#this is the authentic cat experience right here

[asleepinawell]

Stray (2022)

[feartoxinjelloshot]

clipsverse SWAP AU! for fun! character elaboration under the cut because it gets kind of wordy:

selina's deal is pretty straightforward: she has the typical “saw parents die as a child" backstory, but she’s obviously not a millionare so she’s operating out of some kind of condemned underground parking lot... somewhere. authentic gotham grunge i guess. she’s a functioning alcoholic and i am obsessed with her. she's a hardboiled detective like batman, but tends to be a bit more cynical - sort of like if rorschach from watchmen was a normal person and also didn't hate sex. firefly is her "guy in the chair" similar to what alfred is to batman in canon, minus the surrogate parent part, obviously. public opinion is pretty split on if the bat is a man or a woman under there. i don't really have swap ideas for the robins ironed out, but i'm thinking that cass and stephanie are her robin and red hood equivalents (cass being dick, stephanie being jason). cass would have an allblack bird theme going on, so she might be "crow" or "blackbird" instead of robin. dunno what stephanie's red hood rendition is like. purple hood? i'll figure it out eventually.

bruce’s parents are alive, but he has a terrible relationship with them and with his own wealth so he mitigates the guilt complex by dressing up as a cat to steal and redistribute resources to people who actually need it. he could probably do that in daylight but there is something very wrong with him. i don't think his dumb slutty playboy persona is entirely genuine even without his parents' deaths, but he does lean into it more and incorporate parts of it into his vigilante persona over time. i think this version of bruce is just generally very lonely under the surface. he tries to be normal in his daytime life and he's very bad at it - theft aside, in a certain sense being the cat(man? woman?) is his own break for freedom; he felt a need to plunge himself far into the deep end of what normal society calls a 'freak'. ...writing it out like this, we're probably lucky he didn't start killing people. fortunately batman isn't really that kind of guy in any universe.

meanwhile on the other side of the rails: ivy! her deal is slightly unformed right now due to the fact that the hatter and the joker also swap places in this au - so the hatter is a dangerous, evil mastermind intent on controlling gotham to suit their whims, and the joker is... just a harmless silly little guy. yeah. i don't have swap-hatter's exact personality ironed out yet, so detailing his and ivy's dynamic would be difficult, but i can say that while she is his loyal second-in-command at his table of advisors, she is also plotting against him. ivy is a consistent loner in both mainline cv and here, and while she doesn't have the same tumultuous, antagonistic, emotional relationship with him as harley does with the joker, she is also frankly not interested in being his number one until the end of time. she wants to do it herself and she wants to do it right. this is an ivy who, in lieu of her own world-altering gift, is scraping tooth and nail to successfully supersede the most powerful entity she can her her hands on. the hatter is blissfully unaware of this - we can't all be perfect.

harley, for her part, is very tame in comparison. she mirrors ivy's canonical backstory pretty closely: an esteemed scientist studying stem cell relations who was denied funding, mocked, and forced to experiment on herself to prove a point, unwittingly connecting herself to a worldwide hive-mind of plantlife. this version of harley, while still dressed as a scientist, is far more surface-level emotionally volatile than mainline ivy, more impulsive and irrational, and probably willing to lean much farther into the classic poison ivy reputation as a villainous seductress, to varying degrees of honesty and success. it takes ivy an incredible degree of patience and control to maintain the mental and physical balance she strikes with the green, and this version of harley has far less of both. she lets it use her body as a conduit of earthly rage and she lets the poison infect her skin and organs until mottled and decaying. she's not unhappy, but she's not exactly stable, either.

jonathan is a mysterious, faux-sleazy lounge singer who lost his left arm to a snake bite infection as a child and thereafter became obsessed with the symbolism of the balance of life via games, tricks and questions - winning and losing, birth and death, etc. the ouroboros is a common symbol in his theatrics. he possesses a certain degree of social confidence that the mainline jonathan has never quite been capable of - while he doesn't have the same fervent need for attention as edward, he takes a compulsory delight in the mental influence he achieves on small crowds and will employ many avenues to get ahold of it. he's certainly not outgoing: he keeps almost entirely to himself offstage, uninterested in fame outside of his show persona. unlike mainline jonathan who views the scarecrow as a genuine self-inflicted diety, this jon sees his persona as more of a mantle or responsibility that he must take on in order to discover new truths about the world. like his canon counterpart he is asexual and uninterested in sex, but i imagine that he has less qualms about leading people on as an act to get what he wants from them. he's not terribly famous in his singing career, but he's become a bit of an underground legend for his resolute 1920s-inspired style and occasional genuine debonair charm.

edward in comparison is not nearly as ritualistically compelled as mainline scarecrow, but he’s far less cagey about his own machinations and his mental relationship to them: he lives in a tricked-out barn somewhere on the far outskirts of gotham, and he spends his time as a propmaster creating elaborate saw-trap-esque haunted houses and escape rooms to invoke panic in his “guests”. he wanders the halls of his own houses along with the guests, repairing and tinkering, or just scaring the shit out of them. he also makes a genuine living by making and selling cosplay props and other related objects online; he's developed a bit of an internet presence through this channel, though he's not as fixated on it as the mainline riddler would be. he still craves spectacle and attention, but he's more of a "quality over quantity" guy according to his own standards and is rarely happy with the work he creates, hence the endless roundabout of creation and reinvention.

[piratefishmama]

Crossing the line | Part 8

“What do I wear, what do I wear, ROBIN WHAT DO I WEAR?! Do I wear this? Or—or this? He said he—”

“Steven Marlon Harrington if you do not put that sweater vest down this INSTANT I will burn it. I’ll open the window—”

“You can’t open the window it doesn’t open this high up, and that’s not my middle name.”

“I will BREAK open the window and set that highly flammable offense to the eyes on fire then throw it out of said window. Put it down.”

“But he said he liked the idea of the sweater vest! He got all ‘oh nooo’ when I said I wasn’t going to wear it!”

“You keep your kinky shit out of my first metal gig experience, Steven, you keep it far away from my metal gig experience.”

“You didn’t even want to GO! How is it KINKY?”

It was Tuesday, specifically 7:49pm Tuesday evening.

After their magical first meeting in that coffee shop, Steve had promised, hand on heart, that he wouldn’t go back to the coffee shop before the gig. Something that Steve had balked at because he wanted an authentic coffee shop au experience dammit. But Eddie had put his foot down, claimed it’d be unfair.

Eddie wanted him to experience the gig, he wanted him to experience it, experience who Eddie actually was outside of the apron and the indie coffee shop aesthetics because they often softened a lot of the rough edges in people, he wanted this beautiful human with… an admittedly really nice voice shut up, to experience the real him, and then ask him out.

He didn’t get to spend days putting on the charm, making Eddie feel all whirly, only to rip it away at the gig when he realised he didn’t actually like the real Eddie Munson.

Steve didn’t think that was entirely necessary since he’d gotten a verbal beat down for an entire week from the guy, but he’d wasted zero time in purchasing those tickets anyway. Maybe he was pathetically down bad for a little wet cat, Steve would own it.

Eddie was an incredibly attractive little wet cat, he wore the wet cat look well.

“Cause he wants to see you in it, it’s gotta be a weird kink thing. Do not bring that energy to my metal gig. I will vomit.”

“What were you actually going to do if I scored with this guy and left us with a twin room at the Conrad? What would you have done?”

“Cried myself to sleep in the bathtub wearing earplugs. Maybe I’d have had a dish of chocolate covered strawberries in there with me, I dunno.”

“You’re so weird.” The words said with such fondness that she couldn’t help but turn her head toward her brother from another mother, her Sistah from another mistah, her twin separated at birth, and grin at him, all teeth and scrunched nose.

They were getting ready in the same room, no awkwardness, no weird vibes, they’d accidentally showered together before, shared a bubble bath in Steve’s ridiculous jet tub back at his apartment, their level of platonic soulmate was so far unmatched.

“You love me.” He did. He really really did. “Okay, okay, put that down. Maybe you can save the sweater vest for like… a date or something. Maybe the dinner you wanted to take him out on. Let’s see what we have here” She rounded the bed in naught but a cut off band tee crop top and a pair of fishnets over her underwear, having been doing her makeup before donning the ripped black pair of shorts she’d thrifted because there didn’t have to be a right order to do things in. “Right… this is a metal gig, and from what we know of Corroded Coffin, it’s not like… glam metal, we don’t need anything flashy, shit’s thrash metal, so like… ripped denim, belt chains, leather jackets, band Tees, guys don’t have to dress up for this shit. Pretty sure your wet rat will be wearing a dumb band tee and ripped jeans. The only thing you have to worry about, is overheating.”

“Overheating?” Gosh he was so unprepared, how was she more prepared for this? Hyper fixation maybe.

“Yeah, why do you think I’m wearing shorts, you’ll be sweating bullets in there, it’s a dive bar, Steve it’s not The Garden. It’s not open air, it’s dingy, the floor will be sticky, the alcohol will be trash, and there’ll be a mosh pit, it’s not going to be pretty. Have you got your plugs?”

Steve lifted a tiny metal tube up and wiggled it in his hand “Gottem”

“Good, make sure you put those in before the music starts, they’ll filter some of the harsher sounds, keep your migraines at bay.” Concussions did damage, and he’d had a few. Not just The Hemsworth Incident™️, he’d partied hard as a teen, lost a few fights, okay, he’d lost most fights.

Brain damage was a real issue with concussions apparently!

Migraines happened, he had little earplugs that didn’t block all noise, just filtered it a little to reduce the impact on his eardrums so he could still enjoy things. Sometimes they helped, sometimes they didn't, it wasnt perfect.

“Okay so… what should I wear? I can’t just wear the plugs, Robin, I know I’m trying to like… pull, but naked celebrity in a dive bar sounds a bit dangerous.”

“Alright smartass, those jeans, that band tee, skip the jacket, you’ll just wind up dying from heatstroke. Actually, gimmie that shirt.” Robin snagged the tee out of Steve’s hands as he held it up she took it over to the dresser where she’d left a little sewing kit she’d also picked up during their thrift shopping, grabbed the scissors and went to town on the damn thing. “You’re gonna sweat, so— accept that he’s gonna see you all gross and sweaty.”

“Nghhhh but—" He wanted to be flawless dammit! Turn on his charm. He couldn’t do that while sweaty and gross!!

