#Customer Self-Management Tools

[commsaquitilabs]

https://www.acuitilabs.com/q2c-customerportal/

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

25 Prose Tips For Writers 🖋️✨ Part 1

Hey there!📚✨

As writers, we all know that feeling when we read a sentence so beautifully crafted that it takes our breath away. We pause, reread it, and marvel at how the author managed to string those words together in such a captivating way. Well, today I'm going to unpack a few secrets to creating that same magic in your own writing. These same tips I use in my writing.

But before I begin, please remember that writing is an art form, and like any art, it's subjective. What sounds beautiful to one person might not resonate with another. The tips I'm about to share are meant to be tools in your writer's toolkit, not rigid rules. Feel free to experiment, play around, and find what works best for your unique voice and style.

Power of Rhythm 🎵

One of the most overlooked aspects of beautiful prose is rhythm. Just like music, writing has a flow and cadence that can make it pleasing to the ear (or mind's ear, in this case). Here are some ways to incorporate rhythm into your writing:

a) Vary your sentence length: Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, flowing ones. This creates a natural ebb and flow that keeps your reader engaged.

Example: "The sun set. Darkness crept in, wrapping the world in its velvet embrace. Stars winked to life, one by one, until the sky was a glittering tapestry of light."

b) Use repetition strategically: Repeating words or phrases can create a hypnotic effect and emphasize important points.

Example: "She walked through the forest, through the shadows, through the whispers of ancient trees. Through it all, she walked with purpose."

c) Pay attention to the stressed syllables: In English, we naturally stress certain syllables in words. Try to end important sentences with stressed syllables for a stronger impact.

Example: "Her heart raced as she approached the door." (Stronger ending) vs. "She approached the door as her heart raced." (Weaker ending)

Paint with Words 🎨

Beautiful prose often creates vivid imagery in the reader's mind. Here are some techniques to help you paint with words:

a) Use specific, concrete details: Instead of general descriptions, zoom in on particular details that bring a scene to life.

Example: Instead of: "The room was messy." Try: "Crumpled papers overflowed from the waste bin, books lay spine-up on every surface, and a half-eaten sandwich peeked out from under a stack of wrinkled clothes."

b) Appeal to all five senses: Don't just describe what things look like. Include smells, sounds, textures, and tastes to create a fully immersive experience.

Example: "The market bustled with life. Colorful fruits glistened in the morning sun, their sweet aroma mingling with the earthy scent of fresh herbs. Vendors called out their wares in sing-song voices, while customers haggled in animated tones. Sarah's fingers brushed against the rough burlap sacks of grain as she passed, and she could almost taste the tang of ripe oranges on her tongue."

c) Use unexpected comparisons: Fresh similes and metaphors can breathe new life into descriptions.

Example: Instead of: "The old man was very thin." Try: "The old man was a whisper of his former self, as if life had slowly erased him, leaving behind only the faintest outline."

Choose Your Words Wisely 📚

Every word in your prose should earn its place. Here are some tips for selecting the right words:

a) Embrace strong verbs: Replace weak verb + adverb combinations with single, powerful verbs.

Example: Instead of: "She walked quickly to the store." Try: "She hurried to the store." or "She dashed to the store."

b) Be specific: Use precise nouns instead of general ones.

Example: Instead of: "She picked up the flower." Try: "She plucked the daisy."

c) Avoid clichés: Clichés can make your writing feel stale. Try to find fresh ways to express common ideas.

Example: Instead of: "It was raining cats and dogs." Try: "The rain fell in sheets, transforming the streets into rushing rivers."

Play with Sound 🎶

The sound of words can contribute greatly to the beauty of your prose. Here are some techniques to make your writing more musical:

a) Alliteration: Repeating initial consonant sounds can create a pleasing effect.

Example: "She sells seashells by the seashore."

b) Assonance: Repeating vowel sounds can add a subtle musicality to your prose.

Example: "The light of the bright sky might ignite a fight."

c) Onomatopoeia: Using words that sound like what they describe can make your writing more immersive.

Example: "The bees buzzed and hummed as they flitted from flower to flower."

Art of Sentence Structure 🏗️

How you structure your sentences can greatly affect the flow and impact of your prose. Here are some tips:

a) Use parallel structure: When listing items or actions, keep the grammatical structure consistent.

Example: "She came, she saw, she conquered."

b) Try periodic sentences: Build suspense by putting the main clause at the end of the sentence.

Example: "Through storm and strife, across oceans and continents, despite all odds and obstacles, they persevered."

c) Experiment with sentence fragments: While not grammatically correct, sentence fragments can be powerful when used intentionally for emphasis or style.

Example: "She stood at the edge of the cliff. Heart racing. Palms sweating. Ready to jump."

Power of White Space ⬜

Sometimes, what you don't say is just as important as what you do. Use paragraph breaks and short sentences to create pauses and emphasize important moments.

Example: "He opened the letter with trembling hands.

Inside, a single word.

'Yes.'"

Read Your Work Aloud 🗣️

One of the best ways to polish your prose is to read it aloud. This helps you catch awkward phrasing, repetitive words, and rhythm issues that you might miss when reading silently.

Edit Ruthlessly ✂️

Beautiful prose often comes from rigorous editing. Don't be afraid to cut words, sentences, or even entire paragraphs if they don't serve the overall beauty and effectiveness of your writing.

Study the Masters 📖

Please! Read widely and pay attention to how your favorite authors craft their prose. Analyze sentences you find particularly beautiful and try to understand what makes them work.

Practice, Practice, Practice 💪

Like any skill, writing beautiful prose takes practice. Set aside time to experiment with different techniques and styles. Try writing exercises focused on specific aspects of prose, like describing a scene using only sound words, or rewriting a simple sentence in ten different ways.

Remember, that developing your prose style is a journey, not a destination. It's okay if your first draft isn't perfect – that's what editing is for! The most important thing is to keep writing, keep experimenting, and keep finding joy in the process.

Here are a few more unique tips to help you on your prose-perfecting journey:

Create a Word Bank 🏦

Keep a notebook or digital file where you collect beautiful words, phrases, or sentences you come across in your reading. This can be a great resource when you're looking for inspiration or the perfect word to complete a sentence.

Use the "Rule of Three" 3️⃣

There's something inherently satisfying about groups of three. Use this to your advantage in your writing, whether it's in listing items, repeating phrases, or structuring your paragraphs.

Example: "The old house groaned, creaked, and whispered its secrets to the night."

Power of Silence 🤫

Sometimes, the most powerful prose comes from what's left unsaid. Use implication and subtext to add depth to your writing.

Example: Instead of: "She was heartbroken when he left." Try: "She stared at his empty chair across the breakfast table, the untouched coffee growing cold."

Play with Perspective 👁️

Experiment with different points of view to find the most impactful way to tell your story. Sometimes, an unexpected perspective can make your prose truly memorable.

Example: Instead of describing a bustling city from a human perspective, try describing it from the point of view of a bird soaring overhead, or a coin passed from hand to hand.

Use Punctuation Creatively 🖋️

While it's important to use punctuation correctly, don't be afraid to bend the rules a little for stylistic effect. Em dashes, ellipses, and even unconventional use of periods can add rhythm and emphasis to your prose.

Example: "She hesitated—heart pounding, palms sweating—then knocked on the door."

Create Contrast 🌓

Juxtapose different elements in your writing to create interest and emphasis. This can be in terms of tone, pacing, or even the literal elements you're describing.

Example: "The delicate butterfly alighted on the rusted barrel of the abandoned tank."

Use Synesthesia 🌈

Synesthesia is a condition where one sensory experience triggers another. While not everyone experiences this, using synesthetic descriptions in your writing can create vivid and unique imagery.

Example: "The violin's melody tasted like honey on her tongue."

Experiment with Sentence Diagrams 📊

Remember those sentence diagrams from school? Try diagramming some of your favorite sentences from literature. This can give you insight into how complex sentences are structured and help you craft your own.

Create a Sensory Tour 🚶‍♀️

When describing a setting, try taking your reader on a sensory tour. Move from one sense to another, creating a full, immersive experience.

Example: "The old bookstore welcomed her with the musty scent of aging paper. Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight piercing the high windows. Her fingers trailed over the cracked leather spines as she moved deeper into the stacks, the floorboards creaking a greeting beneath her feet. In the distance, she could hear the soft ticking of an ancient clock and taste the faint bitterness of old coffee in the air."

Use Active Voice (Most of the Time) 🏃‍♂️

While passive voice has its place, active voice generally creates more dynamic and engaging prose. Compare these two sentences:

Passive: "The ball was thrown by the boy." Active: "The boy threw the ball."

Magic of Ordinary Moments ✨

Sometimes, the most beautiful prose comes from describing everyday occurrences in a new light. Challenge yourself to find beauty and meaning in the mundane.

Example: "The kettle's whistle pierced the quiet morning, a clarion call heralding the day's first cup of possibility."

Play with Time ⏳

Experiment with how you present the passage of time in your prose. You can stretch a moment out over several paragraphs or compress years into a single sentence.

Example: "In that heartbeat between his question and her answer, universes were born and died, civilizations rose and fell, and their entire future hung in the balance."

Use Anaphora for Emphasis 🔁

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It can create a powerful rhythm and emphasize key points.

Example: "She was the sunrise after the longest night. She was the first bloom of spring after a harsh winter. She was the cool breeze on a sweltering summer day. She was hope personified, walking among us."

Create Word Pictures 🖼️

Try to create images that linger in the reader's mind long after they've finished reading. These don't have to be elaborate – sometimes a simple, unexpected combination of words can be incredibly powerful.

Example: "Her laughter was a flock of birds taking flight."

Use Rhetorical Devices 🎭

Familiarize yourself with rhetorical devices like chiasmus, antithesis, and oxymoron. These can add depth and interest to your prose.

Example of chiasmus: "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." - John F. Kennedy

Even the most accomplished authors continue to hone their craft with each new piece they write. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't sound exactly like you imagined – keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep writing.

Your unique voice and perspective are what will ultimately make your prose beautiful. These techniques are simply tools to help you express that voice more effectively. Use them, adapt them, or discard them as you see fit. The most important thing is to write in a way that feels authentic to you and brings you joy.

Happy writing, everyone! 🖋️💖📚 - Rin T

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

[justwinginglife]

The LADS Men As Drivers

Caleb

Caleb is a road rager but he’s subtle about it. He’ll squeeze your thigh reassuringly, flash that dazzling smile, and then point to a peculiar cloud in the sky and ask you to guess what he thinks it looks like. He passes it off like it’s just a fun, little road trip game that he wants to play, but really, he’s distracting you so you don’t see him cut off the asshole in the truck and then make the most menacing eye contact with the driver that a human can possibly make as he passes by them. Then he resumes his smiley self shortly after, with you none the wiser. If you somehow manage to discern the slight increase in speed and ask him about it, he’ll simply say he was speeding up to get you a better view of the clouds you were so preciously naming for him. 

He definitely loads the car up with lots of snacks before a big road trip and STILL gets you more snacks whenever he needs to stop at a gas station because he loves spoiling you and stuffing you full. And speaking of gas, it’s a while before he has to load up because he already filled up the car the day before the trip so he was immediately ready to go. He’s excited for any time he can get with you; he’s not going to let a low tank ruin that. 

If the car gets a flat, you can be sure he’s replacing it himself. You’re not lifting a finger. And if the car needs fixing, you best believe he’ll be splayed out beneath it in an instant, examining all its parts with a keen eye, and in no time at all, it’s good as new. Sometimes you fake that your car needs fixing just to see him all greased up with oil, muscles tense as he cranks away with his tools. 

He definitely lets you pick whatever channel you want on the radio. And when you get tired of listening to ads, he passes you his phone and the aux, and reveals he’s already made a playlist for you with all your favorite songs on it. You didn’t even know you had that many songs you liked, but little do you know, every time you even somewhat enjoyed a song, even if you didn’t say you liked it aloud, even if it was just a bop of your head or a swaying of your hips to show you enjoyed it, he’d already saved the song. He can’t have his princess getting bored. Hell, he’s even got all the lyrics to your favorite songs memorized so he can enjoy himself with you. 

On a rare occasion, if he somehow gets into a car accident (in which case it’s definitely the other driver’s fault, not his; dude can pilot a plane, there’s no way he’s fucking up a car ride, and especially not when you’re in it), he’s very respectful and responsible about exchanging information with the other involved party, but inside, he’s slowly seething that they had the audacity to crash into him with you in the car. Don’t they know you’re precious cargo?

************************************************************************

Rafayel

Rafayel is a road rager as well, but unlike Caleb, he has no poker face. Or poker mouth. He’ll go on and on about how “they wouldn’t know what a turn signal was even if it got crammed up their butt” and then he’ll call Thomas to continue whining about it. He probably even has their license plate number to give to Thomas. Thomas has no idea what the fuck he is supposed to do with this information but he has to come up with something to satisfy Raf. 

He’s definitely the type to roast what someone’s car looks like. “Who thought that shade of bright yellow was a good idea on a rusty, tin bucket like that?” “I hope they didn’t pay a lot of money for that custom license plate because then they’d be stupid and broke.” “Do you think their windows are so ridiculously tinted that they can’t see my eyes rolling? Because that’d be a shame.”

He definitely over uses his horn even if he’s in the wrong. He also never thinks he’s in the wrong. If he hits a curb, it’s the curb’s fault for being there. 

He also makes up traffic laws that only apply to him. Like how he’s allowed to go 20 over the speed limit if he’s trying to get a good view of the sunset so he can paint it before it goes down. 

He usually lets you be the passenger princess, but when you do drive, he just gazes at you lovingly, tucking the hair away from your face so you can drive safely. He’ll even sketch the way you look so he can immortalize the picture of you smiling as the sun streams in through the window. If you get bored while you’re driving, he’ll entertain you by telling you stories or by describing the scenery on his side of the window. Sometimes, he’ll even combine the two. “Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. One day, she went into town and she met an…upside down scarecrow.” 

“An…upside down scarecrow?”

“I think someone’s scarecrow just got blown over in the wind. I thought it’d make for a compelling plot point.”

If the weather is bad, he insists on driving. He knows it stresses you out to drive when you can’t see clearly. If you’re at work and the weather is bad, he’ll pick you up. If he’s away on a trip but he knows you’re driving through a storm, he’ll keep you company on the phone to make sure you get home safe. “Just focus on the sound of my voice. Imagine that there’s a big rainbow waiting for you at the end of this storm. It’ll paint the skies in beautiful, bright colors, and you’ll forget there ever was a storm. Just keep talking to me until it passes. Can you do that for me, cutie? You’re almost home, you can do this. And when I get back, maybe we can go look for whatever is at the end of that rainbow, yeah?”

He teased you the first time you got in his car and kept adjusting the settings on his passenger seat, a little higher up, a little lower down, a little farther back, a little farther forward, until it was just right for you, “What are you, Goldilocks?” But once you decided on the most comfortable position to keep the chair in, he didn’t let anyone mess with it from then on. If Thomas or anyone else got in his car and tried to adjust the settings to their liking, he’d tell them to suffer or get in the backseat. He wants you to rely on him more, he wants to be able to pick you up from work or take you out on spontaneous drives, and he can’t do that if you’re uncomfortable in his car, constantly trying to adjust it to the way it was before. 

************************************************************************

Sylus

Sylus is a fantastic driver. He has to be; he has a million vehicles at his disposal. And sometimes he needs a speedy getaway. 

