#“Ohhh i wouldn't do that! That would be mean. I'm sure they sell it at the grocery shop in Karoon. :)

[lunarharp]

forgot i had some old backlog or whatever..

[zero83skofijourney]

I would like to rant a bit if I may…I'm open to helpful advice, but not open to criticism.

I have been on Ko-Fi for over 7 years now, before that I was on Deviant Art and I've been there for over 18 years, and before that I was on several forums, BBForums, MSNGroups, and so much more! Trying my hardest to get commissions and through that entire time, I still have yet to find a way to do it.

Thing is, I've always been on the 'wrong side' of the art path. For example; where others see Ko-Fi as a "starting out" place or a "desperate place for artists to sell their work at". It's considered a 'Yellow Flag' when buying from an artist due to it's unprofessional look and style. Now that's no one's fault. Not Ko-Fi's not and not the artist's. It's just how it is. Just how not having a Carrd is consider a 'Red Flag' to not buy from an artist.

But seriously, who decides this? Who says, "ohhh, don't buy from this artist because they post their commissions on Ko-Fi!, Ohhh! Don't buy from this artist, they don't have a carrd!" Okay, yeah, I can name few names right off the top of my head who spread that type of information. I must say, that is a HORRIBLE thing for someone to do! We are all out here, trying our hardest, to make ends meet. But how is someone meant to do that, when people are constantly saying, "they're a red flag don't buy from them!" when they don't even know us?! I mean I already had someone DM saying they won't buy from me because I'm not on VGen. And don't get me started about the blacklist artists.

Time after time I try to get commissions. I see people work on pieces and getting commissions after commissions. But here I am, just sitting here, still waiting. It feels like I'm stuck in quicksand, constantly sinking, just wanting to give up. Give up on my art, give up my hopes, and give up on my dreams. I wanted to be known, to make a name for myself by my art.

All my life I was constantly put down because of my art. How I'd never become anyone because of it. That it's just a hobby and nothing more. After I got hurt working, I no longer can get a job anymore, so I thought maybe I could make it work. Thinking, by some miracle, we wouldn't have to worry about food, paying the bills, if something needs work around the house, we'd be able to afford to fix it.

I don't know…

On one hand I wish I could figure out how to do this properly and make money. But on the other hand I kind of want to give it all up and quit. I'm…not sure what to do anymore.

[townofcadence]

It's hard to tell if she recognizes this banter for what it is-- if she notes the initial subtle backhand that Jonas lobs her way buried in his fake and drama soaked pleasantries. She keeps a polite smile, thinned at the edges like it's forced on, but still one nonetheless. Used to working in front of a camera, she schools the expressions well, with only the smallest of tells. They seem to shift depending on how much she agrees-- they soften away to something more agreeable when he talks bout Cadence with what could be interpreted as less than desirable turn of phrases. They return and become more strained at other times, when he says anything of her. The largest one he elicits is an honest-to-god eyetwitch, when he implies she sells leggings, and her face grows practically wooden the longer he continues.

"Ohhhhh Vegas!" She finally says, in a voice that sounds like she's going to break a tooth from gritting her teeth together so hard in a smile. "That makes more sense, I think! I mean I was wondering what you were wearing, but it makes sense! Tacky and flashy is practically the namesake of a city like that. Ohhh but you wear it so well! The raised shoulders of your sparkly little waistcoat definitely just add so much.... character! But it might fit you and look even better if you got one just a bit smaller! I'm sure you could find something in the boys' section if you looked that'd be just perfect for you.... Jonas, was it? Maybe if you play it fashion forward enough, you could be up in the big leagues and I'd recognize you! Like Criss Angel or something." Her smile is far too wide and her eyes are locked on him.

"But I guess it makes sense why you're here, too. I mean, soooooo many people just wash out and need to get back out of the big city. A break makes sense! I'm sure you'll be up there with the greats one day." She rests her head against the back of her palm. "As for me, I'm not selling anything. You would be correct in assuming I'm academic at least. I run an acclaimed podcast for unsolved real crimes. I raise public awareness of the dangers within our communities and try to find real stories, and real details, to enlighten and educate others! Sooooo many cases never get solved thanks to a lack of resources. But I do what I can for research and even some of the footwork for finding out who could have been behind some horrific circumstances. And wouldn't you know it, a quaint town like this sure hosts some dark secrets, Jonas dear."

To his credit,Jonas hid the grimace at that last remark pretty well. Kid's birthday parties...for fuck's sake..." Ah-hah-HAH this girl oh you're funny? You're so funny! But oh well you knooooow. My usual residency is Las Vegas but my God, the constant go-go-go, the glitz and glam of it all, you feel like you're losing your fucking soul after a while...ahah-hah if you've got one to begin with, you know what I'm talking about right? City of sin and all that. Not that I'm complaining! Never a dull moment after all... "

Peyton got a little finger gun and a wink before he continued: " Buuuuuuut contrary to popular belief the wicked DO need a rest now and then, so y'know, I think to myself I'll take a break from my busy schedule, do a little traveling for a few weeks and maybe swing by this absolutely darling little town of Arthur's for a few days. It is SO cute here. Got that uh uhhh...oh what's the word...Quaintness? But oooo side project you say? Oh DO tell me all about that? Or no wait wait let me guess..."

He stepped back and pressed his hand to the side of his face smiling that big fake smile of his as he looked her up and down. Then he snapped his fingers. " Like costume jewelry maybe? Or leggings? Like I almost said cosmetics but then I looked at your face and thought oh never because y'know cosmetic people tend to look more put-together like...flawless you know? You've got more of this realistic 'exhausted grad student who slept in her makeup' thing going on but trust me it's SUCH a cute look. God yes though do tell me what's this little side project of yours? "

[danses-with-dogmeat]

Assuming they all have the capability of reproducing how many children do you think each romantic companions from all of the games would want

How Many Kids the FO3, FO4, and FONV Companions (+ Extras) Would Want

Ohhh, I've been working on more for the FO4 Pregnancy Reveal prompt lately, so I thought this would be good timing 😁 Also sorry I've been so quiet, I'm doing stuff in the background, but my ADHD has been worse than usual and I cannot seem to focus on any one prompt in particular, so there's about a dozen that are partway done atm 😅

Anyway, I love this! <3 Every single one of these guys deserves a second chance and some much needed happiness in their lives.

