him your secret to making him feel so warm inside by tonight, it'd be quite selfish of you to keep things like that to yourself because he wants payback.

"I've been waiting for you to say that."

Reo Mikage

"Not to sound traumatized, but it feels unreal that someone can miss you and want you around so often. I feel like every worry within me keeps repeating, "Until when? until when?" and the people I love and that love confirms, "As long as you'd like."" - Schuylerpeck //tumblr

"Oh! Let's get-"

"Reo, sweetheart." You interject.

"But, I can-"

"No. You are not buying me anything else." Your hand wraps around his wrist, a borderline desperate tug on his arm, "I won't let you." You say firmly and the way your eyebrows furrow tells him that you aren't pleased at all.

"I'm sorry!" He blurts out before you can get any more upset at him, guilt weighing heavy on his shoulders when he realizes he overdid it. "I didn't mean to, I just wanted to spoil you. Your favorite bouquet of flowers was right at the display."

You let out a vexed sigh. "As much as I want to say 'it's okay' and let it slide, I'm not going to." Your hand reaches out to carry the shopping bags of items he had bought for you previously, not a single care in the world, and everything paid for with the swipe of his card.

"No, I insist," Reo holds the shopping bag in his other hand, preventing you from reaching it and earning a huff from you. "Baby, I really mean it when I can afford this. I'm sorry I made you upset, but you deserve this."

Reo slowly slips his hand into yours, relief washing over her in waves when you don't resist. "Baby?"

"Yes?" You answer - you always do, to his relief. You're terrible at being strict with him and even worse at being mad at him when he stares back at you, voice gentle and eager to do anything and everything for you. He was at your every beck and call, but you didn't want to abuse that privilege.

"Do you forgive me?" He wants to make sure, he needs to. He won't be able to put his mind to rest if he isn't 101% certain you aren't mad at him or else he might splurge again. If his kisses and charms didn't work, perhaps lady luck will be on his side and you'll spot something you want - then Reo can swoop you off your feet and satisfy that desire of yours.

You narrow your eyes.

"Is that a no?"

"I'm still thinking."

"Do you want to visit our favorite cafe? We can sit down there and rest for a bit. We have been walking for a while. Do your feet hurt? I can carry you! I'll call my chauffeur-"

You sigh, causing Reo to pause and frown.

He feels like he's going crazy in the silence and you feel your own heart clench at how disheartened he looks. You hug his arm to catch his attention.

"Listen, Reo," He stays silent, fully prepared to absorb your words and burn them into his memory, "I'm here because I want to hang out with you. I'm not here because I want a new pair of shoes or more perfume - because if that was the case, I would've just asked you for money. I'm here for you, we could go eat pizza instead of some high-end restaurant and I honestly wouldn't care because you're with me."

"I appreciate the gesture and how you insist you'll pay for all of my expenses," You quickly snatch a bag from his grasp when his guard is lowered, "but I'm not a child. I'm independent too. We have to learn to share our burdens and troubles together in this relationship, okay?"

"You're right," he admits without an ounce of shame and he's a fast learner. He's still a natural charmer, leaning in for a chaste kiss on your forehead. "You're so right. I'm so lucky to have you."

He feels this indescribable joy, to the point where the smooth-talker himself can't put it into words. You're there for him and you always will be, it puts his heart at ease, and it helps him breathe easier. You're engraved into his daily routine and life, but gosh, he can't get enough of you and all the surprises that come along with you.

"Do you forgive me now?" He hums, a little more confident. The lingering voice in the back of his head that drives his mind to the worst possible scenario becomes a little more quiet.

"Of course I do," You press a soft kiss on his cheek.

Taglist: @dewwberry, @saenora

[casper-spills]

♡ 𝓥𝓪𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓮'𝓼 𝓢𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵: 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷 ♡

♡ ᴘɪʟᴇ 1 ~ ᴘɪʟᴇ 2 ~ ᴘɪʟᴇ 3 ♡

Happy Valentine's Day! ♡

I hope everyone's doing well! ♡ It's been a while since I've done one of these and I've been really excited to do this one! This time, I'm writing these almost like a story of what's going to happen but I will warn you, I am not the most amazing story teller in the world haha but I hope everybody enjoys the reading they got and remember to only take what resonates ♡

All feedback is appreciated!

