#I like this idea a lot it’s very interesting to think about

[auroral-melody]

I HAVE A NORMAL AMOUNT OF FEELINGS ON THIS. YOURE 100% CORRECT AND I HAVE THE LINGUISTICS PAPERS TO BACK YOU UP. LONGISH POST UNDER THE CUT

what is like? how do we use it?

Like and Language Ideology: Fact vs. Fiction is a great overview describing multiple uses of like.

in formal written usage, like is generally used

as a verb: "i like the cat"

as a noun: "with the likes of you"

as an adverb: "it looks like a cat"

as a conjunction: "it felt like everything was going wrong"

as a suffix: "something cat-like"

in informal discourse, like has many other meanings

as an approximative adverb: "we went like 30 miles". it's decent to just characterize it here as a synonym for "about/approximately/around"

as a discourse marker: "like one of my cats meows a lot, 'cause like he's picky". similar to "i mean, i was wondering..." and "you know, i was wondering", this usage helps to connect chains of thought together / introduces things to a conversation.

as a discourse particle: "and she's like a little weird". contrary to popular belief this is not useless -- it's just hard to define its meaning and why it's useful. to give a general idea though: in this study, they found that ppl who used like as a particle were perceived as younger and less educated -- but also more friendly and polite. refusing to use particles makes speech sound stilted and awkward -- like is a social glue.

as quotative be + like: "and he was like 'wow!'"

quotative be + like my beloved

the quotative be + like deserves its own special section as one of the coolest things ever!!!!

firstly, quotative be + like can be used not just to quote people, but also to just generally express an idea: "it's like, no, absolutely not". as one paper said, there is "no need to designate a speaker". no one is being quoted -- it's just a statement about a vibe.

secondly, as op pointed out, "i was like 'what the fuck'" vs "i said 'what the fuck'" are indeed very different in connotation! quotative be+like (and similar non-traditional quotatives like go and be+all) are awesome because aren't usually interpreted as literal. you don't report what was said -- you instead convey an attitude, your "inner speech" / frame of mind.

this means you can portray your (speaker) opinion, a summary of what happened/what was said, and characterize the quotee + their opinion ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

thirdly, not only can be + like be used as a replacement for a variety of quotative words like say, think, ask, etc., BE + LIKE IS ALSO LINKED TO GESTURES AND ACTIONS IN A WAY THAT'S HARD TO DO WITH TRADITIONAL QUOTATIVES.

"Enquoting voices, accomplishing talk: Uses of be + like in Instant Messaging" talks a bit about this phenomenon. you can make non-oral gestures as part of oral speech!!! "and i was like [hand gesture]" vs "and i said [hand gesture]". for orally-spoken english, only the first one makes sense!!! be + like allows you to literally quote movement, WITH all the features of non-literalness and attitude included!!!

as discussed in the amazingly-titled paper "& she was like "O_O": animation of Reported Speech on Twitter", the quotative be + like takes on even cooler functions when it's used online in text conversations. it can be used

for actions: "he was like: *walks into room* *walks out*" or "i got sand in my eye and i was like '-_e'"

for emoticons/emojis to convey facial expressions, even without a quotation attached: "he was like :D" works, but "he said :D" doesn't!

for an attitude that has no specific action associated with it, but conveys feeling: "and she was like '</3'", "i was like '!'". can i make the metal gear solid alert sound with my mouth? no, but i can quote how it makes me feel!

other interesting discussions from "Like and Language Ideology":

"women use like more than men" is a misleading statement: it depends on the function of like you're looking at! women tend to say use quotative like & discourse marker like more often than men. adverbs are evenly split. men use the discourse particle version more often. *note that this study took place several years ago and i have not looked at others, other/newer data may be different as language changes & studies like this aren't necessarily the truth everywhere. english is used in so many places by so many different groups of people, it's impossible to draw 100% generalizations

"like can go anywhere": no. even as a particle it is NOT just allowed to go anywhere. it's not randomly placed, it's just a versatile queen!!!! depending on its position it can take on different functions, but it can't go just anywhere!

"i'd like wake up and feel good" ✅ totally fine!

"i'd wake up like and feel good" ❌????

since like is used in so many different ways, different functions of it probably emerged at very different times

as a discourse marker & particle, like has been used this way since (at least) the 1840s(!!)

as an approximative adverb, a synonym for "about", it's probably been around thru most of the 20th century

the quotative like probably is the only one that is actually related to "valley girls" as a social phenomenon in the 80s. it may be the case that it was already in use, though, and that "valley girls" as a thing in american media popularized it, and possibly other forms of like.... in america. but non-americans use this too! it's complicated and hard to tell how language usage spreads :)

tl;dr people who don't like like are being prescriptivist about language, misunderstanding its usefulness, and are missing out

the humble "like" is oft mocked despite what it does for us. "like, three people" is a vastly different statement from "three people". "and i was like 'what the fuck'" is vastly different from "and i said 'what the fuck'". i love you "like" and anyone who says you make people sound stupid will be killed on sight

[getmeoutofhell]

Slashers getting jealous

i hope you enjoy these!! i made them with love and care ;)

Hannibal Lecter:

yeah, whoever made him feel that way is long gone. he’ll take you, tie you down and make you watch him kill that person in a very brutal sick way. he then will go on and tell you a heart filled message, while looking you in the eyes.

“you forced my hand dear.” oh yeah, make sure you enjoy his next meal. he made it special. 🥩

Will Graham:

he will become nonchalant (no joke), he will stop being him for a minute to process his emotions and how to deal with them. he’ll also become a rude bitch. not just to them, but to you as well.

“how would that make you feel?” he may even roll his eyes. soon, that person will come up missing. 🌪️

Billy Loomis:

takes it to a different level even in public. he will try to embarrass that person in-front of everyone. he takes your arm and you guys leave. if you try to talk to him, he’ll ignore you until he’s ready to talk.

“i want you to stay here, with me tonight.” only later to find out that there’s been a ghost face attack…with them being the first victim. 📞

Stu Marcher:

if you think will is gonna be nonchalant, lemme tell you about this guy. not only will he go crazy if someone takes to much of your time, he then will not talk to you for a little bit, which upsets you ofc.

“i think you should just stay away from that guy.” you can imagine what stu will do from there…📞

Micheal Myers:

death. just death. since he’s a lot older than you (probably) he won’t even waste time trying to explain that he’s jealous. he’ll just go and kill them.

you can feel him staring at you under his mask. very creepy. 🔪

Valak:

wow, valak? being jealous? not a change. now, let’s say you were trying to summon another demon. now we’re taking. as i say in all my post he’s very sneaky. which means not only will he banish that demon, he’ll also banish you as well.

have fun in hell with him. forever. 🪞

Art the Clown:

if you expect art to not get jealous you must be mistaken dear. he’s a man child, a big baby. but when he gets mad, he’s mad. he’ll take you and tie you in a chair. then, he peels the victims skin off piece by piece while laughing without a care.

he will later surprise you with a heart …a human heart. 💉

Malthus:

dealing with a demon such as him will not end up good. also considering he’s mostly in the doll then with you. but that doesn’t stop him from seeing you interact with other people for to long.

that doll is everywhere. including that special persons home…🕯️

Ethan Landry:

will pretend everything is okay until it’s just you two alone. “why were you and them so close?” he stares deep into your soul, making you shudder. ethan is a walking mask. on the outside he’s a sweet boy. but on the inside he’s a brutal walking man.

“you stay the fuck away from her!!” as the knife digs deeper in their chest. 📞

Candyman:

he’s more calm actually. he trust you, not them. so as long as it doesn’t go to far, he’s okay with it. now, if it did go to far he’ll step in and take you away from them. he manly watches from afar tho.

“let’s head home.” let’s hope that person isn’t allergic to bees. 🐝

Pennywise (2017):

this clown didn’t understand what was happening at first. why did he feel that way? he had no idea. all he knew was that he didn’t like it, and he knew he had to do something about it. so if that requires him eating that persons chest out then so be it.