Feel free to let me know if there's anyone else you'd like me to add!!

FO4

Cait:

Given her past, the thought of having any children at all absolutely terrifies her. How could she ever be a good mother after what she went through with her own parents? How could she know she won't end up screwin' the kid over the same way they did?

No, if initially asked, she'll say no damn way.

However, if it ever did end up happening, Cait wouldn't want just one. She was so alone as a child herself, her parents estranging her before selling her off like packaged goods, and she'd never want her own kids to go through anything like that. So, if it had to happen, it's two, or nothing at all.

Curie:

The synth's been on her own for the span of a couple human lifetimes, so here's to say, she wants to stay as far from that feeling of loneliness as she possibly can. Once she's settled down a bit, done enough research, and determined that it's safe and possible to do so with her partner, she really would like to have a large family. At first it starts with 2 or 3 little ones, but after the last one (every time) she soon decides she wouldn't mind having another. Perhaps once you reach 4 or 5 she'll decide that's enough, but you won't know until you get there.

Danse:

His answer changes pretty drastically from Pre BB to Post BB, but either way, the weight of the decision to bring new life/lives into the world is not lost on him, and he wants to be sure to do it right. Danse never had a family of his own, not one he can remember, and not even one from before his memories were changed, so this? Being able to even marginally settle down with his partner and have just a meager slice of that domestic bliss that he has craved since literally before he could remember? He would revel in the opportunity, and take all of it so seriously.

Pre-BB: He still does admit that he wants kids, that he's always wanted to have a family of his own, but he feels guilty as hell about it. Not only would it mean turning away from his BOS responsibilities in favor of helping raise them, but then they too would be inducted into the faction. Not that he doesn't want that, he's sure he'd never be more proud than that day that his little ones become squires, but it just frightens him. Danse doesn't do well with loss. So... He might just be able to stomach 2 kids going into the faction he loves. It's enough that they won't be alone and he'll have a proper family, but still meager enough for him to keep a close eye out for their safety.

Post BB: As mentioned, Danse has always loved the idea of a big family, or any family, really, but... Now he doesn't think he deserves it. And what would it even be like? Would the child be human? Is he even fertile enough to help his partner conceive? Could something go wrong with the pregnancy? The worries fill his head until he decides that it would be in everyone's best interests if he never attempted to procreate. If it managed to happen though, and the baby came out healthy, he would almost instantaneously decide that he would like more. Maybe one or two to be exact. Yes, three is a good number. Just so long as he can give them all the attention they each deserve, so that none of them ever have to feel alone, the way he did for so long.

Deacon:

There was a time when it was undoubtedly and unquestionably something he wanted. Like, bad. But now, at his age? With his way of life? Deacon is much less sure about the whole 'happy family' endeavor. Before though... Well, two was the ideal number. Just a nice little nuclear family to go with his bombshell wife and his explosive personality... Yeah, that's what he always said. Maybe, deep down, that's still something he wants...

Gage:

It's a bit surprising, really. Even to himself, but his answer is 1 or 2, maybe even 3 or 4. He's not picky, and he knows it seems odd that an old raider like him even wants a kid at all, much less multiple little bastards, but... Gage doesn't fucking know. His life hasn't seemed to be all that meaningful so far, and he's getting to his later years. The thought of leaving something behind, someone behind to remember him, to carry on this way of life, or even to move on from it, to be something more when he just never could be... It's a kinda comforting thought.

Hancock:

It's not really for him, is it? The whole family life. He'd had that, sure. As a kid he'd had a good setup like that, but it didn't really turn out all that well... and now? What kind of father would he make? A chem addict? A delinquent? A ghoul? Nah.

Unless, something managed to... happen. Then Hancock wouldn't run from that shit. He couldn't. Not anymore.

If it was just one kid, he'd be more like a friend than a dad. A cool dad for sure, but if there were one or two more than that, he'd get the hang of the balance between friend and guardian, so maybe... Maybe 3 would be good. A few changes might have to happen on his end, if that were the case, but he knows the little guys would definitely keep things interesting.

MacCready:

Alright, well, let's think about this mathematically, shall we? He's already got Duncan, which really was enough for him when he was on his own, and now you have Shaun. So... yeah, maybe just one more would be nice, just to tie everything together.

Well... Okay, Mac's a bit of a sucker for little ones, so he'd say only one more after Shaun and Duncan, but when that one starts to grow, he'd definitely ask you for a fourth. That's probably where he'd draw the line though. When the two of you are outnumbered two to one. That's probably enough 😅

Mason:

Oh yeah. He'll have some kids, that's for damn sure. You think he's gonna let a good bloodline like his just fade away into nothin'? No way in hell.

Mason's partner will be lucky to get away after 5 kiddos are born, but he's good to keep going until you threaten his fertility. A bunch of little Masons running around the park, causing trouble and headaches, growing up and becoming badass pack members? That's the fucking dream.

Maxson:

He always assumed he would want a large family, somewhere around 4-6 kids should be more than sufficient to help him carry on the Maxson line, even among the dangers of the Wasteland. Not to mention the fact that the siblings would have one another to share the burden of expectation awarded to those with the surname Maxson. They wouldn't be alone in this. Not like he was. He would be sure of that, at least.