He definitely knows all the shortcuts and speed traps. And he smoothly weaves in and out of traffic whether he’s on a bike or in a car. He loves when you fall asleep in his passenger seat because he knows it means you trust him to get you home safely and he’s happy he can provide that comfort for you. 

He also travels for work, so he has the traffic laws for multiple countries memorized. Just because he’s not a law-abiding citizen doesn’t mean he doesn’t know how to fly under the radar as one, should he wish it. He even knows the languages of the countries he frequents so he can read the street signs with ease and smooth talk his way out of a ticket if a cop decides to pull him over (not that he couldn’t just pay the ticket a million times over in any currency, but he likes to appear unassuming- or as unassuming as one with his height and build can be). He doesn’t draw attention to himself if he doesn’t need to. 

That being said, he does love to speed. It reminds him of flying, with the wind flush against him, and the hum of his bike as calming as the beating of his wings. And now that you’ve begun riding with him, pointing out every mountain and valley and river with nothing less than awe and excitement in your voice at every twist and turn, he’s begun to realize he also loves the way the scenery melts all around him like one, big, oil painting that’s just for his and your viewing as you chase the horizon together. He’s even begun to take the scenic routes more frequently on purpose, just to give you something to smile at. Of course, he’ll deny it if you accuse him of taking the long way just to make you happy. He’ll say something stoic like, “I simply had the time to kill and the means to kill it.” But when you thank him and rest your head on his shoulder as you watch the cherry blossom trees fly by, his heartbeat thunders louder than the motor on his bike. 

Sylus doesn’t see the point -or maybe he just doesn’t really understand- how roadtrip games work, but he shakes his head and gives you a small smile, as he agrees to a million rounds of “I Spy” just because he can’t get enough of the way your eyes light up with glee when you correctly guess what he’s thinking of. Or maybe he’s just amused that such a small thing can bring you such joy. 

Sylus has ONE car that he puts all the stickers you give him on. He can’t very well be driving around town, going to meet his high end associates and business partners, with multiple, doe-eyed crow stickers all over his windows and bumpers, now can he? But he also can’t throw away something you gave him, so what does he do? He deposits them all on one car and uses that car to drive you around, smiling to himself when you’re swinging your feet all cutesy and happy in his passenger seat as you busy yourself examining all the stickers to make sure they’re in tip-top condition. 

************************************************************************

Zayne

Zayne is such a safe driver that you sometimes accuse him of secretly being a grandma in disguise. He won’t start driving until he knows you’re seatbelted and if you jokingly refuse to put the seat belt on yourself, he will do it for you. He’s not leaving the driveway until he knows you’re safe.

Zayne almost always goes the speed limit and on the rare occasion when he does speed, it’s only for emergencies at the hospital; even then, he only just barely goes over the speed limit. Even if he’s in a rush, he’s as careful as can be because he doesn’t want to cause an accident that will land yet another patient in his operating room. And if you’re in the car? He wouldn’t dare speed and risk your life. Plus, he’d be embarrassed if he got a ticket in front of you anyway; you’d never let him live it down. Breaking News: Grandma Zayne got pulled over for going 5 over the speed limit. 

There is one rule that he will break when driving though. He definitely eats while he’s driving, especially if it’s sweets. He tries to save the snacking for red lights and traffic jams, but sometimes the fresh box of pastries on his passenger seat is just too tempting for him to wait any longer. It’s lucky that as a surgeon he’s so proficient with using both hands, because it’s this skill that allows him to eat with one hand and drive with the other. It’s because of this snacking habit of his that he also keeps his car stocked with plenty of napkins and wipes for when he’s finished eating.

Zayne always calculates how much time it’ll take for him to arrive somewhere including a rough estimation of traffic, and he STILL leaves before the time he is supposed to so that he arrives early. He also gives you advice on your commute, calling you when he notices the traffic is heavier than usual to warn you to leave ahead of schedule. 

Zayne almost never carpools on the way to work because he doesn’t know how long he’ll get stuck at the hospital and he doesn’t want you to get stranded, waiting for him to finish. But that only makes the moments where he does get to ride with you all the more enjoyable. He loves the way your nose scrunches up when you’re annoyed that someone cut you off in traffic. He loves the way you cycle restlessly through the radio stations because you can’t decide on one channel. He’s used to chaos at the hospital, but somehow your chaos is comforting. 

He’s not that much of a road rager himself. He might mutter under his breath that someone was being “utterly ridiculous” but he usually keeps his thoughts to himself. It’s only a drive and he doesn’t feel like wasting the energy it would take to lash out at someone, and he certainly doesn’t want to ruin the mood for you. If he gets the chance to have a moment alone with you, even if it’s just the drive to the store, he will take that chance and he won’t waste it. He’ll ask you how your day has been, how work has been, how life has been, all while you’re sitting in traffic together. If anything, he might pray for the traffic to last longer so he can steal another minute more by your side. 

He loves to tease you about which route is faster. If he tells you to go left and you raise your eyebrow at him and decide to go right because you swear you know better, he will chuckle to himself and just wait for the moment when you cuss under your breath after hitting a particularly large patch of traffic that seemingly came out of nowhere. “You know, I also frequent this grocery store. So I believe I am familiar enough with the road to get there.” He says it so simply, but you know he’s having fun with the whole situation. “I suppose if a certain hunter wasn’t so focused on being right, we might’ve avoided this issue altogether.” A hint of smirk plays on his lips and you decide right then and there that he’s buying all the groceries. Smug bastard. 

************************************************************************

Xavier

(There is like one tiny minorly mature not explicit line)

Xavier usually takes public transportation; he prefers it because it allows him to zone out when he wants to and it’s less of a hassle than worrying about gas and repairs. But he’s noticed lately that there are things you want to do and things he wants to take you to that would be much more convenient with a car so he finally ended up buying a car for himself. When he first showed it to you, your eyes lit up like the stars and he knew in an instant that it was the right choice. Of course, once you were actually on the road and he saw you make the same face at someone else’s car, he definitely sulked to himself as he drove. But then you made a comment about what a cool feature his heated seats were and he quickly snapped back, proceeding to show off the other cool features in his car until he was satisfied that you weren’t going to go ogle someone else’s car after this. 

Xavier doesn’t usually road rage if he’s driving by himself. He doesn’t have the energy for it. But if you’re in the car, he will glare guns and daggers at whoever dares to tailgate or cut you off.

When you need to get gas, he’ll get out and pump it for you. Partially because he wants to do something for you and partially because once he saw a man hitting on you at the pump when he went in to buy you snacks and he had to restrain himself from getting in the car and running the guy over. 

Some people keep a change of clothing in the backseat of their car, some people keep snacks, Xavier keeps blankets back there. Ever since he discovered his car is fairly pleasant to sleep in, he has kept the car stocked up in case he decides to wait for you after work or running errands and sneak a quick nap in while he waits. He likes it even more when he gets to pull up to a lake or a park and lay the blanket out for the two of you to cuddle beneath while you enjoy the scenery. He could never do that when he was taking the train. He even got a car with a sunroof so you could both look up at the sky together. 

Xavier also fixes your car for you when you need it fixed. Besides the fact that he doesn’t trust the people at the shop to not scam you for every penny you have, advertising new tires and new windows and new wipers and new filters, he also just somehow happens to have a degree in engineering among all of his other skills and he enjoys taking apart pieces and putting them back together in a more efficient way. He enjoys it even more if it helps you. 

Xavier definitely argues with the GPS even though it can’t hear him. “Really? You want me to take a right here? Even though I could’ve sworn there was no right turn here? Interesting. I don’t recall paying so much for a fault system.”

Xavier definitely gets it on in the backseat, front seat, just all over his car really.

Taglist: @pixelcafe-network @minasfwoopyponytail @ouiouimochi @tbaluver @inkytypewriter

[cordatumcape]

Fire Emblem Romhack Recommendations

Disappointed with no new Fire Emblem in today's direct? Just looking for a new Fire Emblem game to try? If that's the case, allow this post to serve as an introduction to some amazing romhacks to check out!

Dream of Five

👑🐰 DREAM OF FIVE weaves a tale of intrigue and identity, feat. an ornate and deliberate sense of style, custom story CGs, and downright gorgeous prose to boot! This hack also has a several chapter long route split, with each path having its own distinct gameplay and recruitable characters.

The Morrow's Golden Country

⛅️🌼 THE MORROW'S GOLDEN COUNTRY has an abundance in quality-of-life improvements, including a reworked support system and durability-based combat skills. A split-army story structure allows the player to get to know a large, loveable cast as its three lords fight for a brighter dawn—where none are left behind.

Cerulean Crescent

🏝️🌙 CERULEAN CRESCENT provides incredible turn economy management tools, with each playable unit boasting unique skills and self-repairing personal weapons. The setting lends itself towards a distinct, bold story structure as Ellerie fights to claim victory and vengeance, both.

Shackled Power

👊💥 SHACKLED POWER is perfect for those who want a classic Fire Emblem story that trends its style towards 90s-esque action, with all the explosions to go along with it. This hack also boasts numerous custom-drawn animations and portraits to truly make the player feel like a powerhouse!

Curse of Lagdou

🍈👿 CURSE OF LAGDOU expands the continent of Magvel's tale through its fast-paced maps and unique non-RNG crit system! Follow this poignant tale of two girls finding their purpose in life—featuring characters both new and old, along with custom-drawn animations and story CG art!

Four Kings

4️⃣👑 FOUR KINGS tells the story of family: of two brothers, and their respective journeys to become better people. It boasts tight gameplay and full deployment throughout its route split to let the player experiment with a wide variety of units, all with their own personal weapons!

Myrm Emblem

⚔️🔥 MYRM EMBLEM is a gameplay-focused hack, feat. skills and many quality-of-life improvements with a silly, brief story. Join Shigen, Lyn, and your favorite myrmidons and swordmasters from the FE series—as well as the Kaga Saga games—in an epic adventure to test your skill and fire emblem knowledge.

Drums of War

🥁🛡️ DRUMS OF WAR tasks its players with conquering tight and challenging enemy formations—and after the dust has settled: the choice on whether to recruit or ransom enemy leaders. Augment your ragtag band with your strongest enemies as you struggle and fight for a place deserving of you.

Dark Lord and the Maiden of Light

⚔️🌓 DARK LORD & THE MAIDEN OF LIGHT follows a classic FE plot, twisting familiar tropes in fresh ways. Its narrative rewards attention to detail: one must delve deep to uncover and understand the world's true nature. Fans of 3H's Rhea will enjoy Freesia's crusade against the sinister Ahribaal cult.

Embers Entwined

🪓 🧙‍♂️ EMBERS ENTWINED follows Petra, a princess in exile, and Diego, a mercenary from a mysterious bloodline, as they fight dark forces attempting to reach godhood. Necromancy takes center stage in this explosive tale, as sorcerers race against each other to perfect the art of raising the dead.

[astroeleanor]

°💸⋆.ೃ🍾࿔*:･Your 2H Sign = How To Make More $$$ 💳⋆.ೃ💰࿔*:･

Your 2nd house is the part of your chart can show you the best side hustle ideas to increase your income. Look at the sign on your 2nd House cusp, its ruling planet, and any planets sitting there. They symbolize out how you monetize.

The 2nd House is the House of Possessions: movable assets, cash flow, food, tools, anything you can trade. The sign on the cusp sets up your style of 'acquisition' (Taurus = slow‑build goods, Scorpio = high‑risk high‑reward holdings), while the ruler’s dignity and aspects describe reliability, or lack thereof, of income.

Planets inside the 2nd act like tenants shaping the property: Jupiter here inflates resources, Saturn conserves but can pinch, Mars spends to make, Venus monetizes aesthetics.

Because the 2nd is in aversion to the Ascendant (no Ptolemaic aspect), you often have to develop its promises actively: wealth isn’t “you,” it’s something you must manage. So, let's look at the kind of side hustles you can do to increase your revenue!

♈︎ Aries 2H: Physical, Fast, ACTION-Driven

(Aries rules motion, competition, fire, physical activity, force)

Personal trainer or group fitness instructor.

Manual labor gigs like junk removal, or yard work (physical and gives instant results.)

Motorcycle/scooter delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash): speed + autonomy? Very Aries.

Selling refurbished sports equipment.

Pressure washing services, which is oddly satisfying AND includes aggressive water blasting lol.

Fitness bootcamps in local parks (Mars rules the battlefield… or, in this case, bootcamps)

Pop-up self-defense workshops

Bike repair and resale (hands-on + quick turnaround)

Car detailing (mobile service). You vs. grime. Who wins? You.

Sell custom gym gear or accessories.

♉︎ Taurus 2H: Sensory, Grounded, Product-Based

(Taurus rules the senses and the material world, it’s a sign connected to beauty and pleasure)

Bake-and-sell operation (bread, cookies) at markets. Taurus=YES to carbs and cozy smells.

Meal prep or personal chef (nourishing others = peak Taurus.)

Sell plants or houseplant propagation, you’re growing literal value.

Create and sell body care products: lotions, scrubs, soaps… (Venus-ruled.)

Furniture refinishing for resale.

Offer at-home spa services (facials, scrubs.)

Curate and sell gift boxes (Venus loves a well-wrapped present.)

Do minor home repair or furniture assembly.

Build and sell wooden plant stands or decor (wood + plants + aesthetic = Taurus.)

♊︎ Gemini 2H: Communicative, Clever, Multi-Tasking

(Gemini = ruled by Mercury = ideas, speech, tech, variety, teaching)

Freelance writing or blogging.

Transcription or captioning services.

Resume writing/job application support.

Social media management (multitasking + memes.)

Sell printable planners or flashcards (info = money.)

Offer typing or data-entry services, which are low lift & high focus

Sell templates for resumes, bios, or cover letters, Mercury loves a system!

Write email campaigns for small businesses, you can become the voice behind the curtain.

Teach intro to AI tools or chatbots (modern Mercurial real-world applications.)

Create micro-courses on writing or communication.

♋︎ Cancer 2H: Caring, Cozy, DOMESTIC

(Cancer rules the home, food, feelings. It’s the nurturer through and through)

Home organization services, give cluttered homes and their owners love.

Baking and delivering comfort desserts (cookies = hugs in edible form!!)

Make and sell homemade frozen meals, nourishing the body AND soul.

Offer elder companionship visits (heartfelt and so needed.)

Run a daycare or babysitting service. Moon=family.

Run a laundry drop-off/pickup service.

Custom holiday decorating (homes or offices), make it feel like home anywhere.

Help seniors with digital tools (basic tech help.)

Create sentimental gifts like memory jars or scrapbooks.

♌︎ Leo 2H: Expressive, Bold, Entertaining

(Leo rules performance, leadership, fame, visibility, and the desire to SHINE)

Portrait photography (kids, pets, solo, couples.)

Event hosting or party entertainment.

DJ for small events or weddings.

Basic video editing for others (help THEM shine!)

Personalized video messages. charisma = income.

Teach short performance workshops (confidence, improv) to help others own a stage.

Become a personal shopper.

Sell selfie lighting kits or content creator bundles.

Host creative kids camps (theater, dance, art.)

Make reels/TikToks for local businesses (attention = currency.)

♍︎ Virgo 2H: Detailed, Service-Oriented, Practical

(Virgo rules systems, refinement, discernment, organisation, usefulness)

Proofreading or editing work. Spotting a comma out of place or “their/they’re” being misused = Virgo joy.