Sincerely,

Cassy the friendly ghost ♡

Discaimer: Tarot reading is for entertainment purposes only and should never take the place of professional therapy or professional legal, medicinal or financial advice.

𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓈 𝒟𝒶𝓎 𝒟𝒾𝓈𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉! ♡

𝟧𝟢% 𝑜𝒻𝒻 𝒫𝒶𝒾𝒹 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈!

Ends on Feb 19th 2 Questions £10 ~ £5 3 Questions £14 ~ £7 5 Questions £24 ~ £12 10 Questions £40 ~ £20

| BOOK A READING WITH ME | KO-FI |

♡ ᴘɪʟᴇ 1 ♡

Cards: Five of Swords, The Sun, Knight of Wands, The Hierophant (reversed), The Hanged Man, The Moon, Five of Cups (reversed), Four of Cups, Six of Coins, The World (reversed), The Devil, The Fool (reversed), Ace of Swords (reversed)

Some of you might be a part of the LGBT community and for those of you who aren't, it might be that you are not very traditional and don't play into the roles that society would have placed you in.

It is a warm and sunny day by a lake or some kind of body of water but I get the feeling that maybe this is someplace you are not supposed to be, like a private or closed off area. Maybe this could be a closed off pool area in an old building. You find your way in and I see your date being reluctant to go but they follow you anyway. They're becoming increasingly more anxious about being here but you reassure them that nobody comes here and reveal the suprise, a game! This might be some kind of arcade game or ping pong table that has been left on the property and, soon enough, they give in (since they're a sucker for games.)

Now this is interesting. You actually aren't sure if this person feels the same way about you and this is you shooting your shot. Again, I get the feeling that the majority of you might be LGBTQ+ and you're really taking the leap of faith on this. Good for you!

You both having lots of fun, your date managed to score a point and you cheer together! (So cute). There's a moment of silence and there's intent behind their gaze, and you think to yourself, 'its now or never'. So you pour every ounce of faith into this chance and swiftly kiss them, waiting for their response. To your relief, they return the kiss, and it is passionate and warm and perfect ♡

Messages from them to you: 'You're so beautiful and I don't know how to tell you' 'I hope it is what i think it is' 'I really hope you're sure about this and about me' 'I'm sure that it's you that I want' 'Please make the first move'

♡ ᴘɪʟᴇ 2 ♡

Cards: Eight of Cups, Page of Coins (horizontal), King of Cups, The Devil (horizontal), The Lovers, Three of Coins, The Tower (horizontal), Page of Cups (horizontal), The Hanged Man (horizontal)

This is somewhere quiet, somewhere where people might come to learn like a library accept there isn't many people here. I could be that you're a student and I'm getting major breakfast club vibes. I feel like you and your person are in detention together or perhaps it feels like you're getting punished with the work you have to do. (I know this isn't the most romantic date in the world but stay with me.)

I'm getting the feeling that you are paired with this person for a project. Even though you really want to focus and not fall behind, they seem to be distracting you and weighing on your mind. You like them because how can you not? They're gorgeous! But they're annoying the heck out of you, 'plus, they're super weird', you think to yourself.

You eventually decide that this is getting too much and get up from your seat to start looking in one of the isles for a book. You feel your face turning redder and redder the more they try to get your attention. Once they realise that they aren't getting anywhere, they begin to actually talk to you about the work and ask to see the book you have taken off the shelf. Suddenly, they don't seem as ignorant as you thought, and they're pretty smart when they actually want to be. You wonder if maybe this person just wants to connect so you give in and entertain them a little.

You very quickly regret your decision when they boldly ask you if you're blushing because you like them. Not saying anything, you look away, poorly hiding the fact that you're clearly red in the face. Under your breath you ask them, 'please, stop messing with me' because you're starting to feel like you could cry if this keeps up. There's a moment where they don't say anything and the silence becomes defening. All you can hear right now is the beating of your heart and you can't help but feel like their gaze is becoming too intense for you.

Unexpectedly, the awkwardness is broken by a kiss on the cheek. You're thinking, 'what the heck? Are they trying to give me emotional whiplash?' But before you can say anything they apologise to you. 'I'll stop messing with you and we can get back to doing the project.' They seem sincere and a little different to how they were a second ago. So you shake it off and agree to continue the project, though it's really difficult to focus properly.