“It’s fine, he’ll be all gross and sweaty too. Maybe he’ll even like the gross sweaty look, who knows, he seems like a weird ‘I like sweaty, hairy men’ kinda guy.”

“I thought you said he seemed like a 'moms’ basement dwelling virgin' kind of guy.”

“He’s a weird, wet scraggly cat with layers. He also seems like a ‘clap if you believe’ kind of guy too, but I can’t judge him on that cause—” and she clapped, he let out a brief snort of a laugh. “Okay, here” she threw the remnants of the shirt at him, now transformed into a sleeveless muscle tee, the sides cut to shit to reveal the expanse of mole-dotted golden tanned skin and soft muscle of his sides, the graphic on the front looking like a red hand holding a mallet of some kind, the name of the band too faded to make out. “Wear that, the ripped jeans, and those combat boots.”

“…Just this?”

“Yes, I’ll finish it off with some kohl after I’m done, okay?” Steve raised a single brow at her, but he didn’t argue. He’d long since given up arguing with Robin about how eyeliner made his eyes ‘pop’, it… actually did, so he’d accept it. So when she finally finished dressing and accessorising herself, she completed his look for him too, mussing his hair a little in a way that only she was allowed to do, a little smudged eyeliner, a brush of mascara, and he was good to go.

“Well?” Steve asked, standing straight for Robin’s assessing gaze.

She smiled, like a shark sensing blood in the water, she was pleased with her work. “Oh Stevie Stevie Stevie, trust me, he’s not gonna know what hit him.”

God he hoped she was right.

Part 10

[hyunnielix]

— Ⅰ. Scarlet Dusted Cheeks

Series Masterlist

— lee minho x reader (f)

— word count: 3.8k

— genre: non-idol au, acquaintances (enemies?) to lovers, slow burn, eventual smut, right person wrong time/place typa beat

— warnings: drinking. MC being a flirt. Yeji think's a bartender is cute. Highschool reunion kind of stuff. MC deals with her anxiety by drinking. (this could go either of two ways). ((unedited))

Speckles of dust entered your vision through the crack in the blinds. Reminding you that you should probably clean your room. The dust was cute, it was almost like they were little creatures dancing in the sunshine. The daylight hit the table in such an aesthetic way, creating a variation of shadows as your hands moved. You shook the intrusive thought, now was not the time to be getting distracted.

You were so close to finishing the stanza. The keys of the typewriter made a satisfying clicking sound as you typed away. It was a poetry booklet you were creating. Something so personal and vulnerable it made you want to throw up. Nonetheless, it was coming along nicely… despite the fact that it was an assignment from Minji herself.

In a way, poetry was similar to journaling. Except the word choices had more meaning and authenticity… not to say that journaling didn’t. It just lacked that kind of passion needed to truly convey one’s emotions into something beautiful. There was something so enticing about the structure of different poems. Sometimes they had rigid Stanza’s, other times they were disconnected on purpose. All of those stylistic choices…. They were all up to the authors own experiences, formatted in a way that represented them so honestly. Maybe that’s why you’d loved writing them so much. It was a simple but gut-wrenching way of speaking about trauma, loss and grief. On the contrary, it could also lead to revelations and healing.

You stopped typing. The room became dead silent as you sat back in your chair. The squeaking of the door hinge had caught your attention. You cringed at the sound, you really had to get that fixed. It was your roommate. She poked her head shyly from behind the door.

Your eyes fluttered shut, an amused expression on your features. “You can come in Yeji, I’m not busy or anything.”

The door continued to creak dramatically. She leant against the door frame. You’d realised that a part of her hair was now dyed bright pink. Your expression must’ve given your surprise away as she twirled the newly dyed hair. “Nice right?”

You nodded. “Suit’s you.”

She grinned at the compliment like the Cheshire cat. “So…” Yeji began, taking a curious step forward. “What’s that red envelope on the bench?”

“Nothing important.” You tried to brush it off easily. You hoped that your tone was convincing enough. If Yeji found out that you’d rejected another invitation to a social outing, she was going to kick you out. Again, another reason why it was exhausting for an introvert and extrovert to live together. You chewed your lip, lost in thought.

Or maybe you were an ambivert? Depended on who you were around to be honest. Yeji cleared her throat, “Oh, I thought you got a ticket, or it was like an eviction notice for us or something!”

An eviction notice? How ironic.

“No,” You laugh inwardly at her assumptions. “it’s nothing like that… one of my old school mates invited me to a high school reunion.” You cringed as you told her the truth. You may as well have suffered her wrath here and now. Lying was definitely not your forte.

Her brow raised comically. “Reunion? Are you gonna go?”

You sighed, knowing full well she was going to press this.  “Well…” You shook your head. “It’s supposed to be tonight.”

“When were you given the invitation?”

“A week ago.” You said slowly, wincing slightly at Yeji’s disapproving glare. Yeah, this was definitely your least favourite part about it.

“Did you actually have any intentions of showing up?” She questioned knowingly, smiling softly as she crossed her arms over her chest. Sometimes you felt like she was a mother in another life. She had that kind of wisdom and insight only an older person would know. But also, the same kind of condescension. You knew it was only out of love, it still managed to make your stomach sink.

“I don’t know to be honest; I get mad anxiety when it comes to things like that…” You tried to cover it up with an excuse. You were definitely hibernating again, and Yeji could tell. She could pick up on your cues in an instant. Part of you loathed her for it, but you knew she was only looking out for you. That was the weird thing about having friends. Their innate nature to protect and nurture you like their own family. It was a precious thing… platonic love. Truly underrated in your books.

Yeji sung almost teasingly, “Yet you still manage to show up to your sessions…” You let out a groan, hiding your face in the palm of your hands.

You mumbled under your breath. “That’s because I have to.”

You parted your fingers slightly, just to see her staring at you intently. She kind of looked like a light fury. The way her eyes were wide, mouth slightly parted.  

“Would you go if I came with you?” Her question completely caught you off guard. It would make you feel less awkward that was for sure. If you hadn’t been an outcast in high school, you certainly would be now. Especially if you were sober.

“Yeji, you didn’t exactly go to the same high school as me.” You pointed out an extremely valid fact. Yeji furrowed her brows, huffing. “Primary school counts, doesn’t it?” She whined, “Just say I’m your partner or something like that.”

You leant your elbows on your thighs. Squinting slightly at your roommate as you made a realisation. “You’re just using this as an excuse to dress up!”

“You know me too well.” She pouted. You smiled to yourself, shaking your head in disbelief. They did call her the life of the party for a reason. Maybe it would be fun if she came along. If she was allowed… Your eyes darted to the clock on your bedside table.

She stared at you with pleading eyes. A sigh fell from your lips as you hung your head forward, “Let me call Jisung first, I’ll have to suck up to him big time.”

Yeji danced on the spot a little, celebrating it as a win in her book. You rolled your eyes at her antics. She was absolutely shameless, but that was what you loved the most about her. She was ridiculously confident, although she’d definitely rubbed off on you.

“Wait…Jisung? Like Han Jisung?” Her mouth hung open.

“Yeah,” You attempted to brush it off. “He’s the one who gave me the invitation.”

“I thought you said he was the weird kid from—”

“That doesn’t matter,” you cut her off quickly. “People can change Yeji.”

She laughed at how quickly you’d revoked your previous statements. Smirking at you evilly. She pursed her lips before humming. “Alrighty… I’ll be getting ready then.”

Yeji turned on her heel, exiting the room with a pep in her step. You watched her leave, an astonished expression drawn on your features before yelling out, “You don’t even know if you can come!”

“I think from what you’ve told me… Jisung seems like a bit of a pushover!” She poked her tongue out cheekily. You so badly wanted to tackle her to the ground and tickle her for teasing you. Although, she was definitely correct about the pushover part. You sighed as you stood. Something told you that you were going to regret this.

It’d been at least thirty minutes and you were still staring at the invitation on the table. How hard was it to make a damn phone call? The pit in your stomach seemed to deepen with every exhale. Like something was trying to eat you up from the inside out. What’s the worst thing he could say? No? As if you’d take that to heart….

Why the hell did you suddenly care so much about what Jisung thought about you. Because he was also friends with Chan? Because you’d be seeing all the people from your past, including your former best friend? You were spiralling and you knew it. You tapped your nails against the marble bench, arguing with yourself. This wasn’t worth it.

“Fuck this shit.” You muttered under your breath. You snatched the invitation from the table, prepared to tear it in half.

“That better be a phone call your making right now!” Yeji called from her room. You chewed on your bottom lip, hesitating. The piece of cardboard fell onto the table once more. Fine. You’d call him then.

You frowned as you entered his number. Hovering your finger over the call button, you closed your eyes before you pressed it. It was like trying to rip a band aid off. You placed the phone on the bench. It rang once. Twice. Then a click signalled it’d been picked up. You chewed on your bottom lip, turning on your heel as you tried to guess what he’d say. It was on speaker phone.

“What’s up Y/N?”

You scurried to the bench, leaning over it. “How’d you know it was me?”

“I have your number still saved, remember that art project?” You could basically hear the smile in his voice. That’d put you at ease. Embarrassment instead dusting your cheeks with a deep scarlet.

“Oh.” You responded bashfully. “I was wondering if I could bring a plus one?”

“Yeah, no worries! It’s pretty laidback. Chan’s coming by the way I forgot to tell you when I was giving you the invitation…” Jisung trailed off, “You know the venue, right?”

You nodded, as if he could see it. “Yeah, it’s the rooftop bar right?”

“Yep! I’ll see you soon then. I’m glad you’re coming this time.” His reassurance caused your shoulders to relax.

“Yeah, me too.” You exhaled, a laugh following it. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.   

You were ridiculously underdressed. You wondered if anyone would’ve noticed if you ran back home to get changed into one of Yeji’s sophisticated dresses. What a dream that’d be.

Instead, you stood, dressed in a comfortable beige cardigan. Not the kind of beige that painted the facility walls…. It was more of an off-white. Who were you kidding yourself. It was definitely the same lifeless cream colour. The only saving grace was the little red stars that decorated the cuffs. You thought it was cute. Definitely not cute enough for a high school reunion. But still cute, nonetheless. Maybe you should’ve read the dress code… then again, what kind of high school reunion had a dress code.

Your head was all over the place. Absolutely frazzled. The black cargo pants hung off your figure, resting snugly around your hips. You were comfortable that’s all that should’ve mattered. Yeji on the other hand, was all dolled up. She was dressed in a smart leather trench coat. The statement checkerboard high-heeled boots really sold the look. You didn’t really want to be the one to stand out anyway.