And yet, after the first child is born, Arthur finds himself looking at things much less strategically. He may bring the number a bit lower, if only to ensure he can give his attention to each of his kids. They're not just fodder to carry on a name and secure his bloodline, they're kids. His kids. So he'd try to think less clinically about it all and settle for a more doable number, like 3 or maybe 4. If he feels like he can pay proper attention to more of them, then his thoughts might yet change again, but he will not have his kids being raised the same way he was. No proper parental figures, no guidance beyond thoughts of leadership and strategy... that's not what he wants for them.

Nick:

Nick adores kids, and though he never really saw that in the cards for him, if he did have the opportunity to have children of his own, he would 100% take full advantage of it. 3 would be a perfect number for him, and Nick would dedicate as much to them as he could without completely forgoing the detective business.

He'd be scared out of his mind about outliving them, but he tries to take an optimistic perspective and think of the unique opportunity he would have to know his grandkids and his grandkids' grandkids, and so on.

Piper:

She's pretty set right now with just Nat in her life, but down the road Piper could see herself with a couple of kids of her own. She wouldn't want an only child since she knows how close her and Nat always were, but any more than 2 and they might take away a bit too much from her sister and her career. Her answer might change once the kids are in her life, but initially she thinks 2 is ideal.

Preston:

Oh, he makes it pretty clear early on in the relationship, he wants a small army of children. Like... enough to single-handedly inhabit a settlement. No, but he knows how careful and mindful folks with kids have to be in the dangerous wasteland, and he would work his absolute hardest to be the best, most attentive dad possible to, say, around 6 kids.

It's a lot, he understands, and he won't force anything on you, but it's something he's wanted since he was young, and something he holds onto to keep him going on his worst days. One day, he sincerely hopes to have a big family like he's always dreamed.

Sturges:

Aw, yeah, kids are real nice. Sturges has always had a bit of a soft spot for 'em, especially the troubled teens. He finds that putting a tool in their hand and asking help fixing up some stuff around the settlements helps 'em calm down a bit, to see the good in their own work and see that they can fix almost anything with the right tools and support. So honestly, he would be very interested in the thought of adoption of an older kid if you're game for it.

To have his own kid(s) though? Raise them from scratch? He could do that too. All of it just sounds so nice and domestic for a world that's normally so harsh and unforgiving. Sign him up for 1 or 2 of his own and maybe some more that are adopted and a little older and he'll be happy.

X6-88:

No.

No kids. Babies frighten him, teenagers are awful, at all ages they take time, resources, attention, enrichment. Just no...

Okay but he supposes young Shaun isn't so bad. Maybe you can talk him into one. If you threaten to do it with someone else, that'll push him to commit, and he actually does find himself taking to it once the baby arrives, but he's a little pessimistic about the whole thing for awhile, and he'll never want more than one.

FO3

Butch:

Maybe it's the vault-dweller in him, or maybe he's just a big softie at heart, but Butch really likes the idea of having a family with the one he loves. He may act all cool as a young man, but Butch is a hoe for domesticity (he cuts hair for a living), so 3 or 4 sounds wonderful to him. In a few years down the road, of course. He does want to have a bit of fun before really settling down.

Charon:

The ghoul doesn't really see himself as someone whose cut out for kids. He's not... a family type. So, Charon would rather not complicate things by trying to have any. If it happened, he'd try to cope, but he feels like he'd never be prepared for something like that. After everything he's been through? He's just not soft enough to raise a child. He thinks it wouldn't be fair.

Clover:

At first, she never thought of herself as being a mother. The life she's lived, the people she's known... Most of them should never come anywhere near a child. She didn't think of herself as the exception, but once you and her settle down a bit, she finds herself developing a taste for the domestic, and decides 1 or 2 would actually be really nice.

 

Cross:

She just simply feels like it's not for her. Cross has been married to the Brotherhood most of her life. Her charges, the squires, the new recruits, they have all been close enough to children and family for her to be satisfied. Not to mention Lone themself, and the way she knew them as a baby, even if it was only brief. No, Cross has had her fill of looking after people all her life, of being completely dedicated to a cause, and she'd like to enjoy her retirement and continue her softer work, not as a soldier, but as a mentor of sorts. That's close enough to parenting for her.

Fawkes:

He's much too nervous to attempt anything of the sort, as he simply couldn't cope with something going wrong due to his negligence. However, Fawkes does indeed dream of a decent sized family. If circumstances were different, he could see himself happily living along his beloved with 4 or 5 kids. It would be a handful, he knows, but he's got love and affection to spare, and each one would get plenty.

Gob:

Oh, Gob has such a soft spot for kids. He'd have to work hard at it, and he'd be nervous as hell, but having two or three lovely kiddos with the one he loves would just be... He couldn't imagine the bliss he would feel.

Jericho:

None, nope, nuh uh. Jericho is way too selfish for that kind of thing. He's too foul-mouthed, too dangerous, too old. No way is he throwing some kid into that mix. He's cruel, but not that cruel.

If it managed to happen somehow, he'd actually be more psyched about it than he thought, but it would be tough for him to change, and he'd mostly rely on his partner to do the brunt of the raising.

FONV

Arcade:

Okay, kids are messy, they're time consuming, they're a liability, they're fragile, they suck all of your resources you've built up for your own survival, and he doesn't want any-- ... Unless you do. If you want one, or maybe two-- two tops-- then he'll consider it, and he'd end up loving it.

Y'know those family members that adamantly say 'no' to a family pet and then once it's there they bond with it the most of anyone? Yeah, it would be quite a bit like that. Kids just do tend to like him too. He's not sure why, but it's always been that way. So maybe it would actually be really nice...

Boone:

He's always wanted kids, always seen it as a stepping stone in his life, one of those vital things he has to do. Especially since Carla, and with her, they both happily agreed on maybe 2 or 3 kids, but after everything... Even the thought of pregnancy terrifies the man.

If the two of you make it through the first kid alright, then he does manage to be less protective and nervous, but he cares so much about the safety of his babies. He doesn't deserve them, doesn't deserve this kind of happiness after all he's done, and he knows that, but maybe he's paid off his debt. He sincerely hopes so, so he can finally settle down and be happy. Like he almost was the first time.

