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sensorydephrivation · 4 months ago

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Amatonormative assumptions and the language of a hard launch: a rambly DnP essay thing

I have a lot of Discourse Thoughts about hard launching and all that, but there’s not much I can say that hasn’t already been said. This fandom is one that generally has significant representation on both sides of any major issue; any take you look for you can find someone genuinely believing. What I am interested in analyzing is how some people are insistent, whether or not they want it to happen or believe it will happen, that they haven’t Hard Launched, and others are equally insistent that they have. Because on the surface those should be completely contradictory takes, but a large amount of people believe each to be true.

I’ve seen posts making comparisons to PJ and Sophie, and I definitely think that’s a useful tool because it brings up the real question here: how do we speak about romantic and platonic relationships, and what underlying assumptions are at play when we use or don't use certain words?

Firstly, this issue is obviously mostly to entirely due to homophobia. Why do people assume PJ and Sophie are a couple just because they live together, even though they've never used the words? Because they're a man and a woman. Why couldn't DnP be publicly open about their relationship back in the day? Because they're gay. I'm not going to spend too much time on this point because it's obvious, but I feel like it's important to remember that Dan and Phil's relationship wasn't some Great Secret for no reason. They weren't no-homo-ing because of privacy or whatever, but because they weren't yet ready to face the immense challenges being publicly out sticks you with, especially in the early 2010s. If homophobia wasn't a thing, everything else I'm going to say in this post would still be true, but it would all be significantly less charged. Just remember that gay marriage wasn't legal in the UK when DnP met each other, and that 2000s pop culture overall was routinely, openly, virulently homophobic. Just keep that in mind. (Also, everything I talk about in this post refers to 2019 onwards, after they came out. I wasn't around for the no-homo era and can't speak on it. I'm also not going to be talking about the speculation around their relationship, because that's been talked about so much. It definitely is a factor in all of this, but you know that already)

Onto the main point of this post. The reason DnP haven't "hard launched" (that term itself is incredibly vague, but its popular meaning in this fandom seems to be explicit confirmation of a romantic relationship, which is how I'm using it here) while also having clearly done so is because their use of language does not line up with conventional expectations of how language around romantic and platonic relationships should be used.

The concept of "dating" as we think of it today is relatively recent, and language around it is even newer. The terms "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" only became prominent in the mid- to late- 20th century, and it took a while for them to gain the connotation (of almost always meaning a romantic relationship) that they have today. And yet people have still had romantic relationships for forever! How these things were described would depend on the society's norms around marriage and sex and often on the exact social dynamic of the couple. Today, we think we're better than all that and can find words for anything.

I'm no expert on what makes a relationship romantic vs platonic or even how to define those terms. I find it hard to define the concept of romance in a way that doesn't bring with it centuries of heteronormative amatonormative assumptions. And boy are there assumptions. (No, people who live together for life do not have to be romantically involved, that's a silly thing to believe.) When people see a relationship that lines up or does not line up with those assumptions, they expect it to have a clean, simple label. But the words we used for romantic relationships outside of marriage, due to how new they are, are completely not simple!

While these days they seem to be the most "unambiguous" terms to describe a romantic relationship, "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" are essentially euphemisms that can seem infantilizing and demeaning of the seriousness of a relationship. It's easy to see how they aren't for everyone, even if many people are fine using them for serious committed relationships. "Partner" is kind of ambiguous on purpose, thought like bf and gf, I think it's on its way to becoming a word with mainly romantic connotations. The term "significant other" is out of fashion these days, but just like bf, gf, and "partner," it's basically a euphemism that doesn't mean much in and of itself. We have no words to describe an unmarried romantic couple that aren't on some level unclear or unindicative of the actual nature of the relationship.

Dan and Phil have acknowledged that they were once in a romantic relationship, have made many many jokes about having sex with each other, and are committed life partners. On some level, you can take the combination of these things as a very clear confirmation of a current romantic relationship, which many do. Yes, this requires making a few assumptions, but they aren't the craziest assumptions in the world. In fact, as one can see from the PJ and Sophie example, they are assumptions that are often normal and expected to be made in social situations. So why do so many others not see it this way?

