#or actually i just want to meet my online friends irl

[snekdood]

saw a post yesterday that was like "if you dont have trans women as friends u gotta think about why that is" and i really had to restrain myself from saying "it goes both ways my friend!". if you dont have any trans men as friends, ya gotta think about why that is also!

[girlscience]

i hate that my brain is like this. i hate that it does this to me. i see so many people for whom their sexuality is a source of pride and community and finding their sexuality opens a whole new world to them and they become open and confident people who are more themselves than ever before. and that's amazing! i am so happy for those people!! but it has never been that for me and i despise myself for that.

[burger-goblin]

.

[noxtivagus]

good evening i have rambled so much lately

[tayne-dot-exe]

I'm becoming even more of a recluse and I kinda like it but idk if I will become irreparably antisocial if I keep going lol

[angeltism]

nnnnnnnnno i'm crying to love songs again fuck

[medicasino]

forever crying and screaming because i couldn't make it to the Jhariah, Pinkshift and Pollyanna concert happening IN MY STATE 😭

[da-birb-writes-sometimes]

Mess in Chat >w^

This is an entry for the Sweet Shroud Summer 2024 event held by the lovely @cloudcountry

Content; Gender-neutral reader, fluff, some swearing here and there

Word Count; 1.8 K

Part 2; Mess at Con

Please do not put my work into AI. If you would like to see more of my work check out my masterlist!

Summer was back in full force. Even from within the cold walls and highly air-conditioned hallways of S.T.Y.X. Idia was overheating. He didn’t even have Ortho, since he was powered down to prevent his system from overheating — they both learned that lesson last summer and neither of them were happy not to have the other for three days while Idia was trying to fix him up. So, he was busy typing away at his computer, switching between his actual tasks and the multitude of open tabs that he had open.

Finishing up on reading one of what seemed to be a never-ending pile of reports, Idia took a look at his messages, Mess in Chat >w^ — getting a small smile from the little winky face — and saw that there was a new message … from an hour ago.

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess I’m melting I’ve melted I’m a pool of goop on the floor

Idia tapped his fingers on his keyboard, trying to think of something to say. While he wouldn’t say the two of you were overly friendly, you also weren’t acquaintances. Idia knows that you’re trying to be his friend — dear Sevens, Ortho was so happy when he saw Idia smile at his phone when you messaged him — but it’s hard with being online. 

Would he actually ask to meet in real life? Oh Sevens no! You, the self proclaimed ‘mess’ (Idia wouldn’t even say that you were a mess, just well-meaning and a bit awkward at times) low keyed scared him. Well not actually scare him, but he didn’t want to get too close only for the friendship to blow up in his face.

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess AHA! I CAN SEE THAT YOU’RE ONLINE!

Idia sighed, the jig was up.

Gloomurai I thought you melted into goop Goop can’t type

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess I’ve regained my non-goop form to bug you I’M BOREDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Gloomurai … F

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess DON’T PUT AN F IN THE CHAT WHAT THE HELL … eugh… dying of heatstroke Tell my cat that I love him…. X-X

Idia coughed out a small laugh. He doubted you were as melodramatic IRL as you were online, but it made the monotony of his day — especially now that he didn’t even have the excuse of classes to break it up — a bit better.

Gloomurai You shall be missed CAT CAT PIC PLEASE CAT PIC IN THESE TRYING TIMES

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess … my phone doesn’t have a camera … And he’s on top of the fridge complaining about the heat

Idia sighed, remembering that besides having a laptop for classes, that was the best tech that you had. He remembers you complaining about your lack of funds and your employer. How you managed to balance your job and schooling at the same time baffled and, as you two got closer, worried him.

Gloomurai You really need a better phone

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess I’M A BROKE STUDENT I’M TRYING MY BEST I EVEN HAVE A SECOND JOB

Gloomurai So you’re not only dying of heatstroke but also overworking yourself? F … what’s your second job?

‘WHAT AM I THINKING?! I DON’T KNOW THEM LIKE THAT-’

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess … swan boats …

Gloomurai … swan boats?

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess Swan boats.  Even have a silly uniform and everything The pay is decent though, and I only work weekends UNLIKE MY OTHER JOB-

“We’re going to see them, right?” Ortho asked, making Idia jump.

“OrThO-” Idia squeaked, switching tabs at the speed of light, and clearing his throat. “... no”

Ortho looked at Idia, who was smiling a minute ago and was now back to being jumpy. “But-” he paused, looking between the screen and his brother. He knew who Friendly Neighbourhood Mess was — hard not to when you can see the entirety of Night Raven’s search history — but he also knew his brother. “Just know that they enjoy having you as a friend.”

Idia looked back to his screen, knowing you were going on a tirade about your first boss. “They enjoy having Gloomurai as a friend,” he sighed, shaking his head. “Besides,” he looked back at Ortho,”it would be weird for me to just show up.”

“Not if they invite you.~” Ortho chirped, going back to his room since he could feel his systems starting to overheat again. “They’re your friend online… so why not in person too?”

Idia opened up your tab again, and sure enough, you were on a full blown tirade.

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess I SHOULD REPORT HIS ASS BUT THEN I WON’T HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE- OH WHEN I GRADUATE HIS ASS IS GRASS I TELL YOU-

Gloomurai I’ll bring you one of those lawnmowers you drive

Friendly Neighbour Mess *sniffles* You’re a true friend

Gloomurai So, about your other job…

‘Come on, think of a believable excuse so you don’t look like a loser. THINK! COME ON BRAIN! BE SMART!’

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess Wait Idea

Idia felt his hair warming, but patted it. ‘Get a hold of yourself, it’s just the word idea for Sevens sake!’

I take you for a spin on one of those death traps

Gloomurai I- DEATH TRAPS? NEVERMIND

Friendly Neighbourhood Mess Too late >w^ See you Saturday!