Cass:

Maybe in time she'll change her mind, but for now, it's not something she sees in her future. Cass is too independent, too nomadic, she wouldn't make a great mother, with her gruffness, her drinking, her feisty nature. At least now, it's not in the cards, but in the future? Who knows? She always gets dealt wild decks. She'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Raul:

He comes from a decently big family from before the war, and Raul can't help but want that for himself too. So, 3 or 4 sounds good, but he honestly wouldn’t be opposed to more, even.

The ghoul definitely has a hard time with the thought of outliving them at first, but as they grow and start to have families of their own, he finds he likes playing funny, grumpy grandpa to all his little descendants. 

Veronica:

Ohhhh, she likes babies, but she likes her independence as well, and despite everything that's happened with the faction, she is dedicated to the Brotherhood still. Give her a few more years, then she’d be down for 2 or 3. Once she's out of the Brotherhood and they can't stake a claim on her children, she would love to settle just a little bit and have a family with the one she loves.

[stormblessed95]

What do you think of this Jimin vlive? https://m.vlive.tv/post/0-18231744 I mean that jikook theory that JK interrupted Jin’s voice at some point? Do you think it was a prank that JK and JM were participating together to trick army or something like how they did during Jin’s b-day vlive?

Hello!!

Here is the original vlive:

It was 200330. Jimin spent the first half just giggling with ARMY, eating food and talking with us. An ARMY requested that he call the other members to say hello. Jimin seemed to have texted them first before his meal. And afterwards said that he might not call them because it didn't seem like he received an answer from anyone. Eventually he calls Jin anyway. This starts about 35 minutes into the vlive.

Also can we talk about how BTS are the only men who will ever get me to sit and watch them freaking eat and smile about it for 30 minutes? What kinda sorcery have they pulled over me?!

Jin answered the phone and seemed VERY sleepy when he did and said hello. Jimin tries to do a little pretend play, asking to confirm his identity and acting like he is trying to sell him a cleaning service. Lol Jin declines. Then Jimin asks him to say hello to ARMYs. Silence. He gets confused and asks hello twice, Jin pops back in with another hello. Jimin goes "ohhh you suddenly stopped talking." He tells him his on vlive hyung. And then you get from the phone another "hello" and the voice is noticeably different than before and much more awake and clear. Jimin looks STARTLED as soon as he hears that Hi. Visibly surprised and yet quickly plays it off.

This new voice says "I'm Jin." (Uhh we knew that already? 👀) Jimin giggles and just says that ARMY wanted him to call the other members. Jimin basically asks what he is up to, says he called you thinking he would be the most likely to pick up (Jin DID answer). "Jin" answers that he is just lying on the bed. Jimin then replies, "but you should be here soon." "Jin" asks why, Jimin flustered replies to check the schedule list.

They giggle and tease back and forth about "forgetting" and saying no no, I'm actually right here in front of the building. They joke and tease. Jimin says they should meet in an hour, don't forget. (Jimin did say at the beginning, he had to leave by 3:10 and only had an hour to meet with ARMYs.) "Jin" then says they should eat, Jimin says no, he just ate. They go back and forth about that for awhile. Before it ends with "Jin" randomly saying "I love you, Jimin-ah" and flustering the hell outta Jimin before he says i love you too and they hang up.

Jimin continues the Vlive after that for a bit. He reassures ARMY that he is very full and couldn't eat anymore. (Assuming to comments saying they wouldn't mind watching him eat again lol.) He suggests calling V, saying that if he texts back he will call him. Says that Namjoon is doing things at the office, but isn't sure about anyone else. He suggests Lauv's new song for a recommendation. And then Tae replies.. He does end up calling Tae around the 42 minute mark. They talk for a bit, mostly about how Tae is currently gaming with ARMYs. He ends the call reminded him that he has to be there soon. Tae said he would show up without a shower 😂 they hang up after saying they will do a vmin live together soon 😅 (we are obviously still waiting Vmin!!) The last 15 minutes include a small fashion show, more music recs and then another Vmin phone call where Tae pretended to be a telemarketer. Lol

Soooo now let's talk about the Jin phone call. Let me start by saying even ARMY translation accounts that aren't shippers at all got confused momentarily and were convinced that was Jungkook on the phone halfway through when they switched. And yes, I also totally hear Jungkook's voice. You can definitely tell the difference. No, I don't think it was a Jikook prank on ARMY. Jimin was NOT in on that switch up. He was surprised. Lol it felt like JK heard Jin on the phone, joined him and then when Jin disappeared briefly, probably JK trying to get the phone. He wins and says hello. And then proceeds to basically just flirt with Jimin for the rest of the phone call. Ending it with an I love You and total drop of honorifics. You can see very different reactions from Jimin with the first half of the Jin call compared to when JK took over and it looked like he was fighting a blush the whole time. And also compared to his calls with Tae, giggly through them all, affected by only one though.

I don't even think this is simply a jikook theory, non shipper ARMY also thought it was JK until it got dropped and never spoken about again because Tkkrs tried to start shit over it, "ship wars" and simply the way that the fandom ignores KM moments. But that WAS Jungkook. JinKook were probably hanging out before whatever team meeting they were going to have, Jin was maybe napping. Jin answered, JK heard it was Jimin on vlive and wanted in I guess. 100% just seemed like an excuse to flirt though in my opinion.

Thanks for the ask! These are simply, my opinions of course. Feel free to disagree. Hope this helped though!