Well for one, we are a mostly queer community that understands the complexity of queer relationships and how these assumptions do not get applied equally. We see how these assumptions are often used against queer people to devalue their identities, especially those on the ace-aro spectrum and/or in queerplatonic relationships. We also are an extremely online community, familiar with the complicated layers of discourse around RPF and shipping, and hesitant to make assumptions in a way that could potentially damage relationships or invade someone's privacy.

But honestly? It's because DnP don't call themselves boyfriends. They don't explicitly frame their activities in romantic ways (e.g. call things dates). The terms they use and jokes they make, even in 2024, are not the sort of things we expect from the set of assumptions that go with a committed romantic relationship. (This is also where the discourse about whether or not they're open/poly comes from, but that's a topic for another day.)

The Date Night video stretches this to its absolute max. The game is full of cards about kissing and other things that fit cleanly into the set of romantic relationship assumptions, but they didn't use any of those cards. They only used things that were ambiguous, and tried to downplay the romantic implications as much as possible aside from the lampshading of it at the start of the video ("this is a great game to play with your best buddy as well" "phil says no homo" as well as the entire "ugh i can't believe they send us this" tone of the intro). The use of "partner" in this video is the clearest example of this. The game uses this word exclusively- after all, it's a standard, accepted, gender-neutral word for people in a romantic relationship. Phil confidently reads it off the card, with the "I don't care which set of assumptions this assigns us" attitude that's been prevalent over the past year and past few months especially. Dan avoids it half the time, and at the end of the video, seems to clearly mock the term, saying it in a silly voice and then comparing it to how stereotypical cowboys use the word. This stuck out to me; it made it very noticeable that they don't use that word at least in videos, and made me think about the connation of the word they do use-- "friend." That term, unlike any of the words I've mentioned so far, implies literally nothing. "Friends" can be people with a barely positive relationship or people with an incredibly meaningful relationship they center their life around. With no other qualifiers, it also implies that the people in question don't have a romantic relationship (are "just friends"), or even (because of amatonormativity) that their relationship is not especially deep or meaningful.

Dan and Phil have defined their relationship in quite a few ways-- or rather, Dan has, in BIG and in his interviews for WAD. These quotes circulate on here constantly as people discuss the meaning of them. I'm not really interested in talking about those as they've already been talked to death. I do think it's worth noting that we only get these things from Dan-- the one time Phil has ever spoken on his "current dating life" it was just to say "I don't want to talk about that, the door is closed." Obviously some of this is because the interviewers were pushy, but also I'm sure Dan enjoys his elaborate poetic metaphors enough to not be able to shut up about them haha. (Very unrelated but I wonder if this will come up if they end up doing interviews for TIT?) The thing is, these definitions show a deep, meaningful, complex, committed relationship. They include directly romantic terms like "husbands," "soul mates," and "normal gay relationship." You would think being willing to call someone your husband, even with a million other words around it, would mean you wouldn't have a problem calling them your partner, right? Yet these words do not reflect the language they use when speaking about each other in videos!

There are times when they say "friend" "buddy" or "mate" in a clearly humorous, ironic way, and seem aware that it isn't a term that makes people think of a committed, long term relationship. Other times, they use the word as if it is a fully accurate descriptor of their relationship-- in the glue story, Dan jokes about being ashamed to be seen as "the friend of the glue guy," and in How Phil Nearly Died, he quotes himself telling the hospital staff he is looking for "my friend." I use the hospital stories as examples because they are high-stakes (or seemingly high-stakes in the case of the glue story) situations and examples of how other people in their real lives perceive them. The way they choose to tell these stories to the internet is one in which the fact that a random hospital worker would likely interact differently with Dan if he was Phil's friendly roommate as opposed to his life partner doesn't matter. In other words: if they actually do call each other "friends" irl around strangers, those strangers probably have a very different impression of their relationship than we do. Their consistency in describing themselves doing so just means that they want to consistently use the term "friends" in their videos, not that they actually do that in real life. But to a viewer who is unsure about their relationship status, the fact that they are clearly life partners, no matter platonic or romantic, but in all situations opt for a word that does not imply that seems to be confirmation that their relationship is not clearly romantic, or at least that they don't want to refer to it as such.