Idia stared at his screen for a bit, processing everything. You had invited him to your work. He was going to meet you IRL. He was going to get in a swan boat, like the one you see in cheesy otome cutscenes and animes, and they were, apparently, death traps.

… why was he excited about it then?

…

…

You were at work, giving your best customer service smile and voice to the kids, families, and couples that came up through the line. “Remember folks to keep on your life jackets at all times, and to keep your arms and legs inside the boat at all times! Enjoy your ride!~”

While yes, you did have to wear an all-white uniform complete with a baseball cap with swan wings, it wasn’t half bad. 

The lunch room was always packed with good food, cold drinks, and the comfiest couch you have ever had the pleasure of plopping down into. Sure, it was a bit embarrassing — Ace had nearly laughed his ass off when he saw you in your get up and the fakely sweet smile you gave him — but it was only for this summer, and only for the weekends. Besides, it was cushy and most importantly, not putting your life into peril every five to seven business days when compared to the job that Crowley had given you.

You were already getting into your little monologue that you’re used to saying to customers when you faltered. “Enjoy your- Idia?” You blinked, surprised to see him. You barely got to see him at school, so seeing him here of all places was a shock to put it lightly.

Idia was fidgeting with the zipper of his life jacket and jumped when you said his name. ‘Y/N? The Ramshackle prefect-’ “... hi?”

“Hi,” you say back. “Umm, sorry, but there has to be two people to a boat,” you say sheepishly.

Idia jumps a bit and accidentally zips some of his hair in the zipper. “I was waiting for a friend…” he mutters, “they, uh, work here?”

You pause and your eyes widen. “YOU!”

“Me?!” Idia blinked rapidly. “Wait, you?!” Idia put the pieces together.

The lamenting about your first job. The complaints about your cat stealing your food. The silly uniform for your second job — which is silly, but you make it work. And the way you spoke online matched how you spoke with your IRL friends.

“You’re Friendly Neighbourhood Mess-”

“You’re Gloomurai!”

You both say it at the same time. You offer him a bright smile before saying something quietly into your walkie-talkie and putting on a bright yellow life jacket.

“Well,” you chuckle, “good thing you have a friend that’s willing to get on one of these death traps with you then!”

Idia let you take the lead before stumbling into the boat. “You probably shouldn’t call these ‘death traps’ since you work here,” he offered lightly.

You helped stabilize him since he was struggling to stand due to the light waves. “Well, they are, my land-loving friend.”

Idia sat down quickly, trying not to get flustered by the skin contact but failing. “Then I p-probably shouldn’t be on here, should I?”

“Nope,” you popped the p at the end and started moving the boat with the hand pedals. “But it takes two people to move these things.”

Idia started pedalling with you, and despite his fears of you wanting to make idle small talk, you didn’t. Instead, you pointed out some favourite spots and allowed him to contribute to the conversation at his own pace. Even though it idled here and there, it wasn’t awkward. It was comfortable.

When you sailed (can it even be called sailing when it’s a swan boat?) under the canopy of a weeping willow, you spoke again. “So, why did you agree to meet me? Let alone in one of these?”

Idia looked at you again, the dappled lighting blocking out the heat of the sun, yet he felt warmer now than before. “I don’t know, just,” he breathed in, centring himself, “I guess I wanted to spend time with a friend.” He smiled then, it was a small thing, but it was genuine. “Also,” he coughed, “you lied about the death trap part about this whole thing.”

You laughed, shaking the boat a little. “Oh it is, if not physically, then, reputation-wise. Death to social life via swan boat.”

Idia snorted. ‘Well, good thing that I don’t … didn’t have one then.’ “Good thing there’s someone who knows what they’re doing then… you do know what you’re doing, right?”

You shrugged, “I have a certificate if that eases your mind a bit.”

And the two of you continued paddling away, chatting here and there before heading back to the dock where a few of your coworkers gave the both of you thumbs-ups and winks. Idia felt himself go warm, whereas you rolled your eyes at them before helping Idia out.

“If you don’t mind, want to do this again?” You asked, undoing your lifejacket, looking expectantly towards him.

Idia fumbled with his own before you helped him out. “... that would be fun,” he smiled.

You smiled back, patted him on the shoulder as he walked away, and went back to greeting customers again.