“you’re my friend. not theirs.” 🎈

Freddy Krueger:

oh my this man gets jealous so much it’s ridiculous. he’s so insecure about himself so when you find interest in anything other than him for more than 5 minutes he’s all over the place. it’s kinda sad actually.

just know they won’t be waking up ever again. 💭

[tamayula-hl]

As of today, I will be closing the anonymous ask boxes on both Tumblr and Twitter. I'm truly grateful for all the messages I received over the past two years—thank you so much! 🙇‍♀️

YESSSSS Drawing such naughty material is my purpose in life! Someday I would like to draw this situation as a proper piece of work instead of just this doodle 😳😳💪🔥

Hehe, thank you! I'm very honored to receive such kind words 🙏🙇‍♀️ I'd like to continue creating various works as an account where I can draw whatever I want, however I want 🙌

言葉選びが本当に美しいですね！素晴らしい文章を見せてくれて本当にありがとう😍🙏🙏 独占欲の強いセバスチャンをもっとこれからも描いていきたいです💪💪💪

Here's the Japanese version I drew (https://archiveofourown.org/works/51781579/chapters/130912543)

And here's the translation by 87Percent! (Thank you again for the translation😭🙏💗) (https://archiveofourown.org/works/59388847/chapters/151455082)

And I've been trying to draw the story of SebxSakurako in English, but it's pretty difficult. I hope I can finish it someday…😳

I'm so relieved to hear you say that 😳🙏💗 I have lots of ideas for fluffy, happy stories, as well as tragic stories that are typical of "The Little Mermaid," so if I get the chance, I'd like to draw them again! 🌟 And besides the mermaid AU, I still have a lot of things I want to draw, both in pictures and stories, so I'm going to create a variety of different kinds of works from now on 💪💪💪

Awwww, thank you so much! I feel so happy to receive such a compliment😭🙏❤️‍🔥 I have an ambition to create more and more sophisticated works, so I will continue to study art and create many works about Seb and Omi💪💪💪

I'm honored to receive your kind words! 🙌🔥 And YESSSSSS, the girls' sleepover is something I've been wanting to draw for a long time! I usually only draw romances about Seb and Omi, but there are so many cute girls in HL, so I'm really interested to see what kind of sleepovers they and my MCs have! So I have to make a piece about it someday…💪💪😏

I was so late in replying that I ended up posting a picture of Seb "licking Sakurako in the morning" before my reply 🤣 Sorry for the late reply 🙇‍♀️ I still have a lot of NSFW works I want to draw about SebxSakurako right now, but spicy manga takes a really long time to make, so I'll take my time and make them when I have more time 💪🔥

I'm a little embarrassed to show you how I couldn't quite settle on my art style and was trying and failing in such an ugly way 😳🙈 But to receive such praise makes me feel like all my hard work was worth it. Thank you so much! 🌟 I've finally found the art style that I find easiest to draw, so I'm going to work hard to add some originality to this art style.

Lately I've been having so much fun drawing Ominis with messy hair that I tend to draw him like that, and I'm so happy that you liked it 💪🔥 I'd like to draw a manga someday with the main theme of how handsome Seb with messy hair is 💪

I'm so honored that you like my shameless NSFW work🤣💪❤️‍🔥 And that means cowgirl, right?! 😳😳😳 Of course, I'd like to draw Ominis x MC enjoying cowgirl position someday! I want to draw everything from the scene where MC is dominant and leading Ominis, to the scene where Ominis can't hold back and takes the initiative from MC…���

I'm so honored to receive such praise! Thank you so much! 💪😳😳 I plan to continue drawing plenty of shameless and vulgar manga🤣🔥

I think you can view all old works that have passwords by entering "YES" 🙏 All of my old works have poorer drawing skills than now, so it's a bit embarrassing to see them😳🙈❤️‍🔥

[sunnytheopossum]

“Protecting Me From Myself”

(Ramblings & WIPs below cut!)

Who, me? Making Marble Hornets content? Never.

But actually, I have no idea what came over me with this. A few days ago I watched the entirety of the School Rumors webseries, and became so completely obsessed with it that it triggered me to watch and rewatch literally every analog horror series I could find to feel that high again, including, of course, Marble Hornets. And obviously, I can’t watch Marble Hornets without also watching Clear Lakes, and also Eckva, and then of course I HAD to read all of the comics again… (cough) and also some fanfiction (cough), and long story short, I put off a whole day’s worth of homework for tomorrow to work entirely on this all day. Will that come back to bite me? Almost definitely, but I don’t regret it, because this turned out cool as heck!

So… upon further reflection I realize that the concept behind this piece doesn’t make a whole lot of sense in canon? I was just thinking about Tim and Masky, as usual, and how (through the lens of a character frequently seen by the fandom as having DID) it is very interesting that Tim, in that altered state of mind, always forgets what happened as “Masky”, as if he’s protecting himself from what he’s seen, and how Masky could then be viewed as a sort of protector for Tim, even if he also frequently puts him in dangerous situations… and then I remembered halfway through drawing this that literally every single character in this stupid show has memory loss, and that that’s a very well-established part of the lore relating specifically to The Operator, not Tim, and it’s really not as deep as I was making it out to be in my head. So, uh.. feel free to interpret this artwork however you’d like, because you have as good an idea as I do now about what it’s supposed to represent lol

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

Okay so apologies if this is outside of your wheelhouse, totally fair. And, on one hand, I know ultimately it's up to me not like someone on the internet with limited context, but I also got into sort of an argument with a friend and I'm very confused and I'd like some input on like. I guess just more opinions on this?

Basically I'm a virgin, and not currently interested in any sort of long term relationship, or even anything serious short term. I mentioned to a friend that I'd decided to give up on the whole dating thing (which I was mostly trying out of...obligation I guess? Feeling like I can't just want hookups idk) and just try going to a bar or social or something and being like hi I think you're hot this is what I know I'm into, interested? Because that's what I actually want. It took me a while to realize it, but yeah, I don't care about whether someone cares about me deeply as a person, I'm just horny. And I'm an adult (20) so....

Anyway. Friend in question responded like that was a terrible idea and said I shouldn't do it because I don't know what I'm doing.

Now I'm just confused because like sure, I don't, I've literally only kissed people before but also, lmao. How else am I supposed to figure it out. I'm not worried, I know what I like I've experimented a lot on my own, and I'm comfortable asserting boundaries and communicating. Like sure maybe it'll be awkward, whatever, but they were acting like there's some rule about how I'm doing it wrong and now I'm just confused.

I guess my question is sort of. Would it be somehow... inappropriate... for me to just find a stranger willing to have sex with me and do that. Especially because I have zero expectations really and would both be comfortable just leaving if the vibes are bad? I don't think I'm articulating this very well but honestly I'm a bit confused on what I'm confused about. They seemed like it had to something to do with my lack of prior experience but that sounds a bit ridiculous to me given that I have no interest in idk finding someone to get into an actual relationship with, now or probably ever. So why would I do that first like it's some sort of magic rule. Idk. Help?

hi anon,

respectfully, I think this is probably a friend whose opinions don't need to factor in to your (potential) sex life very much. while I'd certainly recommend everyone engage in sex with people who respect them and care about their safety and enjoyment, whatever that looks like for them, there's no reason that has to preclude sex with strangers - hell, one of the most fun, thoughtful, and relaxed sexual experiences I've ever had was with a bunch of people I had just met at a conference, most of whom I didn't know the names of. someone you just met can be more communicative and mindful of your wants than someone you've known for years; it's all varies tremendously!

giving a charitable read to your friend, I can see why someone might assume that it's better off not to have a first sexual experience with a stranger, but again, that comes from a place of assuming that a stranger is an inherently inferior sexual partner. you seem to have an extremely clear sense of what you want and expect from a sexual encounter, and so long as all of that's clearly understood between you and whoever else is participating I don't see any issue with that. how and with whom you have sex is, after all, up to you.

[my-rose-tinted-glasses]

Whenever there's a line up event, one of the things that I'm starting to look forward to the most are the show's english names. They are always...interesting. Anyway, a lot of new stuff. They are certainly rivalling gmmtv in terms of content and the event itself. That was looooong and there were a LOT of announcements.

Before I go into new shows. We finally got a date for The Next Prince and it's April. Also Zomvivor has a new teaser and it will air...soon. Goddammit. Speaking of elusive air dates, Khemjira is also coming...soon. It's like they don't want me to be happy. I need all the horror. Your Sky of Us will be a special 3 episode event that will follow the characters into adulthood. I like the idea of seeing the couples after the show's hea so this should be nice. Now for everything else. I added link to the mdl pages and the trailers, so if you don't want my unsolicited opinions just click on the links below the pics.

[ MDL | Trailer ] Love Upon a Time - It's not exactly a new announcement but we finally got a pilot with the new cast and I really enjoyed it. I'm convinced that Net is one of those actors that can have chemistry with anyone so this should be good at least when it comes to the main couple. When it comes to fantasy thai bl, I never want to get my hopes too high because a lot of the time they tend to forgo internal narrative consistency for the sake of the romance, but either way, I will be watching this one.

[ MDL | Trailer ] Your Third - MaxNat romcom, why not? When it comes to the romance, I think they can pull it off, but the comedy? Not so sure. I don’t hate anything here, but I can’t say I really love anything either.