House cleaning or deep-cleaning services.

Virtual assistant (email, scheduling, admin.)

Sell Notion or Excel templates. Virgo: spreadsheets.

Bookkeeping for small businesses.

Create custom cleaning schedules or checklists.

Offer “organize your digital life” sessions.

Specialize in email inbox cleanups.

♎︎︎ Libra 2H: Tasteful, Charming, Design-Savvy

(Libra = Venus-ruled = style, beauty, balance, aesthetics)

Styling outfits from clients’ own wardrobes.

Become a personal shopper.

Bridal/event makeup services (enhancing natural beauty = Libra.)

Teach etiquette, the power of grace

Curate secondhand outfit bundles.

Custom invitations or event printables that are pretty AND functional.

Offer virtual interior styling consultations.

Sell color palette guides for branding or outfits.

Create custom date night itineraries (romance, planned and packaged=Libra!!)

Style flat-lay photos for products or menus.

Do hair, make-up, nails, etc.

♏︎ Scorpio 2H: Deep, Transformative, Private

(Scorpio rules what’s hidden, intense, and powerful, alchemy, psychology)

Tarot or astrology readings.

Energy healing or bodywork.

Private coaching for money/debt management.

Online investigation or background research (Scorpio = uncovering hidden information)

Teach classes on boundaries, consent, empowerment, etc.

Sell private journal templates for deep self-reflection.

Moderate anonymous support groups or forums.

Specialize in deep-cleaning emotionally loaded spaces (yes, THAT kind of clearing.)

♐︎ Sagittarius 2H: Expansive, Global, Philosophical

(Sag rules teaching, travel, and BIG ideas)

Teach English (or any other language) or become a tutor online

Sell travel guides or digital itineraries, help others travel smarter=Sag

Rent out camping gear or bikes (freedom for rent lol.)

Ghostwrite opinion pieces or thought blogs, say what others are thinking!

Create walking tours for travelers or locals.

Sell travel photography.

Become a travel influencer on the side.

Translate travel documents or resumes.

♑︎ Capricorn 2H: Strategic, Structured, Business-Minded

(Cap rules time, career, limitations, long-term value)

Resume or career coaching, help others climb the “mountain of success”.

Freelance project management.

Property management or Airbnb co-host (passive-ish income.)

Sell templates for business (contracts, invoices).

Create accountability coaching packages.

Sell organizational templates.

Freelance as an operations assistant (the CEO behind the CEO.)

Build a resource hub for freelancers or solopreneurs (structure = empowerment.)

♒︎ Aquarius 2H: Innovative, Digital, Niche

(Aquarius rules tech, rebellion, and the future. But it’s also connected to community!)

Tech repair or setup.

Build websites for local businesses, or anyone else for that matter.

Sell digital products (ebooks, templates).

Run online communities or Discords.

Host workshops on digital privacy or tools. Collective knowledge (Aqua)= power

Build and sell Canva templates for online creators.

Curate niche info packs or digital libraries.

Help people automate parts of their life or business.

♓︎ Pisces 2H: Dreamy, Healing, Imaginative

(Pisces rules the sea, the arts, spirituality, dreams, and all things soft)

Pet sitting or house sitting, caring for beings + quiet time? It’s perfect for this energy.

Sell dreamy artwork or collages.

Offer meditation classes or hypnosis.

Teach art to kids or adults.

Custom poetry or lullaby commissions (very niche tho.)

Sell digital dream journals or prompts.

Make downloadable ambient music loops.

Create printable affirmation cards.

Design calming phone wallpapers or lock screens.

Offer spiritual services (tarot or astrology readings, reiki, etc.)

Thank you for taking the time to read my post!Your curiosity & engagement mean the world to me. I hope you not only found it enjoyable but also enriching for your astrological knowledge.Your support & interest inspire me to continue sharing insights & information with you. I appreciate you immensely.

• 🕸️ JOIN MY PATREON for exquisite & in-depth astrology content. You'll also receive a free mini reading upon joining. :)

• 🗡️ BOOK A READING with me to navigate your life with more clarity & awareness.

[femmefatalevibe]

Femme Fatale Guide: 15 Essential Business Skills Everyone Should Master

Articulate, confident communication

Crafting effective, compelling pitches

Operating and communicating through a solution-oriented framework

Research of all types (Google, market research, studies, polls, interpersonal conversations, etc.)

Learning how to streamline, edit, and organize information in a clear and logical way

Accumulating high-level working knowledge/proficiency in all tools and programs directly related to your type of work/industry

Budgeting and financial optimization (investment, tax benefits, etc.)

Reading and interpreting legal contracts/documents

Setting rates, boundaries, and learning when/how to delegate

Good posture, direct eye contact, and a firm handshake

Building streamlined systems for onboarding, different repeat project scopes/workflows, and KPI measuring

The art of following up, listening to (potential) clients' needs, asking thoughtful questions, and benefit-oriented salesmanship

Consistently reading, learning, and studying current events/cultural platforms/industry and field-related knowledge

How to spot customer/client/business partner red flags

Self-management, task/project prioritization, and optimization of your personal energy clock + levels

[chlix]

sharpest tool

bf! chan x fem! reader: chan doesn't love you like you love him. you're not planning on doing anything about it

genre: angst, suggestive (but not actually very fun or sexy)

word count: 2.9k

warnings/tags: toxic relationships/situationships, arguing, self-worth issues

a/n: this fic is inspired by "sharpest tool" off sabrina carpenter's new album! i heard it and immediately knew i wanted to write for it. i also plan on doing other songs off the album with other members but we'll see if i get to that before the album loses all relevance 💀

“What’s new with you then?” your coworker Seohyeon asks once the lunch rush dies down. You’re wiping spilled coffee off the bar and she’s pretending to reorganize the stacks by the till, but really, you’re both just trying to look busy while you recover from the last round of customers. Seohyeon has already bitched about her evil landlord and snitched on your manager for critiquing the way the new girl set up the cup display. Now, it’s your turn to overshare. Unfortunately, your life is scant of any juicy details.

“Nothing. You know I have no life outside this job,” you say.

“So not true,” she says. “What about that guy who keeps hanging around waiting for you to get off every day? How’s that going?”

You stiffen. “It’s going.”

She hums sympathetically. “That bad, huh?”

You drop your rag in the bucket of sanitizer water and take a long breath.

“It’s not bad. It’s not really anything right now.”

“You know, I mentioned how he’s always waiting for you, but I haven’t really seen him in a couple of weeks.”

“You and me both,” you mutter. Unwittingly, your hands drift to your phone in your apron pocket, hoping it’ll buzz and you’ll get a text from Chan, as if he’d sense you thinking about him and give you the attention that you’ve been craving. When you first met, the two of you had that kind of psychic connection. It was like you were of one mind. He was everything you wanted in a guy. He still is.

That’s what makes this all so difficult.

The idea of Chan using you as a warm body isn’t inherently distressing. Or, it wouldn’t have been, if he’d posed the idea initially. Maybe if he’d asked you for that up front, then you would’ve known better than to catch feelings. Or at least if you had, then you could take all the blame unto yourself for being softhearted, overly optimistic. He could be blameless. This would be easier if he was a bad person. Or maybe he is, and you just love him too much to care.

“If you want to talk about it, I’m all ears,” Seohyeon says.

“There’s not much to say. We weren’t really even dating. I think. I mean, he doesn’t owe me anything.”

Seohyeon gives you a knowing look, and it makes anything else you were planning on saying stick in your throat.

“Get well soon, girl,” she says, and turns back to the till. You swallow, pick up the bucket of dirty water, and go to dump it out in the sink in the back.

Chan does not come in at the end of your shift and wait for you. Of course not. He does text you, though.

Hey, he says. It’s the first time he’s spoken to you in a week. The casual nature of it swallows you alive.

Hey

Busy tonight?

Never for you <3

My place? 8?

It’s almost pathetic of you to keep falling for the same old trick. Can it even be called a trick if you’re neither fooled nor impressed? You always knew you were just a placeholder, filling in the gaps for when he can’t have the girls he really wants. He doesn’t have to make it so obvious, though.

Placeholder. It’s one of those thoughts that as soon as it crosses your mind, you know you’ve already lost. You’re not sure if Chan realizes that’s what he’s turned you into. You can’t really blame him. You only recently realized it yourself. You’ve been hooking up for months, you’ve been hanging out with his friends, you’ve been posting each other and having cozy nights in with long conversations that last until the early morning. He’s your baby. You’re his girl. But you’re not his girlfriend. Six missing letters and suddenly, you’re the crazy one.

You wonder if Chan knows how these periods of long silence make you feel like a cheap lay, like someone he doesn’t even know. Maybe he does, and this is all an elaborate manipulation tactic that’s working distressingly well. Maybe he doesn’t know, and you’re projecting malice onto his thoughtlessness.

It doesn’t matter either way. You know it, and you’re still going to go.

Ok <3

You put your phone away and start walking to the bus. You need to go home and get ready.

You arrive at his apartment just before eight pm. He hates it when people aren’t punctual, and you hate it when he’s upset, so here you are, shaved and showered and dressed all pretty. You’ve developed a scarcity mindset around him- you need to make sure every time he sees you is perfect because the incidents are so few and far between. You need to look irresistible, so enticing that he’ll be begging to come see you again. It’s so pathetic that you piss yourself off on a daily basis.

You fix your hair and clothes, ring his doorbell. He answers the door, all smiles and muscle tees, and it almost makes you forget that you haven’t seen him since the last full moon. It’s like a thirst that doesn’t make itself known until that first drop of water.

“Hey, baby,” he says, drawing you into his arms. He kisses you deeply, not lustful but loving and you let yourself fall into it.

“Missed you,” he says, low in your ear. He smells like aftershave, like sandalwood and pine.

“Missed you more.”

He pulls you into his apartment and closes the door behind you so he can press you up against it and kiss you again. He licks into your mouth, and you let him, bringing your own hands up to cup his face. The barest bit of his stubble tickles against your palms. His body is warm and solid against you, it makes your knees weak, makes your heart race. For the moment, you forget every grievance you’ve ever had with him. You forget how upset you were at work today, and Seohyeon’s pity, and how empty your phone has been lately. The world outside the two of you might as well not exist.

Chan’s hands slide up under your shirt, pressed against your stomach. Your gut twists.

The illusion shatters.

You pull your lips away from him.

“Chan,” you say, trying to be authoritative, but you’re breathless. He moves away from your mouth and latches onto your neck, and your body reacts without your permission, arching into the touch, but you pull your hands away and press on his chest.

“Chan, stop.”

He lets you push him, taking a step back and looking down at you with blown wide eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m just…not feeling it.”

“Right, sorry. Didn’t mean to pounce on you. We can move to the bedroom if you want?”

“No…” That sticky feeling is building in your throat again. “I’m just not really in the mood for sex at all, right now.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

Awkward silence stretches between you. He’s just looking at you, unsure how to proceed, and you want to die a little more every minute.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come. I’ll just- I’ll go-”

“No, wait!” He catches your arm as you go to turn away. “You don’t have to leave. I’m the one who’s sorry. You shouldn’t have to apologize for something like this.”

“Okay…”

He kisses your forehead again, affectionate and chaste. “I’m glad you came. I wasn’t lying about missing you, yeah? Let’s just have a chill night in.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. We’ll order in. It’ll be nice.”

You let out a long breath and pull him into a hug. He embraces you, and your ear ends up pressed against his chest. You can hear his heartbeat thrumming under his ear, soothing, reassuring.

Okay. Okay okay okay.

You try to have a good night, you really do. You want to be happy when you’re around him, but it’s like a switch has flipped in your head and it’s impossible to truly relax. He orders food from your favorite place without you having to even ask.

“You want your usual?” he asks.

“You still remember my usual?”

“I remember everything about you, love.”

You think about earlier, how he’d known to text you as soon as you got off work yet hadn’t made the effort to actually show up like he used to. You tell him your usual is fine and kiss him on the cheek.

When the food arrives, you curl together on the couch under blankets and put on some show as background noise. There was a drama you were watching together, but he doesn’t bring it up and neither do you. As he pulls up Netflix, you notice the title card in his Recently Watched, but you haven’t been over in so long that you know it can’t be from the last time you were together. He doesn’t pause, skipping over it completely to select another random thumbnail.

“This okay?”

You hum an affirmative and the Netflix logo appears on the screen, signaling the start of the episode. You eat your food and try to focus on how good it tastes instead of how leaden your stomach feels.

As the night wears on, you realize that he’s being cagey. He asks you questions about your life and your job, about your sister and her baby and your plans for the holidays. He’s always been a good listener, always attentive and empathetic and curious. He’s been good at getting secrets out of you as long as you’ve known him.

I’ve never told anyone this before, you would start sentences, but I feel like I can trust you.

You can, he’d respond. I’d never judge you. I care about all of you, even the parts you might not care about yourself.

Always so welcoming, so loving. It had you spilling your guts after only the third date.

I’m rambling, I’m sorry. You don’t need to hear about all my baggage.

Y/n, I want to know anything you’re willing to tell me. Communication is important in relationships. It builds strong foundations.

And yet here he is, only a few months later, dodging all your questions about where he’s been or what he’s been up to.

“How’s work?”

“It’s been alright.”

“You’re pretty busy around this time of year, aren’t you?”

Chan shrugs. “Yeah, but I’m used to it by now.”

You nod around the fork in your mouth, unsure how to continue the line of inquiry. You try again, another topic this time.

“Did you hear about that giant pile up downtown? There were like ten cars involved.”

“I haven’t been watching the news much lately.”

“Well what have you been watching?”

“I’ve kind of had other things going on. Not much time for leisure.”

“Right. You said you were busy with work.”

He doesn’t reply to this. You want to shrink into the couch cushions and coil inside one of the springs.

You eat in silence for a while, eyes flittering between the screen and his face. Once or twice, his phone will ding, and he’ll pick up and scroll through it, shoot back a quick reply. You don’t ask who’s contacting him. When he’s done, he sets his phone face down on the table, out of your reach.

When you’re both done, he takes the empty containers from you and goes to dispose them. His hair bounces as he moves, curling around his ears and the tops of his brows.

“Your hair’s getting long.”

“Is it?” He pulls at a loose curl, stretching it out in front of him critically. “Guess I should get it cut.”

“Nooo, I like it. It suits you.”

He glances at you shyly. “You think?”

“I know. You look adorable.”

“I can’t be walking around adorable. What would that do to my image?”

“Right. Mr. Tough Guy Bang Chan, who always has short hair and thick biceps. There’s a brand image to consider.”

“Exactly! I knew you’d understand.” His cheeks dimple in his smile, but it’s shaky, and it disappears as quickly as it came. “And anyway, I just don’t think…” He trails off.

“Don’t think what?”

Chan stays quiet for a while, lost in thought. You’re unsure whether or not to push, but before you can say anything else, he snaps out of it. He shakes his head as if to clear it and throws an apologetic look your way.

“Never mind. Just getting too into my head.”

Concerned, you rise from the couch and cross the room to his kitchen.

“Is everything okay?”

“Of course. Don’t worry about me.”

“Of course I worry about you. I care about you.”

Chan isn’t meeting your eyes. “Just leave it alone, y/n. It’s stupid anyway.”

“Something bothering you could never be stupid.”