Idia was happy about how today went, even though he would wake up a lovely shade of lobster red tomorrow and a very curious Ortho, but for the first time in a while, he was looking forward to summer vacation, and having some of it be outside of his computer screen. And, most importantly, have a friend that he didn’t feel like he had to be someone else with.

~~~~~~~

Tags; @afunkyfreshblog, @bloomstruck, @edith-is-a-cat, @eynnwwyjth, @inkybloom-luv, @ithseem, @lucid-stories, @syrenkitsune, @the-v-lociraptor, @twistwonderlanddevotee, @xxoomiii

[newtkive]

pixels [newt x reader - modern text au]

ch. 1 - the gc birth

in which two online friends navigate a romance through a minecraft groupchat with their stupid friends

or, newt, the quiet, stoic boy, and y/n, the bubbly girl both curse the world for keeping them apart, but at least they can send each other cute emojis and hope the other doesn't notice their blossoming feelings.

warnings: strong language, mutual pining, none really.

➥ m.list

__

notes: hi :p im very new to writing on tumblr (but ive always been a reader) so pls bare w me! and im trying to revert back to being 14 (im 23 lols..) so im revisiting my old favs including the maze runner/thomas (bc i binged the artful dodger and now im obsessed again). there will be non-text chapters in the future as well, when everyone eventually meets. this will be newt focused so enjoy !! also everyone is like a realistic age from 23 to 28

__

THE GLADE

[ 7:45 PM ]

alby added minho, y/n, newt, tommy, and gally

alby: Hello, guys.

minho: wtf is this

newt: uhhhh

tommy: hi :3

y/n: so this is why you asked me for my # in private

gally: i didn’t consent to this when i gave you my number

newt: don’t give strange men your number y/n

tommy: oh that’s y/n?

alby: Wait, Newt you had Y/N’s number already??

newt: yea

tommy: o.O

y/n: i gave it to him like two weeks after we met lmao

tommy: SO HE HAD YOUR NUMBER FOR A YEAR AND I DIDNT????

y/n: well he asked and you guys didn’t :p

newt: lmao

minho: ik he smug as fuck rn

not u asking for a girls number lmao simp

newt: stop

y/n: we all talk in discord anyways so i didn’t really think about it

plus you guys are friends irl so idk

it felt kinda weird to insert myself heh

minho: we’ve known you for a year and a half y/n

we play games all the time

call all the time

we even send packages and shit

you’re very much considered our irl friend

y/n: REALLY?? 🥺🥺

tommy: internet friends are real friends 😍❤️

minho: the heart eyes are crazy

but yes dude

newt: of course you’re our close friend. just cuz we live near each other and you’re a bit far away doesn’t mean we don’t adore you

minho: ADORE IS CRAZY LMFAO

but real ig

y/n: AWWWWW YOU GUYS LOVEEE MEEEEEE

hahahahha

HAHAHHAHJFIEKMGOR

I LVOE YOU GIYYYYSSSS IM PUTTING ALL OUR MINECRAFT BEDS TOGETHER LATER

gally: i do not want my bed to be infested by you guys

minho: gally sleeps in the corner

gally: no i dont i sleep in my mansion

y/n: cherry blossom mansion*

gally: and you sleep in a shed

y/n: cherry blossom shed* its pink and that matters.

tommy: love you y/n 😊🥰

y/n: love you tommy <3333

minho: that’s actually nasty stop now

y/n: u mad ur unloved

i love how the gc name is our minecraft town name :((

newt: aw it is

minho: can we talk about why tf this was made when we have a perfectly good discord

alby: I’m done with Discord.

newt: you got your shit hacked didn’t you mate

minho: mate 💀💀

british people so crazy

alby: Yes maybe..

I don’t want to make another.

y/n: or your old ass doesn’t know how to

minho: LMAO REAL

alby: Gonna ignore that. But I am getting too old for it. I have a new promotion at work so that means I won’t have time to play with you guys as much anymore. So I decided to make this groupchat in hopes to talk to you guys more to make up for it :)

minho: every group always has the old head with the job 💀💀

newt: minho admitting he’s jobless

minho: you work at a library be so fr rn

newt: i have an income. you have a room in your grandmas basement. we are not the same.

gally: LMFAOOOOOOO

minho: stfu :////

y/n: AWWWWWWW ALBYYYYYYY

tommy: YAAAY!!!!

im going to text you guys all day

tell you every meal

every thought

every interaction will be meaningful and glorious

newt: you are 24 years old you don’t have to do all that

minho: no fr im turning off my phone if he starts this shit

why not just do it before in the discord ??

tommy: easy access now and i tried before but stopped since no one really replied..

y/n: i say we all do it :D i will too tommy

newt: ok second thought that’s fine

minho: .

gally: that’s wild.

y/n: YAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!! NEWT YOU GO FIRST

newt: first with what

y/n: say what u ate today

newt: didn’t say i’d do it.

tommy: i ate muffin, monster energy drink, and hamburger :3333

you guys next

minho: that’s all you had bro..

y/n: hot cheetos and french fries and coffee :D

minho: ??????? BRO

how are you guys alive

y/n: it's my day off and no class so i just wanna rot in bed and that means no cooking

newt: please eat and drink water.

like for real and document it

y/n: ok wait

there

tommy: yum!

minho: y/n..

newt: cereal does not count

y/n: I DONT HAVE ENERGY TO MAKE ANYTHING OKAY

im a 23 year old broke college student my fridge is bare

newt: alright what do you want?

y/n: wym?

newt: like if you could pick.

minho: that’s so cruel 😭😭 just making her imagine it

i like it go on.

tommy: i want chick fil a

minho: i knew you hate the gays

tommy: I AM THE GAYS?????

y/n: ugh that does sound good

mmmm chickem sandiwh waffle fry I Want that Os mYch

newt: that’s what you would order?

y/n: mmmcm yeahshhhhh

newt: ok

minho: that’s it?

i thought soemthing would happen

tommy: me too

like a spell! magic 🪄

y/n: sigh

my cereal tastes bad now

newt: well it is cocoa puffs.

minho: L cereal

y/n: DTOP SAYING L ITS SO ANNOYITIGJNGGGGG

minho: she so madddd 😂😂 L

newt: you're annoying minho

minho: youre just saying that bc shes saying that

newt: no ive always said it. and i will continue to. youre fucking annoying

minho: who bought you your coffee yesterday

newt: ???

myself

and i paid for yours too

im the one with an income

minho: .

well i didnt think youd remember that well.

newt: it was literally yesterday.

minho: yeah but ur old

newt: IM THE SAME AGE AS YOU

minho: yeah but im 🤗✨ 26 ✨🤗and youre... 26😬😔

tommy: guys stop fighting

newt: we aren't fighting

maybe this gc was a bad idea

tommy: NO!!!!!!!!!

y/n: NOOOO!

tommy: this is like y/n is here w us irl

y/n: awwwwwwwwwwwwwww

minho: no it's not. we would smell a foul stench if she was

y/n: i ahte you sooo bad.

wait there is a knock at my door im scared

newt: answer it

minho: aren't you supposed to say don't open the door for strangers ????

newt: well usually yes

y/n: no im not expecting company

newt: just do it pls

y/n: ok :D

minho: bruh..

i hope she gets robbed and u feel bad forever newt