The venue was nicer than you remembered it to be. Violet lights hung from the ceiling; they were shaped like crystals. The flames from the torches outside lit the faces of the people. Their expressions shining through the orange-red light. It felt warm… familiar. A contrast to the stark purple. You were already out of your comfort zone. A part of you wondered if you’d rather be sitting in the group therapy session instead. Suddenly those metal chairs didn’t seem so uncomfortable after all.

The room was open, too open for your liking. There were no walls you could hide behind, bar the hallway for the toilets. The smile that was on your face began to waver slightly. Yeji hadn’t noticed it. She was infatuated with the music playing, a smirk playing on her features.

The bartenders were laughing, showing off their tricks while people at the bar watched in awe. The corner of your lip upturned. Fuck all of your anxieties. You headed straight for the alcohol, ignoring how Yeji struggled to keep up with your pace. The social butterflies were out mingling, and mindless chatter filled the air. Nothing interesting enough for you to eaves drop.

You had one mission tonight; to get drunk enough to make you extroverted. You’d been sober for so long that you knew it was going to hit you like a truck. Yeah, maybe it was a little self-destructive, but who said it couldn’t be fun at the same time? As long as it eased your nerves. Right?

“Hey! Can I please get a raspberry vodka?” You yelled, leaning over the bench that was slightly sticky. Sliding over one of the chairs, you made yourself comfortable.

Yeji sent you a look. “You’re playing it safe tonight.”

You placed a hand over your chest dramatically. “I’m starting it off light!”

To be completely honest, you didn’t know how much you’d actually be able to handle tonight. But you wouldn’t tell her that. Yeji found the excitement on your face hilarious. The drink was placed in front of you. She thanked the bar tender for you.

“He’s kind of cute.” Yeji stated, sliding onto one of the bottle-top chairs. You weren’t one to judge a girl’s type, but he was not yours. You dipped your head, sipping on your drink slowly. The sweet taste caused your skin to goosebump. It’d been way too long since you last did this.

A strong pair of arms cornered you in the seat from behind. They rested their hands on the bench top, almost encasing you in a hug. Your eyes trailed up one of the arms, smiling as you recognised the Australian that spoke. “Long time no see.”

You swivelled around in your seat. “Chan?”

You took in his appearance. His right eyebrow was slit. Your eyes trailed to his nose, noticing the shiny jewellery he now donned. He looked good. Too Good. There was a tattoo that slithered down his neck, it piqued your interest. He flashed you a charming smile. “That’s my name don’t wear it out.”

There was the Chan you remembered. The relentless flirt he was. You’d both promised each other you wouldn’t cross that line. It’d only complicate things. A giggle fell past your lips as you leant your arms against the bar top. He still towered over you as you tilted your head slightly. He knew you were analysing him. He squinted momentarily before drawing back.

“I actually wasn’t expecting to see you here.” He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck almost awkwardly. The sincerity in his tone made you frown. Part of you was glad that you proved him wrong. “Jisung must’ve plead really hard huh?”

He seemed nervous. It was endearing. You responded sarcastically, a mischievous glint in your eye. “He was on his knees and everything!”

Chan shook his head, smiling to himself. You missed this banter. The type of banter where you didn’t have to worry about any repercussions. You were just about to introduce him to Yeji. Glancing around you realised you’d lost her. Chan noticed the worry that’d crawled onto your face.

He gestured for you to look to the right. A smirk crawled onto your features. Sure enough, Yeji was leaning over the bar, twirling her hair as she smooth talked the cute bar tender. You shook your head in disbelief. “She’s better at this than me.”

Chan chuckled at your revelation. “Call it ditto on that one.”

“As if you couldn’t pull Channie, don’t lie to yourself.” You stated, trailing your eyes from his waist to his defined arms and then his face. He almost looked flushed under your gaze. Embarrassed. You pursed your lips in amusement before redirecting the conversation, “Are all the guys here?”

“You that eager to see them again?” He jested. You rolled your eyes, fighting the urge to playfully push him out of the way. You couldn’t help but be a tad curious. After all, they were only boys when you knew them. Now it seemed like they were all men.

There was a nervous sort of flutter in the tone of your voice as you spoke, “Not necessarily, I’m surprised you actually approached me.”

A flash of hurt was evident on his face as he took in your words. You automatically wanted to apologise for your honesty. It was your own insecurities that’d made you say that. It was a bit of a low blow, even you could admit that. You tried to shrug the statement off, but you weren’t sure if he could as well.

“Well Minho’s late again.” Chan subtly changed the subject, wounded by your assumption about the friendship. “Doesn’t surprise me he always had an issue with being punctual.”

“Maybe he’s just trying to prove a point.”

“What point would that be.” Chan crossed his arms over his chest. Your eyes flickered to his flexed biceps. He’d definitely kept in shape in the last six years. You looked at his face again, hoping you hadn’t been caught ogling once more.

“Well he doesn’t need to listen to anyone but himself does he?” You pointed out, shrugging. “Unlike high school.” You mumbled the last part, taking a sip of your drink you’d nearly forgotten about. This conversation was way too sobering for you. You held up two fingers, signalling the bar tender once again for another refill.

“Let me take you over to the boys.” He held his hand out. You turned to finish the drink you were nursing, grabbing the extra one you’d ordered. You accepted his invitation, sliding your palm along his. Standing, you gripped onto his bicep as you quipped, “I’m sure they all barely remember me.”

You looked at him through your lashes as you sipped on the concoction, smiling smugly. He squinted down at you, “You downplay your influence.”

“Someone’s gotta keep me humble, may as well be myself.” You pushed against him, “And you haven’t been around so I gotta make up for it.”

He ran his tongue along his teeth, tutting softly. You tilted your head, watching how his expression changed. You felt a slight tingle in your fingers. Oh, this was not going to end well for you at all.

It was a little overwhelming. Being re-introduced to everyone in the friend group. Usually there were eight of them. As you trailed your eyes over the boys, you noticed one of them was missing. Definitely Minho.

 “Y/N you came!” Jisung responded too earnestly, removing his hands from the shoulders of who you recognised as Felix and Hyunjin. Wow had they grown. They were all almost towering over you. “Where’s your plus one?”

Chan looked at you, an amused smile playing on his face. You glanced over your shoulder. “She’s a bit preoccupied flirting with the bartender.”

"Shame, she could be here flirting with me."

"Jisung—" You scolded him before turning to Felix. "How much has he had to drink?"

Felix chuckled, brushing back his frosty blue hair. "I've lost count to be honest." His admittance didn't exactly reassure you.

Eventually, the group had huddled around one of the many inviting couches. They were all playing some kind of stupid drinking game that involved taking items of clothing off. You were amazed that no one had been kicked out yet. Public indecency and all that.

The atmosphere was beginning to die down. Some people had already left. You on the other hand were lying down sideways on the couch with your head in Chan's lap. He ran his fingers through your hair, mindlessly fidgeting. He was nervous for his next turn, you could tell. You didn't mind it in the slightest. He'd been shirtless for a while now. You spared him the embarrassment and had your eyes closed. Partly because you were about three seconds away from dozing off with how relaxed you were.

Yeji had been chatting with the bar tender, who had now finished his shift. Part of you was amazed that she hadn't ditched the place and taken him back to the apartment. You smiled slightly, hoping she was having just as much fun as you were. You had forgotten how nice it was to socialise with like-minded people, dealing with anxiety and all.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom I'll be back." You mumbled, patting Chan's thigh softly. As you sat up, you took a moment to reorient yourself. Yeah you'd definitely rather be sitting down right now. Chan nodded, helping you get up without stumbling. He almost wanted to follow you to make sure you were okay.

You probably should've looked where you were going. Scratch that. You definitely should've looked where you were going. You had just made it around the corner before you felt a cold liquid splash all down your front. A gasp fell from your lips. The sensation was ice cold. You felt like you watched the incident happen in slow motion. The burgundy wine that hadn't been absorbed by your beige cardigan was now dripping on the hardwood floor. Making an even bigger mess. Of course this would happen to you.

An uncontrollable amount of anger surged through your bones as your skin prickled with embarrassment. You gazed upward at the instigator through your eyebrows. Immediately, your gaze softened as you realised who it was. Minho.

His gaze was piercing. It was almost like he was staring through you, and not at you. His jaw was clenched. He held his now near empty glass close to his chest. For some reason, you felt the need to apologize. His hair was now a scarlet red. It matched the eyeliner he had on. The makeup was delicate, barely emphasising his eyes.

He noticed how your cheeks dusted pink. He wasn't sure if it was from drinking or the embarrassment. Plenty of people had seen the accident. His eyes flickered down to your chest, the wine had completely saturated your cream cardigan. Oh well, it wasn't his fault. He waited patiently for you to move.

"You should really look where you're going." You mumbled almost defeatedly.

He squinted, tilting his head in a cat-like manner. "You should really buy me a new drink."

He emphasized his statement by pushing his glass into your hand. You swallowed harshly, worried that his grip would break it. You stumbled back slightly. He roughly brushed past you. Making sure to throw more weight into his shoulder. Out of pure spite, you let go of the glass. Cringing slightly as it shattered on the ground. It was sobering to say the very least.

This is how you would get kicked out. This is how you wanted to leave. You were never good at social functions. You should've known that by now. Safe to say it was time to throw your cardigan out.

Oh, and what a great fucking way to reintroduce yourself.

[letters-to-rosie]

Minutes to Midnight is seriously and envy-inducingly good! But I just want to say that, when you said "one shot of all time", my mind immediately went to you've got your demons, and darling, they all look like me. And then I got reminded of why it's my personal favorite (other than it being plain good, ofc): the summary. A well-written fic is a well-written fic, obviously, but the perfect summary really adds to the experience. Like how it catches your eye and makes your heart race because you know that an author who can write such a summary... well. They also can and probably did write a fic that blows your clothes off and turns them inside out before sending them to the hamper. It's about the anticipation.

Ahem, so anyway. I started thinking about how few words one needs to evoke an emotional response, and I wanted to share my excitement about that.

ahhhh thanks for the recommendation!!

I'mma use this as a little bit more time to gush over Minutes to Midnight just because, and then gush over you've got your demons as well because oh man. thank you for sending it my way!!