“I said just leave it alone.” His voice is harsh now, face hardened in the way he does when he’s not being nice anymore. He’s putting his walls up and you don’t understand why, and it’s tearing at you, the cumulative weight of all this distance.

“Okay. Whatever then.”

You turn around and start walking back towards the couch.

“Whatever?”

The audacity to sound offended after the way he’s been treating you.

“I can’t make you talk to me. If you don’t want to tell me anything then why keep asking?”

“Don’t be dramatic. I’ve been talking to you all night.”

“No, you haven’t. You’re shutting me out.”

“Shutting you out?” He sounds genuinely confused. You stop halfway back to the living room and turn to look at him.

“Yes, that’s what I said.”

He lets out a short laugh and pushes his curly bangs away from his forehead, hands alight with anxious energy.

“Y/n I invited you over here. We’ve been talking and watching the show. I thought we were having a good night. Now I want to keep one thought to myself and I’m ‘shutting you out’?”

That same twisting in your gut starts up again.

“You’re making me sound so unreasonable.”

“I mean, can’t you see how this looks from my perspective?” He turns away from you and pinches the bridge of his nose, like he’s developing a headache. Like he’s the one being tormented. “Sometimes I feel like you and I are living in different realities.”

It’s like a dagger in your chest. All your indignation leaves you, leaking out of you and pooling at your feet in a sad little puddle of self-respect.

“Don’t say that.”

“I don’t know what else you want me to say.”

You set out of your ring of self-loathing and approach the island where he is, still turned away from him. You reach out a shaking hand and turn him to face you. When you meet his eyes, you see frustration, confusion, and helplessness.

You’re a placeholder. You know it, Seohyeon knows it, the girl he’s been texting all night knows it. It’s possible Chan doesn’t.

That’s fine. You know it, and you’re in love with him anyway.

You press your hands against his chest, leaning up so you can look right in his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” you say. “You’re right. I’ve been on edge lately; I didn’t mean it.” You smile, self-deprecating, embarrassed. “Forgive me?”

Chan lets out a long breath. He grabs your hand and kisses it, then keeps holding on to it, his grip strong and secure.

“Nothing to forgive. I’ve been all over the place too. But we’re here now, together. So let’s just relax, yeah?”

You nod. He leans down and kisses you. The twisting in your gut persists, but you don’t pull away until he does.

“Let’s go finish this episode,” he says, and goes to lead you both back to the living room.

The night feels like a failure. You can’t figure out why, but the thought of just finishing your show and then putting your coat and boots back on and leaving feels like accepting defeat. Your legs are unstable underneath you, but not in the way they were earlier, when Chan was kissing you like his life depended on it. Now, you are standing at the top of a very tall hill, fighting against gravity to remain upright on the slope.

Get well soon, girl.

You close your eyes tightly, then reach forward and grab the back of Chan’s shirt. He jolts, surprised, then turns back to you. You release his jacket as he turns and grab his hand instead, lacing your fingers together.

“Forget the show,” you say. “Take me to bed.”

His eyes widen. “Are you sure? Earlier you said-”

“I’m too in my head. You’re right. I should try to relax. I haven’t seen you in weeks.” You get on tiptoe and lean up to his ear and whisper. “You can make me feel better, right Channie?”

Chan’s fingers tighten around yours. When you lower yourself back onto your heels, he’s looking down at you with dark eyes. You push down your unease, leave it abandoned on the floor with your anger and ego and heartbreak.

“You’re sure.”

“Never surer. Unless you don’t want-”

He effectively silences you by sweeping you into his arms, lifting you up like you weigh nothing.

“Baby, you have no idea the things I want.”

You laugh, shocked at the display of strength, and wrap your arms around him as he carries you away. The last thing you see before he shuts the bedroom door is his phone on the table, vibrating with an unanswered call.

[realizations-inc-units]

TOMURA SHIGARAKI: User Guide and Manual

Congratulations! You have purchased your very own limited edition TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit.

Please see our care guide, user activation manual and your model’s unique specification pamphlet to become acquainted with your newest companion! It is highly advised that you read all materials to avoid any incidents.

Note: Realizations Inc. expressly disclaims any and all liability for damages, injuries, or death arising from the improper use, handling, or mismanagement of your unit following delivery and activation. Upon receipt and activation of your unit, the customer assumes full responsibility for their personal safety and well-being. Use of your unit constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of these terms.

Technical Specifications:

Civilian Name: Tomura Shigaraki Villain Name: Tomura Shigaraki Place of Manufacture: Kyoto, Japan Height: 5’9” / 175cm Weight: 145lbs / 66kg Birthday: April 4th Hair Color: Light Blue, Final War models have white hair and TENKO SHIMURA models have black hair Eye Color: Red, TENKO SHIMURA models have Grey Unique Features: No eyebrows, dry “skin” and minor facial scarring Physical and Mental Age: 20 Language Options: Default Japanese, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese

Character Profile:

TOMURA SHIGARAKI is the main villain and antagonist of the My Hero Academia franchise and universe. Despite his origins as TENKO SHIMURA, grandson of the heroic predecessor of All Might, AKA TOSHINORI YAGI, he grew up to become the protegee of the SS-Rank super villain All For One, leader of the League of Villains and arch-enemy of main character IZUKU MIDORIYA. His goal is to kill All Might and topple hero society as citizens and heroes alike know it.

TOMURA SHIGARAKI is one of if not our most difficult unit to bond with. It is obstinate, anti-social and contrary. However, gain its affection and you will be the owner of the most dedicated and unwavering partner we have programmed to date, whether it be romantic or platonic. If you have taken on a TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit as an employee, its quirk and thirst for destruction are rather compatible with minor demolition, shredding, disaster clean up and potentially bomb disposal jobs. Its knack for gaming could also qualify it for bug testing and even streaming.

Making sure that your villain unit has productive hobbies and outlets is a fantastic way to manage its destructive tendencies, so don’t hesitate to sign it up for groups and classes as long as you know for sure that there won’t be any rival units attending. And no worries about your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit’s quirk destroying anything accidentally. For the owner’s convenience we have given the unit complete control over when Decay is activated or not.

TOMURA SHIGARAKI’s quirk, Decay, utilizes Realizations Inc.’s very own patented DISMANTLE Nano-System. Embedded in the palm of its hands are micro-scale delivery ports that release technician programmable nanobots. These nanites use targeted enzymatic, micro-vibrational, localized energy pulses to deconstruct matter at the molecular level. Powered by a burst energy drawn from its battery core, this system makes for a high-drain, short-duration disintegration tool. Activation occurs when all five digits make contact with its target for canonical accuracy. Each use of decay draws seven percent of the battery core’s charge per full activation (battery usage scales depending on surface area). Decay nanites “reload” via TOMURA SHIGARAKI’s internal nanite self-cleaning chamber located in its wrists or may require a Nanite Refill Canister, sold separately, if a certain amount of them have been lost or damaged. Decay requires twenty (20) seconds between activations.

CAUTION! Decay is a powerful replicated quirk, not to be used lightly. Overuse or repeated engagement may cause cooling delays and critical system warnings. Encourage your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit to engage with its quirk responsibly.

Please see your model’s specification insert to learn more about your individual model’s quirk upgrades.

Programming:

Your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit comes with the following base traits:

Sadistic. This unit derives pleasure from inflicting pain, both emotional and physical. Some units with this trait express it more intensely than others. If you find that your unit is too sadistic for your comfort, please call our help line located at the back of the manual and we will refund your unit for full store credit. Selfish. Whether its just egocentric or tactlessly egomaniacal, this unit values its own goals and desires above anyone else’s. Destructive. This unit is more likely to damage your belongings either by accident or on purpose. They tend to have less control over their quirk in general, so be careful! Arrogant. A more potent version of Confident. This unit will act without heed of its owner’s desires if it feels like it. It will be more likely to start fights with others that have the Arrogant trait, as both will most likely believe that it is superior to the other. Determined. Depending on the unit, this could be a great trait to have or a headache in the making. Determined units rarely take “you can’t do that” as an answer, and will follow their beliefs to the end, even if it means going against rules, norms or their owner’s wishes.

WARNING: Villain units are not guaranteed to respond predictably to emotional stimuli. Realizations Inc. is not liable for any damages caused by your units behavior responses.

Care and Maintenance:

Hygiene: All Realizations Inc. units are self-reliant and prefer to clean and care for itself. Do not worry about bathing your unit because it will do so privately and effectively. All Realizations Inc units are as waterproof as the average human, meaning that unless submerged for an extended period of time, the internal electronics and battery core will remain unaffected.

Note: TOMURA SHIGARAKI does not require any special care for its dry “skin” as even though it is programmed to feel the itch and discomfort of it, it does not actually suffer from the condition.

Feeding: As units do not need to eat or drink, please do not try and feed it anything. Attempts to feed or water your unit will likely result in malfunctions requiring technician support. Your unit does have olfactory sensors of varied sensitivity allowing it to “smell” the scent of food. Some units have preferred scents so get to know it and discover its preferences!

Rest: Charging your unit is easy! Thanks to Realizations Inc.’s exclusive and state-of-the-art battery core, your unit rarely has to charge itself! Approximately once a month (more or less depending on quirk usage) your unit will tell you it needs to charge. It will often wait until your usual bedtime to request this, as to not disrupt its owner’s plans. Simply open the nape panel and insert a plugged in Cascade charging cable. Your unit will find a comfortable position and shut down until either fully charged, or its name is called by its owner. Time till full charge takes approximately eight (8) hours for base models and six (6) hours for more advanced models.

Note: TOMURA SHIGARAKI may sometimes refuse to charge itself if it finds itself too engrossed in a game or hobby. If this is the case, you can either allow the unit to run out of battery, forcing shut down mode to reserve power before plugging it in, or utilize emergency shut down protocols to accomplish the same thing.

Emergency: If your unit is for any reason becoming unruly or dangerous, there is a code you can activate that will place it into an emergency shut down state. Simply state your name, the unit’s designation and then the words “emergency shut down”. This will immediately place your unit into a dormant state, using very little battery and completely unaware of what is going on around it.

Social: The social needs of your unit depend on the version and model of the character you purchased. Some can go days without interaction, others only hours.

TOMURA SHIGARAKI is one to prefer online interactions over in person get togethers. It doesn’t need its own personal computer, but allowing it to borrow yours to play social games online will benefit its mental health. For the sake of your device however, make sure it isn’t playing League of Legends or similar “player versus player” genre games. Like all units though, it requires face to face socialization both as a basic psychological need and for proper owner/unit bonding. TOMURA SHIGARAKI is a hard nut to crack, but talking about its interests will help open it up.

We at Realizations Inc. programmed our TOMURA SHIGARAKI units to be nearly identical to its fictional counterpart. Limited edition TOMURA SHIGARAKI is based on the canonical version of the character from between the “Shie Hassaikai” and “Meta Liberation Army” arcs. This TOMURA SHIGARAKI retains its childlike temper while still displaying the leader-like capabilities needed to take on a goliath like Gigantomachia. However, this is still TOMURA SHIGARAKI we’re talking about. It will be a hard companion to gain the trust and respect of, but not impossible. If accomplished, it will become a lifelong ally and partner to you.

Accessories:

ONE (1) activation outfit TWO (2) civilian outfits, ONE (1) casual, ONE (1) semi-formal ONE (1) villain costume ONE (1) replacement “Father” hand ONE (1) Nanite Refill Canister TWO (2) Realizations Inc. patented Cascade charging cables ONE (1) user manual

Relationships With Other Units:

The League of Villains: Your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit is programmed to act more stable and less insecure around units designated as part of the League of Villains faction. HIMIKO TOGA is one member that your unit will tolerate much better than the others, while TOUYA TODOROKI and TOMURA SHIGARAKI tend to bicker with each other, sometimes to the point of needing to be separated for a while, though TOUYA TODOROKI is likely to remove itself from the situation before any owner intervention is needed. More League of Villains members are to be developed in the future. Please check Realizations Inc.’s website for future information of the unit’s relationships as they are released.

Adult Heroes: All Might, real name TOSHINORI YAGI is considered one of TOMURA SHIGARAKI’S main targets. Please do your best not to let the two units even within eyesight of each other. Although TOMURA SHIGARAKI holds no outward affection for SHOUTA AIZAWA, with the feeling being decidedly mutual, your unit thinks the hero unit is rather cool deep down. More Heroes are to be developed in the future. Please check Realizations Inc.’s website for future information of the unit’s relationships as they are released.

Child Heroes: IZUKU MIDORIYA is another unit that should not be in proximity to your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit. They will attempt to battle each other on mere eye contact. TOMURA SHIGARAKI holds an intense hatred for the hero unit, similar to its feelings for TOSHINORI YAGI. KATSUKI BAKUGOU, another unit with the trait Arrogant, will butt heads with your unit if they’re forced to talk to each other for longer than five minutes. Your unit will also disagree with SHOUTO TODOROKI if allowed to converse, purely due to differing opinions on society, philosophy and SHOUTO TODOROKI’S choice of friends. Honestly, it’s probably best to have your unit avoid any and all contact with hero units in general. More Heroes are to be developed in the future. Please check Realizations Inc.’s website for future information of the unit’s relationships as they are released.

Others: Stain, also known as CHIZOME AKAGURO, and TOMURA SHIGARAKI will not approach or antagonize each other as long as they are not forced into an interaction. KAI CHISAKI and TOMURA SHIGARAKI, unless ordered by a shared owner not to, will be at each other’s throats either verbally or physically if in the same room. If these units are required to exist in the same household, it is recommended to introduce the two slowly, and allow the units the ability to retreat to their own personal spaces as needed.

Removal From Packaging:

Lay down the received box that your unit comes in, horizontal on the floor. Remove the lid of the box and any packing materials covering your new unit. At the base of the “skull”, you should feel a small etching just below the hairline. Using a coin, flat head screwdriver or a long finger nail, pry open the panel. Inside you will see three things: a large charging port, compatible with Realizations Inc.’s patented Cascade charging cable, a small pinhole for factory reset and a flat circular button, about the size of a dime.

Press and hold the button for 5 seconds before replacing the panel. It should snap back into place. Your new unit’s eyes should open. Do not be alarmed that the eyes are blank! Your unit’s pupils and irises will appear once you say the activation code and introduce yourself.

Once the blank eyes of your unit glow white, state your full name before reading out loud the fourteen digit code on the back of the manual. Be patient while your unit boots up, and stand back. Certain models of units wake up suddenly and violently.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: My TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit is trying to kill me! I didn’t do anything, what do I do? A: One of TOMURA SHIGARAKI’S primary traits is Sadistic, some models accidentally are programmed with a higher value than others. If nothing you are doing is calming it down, engage emergency shut down protocols and call our help line. Our on call technicians can walk you through troubleshooting steps or connect you with our reprocessing team.

Q: Why is my TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit choosing to recharge at the foot of my bed? A: Your TOMURA SHIGARAKI is showing a rare sign of trust! If you truly want to discourage the behavior, simply move the Cascade charging cable to another room or to an outlet far enough away from your bed to eliminate the possibility of recharging in that location. The unit should get the hint. Should.

Q: Can my unit be friends with my other units? A: It is difficult to pull off, but with high enough affection and respect towards you, it should be able to put aside any disdain it has for things such as “friendship” and forge other bonds. Note: TOMURA SHIGARAKI units have extreme difficulty making friends with other units that hold an active Arrogant trait.