newt: why would you want that

minho: bc she owes me money

newt: YOU owe ME money

minho: yes but i have a good reason she just wanted robux

tommy: Y/N DONT DO IT!!! I HAVE SEEN DATELINE

y/n: :o....

tommy: Y/N?????????

OH GOD THEY GOT HER

minho: why would she text a silly face if she got got

tommy: clearly its a surprised face

maybe its not her

its like those cut out magazine letters murderers use

y/n: who got me chick fil a!!!!!!!!!!

minho: me

newt: you literally did not

minho: shut up

y/n: newt it was u i see ur name on the receipt

newt: well

y/n: :(

newt: what why are you sad?

minho: im hungry too

y/n: u spent ur money :(

newt: you're hungry are you not?

minho: she's not but i am

y/n: yeah but..

i feel bad you shouldn't have

newt: just eat it or i'll be mad

minho: i think i want red lobster

newt: it's really no big deal y/n

y/n: thank you newt :(((((

newt: you're welcome

go eat and watch ur show or smth

minho: i owuld love to eat and watch a show rn <33 ohhhh im starving

newt: can you shut up

gally: im muting this gc if this means i have to deal with your guys' shit more than usual now.

minho: thank god

newt: good

tommy: good

y/n: good

the food is good too <3

newt: good.

_

lmk if you want to be tagged!

[bowlofsoob]

SOOBIN AS YOUR MUTUAL THAT YOU HATE IRL — part two

part one

soobin x gender neutral reader

you and soobin have been mutuals on twitter for almost a year as you both run bebe rexha fan accounts. he uses a fake name and you guys get along well, you talk to him more than your irl friends atp. on the other hand you and soobin don’t get along irl after constantly competing for the number one spot on the academic leaderboard. since then he always gives you a rbf and says he finds you too obnoxious. but that all changes when you finally decide to meet your favorite oomf in person.

__________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐་༘

The street was dark apart from the flickering lamps on the side of the walkway as you made your way towards Steve – or well Soobin’s – house. It still felt odd.

Your palms felt clammy and you were clad in your pajamas, in too much of a rush to change. Which was a decision you were regretting since the flimsy fabric did nothing to protect you against the wind.

Before you knew it you spotted the complex Soobin supposedly lived in, and as you walked closer you could see his tall figure waiting for you in the dark. It would’ve been rather creepy if not for the fact he was drowning in a large hoodie and sweats with a beanie tugged on his hair. His arms were crossed across his chest as he rocked back and forth due to the cold.

You swallowed your nerves and made your way towards him, not quite knowing what to do with your hands other than give him an awkward wave as he spotted you.

“Hey,” he breathed out, gesturing for you to follow him inside.

The warmth of his apartment was far more welcoming than the freezing night. He shut the door behind you both and tugged off his beanie as he gestured for you to sit down.

“Hi,” you greeted back as you sank down on his couch. The entire place felt very lived in.

Soobin’s face scrunched up into an abashed smile.

“I missed you,” you added, “I’m glad you reached out.”

“I am too,” he hummed, reaching out to take his hand into yours. His palms felt warm against your own freezing ones.

“What was your last text about?” you question as his thumb rubs circles on your palm.

“I don’t know what your talking about?” he smiles, “What did I say?”

“You know damn well what you said,” you huff.

“Okay, well I meant it,” he answers, “I convinced myself to try and forget you since you were an online friend. But having you right in front of me changed things.”

“Changed things how?” you say, warmth creeping up your cheeks.

“Well, for one I can actually see you,” Soobin notes, “And do things like this,” he adds, his voice going quiet as he reaches over to push a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “And, instead of fantasizing about kissing you, I could actually do it.”

“You fantasized about it?” you ask in disbelief, still flustered at the touch of his hand so close to your face “You didn’t even know what I looked like!”

“You were kinda just a blob in my mind,” he shrugs, a smile tilting his lips at your offended face.

“A pretty blob though, right?”

“Of course.”

“So, you really don’t hate me?” you muse, playing with his fingers, “It’s so weird seeing you be so gentle.”

“Would you rather me go back to being rude?” he replies, “But I really don’t. I feel a little ashamed at how I used to treat you.”

“It’s okay, I did the same,” you assure, patting his hand, “Let’s start fresh.”

“Okay,” he agrees, clasping your hand in between his, “Let’s go out.”

“Straight to the point?”

“I don’t think we should waste any more time,” he replies, “I need to make it up to you.”

“Kiss me and consider yourself forgiven,” you manage to croak out, your throat closing up at your false confidence. Honestly, you were qute irritated with yourself on how you treated Soobin for the past few months. You desperately wanted to move on and start fresh.

Soobin let out a surprised laugh and you wanted to ingrain the sound into your mind. He brought up his free palm to his mouth and let out a small giggle into it.

“Okay,” he manages to say, taking a deep breath.

“Any day now.”

“Shut up, I need a moment–,” he started, but was interrupted as you reached over and yanked on his hoodie to slot his lips against yours. He stumbled and you both fell backwards onto the couch as he caught himself above you, both knees outside your hips as you snaked your hands around his waist.

He stared at your for a mere moment in disbelief before leaning down to capture your lips with his. His lips felt pillowy against your own and his warm body right on top of yours made it feel just as good.

You had to remind yourself not to laugh into the kiss with how happy it made you feel.

__________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐་༘

future texts and tweets

__________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐་༘

[olderthannetfic]

Obvious Disclaimer that this is not about any specific anon in particular, not about OTNF themself, but that my following rant might *slightly* punch down on people who ARE, well, older than net fics are.

But my honest opinion is that I really don’t like it when us old heads tend to sorta…talk down to? “Adultsplain”, if that’s even a thing? To The Gen Zs, by being like “damn kids! back in my day we never used our real name or posted selfies or posted about our personal life at all!” Don’t get me wrong, I’m one of those people who never posted the real me — but not because I was anonymous and cared about online safety, because I was a liar 😂 That being said, there ARE older people who definitely over-shared or “doxxed” themselves and still do, and there’s younger people who don’t!