Ekko is my favorite character, but I am also a big fan of making him Worse, and I love how Minutes to Midnight does it in a way that feels so authentic. like I can extrapolate him right away from what we see in the show. and this is the only fic I can think of that really takes it to such an extreme, but again it's done so compellingly that it really feels like a Jinx version of Ekko, even if Jinx remains similarly filled with rage. there are just so many lines I love and I could list them all day but when it culminates at the end, tying together the time themes and the regret and the betrayal it's just... I love it so much

one line for fun: She’s bleeding, choking, underneath him, and he hits her, and hits her, don’t you get it, I could have done this anytime I wanted but I didn’t, I didn’t, I gave you my life and you threw it back in my face, even as she claws at him alley-cat-desperate.

every time I read it, I'm just in my room, actually screaming lol

and now for you've got your demons!!!!

there were also a ton of lines I could have pulled out but then we'd be here all day but

Dark against light - though the light has always been Ekko. i cry She chose him long before he chose her. i cry endlessly Powder never asks Vi her favorite color, because she doesn’t know what she’d do if she didn’t say the same thing Ekko did. a never-ending stream

but man it's just so stunning. like you said, I love how few words it uses to get its story across. getting to read prose that packs that sort of punch is always so special. Powder/Jinx is just so relatable and you really feel her struggles come through. her tangle of confusion and not getting things like marriage really resonated with my ace self (and I always enjoy an ace-spec Jinx). but her crush was so precious I just wanted to hug her and let her be happy with Ekko and maybe my delusional ass can imagine that they are someday in that fic universe lol

and the way the summary gets entirely recontextualized at the end????? INCREDIBLE truly a one-shot of all time. we have to make it an indefinite article now lmao

I got super lucky because the author of "you've got your demons" wrote my gift for the secret santa we just had!! that fic is called Moonlight Refuge and let me tell you if it didn't convey every emotion I wanted, which is the "I should want nothing to do with you but I can't help myself" part of timebomb, and in this one it's mutual and just fantastic. I spent like half my comment writing AHHH because the emotions were just everywhere it was a good time

also hi @cranechel we're in the corner gushing over your fic... I will leave a comment soon but wanted to answer this lol

[universitypenguin]

Hey Alice :) I don’t know if you’ve received this question before if so please feel free to ignore! But I was just wondering what do you think Lloyd and princess’s love languages are?

Thank you for asking this! It took me a minute to write an answer this because I had to re-read the story to find supporting evidence for my claims. Here's what I came up with for each character...

Lloyd’s Love Languages:

Physical Touch - I would say Lloyd’s primary love language is physical touch. For example, in chapter seven there’s a passage where Lloyd expresses how he feels about Princess taking his arm when they’re walking together that reads:

On the street, you slipped your hand into the crook of his elbow. He was surprised at how nice it felt. Here, you could show affection without worrying about being recognized by the wrong person. Anyone who looked at you right now would perceive you as a couple. He liked that.

And from chapter nine when Princess hugged him in the elevator:

A smile tugged at his mouth. He loved how assured your movements were as you curled yourself around him like a cat. Your hands darted under his dinner jacket as you nuzzled the open collar of his shirt.

2. Quality Time - Next to physical touch, Lloyd also highly values quality time spent with Princess. He likes having her in his space, even if the “quality time” is just them quietly working on separate projects. To him, it still counts as them being together and having a shared experience. With that said, what he likes most of all is having Princess’ undivided attention to himself. For example, take this sentence from Lloyd’s POV in chapter nine:

He loved basking in your attention and frequently soaked up every morsel of it that you could give.

3. Gifts - Lloyd finds gifts very meaningful. This is part of why he decided to participate in Valentine’s Day for Princess. Choosing the right gift, making sure it’s well-received is a huge part of what Lloyd enjoys about the process of gift giving. For example, his POV in chapter nine when he was waiting for the garment bag to be delivered:

... his focus was on the hotel room door. The clock had ticked past five-fifteen and his patience was running thin. He didn’t have much to spare in the patience department under the best circumstances. Since he was giddy with excitement, it was even thinner than usual.

A few of his other comments from that chapter also demonstrate how much thought he put into picking out thoughtful, considerate gifts for Princess:

“It’s for tonight. Go ahead, try it on. I had the store buyer compare measurements with the dresses I found in your luggage, so it should fit.” “The buyer picked your shoes. I told her the kinds of heels I’d seen you in before and said whatever she chose should be comfortable enough to walk in. The shoe collection was beyond my comprehension.”

4. Acts of Service - While I wouldn’t say that Lloyd dislikes acts of service, they’re not really his cup of tea. He can appreciate having things done for him, but because he’s spent so much of his life being independent, Lloyd is very efficient about doing things for himself. He’d rather be spending time with you than having you run an errand for him or take care of a detail he doesn’t want to do himself. Also, because taking care of things for Lloyd and generally making his life easier is something Princess has always done, those acts don’t mean much to Lloyd. He’s not dismissive of how much she helps him or anything, but he doesn’t consider those acts of love - just business as usual.

5. Words of Affirmation - Now, moving on to a love language Lloyd actively dislikes… words of affirmation. For him, spoken expressions of love and praise often feel insincere or artificial. Lloyd finds more reassurance in actions and tangible experiences, rather than in verbal declarations. He values authenticity and believes actions speak louder than words. Due to his childhood trauma, the vulnerability that comes with verbal affirmations makes him extremely uneasy, and he often interprets them as unnecessary embellishments. He’s worked on his emotional capacity but even so, he often finds other’s emotions (and even his own) confusing. Lloyd’s emotional lexicon isn’t great, either. So having the vocabulary to describe his emotions, assuming he could overcome his aversion to verbal declarations of love, is highly unlikely.

Princess’ Love Languages:

Quality Time - Similar to Lloyd, Princess places great importance on the time they spend together. She values sharing space with him, being around him, and talking to him, regardless of the topic. Her definition of “quality time” can mean anything from reading a book on the other end of the sofa while he watches a football game on T.V., or going on a fancy date that he’s planed for her. She especially likes it when he prioritizes spending time doing things she enjoys, such as going to the Botanical Gardens, visiting an art exhibit, or browsing through a bookstore.

2. Words of Affirmation - For Princess, words hold significant weight. Expressing love, appreciation, and reassurance with verbal affirmations strengthens her feelings of emotional intimacy. That said, it’s not just “I love you” that holds significance for Princess. She values Lloyd’s compliments and other verbal expressions of affection. For example, Lloyd having given her a special nickname is one of the acts that satisfies her craving for “verbal affirmations.” Him acknowledging out loud how much their relationship means to him also works. For example, take her reaction to what he said in chapter seventeen:

“But if you need me, I’d be there in an instant. You know that, right?” “It goes both ways. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” His words were spoken so tenderly that a lump the size of a golf ball swelled in your throat.

3. Physical Touch - While not her primary love language, physical touch is still important to Princess. Actions like holding hands, being hugged and kissed, and having Lloyd put his arm around her shoulders are meaningful to her, they’re just not the most important. She understands how much Lloyd values being touched and that makes her feel more connected to him, so through their relationship, physical touch as an expression of affection has become more important to her.

4. Acts of Service - Princess appreciates when Lloyd takes the initiative to help or support her. Being the oldest meant that the bulk of household chores fell on her, so when Lloyd does things like: grocery shopping, cooking, the dishes, or does her laundry without being asked, it gives Princess a thrill. Especially the laundry - that’s the chore she hates the most. The sight of Lloyd doing laundry always gives her butterflies. She really appreciates him doing these things because it contributes to the harmony of their relationship.

5. Gifts - Gifts rank lowest on Princess's love language list. She doesn’t prioritize material expressions of love very highly, but she still values thoughtful gestures and understands the sentiment behind the gifts she receives. Seeing how much thought Lloyd puts into the presents he chooses makes her feel valued and reminds Princess that he’s always paying attention to her wants and needs.

[softpine]

did we enjoy hanging out at the virtual bar last night ..... sorry i didn't finish answering the asks i fell asleep on the floor listening to lover you should've come over on a loop for 3 hours anyway here's the rest 😌 i may not be drunk anymore but i answered them quick fire mode for that authentic experience fjkjsds

i feel like as she's gotten older, caroline became the retrospective/morose kinda drunk and that's beth's natural state so it would be like a healing therapy session for sure. mikaela gets sloppy lmaooo so she would be blabbing about things no one asked, probably dropping some crazy anecdote that no one can tell if it's true or not. danny just gets stupid horny fjksjds sorry, gotta kick him out after 2 drinks or you'll see a lot more than you ever wanted to

he earned it!!!

honestly i never do anything for my sims birthdays because there's just so many of them 😭 but tom bought him a brownie from the dining hall and stuck a candle in it, then they gathered some friends and went out for drinks later but casper paid the whole tab with danny's money lol and his friends back home got on a group phone call to wish him happy birthday 💖

it suuuuuucks :( i know it's necessary and someday it will feel good and hopefully my relationships will be stronger because of it, but in the meantime i just feel like a toddler who doesn't have the words to describe how i feel so i just cry a lot fjkjsds it's definitely easier to give austin the benefit of the doubt because i can relate, but that makes me want to see him improve more than anything. i don't want to live my life in such a closed-off way anymore and austin probably doesn't either... he just isn't at that stage yet where he realizes it's a problem, so it's frustrating to witness him act like this 😭

BETHHH all of the above!! (well except HOA, because fuck HOAs) we've seen her volunteer as a chaperone for school dances, she's definitely asa's most involved parent in his school & general safety. caroline liked interacting with other parents when asa was little, because she was a young parent she wanted to soak up as much parental experience as possible. on the other hand, mikaela felt embarrassed about how she was the youngest parent in the room when she was putting casper through school/sports so she tended to keep to herself, but she did eventually embrace her status as a soccer mom and then football mom lmao. i can see her and beth in a bookclub :')

yeah he's at the tail end of his tour right now, he only has a few shows left. in the last post with caroline & asa in the hospital, mikaela was actually on the phone with danny but it didn't really make sense to include in that scene, so i moved it to the next time we'll see asa's parents. so i can't say too much about him yet!! but yeah he did take a SUPER long break, so his team is not going to be happy if he asks for another. he tries to keep his family out of the spotlight and only shares nonspecific information about them, but of course he taps into his emotions when writing music so i'm sure a lot of his family struggles come through, just maybe not in the way a casual listener would hear and think "oh his son has had mysterious health problems his whole life" or anything like that!

it's honestly been really fun to write!! he's such a stoic figure and his inner monologue is too, but there's a lot he doesn't say even to himself that's just simmering under the surface...