[ MDL | Trailer ] Mr.Fanboy - Well this should be interesting. I do like when bl goes a bit meta, so I'm looking forward to see what DMD has to say about this. AuAu and Save fans must be losing it to see them as leads, and I was surprised to see James. I thought he wasn't gonna be in any series for a while, but I'm not as well informed about these things. Interesting cast and concept. I will be tuning in.

[ MDL | Trailer ] You(r)Tuber - Do you see what I mean? These names kill me. Looks cute. Surprised to see Earth and First but nothing really excites me about this one. Oh wait, I'm wrong, there are pets and more importantly a cat. That makes me happy.

[ MDL | Trailer ] Duang With You - My crumbs have graduated and I'm screaming. I love everything about this, but honestly, I love TeeteePor. They are beautiful. I also love a shameless flirt that will thaw the heart of a brooder. So I'm winning either way.

[ MDL | Trailer ] Restart - This is giving Elite but with some extra bullying for good measure. It's also giving nakedness galore. DMD knows their audience. I'm guessing we will be seeing a lot of showers. I'm happy to see Tommy again. I'm not sure if this is exactly bl, but with the amount of naked boys in the pilot alone, might as well be.

[ MDL | Trailer ] Magic Lover – I guess it was only a matter of time for BL to start playing with magic. I mean, we're in our vampire season, so this was the next logical step. Anyway, ThomasKong are back. And Keng… I have to admit, very few actors illicit a strong reaction from me solely based on their looks, but Keng is one of them. That guy has an absolutely flawless face. I like that we have 3 different couples and I like fantasy and fated mates so I'm definitely on board.

[ MDL* | Trailer ] HUG E-Lhee The Musical - Ok, I LOVE musicals. Seriously. And let’s be real, when it comes to musicals, especially the more comedic ones, there’s always a built-in level of cringe. Which is fine. People randomly breaking into song pretty much guarantees that. But throwing BL into the mix, along with some folks who aren’t exactly great singers? That might just be a step too far for me. No shade, just a personal preference. (*no mdl page yet)

Also announced was another ThomasKong show, Unknown Lover, and a DMD Sitcom, หอตัวดี, with literally all the boys.

Well, that's everything from me. Obviously most of these will come in late 2025 and 2026. And despite everything I just said, I’ll probably still end up watching the first episodes of all the shows.

[revelboo]

Man I've spent hour binging your masterlist, your writing is just that good!

May I possibly ask for some tiny ES Starscream leftovers? Can't get enough of him ;-;

Sure!

Disaster Hearts Pt 3

Earthspark Starscream x Reader

• “Right?” He growls, absently reaching to adjust the blanket he’d dumped on you after transforming and plopping you on top of a long metal desk in what is apparently his home hidden within the mountain range bordering the town. Just high enough in the mountains that you’re not just booking it out of here on foot if you’re left unsupervised long enough to make a jail break. Not if you have any hopes of surviving. Watching him fiddling with an alien computer system that seems to mostly be cobbled together from scrap, you’re pretty much resigned to being his captive audience. Listening to him rant as he works, bleeding out what sounds like decades worth of poison and bitterness. Making you his very unqualified psychologist.

• “It’s hard to be betrayed like that. Hurt by someone who should be protecting you,” you say, expression empty and his servos still. Studying you as you stare at absolutely nothing before you seem to shake yourself. “You have every right to be upset,” you add, offering him a small, hollow smile. And you understand him. He’s sure of it now, had suspected as much from the get go. Knows all too well that these things leave scars that can’t always be seen, that never really manage to heal completely. “Can I ask what you’re working on?”

• Wings flicking slightly, you think he’s pleased that you asked, slowly leaving his body language. And how to keep him happy. “There are miles of tunnels under this town. A labyrinth of them,” he murmurs, blue optics studying you to make you uncomfortable. But he doesn’t pry. Doesn’t ask and you’re grateful for that, because he sees too much. Doing something to the tangle of alien gibberish on the screen, it resolves into complex, intersecting lines. Tunnels. His attention shifting to it instead of you as he taps a servo against the screen. “Too old to be the work of you lot.”

• How long has it been since he’s given in to scientific curiosity rather than playing strategist? He missed this, probing mysteries and talking things out with someone. Having someone to bounce idea off of. And maybe he’d missed this even as he’d given up on it for the sake of the war when he’d chosen his side. His Trine had never taken much interest in scientific endeavors, but your little face is upturned, studying the maps. “There’s an order to it. It’s not random,” you say, pointing a tiny hand.

• “Exactly,” he growls, lips twitching into an almost smile. Excited about this. About having a mystery to solve and he’s not as scary smiling. Not so intimidating. “This could be Cybertronian. We seeded so many worlds with energon and this world is no exception, but this I’ve never seen before. There could be ancient Cybertronian tech down there. A way home.” Optics fixed on the screen, there’s a desperate hunger in his voice that almost hurts. Longing for home. For normal. Hoping that he can still return home, that there is still a home to return to and your eyes burn and blur. Knowing how bad it hurts when you’re wrong, when there’s no going back.

Previous

[khionefr0st]

I already reblogged this with a novel’s worth of tags but just hold up. Cos this makes so much sense that it’s making me think

TLDR I changed my interpretation of Omelas and totally agree w/ OP

This analysis is actually so good that I have completely restructured my own interpretation of the Omelas. Prior to this post my sole interpretation was that Le Guin was trying to make commentary on certain different real world issues, issues like how we all use phones that were made with cobalt stained by the blood of deadly labor by black children on the other side of the world. But OP’s right, this isn’t exactly the case. Because the text actually presents its most fundamental premise in its most quoted paragraph - Only pain is intellectual, only evil interesting, the banality of evil and the terrible boredom of pain, etc. which is to say that the issue the text is directly addressing is the fact that people cannot imagine a better world, a happy world, without the existence of a system that hurts others. It tells you right there in the fucking text but every single interpretation I’ve seen thus far has missed it. Hell, I missed it. I have never ever seen Omelas be interpreted this way before.

And I actually went to read Omelas again after this because the more I read it, the more it makes sense. It answers all my questions I had when I first read it. Like – if Omelas is supposed to be commentary on capitalism and the bliss of the Global North built on the suffering of the Global South, why did Le Guin insist on making the city of Omelas as ideal as possible? Why didn’t she make the city more akin to a society that is actually a product of capitalism? A society that comes with puritanism and a military if that was really the point she wanted to make? Because not only does she include the most ideal, happy utopia (and Le Guin is clearly very educated in terms of politics/socioeconomics because she knows what a Utopia looks like, with drugs and sex as part of society) she insists the audience imagine it on their own. She encourages the viewer to supplement the Utopia with their own ideas of what an ideal world looks like to them.

She explicitly tells the audience to imagine an ideal city that “suits” us. So not necessarily a capitalist society. But why?

It’s because her point isn’t about utilitarianism or whether it’s worth it to make someone suffer if it means lots of people get to be happy. It’s because her point is that we have to reject the idea that a world where nobody suffers is impossible. The people who walk away from the omelas – there are many ways to interpret them still, and now that I’ve recontextualized the whole story in this perspective there are so many other passages I want to dissect but anyway – the people who walk away from the omelas could possibly represent the people who walk away from that idea, that the child must suffer for their happiness. You can’t imagine where they’re going, because you can’t even fathom abandoning the idea that a world exists where nobody suffers and everybody can be happy. That’s the message of The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas.

(also obviously im not saying this is the only correct interpretation or anything just this is the one that personally makes the most sense to me so I have now adapted it lol)

i have to say i think its kind of baffling when omelas is taken as a very literal trolley problem about a tortured kid instead of, like, pointedly making fun of the common idea that a positive world, social change, pleasure itself, must come with some sort of painful caveat in order for that happiness to hold meaning or exist in the first place... so many interpretations treat the idea of people walking away from a (very obviously hypothetical) utopia with an even more hypothetical evil underbelly as them lazily giving up on reforming Omelas the Real City, rather than them philosophically abandoning the idea that the (again, entirely theoretical) Omelas represents (that pleasure cannot exist without pain).

what is even the relevance of this to the "I would save the kid instead of abandoning it because I actually believe in changing the world" interpretations.

The trouble is that we have a bad habit, encouraged by pedants and sophisticates, of considering happiness as something rather stupid. Only pain is intellectual, only evil interesting. This is the treason of the artist: a refusal to admit the banality of evil and the terrible boredom of pain. If you can't lick 'em, join 'em. If it hurts, repeat it. But to praise despair is to condemn delight, to embrace violence is to lose hold of everything else. We have almost lost hold; we can no longer describe happy man, nor make any celebration of joy. (...) Do you believe? Do you accept the festival, the city, the joy? No? Then let me describe one more thing.