I also feel like being “ha, these stupid KIDS who post about their FANDOM LIFE on TIK TOCK under their REAL NAME AND FACE where IRLS CAN SEE THEM, how STUPID” is not doing anyone any favors. Is that, technically, a smart thing for kids to do? No. Has it become normalized? Yes. And does that suck for people who might be bullied or outed or whatever cuz they genuinely are dumb and don’t know better and then someone they don’t like sees their stuff? Yes.

We all talk about how there’s no more kids spaces on the internet and how that’s a shame, but then five seconds later we’ll reblog that one “At any time I’m at risk of seeing a 14 year olds opinion and that’s why I hate it here” post. There’s really so few kid spaces on the net now, that’s true. We should extend empathy and let the teens be obnoxious and pretentious in peace, rather than making it a point to “ratio” or “roast them.” Idk personally I’d be completely unbothered if some 14 year old insulted my fic or my ship or whatever. I’d just block and move on, no need to try to argue with them.

And also, not all kids are even pretentious or obnoxious! I’m not saying we all need to take the kids under our wings, but we should be careful about not hating them just for being in their teens years, you know?

Also… telling a teenager to not post PII or not get into discourse or not have social media or whatever will NOT work the way you want it to 😭 kids are by default a little bit oppositionally defiant so telling some rando teen to Get Off Your Lawn (blog) rather than just blocking them, will encourage said teen to Stay On Your Lawn.

I just hate how it’s become normal for adults to talk down to teens online. I was harassed by adults online as a kid, then years and years and years later i went through my own “Older Than You™️”phase where I myself was a shit to teenagers, and I truly regret that so much. To this day I still need to make an effort to be careful. I saw on Twitter where an adult posted a DM from a 13 year old, mocking them. The DM said “I’m 14 next year, can I follow you? Please don’t groom me.” And the adult OP was laughing at how stupid the dm was. A few years ago, I would’ve been one of the people retweeting that and rolling my eyes at the child. Now im disgusted by the people who WERE laughing at them.

And again I’m obviously not saying we should be “nice” to the teenagers who mock us for our ships or who virtue signal too hard. But we also don’t need to make fun of their CARRDS or call them Puri-teens or rag on them just for being 17 or younger, yk?

--

Teens aren't 'puriteens' just for being young, dude. They have to also be puritanical bullies.

I find the stuff about real names hilarious because, actually, if you're really Internet Old™, then you probably did use your real name... it was right there in your university e-mail address! Or your random early ISP address if your stepdad got it for you and thought the university format was the default. Thanks, stepdad.

I've done every single dumb thing from going to meet my internet pen pal at an Alice Cooper concert to flying to Ireland from Japan to stay with a fandom friend I'd never met without telling anyone where I was going and without a credit card or enough cash to flee if I had to. I remember sitting on the plane thinking "Man, this is such a CSI episode topic".

The really funny part was that despite what she'd said before I visited, we ran into each of her parents at different times and ended up going to a play courtesy of her uncle, and all of them were like "So how do you know each other?" and "But you'd met before, right? RIGHT?!"

The level of panopticon is horrifying now. Teens have my sympathy. That part really is worse, and I think it's driving an entire generation nuts and we're going to see even more shit about people wanting to run away and live in a cabin in the woods with no internet. But in general, I don't think we're so different.

[beggars-opera]

Hey, can we move our advice about kids on the internet into the 21st century please?

I 100% agree that we should all be as private as humanly possible online, but I also know that I do not follow my own advice, nor does anyone else, including you, probably. Yes, many of us were raised in a time in which the internet could be completely anonymous, but that was in the era before social media. Facebook, Instagram, etc. started as tools to interact with people already in your social circle, which is why personal information is used on them, but they've evolved since then for better or worse, and we need to acknowledge that. Simply telling teenagers that they have to operate under an avatar at all times like we're on a 2002 message board and that they are brainwashed idiots if they don't isn't helping anyone.

If I was giving someone real life advice, it would be this:

If you are a minor, know that there are predators out there who are more than willing to interact with you, so honestly, sincerely, do consider being as anonymous as possible. That means not using your full, or even your real name (this is the perfect time to use the name you always wished you had, mine was Morgan after Morgan le Fay), and putting things on private as much as possible so only people you know, or those you can vet, can interact with you.

If you do choose to show your face, know that this comes with risk and buffering that with other things (like using a pseudonym or never tagging your exact location). This can go a long way to protecting yourself. If you're just posting aesthetic images, sure, make your IG public, but if you're documenting your every move maybe stick with friends only for now.

Even if you are not a minor, creeps will still find you. Again, assumption of risk. Either way, though, the block feature is your friend.

If you're being open online because you're really dead set on being an influencer, know that is going to come with a whole world of pain all its own assuming it actually pans out, so it's probably not worth it. Also you probably won't make it as an influencer, hon, I'm so sorry but statistically it's true.

If you're posting certain things traceable to you this could also bite you later at work, or for prospective employers.

When interacting with strangers online, always assume that people are hiding SOMETHING. That isn't always a malicious thing - they could also be protecting themselves! But don't take everything they say at face value. Online personas are always acting of a sort.

If you find yourself becoming friendly enough with someone that you want to meet them in person, take stock of how much you know about them. Do they post photos of themselves frequently enough that you can tell they are who they say they are? Are they willing to video chat with you before meeting irl? Are they willing to meet with you in a neutral, public location or with a group of friends, or do they act sketchy about that?