@forgotten-pixels omg it's funny you bring this up!! when i first introduced mac in the story, i wasn't thinking at all about genetics, i just picked a coat pattern i thought was cute and randomly decided he would be a boy, but then right after that i switched my major to biology and took a genetics class where i had to do a whole research project about chromosomal abnormalities and used male tortoiseshell cats as one of the focuses because they have an extra X chromosome which can also occur in humans (though obviously we don't get cute patterns because of it..... sad!) but male tortoiseshell cats tend to have a ton of health problems & lowered life expectancy because of this abnormality, so if we were being entirely realistic mac probably wouldn't have survived into adulthood. but since this is the sims i decided pets can never die fjksjds i did think about doing a silly retcon where once mac is no longer a kitten he runs away for a few days and returns pregnant because oops he's actually a female cat but 1. again, this is sims so who cares about realism and 2. there is no way in hell beth would be irresponsible enough to not get her adopted stray cat fixed as soon as possible. so i just scrapped the whole idea lmao but yes!! mac is just an exceedingly rare kitty :P

aww i'm sorry i think you sent this a couple days ago, but thank you for thinking of me 🥺 i hope you had a good day!!

noo you didn't make me feel rushed at all!! i totally get wanting to know, i wish i could be more consistent but i've given up on expecting that from myself jfkjsdj but yeah don't fear, he's not really dead dead hehe

oh i love this for them, thank you so much 💖 i don't know anything but just from what you've said, i think leo & aries makes so much sense for finn and asa because like they literally were never supposed to be together or even meet in their lifetimes but by god they will NOT let that stop them 😌

@morrigan-sims AHHH yeah i honestly have nothing to add to this fjkjsds you said it all !! i could comment more but that would be spoilers territory so i'll just leave it with saying i love hearing everyone's predictions, it makes me happy that you know these characters well enough to see into the future a bit 🥺

he wouldn't do anything to hurt (physically or emotionally) asa's family, nor would he knowingly let asa hurt them himself. so...... honey you've got a big storm coming i guess 😭😭

she loves animals, particularly reptiles & amphibians, she'd be so great working in conservation or education about animals especially for kids 🥺

she has a vague idea of how certain people would react... she thinks stevie would probably believe her (at least partially) because she's always been pretty open to unexplainable phenomenon, but she falsely believes that stevie wouldn't be able to keep a secret (she doesn't know that stevie has been keeping asa & finn's secret for a decade now...). she would never want to tell elaine, because she knows elaine doesn't believe in anything supernatural and would probably assume she's experiencing actual delusions. that just leaves asa, who she might have considered telling, except that she knows how badly he's struggled with his own mental health so she would never want to potentially make it worse by confusing his reality in a sense...

oh yeah i definitely cannot comment on this one jfkjsds

asa truly does not think about consequences or the future. you wouldn't assume this is the case because of how quiet and thoughtful he seems, but he chooses to live in the moment and deal with problems as they arise, not a minute sooner. for him, there's just no way he'll ever be without finn, no matter what he has to do to make that happen or what he has to give up..

[trashlie]

ILY FP 206

Oh my god oh my GOD what an episode, right?! It’s going to take everything in me to not spoil this outside of my read more text cut lol but MAN what an episode. I think this might go up in my top 10 favorite episodes, if I were to create one of those, if only for the good material we got and the art. WOW! I feel like quimchee is personally catering to me and everything that I covet lmao we’ve got CALLBACKS we’ve got further parallels we’ve got explanations of the past, we’ve got TENSION! I, for one, feel like a cat who discovered the bag of catnip, and I’m going to yell SO MUCH in this post!

Man, the lighting and expressions in this particular episode are so good - the flashback was largely simplistic in its work, simple backgrounds, simple expressions, things mostly expressed through use of color. But we’ve returned to the present where Nol is holding back nothing - he is comfortably Nolan in his skin, no loner putting on a front or hiding his darker, potentially scarier side. When he found the Math Club photo in the previous episode, we didn’t see his eyes, which alone gave some indication to his feelings about his discovery, but that expression we finally get to see as he looks at the photo and talks to Shinae - WOW. In the past, as Yeonggi, he would never have allowed himself to show that side of him and was always so careful about the image he presented.

Nol is holding nothing back, now. With Shinae, he’s showing an authentic version of who he really is. 

The way the shadows fall on his face makes him look almost haunted. 

There’s so many good details in the art of this episode, ngl. The sequence of Shinae’s memory being jogged and snippets of that meeting flooding back to her, culminating in that close up of her eye, that red pupil with the scratchy jagged lines around it. A+ art, the shock of both the return of those memories and the realization that Nol has pieced together what she tried so hard to keep from him, something she did not want to b the one to tell him about, aaahhhh! 

Something interesting about this is that despite how things ended between Shinae and Alyssa, in a way, Shinae is trying to protect her (just as much as she’s trying to protect Nol). It wouldn’t be difficult for her to just admit the truth upfront - that yes, it turns out the ex-friend who kind of ruined my life is, indeed, your girlfriend. There’s something almost sweet about it - Shinae has been very careful to not influence Nol’s relationship, to not be that kind of person. Even before she ever knew who he was dating, she drew clearly-defined boundaries in effort to ensure that her involvement couldn’t lead to a falling out with his girlfriend. And here she continues to do that. She doesn’t want to influence how he sees Alyssa, she doesn’t want to be the reason they might fall apart. But at the same time, she is protecting not only Nol, but also herself and Alyssa. Shinae never says “Alyssa isn’t like that anymore” or anything like that. Her entire point of reason is that she knows her memory isn’t reliable, and that she doesn’t know the full story. It’s awfully mature, tbh, to be able to acknowledge that her experience is not the sum of that whole affair, that Alyssa’s side of the story is something she lacks and never had a chance to know. In contrast to her current situation with Nol, where he has inadvertently come clean and she now understands why he left, Shinae still has no idea why things with Alyssa played out the way they did, only the vague assumption of what Alyssa wanted vs how she acted. 

To be honest, I think as much as Shinae wants to protect Nol and Alyssa’s relationship, she also wants to protect her memories and the handful of good she experienced with Alyssa. Though things ended badly and she internalized that hurt and repressed it for so long, that was Shinae’s first friend, someone she was so eager and excited about. When we’ve been hurt or betrayed, it’s easy for those good memories to become soiled, to become infected by our bitter resentment. You forget that there was ever any good, because all you can remember is the bad, and how it makes you feel. 

I think we see that with Nol. The way he reminisces on Alyssa almost suggests that they were never very close, that his relationship with Alyssa never compared to his relationship with, say, Dieter or Soushi. Again, this episode plays with expression and framing SO MUCH and it’s SO well done. “She’s not important to me. So don’t feel bad.” We don’t see Nol’s expression when he says this. In fact, we only see a close up of his face, eyes hidden, as he asks Shinae to be honest. Quimchee uses the hidden eyes a lot, especially with Nol lately. I think it’s less that Alyssa was never important to Nol as much as she no longer is. Once upon a time, she was a friend he tried to steer straight, to save from Yui’s villainous grip. Again, we see that down-up view of Nol, his face cast in shadows, eyes cold as he states that he hates Alyssa’s nature. In a way, Alyssa is a failure of Nol’s - at least, this is probably how he views it. There was nothing he could do to keep her out of Yui’s grip, to save her from that woman. In fact, Alyssa continued to willingly walk into the lion’s den. 

We have that contrast again of Alyssa and Shinae - how Alyssa was unable to see beyond Yui’s facade, or even worse, how she was willing to endure Yui to get what she wanted. It makes her look selfish and spineless, wishywashy. Nol resents that, in the end, Alyssa made her choices, and in the end, all that remains of their former friendship, of the relationship they had, is one that is transactional. Don’t get me wrong, I think Nol does care about her still, in a way. I think there’s a high likelihood that Alyssa also still cares about Nol and Shinae both, but in a way she can’t act on, that she has to repress and shove away. I don’t think she feels particularly good about what she does, which is why she deflects. It’s easier to place blame on others than acknowledge that you are the one actively hurting people you care about, right? 

In a way, Shinae and Nol both care about Alyssa to some capacity, and largely in a way that is rooted in the past - who she was, what their relationships were. That’s the thing, right? You don’t have that kind of bitter, festering resentment towards someone if you never cared about them, if some kind of affection (whether romantic or platonic) never existed. There was a time when Alyssa was a person Nol wanted to help, maybe even when she was a person he enjoyed talking to and hangout with along with Soushi and Dieter, but those days are long gone. 

On the balcony at the hospital, he asked Alyssa what if they start to resent each other, because he already did. Because the weight of their transactional relationship had become that much of a burden, because there was nothing he could do to help her anymore and she felt more like a leech than a balance, because she had become the very kind of person who he resented. Swept up in the world of the Hiraharas and networking, Nol had become as invisible to Alyssa as he was to anyone else. Whatever remained of their friendship had run its course. 

Where Nol has allowed his memories to fester - the way his memory shows the gap between him and Alyssa increasing as he turns away from her and eventually has his hood up, back to her, the use of that intense red, Alyssa’s hollow puppet eyes, Yui a marionette puppeteering Alyssa, so menacing - Shinae has tried in vain to protect it, to reassure herself that there must be more to the story or maybe she’s made it all up, that maybe Alyssa was not as horrible as she looks. Both of them seem to acknowledge though, what praise does for Alyssa and the extents she’s willing to go to to earn it. 

And again, that juxtaposition - Alyssa is so malleable, is (or at least was) so willing to do whatever if it earned her praise, where Shinae’s integrity refuses to accept undue praise or handouts. It’s not explicitly stated, but it’s easy to glean that this is likely a big reason Nol was so drawn to Shinae, who always expressed concern for him, who never saw him as invisible, who has made a point to demonstrate how much she cares about him. When tempted by Yui, Shinae fought back and sees through her shiny veneer. Of course it must be intriguing, that someone can push back against Yui and not be poisoned against him by her. 