[cherryblossompink303]

Patience: ~Kyoya's reluctant day out!~

➼ pairing: Kyoya Ootori x Reader ➼ summary: Kyoya get's dragged out to the mall ➼ what to expect:  "'i'm so screwed' you whisper to yourself." ➼ warnings: none ➼ Part Sixteen | Part Eighteen

""Hey Kyoya, I have just had the most brilliant idea!"

When Kyoya finally becomes aware he is very confused to find himself in what appears to be an outlet mall. "How did I wind up here? I was sleeping comfortably in my own bed just a few minutes ago...no, wait...Tamaki was carrying on about some sort of exhibit. He had his heart set on all of us going, I think."

"Doesn't it sound fascinating? They're called 'expos' that's commoner lingo for 'exposition' products from all over the world are gathered under one roof so that underprivilaged people can cope with the emptiness of not being able to travel. That makes this the perfect oppotunity to better understand Haruhi, by allowing the host club to study commoners in their natural environment. You guessed it Kyoya, we're going on a field trip! Haruhi won't be joining us today, incidentally, as her presence might harm our credibility as impartial observers"

Kyoya glared at him from the bed, not happy to be woken up at all. "Oh come on, you can't just lie here in bed all morning! Today's the last day of summer vacation!"

Kyoya groans and sits up in bed "For your information, I was up until 5am you morons, which if you hadn't notice, makes me less than happy about being woken up" The host club backed up, shivering "Kyo-chan isn't much of a morning person huh?" Asked honey.

"You have nor room to talk"

"Hey what does that mean?"

"Okay enough with the commoner shtick, if you formulaic halfwits feel like wasting all afternoon on worn out old cliches go right ahead and suit yourselves" he falls back against the bed, almost immediately falling back asleep.

"Well, if that's what you want...you heard the man! Now lets dress him to the nines and head for the expo!"

"Oh right, that's how...it looks like I'm at the Izumi shopping centre, which isn't exactly within walking distance of home. Guess I'll call to have a car sent out" Kyoya reaches into his pocket which is when he realised that he has no phone or wallet on him.

A small boy runs into him "Wow sorry....uhhh mama!" he runs off. "Tamaki's a dead man when I get my hands on him"

"Kyoya-senpai?"

"Huh?" Kyoya looks to his left to find you and Haruhi, both staring at him confused by his presence, clearly in the middle of shopping. "I didn't expect to see you here today" you raise an eyebrow, knowing that this really is not his scene.

"How much money do you two have on you?"

You and Haruhi exchange glances "What?"

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Kyoya's Reluctant day out!

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"Kyoya-senpai, are you sure this is where you want to eat?" You ask, confused and concerned that he may be ill since normally kyoya would never been seen in a place like the fast food joint you were all currently stood in.

"There are much nicer resturants to choose from upstairs"

"Well you two don't have much on you so our choices are limited, just be sure to get a reciept, tamaki will reimburse you tenfold" He muttered, Haruhi clearly not being incredibly thrilled.

"Let me guess, he dragged you out of bed to do something even though you were up till five am?" you ask, haruhi hums in question "You can't possibly know that-"

"Yes he did" Kyoya grumbles, haruhi turns to you in question "I knew he had a business call over seas" You shrug

"Haruhi I think it's our turn, how do i order?"

"Oh, uh, here, i'll order for us, do you know what you want?"

"You pick, just get lots of it"

"I'll just get a cheeseburger"

Haruhi nods, turning to the cashier "Well okay, that and that one, both with fries, and a cheeseburger please"

"Okay coming right up, would you be interested in adding one of our delicious desserts?"

"Thank you, no, I don't care for sweets"

"Before you decide we have this new shake thats absolutely-" "I have given you my answer"

you sigh, quietly apologising to the cashier as you take the food to a nearby table. "Kyoya-senpai just beacuase you're in a bad mood today doesn't give you the right to go around talking to people like that"

"Poor girl was just trying to do her job"

Kyoya picks up his burger "Her job is to serve us food, not irritate me with some weak sales pitch" You make it an internal point never to pull kyoya out of bed unceramoniously if this grouchy mood is a result.

"What now?" you realise that Haruhi has been staring at him "I just don't think i've actually seen you eat before. Somehow I thought the experience would more refined" You raise an eyebrow as someone who has actually dined with kyoya before.

"That would imply that Kyoya would allow himself indulgence, that's more Tamaki's thing"

"Or yours"

"I just cook when I miss my home food, besides there is no shame in finding small joys once in a while"

"I'm just surprised food like this even appeals to you"

"It doesn't appeal to me in the slightest, no doubt you'll say I'm callous for admitting it, since you bought this tripe. There is an understanding between makers of food like this and those who eat it. Quality takes a backseat to convenience, refinement isn't part of the equation. It's meant to be eaten quickly, besides no one of consequence is here to witness my momentary lapse of manners"

You and haruhi don't reply, silently sipping your sodas refraining from commenting "Hey, for the record i'm saying it benefits me nothing to keep up appearances in a place like this"

Three girls approach you, or more specifically Kyoya. "Um excuse me, i'm so sorry to interrupt, if you're not using this chair can my friends and i borrow it?"

"Why not" Kyoya doesn't even look up, speaking through a sigh. "Thank you so much thats awesome!" you squint in confusion as you watch the three girls being far too gleeful at being allowed to borrow a chair. "You're quite welcome"

"You're probably wondering how Tamaki and I complement eachother so well, the answer is simple, I have something to gain. There is no better motivator than self interest. I have to look out for number one you know"

The explanation from Kyoya certainly was not squashing your doubt.

"Tamaki-senpai would be heartbroken if he heard you say that" Haruhi chimes in.

"Not really" you reply

"On the contrary he's understood our arrangement from the very beginning, the same goes for all of us. Kaoru-senpai, hikaru-senpai, Honey-senpai, Mori-Senpai, y/n. The glue that holds the host club together is out mutual egocentricity, its the principle that drives the alliance between our families and ensures each of our futures. Well, let's just say there's still quite a bit you don't know about that "

Haruhi turns to you "What do you have to gain from being apart of the host club?"

"My situation....is a bit more complicated"

"Although tamaki is a fool, and self sacrifice does come naturally to him. So I guess the point of this is, we are very different creatures"

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"Y/n senpai?"

Kyoya had walked ahead, looking through the stalls of the products expo, leaving you and Haruhi to talk. "Hm?"

"How do you and Kyoya...."

"Huh?"

"It is very clear that Kyoya senpai does not care for anyone but himself, how do you....have such a good relationship with him?.... Is it a relationship? because it's clear that there's something going on with you two "

your jaw hangs open for a second as you try to pull together the words for such an answer. "Is it that clear?"

Haruhi looks at you unimpressed "Y/n-senpai the only time I see him display any emotion at all it is towards you, you're always sat together at the club....you may hide it well enough that the rest of the school don't know but the club is convinced that the two of you are dating"

"Well...I won't lie and say that we don't have our faults but....in truth I think its because that we have an understanding of one another...."

You look at Kyoya, who is up ahead unaware of the conversation taking place "We've never really had the conversation of whether what we have is romantic, I don't think we really need one....it's just that after all this time it has become routine for us. I know that Kyoya is self-serving, I always have...but at the end of the day so am I. And within our self serving we know we need each other, which is why we look out for each other..."

You shrug "We aren't really the type for loud romantic gestures, that has always been Tamaki's thing. I don't really need the term 'dating' or 'girlfriend' because I don't think that is every what we will have or even want. There is just....us. I know it's a strange thing to understand but our way of flirting is basically scheming"

Haruhi shoots you a strange look "You've started to sound like him"

You raise an eyebrow "Have i?"

"I must admit y/n-senpai, I never have thought of you as a 'schemer' in the same way I do Kyoya senpai"

You desperately avoid laughing, if only she knew what the two of you had been up to. "That is because Kyoya and I are perceived differently. We always will be, no one trusts a calculated woman. And I need people to trust me to get where I want to. The truth is Kyoya and I are more alike than you may think, but I can afford to show more compassion because that is expected of me"

Haruhi hums "I suppose that makes sense"

You catch up with Kyoya "Black pearls from Ishigaki Island?" you note "odd to find them here given how much they go for" Kyoya adds. "You're kidding. Really? That's incredible. How can you tell?"

"We are products of excellent breeding"

"So, Kyoya-senpai, why is it that after all this time, I still know next to nothing about your family?"