To the above point, meet people for the first time in a neutral, public location, preferably with a group of friends, just in case. Look, I've broken this rule myself and even though nothing happened, I still kick myself for it.

Trust your gut. You are the creator and the curator of your own online existence, so do what makes you feel safe.

[grogusmum]

IRL

Part 1: @ nickcage_numerouno

JAVI X F!PLUS SIZE!READER

SUMMARY: Set before the events of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Javi and Reader are friends online, and after a year of DMing they decide to meet. (The only change is Javi and Gabriela are just friends)

WORD COUNT: 1900ish

WARNINGS: Reader has insecurities about her size and appearance, Lucas is a jerk, and that's about it in this chapter. Javi is adorable, be warned.

This is nuts, you think as you get off the plane. 

This isn't your first time either… you thought it after you agreed to fly to Palma. You thought it as you purchased the ticket. You thought it as you took the shuttle to the airport and you lost count of how many times during the almost 10-hour flight… 

You take a breath, you've always wanted to travel, go to a cool film festival, so you're here. Meeting a friend. To go to the festival together. No big deal. You've known him for more than a year… online… you swallowed. Just keep breathing. It's going to be fine.

You find your suitcase and go to find your ride.

It's an international airport, so you are a little overwhelmed.

Then you see a sign with your name. Well, not your name, really, you give in internal chuckle. It’s your handle @han_shot_first. It has a blaster drawn on it, with "pew-pew" written in comic-sans. And you can't help but laugh out loud now. You look expectantly at the face above the sign.

It wasn't him…

You'd never felt nervous or intimidated by “@niccage_numerouno” until you saw him. Because holy moly! Those honeyed curls and warm brown eyes. He sent his photo with zero hesitation. Of course, he did. Why would he… you were a little slower. You had stared at it with the cursor hovering over the send button for what seemed like a lifetime. It was taken at a good angle, of course, angles can only do so much…

Until agreeing to take this trip, you hadn't seen one another's faces. You had decided it was time for you both to exchange photos.

@ nickcage_numerouno: Are you still there? 

@ nickcage_numerouno: not the best photo of me…

Oh my gosh, he thinks I don't like it! Click send you moron, you thought and clicked send, then quickly typed-

@ han_shot_first: I just got distracted by a text. Sorry to keep you hanging

Then you waited. And waited. It said read. The ellipsis dot dot dotting. Shit

@ nickcage_numerouno: I like your shirt

You laughed. Of course he did, it's Spider-Man Noir.

@ han_shot_first: You might not believe this but it *is* a coincidence!

You walk up to the man with the sign.

"Ah… hola?"

"Hola, señora." He tapped the sign, "Han…shot-"

"Um yeah- sí," you laugh and tell him your actual name. He looks at his phone and then at you, presumably looking at the photo you sent. 

"Welcome Mallorca, Señora. The car is just this way."

Okay, intimidated again. He sent a driver. You knew he had money because of his collection and his generosity with paying for the festival tickets … but 'send a driver' money?

You take deep breaths and remind yourself of some of your favorite DMs with him. He likes you. He's seen pics of your very regular apartment. You've talked about your job. He likes you. He's never seen more than one picture. Stop. He. Likes. You.

Suddenly your car door opens, bringing you out of your thoughts. 

"Thank you, um…" you realize you had been so inside your own head you don't know the driver's name. "I am so sorry, I didn't ask you your name-"

"Mateo, señora."

"I apologize again, Mateo thank you so much"

Mateo nods with a small appreciative smile.

"This way to the boat slip"

"A boat-" 

That's when you see him, Javi, in sunglasses (you note they are ones Nick Cage wore in Wild at Heart) linen pants, an orange button-down shirt, and a vast smile.

He calls your name and jogs over.

"You are here! Really here," Javi has you by the arms and gives you a little shake, before pulling you into a hug. "Thank you for getting my girl here, Mateo!"

Your cheeks warm at 'my girl' while still getting a bear hug from Javi. You put your arms around him gingerly. 

"Hello Javi, can't believe I'm really here either."

Finally, he pulls away to drink you in, you fluster under imagined scrutiny. You stand tall, remembering your posture, hoping you will somehow be, well, smaller.

"Nice shades, by the way."

Javi laughs, shaking his head. He then leads you to his speedboat, his hand firmly around yours.

"I have so much I want to show you and talk to you about," Javi debates telling you he couldn't sleep last night because he was so excited. You have always matched him in enthusiasm, so he had thought he could tell you without sounding 12 but, maybe it was the long flight, and there’s the jet lag, but he feels like you're somehow keeping your distance. Guarded. 

To be honest, Javi has been anxiously awaiting your arrival since you agreed to come. You are just as cute as your picture- cuter. He saved the photo you sent and only took it off his lock screen this morning for fear of freaking you out.

"Maybe you want to get cleaned up and have a rest," he suggests, as he helps you into the boat. 

"Maybe," you return.

A shower and a change out of your travel clothes does the trick, you are gifted with a second wind. You also feel a little less self-conscious. Since you met Javi on the dock, other than when he was driving the boat he has found reasons to touch you, hold your hand, be close. 

He hugged you again at the door of the guest room, this time his sunglasses off. His warm eyes (oh my gosh you had gazed at them in his picture but it did them little justice) crinkled happily as he looked at you and when you finally shut the door between you, your heart was like a rabbit’s.

Javi looks at himself in the hall mirror, he looks okay, right? When Gabriela enters the hall he jumps and steps away from the mirror.

"Are you alright, Javi?"

"I just, um, you know my tumblfriend-"

"She is here, yes? Did you just get back?" 

"Sure, yeah, she's just - she is getting cleaned up after her flight, you know… maybe get in a little nap or…"

Gabriela looks at the ceiling quizzically.

"Javi, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, yes… I think."

Javi looks at his dearest friend, "What if she doesn't like me IRL."

"I R L?"

"In real life," Javi leans against the wall, a cloud of worry hanging over him.

"She is going to love you!" 

Javi looks up from examining his sneakers. He wore his lucky ones, they didn't really match too well with what he was wearing but he wanted the extra boost of confidence.