If I have to draw a conclusion from all this, it's that DnP consider their relationship very complex and unusual (ymmv on if it is, lol) and have had to deal with a ridiculous level of scrutiny about it nonetheless. Again, Phil has almost never spoken on this, but Dan clearly dislikes any descriptor that carries with it a sense of assumptions about the nature of the relationship, hence why he uses like fifty contradicting ones or strange metaphors instead. "Friend" carries with it no assumptions. You can be "friends" and be in a romantic relationship-- plenty of people say "I married my best friend." But our society considers romantic relationships to be more meaningful and important than platonic ones. People assume that if you are in a romantic relationship, you would want to describe your relationship exclusively using terms that carry that set of assumptions, because that is the most important part about it. I honestly think Dan is being quite subversive in refusing to do so.

I have no idea if or when this will ever change, but I hope I've given enough context for those who are convinced they've already hard launched to understand why others are still waiting, and for those who don't think they have to understand why the issue is more complicated than it seems. This topic has fascinated me ever since I first started watching them, and I hope this post can help people reach a bit more of a understanding, rather than inciting more discourse.

#Obviously I am open to discussion and corrections #I wrote this all in one sitting and I'm sure I left things out or wrote things in unclear ways.#dan and phil #phan #dnp #mine #long-winded thoughts #danandphilology

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dreamwatch · 3 months ago

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Get to know me tag game

Thanks for the tags @gleek4twd and @tinytalkingtina! 💗

Favourite colour: I genuinely can’t settle on one. I think I’m mostly drawn to blues and greens, teal and lavender colours.

Last Song: Hotel California by the Eagles. (On my Eagles bullshit again, brewing a Steddie WIP…)

Currently reading: Pfft, what am I not reading? I’ve got 200 tabs of fics open on my iPad and I’m jumping around all over the place, but mostly Steddie Big Bang fics at the moment.

Currently watching: Season 4 of Slow Horses, and going down multiple YouTube rabbit holes. Current obsessions include wood turning, submarines and air crash investigations.

Currently craving: PPIs. No joke, I have severe GERD and I need to do a test that requires me to be off my meds for 10 days minimum so they don’t fuck with the results. It’s agony, and all I can think about is chomping on Omeprazole on Friday.

Coffee or tea: Coffee, vats and vats of it. I’d mainline it if I could.

A hobby you would like to try: Shit, there’s not many I haven’t already tried tbh. Dressmaking/sewing/quilting I think, quilting in particular. I’ve always said if I ever move anywhere with enough room I’m going to buy a sewing machine.

An AU you’re working on/thought of: Okay, none of these are being worked on, I’m not committing to another big fic until I finish the ones I’m already writing, buuuuut…

An Officer and a Gentleman. That ending gets me every fucking time, and I don’t know how I would Steddiefy it but I’d try. Steve in the Zak role and Eddie would obviously be his Paula. ❤️ I like it too because there is plenty of angst in the movie. Lots to play with.

A Star Is Born. I mean, pretty self explanatory that one, but it hit me recently that this would be perfect fodder for Steddie. Eddie in the Jackson Maine role (I mean, you could do the 1937, 1954 or 1976 versions instead, but I’m thinking 2018), and Steve in the Ally role. Full of romance, angst, drama and a bit of whump, delicious.

Ok this is the one I really want to write: Vietnam War. It’s a special interest for me, I have a lot of books on the subject, I’ve watched the Ken Burns doc more times than is healthy, and my first major fandom was The A Team, which was pure 80s action entertainment for the family, but the fanfic… oh, the fanfic. ❤️ This is the one I’ve given really serious thought to, but it’s also the one that needs a lot of research. I have a starting point, Eddie receiving his draft letter, coming home from work and Wayne at the kitchen table with the letter in his hand, absolutely dejected because he knows what it is. Thing is, I’m not sure that it’s a big sprawling epic of a plot that I want to write, more moments in time, vignettes, and maybe not all Eddie POV either. I have an idea for Jonathan meeting Nancy, who is an army nurse, and them falling in love. I think a series might work better, I dunno. But yeah, it’s always rattling around at the back of my mind.

God, I really waffle, don’t I?

No pressure tags as always, apologies if you’ve already been tagged and apologies if you really don’t want to do this.