In fact, everything about this episode is SO heavily laden with how much their relationship matters. Shinae cares enough about Nol that she refuses to be the reason that his relationship with Alyssa is ruined. Nol cares about Shinae enough to start to feel comfortable as himself, doesn’t wear his mask, and offers her honesty, going as far as to call her out on her refusal to be honest. They’re taking turns baring parts of themselves to each other, sharing things they likely have never shared with anyone else. It can’t be that Nol is still drunk and his inhibitions are lower - he’s calculating looking over Shinae clutching the book to her chest, takes a step back and looks at her like that, admonishing her for lying when he’s being honest. They are actively acting on that importance to each other, the understanding that they have to be honest in order to understand each other. 

Nol is so comfortable, in fact, that he even shares a tender little memory - just a little snippet of it - about his mom. He’s always been careful not to mention her to his friends, to not bring up anything about her. The day he crashes the study session at Dieter’s, Shinae asks him about his mom, meaning Yui, and without knowing what Shinae means he switches mood completely. But here, he shares just a little piece of the distant past, and Shinae, realizing that he must be talking about his mom, offers her hand.

And GOD I love this moment SO MUCH. The dance that never was at the formal, a deal made at the masquerade. Everything comes full circle in that moment. It’s Shinae to Nol’s rescue, it’s Shinae making an offer, it’s Shinae offering friendship needed. Throughout the series, Nol has reached out to Shinae so many times, never letting himself close the gap except the one time that he hurt her. Once upon a time, Shinae drew boundaries between them and here she’s the one crossing them. Knowing what she knows now of Nol’s life, of his family, of his mother, it’s a gesture I don’t think is made lightly. Could Nol be happy, if only for a moment, if she sings and dances around to Christmas music with him like they once did? 

And god, listen, there’s a LOT of reading into this that we could do. The dance at the formal that never was - Nol denying a dance with Shinae to keep his distance, as Kousuke requested, as Nol surely had already decided upon. Maybe had Kousuke not demanded that Nol keep his distance, Nol still would have refused the dance (especially given that Shinae had previously drawn those boundaries around them), but what is to stop them now? There’s no Kousuke in the room to express disapproval. Shinae knows the relationship isn’t real, that it’s nothing that needs to be respected as she was before. Now it’s just them and the bits of their souls they’ve bared here alone in the dark. 

And again, back to the way Nol has spent so much of this series reaching out to her and refusing to close the gap - that he even did it just last episode! For it to be Shinae, this time, who reaches out to him, who offers the hand he continues to deny himself, is just SO SO SOOOOOOOO good and satisfying! Shinae is taking the initiative that Nol won’t allow himself. 

And listen man, I try, I try really hard not to be overly shippy about things but GOD the seeds have been sown, haven’t they? I have so many FEELINGS about how INTIMATE these last few episodes have been, the way their angry exteriors have thawed away and left these pockets of honesty. Shinae has been spending this time doing her best not to spook Nol - won’t ask about his mom lest he bolts again, careful about what she asks and says - and it just feels so intimate, to sit here in the dark together and bare their souls a little bit. Nol telling Shinae things he’s probably never told anyone else, just as Shinae told Nol a story she probably hasn’t told anyone else. I love the way they are just drawn to each other and let their defenses down. Nol has spent so much time trying to put distance between himself and Shinae, to escape her gravitational pull, but so many times he always wound up drawn back in. AND I LOVE IT, OKAY. 

Do they realize the ways they play off each other? Shinae has started to see their parallels (and the way they foil each other there, too - Shinae has become aware of her internalized self-loathing in a way Nol has yet to) and has a tendency to always respond to him even without realizing it. Last episode we see her response to his proximity and honesty, confused about why her heart is reacting lol. There’s also her raw anger at Nol still putting that distance between them, pointedly calling her Yoo. What she hates is that he’s trying to create that buffer, because using her first name is too close. If he keeps calling her Yoo, he can pretend that they’re not as close as they really are, that she isn’t as important as he’s already proclaimed. Shinae doesn’t want the distance, she doesn’t want the buffer. 

I also really love that she continues to call him out, and how her experiences with Alyssa have given the ability to see things how she does. In the way that her truth and Alyssa’s truth are not the same, Shinae notes that Nol’s truth and her truth are not the same - her image of him is not the way he sees himself, and neither one of them are more true than the others. In that regard, I think we will see that Nol isn’t as “innocent” in whatever it is he thinks he’s being punished for, but that he’s also not the one wholly responsible for it. Suppose this is about the incident with Kousuke, maybe Nol has internalized that he possibly hurt someone, without giving acknowledgement to what could lead to it. Was it self-defense, was it him reaching a snapping point, was it instigated, did something push him and his buttons? Nothing in I Love Yoo is black or white, only shades of grey. 

Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, but I can’t help but feel that all the foundation that’s been laid is slowly building now. The sown seeds are slowly, SLOWLY, maybe starting to sprout. The way Shinae has always played off of Nol and has subconsciously responded to him so many times - as he pulls away, she pulls closer; as he stops chasing, she begins to - makes me think that maybe we are seeing a little spark. I don’t think anything romantically would come of them for a long time, until we have a time jump, maybe, since Shinae is not really aware of what she’s feeling, or why she’s reacting the way she is. And frankly, Nol is so full of self loathing that I don’t think he could entertain the idea of it. I do think it could be there between the lines - he made an effort at one point with Alyssa and gave up when he realized it was fruitless, when she became someone he couldn’t stand. Does he ever think about the ways Shinae foils Alyssa? Is that why he tried so hard to keep that distance between them? He must be aware of how he succumbs to her - that whole incident in the rain proved it when he finally reached out and held her in that tight hug, before he finally steeled his resolve against her. I’m always so curious of what goes on in Nol’s head, what he tells himself about their relationship. The admission that Shinae, like Soushi and Dieter, is important to him is probably something he denied to himself for so long. 

And look, maybe just this once, he could let himself have this. Just this once, a stolen pocket of time with no one else around, no one to approve or disapprove, nothing but their own choices and intentions. The dark is for lowering inhibitions, for authenticity, and maybe for allowing yourself what you ordinarily wouldn’t.

I mean, yeah I do think they’ll probably be interrupted lol - wasn’t Minhyuk supposed to be bringing them medicine? and we heard Kousuke grousing about needing to get away from the singing lol, though I don’t think he’s the type to just go barging into random rooms - but I hope if they DO get interrupted, it’s only after they’ve allowed themselves to indulge. 

Sure, Nol could refuse her, and maybe Shinae might even feel disappointed if he did. But, idk, maybe it’s just the hopefulness speaking, but the whole thing about being vulnerable in the dark, under shadows shielding you from what might ordinarily prohibit you, I can’t help but to feel (or maybe just hope) that Nol will indulge himself. Shinae’s extended hand isn’t just an invitation to dance, but an offer of her friendship, of their mended relationship. Take her hand and become partners in crime once more. Once upon a time he extended an offer to her he didn’t really mean, and this time she does the same, but full of sincerity, on the hope that maybe she could rekindle a long lost memory of his that he can no longer enjoy. Nol will never again dance around and sing with his mom, but maybe he could build new versions of that memory with Shinae. 

ALSO someone pointed out that next week’s episode comes close to Nol’s birthday, which it finally is in the storyline, and LISTEN you can’t tell me that we’ll see nothing of it, right?! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I’m so excited for this next episode I’M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TOOOOOO IIIIIIIIIIIIIT. 

I could write so much more about just... the nearly tangible tension, the redevelopment of their relationship, the ways they affect each other, but for now I’ll refrain. Maybe I’ll babble in another post lol. I just. I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS about where they currently stand. Nol is so certain he’s a monster, someone dangerous, and he isn’t holding back anymore. He shows dark, shadowed expressions he’d ordinarily refrain from letting anyone see, and though there’s plenty of reasons for Shinae to have reservations or to doubt herself, she continues to believe in him, unflinchingly unafraid of him. Though Nol can only see himself as a monster, she’s still able to see the humanity in him, the heart of gold he doesn’t acknowledge, and will continue to hold onto that for him. And I’m a SUCKER for that, I’m A SUCKER for how they’ve developed, how they’ve grown so important to each other through these shared experiences but more importantly, by what they’ve seen in each other, what they believe in, and trying to preserve that for one and other. 

Once again, the thing I love so much about them, especially as of late, is that aspect: that they can see in each other things the other cannot, or couldn’t. Nol saw in Shinae a person who had built walls around herself, who kept people out, and wanted to help her do what he couldn’t, wanted to help her open up. Shinae is returning the favor - she sees in him what Nol can’t yet, and continues to fight for him until one day he’ll be able to see it himself. They hold mirrors up to one and other! They respond so intimately to each other! Nol knows how to read Shinae like a book, what her body language is saying, what she means even when her words say something else, and Shinae is learning the same. Don’t ask about his mom, he seems angry, he’ll bolt, how does she placate him instead, how does she get him to continue to open up? Their development is SO well done and GOD I cannot get enough of it I AM SO! LKAJFJKFKJFJKFJ living for this episode, living for this ENTIRE ARC. 

God I’m so satisfied lmao 

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb: It’s a room-mance for the books in this tender, steamy story about unexpectedly finding love and being brave enough to let it revise life’s narrative in the final book in the beloved Bergman Brothers series.

Viggo Bergman, hopeless romantic, is thoroughly weary of waiting for his happily ever after. But between opening a romance bookstore, running a romance book club, coaching kids' soccer, and adopting a household of pets—just maybe, he’s overcommitted himself?—Viggo’s chaotic life has made finding his forever love seem downright improbable.

Enter Tallulah Clarke, chilly cynic with a massive case of writer’s block. Tallulah needs help with her thriller’s romantic subplot. Viggo needs another pair of hands to keep his store afloat. So they agree to swap skills and cohabitate for convenience—his romance expertise to revive her book, her organizational prowess to salvage his store. They hardly get along, and they couldn’t be more different, but who says roommate-coworkers need to be friends?

As they share a home and life, Tallulah and Viggo discover a connection that challenges everything they believe about love, and reveals the plot twist they never saw coming: happily ever after is here already, right under their roof.