[fictional-worlds-are-exquisite]

i am very much enjoying my vague void! it's currently blasting hozier at full volume and that's almost louder than my internal screaming (don't worry, everything is fine, i just saw a spider)

i've never once in my life have followed a recipe correctly. all of my measurements are completely random and whatever happens happens. it is no longer in my hands. whatever eldritch entities exist take the wheel. and i absolutely refuse to spell anything in english without autocorrect because y'all have way too many double letters and random vowel placement

thank you! sadly, i won't have a break right now, because we just had christmas vacations, but the start of the new semester is always pretty chill. and you're absolutely right, i should take up necromancy! the snow and the cold will add to my mysterious vibes. i just need to get a big black cape with a hood to complete the aesthetic

i definitely picture everything above 5'6 feet as the same height. 5'7 and 6'2? the exact same thing. no difference here

how is morepork a real bird name. it's just... more pork? but the bird is magnificent. i completely approve of your first order as bird queen, not that you need approval from mere peasants like me, but it's a great order. ohhh salps look really cool, and it does look a lot like it! when you said boob implant i thought of mermaids and them using salps as boob implants but then i realised wait wouldn't jellyfish be better for that? because of their shape? ignoring their little leggies they're quite boob shaped, no? and then i realised that i was thinking about mermaids and alive boob implants... if i had to think it, you have to read it. i'm sorry

i was sold before but now i'm even more sure that i want to hire you. and I'll make sure to have lactose free cheese for the backflips (unless you want the lactose version? i'm not judging). will the biting of ankles cost extra?

that sounds like a brilliant set-up for a horror movie where they kill off all the children one by one. it's absolutely horrifying. if something like that would've happened to me i would've most likely just passed out. whatever happens afterwards is not my problem. and now i really don't want to know what the hell your leg was caught on because that seems like knowledge that would get me killed

ah so you're a fellow dirt eater? according to my mom my favourite thing to do outside when i was a little kid used to be eating sand. just shovelling handfuls of it into my mouth and crying when my mom made me spit it out. which i refuse to believe. if there are no photos it didn't happen

you warm climate people are starting to make me think that i'm better adjusted to the cold than i thought i am! it's either that or our buildings are better heated. i definitely don't know if anyone else calls hot water bottled hotties but i like it so from now on i'm using it

that's so cute! i was clearly a way more selfish child because when i found any amount of money i just kept it and bought candy as soon as i could. i clearly couldn't save money then and i can't now. we have stores like that (or i'm assuming that they're like that solely based on how they sell lollies) and they used to be my favourite thing because you could get so many lollies for such a small price!! and my mom even used to let me order for myself sometimes so i always felt like a very big girl jsjshsbsjk

also the fact that i can't send pictures on anon is a crime (yes i know why and it's good that that's not possible because can you imagine anons being able to send pictures? oh no is all i have to say about it) but anyways. because i have this one super cursed photo that reminded me of you and now i can't share it :((

duuuuude, sick void bro. sounds like a vibing void. I feel like I haven’t seen a spider in awhile. Other than daddy long legs. But they’re chill. They mind their own business. 

I nearly always follow recipes exactly. My mum is like oh cook this for about 7 minutes? Yeah sure. I’ll take a wild guess. I’m like they say exactly 7 minutes so I’ll set a timer for 7 minutes and start a stopwatch so if it does seem to need more than 7 I can keep an eye on the extra time and be aware of exactly how long it takes me for next time. Other people are like oh let's see I have [lists 5-10 things in their fridge], hmm...oh I know what I could make with that! I’m like I have beans in my freezer because one recipe required them and no other recipes I know how to make do so what am I supposed to do with these now,,, this is stressful,,, basically I barely know how to cook and recipes are the only things saving me in that area. That is entirely fair. Except for the fuck duck, and murder is not the word you want surely, situations, it’s pretty helpful.

Ohhh I see. At least the start is chill! For a little! Before your entire situation spirals out of hand and you’re behind in every class and it’s taken you a whole day to read 10 pages and you’re exhausted and it’s only week 2. Just me? ok. fair. anyway. I want a cloak so bad. One of my uni friends tempted me to class because she said she was wearing a cloak so my depressed ass honest to god dragged myself out of bed and to said class just to see it. It was worth it. They’re incredible. Everyone should own a big cloak for the aesthetic.

I’m glad it isn’t just me hahaha. I can visualise my own height in feet but everything else is just the same size that is a vague amount taller than me, mentally.

It’s also known as the ruru. But the name morepork amuses me. It’s named after the call it makes haha. It does sound like it’s asking for more pork if you know to listen for that. thank u for ur approval, it means a lot, turns out becoming bird queen didn’t ACTUALLY get rid of my anxiety disorder weirdly enough so validation is great! lmaooo. What if the jellyfish stung them tho? At least salps wouldn’t do you dirty like that. The mermaids would just look like there are hundreds of bugs crawling around in their boobs, flesh shifting as they float around. Which is a vibe. If you’re into that. Jellyfish WOULD make a more solid, single, implant, some of them are definitely boob shaped. But that’s kinda boring no one’s gonna be traumatised by that. Salps on the other hand...yeah, that sight will DEFINITELY traumatise someone.

To be PERFECTLY honest I haven’t done a backflip in years but for lactose-free cheese? Dude. I’ll be going back to training. Gonna be the best backflip you’ve ever seen. As long as it’s not Tasty cheese I am content, but lactose free IS better. The biting of ankles will not cost extra, it is a pleasure to be allowed to do that.

Oh it absolutely would be. It’d be very funny if it reached the wider world bc people would probably be like ok but who would send kids into the bush like that,, it’s an odd concept. meanwhile everyone who grew up in nz is gonna be like y’all, you’re not gonna fuckin BELIEVE what i experienced growing up, it’s real dude. On one hand, I feel like murdering kids in a movie is questionable, on the other hand, It exists, so maybe people would be down for it. I feel like it’d be a good concept even if it wasn’t murdery tho. Like psychological horror? I’m not sure if I’m using that category correctly I don’t watch much horror. A kid following the rope but then being shifted into a different horror dimension but they never take the blindfold off because their teachers said not to and they’d probably have to let go of the rope to do it...I feel like this could work super well as a short film. The viewers see everything. The child just knows something is off and no one is coming when they call for help. I am so down for this. I also do not want to know what my leg was caught on. Some things I am better off not knowing.

yes! I am a fellow dirt eater! We had a sandpit at home (that’s a little bold. It was a large plastic shell that my parents filled with sand. technically a sandpit. but not fancy sdflsdkfsdf) but I don’t think I ever tried to eat it. Then again, I possibly did and just don’t remember because there’s no photo evidence of that one. I’d have to ask my parents sdfhsjdfs, I would however fully believe them if they said yes. it’s very characteristic of me. I don’t doubt it for a second. muuuum that’s my emotional support sand don’t make me spit it out smh the disrespect these days.