@jo-harrington @the-unforgivenn @thisapplepielife @kikidoesfanfic @vthx @occasionaloverboy @hitlikehammers

#tag games #steddie #my writing #ideas

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6okuto · 6 months ago

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nia please tell me about cove… where does he come from… who is he…………………………

(I saw a glimpse of him in the “more posts like this” recs and I’ve been blessed)

REV REVERIE-STARLIGHT U JUST MADE MY DAY. Ok. mild spoilers (the beauty is in the small moments and casual intimacy,, But that's the Game so i can only say so much.) If u want to hear more Let Me Know. everypony should play and see for themself though. wink. my vn masterlist has some cove too!!

Cove Holden is the love interest in GB Patch's visual novel "Our Life: Beginnings and Always" available on Itch.io and Steam for free. You play through 4 life phases: childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and fully grown—all with different moments you can play in any order!! Steps 1 to 3 have their own DLCs for 4USD each, and the wedding DLC is only 3USD, but the base game easily has up to 20 hours of playtime alone!! FOR FREE!! (there's also 2 NSFW DLCs on patreon. planning 2 get the second one soon. cove wait for me)

while you don't actually have to romance him,, cove can be the childhood friends to lovers story OF UR (MY) DREAMS!!!! his personality and appearance change depending on your choices (but can also be customized) bUT in general!!

he's very sweet and cares about those close to him deeply!! he's very thoughtful and respectful!!

it's stuff like,, he'll offer to give you his homework when you think you've lost yours. he'll buy you a gift to surprise you with at a market, even though you are Also at the market albeit separated for a while. there's a scene where you're watching fireworks and if you say that they're loud, cove will cover your ears to muffle the sound :'))

he loves the ocean (his special interest)! he surfs, volunteers to help clean the beach (you can join him), has pet fish, etc etc.

^ cove's canonically autistic!! some traits here

climbs through your window a lot.

my crybaby... /sooo affectionate. sobs..

clingy /affectionate /pos /my dream. he always wants to be with you if he can. you obviously don't have to be physically affectionate but i, too, am a clingy cuddly person especially when it comes to him... he can give you piggy back rides, you can cuddle on the couch and in bed, he'll offer his hand to hold, etc. etc.!! and he gets so so smiley and happy whenever you hug and kiss OHHHHMYNGJH

he gets flustered and shy about flirting orz... he has to kinda hype himself up to try a cheesy pick-up line on you 😭🩷

something that comes up is how cove can struggle with new things or taking steps (romantically) and how you stay patient with him!! because he really does want to do them!! I don't kneow it's very heartwarming to me 🥹

u can make it a slowburn! u can have a crush from the very beginning! U can say i love u first! He can confess! U can propose! He can propose (in multiple ways)! WHAT A WORLD!!

6 foot 4 (193 centimeters) 👍

his favourite flower is white linen poppies! :-)

he likes anklets. as in you can wear an anklet and he's like ( !!! )

bit messy /still affectionate. didn't want to say slob. he'll wipe his hands on his pants and there's sand on his bedroom floor hebsbdjsbdj

loves his parents.... there's some angst and struggling but. by step 4 him and his parents are so :-((( WAHHHHH!!!!

"i pick her and she picks me" -> "i pick you and you pick me" Ok. wjy. mi cabesa. MI CORAZON NO SABE YO COSA HABLA BUT WWAAAAHHH 😭😭😭😭🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

Step 3 DLC Happiness Moment....

step 4 coves + opened my game for quick screenshots. Do u think he's a cutie patootie handsome beautiful gorgeous perfect angel boyfriend BEcuauseheis. HE IS 😭😭😭. Akaashi and Cove are the same level of boyfriend husband to me. Gen Srs. if u told me to pick one i'd spontaneously combust in front of u

If u like my writing U'll Probably Like Cove And OL. If you want to get to know me and also be so so happy giggly sentimental for a couple days,, U, reader,, should play OL and tell me so we can talk about it TOGETHAH!

aND! if u like the look of this, GB Patch is currently developing Our Life: Now and Forever!! a new story in a new town with two new love interests (qiu and tamarack my beloveds) and even MORE customization!! ^___^ YIPPEEE

#🧾nia.answers #<3 rev #<3 cove #i will do this every time im asked about him No hesitation No complaints.#my goal is 4 people to play and tell me they enjoyed it.. i would be so happy and accomplished....#it changed my life senior year brodhsjdbsj

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abeautifulblog · 1 year ago

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Thoughts on the Radovid romance

A couple people have asked about the Radovid/Jaskier relationship, and I thought it was... fine? As fine as anything in this show gets?