You trot down the stairs and stop short in the hall at the sight of Javi and a gorgeous woman. You move more purposefully getting to the bottom of the stairs, thinking about how you must have looked practically hopping down the stairs… ugh. She is very close to him, which is fine, of course. You are just friends after all, but you just- 

Javi smiles and takes your hand again, and introduces you to his 'BFF and executive assistant extraordinaire- Gabriela.'

Gabriela.

He told you all about her, they had tried being together but ended up feeling they were better as friends.

He also told you she was beautiful and smart. You just didn't realize how beautiful, how willowy. They look amazing together. Right.

Shake it off, you tell yourself, and take a deep breath. You are not in competition with anybody.

"You don't need to lie down?" Javi asks, still holding your hand.

"Nope! Just needed to wash off the traveling dust, I guess," you extend your other hand to Gabriela, "it's so nice to put a face to the name. Javi says you're his left brain."

She takes it with a surprised laugh.

"Well, I know your face, Javi showed me your photo right away, he put-"

Javi looks at Gabriela pleadingly.

"-was so happy you were coming."

“Let me show you around,” Javi moves in quickly and takes your hand again hoping you didn't notice anything. You smile with a nod.

“Have fun!” Gabriela calls after you.

“So what are you showing me first?” 

“My collection, of course, pfft,” Javi rolls his eyes playfully, and he warms when your hand stays on his arm after giving it an excited squeeze. He tries to watch you surreptitiously as you take in the grounds, mumbling, “beautiful,” under your breath. He wants to tell you, you are too… One step at a time, Javi, he thinks to himself. He tells you about the villa and the olive groves. He leaves his family business out of it. Lucas is gone for the week. He is the only one on the compound who Javi is worried about.

He’s feeling more confident, and it just starts to feel like when you would chat for hours online, when he comes face to face with none other than Lucas. It was like just thinking of him summoned his cousin. 

And by the look on his face, he was going to be a problem.

“Lucas, I thought you were away,” Javi starts quickly trying to take hold of the conversation and keep it short. He introduces you by name, and a friend,  “we are - in a writers’ group… online. She’s just arrived, so…” 

You can tell Javi was trying to keep this interaction short, and that this is one of the people who don't know about Tumblr. Lucas is truly intimidating not just because he is handsome and fit, maybe a little like the guys who teased you in school… but also something else - he is hawkish, sharp, and dangerous looking. He says hello and you shiver a little, he smiles wide but it doesn't reach his calculating eyes.

“Nice to meet you, Lucas,” you say as you reach out to take his hand. He kisses it.

Javi rolls his eyes, and his grip tightens on your hand.

“We will be eating at Roberto’s tonight and then we'll be at a film festival all weekend, so, we’ll see you around,” Javi makes to get you as far from his cousin as soon as possible.

“Such a rush, Javi. ¿Es hora de comer tan pronto?”

Is it feeding time so soon?

You know some Spanish, but only a little. You get the gist, but from the way, Javi's face darkens, and his nostrils flare. You know something in your translation is off. If you have to make a guess, Lucas is just like one of those boys from school, you decide. Knowing you are in some way the butt of a joke your face heats with embarrassment. 

“A delight as always Lucas,” Javi grumbles and pulls you. He is still muttering as he brings you to a door with a pin pad, it’s mostly rapid Spanish, but you recognize ‘pendejo, jerk off.’

You can't help giggling-

“Aliens”

Javi smiles with a huff, but puts both of his warm hands on your arms, gently running them up and down.

“Do not listen to Lucas, he is - well, he is horrible,” Javi types in the code. “I am truly sorry for his rudeness.” 

You shrug, some residual embarrassment casting your eyes at your shoes. 

“You are beautiful, you know.” 

You look up quickly, not believing your ears. He said it like it was the simplest of observations. Like it is the most obvious thing. Maybe you misheard…

“Are you ready?” Javi smiles and opens the door, you try to focus, this is the prized collection he has been telling you about for a year- sharing photos of new acquisitions and-

“Is that the bunny from Con Air?!”

part 2

💚THANK YOU FOR READING💚REBLOGS AND COMMENTS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED💚

If you care to read more of my stories, you can find my masterlist here, and if you would like to be tagged for any of my fics, you can find my handy dandy taglist form here.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

🍣🍤🦪(for ID)

AITA for talking about rejecting a confession on a discord server without realising that the person who confessed was also in the same discord server? This happened a few years ago but I still think about it a lot. At the time I (19F) got confessed to by my friend, M (19NB) on new years day through discord. I'd been pretty much best friends with them for a couple of years, we initially met online through fandom and found out we (and a few other online friends) live in the same city and met up every few months to go to cons, eat food, watch movies, etc. Looking back on it in hindsight, I guess a few things we did could have been interpreted as being 'romantic' but I didn't realise it, both as an aroace who has never had any inclination towards romance or intimacy and as at the time as I went to an all-girls high school and my highschool friend group generally is very touchy, as in we hug, link arms as we walk, hold hands when we're chilling, and that behaviour definitely bled into my relationships with my online friend group when we'd meet up irl. I'd also been going on these outings with just M more recently, since we both were in University and our schedules matched up really well. I was working my waitress job on new years day, since it was super busy I ducked into a back room to catch a break and pulled out my phone and I see a message from M confessing to me. It definitely blindsided me and I panicked a bit since this was the first time anyone has ever confessed to me or even made a move towards me that I noticed but I definitely did not reciprocate any feelings in the same way. I tried to let them down as nicely as I could and they asked for some time but said they'd be ok with being just friends, eventually. This is the point where I kind of fucked up, I went into a larger server's vent channel and kind of freaked out in there, pretty much right after the conversation. I never stated any names or revealed any incriminating information, more along the lines of "I just got confessed to and I rejected them but what if it ruins everything because they're my best friend" but I didn't realise that M was also in the same server, they'd never ever spoken in it and since we were in pretty much dozens of servers