The two of you pause although Haruhi didn't seem to pick up on it.

"Because there's really nothing for you to know about my family, at least nothing that should be of interest to you"

"Well, that seems to be a little bit unfair, don't you think?"

"Hmm?"

"I mean that when it comes to my personal life, you even keep tabs on who my father's friends from work are, while I barely have a clue about yours. So I call that unfair."

"That's a very intriguing notion, in it's own way"

"You've got two older brothers right? For starters, you could tell me something about them? What kind of people are they "

"Oh no" you whisper

"They are rather exceptional. Enough so, that my father puts a lot of stock in them. Though as the third son, things work out a little differently for me"

"I didn't realise there was so much pressure on you to succeed."

"Pressure? Oh no Haruhi, i can think of nothing more fun than this"

"It is as I said Haruhi, we thrive under the notion of scheming" you smirk.

Haruhi sighs, worn out at the idea. "When did you say this?" Kyoya raises an eyebrow, you can tell he is mildly concerned about the idea of you exposing your plans. "Don't worry about it"

"Dear me, pieces from the komatsu shoin collection. I never thought that I would find them here." you look over to an older woman at one of the stalls.

"Why madam you have an astonishing eye"

Kyoya squints at the scene before him "um...senpai"

"You know they have such an exquisite colour, don't they? To tell you the truth, I'm not really supposed to have these out on display . The bulk of the komatsu collection has been privately held for ages. Pieces rarely come up for sale"

You roll your eyes, the man was really laying it on thick. He's worse than kyoya during club hours. The woman fawns over the pieces.

Kyoya approaches the stall. "With all due respect, these are fake"

"Huh?"

"Hey, get out of here kid. What do you think you're doing?"

"The shade of blue is strongly reminiscent of shoin's work but looking closely around the base, you'll notice the colour graduation isn't quite dark enough to be authentic. That and the lacquer is too clear."

"That's enough of you, Mr. expert, i'll report you for obstructing my business"

Kyoya flips around the bowl to look at the base "Just as I thought, the brushstrokes on this seal are uncharacteristically broad as well. For your sake I hope you have a certificate, that is if you insist it's real"

The man starts to sweat "Of course it's real! I have the certificate at home!"

"Ah, the surely you won't mind if I call the komatsu family right now to verify your claim. My own family has had dealings with them for generations. It would only be a matter of minutes"

The man eventually gets escorted out, you shake your head with a slight smile on your face, for a man who likes to lay low Kyoya certainly has a flare for the dramatic.

"After everything you told me senpai, stepping in on a complete stranger's behalf seems a little out of character for you" Haruhi says.

"Hmm? Oh, that? Well now, she's hardly a stranger. You mean you don't know? Her husband is the CEO of a major electronics company. This is my first time meeting her personally but that ring on her left hand is unmistakable. My family has dealing's with her husbands family"

The woman walks over "Ah, one of the Ootori boys, and f/n's daughter as well, imagine running into you both incognito, the next opportunity I have, I'll be sure to take advantage of one of your famil's beautiful health resorts"

"We'd be honored"

A nearby stall catches Kyoya's attention "Hey haruhi did you know this?"

"Did I know what?"

"Is melon the preferred flavour among snack makers? It doesn't make sense, if the primary ingredient is corn, why go through the trouble of artificially making it taste like fruit?" the two of you laugh.

"That's an intriguing notion in it's own way"

"Oh was I being funny?"

"Earlier you were going on and on about how you and Tamaki-senpai are nothing alike, but what you just said then about the candy? It sounds exactly like him!"

"You think so? It does seem like something he nad the twins would fawn over. Very well I'll buy them. Haruhi? your wallet"

you place a hand over haruhi's as she goes to hand over her purse "I'LL buy them, haruhi got lunch"

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The three of you sit at a bench in the mall, taking a break from shopping. "Hey, senpai?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you think that Tamaki-Senpai is always so eager to help people when they're in need?"

"You mean when there's nothing to be gained from it? Who knows?"

"So then when you help someone, how exactly do you benefit from it?"

"The way that I've always seen it Tamaki-senpai get's something more abstract from helping others. He likes to see people happy, one could argue it is because he doesn't like being reminded of certain hardships but it is not my job to psycho analyse him. For us it's...a combination of things, reputation yes, which can lead to connections that possibly make us money but there is something else..." You explain.

"Huh?"

"Attention shoppers, this is an announcement for a lost child. A little boy named Kyoya Ootori is lost inside the store. Repeat Kyoya Ootori is lost. His guardian, Suoh, is waiting for him at the second floor information counter"

"Oh no" you mutter.

"Kyoya is five feet eleven inches tall with black hair, and wearing perscription glasses" everyone around you begin to stare as Kyoya obviously matches the description. "That damn idiot, i'll kill him"

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You and Kyoya are sat in the car on the way back from the mall that evening "I never did ask, how did the meeting go?" you look over to kyoya, but also making sure that the driver cannot hear the two of you.

He smirks "Let's just say that we will be having a lot more early morning meetings in the future"

You smile "I see."

"You may as well drop us both off at the apartments" Kyoya speaks up to the driver, who nods.

Eventually the driver pulls up, dropping the two of you off as you enter the complex. "Do you have any more leads on this mystery between our two families?"

"Quite possibly, I must admit that it was slightly easier than I expected, a cover up can only cover so much" the two of you enter your apartment. "I see"

"But that hasn't been my main focus, finding out what my father is covering up for yours is useless to us at the moment. No one would believe two teenagers regardless our networks as is. So...I have been weeding through the board of directors, finding some weak points. Get enough on board then we can use the l/n media corporation to expose itself and the ootori group both at once" You hum out a laugh, stepping away to get a drink.

"Y/n?" Kyoya grasps your wrist, keeping you from getting too far

"Hm?"

He pauses for a second, but it didn't take long for him to pull you closer and into a kiss. Your body doesn't catch up to your mind for a second, mostly frozen up except for an arm thrown around his shoulder.

As soon as you realise exactly what is happening it ends, him pulling away slightly as he smirks at your reaction. You stare back at him with wide eyes "I..."

He laughs, stepping away. Heading to the fridge to fetch both of your drinks.

While he does so you still stand there, frozen, staring at him. 'i'm so screwed' you whisper to yourself.

Next time on patience 'Chika's 'down with Honey' declaration!'

Tag list (reply to be added): @skottch @cgmajor @rebirthbunbun @bbybubbles @blueberry19000 @katgirl05 @smellslikelovinglies @veras-fanfic-reblogs @sadprimrose @mirtalikesdr @sleeplesssskeleton @ritzes28 @crackpeole @rory-cakes @renjunniex @II-kita-san-II @angelicwillows @missbrebre1012 @sleep-7372 @strawberrbitch @reticent-writer @eternal-dokja @meme848 @mistyhydrangeagarden @nanaloverz

[codenamethebird]

Honestly, I'm kind of hoping we see Melinoe's relationships fall apart a bit. The Warsong update has given us some new dialouge that's quite interesting in this regard.

We actually have Melinoe questioning things a little bit, mostly in regards to Prometheus having a point. But the moment she admits this to Hecate, she gets swiftly shut down. Hecate tells herself to not even consider it and stay true to her beliefs. Which under different circumstances would be a pep talk, but considering the context of, 'are the gods wrong in their treatment of humanity', has kind of sinister implications.

Like don't get me wrong I don't think Hecate is some secret supervillian, but she's a Titan who is part of the order of the gods. When Mel asks her why she helped Athena punish Arachne, she doesn't really apologize and basically says Arachne deserved it. For all Hecate loves Melinoe, she raised her as living weapon (which oof when Ares calls Mel that, ahhhh). She can't have her weapon against Chronos having doubts about their mission. She can't risk the weapon turning against herself.

In a similar but different path, Odysseus has some new dialogue where he's acting funny and seeming to question things. And when Mel asks him about the whole the whole god mortal thing, he blatantly avoids the question like an extreme sport. It actually made me crack up how blatant he was. And when Mel presses him, he says a very non committal 'both gods and mortals are complicated", which says nothing and everything lol. The conversation ends with him promising that he would tell her if he thought she and Hecate were doing the wrong thing.

Which if we take him at his word, still is sooooo vague. He could very much be in my opinion that Chronos is bad and needs to be defeated, but also the gods suck and he's not lying to Mel.

There's also the other option that he's just lying lol. He is Odysseus. But even beyond that, his boss and literal titan is like 20 feet away. Said Titan, who I mentioned above, shuts down any bit of doubt in Mel. He's just a shade, he has very valid reasons to keep his mouth shut.