Oh I’m absolutely terrible even by most people’s standards around here when it comes to cold and hot temperatures. I remember sitting in the sun in my school shirt and school jersey in summer on a blazing day like it’s a bit chilly, isn’t it? Meanwhile my friends were in the shade absolutely dying from the heat. Likewise in winter I’d be shivering, teeth chattering, dying with my long sleeve thermal, my school shirt, my school jersey, my school jacket, my longs, warm socks and sneakers and gloves and school scarf while ppl would be walking around in a shirt and shorts like it’s a bit warm this winter huh? my body didn’t learn how to thermoregulate and it shows. But yeah NZ does also have a reputation for shittily insulated buildings and such. It shows. skhdfsfs if it’s not common use maybe don’t say can i have a hotty to someone without context but otherwise go ahead lmao. it’s a fun shortened version.

I was typically a very good saver, to the point where my extended family started gifting me gift cards and vouchers for Christmas and my birthday because if they just gave me money I’d put it in my bank account to save towards uni once I hit like, 12 years old. Which I think was a smart move. But apparently, I’m supposed to buy myself ‘something nice’ with it. I think I’m still an okay saver but I’m not as strict anymore. I’m aware of how much I can spare and I’m not just like you can never get anything for yourself ever, so I do get lil things for myself sometimes. oooo yay! At least you know what I mean. But yes. They were the gold mine for lollies. Absolutely terrific stores. My mum would be like hey lindsey how about you order? And I’d be like mother, I am 7 years old and I have an undiagnosed anxiety disorder everyone assumes is child shyness why would you think I would want to do that. Instead I will whisper my choices to you. After therapy tho I felt pretty rad for picking my own lollies by myself. I was like 13 at that point but sdfkjhsdf listen I got there in the end.

sdfkjsdfkjhsdf I like that a cursed photo reminded you of me. That’s all I need to hear. Tumblr said no anon dick pics but they also said no anon cursed photos either,,, very sad. for the latter part. the first part thank god. If I could turn on photos on anon I absolutely would just to see this but I don’t think I can :(

[itoshit]

Opening the door, I was met with Vee, laying on the bed. None of us talked, and as I noticed tears running down her face, I couldn't prevent the tight smile from showing up.

Hey Venus

I knew what I was doing. I knew Vee would be mad, but I also knew that I hadn't have any choice.

Your hair... you did it for me?

Yes I did

No I didn't. I just thought that I would be able to attract more chicks that way

You're funny Manji'

She cracked a smile at my reply, but I didn't reflect her expression.

Manjiro will do yeah? Look Venus.

Approaching her and sitting by her side, I turned to her, resuming my talk.

It was dumb of me. Everything really. I think... how could I put it. You're a nice girl, but I don't think you're a good match for me. I need my woman to be more courageous and less of a crybaby you know? So yeah, it was fun while it lasted, but I kinda grew tired of you. Not to be mean though, it happens every day. I don't want to waist more time on you, so as soon as you're healed, you can start your life again alright? Koko could help you with money, we'll buy you a new apartment.

Vee didn't seem to listen anymore, her eyes were on me, but she didn't look as if she was believing me.

You're lying

Guess I will have to be more convincing them. Passing a hand through my hair, I grinned at her.

Look Venus, the sex was good, but you're getting too attached. You even said to Kakucho that you liked me! Really? Baby I was keeping you around because I pitied you. To be honest, I wanna fuck other girls now.

I needed to hurt her. To make her let go of me.

Senju wanted to see me tonight so... yeah.

Vee started being more aggressive with me, explaining it by the request that I had for her to be mine and me to be hers. I knew all that, and of course I wanted us to be together. But it wouldn't work. Not with an angel like her.

Look Venus, don't be a bore yeah? Don't act like we were together or anything. I don't like you, I stayed because your pussy was good. End of the story! I need to get ready for my little date, so I'm gonna go now. So huh... have some rest yeah?

Patting her uninjured leg, I didn't wait for her to answer and I winked at her, exiting the room.

As the door was closing, I closed my eyes, breathing deeply.

I was used to all that, but this time, I would make sure that the person I held close to my heart would stay alive, regardless of my feelings.

Sacrificing my happiness didn't look that bad if that meant for Vee to stay alive. Would I be able to see her with someone else? No. Did I even have a say in the matter? No.

-Mikey

I- I feel so bad rn??😭😭

And I hope you ate after !

OHHH OKAY MICHAEL!

I don’t like you. I pitied you. I don’t want to waste anymore time on you.

I knew he was lying. I knew every word he said to me was nothing more than fabricated bullshit he probably came up with on the drive here. There wasn’t any way somebody could fake the things we said to each other, the things we did. I knew that. So why was there a small part of me that was hurt? Who was contemplating the possibility that they were true. Of course it wasn’t… right?

I waited in that bed, saving my forgiveness for when he’d burst through the door five minutes later groveling at my feet, begging for mercy. I waited, despite the tears on my face that somehow knew he wasn’t. I waited and waited and waited. He never showed. That’s when I sobbed, big, heaving, blubbering ones. I sat there crying for what felt like forever, until I couldn’t even produce tears anymore. And then I got angry.