I wasn't expecting it to dethrone Geralt/Jaskier, because 20+ years of Jaskier building his life and legacy around Geralt is a lot more compelling than Some Twink He Met Yesterday, but I did go into it with a genuinely open mind. Everyone on tumblr was gushing over their chemistry, and I was like, Yea I'd believe it, given that this is Joey Batey we're talking about. So I was expecting to enjoy it the way I'd enjoyed the Yennskier content in S2, the rare treat of two characters having a real emotional connection.

And then I watched it, and it wasn't bad, but the relationship was a lot more disjointed (and their "chemistry" a lot less compelling) than tumblr had led me to believe. (Lol, mea culpa, I should have known better than to take tumblr's word for it.) Also it’s unclear whether it’s supposed to be a cute romance, or whether it’s two people using each other for their own ends?

But it did brush up against some interesting thoughts I'd had before about Jaskier and his patrons, and got me to thinking about consent and power dynamics again, because I am THEE MOST predictable little beastie in fandom. 🤣

First off, I'm not sure what we're supposed to make of Radovid. Obviously he's ~hiding his true self~ in some way, but I can't tell if we're meant to take at face value the side of himself he shows Jaskier -- that he's more intelligent than he's been letting on, and is actually deeply lonely in the empty-headed partyboy role he's been playing, desperate for genuine connection and for someone to truly see him for who he is -- or whether that is yet more deception, and this is all part of some big ambitious scheme that he'll whip out in a mustache-twirling villain reveal. There are elements that make me think it's the latter, but Hugh Skinner's acting is also just weird (and why are his eyes so wet o_o), and I can't tell whether that's supposed to be deliberate foreshadowing, or if, once again, the people making the show are just clueless about how their creative choices are coming off.

(I assume this will get answered at some point, possibly already has in part 2, but I haven't watched that yet.)

Honestly, the part that caught my interest the most was when Jaskier showed up at Radovid's salon wanting to talk about new intel he had on Rience, and Radovid was blithely uninterested, just wanted Jaskier to sing for them -- and then proceeded to casually, completely disregard Jaskier's No.

gremble: Oho? 👀

That's a red flag! 😊 Jaskier tried to set a boundary, and Radovid brushed right past it. And in any competently-executed piece of media, I would expect that to be deliberately signaling something. It doesn't necessarily mean that Radovid is evil -- could just mean he's a crown prince who doesn't have much experience with people telling him No -- but seeing him blithely override Jaskier's wishes in a low-stakes situation sets a bad precedent, and foreshadows how he might behave later, when the stakes might well be higher.

...Except that this production team is so HILARIOUSLY bad at writing healthy relationships -- for three seasons they've been feeding us the most toxic slop imaginable and telling us that's what love looks like -- that I have no idea whether that was on purpose or not. 😂😂😂

The Radovid storyline does touch on some concepts that I've long found fascinating, about Jaskier's system of patronage and how he trades on his sexuality. How his work is canonically sex work, or at least sex-work adjacent (that's made explicit when he talks about the Countess de Stael, that they were involved sexually while she was supporting him financially), and the balancing act of keeping his patrons happy when they are always, always going to be second in his affections to Geralt -- and how they probably wouldn't be too happy to learn that.

Because for all that S3 tells us Jaskier is developing a crush on Radovid, Joey Batey's acting says something very different. He did not come off as a man in love, to me -- he came off as someone who's acutely aware that when the crown prince of Redania rolls up and tells you he's your biggest fan, you fucking smile for him.

(Why yes, Moulin Rouge is my all-time favorite movie, why do you ask? 🤣)

Jaskier's interactions with Radovid feel very... 'calculated' isn't quite the word for it, but Jaskier is conscious of the power differentials there, and always carefully choosing what he does and says in light of what he knows Radovid wants from him. He's conscious of having to keep Radovid happy, yes but he's also conscious of what he stands to gain from having a crown prince clamoring to win his affections, and what he could leverage out of that. (Like, say, having the entire Redanian army to protect his little found family.)

And the power imbalance isn't entirely one-directional either. Radovid wants Jaskier's affections, something that can't be bought or coerced, and wants his specifically, which means Jaskier has all the power to give or withhold it... while also being aware that toying with a prince's affections is a dangerous game.