Messages from them to you: 'If I don't do anything now, then you'll never consider me' 'I like how intelligent you are' 'I want to get to know you more' 'I need to know what you think of me' 'I want to get closer to you'

♡ ᴘɪʟᴇ 3 ♡

Cards: Four of Swords (reversed), The Star (reversed), Three of Swords (reversed), Seven of Wands (reversed), Nine of Wands (horizontal), Queen of Coins (reversed), Eight of Swords (reversed)

You're at their house, in their bedroom and I have the feeling that maybe you've known this person for a while now. It's not anything too crazy, just laying down, listening to music and watching the star projector spin. This is perfect because you've been having a really tough week and you really need to just relax. Things might have been tough at work or home and you really need someone to vent to.

So they have set up a comfortable space for you, brought snacks and drinks, and offered to listen for as long as you wanted. This isn't really intened to be a date and honestly, it isn't much of one either, but it's intimiate and it feels different from all the other times that you've hung out with them. They're normally more energetic and chaotic when you hang out with them but today they're really trying to be more considerate and more sensitive. You really appreciate that from them. You're not sure that you want to progress this feeling yet, so your boundaries are clear and all you want right now is a friend. But that doesn't mean things won't change.

Messages from them to you: 'I admire you' 'You're so beautiful' 'You've seen so much' 'Everything is going to be okay' 'You can stay here as long as you want'

♥Thank you for your support! Happy Valentine's Day♥

Special thanks to: @kittywatching @livelythoughts @visualbutterflysworld @honeytarotmind @jeff-satur-is-my-baby-girl @miraclekay97 @artscapismsworld @julyourwitch @notakitsune @mercurialstime @soledad-montoya @depressedcap @bibislutmarvel @coconuttreesstuff

[nsfwflint]

Thnks Fr Th Mmrs/Official Goodbye Post

Well this was clearly going to happen eventually after retirement but I think it's for the best that I finally step away from this blog.

First things first, I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout the years. I started this blog in the middle of 2020 and all of you who supported me helped me get through some tough times, including the death of a family member. For a while, this blog was tons of fun. Ideas and words were flowing onto pages and the creative spark was immensely satisfying. Seeing people enjoy my own niche but vanilla works helped me feel good about my writing.

Like I said, this blog was a lot of fun. Until it wasn't. The pressure to perform, the idea that each piece had to be better than the one before it, even if nobody expected that. The growing "meta" of the community with certain idols becoming "mainstream". While I never tried to focus too much on notes, it did quickly get demoralizing to see pieces I poured countless hours of work into get less notes than some random pieces just because the idol I chose was less popular. It wasn't even really about the notes, it was about wanting to feel like the work I put in was acknowledged. Even though I shouldn't have let it affect me, as someone who always struggled with acknowledgement of others, it was tough on me. Eventually it felt like more and more of a chore to write because why bother if I'm not going to be acknowledged for my effort anyway?

This combined with drama from other writers (since this is goodbye post I don't feel bad about airing the dirty laundry, Peach you're still a bitch whose fragile ego couldn't take the same trash talk you dished to countless other people) and the community shifting to younger and younger idols to the point that I felt massively uncomfortable just communicating with some of the other writers in this circle of the internet, killed the spark I had for this hobby.

So I decided to retire. I flirted with a comeback every once in awhile, tried to finish at least a few of the multitude of partial drafts I had started to varying degrees over the years. But despite all of these efforts, I found that my love for this community truly died. But I still held onto to whatever vague attachments I had to this blog and tried to transform it into a random space to geek about my various hobbies since this was the biggest platform I've ever achieved while also messaging the few writers I still talked to. But as more and more of those writers also disappeared, it's time for me to accept that it's time to say goodbye.

Over the past few months I've been taking big steps to get my life into a place I want it to be and I think a big part of that now also involves laying this blog to rest. It's not fair to you guys who are still here expecting some type of possible comeback, and it's not fair to me to hold onto these feelings that at this point can only be reduced to nostalgia. While my catalog might not be as long or extensive as some of the other writers in the community, I'm still pretty proud of the work I put out for the most part.

If by any chance anyone still even reads any of my works, don't worry. The blog itself isn't going anywhere, I'm not deleting it. It'll stay here for a good long time. It just won't be a place I visit anymore.