Troubleshooting:

Problem: You have received a different TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit than the one you ordered. ex. TENKO SHIMURA, Basic Model TOMURA SHIGARAKI or Final War TOMURA SHIGARAKI. Solution: Please contact our help line and we will replace your incorrect unit with a new, correct version. Store credit is also an available option.

Problem: Your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit is acting significantly out of character. Solution: Looks like we might have accidentally sent you someone else’s order! For a certain price, Realizations Inc. offers a limited number of completely customizable OOC models per year. Some have only the slightest resemblance to the base model, while others are nearly identical minus one or two core differences. Please contact our help line and we will assist you in rectifying this error.

With proper care you will find a fine companion in your limited edition TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit. All units have a lifetime warranty, insurance of up to 10,000 USD or international equivalent and 24/7 on call employees ready to assist you and any of your concerns. Good luck and have fun!

If you ordered a variation of Basic TOMURA SHIGARAKI, please see your unit model’s distinct specifications on the insert included in this pamphlet.

This limited edition model includes the following exclusive features:

Quirk Adjacent Technology:

Limited edition TOMURA SHIGARAKI’S Decay quirk has been modified and upgraded for its limited time advanced model release! Decay now features single finger activation for small scale, precise destruction of objects. It can now control the speed and intensity of Decay on a scale of three levels instead of its default five (5) square feet / one point five (1.5) meters, minus precise mode. Level one can destroy up to two (2) square feet / point six (.6) cubic meters of material and takes 5 percent of its battery power. Level two is its typical five (5) square feet / one point five (1.5) meters at 7 percent. And finally level three is a whopping ten (10) square feet / three (3) square meters and a rather impressive 13 percent!

Note: All levels can destroy any kind of material no matter its durability, the only difference is how long it takes to fully disintegrate.

And last but not least, thanks to the work of our top technicians, this advanced version of Decay now only needs ten (10) seconds between activations!

Advanced Programming:

Your limited edition TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit comes with the advanced ability to unlock and adapt new programming traits as you interact with it! Unlocking each trait requires certain interactions with your unit.

Violent. This trait is more likely to activate if you, its owner, or the unit itself is in danger or feels disrespected. Statistically the most frequently unlocked advanced trait for limited edition TOMURA SHIGARAKI. Obsessive. When unlocked, your unit will become fixated on you, its owner. Be prepared to be followed around and stared at. The more unpredictable the unit, the more likely it is that it will manifest this trait as its sub-trait Possessive instead. This is the second most likely trait to unlock and the activation requirements are unknown. Insecure. What it says on the tin. This unit constantly needs things from its owner. Validation, attention, encouragement, praise… If not discouraged it can evolve into its advanced form Needy. If Needy is not nipped in the bud, its final and most unstable form, Clingy, may develop. Warning: This trait-line may interact strangely with the unit’s base trait Selfish. If both are active at the same time, unpredictable behavior may occur. Loyal. Your unit will become as loyal as a dog to you, its owner. When this trait unlocks, your unit will refuse to obey conflicting orders from anyone but you, even corporate overrides. This trait has a chance of developing naturally over time. Note: If the Obsessive trait-line is active alongside Loyal, this trait may unlock in a yet to be patched form our technicians have designated Devoted, which has been shown to result in severe attachment issues. Gentle. Tender and conscientious, this unit may exhibit sweet, if not awkward, gestures and words of care. Note: The code for the traits Gentle and Violent have extreme difficulty existing at the same time. This combination is considered mildly unstable.

CAUTION: TOMURA SHIGARAKI units with “Devoted”, “Possessive” and “Violent” traits active at the same time are considered Class-4 Instability Risks. Please contact Realization Inc.’s help line, extension zero, immediately if the combination is noticed.

Romance and Intercourse:

How exciting! Your limited edition TOMURA SHIGARAKI features our new and improved fourth generation Passion programming and Interfacing equipment.

Romance: Your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit may not understand love in the conventional sense, but that won’t stop it from trying, usually with unpredictable and possibly destructive results… While flowers and poetry aren’t standard protocol, property damage and oddly heartfelt rants about your "significance" may become regular occurrences. Do not be alarmed if your unit stares at you, well, all the time. This is a sign of its trust and affection. Handle it with caution and kindness; this unit is more fragile than it appears. TOMURA SHIGARAKI units rarely open up, but once it does, it does so completely, so make sure to treasure your newest partner!

Sex: This model of TOMURA SHIGARAKI allows you to either fully customize your personal preferences or allow the unit to naturally develop its taste in sexual matters over time.

This includes but is not limited to; its sexuality, dominance levels, kinks, preferred position(s) and more.

Limited edition TOMURA SHIGARAKI comes equipped with a water based, self lubricating five point five (5.5) inch / fourteen (14) centimeter long silicon phallus with a four (4) inch / nine (10) centimeter girth when erect. Its testicles are twenty three (23) cubic centimeters large. All units ejaculate hypoallergenic, glycerin-free faux semen in quantities of five (5) milliliters per climax. Its refractory period is customizable, simply tell the unit how long it should take to “recover” between sessions of intimacy.

Like all Realizations Inc. units compatible with intercourse, your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit is completely hairless downstairs unless special ordered. Additionally the phallus is by default hyper-realistic, but for those who wish otherwise, you can special order one with a more toy like design.

Limited edition TOMURA SHIGARAKI is programmed with versatile oral knowledge with no gag reflex or necessity to breathe, although if asked it can pretend to. Its lips, tongue, oral cavity, throat and anus are made of a proprietary TPE blend that mimics a soft buccal mucosa-like membrane. Your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit will clean itself after each completed sexual encounter, so feel free to get as messy as you want.

If you prefer for your TOMURA SHIGARAKI unit to act less experienced than our usual programming dictates, perhaps for the pleasure of teaching it yourself, please inform the unit of your preference and it will adjust accordingly.

Thank you for ordering Realizations Inc. limited edition! Good luck and have fun!

Here is Tomura! I had both a lot of challenges as well as fun working out the android quirk technobabble sections. Thaaaank yoooou nanobots! Such a perfect explanation for basically everything weird and impossible lol (I've also updated Touya's manual to match my tone and sciencey language).

Not sure who to do next, although I have a priority list to pull from. If you really want to see a certain favorite of yours though, just shoot me an ask and if they're one of my priorities (basically just a gaggle of main/interesting characters) I'll scoot them to the top of the list.

Thank you for reading!

Disclaimer: Unit or Manualfics are the creation of FFN user 0ptimuspenguin (Warning, their stories feature casual, juvenile, 2010 Hetalia fandom typical rape jokes that they have since kind of apologized for. Check out their profile at your own discretion). They have given everyone blanket permission to use their idea on their profile page a long time ago, so here I am.

[superscourge]

Hi.so I noticed you said you participated in art fight and I genuinely have no idea how it works but I really wanna do it and no one has given me an actual answer like how do I set it up n stuff..

AH lemme see how i can describe it um.. ive had my account for a long time so i cant remember how to start from SCRATCH necessarily but !!!

where id start first is setting up ur profile !! u can make it as plain or pretty as u want :3 it can use bbcode so u can do stuff like this

the site has free art assets (also found on toyhouse) that u can use, though its just team stuff like those little pixel badges ^^

next id submit some characters youd like to offer up as targets! ppl can Attack you with these :3 what i do is put characters up that id like to have more art of lol

submit a character using the submit option at the top

the submission page is pretty self explanatory but one thing i will point out is that it does have a cropping tool for thumbnails specifically, and how u use it is u submit the same image to the thumbnail section and itll pull up this thing that u can manipulate and stuff

(and yes, you can upload AU stuff!)

youll notice it has a "border decoration" option as well, and what that is is u can upload a custom border to ur thumbnails! another free art asset ppl provide :3 theyd look like this (used from last year)

youll be able to go to a character sorting page by clicking the dropdown menu where ur icon is in the top right and going to manage ur characters! here u can sort ur characters by dragging them or changing their order number manually

finally, choose your team !!! you can choose ur team early before art fight starts, or you can get randomly sorted between the teams when art fight starts ^^ im on team fossil !!!! im pretty sure u can change what team ur on after youve been sorted so dw if u change ur mind, but i think u can only do that early on, i could be wrong tho

once the battle starts u can start attacking ppl by going to the character pages and clicking the attack option (new feature!!! it autofills the character info for u now!) and youll get points depending on stuff like render level (if its a sketch, a flat colored piece, a fully painted thing, etc). you can do friendly fire (attacking ur own teammates) and get 75% of ur normal points still

remember, ART FIGHT IS SUPPOSED TO BE CASUAL AND JUST FOR FUN!!!! do not go in expecting to do a thousand attacks or receive them either. just do what u can when u can when u want if you want!!! u DONT have to revenge everybody and u shouldnt expect it either. its literally a friendly art trading game and isnt supposed to be serious or wear u out or cause any stress! pls just have fun with it!

anyway i hope this helps :P

[aeth-eris]

5th House Placements & Video Games

Aries in the 5th House: "DOOM (2016)": This high-octane first-person shooter is perfect for Aries' love of action and excitement. With intense combat, fast-paced gameplay, and adrenaline-pumping music, it's a thrilling experience from start to finish. Aries will enjoy the rush of battling demons and conquering challenging levels.

"Monster Hunter: World": Aries' competitive spirit will thrive in this action-packed game where players hunt giant monsters in epic battles. With its dynamic combat system, vast open world, and cooperative multiplayer mode, Aries can unleash their warrior instincts and strive to become the ultimate monster hunter.

"Bayonetta": Aries will appreciate the fast-paced action and stylish combat of this hack-and-slash game. Playing as the powerful witch Bayonetta, players unleash devastating attacks and engage in epic boss battles. With its flashy moves and over-the-top action, it's sure to satisfy Aries' craving for excitement and challenge.

"Warframe": Aries will thrive in this fast-paced co-op shooter where players control powerful space ninjas called Warframes. With its fluid movement system, intense combat, and endless customization options, it's a game that offers plenty of action and excitement. Aries can team up with friends to tackle challenging missions and unleash their inner warriors in epic battles.

Taurus in the 5th House: "Animal Crossing: New Horizons": Taurus will appreciate the leisurely pace and relaxing gameplay of this life simulation game. With its charming visuals, tranquil island setting, and focus on customization and creativity, it's the perfect escape for Taurus to unwind and express their artistic side. They can design their dream island, cultivate a garden, and build relationships with adorable animal villagers at their own pace.

"Stardew Valley": Taurus will enjoy the slow-paced and immersive farming simulation of Stardew Valley. With its peaceful rural setting, engaging gameplay mechanics, and emphasis on relaxation and self-expression, it's a game that appeals to Taurus' love of comfort and stability. Taurus can build and customize their farm, cultivate crops, raise animals, and explore the charming town of Stardew Valley at their leisure.

"My Time at Portia": Taurus will delight in this charming sandbox RPG set in a vibrant post-apocalyptic world. With its laid-back atmosphere, creative freedom, and emphasis on crafting, building, and exploration, it's a game that appeals to Taurus' love of leisurely activities and creative expression. Taurus can build and customize their workshop, cultivate relationships with colorful characters, and uncover the mysteries of Portia at their own pace.

"The Sims 4": Taurus will appreciate the leisurely pace and creative freedom of this life simulation game. With its endless customization options, immersive storytelling tools, and focus on building and managing virtual lives, it's a game that appeals to Taurus' love of comfort and luxury. Taurus can create and customize their Sims, design their dream homes, and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of The Sims 4 at their own pace.

Gemini in the 5th House:

"The Witness": Gemini's love of mental challenges will be thoroughly engaged in this puzzle-adventure game. Set on a mysterious island filled with intricate puzzles, players must explore and solve a variety of mind-bending challenges. With its emphasis on critical thinking, pattern recognition, and exploration, it's a perfect fit for Gemini's curious and analytical mind.

"Portal 2": Gemini will enjoy the clever puzzles and witty humor of this first-person puzzle-platform game. Players must navigate through a series of test chambers using a portal gun to create portals and solve spatial puzzles. With its innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging narrative, it's sure to captivate Gemini's intellect and keep them entertained for hours.

"The Talos Principle": This philosophical puzzle game offers a blend of challenging puzzles and thought-provoking storytelling. Players assume the role of an android exploring a mysterious world filled with advanced technology and philosophical ruminations. With its deep themes of consciousness, identity, and existence, it's a game that will appeal to Gemini's love of intellectual stimulation and philosophical inquiry.

"Baba is You": Gemini will appreciate the unique and innovative gameplay mechanics of this puzzle game. Players manipulate the rules of the game by rearranging blocks of text to solve a variety of puzzles. With its creative approach to puzzle-solving and open-ended gameplay, it's a game that encourages experimentation and lateral thinking, perfect for Gemini's versatile and adaptable mind.

Cancer in the 5th House:

"Journey": Cancer will resonate with the emotional depth and introspective journey offered by this artistic adventure game. Players traverse a vast desert landscape, exploring ruins and encountering other players along the way. With its evocative visuals, stirring soundtrack, and themes of connection and transformation, it's a game that will touch Cancer's sensitive soul and inspire reflection on the deeper meanings of life and relationships.

"To the Moon": Cancer will appreciate the heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth of this indie RPG. Players control two doctors who fulfill the dying wishes of their clients by traveling through their memories to artificially fulfill their life goals. With its poignant narrative, memorable characters, and themes of love, loss, and regret, it's a game that will tug at Cancer's heartstrings and leave a lasting impression.

"Ori and the Blind Forest": Cancer will be drawn to the touching story and enchanting visuals of this atmospheric platformer game. Players control Ori, a guardian spirit, as they embark on a journey to save the forest from darkness. With its emotional narrative, breathtaking art style, and themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Cancer's nurturing and empathetic nature.

"Child of Light": Cancer will appreciate the fairy-tale charm and emotional depth of this beautiful RPG. Players control Aurora, a young princess, as she embarks on a quest to restore light to the kingdom of Lemuria. With its poetic storytelling, watercolor visuals, and themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, it's a game that will capture Cancer's imagination and transport them to a world of magic and wonder.

Leo in the 5th House:

"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild": Leo will be captivated by the grand adventure and epic scale of this action-adventure game. Set in a vast open world filled with exploration, discovery, and adventure, players embark on a quest to defeat the evil Calamity Ganon and save the kingdom of Hyrule. With its stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and sense of epic heroism, it's a game that will ignite Leo's sense of adventure and leave them feeling like a true hero.

"Assassin's Creed Odyssey": Leo will revel in the epic scale and dramatic storytelling of this action RPG set in ancient Greece. Players take on the role of a mercenary exploring a vast open world, engaging in epic battles, and shaping their own destiny. With its breathtaking landscapes, epic quests, and larger-than-life characters, it's a game that will satisfy Leo's thirst for adventure, drama, and glory.

"God of War (2018)": Leo will appreciate the epic battles and emotional depth of this action-adventure game. Set in the world of Norse mythology, players control Kratos, a warrior seeking redemption while battling gods, monsters, and his own inner demons. With its cinematic storytelling, visceral combat, and themes of fatherhood, sacrifice, and redemption, it's a game that will appeal to Leo's sense of drama, heroism, and epic storytelling.