Review:

The conclusion to the Bergman Brothers series is finally here and will romance book lover Viggo finally find his happily ever after in the grumpy author who doesn't believe in romance? Viggo has always dreamed about finding his soulmate, about getting his happily ever after, and after seeing each one of his family members get theirs' he is desperate to find his. He's always been able to charm everyone... everyone except for Tallulah Clarke, the chilly cynic who is uncharmed by Viggo. Tallulah doesn't believe in love, she's seen what its done to her parents and she wants no part of it, too bad her next book requires she write a actual convincing couple and she's got zero experience with love and has writer's block. Tallulah needs help writing and who better to help her than a romance book lover like Viggo. Viggo is opening up his own romance bookshop and desperately needs help running it so Viggo and Tallulah come up with an agreement, she will live in his flat and help him run his store while he helps her write her book. Yet for two polar opposites, there is an undeniable attraction between them... but can they make it work when one of them doesn't believe in love and the other only wants to find his true love? This was a cute way to end the series and was heavy on the romance book lovers theme. The story is perfect for fans of grumpy cat x golden retriever, doesnt believe in love x believes in love, and grumpy x sunshine trope lovers out there. I have always loved and appreciated the representation that Chloe puts in her series and the authenticity and care she puts in conveying the struggles of these characters and their growth. This series has and will always be dear to my heart because of how beautifully written each of the love stories were and I was so happy we got to see Viggo's happily ever after.

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[foxy-eva]

Milestone Masterlist

Here it is, the official masterlist for my Milestone Writing Challenge! Thank you so much for participating and for your kind words. I had so much fun reading all your stories!

Fics marked with * contain smut, so minors please DNI!

Spencer Reid x Reader

and then talking leads to touching by @gettingrailedbyreid

Prompt: “What are you doing tonight?” - “You, hopefully.”

I am all here for the hospital AU! Those elevator scenes on Grey's Anatomy always made me blush and this story did just the same. The spice is wonderfully written and I love the way the prompt is used!

Here (In Your Arms) by @fortheloveofwonderland

Prompts: “I can’t stay in this darkness with you forever!” and “I feel like all my broken pieces stick back together again when you put your arms around me.”

The way those emotions are written feels so authentic, it's so easy to get lost in this story and experience those feelings myself. I really like the way the torments and fragility of post-prison Spencer are depicted through the eyes of his (ex) partner.

wishing on dandelions by @writer-in-theory

Prompt: “Are you trying to impress me?” “Is it working?"

What an incredibly sweet story!! It really warmed my heart. Trying to impress someone by learning more about their interests is something so adorable and I love how that is turned into a story here!

If We Were A Movie by @reidsbookclub

Prompt: “I would give up everything if it meant you would let me hold you for even just a second”

What a sweet little story! I loved the way Spencer showed confidence for once to let her know about his feelings. There's something about mutual pining that always warms my heart.

They Weren't Ridin' When We Both Fell by @samuel-de-champagne-problems

Prompt: “If you keep making those sounds, I’m not going to be able to stop myself”

I love seeing Spencer all flustered, it's the cutest thing ever. I think young Spencer is perfectly portrayed in this fic! This story is adorable and I really enjoy the way the the scenery is vividly painted!

Milburn by @aperrywilliams

Prompt: “We can make it through this. I’m not leaving your side.”

This story was so painful to read but still so beautiful. The way Spencer's inability to deal with his feelings is described is very accurate. I'm glad he got a hopeful ending, he deserves to find happiness at last.

Never by @ofwilliamandwalter

Prompt: “Aren’t you getting tired of taking care of me?” - “Never.”

I really appreciate stories where mental illnesses are shown from their messier side without romanticizing any of it. By the way Spencer taking care of his friend here, this story manages to provide comfort for the people reading it.

Emily Prentiss x Reader

Right Where You Left Me by @railingsofsorrow

Prompt: “who are we even kidding? we were always a losing game.”

I love that this story starts with the depiction of gaining the trust of a cat because it's a beautiful analogy to the way Emily loves. She's not one to easily trust someone but if you linger and show her softness, she will eventually. Knowing that makes it so much more painful to see her heart getting broken.

Worthwhile by @andiebeaword

Prompts: “Maybe you should listen to your heart?” - “How am I supposed to do  that when it already belongs to you?” and “Who are we even kidding? We were always a losing game.”

This story is so bittersweet and I really liked how both of them learned to accept the situation in the end. They still care for one another and that also means that they want to see the other one being happy - even with someone else.

Emily Prentiss x Aaron Hotchner

Wrapping Things Up* by @ofwilliamandwalter

Prompt: "You know I hate the beach.” - “But you don’t hate seeing me in a bathing suit, do you?”

I loved their banter, it really made me laugh (especially when she said she was marrying him for his paycheck). I really like reading light-hearted stories like this!

Aaron Hotchner x Spencer Reid

All I Have* (Ao3) by @chaotic-librarian

Prompt: “If you keep making those sounds, I’m not going to be able to stop myself”

Saying a lot without using too many words is something not many writers can pull off. Despite not giving much context, this story tells us a lot about their relationship by the way their dynamic is depicted.

Alex Blake x Erin Strauss

Self-Justification by @stupidsexycopshows

Prompt: "We can make it through this, I’m not leaving your side"

The relationship between those two women is something very interesting to dive into. The tension clearly is a relict of the passion they once shared. I think this energy between them is captured perfectly here.

Thank you all again for participating. Please send me a dm if you wrote a story I didn't include, I probably didn't get the notification!

[feltpool]

George

I had planned to post more about this as I built it, but dealing with a sick cat ate up a lot of my time and enthusiasm so I didn’t.

But lately I have mostly been building this behemoth:

Look at his ‘lil leggies

And feets! (They’re SO solid and heavy)

And terrible lighting his big long legs - 17 inches from floor to top, like the supermodel that he is.

(Ignore that I could no longer photograph him lying on his back because his feet are too weighty to support that - AT-AT’s just aren’t designed to lie on their backs kicking their feet. Who knew?, and that his knees are pointing in the wrong direction here because I lost track of which end was the front in the excitement of playing with the adjustable leg positioning. The white handled tool between his feet is the leg adjustment screwdriver)

Somewhere amongst the hundreds of tiny blue technic pins that hold all those outer facade plates on there are some holes where there shouldn’t be, because I have 2 more pins leftover than I should have. But unless something actually falls off I’m not about to go back through the build to find out where I managed to leave them out.

And onto the ‘body’

Some really nice, neat design work going on here to get the right shaping angle for the body without looking awkward and also being really secure.

The top floor locks down with a simple, if fiddly, bit of design which holds it in place securely without adding bulk.

Jo, Flo, and Ho get to just sit there while the build happens around them. They know better than to ask questions.

Flexible and adjustable neck added.

Not a minifigure useable tunnel unfortunately, but it supports the weight of the ‘head’ while remaining flexible and moveable, which is pretty damn impressive tbh!

Shapely butt too.

Got the engine and the outer structural shaping done. There’s a lot of detail that goes into the engine for something that you can’t access very well once the exterior technic framework fits into place.

Seems like a bit of a shame. Ah well.

There’s a ladder running between the two floors, btw. Just in case you were curious.

Now the head. Well, most of it at least (no side panels yet)

Open it up and there are the people!

It’s a tight space inside, but they can see where they’re going on their little screen.

Now it has side panels and moveable weapons.

Fearsome!

And the outer armour is complete!

Lets lift the flaps (like on a toddler book) and see what’s underneath.

Troopers on patrol. Busy guarding that one E-Web heavy repeating blaster.

And snowspeeders on their storage racks, with the engine on the top floor

Technically you can also open the flap at the other end, but all you see is trooper seating and the end of the (non-functional) tunnel through the neck.

Add on a dangly Luke Skywalker for the authentic ‘AT-AT on Hoth’ experience and this build is almost complete

It just needs its sign

Which doubles up as leg adjustment tool storage.

All I need now is a whole bunch of these:

if I ever decide I want to fill my AT-AT with the full complement of 40 troopers and fill those empty snow speeder racks on the other side

But for now I’ve settled for 3 (on a buy 2 get 1 free deal)

.

This is a HUGE set. 6785 pieces (about 1/5 of that is connector pins), 6kg when complete, and standing 25 inches high (if all the legs are fully straightened out) so it comes with a hefty price tag.

(Well, it does when the store haven’t knocked a couple of hundred pounds off for May 4th and you have a whole lot of store vouchers. Husband only paid £34.99 for it cash wise. Total bargain! :D )

But is it worth it?

Yes. Absolutely worth it, this is an amazingly well designed Lego set with a fantastic amount of attention to detail. I can only imagine the time and effort it must have taken to get this set so accurate to the original in visual terms while also scaling it to fit the 40 troopers it’s supposed to be able to hold as well as having space for cargo and speeders.

The legs being able to support the weight of the build while still being positionable and not losing stability must have been a design nightmare all by itself.

The only real downside is working out where I’m going to keep him now he’s built

.

So why George?

Blame it on a childhood spent watching Looney Tunes cartoons and the message my husband left on my wedding anniversary present.

What can I say? The name stuck. He’s George now.

[gaykey]

I am feeling so tender after watching Taemin's live. I don't want to get all parasocial, but it really feels as though his relationship with Shawols is truly sincere. These past two years have been so hard for him and it must be a healing but overwhelming experience to be back and see everyone's love. I think it was really brave and sincere of him to do a very informal live on Instagram, bare-faced and all and very open about his feelings and insecurities.

Tender Taemin anon here, but I really have missed this kind of unpolished content from idols. I feel like it truly is different with SHINee, because of everything they have been through and what the fans have been through. No one else does it like them, and the openness about anxiety, nervousness and mental health in general is making me so emotional.