But yes, back to my first point of this post, Melinoe's relationships possibly falling apart. In a reversal of Zag's quest bringing him closer to his companions, Mels feels doomed to tear them apart.

The mortal (ish in some cases) characters in this story as possibly being dragged towards Prometheus and his ideology. Arachne and Heracles already have issues with the gods, [Pan]Dora was screwed over by them too + her connection to Prometheus, Odysseus seems to have his doubts, and even Icarus has some dialouge of him expressing confusion at Prometheus being their enemy.

On the other end, it looks like Mel is headed in a direction of also doubting her belief in the gods, which will put her in conflict with them and their allies. I don't know what Hecate will do if Melinoe tries to work with Prometheus.

But yeah, I think it would be very fun to have Melinoe's relationships start falling apart as she grows and changes throughout the story. Lots of angst potential, of course, but interesting story developments as well.

Also in a way to make this sort of plot work within the context of how Hades 2 is played, and a different fun reversal of Hades 1, Melinoe can start keeping secrets from the people in the crossroads. Like how Zag lied to the Olympians about why he was doing his runs (especially in the epilouge), Melinoe might have to start lying to Hecate/Moros/Nemesis/etc about the exact purpose of her runs.

But yeah that might me getting a little too crazy with plot ideas haha.

[ooooo-mcyt]

I have also been thinking a lot about DDVAU Scar's general perception of mutants.

We see in the most recent chapter that Hot Guy is willing to weaponize mutant discrimination if it's beneficial to his job in some way, but we don't get much indication of how he personally thinks of mutants- of course, I'd ague that the distinction between "willing to utilize prejudice for personal benefit" and "actually holds prejudiced sentiments as an individual" is functionally pedantic when it comes to interpreting actual harm. But from a character analysis perspective, I'm still very much interested in what DDVAU Scar's actual thought processes and internal biases are.

And I think our biggest indication of how Scar thinks of mutants comes from how he interacts with Tango in the Mother Spore chapters, specifically this scene;

Scar is outwardly friendly with Tango during this chapter. He's respectful enough toward him and even calls his powers "cool" in the beginning of the chapter and thanks Tango profusely in the end, telling him he's an amazing person.

But.

Scar also immediately assumes that Tango's dangerous, on some level. Not necessarily that Tango has ill intentions, but that Tango must be capable of harm, at least, because he's a mutant, and because he "looks dangerous" to Scar. Scar doesn't ask about Tango's powers beforehand, he doesn't feel the need to, Scar assumes a threat automatically (or asset, in this situation, but the potential for a threat)

"Why did they take you out of labs?"

When we saw this from Grian and Jimmy's perspective, it was viewed as inherently unfair. Grian and Jimmy are both disturbed by the decision to take Tango out of labs- Jimmy views it as a reason to work harder to deal with mutant discrimination in their workplace, Grian views it as more evidence it's dangerous to tell anyone about their mutant identities. Tango is unfairly punished because of the perception that he might be inherently dangerous somehow. When we see this from the perspective of other characters who are mutants, this is a disturbing thing.

But Scar, at the very least, seems to see some validity in it. We don't know how Scar actually feels about Tango being limited to theoretical classes, but whether he supports the decision or not, I think it's telling that Scar didn't even feel the need to question the baseline assumption involved that Tango could, at least theoretically, be dangerous. This wasn't an assumption Scar felt the need to question, he took at face value that what happened to Tango was a matter of safety rather than solely prejudice.

Which..of course he does. DDVAU Scar may not be overtly hostile toward mutants (..usually..), but he's part of the Emerald Soldiers, he's probably been fed enough propaganda to last a lifetime. As friendly as he acts, he has internalized the idea that mutants are a potential (albeit not always active) threat, and that measures to control them are to some extent justifiable, or at least understandable.

(which very much may have influenced how he treated grian in the most recent chapter too- how scar could stand to blackmail the victim of a recent attack in their hospital room. because grian's not just his friendly coworker anymore, now grian's a mutant, one who illegally lied about this fact, which scar is likely very much primed to view uncharitably because he's a cop and is actively responsible for enforcing these laws which are in fact very harmful to mutants.)

[nishayuro]

Dr.Stone Stanley Snyder as a campus crush in High School

A/N: Another Stanley?!?!? My friend cosplayed high school Stan and I got this idea lmaoo. Also, late Valentine's day post

Fem!reader, use of she/her

Genre: Fluff, Crack-ish

Warning: Obsessive girls

Tall, Handsome, Athletic, Cool. The list of why almost every girl in their high school liked Stanley Snyder. He was eye candy, his voice was deep and attractive, he was smart and he was mysterious enough that it kept others on their toes. These were some of the many reasons why he was dubbed “Campus Crush” by the students.

There were men who loathed him, envied him, and insulted him (though not to his face, they know he can pack a punch. Tried and tested.) Stanley didn't care, he wasn't the type to care about these things. His days revolved around guns, helping Xeno, and you.

You, who he's been in love with for years. You, who didn't care about those trivial things about him, you cared more about him as a person. You, who has seen his darkest days and still stayed. You, who he's been dating for about a year and a half now. No wonder his attention was all yours (and Xeno’s, but that's a bit different.)

Stanley never hid that he cared about you, he was obvious, and that angered a lot. To the others, you were just someone random, someone who wasn't special. You weren't any big name like captain of the cheer team, or queen bee and you weren't one of the popular kids. They hated that you had Stanley for yourself, they hated that he was head over heels for you. That should be them in your shoes, It's only right! You were a nobody and they couldn't accept their dashing prince to be claimed by some commoner in their eyes.

Valentine's day came, and like normal teenage girls with a crush, they decided to give stuff to Stanley. Expensive chocolates, random gifts that they think he’d like, and love letters confessing their undying love (or what Xeno likes to call, unyielding obsession.)

His locker was annoyingly filled to the brim with pink and red envelopes, this desk was overflowing with sweets and snacks. Girls were lingering outside his classroom just to get a glimpse of him. He hated the attention if he was being honest, he disliked being followed around, stopped every hour and confessed to or whatever.

Last valentines, he got more than 20 letters asking for him to meet them at the rooftop. A bit cliché, and honestly? not a very private area considering a shit ton of people bring others there too. He didn't read those letters, you and Xeno did, out loud for him too.

You three decided to hang out at Xeno’s place after school after convincing Stanley to not throw away the gifts. He met you with a questioning gaze, to which you replied with “Entertainment. It's gonna be a fun night!” The chocolates were sprawled across the floor, different brands and different flavors, some expensive and some home made. Cookies and cupcakes were set on a plate, Xeno and you were already beginning to eat them.

“So, why’d you want me to not throw away the gifts? I understand the food, but the letters?” Stanley asked, sitting on Xeno’s bed as you and the aspiring scientist were on the floor, surrounded by the letters. “Well, Xee and I were curious about them! We wanna see the type of stuff the girls write to you.” you replied, holding one letter. “Oh? and why? jealous are we, y/n?” Stan teased, a smirk on his painted lips. “Ha! As if, you barely acknowledge them. You’ve chased after me for years! I'm secure enough.” you answered, and that's true. You knew Stanley was the loyal type, he courted you for years before you answered him and made him your boyfriend. And he hasn't done anything that would warrant your jealousy.

“Good. But even you, Xee? this isn't exactly your topic of interest?” Stan answered, looking at his best friend curiously. “I'm currently researching the science of attraction. It's tied heavily to the body’s chemical reaction so I need data on it. What better way than reading through letters of unfiltered confessions by hormonal teenage girls?” Xeno answered swiftly.

“Ohh, ok let's start with this one… ‘Dear Stanley, since the day I first laid my eyes on you, I have fallen deeply in love with you. You are like the stars in the sky, shining heavily. Please give me a chance!’ “ you read out the letter from a sparkly pink envelope.

“Love at first sight, common. That happens when you see something you like, or in this case, someone attractive enough to like, and your body releases the happy hormones like Dopamine and Oxytocin, which gives the giddy and excited feeling.” Xeno explained.

“This one just reads ‘please meet me at the rooftop after class, xoxo’ “ You continued, going through the whole pile. “In total, you have received 54 love letters and 16 notes. 32 of which asked you to meet with them somewhere, mostly the school’s rooftop.” Xeno read out the tally he was keeping count.

“This excites you guys? reading nonsense given to me? At this point y/n, I'm kinda sad you don't feel jealous. You just gonna let them talk about your man like that?” Stan teased again, he was now laying on the bed, his phone on his stomach after scrolling through it while you read the letters.