Even though most of the following people are now gone, I want to take this time to thank some of the most influential people behind my time on this blog.

First, huge thanks once again to the amazing @lockefanfic and @sinsatmidnight. I've said it a million times but you two were the whole reason I started writing in the first place. You helped me onto this amazing journey and I'll always appreciate you for it.

@ggidolsmuts, @cataboliac, @themanthemyththeverite, you guys were some of my best friends in this community and I appreciate everything you all did for me. I love you guys.

A special shoutout to @kingmaker-a, you were my biggest fan and you were a huge reason why I kept going for a while. My last couple of pieces are definitely out because of your support.

A giant thank you to the 9,500ish who were here over the years. While I never quite got to 10k followers or hit 1k notes, the fact that there's still so many of you here never ceased to amaze me, especially since I never expected to get 100 followers, let alone almost 100 times that. Truly amazing and you all hold a special place in my heart.

And finally, to quote a manga I enjoy, "if you liked my work I'm happy, and if you didn't, I'm sorry but I can't do shit about that."

I'll stay on for a little bit to answer any potential farewell asks but I don't know how long that will last.

Thnks Fr Th Mmrs and keep on rocking!

[librarycards]

hello! i apologize in advance this is probably something that you get asked a lot. but do you have any recs on literary magazines to submit to? im a trans poet, ive been writing for over a decade but never shared anything and ive been wanting to try to send my stuff to get it published somewhere. obv ive been google searching but theres so many big and small publications and i was wondering if you have ones you like especially and/or tips on how to choose a magazine/journal to submit to. thanks a lot! <3

no worries, thank you for reaching out!! i've been publishing for like 8 years + an editor for almost 4, so i always appreciate the opportunity to help people new to the world find ethical publications that will treat their work with the care it deserves.

first and foremost: there are going to be pubs out there that are awesome and i don't know about. you may be the one to discover them for yourself! one aid in finding the best mag for your work is the wonderful, writer-created chillsubs. it's a fantastic platform that keeps a huge list of mags and presses and their relevant stats, and lets you create an account and bookmark those you're interested in. everyone i know uses them, and it's very worth it given the sheer volume of mags out there.

i also have some recs of my own, ofc. i'm going to list them below. if they pay (which i prioritize) I'll mark them with a $. some are trans/queer focused and some aren't, but all are pubs i've either edited and/or published with and can confirm their ethics + respect for writers.

manywor(l)ds - my mag! i'm co-founder and eic. break genre _ shapeshift with us. ($)

Sinister Wisdom - old, well-regarded lesbian+ lit mag, now open to everyone who is/loves a dyke. I'm guest-editing an issue on Madness with them, now open for submissions!

fifth wheel press - run by a beloved friend and comrade of mine. i've published here. excellent transparency, care, great for first-timers. ($).

kith books - headed by trans literary icon kat blair. a mag/press/community centered around bodymind non-conformity and noncompliance.

Honey Literary - QTPOC-centered, unabashedly pop-culture + social justice oriented. the vibes are simply immaculate.

Whale Road Review - not queer/trans focused, more oriented toward....'grown up' poetry/prose/pedagogy papers. Katie Manning (eic) is a fucking gem.

Graphic Violence Lit - just had my first experience publishing with them, and their care + consideration for the whole writer is amazing. they publish boundary-pushing work.

beestung - one of the brainchildren of Sarah Clark. nb/gq/2s SFF. I just edited a few guest issues w them and have published with them. amazing work. ($)

A Velvet Giant - genrequeer work. the editors are experienced, enthusiastic, and amazing at promoting writers long after publication. it's a family! ($)

Ethel Zine + Press - handmade with love by Sara Lefsyk (as you can see, trans/nonbinary/2s sarahs dominate indie publishing, as well we should :3). Sara is a sensitive and care-full editor and bookmaker whose every publication is a work of art.

Protean - pro- as in proletariat. awesome left mag with a mix of politics and culture and everything in between. they take reprints! ($)

Mudroom - publish your work along with a picture of your mudroom/shoe rack. very responsive editors who will hype you tf up. ($)

The Institutionalized Review - for psych survivors. the editors concreteness of vision and dedication to their community know no bounds.