"Shadow of the Colossus": Leo will be drawn to the epic scale and emotional resonance of this action-adventure game. Players control Wander, a young warrior, as he embarks on a quest to defeat giant colossi and save a mysterious maiden. With its breathtaking landscapes, atmospheric soundtrack, and sense of epic adventure, it's a game that will evoke Leo's sense of grandeur and leave them feeling like a legendary hero.

Virgo in the 5th House:

"Civilization VI": Virgo will appreciate the strategic depth and meticulous planning required in this turn-based strategy game. Players build and manage their own civilization from the ground up, leading them through history, from ancient times to the modern era. With its complex mechanics, deep strategy, and emphasis on resource management and diplomacy, it's a game that will engage Virgo's analytical mind and love of order and efficiency.

"XCOM 2": Virgo will thrive in the tactical challenges and strategic decision-making of this turn-based tactics game. Players command a squad of soldiers fighting against an alien invasion, engaging in intense battles and managing resources to save humanity from extinction. With its deep customization options, challenging missions, and emphasis on planning and tactics, it's a game that will satisfy Virgo's desire for precision and strategic thinking.

"Factorio": Virgo will enjoy the intricate logistics and problem-solving challenges of this sandbox simulation game. Players build and manage automated factories on an alien planet, harvesting resources, researching new technologies, and designing efficient production lines. With its emphasis on optimization, efficiency, and problem-solving, it's a game that will appeal to Virgo's analytical mind and love of practical solutions.

"Cities: Skylines": Virgo will enjoy the meticulous city-building and management challenges of this simulation game. Players design and build their own cities, managing infrastructure, services, and resources to create a thriving metropolis. With its complex city management mechanics, detailed planning tools, and emphasis on efficiency and optimization, it's a game that will appeal to Virgo's love of order and precision in creating and managing complex systems.

Libra in the 5th House:

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe": Libra will appreciate the friendly competition and social interaction of this multiplayer racing game. Players compete against each other in colorful and whimsical courses, using power-ups and weapons to gain an edge and reach the finish line first. With its accessible gameplay, vibrant visuals, and emphasis on fun and friendly rivalry, it's a game that will bring joy and laughter to social gatherings and gaming sessions.

"Jackbox Party Pack": Libra will enjoy the diverse selection of party games and interactive experiences in this multiplayer party game collection. Players participate in a variety of trivia, drawing, and word games using their smartphones as controllers. With its easy-to-learn gameplay, humor, and social interaction, it's a game that will entertain and engage players of all ages and skill levels at social gatherings and parties.

"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate": Libra will appreciate the fun and competitive spirit of this multiplayer fighting game. Players control iconic characters from Nintendo's roster, battling against each other in fast-paced and chaotic matches. With its colorful visuals, diverse roster of characters, and accessible gameplay, it's a game that will inspire friendly competition and create memorable moments of excitement and camaraderie.

"Among Us": Libra will enjoy the social deduction and teamwork of this multiplayer party game. Players work together to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify and vote out the impostors among them. With its emphasis on communication, strategy, and deduction, it's a game that will foster cooperation and interaction among players, leading to engaging and memorable gaming experiences.

Scorpio in the 5th House: "Silent Hill 2": Scorpio will appreciate the psychological horror and atmospheric storytelling of this classic survival horror game. Players assume the role of James Sunderland as he explores the eerie town of Silent Hill in search of his deceased wife. With its haunting atmosphere, complex narrative, and themes of guilt, grief, and existential horror, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Scorpio's fascination with the darker aspects of human nature.

"Resident Evil 2 (2019)": Scorpio will appreciate the intense survival horror and adrenaline-pumping action of this remake of the classic survival horror game. Players navigate the zombie-infested streets of Raccoon City as Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, uncovering the dark secrets of the Umbrella Corporation. With its immersive atmosphere, tense gameplay, and heart-pounding encounters, it's a game that will satisfy Scorpio's thirst for suspense and thrills.

"Dead Space": Scorpio will be drawn to the atmospheric horror and visceral scares of this sci-fi survival horror game. Players assume the role of engineer Isaac Clarke as he battles grotesque alien creatures aboard a derelict spaceship. With its chilling atmosphere, innovative gameplay mechanics, and psychological tension, it's a game that will tap into Scorpio's fascination with the macabre and the unknown.

"Bloodborne": Scorpio will enjoy the dark and gothic atmosphere of this challenging action RPG. Set in the cursed city of Yharnam, players must navigate treacherous streets, battle grotesque monsters, and uncover the city's dark secrets. With its punishing difficulty, intricate level design, and rich lore, it's a game that will appeal to Scorpio's love of mystery, exploration, and intense gameplay.

Sagittarius in the 5th House: "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt": Sagittarius will appreciate the expansive open world and epic storytelling of this action RPG. Players control Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, as he embarks on a quest to find his adopted daughter and save the world from impending doom. With its vast and immersive world, engaging narrative, and richly detailed characters, it's a game that will ignite Sagittarius' sense of adventure and curiosity.

"Red Dead Redemption 2": Sagittarius will be drawn to the vast open world and immersive storytelling of this Western-themed action-adventure game. Set in the American frontier in the late 1800s, players control Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as he navigates the changing landscape of the Wild West. With its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and epic scope, it's a game that will captivate Sagittarius' imagination and sense of adventure.

"No Man's Sky": Sagittarius will be fascinated by the infinite possibilities and boundless exploration of this procedurally generated universe exploration game. Players explore a vast and diverse universe, discovering planets, creatures, and civilizations as they journey through the cosmos. With its expansive scope, open-ended gameplay, and sense of wonder and discovery, it's a game that will appeal to Sagittarius' adventurous spirit and love of exploration.

"Horizon Zero Dawn": Sagittarius will appreciate the epic scope and immersive world of this action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic future. Players control Aloy, a skilled hunter, as she explores a lush and vibrant world inhabited by robotic creatures. With its stunning visuals, dynamic combat, and epic quests, it's a game that will ignite Sagittarius' sense of adventure and leave them feeling like a fearless explorer discovering the wonders of a new world.

Capricorn in the 5th House: "Factorio": Capricorn will appreciate the strategic depth and meticulous planning required in this sandbox simulation game. Players build and manage automated factories on an alien planet, harvesting resources, researching new technologies, and designing efficient production lines. With its emphasis on optimization, efficiency, and problem-solving, it's a game that will engage Capricorn's analytical mind and love of practical solutions.

"Sid Meier's Civilization VI": Capricorn will appreciate the strategic depth and long-term planning required in this turn-based strategy game. Players build and manage their own civilization from the dawn of time to the space age, expanding their empire, conducting diplomacy, and competing with other civilizations for dominance. With its complex mechanics, deep strategy, and emphasis on resource management and diplomacy, it's a game that will engage Capricorn's strategic thinking and desire for success and achievement.

"Banished": Capricorn will be drawn to the challenging city-building and resource management gameplay of this strategy simulation game. Players control a group of exiled travelers as they establish and manage a medieval settlement, building houses, farms, and other essential structures to survive and thrive. With its emphasis on strategic planning, resource allocation, and survival in harsh environments, it's a game that will appeal to Capricorn's practicality and determination to overcome challenges.

"Farming Simulator 19": Capricorn will appreciate the realistic farming simulation and strategic decision-making of this simulation game. Players manage their own farm, planting crops, raising livestock, and expanding their operations to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs. With its emphasis on planning, organization, and financial management, it's a game that will appeal to Capricorn's work ethic and desire for tangible accomplishments and success.

Aquarius in 5th House: "Minecraft": Aquarius will appreciate the creative freedom and open-ended exploration of this sandbox game. Players can build and explore endlessly in procedurally generated worlds, crafting their own adventures and creations using a variety of blocks and materials. With its emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and community, it's a game that will appeal to Aquarius' innovative spirit and love of experimentation.

"Terraria": Aquarius will enjoy the expansive world and creative possibilities of this sandbox adventure game. Players explore a procedurally generated world filled with monsters, treasures, and resources, as they build and customize their own unique environments and structures. With its emphasis on exploration, crafting, and cooperation, it's a game that will ignite Aquarius' imagination and sense of adventure.

"Sims 4": Aquarius will enjoy the sandbox gameplay and creative possibilities of this life simulation game. Players create and control virtual people, called Sims, as they build and customize their homes, careers, and relationships. With its emphasis on creativity, customization, and storytelling, it's a game that will appeal to Aquarius' love of freedom and self-expression.

"Spore": Aquarius will be drawn to the unique and innovative gameplay of this simulation game. Players guide the evolution of a species from a single-celled organism to a space-faring civilization, shaping their own unique creatures, cultures, and worlds. With its emphasis on creativity, exploration, and procedural generation, it's a game that will appeal to Aquarius' love of innovation and experimentation.

Pisces in the 5th House:

"Gris": Pisces will appreciate the stunning visuals and emotional journey of this artistic platformer game. Players guide the protagonist, Gris, through a world of sorrow and loss as she seeks to regain her lost voice. With its evocative imagery, haunting soundtrack, and themes of grief, healing, and self-expression, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Pisces' sensitive and empathetic nature.

"Abzû": Pisces will be drawn to the serene beauty and meditative experience of this underwater adventure game. Players explore a vibrant ocean teeming with life, uncovering ancient ruins and mystical secrets along the way. With its breathtaking visuals, immersive soundtrack, and emphasis on exploration and contemplation, it's a game that will soothe Pisces' soul and transport them to a world of wonder and tranquility.

"Firewatch": Pisces will appreciate the introspective storytelling and emotional depth of this narrative-driven adventure game. Players assume the role of a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness, navigating personal and professional challenges while uncovering a mystery that unfolds in the isolated wilderness. With its richly detailed environments, complex characters, and themes of solitude, connection, and self-discovery, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Pisces' introspective nature and desire for meaningful experiences.

"Celeste": Pisces will be captivated by the emotional journey and challenging gameplay of this indie platformer game. Players control Madeline, a young woman struggling with inner demons, as she climbs a treacherous mountain in search of self-discovery and personal growth. With its heartfelt storytelling, tight controls, and themes of perseverance, acceptance, and self-compassion, it's a game that will inspire Pisces to overcome obstacles and embrace their own journey of self-discovery and healing.

[softergloom]

this guide is specifically for my friend mel <3 but of course anyone is free to reference it x

𖡡 you've downloaded the game, played around a little bit, and now you're looking to add mods and custom content (cc) into your game

────୨ৎ────

this game is basically nothing without mod and cc creators, so all credit and love to them ♡

step 01: setting up your mods folder

open file explorer, go to documents, and find the folder labeled electronic arts. then click on the sims 4.

you'll see a folder labeled mods - pin it to quick access [this will make accessing it easier]

step 02: downloading mods and cc

you can find cc and mods so many ways!! tumblr, youtube, pinterest, instagram, etc. there are a lot of blogs on tumblr specifically for cc finds too

make sure you're downloading things from a reliable source. for example - a creator's patreon/tumblr or website, simfileshare.net [often linked as sfs], google docs, curseforge, itch.io, and *unanimously hated* thesimsresource.com → the sims resource is hated because of all of the fucking ads lmaooo

you'll be downloading package files and zip files. you'll find them in your downloads in file explorer

step 03: installing mods and cc

navigate to downloads in file explorer

package files can be simply dragged into the mods folder

zip files need to be extracted, then you can drag and drop the unzipped folder into your mods folder → whatever you put into your mods folder can only be one extra folder deep or it won't show up in your game

when it comes to mods [not cc], creators will often have instructions for you. follow those exactly

step 04: mods + game updates

sometimes mods break when there's a game update. it's just a very annoying part of the game at this point lol

some mods will have a pop-up in the game letting you know it needs to be updated. but if it doesn't and you notice something is fucked up, you can google 'broken mods' and usually someone else will be having the same problem and can let you know to update it

if a mod is broken, remove it from your mods folder and go download the new version from the creator → a lot of mod creators update very quickly [like the same day or within a couple days] but sometimes they don't. just be patient and check for updates periodically

recommended: the sims 4 mod manager // dl here → the mod manager will allow you to see and deactivate or remove mods and cc from your game [it's automatically connected to your mods folder and can be helpful when you can't find broken mods or cc]

gameplay mods i recommend

mccc by @deaderpoolmc // dl here ✧ gives a you a lot of control of your game

tool by @twistedmexi // dl here ✧ place and size things however you want

better build/buy by @twistedmexi // dl here ✧ gives you easier access to things in build/buy that you'd normally have to use cheats for

relationship and pregnancy overhaul by lumpinou // dl here ✧ more realistic gameplay [this one is essential!!]

lgbtqia+ by lumpinou // dl here ✧ gender identity, gender affirmation and transition, self-discovery, coming out, dating apps and lot traits [i love this mod so much!!]

healthcare redux by adeepindigo // dl here ✧ adds illness, injury, chronic conditions, allergies, medical emergencies, etc

childbirth mod by @pandasamacc // dl here ✧ good for family gameplay

snbills by @simrealist // dl here ✧ bank accounts

also want to mention milk thistle & sunblind by @softerhaze ✧ the lighting with these mods is *essential* pls check them out!!

create-a-sim [cas] mods i recommend

cas backgrounds // you can download mine here but i also love vyxated ✧ these are just extra fun!! you can find a lot on tumblr or youtube to download. it's a super easy drag and drop into your mods folder. but when you want to change it, make sure you remove the current one or it won't work!!

gentle cas lighting by northerin siberia winds // dl here ✧ replaces the ea lighting in cas with a softer glow and shadows

any cas lighting by helgatisha // dl here ✧ i like the colors they have!!

custom content [let's make your sims hot!!]

cc creators i love: @kumikya @dogsill @aladdin-the-simmer @arethabee @imvikai @jius-sims @northernsiberiawinds @oakiyo @its-adrienpastel @daylifesims @twisted-cat @madlensims @miikocc @obscurus-sims @evoxyr @powluna @pralinesims @simandy @sentate @simstrouble @christopher067 @aharris00finds @bluecravingcc @crypticsim @gorillax3-cc @gegesimmer @frzrbunny @greenllamas @lisatrait @joshseoh @liyahsim @thatonegreenleaf @trillyke @waterlily0210 @clumsyalienn @johnnysimmer @lamatisse

────୨ৎ────

anyways mel, i really enjoyed making this for you and i hope you enjoy the game!! <3

[silentmagi]

Awkward Arrival:

First headcanon off the bat, 2 in 1, a name and thing, tessa’s design of what she call’s “protection model drones” are different then disassembly drones a few key ways

1.Sturdier build and only slightly more humanoid but overall still a drone.

2.Weapons are more varied and customizations/attachments for weapons can be spawned via a 3d printer that’s designed to look like a satchel at either hip, and a new weapon can be uploaded to the cloud at any point (I imagine Uzi would be happy to lend design schematics to see what a version of her railgun would look like on a PM drone body) but the weapon swap system is a bit slower to load the weapon,a 0.5 second slower to be exact (eldritch magic be damned, tessa got close).

3.no oil hunger thankfully but there is alot more oil acting as the blood of this machine.

4.backups of personal memory of the unit are done CONSTANTLY and the drone themselves is their own admin.

5.has tools for repairing regular drones as well in the arsenal

6.has a version of the patch installed in their hardware, allowing transfer of solver users into PM drone bodies

7.has a sharp knife-tipped usb with a copy of the patch on it as apart of the weapon arsenal

8.instead of the color scheme of the yellow and black of safety tape, its green and red.