“Eh, they can say all they want. In the end, you're still mine after all.” you smiled. “Plus, imagine a bunch of girls just waiting for you up at the rooftop only for you to be a no show? bet they are fighting over themselves now?” you chuckled. “If only we knew sooner, we could have installed hidden cameras and microphones there.” Xeno added.

Back to the present, he was still facing the same dilemma. Knowing what would happen today, you gave Stanley a big tote bag to put all the gifts in, which will be consumed by you and Xeno later today.

“Hey Stan~” a feminine voice spoke, he didn't bother looking at the direction, he knew who it was and what they wanted. He just laid his head on his arms and closed his eyes. “Stan? Stanleyyy!” the voice continued, now poking him. It was getting irritating, he looked up and glared at the person, making them flinch, but regained their posture immediately. “Hey~ I was wondering if you wanna go with me to this new dessert place downtown today” the girl asked, twirling her hair. “Nah, not interested.” Stan spoke, “Why? don't like sweets? that's fine, we can find somewhere else!” she exclaimed, hopeful. “No, I mean I ain't interested in going anywhere with you, or anyone else for that matter.” He answered sharply, leaving the girl confused.

“But why? It's Valentine's day!” she argued, “Yea exactly, which is why i’ll be spending it with my partner and not some random girl who won't stop bothering me.” Stan answered, annoyed at this point. “P-partner?” the girl was shocked. “Yea, partner. Y/N. You are either dense or just deny that fact. We aren't exactly a secret or private.” Stan replied. “Her?! Why her? you can do so much bett-” Stanley didn't even let her finish what she was saying when he signaled her to stop.

“Say one bad thing about them and you're done for. Scram.” Stan ordered, his voice sharp, leaving no room for discussion. The girl went back to her seat, almost in tears. The whole room witnessed it, how could they not? It was Stanley Snyder rejecting someone and revealing he has a partner. (To which Xeno replied with “Humans do love ignoring facts when it's not beneficial to them” when Stanley recalled this encounter later that day.)

News of this spread like wildfire. The girls who hated you back then because you were taking Stanley’s attention were for sure plotting your downfall now that Stanley himself confirmed your relationship. The glares sent your way were harsher than usual. But you didn't care, you kind of liked their anger.

Until you were cornered in the bathroom, typical American scenario. “Stay away from Snyder.” one of the girls said, you recognised her to be the school’s proclaimed queen bee or whatever, you didn't care. “oh? stay away from MY boyfriend?” you emphasized. “You bitch! you stole him from me!” She screamed at you, attempting to slap you, you caught her wrist in time. “Oh honey, he doesn't even know your name.” you answered, twisting her arm.

Her minions tried to hold you down, but you held them off of you (Stanley taught you self defense, you didn't realize you'd be using it on desperate popular girls trying to steal your lover.) “Why don't you leave me alone, and I don't tell Stan about this encounter and make him ignore y’all more than he already does, how does that sound, hmm?” you asked, holding the queen bee’s face in your hands. “Oh well, you don't get to choose. I'm not some soft, easily threatened person. Xeno is my best friend, I've been through more threatening things in my life.” you added, before walking out the door.

Later that day, you told Stan and Xeno about the encounter in the comfort room as you and Xeno opened letters. Stan was furious, they crossed the line. Xeno was already plotting revenge. You reassured them both that you handled it and will handle it in the future.

Stan decided to post something on his social media, which he rarely does. It was a photo of you two. With the caption, “Forever♥️ Hurt them and you're dead to me.”

Stan might have lots of eyes on him, but that means nothing to the man whose loyalty knows no bounds. His eyes are only on you. He knew he was yours since that day you shot that nerf bullet directly at his forehead when you were 10 years old.

Bonus scene:

“Due to us not being ready last year, I decided to be ready this year! I set up cameras and microphones on the rooftop. Though, I think the number of people who will still want to ‘meet you at the rooftop’ has lessened since the news of you two officially being together has spread.” Xeno announced, opening his laptop to open the camera feed.

To his surprise, there are still at least 20 girls up there. All glaring at each other and questioning why they're there. Everyone answered the same name, “Stanley Snyder”

“Babe, you should post a story about us right now. Pretend we're on a date or something. Watch their moods fall.” You said, an evil smile on your face.

“Well, c’mere then.” Stan beckoned you next to him on the bed, you crawled your way to his arms and wrapped yours around him. Stan took the photo as Xeno set up the TV to make it look like a movie date, which Stan took a photo of as well. “I’ll put ‘movie date with the loml’ with a cheesy song.” Stan said as you laughed. “Anddd, posted.” Stan announced, you three looking back at Xeno’s laptop and waiting for the girls’ reaction.

“Stanley posted?!” One of them said, opening the story. “Movie date with the love of my life…” one other read out. “We've stood up again!” another exclaimed, almost crying. “Stood up my ass, I didn't ask any of you to go there.” Stan muttered, with you and Xeno laughing. “Oh Stanley Snyder, you are a cruel cruel man.” You joked, giving your man a kiss.

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[oddyseye]

Odysseus is a very feminine character, now that I think about it...

Alright, let’s get something straight before anyone comes at me with a “bUt tHiS iS gEnDeR eSsEnTiAlIsM” take. I’m not saying Odysseus is literally a woman or that masculinity and femininity are these rigid, unchanging constructs. I’m talking about how the ancient Greeks perceived these traits. This is about Homeric gender coding, not modern gender politics.

Ancient Greek society had clear ideas about what was “masculine” and “feminine.” Men fought, conquered, and sought kleos (glory). Women used cunning, patience, and endurance to survive. Odysseus? He embodies the latter far more than the former. That’s the point. That’s what makes him interesting. I’m not slapping modern labels on him; I’m analyzing how he would’ve been understood in his own time.

Got it? Got it. Then let me explain.

Greek heroism is all about kleos (glory), right? You charge into battle, fight, die gloriously, and get immortalized in song. Odysseus? Not his style. His whole thing is survival. Achilles, the epitome of warrior masculinity, chooses an early death in exchange for undying fame. Odysseus chooses life, no matter what it takes. He hides, deceives, and grovels when necessary...all acts that a traditionally “heroic” warrior wouldn’t be caught dead doing.

Take the Cyclops episode: a classic strongman hero would just fight Polyphemus. Odysseus? He outsmarts him with wordplay, drugs his enemy (like a sneaky witch would), and escapes by disguising himself under sheep. You’re telling me this is masculine? If anything, it aligns him with figures like Circe and Penelope. Women who survive through wit and deception rather than brute strength.

This man’s mouth is his deadliest weapon. He doesn’t win with a spear; he wins with stories, persuasion, and trickery. The word polytropos (πολύτροπος), used to describe him in the very first line of The Odyssey, literally means “many-turned” or “twisting,” evoking the way a woman might spin or weave. The metaphor of weaving is all over his character, and weaving is, of course, the domain of women in Greek thought.

Even his lies are textile-like. He spins tales, unravels them, and reweaves them as necessary. And let’s not ignore that his narrative mirrors Penelope’s: she weaves and unweaves her shroud, delaying the suitors; he spins and unspins his identity to survive. He and Penelope are two sides of the same coin, both manipulating reality to stay in control.

If we take ancient Greek gender norms seriously, dominance in sex = masculinity, and submission = femininity. And Odysseus? The man spends years being kept by women. Calypso and Circe both hold him as a sex slave, reducing him to an object of desire rather than an active agent. That’s not exactly Achilles ravaging Briseïs, is it? He’s literally lying in bed (λέχος) while these women rule over him.

Even in Ithaca, his return isn’t some macho takeover. He sneaks in, disguises himself, and watches before making his move. Unlike Agamemnon, who storms into Mycenae post-Troy and gets murked by his wife, Odysseus waits, gathering intel like a patient, calculating woman.

He also cries...like...a lot.

Masculine heroes go out into the world to conquer (Iliadic energy). Feminine figures are more often concerned with the home. Odysseus’s entire goal? To get back to Ithaca, to his oikos, to his wife. He’s not seeking new conquests or greater glory. He wants stability, family, domesticity. He longs for the space traditionally occupied by women.

Odysseus is basically the Greek epic’s answer to the trickster woman trope. He’s wily, verbal, emotionally expressive, and constantly using the strategies of metis, not brute strength, to survive. While Homeric masculinity typically means fighting, dying, and achieving kleos, Odysseus thrives through deception, patience, and endurance. Traits that the ancient Greeks more often ascribed to women.