Same anon, but it's just so much, truly. Maybe I was subconsciously a bit scared that his return would be weird and the weight of all that happened during his enlistment would not be acknowledged. At first I felt awkward watching his live, but in the end I think the atmosphere was just... I don't know, vulnerable but authentic. And it was so sweet how he lit up and became more relaxed when talking about his cats, I can't.

hello anon!

i totally understand. i feel a bit? idk yeah, i guess tender is a good way to describe it, after seeing taemin's live yesterday.

mmm, it's seeing his face, but also seeing him a bit nervous and unsure, and US feeling a bit nervous and unsure. but, like you said, seeing him unfiltered and on his own terms, was the best way to do it. he didn't have to go on live and reassure us the way he did, but, he did, and i'm so grateful.

he was so open about everything, and even apologised for needing time to adjust, and making us worry, which makes my heart ache.

shinee have always been like that though haven't they. they really do try to be as honest and open with us as they can, whilst also maintaining their own privacy. and again, i'm so grateful to them, because they really don't have to.

and yeah, i was nervous too. i still am. like, i kinda feel like the fanmeet is a bit much too soon? especially after seeing him yesterday, but, if he's okay with it, then i am too. i just hope he is actually taking the time he needs to get back into things.

ahhh, his babies. i'm so glad he has them! you can tell they really offer him a lot of emotional support, which i think people without pets will find silly, but that's what pets do.

he seems happy though, if a bit subdued, shy, and slightly unsure of himself. it's understandable though, and it must be such an overwhelming situation.

i just hope he takes the right time and care for himself xx

[onmyliteraturebullshitagain]

Top 5 zukka moments in Midwest series

Oh man... this is so hard to pick! But I appreciate the question (even if it took me forever to answer) and in no particular order, here are five of my favorite moments:

1. I still love the weird drunk humor of "The Intruder" partially because I literally wrote the first draft of that while slightly drunk myself, so there's an interesting element of authenticity there. 😅

2. The late-night convos at the end of "The Family Problem," because that really dug into some personal stuff for me and clearly hit a lot of readers the right way too. Just love me some tenderness and healthy communication

3. The accidental cat kidnapping in "Zuko's Dragon" still makes me laugh, and I loved the responses to it

4. As sad as it is, I still feel really strongly about "The Angst Day" because I wrote it from some of my own poor mental state, and it's definitely a kind of love letter to my own partner and how's he's helped me through similar depression/PTSD/terrible self talk periods of my life.

5. And then is it too cheesy to say the proposal in "The Question"?? Because I'm a romantic at heart and can't help myself and I loved the proposal finally happening.

Damn it, and one extra one * for the first forray into Zuko's POV in "The EMT" just because that was a really fun experiment and also it ended up yelled love confessions, which is peak Midwest Zukka :)

OK, so there's my list, although I really do love the whole series and feel like it's been a really strange and wonderful experience sharing it with people and getting so many reactions and meeting so many people :) Thanks so much for this question!!

[techrishlinkbuilding]

4 Pro Tips For Powder Skiing: Mastering the Art of Riding Fresh Snow

Powder skiing offers an exhilarating adventure for snow enthusiasts seeking the ultimate thrill on the slopes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, mastering the art of riding fresh powder can take your skills to the next level. Here are four pro tips to help you conquer the mountains and make the most of your powder skiing experience:

Choose the Right Equipment: The key to successful powder skiing begins with selecting the appropriate gear. Opt for wider skis with a rockered design to help you stay afloat in deep snow. Additionally, adjustable ski bindings and sturdy boots with adequate ankle support are essential for navigating challenging terrain. Investing in high-quality equipment tailored to powder skiing can significantly enhance your performance and overall enjoyment on the slopes.

Master Technique: Powder skiing requires a unique set of skills to navigate through soft, fluffy snow effectively. Focus on maintaining a balanced stance with your weight centered over your skis to maximize control and stability. Keep your turns smooth and fluid, allowing your skis to carve effortlessly through the powder. Practice maintaining a consistent rhythm and tempo, adjusting your speed as needed to adapt to changing snow conditions. Remember to use your poles for added balance and leverage when maneuvering through deeper snow.

Read the Terrain: Understanding the terrain is crucial for safe and enjoyable powder skiing. Take time to assess the slope's angle, contours, and potential hazards before making your descent. Look for natural features such as ridges, trees, and rocks that can provide additional stability and opportunities for creative lines. Be mindful of hidden obstacles beneath the snow's surface, such as stumps or branches, and plan your route accordingly. As you gain experience, experiment with different lines and approaches to find the most rewarding paths down the mountain.

Embrace the Experience: Powder skiing offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the beauty of the mountains. Take time to savor the moment and appreciate the pristine surroundings as you glide effortlessly through the snow. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone – the sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering new terrain is truly unparalleled. Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the thrill of riding fresh powder with friends and fellow enthusiasts.

By incorporating these pro tips into your powder skiing repertoire, you can elevate your skills and confidence on the slopes while unlocking new levels of excitement and adventure. Whether you're carving through untouched powder or tackling steep chutes, mastering the art of powder skiing is an experience like no other. So gear up, hit the slopes, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through winter's wonderland.

About White Grizzly: White Grizzly is one of the oldest cat-skiing operations in the world, offering authentic mountain experiences since 1998. Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Nelson, BC, our passionate team of backcountry enthusiasts is dedicated to providing guests with unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. With a focus on safety, professionalism, and personalized service, we invite you to join us for an epic powder skiing experience that will leave you craving more

[thezathmanatscienceeducationblog]

Product Highlight: SynFrog Synthetic Dissection Model

By: Zath Manat March 18, 2024

(From SynDaver.com. No animals were harmed in the making of this image)

Are you a high school or middle school biology student, looking for a more ethical alternative to animal dissections, that you could suggest to your teacher?

Are you an animal-welfare-minded biology teacher, looking for a way to give your students realistic, hands-on lessons in biology, without the use of animal specimens?

Did that one scene in E.T. really resonate with you?

(From E.T., 1982)

Then the SynDaver company’s highly realistic frog dissection model just might be right for your class!

According to data collected by the National Anti-Vivisection Society, the demand for dissection results in the deaths of approximately 12 million animals each year (3).

Some classroom dissection specimens (such as cats) are collected from shelters where they have been incidentally euthanized due to illness, lack of adoptability or shelter over-capacity (4,5).

Frogs however (the most common target of classroom dissections), are collected and killed specifically for dissection (3).

Removing large numbers of animals from their native habitat can disrupt local ecosystems (3). The preservatives (such as formaldehyde and formalin) used to store the harvested specimens are also hazardous both to the environment and to students participating in the dissections (1,3).

If any of this concerns you, don’t worry! Syndaver’s highly realistic model gives students an authentic dissection experience without the killing of frogs or the use of highly toxic chemicals (1).

The syndaver synfrog, which is composed of water, salts, and fibers, is safe for students to come into contact with (1). While formalin preserved tissues tend to degrade and lose many of the properties that make the anatomical structures identifiable, this synthetic dissection model offers a closer approximation of fresh or living tissue (1).

The syndaver model can be cut with a scalpel and manipulated in the same way as a real frog specimen can (1).

Syndaver also sells a set of replacement organs and synthetic abdominal skin, so it will not be necessary to purchase entirely new kits each year, only refills (2). This reduces waste and contributes to the products’ environmental friendliness.

(From Syndaver.com)

Some students may be glad to know that this product is endorsed by both PETA and the In Defense of Animals organization (1). Many young aspiring students are very ethically minded and environmentally conscious. Many might be off-put from science if they think the field as a whole gives no consideration to environmental well-being and animal welfare.

Offering this product as your dissection project just might increase both class engagement with the activity and overall interest in STEM (1)! Plus, your principal just might be impressed with your creative integration of an emerging technology!

References:

All SynFrog dissection model information found here:

https://syndaver.com/product/synfrog-frog-dissection-model/

Organ replacement puck:

2. https://syndaver.com/product/synfrog-organ-replacement-puck/

National Anti-Vivisection Society:

3. https://navs.org/key-issues/waste-and-cruelty-of-dissection/

Ward Science (preserved cats):

4. https://www.wardsci.com/store/product/8869205/preserved-cats

Carolina Sciences (statement on euthanized cat specimens):

5.  https://sites.austincc.edu/biology/lab-animal-policy/a-statement-from-carolina-biological/  

[techrish]

Exploring Cat Skiing: What You Need to Know

Are you curious about cat skiing and what it entails? If so, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll delve into the world of cat skiing, covering everything you need to know to embark on this thrilling adventure. So, what is cat skiing, and why is it gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts? Let's find out.

What is Cat Skiing?

Cat skiing, also known as snowcat skiing, is a type of backcountry skiing that involves accessing untracked powder snow using a snowcat, a large tracked vehicle specially designed for navigating snowy terrain. Unlike traditional ski resorts with chairlifts, cat skiing operations transport skiers and snowboarders to remote mountain areas via snowcats, providing access to pristine powder and untouched slopes.

Why Cat Skiing?

Cat skiing offers several advantages over traditional resort skiing, making it an appealing choice for adventure seekers and powder hounds alike. Here are some reasons why cat skiing is gaining popularity:

Uncrowded Slopes: With cat skiing, you'll have access to vast expanses of untouched powder snow without the crowds typically found at ski resorts. This means more room to carve fresh tracks and enjoy the serenity of the backcountry.

Remote Mountain Terrain: Cat skiing operations take you deep into the mountains, far away from the hustle and bustle of civilization. Here, you'll find pristine wilderness and breathtaking scenery, providing a truly immersive outdoor experience.

Expert Guidance: Cat skiing operators employ experienced guides who are familiar with the terrain and snow conditions. These guides ensure your safety and help you navigate the mountain safely, allowing you to focus on enjoying the skiing experience.

Powder Paradise: The primary allure of cat skiing is the opportunity to ski or snowboard on deep, untouched powder snow. Cat skiing areas are known for their abundant snowfall and epic powder days, offering an unforgettable skiing experience for powder enthusiasts.

Group Dynamics: Cat skiing often involves skiing in small groups, fostering a sense of camaraderie and adventure among participants. Sharing the thrill of exploring remote mountain terrain with like-minded individuals adds to the overall enjoyment of the experience.

What You Need to Know

Now that you have a basic understanding of what cat skiing entails, here are a few things to keep in mind before embarking on your cat skiing adventure:

Fitness Level: Cat skiing involves skiing or snowboarding in variable snow conditions and challenging terrain. It's essential to have a good level of fitness and skiing ability to fully enjoy the experience and minimize the risk of injury.

Safety Precautions: While cat skiing is a thrilling adventure, it's important to prioritize safety at all times. Listen to your guides, follow their instructions, and familiarize yourself with avalanche safety procedures before heading into the backcountry.

Equipment: Most cat skiing operations provide specialized powder skis or snowboards suitable for deep snow conditions. However, you'll still need to bring your own ski or snowboard boots, appropriate clothing layers, and any personal gear required for a day in the mountains.

In conclusion, cat skiing offers an unparalleled skiing experience for those seeking adventure, powder, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Whether you're a seasoned skier or snowboarder or someone looking to try backcountry skiing for the first time, cat skiing provides an unforgettable outdoor experience that will leave you craving more.

At White Grizzly, we're passionate about delivering authentic mountain experiences through our cat skiing operations. With decades of experience and a commitment to safety and guest satisfaction, we invite you to join us for an adventure of a lifetime. Discover the thrill of cat skiing with White Grizzly and make memories that will last a lifetime.