Just Femme + Dandy - queer and fashion-focused! led by the inimitable Addie Tsai. They pay *handsomely*. ($)

In addition, there are also some "big" mags I have had excellent experiences publishing with and wanted to shout out. These are harder for a beginner to break into, but worth keeping on your radar + have been fantastic to me as a writer.

Electric Lit

Split Lip Magazine

The Offing

Nat. Brut

Santa Fe Writers' Project

Bodega

New Orleans Review

Augur Magazine

I hope this is helpful to you + others! the literary world is ever-changing and this is just a snapshot. Hopefully you find some that you like!

[teagballs]

hi, lovely! i saw you’re taking requests and would love to request a nandor x reader from wwdits! 💞 maybe the house gets a new neighbor and she goes over there one night for cookies to introduce herself and it’s like a love at first sight for him? i would love to see what you come up with! :)

love at first sight - nandor the relentless

authors note: HIIII loved this request so much oh my god it was so fun to write tysm. i love nandor sm. KEEP SENDING REQUESTS!! im free to write more over the christmas break. i hope u guys have an amazing christmas, love yall.

cw: none! sweetsweet fluff. gender neutral reader. -------------------------------------------------------

You had recently moved into your new home. A comfortable house in a quiet area of Staten Island. It was a lovely place to live. Not too lonely yet not too popular - just how you liked it. After a couple days of moving your belongings into your new home and shuffling them around, you decided it would be best to introduce yourself to the neighbours. Everyone seemed friendly, some smiled on the street as they watched you gracelessly drag your new furniture into the house. You wanted to be involved in the community, make a friend of your acquaintances. So far, you have been successful. Your method? Bringing freshly baked goods to your neighbours. The way into peoples hearts was their stomachs.

After next introducing yourself to the neighbours opposite you - inhabited by a quirky couple named Sean and Charmaine - you were encouraged to talk to the residence on their right.

"Yeah, they're a strange bunch, but some of my best pals! European or somethin'." Sean explained.

According to the pair, there was a group of 5 neighbouring them. They spoke highly of them.

Charmaine cut in, "Oh, but y'know what? I never see them out during the day. They must all work bad hours, I think. You'd be better going in the evening time." Strange, you thought, but only for a moment. This actually worked out better. It gave you more time to prepare some confectionery.

By the time you approached the house, the sky had already faded to an amber and rose colour. The house had an overbearing presence. It was like something out of a book. On the walk to the door, you were greeted with bushes; trimmed and perfected into intricate shapes. Some of animals, some of what looked to be... genitalia? Huh. European. You note the cobble stairs leading up the entry, supported by two pillars. A deep tangerine colour shot from the stained glass windows onto the grass, it didnt seem like it was providing much light in the house as it dimmed and died on the lawn. The whole building seemed to be almost secretive. It was dark, like it was trying to hide away. You took a deep breath, holding your tupperware of cookies close to your chest. You rapped on the door.

After striking the surface of the door, you were met with silence. Then what sounded like a groan? Then a word. Maybe someone's name? You awkwardly shuffle in place as you wait. Finally, you could make out a shape approaching the door. You straightened your posture. The door creaks open, quietly.

"Hi, um, who are you?" The stranger asks in the politest way possible. From what you can make out from the dim lights of the house, he appears to be a shorter, stout man. He's wearing circular glasses and a sweater that reminds you of something your grandfather would wear. It's an overall comforting appearance. Judging the exterior of the house, you were worried someone evil and dark lived there. But that was not the case, it seemed.

You give the man your name, "I just moved in a couple days ago, I'm trying to get to know all the neighbours, I brought these," You awkwardly gesture to the tub of cookies in your hands. The man smiles at you kindly.

"How sweet, I'm Guillermo." He tells you. But before the pleasantries can continue, you are interrupted. The sound of heavy, heavy boots fills your ears. Striding down the hallway.

"Guillermo! Who is it that is at the door! They have awoken me from my slumber far too early!" A gorgeous man with long dark hair stands behind Guillermo now. He looks sleepy, his hair disgruntled. He's wearing some strange attire, nothing like you had ever seen before.

Guillermo gestures towards you, "Our new neighbour came over to introduce themself."

Nandor snaps, "A new neighbour!? Who gives a fuck about..." Oh? Oh.

It was only now that Nandor took notice of who was standing at the door. And how beautiful they were. He tugs on his clothing, trying to make him look presentable.