Pressing my nurse’s button, I ripped the IV out of my wrist and the other machines checking my vitals, watching blood trickle all along the sheets. I didn’t care about it. I couldn’t stay another second in this fucking place. If Mikey wanted nothing to do with me after I healed, then I’ll do him something better. The nurse ran in panicked, eyes wide. I watched her gape at the sheets, at the flatlining monitors and then at me. I didn’t even give her time to speak. I had already begun to stand.

I need to get out of here, I told her, lifting myself up from the bed.

She charged at me, trying to push my shoulders back down but I wouldn’t budge. What are you doing? Your wounds haven’t healed yet!

I repeated myself, but she was still panicking, going off about something I refused to care about. Irritated, I take the collar of her scrubs and yank, bringing her close to me. Listen to me, I need to get the fuck out of this building and if you don’t help me, I’m going to find a fire escape and do it that way. Or maybe I’ll jump out of the window, break my fucking neck. Can you live with knowing somebody died on your watch because you wouldn’t help them? Would you be able to stomach it?

The words coming out of my mouth were unrecognizable to me. I got petty with my friends and said shit I didn’t mean, but this was cruel and excessive. I guess this what Mikey was turning me into.

I let her go only after she nods her agreement, looking ready to burst into tears by the second. First, I’ll need a disguise. No matter what Mikey had just told me, I knew he wouldn’t let me out of his sight if he caught me doing this. And being trapped around Mikey was not going to fly. Fuck no. Where’s the clothes you came in wearing?

I-In my bag in our locker rooms, she stammered.

Bring them. I need to change.

She went out of the room and came back, bag in trembling hand. I dressed quickly and keeping my head down, I allowed her to sneak me straight out of the building and around the back where her car was parked. Then I asked her to drive me somewhere.

What? I can’t d—

Why not? I asked without caring to consider her feelings. The poor woman probably didn’t get paid enough for this. Is there anybody else Bonten gives a fuck about that requires you giving them medical attention?

N-no.

Good. I grinned. That means you’re off for the day. Now drive. You don’t have to worry about Mikey, this is what he wanted. A half truth considering he certainly wouldn’t have wanted me to be out of his life this quickly, but I skipped a few steps for my sanity and his life. If I had to be in his vicinity I probably would have killed him.

We got in the car and sped off, me giving her directions as soon as she started driving. I watched the building grow smaller and smaller in the rearview, doing my best to ignore the thudding in my heart. The pain. The stress of everything I had been through on top of this bullshit. My thigh throbbed dully in reminder beneath the bandage. Eventually, we arrived at the destination of my choice, and I was sure to thank her for everything she did. I couldn’t give her anything but gratitude. I didn’t have any money. My phone was still in that torture room where I left it, and all the shit Mikey bought me most likely didn’t survive in that collision that got me kidnapped in the first place. I was grateful for that last one. I needed no reminders of him.

I quickly hopped out of the car, hobbling toward the door of the place I had requested to go. The nurse, who’s name I realized I never asked for, pulled out of the yard before I even entered the door. Couldn’t say I blamed her. I pressed the ringer on the door, pushing on it when it buzzed open. Immediately the stench of animal hit me full force. The sound of dogs barking and cats meowing brought a smile to my face.

Then I heard him. Who’s at the d- His words got caught in his throat, most likely at the sight of me.

Hey, Dee. I had cried all my tears out for the day in that bed. I could only express my emotions in humor. The boss hasn’t fired me yet, right?

Then I started to fall, but he caught me just in time, sobbing my name into my neck. I hugged him back tightly, heart bursting for an entirely different reason now. I was safe. I was home.

Six months came and went in a blur. I spent most of it being interrogated by police and interviewers alike. I kept my stories the same. I didn’t know my kidnappers. I never saw their faces. I never knew why I was kidnapped. Despite the fact that I could draw a detailed picture of Mikey’s face in my sleep, I didn’t sell out Bonten. I had gotten into the last predicament by them thinking I was an enemy, I didn’t want to prove that I actually was one. And besides, I wanted nothing to do with him or atleast that was the story I was feeding myself.

I never saw Natalie again. I didn’t know what Mikey did with her, and I didn’t have it in me to care. My conversations with Angel and Tati stopped a bit after they realized that too. I was glad. I was starting to grow tired of pretending I missed the traitor, and they were tired of pretending like they didn’t resent me for being the one who made it out.

Darren and I were practically inseparable. He had become my right hand, driving me around to physical therapy, helping me assimilate back into society, and still managed to keep the last bit of normalcy I had before I left during work, cracking jokes as if nothing happened. From the outside looking in, it almost was as if nothing did happen, but you had to look closer. I couldn’t sleep at night. Nightmares plagued my dreams every waking day, either of Koda, Mikey’s men who had groped me, or Mikey himself. The only time I managed to sleep was on my lunch breaks, much to Darren’s dismay. But other than that? I was okay, doing what I loved again and surrounded by genuine people.

Now Darren was convinced that what I was missing was a social life. Just come out with me, Vee. It’s just drinks at a bar with a few of my friends. We’ll even leave before 11pm.

Because your bedtime is 10, I teased, laughing when he nudged me.

I’m serious, he whined. It won’t be awkward I promise they already know- He cut himself off.

Perhaps that was the most awkward part of all of this. Everybody knew me now as the girl who survived her ‘kidnapper’. Imagine what they’d think if I told them that technically he wasn’t my kidnapper. They’d probably faint if they found out I fucked him too.

It’s okay, Dee. I was all over the news. They’re bound to know.

Still, they’re not assholes. They won’t treat you any differently. I promise. And if you’re still uncomfortable we could leave and I’ll never bother you about this again for the rest of my life. Pretty please?

I mentally groaned. Darren could get annoying when he was pleading, and it wasn’t like I had anything else to do. My routine consisted of home, work, school, occasional grocery store, gym and repeat. Nothing else exciting.

Fine, I relented, trying not to smile at his loud whoops. But I’m leaving at 10 alright?

Alright, he cheered, hugging me. Let me text the guys right now! This is going to be awesome! You won’t regret this , Vee.