together, that specific server was cascaded pretty far down the "mutual servers" list. I only realised they were there when they sent me a dm asking me not to talk about it and I asked if they wanted me to delete, which they said yes and I did. We didn't talk again after that and M left all the mutual servers we'd been in. I actually dropped off all contact from that group for a few months, since M was the one to introduce me to that friend group, I felt really ashamed especially because it felt like my friends there were M's friends first. M's mental health was also really bad and they'd mentioned that they'd self-harmed before and tried to take drastic measures before and the guilt kind of ate at me for months until they dmed me again and I did my best to apologise for my actions, which they accepted and we agreed to be amicable if we ever met up coincidentally again. Then they acted like a snake about some other friend drama so like BYE and this was a few years ago so I don't really care but every now and then I still think that if I didn't speak about the confession in that disc server maybe I could've maintained a friendship with them.

AITA for talking about the rejected confession in a discord server without knowing the confessor was in the same discord server?

[imeriayapping]

i would loooove to know more about the loscar helmet artist one! & the f1 driver x moto gp one too please <3

Omg one of my faves!!!

About helmet artist I'll try to be brief bc i have 5k of words written about it and i don't want to go over all of it😭😭

Logan pics up drawing in f3 bc he's bored bc of the quarantine (only digital at the time) but mostly leaves it when season properly starts

After that season his and Oscar's ways go separate directions and he picks up drawing again, his next year being so uncertain gives him a lot of time and he even gets some actual physical helmets to paint. After that he starts anonymous page for them (I'm very proud of name @ art_for_hunt for it) and start posting designs there.

He gets two seasons in f2 and one as reserve driver before getting to f1 while oscar is already there for two years. They lost all contacts in that time even, but Logan still yarns (?) For their friendship so when he sees oscar in his first race(in 2023) he starts making a helmet about their friendship. Which oscar buys almost immediately but never wears. Logan's almost forgets about whole thing but then oscar does announce it as his helmet for miami gp when they both race

It gives logan hope that their friendship still can be repaired (spoiler - it does get repaired)

And for MotoGP oscar and f1 Logan: literally got this idea today so it isn't very detailed but oscar, mark and Jenson all are riders instead of f1 drivers and mark is still his mentor. He and Logan know eachother from teenage years but not irl - they meet somewhere online (maybe a forum about racing or twt) they instantly become friends and that doesn't change throughout years. They sent eachother voice messages but don't ever show their faces bc it's nice to have something private without being judged

That's till the moment where logan goes to a MotoGP race or just some visits to Oscar's team. And the moment he hears oscar speak he goes "THE FUCK" mentally but tries to stay calm bc maybe he's just delusional. Any doubts go away the moment he starts speaking and oscar looks at him just as shocked

That is all that i have for now, thanks for asking!!!if you have any other questions I'm always happy to elaborate

[yuurei20]

i think that the relationship between lilia and idia is so fun and interesting! it really makes me wonder how the 'reveal' is going to go in the story

my question is: how many times do lilia and idia interact in person? and how many times do we see them interact online? i know they interact a little but IRL during the ghost bride event, and then later they talk online during Lilia's event vignette... but i could swear they talk more often than that

also i just find it funny how lilia talks like an old man online xD

Hello hello! ^^ Thank you for this question!

Idia and Lilia do not interact much in person from what we have seen, but there are a few times!

Idia mentions getting a palm rest from Lilia for his birthday ("It's the same one that I recommended to Muscle Red-shi. What a coincidence that Lilia-shi would get one for me") and they overlap at the beginning of Book 5 where Lilia explains to a surprised Idia that he enjoys TV dramas and video games, but Idia is communicating via tablet so that may not count.

They also meet briefly in Silver's ceremonial robes vignette, right after Silver has been explaining how amazing his father is. Idia reflects, "he sounds like the kinda guy I'd actually like to meet someday."

Like most of the cast, Lilia might not actually like Idia that much. He has a voice line of, "Infiltrating enemy lines on a rescue mission sounds delightful! It's just like an RPG. Pity my motivation's gone because we're rescuing Idia."

He also encourages Idia to kiss Eliza during Phantom Bride (which would have killed Idia), and banters with Jade about whether or not Idia will still be able to serve as Ignihyde Housewarden after he's dead.

They overlap briefly in a Glorious Masquerade vignette where Idia talks about upgrading Ignihyde's security system after Silver and Sebek are able to successfully brute force their way in and drag him to Diasomnia to rehearse for the performance at Noble Bell College.

Lilia explains, "When someone tightens their defenses, we have but to increase our offensive force. Ignihyde's vaunted ironclad security system makes a fine test for Diasomnia."

They get along much better online, with Idia calling Lilia (as Muscle Red) his "one and only trusted companion."

They also overlap in Idia's dorm uniform vignette, where Muscle Red offers to visit Idia in person whenever he would like to meet. Idia says, "I'd do anything for him!" and talks about how they may be able to attend a live concert by his favorite idol group together one day.

Idia refers to himself and Muscle Red as war buddies and will even refuse to spend time with Ortho in favor of Muscle Red.

Idia says, "'Grateful' doesn't begin to describe how much I appreciate him."

They also overlap digitally in Book 6 where Idia says, "This right here is what friendship's all about."

Both Idia and Lilia talk about receiving birthday messages from one another for their birthdays. Lilia says, "What a faithful friend!"

As you say they also overlap digitally in Lilia's Phantom Bride vignette, where Lilia is looking for another person in their game to perform a "Promise ceremony" with.

It seems that had wanted Idia (as Gloomurai) to do the ceremony with him but, "(Gloomurai) apparently harbors a rather negative view of it..."

Idia and Lilia both seem very fond of each other online, and it is exciting to look forward to when (or if?) the two finally realize who they are to each other! :>