He clears his throat, "And your name is?" He asks. You note his accent, which makes every word spoken from his mouth seem more lavish and captivates you further. You meet his gaze and tell him your name. You have to pull away, however, fearing that you could get lost in his umber orbs forever and ever. He's fidgeting his hands, you notice. It's adorable. His fingers are looped with an assortment of rings.

"A beautiful name," he remarks, almost to himself. Flustered, it was your turn to fidget now, as you massaged the fabric of your jeans. Guillermo rolls his eyes. He knows.

"I'm Nandor the Relentless," The long haired man tells you. Strange title, but you are too wound up to notice. He could say the most absurd thing, and you will still be enamoured, it seemed.

"I, um, brought cookies!" You exclaimed, snapping out of your trance but a little too excited over some baked goods. Nandor the Relentless matches this excitement, however.

"How wonderful. I will enjoy these later, I imagine they are delicious!" He muses.

Gulliermo mutters to Nandor, "Nandor, you can't even eat human food." And Nandor quickly snaps back, "Shut up," all out of earshot to you, however.

You're dazed. So is Nandor. Even with his 36 wives, he had never felt such a connection. With this, you both found it hard to reach your next sentence. You stammered out, "Sorry if I uh, woke you up, your neighbour said you worked a late shift? So I thought coming in the evening would be better." You smiled.

"Late shift? No, I was slumbering-!" Gulliermo lightly shoves Nandor, to shut him up.

"That's right! Nandor was sleeping, just about to wake up for work." He smiled, covering for him.

Nandor catches on, "Oh! Yes! I have just awoken to start work at my normal human job. At the railroad."

You giggle at his manner of speaking. A railroad worker works late shifts? You had never figured.

"Oh! Cool! Well, yeah, I just wanted to introduce myself to all the neighbours and bring a little gift." You gesture to the cookies again, Nandor takes them finally. Maybe he was a little reluctant to take them from your hands as he worried you would disappear after. Your fingers lightly grazed his, a touch that lasted a little longer than average for such an exchange, but you still wish it continued.

Although you didn't want to leave and it felt like you were being pulled to stay, you decided it would be best not to intrude any longer. Especially if Nandor had to start work soon. "Yeah! So um, I hope to see you 'round. Have a good evening." You flashed another big smile and thumbs up.

"Yes! I do hope to see you around!" Nandor held an even bigger smile at you. It made your heart warm.

You turned on your heel and walked back to your house. It was only then when you were filled with dread. 'Why the fuck did I give him the thumbs up!?" You externally cursed. You were going to overthink this whole exchange all night. God you hoped to see Nandor again. In your heart you knew you would.

[eyesofshan-if]

what are your favourite IFs and ROs?

oooh... juicy 🧃to be honest, i haven't had much time to read other ifs, so i don't know that many of them! but here are the few that i'm actively follow and obsess over (and look up to as literary masters because gosh)

infamous by /infamous-if. literally everyone and their mother knows this if and what can i say 🥲 i'm one of the many sheeple too. i'm so obsessed?? with the way amy writes messy relationships and people because i could never make them feel natural. like i try and it just reads like two toddlers squabbling in a parking lot. somehow she manages to make writing a fictional song in a fictional music competition fun. the ros feel like living breathing people. it's amazing to read and to learn from. but yeah august, seven and orion all have a vice grip on my heart

/merrycrisis-if and /collegetennisoriginstory!! i'm head over heels for three out of the four ros in the tennis game. allie's diction is so good and flows so well it intimidates me. like where is this vocabulary coming from. the words are so light?? and there's an upbeat feel to each sentence and the pace feels like skipping home after a long day ends. how is there humour that is actually funny in every sentence. why am i already in love with the ros even though i've only spent one scene with them. truly the slice of life god. she's making me want to go to university but i am already!! in university!! and disclaimer its nowhere near as fun 🥲!!!! i use her work as a writing study for my own 😭 g, rayyan and SAMMMMMM!!!!! gods i want to hold them in my hands and go 💋💋💋💋💋

other ifs i follow are ATOC (it got me into the if community and xelef? mwah mwah), golden rose, fallen hero (ortega my love), the exile and when twilight strikes. but it's been a while since i've read them so my memory might be a little rusty. still, they're all wonderful books and i check up on them from time to time :))

if you have any recommendations though, i'm all for suggestions!!