I sure hoped so.

[thistlewhistler]

Interviewing the Flock, featuring: Riggy

Zach: What would you like me to call you?

Riggy: Riggy's fine

Zach: What are your thoughts on our Discord?

Riggy: The Discord's absolutely amazing and I'm grateful for joining it every day. I really didn't expect for it to become such a great place for emotional support, or that I would get as involved with it as I did. I haven't been in a community before where everyone is so relentlessly loving and knowing that this community is here has sometimes been the only thing keeping me going while dealing with the all nonsense with school/work/people and such. I really love the people on here, as well as being able to share what I do with everyone, and share in the love we all have for the comic itself and how it's unified everyone here.

Zach: Alright so well done on answering that, I was going to start with a quick easy response question but you handled that like a champion counselor before a Senate hearing.

Riggy: Ahh thank you, I have a lot to say about how great it is that the masses must hear haha.

Zach: They deserve a moving orator, and you have answered the summons.

Zach: So I hear you're studying Communication Design with a concentration in Illustration.

What does that mean (in non-selling-the-major-like-a-college-used-car-salesman fashion)?

Riggy: The easiest way to describe it is that I'm a graphic design major with a strong emphasis on branding and marketing, while the illustration concentration aspect of it is me taking classes that help me get better at the techniques used for illustrating, such as the life drawing class helping me get better at drawing from observation as well as learning to draw the human form and having the fundamental understanding of that.

It's also learning to use the programs that are industry-standard, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and such

Zach: A lot of "Here's how to use what you're interested in outside of more artwork, now please go out and be successful and not starve" then?

Or am I way off?

Riggy: Well, the graphic design industry is incredibly lucrative, every single company needs designers to market them, create an image to sell. Think of every professional marketing campaign you've seen, there's an entire team of people working on it. Absolut Vodka is a really good example of strong design in advertising. It's a far different beast than being, say, a studio artist trying not to starve. What I'm learning to do isn't very interpretive or abstract, it needs to be effective to get the point across and still be aesthetically appealing. It's a lot of "here are the tools, we're going to teach you how to use the tools, but you need to grow and learn to use them effectively."

There's a lot of nuance to it that you wouldn't expect, it's definitely a skillset that takes a long time to build.

Zach: You just explained in the kindest, most informative and followable way possible that I was, in fact, way off.

Zach: How do you feel you're doing?

This semester is over and you have the time to catch your breath, pad your portfolio and gauge the new year's possibilities.

Does that come with trepidation, nervous excitement, fear of the unknown, fear of the certainly known professor you're absolutely going to have in a class, or more of the same you've been feeling since you started?

Riggy: I'm doing really, really well, I don't think I could've picked a better major/career path for myself. Sometimes it takes a bit but I've really clicked with most of my classes and (fingers crossed) I'm pretty sure I got all A's again this semester. The actual grades aren't the most important, though I do need to keep scholarships, but it also means that I've gotten really good feedback and my professors have really liked my work and can see that I've been improving.

Zach: Excellent!

Riggy: For next semester, I'm a nervous person in general but in terms of schoolwork I feel completely fine, it's mostly dealing with people/other obligations I'm not excited about.

Right now I just want to work on personal projects I haven't had time for.

Zach: Lets focus in on that for the next question.

What project are you looking forward to, for example?

Riggy: Flockbook, definitely. Whether that's the guest artist submission or not, I don't know yet, but I do want to get back on it. I also have a couple animatics in the works and a poster design I want to get to. And commission work if the good people will have me haha

Zach: You like to keep a full plate, I take it?

Riggy: I get antsy if I don't have anything to do but I'm still trying to find the balance of how much I can healthily take on. Working on stuff over break is fine, my issue is balancing things during the school year because of all the obligations I need to incorporate.

Zach: That's fair.

Zach: What do you feel is the dumbest thing you've ever done?

Riggy: Well.

It was the end of a really, really long day and I was dead tired, I was changing out of my clothes to go shower, and in taking off my bra my hands fumbled with the elastic straps and I ended up accidentally slingshot-punching myself in the face. Not..my finest moment.

Zach: And what did you learn?

Riggy: 1. Get more sleep and 2. Maybe next time just unhook it.

Zach: Solid advice.

Zach: So now for a question I don't have written down to ask. Instead, I'd like to choose from a book based upon a random number.

Would you be willing to become extremely ugly physically if it meant you would live for 1,000 years at any physical age you choose?

Riggy: I wouldn't want to live for a thousand years, so I would refuse whatever power/entity's offering this tradeoff.

Zach: There's a good answer!

Zach: Who, among the Flock, would be your one phone call?

Riggy: What... kind of phone call? Death bed? Phone a friend? Or just general "I want to talk to this person for a bit."

Zach: You're in a cell. You get one phone call.

Riggy: Ohhh jail.

I know Geoff in real life, and he'd probably bail me out.

Zach: Probably closer, too.

Riggy: Yeah if we're not in school together, we're about a couple hours away.

Zach: What piece do you feel the most accomplishment over in your portfolio?

Riggy: I think the flower ladies portrait series I did for my history class, or the book cover series. The portraits I had a lot of fun actually illustrating but the book covers are more in line with what I'll probably be doing as a career and they were very well-received so I like both of them.

Zach: What would you like to go forth and do with your degree, if you could choose who would hire you and for what cause or medium?

Riggy: My ideal job is actually children's book writing and illustration, I'm very passionate about diversity, empowerment, and creating media that have strong LGBT+ characters and I would love to incorporate that into books and stories so that positive and uplifting ideas can spread more easily.

Zach: That... is really heartwarming and awesome.

Riggy: I'd also really like working as a book cover/poster designer, or for a branding company but the children's book thing is the goal.

Zach: I don't have a funny quip or anything to tie this off with, that's just a really wholesome and soothing career goal.

I hope you reach it.

Riggy: Ahhh thank you I'll keep you updated!