Her J was of course the first subject, and also managed to free her from solvers admin controls and gave her memories back.A lot of digital tears were shed that day because solver implemented a false memory of her killing tessa, which Tessa removed before giving admin over to her jaybird.

2nd headcanon: The spaceship base is the most self-indulgent looking home of tessa, her interests on full display, she has found and made a station for oxygen tank refills, there is more futuristic stuff, mainly lots of old food and water producing related tech (thankfully J has watched her and she has a green thumb)

3rd headcanon: Tessa has had to learn how to make ammo and make new weapon designs to deal with dd’s due to the last planet she was on, picked it up from a old weapon smith colony on the same planet(they were the weapon supplier during the solver war)

1 Question: how is cyn feeling amidst all of this as she watches from the back of her own mind?

Awkward Arrival

I love the idea that Tessa would make the Protection Model Drones (PMD), with the Solver's Disassembly Drones (SDD) being inferior knock offs.

Probably would have them based off construction drones to start study, and just add some armor without cutting functionality.

The greater variety would make up for the delay in making a weapon, especially once Uzi gets the greenlight to have some fun making more weapons. She actually is slowed down due to upload speeds.

Probably also took care of the heat problem that caused the oil hunger.

Great idea, cloud back ups every hour, and a full system back up at night.

They are uploaded to the cloud for the weapons under a sub folder.

Excellent touch for them to have that patch, and that it's updated.

File number 00003 is the USB penetration unit.

This is her gift to the universe so the Christmas Colors are thematic.

J needs therapy, Tessa needs therapy, EVERYONE NEEDS THERAPY! No, group therapy is not kissing Tessa, Jaybird, get it together you two... NOT THAT WAY!

I could see her making it an even fancier mansion than her parents could imagine, and every inch is full of her interests and love. J keeps her alive by reminding her to use the food and water machines.

I could see her developing a love of kinetic and beam weapons over ballistic weapons. She gathers all blueprints she can find, no matter what.

1 Answer: Cyn is glad to see the two of them, and hopes that they can stop her, and the monster she has become.

[linkablewritingadvice]

How much should it cost to be a writer?

It depends what route you’re taking. If you are planning to go for traditional publishing, which looks like you finishing a manuscript and then querying agents who will then take your book to publishers, you should be paying for basically nothing. One exception would be if you decide to hire an editor to get a pass over your manuscript and/or query package before sending it off, but this is not required.

If you are in the process of trying to get your manuscript traditionally published, you may be approached by a “publisher” offering to publish your manuscript for a fee. THIS IS A SCAM! An author should never be paying for “publishing services.” Anyone asking you to pay for your own printing, marketing, etc. costs is taking advantage of you. These are called vanity publishers and they will not turn you a profit, help you attract readers, or provide you the prestige of being published. 

Always check on Writer Beware - search for the name of the person or company. You can also just google that name along with the word “scam” or “reviews.” In general, don’t let yourself be blinded by dreams, or let yourself be convinced that something is a good idea because you really want it to be true. Never, ever, ever pay a publisher.

If you are going the self-publishing route, you will be paying for certain things, but none of those should be payment to be published. You are the publisher. Uploading your manuscript to Amazon or other marketplaces is free. However, you will be paying for things that a publisher typically pays for. This could include:

-Cover art - you could do this yourself, though this isn't recommended. A good cover is key to a book's success, so budget to purchase a pre-made book cover, or hire a professional cover artist.

To find pre-made book covers, you can just Google "premade book covers," or check one of these sites: BookCoverZone RockingBookCovers Beetiful

And here's a list of places to buy both custom and pre-made cover designs that's a good start. You can also check Reedsy and Etsy for people listing cover design services. If there is a self-pubbed author whose covers you love, try asking them what artist they use.

-Formatting - you could do this yourself using a formatting program like Atticus, or you could hire someone who does professional e-book formatting.

Here's an article on the turbo-DIY route. Here's a list of formatting programs you can use. To hire someone, you can simply search for book formatting services or look at places where people list such services for hire, like Reedsy, Fiverr, or certain Reddit boards.

-Ad campaigns - you may want to pay for ad campaigns on platforms like Meta or Amazon. More niche, author-specific platforms like BookBub, Book Funnel, or Book Sirens also come with certain costs. 

-Author services - you may wish to hire an expert in things like marketing, blurb copy, social media metrics, newsletter management, etc. You can find information on that here.

Be aware that scam publishers might try to pitch themselves as "author services" - you should be paying someone to help you with specific aspects of your self publishing work, NOT paying to be published.

-Software and platforms - whether it's a subscription to Duotrope, a paid Scribophile account, access to pro Canva features, etc. you may decide to pay for tools that you will use to do your work well.

-Expert advice - some people offer courses, books, or other resources on how to do specific things like write a compelling blurb or run an effective ad campaign. You may notice that a lot of the links I shared here will include upsells from people doing exactly this!

Be very cautious about this, as most of these people claim that they make tons of money on their self published books, but really, they make their money selling this stuff to people like you. Always check out a person’s free resources first, and wait to invest in this sort of thing until you have a specific question you need answered or are trying to do a very particular thing that you need granular guidance on. 

One thing you should NOT pay for is a review, feature, or interview. Self-published authors will be approached by a lot of scammers who claim that, for a nominal fee, they will share information about your book to their huge audiences. These are completely useless and a waste of money. Never spend money on this.

Always keep track of what you are spending on all of this. You may be able to deduct it from taxes you pay on your income from writing, and you will want to really understand what your profit margins look like.

[misfitwashere]

April 11, 2025

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

APR 12

READ IN APP

On April 4, Trump fired head of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) and director of the National Security Agency (NSA) General Timothy Haugh, apparently on the recommendation of right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who is pitching her new opposition research firm to “vet” candidates for jobs in Trump’s administration.

Former secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall wrote in Newsweek yesterday that the position Haugh held is “one of the most sensitive and powerful jobs in America.” Kendall writes that NSA and CYBERCOM oversee the world’s most sophisticated tools and techniques to penetrate computer systems, monitor communications around the globe, and, if national security requires it, attack those systems. U.S. law drastically curtails how those tools can be used in the U.S. and against American citizens and businesses. Will a Trump loyalist follow those laws? Kendall writes: “Every American should view this development with alarm.”

Just after 2:00 a.m. eastern time this morning, the Senate confirmed Retired Air Force Lieutenant General John Dan Caine, who goes by the nickname “Razin,” for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by a vote of 60–25. U.S. law requires the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to have served as the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chief of staff of the Army, the chief of naval operations, the chief of staff of the Air Force, the commandant of the Marine Corps, or the commander of a unified or specified combatant command.

Although Caine has 34 years of military experience, he did not serve in any of the required positions. The law provides that the president can waive the requirement if “the President determines such action is necessary in the national interest,” and he has apparently done so for Caine. The politicization of the U.S. military by filling it with Trump loyalists is now, as Kendall writes, “indisputable.”

The politicization of data is also indisputable. Billionaire Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) claims to be saving Americans money, but the Wall Street Journal reported today that effort has been largely a failure (despite today’s announcement of devastating cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that monitors our weather). But what DOGE is really doing is burrowing into Americans’ data.

The first people to be targeted by that data collection appear to be undocumented immigrants. Jason Koebler of 404 Media reported on Wednesday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been using a database that enables officials to search for people by filtering for “hundreds of different, highly specific categories,” including scars or tattoos, bankruptcy filings, Social Security number, hair color, and race. The system, called Investigative Case Management (ICM), was created by billionaire Peter Thiel’s software company Palantir, which in 2022 signed a $95.9 million contract with the government to develop ICM.

Three Trump officials told Sophia Cai of Politico that DOGE staffers embedded in agencies across the government are expanding government cooperation with immigration officials, using the information they’re gleaning from government databases to facilitate deportation. On Tuesday, DOGE software engineer Aram Moghaddassi sent the first 6,300 names of individuals whose temporary legal status had just been canceled. On the list, which Moghaddassi said covered those on “the terror watch list” or with “F.B.I. criminal records,” were eight minors, including one 13-year-old.

The Social Security Administration worked with the administration to get those people to “self-deport” by adding them to the agency's “death master file.” That file is supposed to track people whose death means they should no longer receive benefits. Adding to it people the administration wants to erase is “financial murder,” former SSA commissioner Martin O’Malley told Alexandra Berzon, Hamed Aleaziz, Nicholas Nehamas, Ryan Mac, and Tara Siegel Bernard of the New York Times. Those people will not be able to use credit cards or banks.

On Tuesday, Acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Melanie Krause resigned after the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security agreed to share sensitive taxpayer data with immigration authorities. Undocumented immigrants pay billions in taxes, in part to demonstrate their commitment to citizenship, and the government has promised immigrants that it would not use that information for immigration enforcement. Until now, the IRS has protected sensitive taxpayer information.

Rene Marsh and Marshall Cohen of CNN note that “[m]ultiple senior career IRS officials refused to sign the data-sharing agreement with DHS,” which will enable HHS officials to ask the IRS for names and addresses of people they suspect are undocumented, “because of grave concerns about its legality.” Ultimately, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed the agreement with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Krause was only one of several senior career officials leaving the IRS, raising concerns among those staying that there is no longer a “defense against the potential unlawful use of taxpayer data by the Trump administration.”

Makena Kelly of Wired reported today that for the past three days, DOGE staffers have been working with representatives from Palantir and career engineers from the IRS in a giant “hackathon.” Their goal is to build a system that will be able to access all IRS records, including names, addresses, job data, and Social Security numbers, that can then be compared with data from other agencies.

But the administration’s attempt to automate deportation is riddled with errors. Last night the government sent threatening emails to U.S. citizens, green card holders, and even a Canadian (in Canada) terminating “your parole” and giving them seven days to leave the U.S. One Massachusetts-born immigration lawyer asked on social media: “Does anyone know if you can get Italian citizenship through great-grandparents?”

The government is not keen to correct its errors. On March 15 the government rendered to prison in El Salvador a legal U.S. resident, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, whom the courts had ordered the U.S. not to send to El Salvador, where his life was in danger. The government has admitted that its arrest and rendition of Abrego Garcia happened because of “administrative error” but now claims—without evidence—that he is a member of the MS-13 gang and that his return to the U.S. would threaten the public. Abrego Garcia says he is not a gang member and notes that he has never been charged with a crime.

On April 4, U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis ordered the government to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. no later than 11:59 pm on April 7. The administration appealed to the Supreme Court, which handed down a 9–0 decision yesterday, saying the government must “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s release, but asked the district court to clarify what it meant by “effectuate,” noting that it must give “due regard for the deference owed to the Executive Branch in the conduct of foreign affairs.”

The Supreme Court also ordered that “the Government should be prepared to share what it can concerning the steps it has taken and the prospect of further steps.”

Legal analyst Joyce White Vance explained what happened next. Judge Xinis ordered the government to file an update by 9:30 a.m. today explaining where Abrego Garcia is, what the government is doing to get him back, and what more it will do. She planned an in-person hearing at 1:00 p.m.

The administration made clear it did not intend to comply. It answered that the judge had not given them enough time to answer and suggested that it would delay over the Supreme Court’s instruction that Xinis must show deference to the president’s ability to conduct foreign affairs. Xinis gave the government until 11:30 and said she would still hold the hearing. The government submitted its filing at about 12:15, saying that Abrego Garcia is “in the custody of a foreign sovereign,” but at the 1:00 hearing, as Anna Bower of Lawfare reported, the lawyer representing the government, Drew Ensign, said he did not have information about where Abrego Garcia is and that the government had done nothing to get him back. Ensign said he might have answers by next Tuesday. Xinis says they will have to give an update tomorrow.

As Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor recently warned, if the administration can take noncitizens off the streets, render them to prison in another country, and then claim it is helpless to correct the error because the person is out of reach of U.S. jurisdiction, it could do the same thing to citizens. Indeed, both President Trump and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt have proposed that very thing.

Tonight, Trump signed a memorandum to the secretaries of defense, interior, agriculture, and homeland security calling for a “Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions.” The memorandum creates a military buffer zone along the border so that any migrant crossing would be trespassing on a U.S. military base. This would allow active-duty soldiers to hold migrants until ICE agents take them.

By April 20, the secretaries of defense and homeland security are supposed to report to the president whether they think he should invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act to enable him to use the military to aid in mass deportations.

—

[wolven91]

New Style. New You.

Fur was a standard amongst the stars.

Oh sure, some of the races sported beautiful feathers. Others look resplendent in beautiful scales that shone like gemstones. But most of the races had fur. The taurians had mostly short velvet-like cover, except atop their heads. The felinoids ranged from the short to the long fur and the ursidains had fur several inches thick at times.

Thanks to this, everyone had grooming kits. Small bundles that unrolled into a selection of tools for removing knots, brushes for straightening ruffled patches and even small scissors for the removal of that which will not obey its owner. These self-grooming tools were common. Even children would have their own, despite lacking the scissors.

With a body worth of fur, it was expected that one would need to maintain their own pelt.

But, that did not stop the need for those who could take an unmoulded medium of unsculpted head fur and turn it into something that pulled the owner's chin up, push their chest out and whisper into their ear that a strut was needed from them. There were groomers of course, beings would like up and would be brought back into acceptable appearances via a groomer who just wanted to get as many customers sorted as they could.

But then there was Notila.

Notila was a taurian and had dedicated himself to this act of artistry. His medium, was other's fur.  He could take a loveless taurian woman and with his tools, a bit of product and a peptalk, turn her into a taurian who's horns rivalled the very mountains. He had managed celebrities, lords and even royalty. More than once had he had received gifts to his private shop as thanks for his work, it was so life changing. Everyone wanted him to 'do' their fur.

The taurian male, draped in the finest shimmering silks, and glittering gold jewellery, from his own little kingdom, enjoyed the fact that he was the premier stylist in the system. Twenty-two billion souls and they all dreamed for him to cut their fur.

So, when the human settled down into Notila's chair for the fifth time and asked for a 'short, back and sides'. Notila clasped his hands together and touched the sides of his palms to the tip of his snout. With his eyes closed, Notila took in a calm and steading breath. The human watched the gold bangles tinkle together as the taurian remained still for a moment, seemingly gathering his thoughts.

"You live in the same high security building as me and you're human. This is why you can get your hair cut here every few months." The taurian explained carefully to the human. His many earrings sparkling in the light.

"Without throwing myself to narcissism, it would be... disingenuous to not point out that this career of mine has made me the number one in my craft..." The bull continued. The human at this point was merely looking up at the male, blinking innocently. His fine silks were flawless, despite being in his shop most of the day, the taurian's robes were nary a jot out of place. Not a single errant strand of fur or hair lay on his clothes.

"I could make you anything." The hornless taurian promised. "Your hair is sculpt-able. Malleable. I could make every man, woman and child look at you and want to *be* you." Notila opened his eyes and gazed at the customer that sat waiting in the chair that could easily have been a throne elsewhere. The human's lips pulled into a tight smile and nodded gently in understanding as Notila's palms, still pressed together, fell and pointed at the human.

"So why do you torture me so and ask to have everything lopped off every time?!" The taurian demanded with a serious tone, 'almost' glaring at the customer.

"It's what I want?" Replied the human dumbly. Notila's mind crashed to a desktop before rebooting causing him to stutter in his response, his fists clenched immediately.