[cutehoons02]

TEASER

Thank you very much for the 500 followers, to thank you I wanted to write my first story mixed with hybrids and humans and I hope you like it:) if you want to write me your @ tomorrow when I publish the story I’ll tag you now let you read an extract of the story

«Contraceptives?» he said in a low voice, feeling his cheeks warm "Sure." You leaned on the back of the chair, fiddling with the box. "Come on, think of the gigantic market that has been created since hybrids entered our lives. Anti-hybrid condoms and these pills are very popular. Sometimes they’re even sold out in whole cities. It’s a multimillion dollar business and thank God they are used to protect us from disease and becoming a mother too soon!" Jake nodded slowly, acknowledging that the argument made sense. «It’s true. We could also talk about the condoms that we hybrids can use to release our semen inside.»

You smiled and clapped your hands and sensitive ears of Jake rose with speed as he heard you beat them and smile "Perfect. So let’s try to put down our ideas and see that they are not as bad as you thought!" you said slightly an elbow in his side and he nodded slightly feeling for a few seconds your skin in contact with his. You worked, exchanging ideas and writing the first few paragraphs. As annoying as you were, Jake had to admit that you were brilliant and had a lot of ideas for the head and knew how to connect concepts, how to make the essay interesting. But he… he had a problem. Since that box appeared on the table, his body seemed to have activated without his permission.

His golden tail did not stop moving, hitting the chair’s leg. His ears were always on alert, picking up every sound or movement. And then… the heat on his cheeks. The need to run his hand through his hair, to fix the collar of the sweatshirt as if he could find some relief. It was a disaster and you every time you told him there was something strange about him and after two hours of notes thrown down in the computer you tore yourself into the chair and cleared your throat and watched for a moment,squinting his eyes. Jake was… good-looking. Too good, actually. The kind of beauty that made hybrids look even more dangerous than they already were. The face was sculpted but soft in the right places, and when he smiled he had that vaguely mischievous air that made the weak college girls kneel down and now, as he agitated, it was even more obvious that his body was reacting strangely.

[damsels-n-dice]

reading through this post has been very cool & hit on a lot of stuff i think about a lot! so sorry OP for even more rambling, but i wanted to talk a little abt stuff i have found has worked in cultivating IRL casual audiences for my hobbies:

board game groups are where i've found the most success in getting people into indie TTRPGs, but i've also had progress in queer groups (that may be bc i pitch a lot of gay games, though)

lasers & feelings hacks have a ton of variety and not a lot of rule complexity, which i like for introducing people! especially since you can find a good number based on existing fandoms or other games

people have really responded to "bring a friend" type events when i've hosted those for other hobbies, so TTRPGs that accommodate larger groups or pairing up might be a good start? at least with the younger audiences i'm usually pitching to with stuff

free stuff! with games that are free/allow distribution, giving out free copies to a group of receptive-ish people will go down great. everyone loves the opportunity for free things

on a similar note: snacks. if you can afford it, bribe them with snacks or sweets when you're running games for new folks

(none of this is exactly ground-breaking, but i did turn a board game group of 5 into an official club of about 100 in a year, so i feel like that's pretty good evidence that the classics work)

i'm also pretty interested in the idea of starting a podcast or youtube channel to talk more about TTRPGs in relation to other media forms, comparing common themes, that kind of stuff... but i fear i don't have the time or attention span for that these days 😅

i'm realizing now as i write this that i am. 10 days late to the party (your most recent reblog) but idk i'm really passionate about sharing my love for tabletop gaming, interactive storytelling and all things ttrpg-related so. a brain vomit ig

Art Communities and TTRPGs

I recently read an article by @toyourstations (which you can read here) about art revolutions, both online and in physical space. It makes the point that art communities online are generally fairly insular, rarely reaching out beyond a small circle of other artists. To combat this, the article argues that you as an artist should find a way to exist in physical space around people who are not in your small group and share your art there. It's a topic that I had been thinking about a lot lately as I've been making a conceited effort to connect more people in the indie ttrpg space and encourage more community amongst artists.

I've noticed a trend that relates to both of these topics. It seems to me that people in the indie ttrpg community online rarely interact with other's works. I see in other art mediums an outpouring of interaction on even the most sophomoric works. Yet amongst ttrpg writers, I see posts of well made projects with little to no interaction or feedback. This is purely subjective and my experience may be skewing my view on the topic but it seems to hold true.

I have a few theories.

This is obviously a fairly small community, but there are at least other artists here that would have opinions about the projects they see. Are people scared to interact; to give criticism, both good or bad? You would think in such a small community of creator/artists that people would be sharing ideas and writing critique.

The most cynical theory is that creators don't want to boost up other projects as they see them as competition. There is a feeling that there is only enough oxygen in the room for one or two projects to exist and you don't want to lift up other projects when it may result in the starvation of your own.

There is also the time investment. It takes time to read and interact with ttrpgs. Playing/testing them is a whole other level of commitment. But there must be some people who at least read or skim projects. Why do they not leave comments. Does it really come down to the size of the community? Are there just not enough people interested in projects outside of their own?

----

I do feel that I need to state that this opinion is not a reflection of my personal project's engagement. I am fairly happy with how they have performed considering my size and reach. This frustration is mostly a product of seeing other projects and artist gain zero traction when I think their projects are worthwhile. This also goes beyond Tumblr as a platform. Obviously there are a million factors that play into this, but I think a community initiative to engage more with smaller works could change the landscape of the ttrpg community online.

[aroacesafeplaceforall]

I need some advice on probably the most complicated relationship I've ever had.

The guy who I am attracted to is AroAllo. I didn't know this until he told me later after we went on a date. I am still very confused on what this is. Then he told me that he is sexually attracted to me but not romantically attracted to me.

All in all, we are "friends" again. However anyone that doesn't know our situation assumes we're dating. It's really awkward when its brought up. We're in this weird lingo as of now between friends and something more which is all in all very strange. He acts as though he is attracted to me.

The thing is he is perfect. He's incredibly handsome, smart, funny, kind, understanding and is amazing at communication. When it comes to affection, he tends to avoid it quite a lot.

I have been trying to wrap my head around this idea of AroAllo. It doesn't make any sense to me but it is probably just my ignorance and I am AlloAllo. I understand casual sex. But like, how can you not have some romance before sex? You have to kiss, you have to flirt. Does that fall under romance or am I missing something?

Also how do I navigate this relationship? I don't know what to do. It's torture but he is such a good friend and he genuinely listens to me and values me. I am attracted to him still and I can't seem to shake it.

Please, if you can. Give me some advice on this. And I am deeply sorry for the ridiculous long ask.

-confused anon

First of all, I am proud of you for seeking advice in this. You're alloallo and therefore don't really get what's up here, so it's amazing that you came here!

I will refer to this guy as guy.

FOR UNDERSTANDING HIM: Separate sexual and romantic attraction, this is called SAM (split attraction model) and it means a person separates romantic and sexual attraction in their identity. Not everyone does this (including some aspec), it's hard to do, and not everyone can. But it's a good step forward in understanding Guy. If he identifies as Alloaro then he is using the split attraction model (SAM).

A good example is cereal and milk. You, as an alloallo, see cereal and milk as coming together, something that can't be separated. Guy, on the other hand, sees milk as gross and eats cereal straight from the box. An asexual hates cereal and just drinks milk, and I, an aroace, hate both and will die before I eat it.

Obviously this is an over simplification. Some asexuals may still eat some cereal but only because they want to support the brand (for their partner) some aromantics will still drink milk but only after long-standing connections and talks about drinking milk.

FOR UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF:

For how you have described Guy, though, it seems that he is not interested in a definitive romantic relationship. Meaning, while he might not mind being referred to as being in a romantic relationship, I don't think, from what you have written, he is at all romantically attracted to you. He says he likes you sexually, and probably platonically, and likes you as a person. From the sounds of it, he perhaps wants to date, but with no romantic attraction on his end.

Basically, the crux of it is, would you be okay with a relationship that is romantically purely one-sided?

On top of that, talk to him. Understand exactly what he wants from you, and tell him what you would want of him. Understand that asking him to “feel romantic attraction” is not going to work and will drive him away, same with any other attempt to undermine his identity.

Some questions that may help:

"What do you actually feel for me?" "Why did you ask me on a date if you knew you were aroallo?" "How do you feel about me being attracted to you romantically?" "What would you want from me in a relationship?" "Would this be casual sex, or would it be a relationship? Would this be committed?" "Would a queer platonic relationship (QPR for further research) work for you?" "How to you feel like appearing like we are dating?"

Hope this helps going to tag some aro blogs please spare me guys im aroace im trying here @aromantic-official @aro-culture-is @our-aro-experience @our-arospec-experience @aroallo-culture-is and every other aroallo

I WROTE THIS WHILE SLEEP DEPRIVED, I AM SORRY FOR ERRORS