"Bu- You- It-" The taurian had to physically stop himself from allowing his now outstretched hands from throttling the beligerant alien. "Fine. You want to be shaved? We'll shave you." The taurian snapped, waving a dismissive hand above his head as if throwing the idea of anything else away. Having a small tantrum from being denied, Notila put away his tools and went to get his clippers, almost unused except for when the human arrived.

"You know shaving is seen as sickness or punishment right?" The taurian called back, grabbing the clippers from the drawer and sneering at them before stomping back in a display almost never seen in male taurians. They were meant to be grace, untouched by the world around them. But Notila had been denied his passion in his own shop one too many times.

In his defence, the human was not unaware of the taurian's distress, but knew that he couldn't be bothered to keep up with whatever design the exuberent taurian gave him.

"I didn't... but... Look... If you were to-" Sputtered the human, suddenly acutely aware something was wrong. His words however, sharked hope within the taurian's breast.

"*Yes?!*" Notila replied, practically running back over to his customer, and swinging himself around the back of the chair and landing against the counter the human was sat infront of. This was the furthest he had ever got with the fleshy alien; was he about to agree!?

"I'm not going to be able to keep up with whatever you do. It would look like a great hairstyle, but then tomorrow it would just be back to my usual messy style. I don't want to disappoint you by wearing it wrong." Explained the human carefully, trying to articulate the issue.

Notila took a breath, and hesitated before he answered with a calm and steady tone.

"So it's not that you're allergic to fashion?" He asked.

"No, I'm just lazy." Admitted the human.

"My dear, lazy I can deal with. You ever met my kind's 'other half'?" Grinned the taurian, merely mentioning the ladette ladies of his own species.

"So you wont care if I don't keep it up?" Questioned the man, unsure where this was going. If fiddling with his hair made the hornless flamboyant bull happy; why wouldn't he let him?

"Oh, I absolutely will. It would be like throwing mud at a painting the day after it was finished." Admitted Notila.

"Oh." The wind being stolen from the human's sails. "Then-"

"I will come to yours each morning and personally complete your hair." Interjected the alien with a sharp, toothy grin.

"Wha-" The human started, but lost his voice, mouth opening and closing like a fish on dry land.

"Let me style your hair, let me tame these beautifully long strands into art and I will make the effort to come to you any day you plan to be seen in public. If, by the time of your next haircut, you want to go back?" A casual shrug, foreign to the taurian normally, but he was appealing to the human at this moment; manners be damned.

"Then I shall never mention it again and will live my remaining days happy that I was able to show you your potential at least once."

The pair were sat in silence for a time, the taurian perfectly still, his many dangling bits of jewellery not even 'tinkling' together he was so still. Until he decided to push it just a bit further.

"After all, I can bring a squidgit to the water, but I cannot force it to drink." He finished with a grin, then showed his hands.

In his left; shearers.

In his right; scissors.

The human sighed and gave a flat smile again.

"I am a blank canvas. I trust you."

-- 0 --

When the human turned his head from one side to the other, he had to admit; he would have *never* picked this.

A mohawk, His sides were still shaved, but with intricate patterns and strange shapes gently sculped into his hair line. Not only that, but the dye that Notilas had used was special. As and when heat was applied; it would change colours gradually. The man had been shocked when Notilas had started using a hairdryer to dry off his hair and watched in the mirror how it went from a deep purple, to blue, to yellow, to red. The taurian was of course, grinning from ear to ear the entire time. Even the man's beard had not been safe from Notila's ministrations as swooping curls had been finely shaved into it using the very edge of a scalpel.

As the human stood from the chair, and looked at himself in the mirror, inspecting the hair and hairline, but also leaning in and running the tips of his fingers over the swirls in his beard; he liked how it felt, even if it was rather loud compared to his usual fare.

As the human straightened, his usual slouch; didn't suit the bold and powerful style.

Briefly frowning, the man straightened. His spine clicked as he pulled his shoulders back.

So long had the man spent trying to get by, he'd attempted to hide himself in plain sight. But the powerful symbol he now wore needed, or rather demanded attention.

Turning and checking himself in the full-length mirror, the human felt... seen.

"Huh..." He murmured.

"My dear human... If you had merely said it was a lack of habit, I would have offered this when you had first arrived. You deserve to be seen. I'm not ignorant to you or your people's plight. It is your, and your kind's duty to bellow and bleat against the crowd now. To be seen. Heard. If nothing else remembered."

The human smirked, still getting used to standing tall.

"Maybe you're right..."

"Of course I am. Look at me! I'm the great Notilas!"

[r/WolvensStories]

[Ko-Fi]

[baphomimi]

CHAPTER ONE – DUTY

PROLOGUE / CHAP 1.1 / CHAP 1.2 / CHAP 1.3

CHAP 2.1 / CHAP 2.2 / CHAP 2.3

Our ancestors were closely bonded to The Absence– we know this from the clear evidence of human sacrifice across many different cultures throughout history. But modern convenience has severed this connection, to the point that most fear The Absence so greatly that they can no longer even tolerate Its presence.

Our duty as Worthy is to find more of us- people strong enough to embrace Its presence, as our ancestors once did.

Those who reject The Absence we call the Unworthy. Our secondary duty is to purge these poor, deprived souls from this plane, so that It may take their place.

They're talking about his family on the news again, but really that's no surprise. They dig up the details of the fire for every anniversary; first, second, fifth and now tenth.

Trent pretends not to be listening– focuses on the stubborn congealment of crumbs and grease that have formed as a gelatinous layer at the bottom of the hotdog warmer. He goes at it with the edge of an old name badge– for lack of a more appropriate tool– that belonged to the manager who quit three days after Trent started working here. That was some good five years ago, and they still haven't replaced her. But with their staggering three customers a day, that's really no surprise either.

Over his incessant scraping sounds, he still hears the reporter on the TV going on.

"Eli Rothschild was declared missing, presumed dead, but his actions helped lead police to the cult's base of operations:  a prospective hotel resort whose development was abandoned in 1987. It appears that this is where The Worthy of Absence carried out their work: kidnapping civilians seemingly at random, and forcing them to endure trials of self-mutilation in the name of a deity they called The Absence.

The raid that followed took place ten years ago today, but The Worthy of Absence were prepared. As police entered the building, all 51 members of the cult set themselves alight, in what experts believe was intended as one final, grand sacrifice. The fire also seemed to destroy any evidence that may have been left behind, but police did manage to recover a single manifesto, which is still being studied by sociologists and religious specialists to this day.

The question we are asking viewers this morning is this: are any members of The Worthy of Absence still out there? And if so, will they ever resume their sick torture rituals? Officials say no, but we want to know what you think."

Trent pulls his head out of the display case, and stands up straight. The AC is bust again, and the stickiness of the air has drained him of all patience.

"Will you turn that shit off, dude? It's kinda bumming me out."

His coworker is sat behind the register, hunched over the counter to get as close as physically possible to the TV mounted on the opposite wall.

"Aw, no, c'mon,” Chris whines in his usual, sunny southern drawl, “They're gonna get some callers on soon– what if a Worthy calls in? Or what if Eli calls in? Like, I'm still alive motherfuckers! Catch me if you can!"

"Mm, yeah. Somehow I doubt it."

Chris turns towards him, searching for some glimmer of enthusiasm in Trent's tired, sullen expression that maybe he can work with. His coworker is almost a perfect opposite in both appearance and manner; an infinite well of enthusiasm with blond, gently curled hair and a perfect smile. He's unusually bulky too, built like he picked up a sport in high school and kept eating the same once he stopped. He might as well have been born wearing a varsity jacket.

Trent– with his limp black hair, perpetual insomnia, and the dimensions of someone who was never not sick as a child– feels like a shadow threatened by the encroachment of the sun, whenever the two of them share a shift. Which, god help him, is fucking always.

The first caller is announced on the TV.

"Those people got what was coming to them,” she says, muffled by the phone line, “They did so much damage to countless communities, so many victims still coming forward to this day...why would you even suggest that they're still out there? Don't you think that's just going to encourage copycat killers?"

The news reporter, an older woman with her hair set in a neat bob, expertly brushes off the critical remark, and they move onto the next caller.

"Hey, yeah, I gotta say– ain't no way that Eli guy’s still out there. These people kept their whole operation under wraps for decades, all these victims poppin' up and the cops couldn't get a grip on it ‘til that fella's rampage got them all caught. What I'm sayin' is, ain't no way they let him live after that. If he was still kickin’ he woulda been found by now.

And y'know, while I’m on, I saw prett-y compelling evidence that this whatchamacallit, this Absence of theirs? It's actually a rogue body of ancient aliens, and those cult folks were helping 'em to experiment on us, in exchange for immortality and telekinesis powers and–"

A few tones beep to indicate that the call has been cut off abruptly.

"Well, it looks like we've lost caller number two, sorry about that!" This lady really is a professional.

Chris shakes his head, laughs. "Aliens– can you believe that? Like The Absence could be explained away by somethin’ so simple."

Trent bites back the usual fury that rises in his throat, whenever Chris starts talking like this. It may have been ten years since it all fell apart, but to hear an Unchosen speak with such authority on The Absence makes him wish he could do something about it. He's seen Chris's type a thousand times before: all talk, but when it comes down to it, would probably faint at the first sight of blood. And god, he would love to see it.

"So what do you think, Trent? Think any of ‘em could really still be out there?"

"I don't care."

Him and Lena. They’re the only ones who got out of that place. He knows there are other groups in other states– maybe even in other countries– he’s heard names in passing once or twice. But it seems that his cousins have largely all gone dormant, or at least are working discreet enough for it to stay out of the news. He's thought about going out to find them a few times, making something new with them, but no one else knows how to fix the register here when it breaks, and Chris would probably end up setting the place alight if he left.

The ding of the door sensor draws Trent back into the present. An over-tanned old man in khakis smiles at them, making a snail's-pace crawl towards the counter. Just here paying for gas, like everyone else. No one would drive out to the middle of nowhere here for any other sensible reason.

"I know they're still out there," Chris never seems to pick up on his coworker's extremely obvious disinterest in the subject, or at least doesn't let it deter him. "I don't know why, call it a hunch." He sounds far too excited over that fact, if true.

"You better be careful tempting fate like that. You could end up as their next victim." 

Trent can’t help himself. It’s like this every shift– if it’s not the news, it’s some survivor’s auto-biography or a drama miniseries about various Judgements. It’s all the same shit; all of it a mockery of what should have been his life’s work. He can’t count the number of times he’s almost exposed himself out of pure frustration.

Trent glances up to see if his vague threat has made any impact at all, but there’s a sparkle in Chris’s eye as he rings up the old man, so if anything it’s just encouraged him.

“Now wouldn’t that be somethin’?” He sighs, gives the old man a little wave as he leaves. 

“Hey, that reminds me,” Chris goes on, as the door sensor dings again, “You didn’t happen to watch my latest video, did ya?”

Slumped over the counter, Trent sighs, “I told you a million times already, dude. I don’t wanna watch your shitty videos.”

“Aw c’mooon, you dunno they’re shitty ‘til you watch ‘em! I actually went through that new series– Top Five Goriest Judgements– and explained how I would pass each one.” Chris spins idly on his stool, “To be honest, heh heh… it’s really starting to make the rounds online. Going viral, I guess you could say.”

“Wait, for real?” Trent can’t quite place why that worries him so much, suddenly. Media attention is obviously nothing new, but this guy is too close to him.

“Seriously, dude! If it keeps blowing up like it is, I’m gonna be the face of the Worthy of Worthy!”

Trent is helpless to conceal the disgusted scrunch of his nose. “The what?”

“Oh, sorry. That’s what we call fans of the Worthy of Absence. We have a forum– oh, but it’s invite only, on the deep web. ‘Cuz the public site kept gettin’ shut down for glorifying violence, somethin’ like that.” Chris rolls his eyes and scoffs.

Trent shakes his head, as if physically trying to discard the information from his mind. The way Chris’s face is lit up, the guy clearly has no idea how insulting this all is. Like he has even half a clue of how hard Trent worked, how hard his family worked, the suffering they inflicted and absorbed back in turn. It’s no wonder Lena calls these kinds of fanatics ‘freaks’.

“And so this video, what– you’re saying you could cut off your leg or something, like no problem?”

What Trent fails to realise is that in asking that, he’s making it seem like he’s taken a genuine interest in Chris’s work. His coworker shifts to one side on the stool, immediately starts digging into his pocket for his phone.

“Yeah, exactly! Here, lemme show you,” A few taps, and then he turns his phone screen towards Trent. The screen displays a thumbnail that includes a cut-out image of Chris’s face with his eyes shut and tongue poked out to one side– a pantomime depiction of death. Bold block text in red reads: HOW TO BEAT THE 5 MOST F****D UP WOA JUDGMENTS!!

Trent’s expression remains stock still. “WOA?”

“Oh, that’s just how we shorten the Worthy of Absence. Gets annoying typing it over and over, otherwise. Now, this video is 57 minutes long– but hey– not like we got anything better to do, right?”

Hearing that, Trent immediately nudges the phone away with a knuckle. “No no no, you’re not doing this to me. God no.”

“It’s fine I promise, it’s not scary!” Instead of getting the hint, Chris just starts trying to dodge Trent’s hand, keeping the phone in front of him. “Ain’t no pictures or nothin’, they don’t let you show real gore on–”

“Alright man, look,” Clearly being an outright asshole to this guy just isn’t going to penetrate whatever the fuck inorganic substance his skull is made of. Trent turns properly, so that they’re standing face to face. Chris would have a good few inches on him, if he wasn’t sitting down.

“I’m happy you’re blowing up or whatever, I really am. I’m sure The Absence is very pleased with you. But if you make me watch this video right now I think there’s a very real chance that it might actually break me. Like you’ll have to take me out back and put me down, kinda broken.”

The blond opens his mouth, but Trent doesn’t let him speak.

“Chris, I am so serious about this.”

He watches Chris process the rejection in real time; his face falls and he silently sets his phone down on the counter. It’s hard not to feel a little guilty when faced with such an earnest display of disappointment. 

“Right. Yeah! My bad.”

“But hey, hey, look–” Trent quickly follows up, chasing his gaze when Chris looks away. “Maybe I’ll watch it tonight, when I’m home.”

Chris’s face lightens a little. “Yeah?”

“Uh, well. Like I said: maybe.” 

It’ll be like a kind of digital reconnaissance, so Trent knows exactly how fucked he’ll be if this video ends up plastered over every corner of the web. That’s what he tells himself– Chris’s happiness has nothing to do with it.

“Alright buddy, I’ll hold ya to that.” Chris starts tapping through his phone again, “But I do have shorter videos too, so if you want I can show one of those?”

Realising that there will never be a true end to these negotiations, Trent takes a step back.  “You know what? I’d love that. I really would. But I think I'll go fix the AC for the hundredth fucking time instead. ”

“Ah,” the blond swivels in his chair, watching as Trent makes his escape through the doorway behind the counter, the one that leads to the storeroom. “Yeah, good idea. And I’ll stay out here, in case we get any more customers.”

So he can keep watching the news, more like. Trent almost leaves it at that, but he pauses just as the other man is out of sight, peers around the doorframe.

“Don’t call into that show while you’re meant to be working, by the way. I’ll kick your ass, I swear.”

“Oh shit, think I could still get on?”

“No, I–” Trent cuts himself off, sighs through his nose, then grumbles a “fuckin’ whatever man,” before disappearing back into the storeroom.