........Or maybe I entirely misread that, and Jaskier's feelings for Radovid are meant to be genuine, and the whole thing was supposed to be a cute little romance. The way that Joey & the production team have talked about that relationship makes it sound like that's what they were going for, but what's onscreen is very ambiguous.

It will surprise no one to learn that I think the more interesting option would be the one that complicates Jaskier’s motives. That even if he likes Radovid well enough, he's still deliberately leveraging Radovid's crush on him to get help for Geralt -- and that if he oversteps, he's risking the wrath of a very powerful man. (And that as the perceived rival, Geralt could wind up as the target of Radovid’s retribution.)

Anyway, it's a fascinating situation, and almost identical to a fic premise I've been tossing around for years. It's never quite coalesced enough to get written, but it does compel me.

(Alternately, if you wanted Radovid to be noble and tragic, @coffee-mage-sans-caffeine suggested a situation in which Radovid and Geralt are in peril together, one of them is not going to make it out of this, and Radovid sacrifices himself so Geralt lives -- because he knows which of them Jaskier loves more.)

#witcher shit #radskier #witcher meta #twn season 3

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lazyypumpkin · 5 months ago

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Vampire movies I have been watching to keep me sane until season 3 of iwtv (Part 2)

Moving on to the sapphic vampire movies I’ve watched thus far

Wir Sind Die Nacht/ We Are The Night 4/5🌟

•does this movie really deserve 4 stars? Maybe not but I love it dearly anyway

•has the same feel as those slightly shitty fantasy books one consumes as a pre teen when one grows up in the 2010’s (based on a purely hypothetical example of course, I personally obviously never did that haha ha ha)

•could be SO good if they would’ve had the balls to make the main character bi

•shitty cop character that you just have to ignore to enjoy the movie

•One of the characters (Louise) is low key a genderbent Lestat?? Blonde ✔️ Obsessive about her love interests ✔️ Also insane but in a glamorous way ✔️

And did I mention a lesbian???????

•anyhow can you tell I’m obsessed with her

•loved the other characters as well, specially Nora and Charlotte (the main character is ok too)

•loved the atmosphere& cinematography

•the first 2/3rds of this movie are fantastic

•one of my favorite vampire turning/transformation scenes

•one of my favorite vampires being vampires and messing around montages

•this could really be a cult classic imo (specially if they just would have committed to the gayness even more)

•LESBIAN VAMPIRE YEARNING!!!!

The Hunger (1983) 4/5🌟

•didn’t like this one much either on my first watch and then rewatched it and was utterly convinced I loved it until right before the ending happened lol

•starts off with a goth club scene where Bela Lugosi Is Dead is playing (it’s so iconic)

•very cool cinematography

•Bisexual Vampire Yearning& Angst

•like seriously this movie is beautifully queer

•thought all the characters were interesting but did not buy that Catherine Deneuve was a vampire from ancient Egypt lmfao

•honestly feels quite anne rice-esque in essence to me

Carmilla (2019) 3,5/5🌟

•didn’t like it the first time I watched it but appreciate it more upon rewatching it several times

•i loved the idea of this movie but am not sold on the execution

•needed more scenes to build up the romance

•actors sort of have a face that looks like it knows what an iPhone is and that took me out of it

•Miss Fontaine was low key annoying and not in an intentional way

•loved the anatomy scenes, the insects& scenes of slow decay

•loved the cinematography& visuals

•BLOODY! SAPPHIC! KISSES!!!!!

•like genuinely when the movie was good it was very good but when it wasn’t good it was kind of meh???

•it could have been such a good movie smh

I still have a lot of lesbian vampire movies from the 70’s on my list so I will expand this sapphic section considerably (and probably cringe at a lot of male gaze-y shit lol)

#carmilla #the hunger 1983 #wir sind die nacht #we are the night #interview with the vampire #iwtv #vampire movies i have been watching to keep me sane until season 3 of iwtv

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nightglider124 · 2 years ago

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Titans: Season 4 - Ep7 & Ep8 - Thoughts

Okay, now that I have watched the episodes multiple times (actually just the good bits tehe), I have overall thoughts and I thought I would share them!

I’m gonna try and focus on the stuff non dickkory related buuut if you catch me slipping, soz. I have always been very vocal about my priorities in this show and they are in the main three.

Episode 7: Caul’s Folly

The bit at the beginning where they like said bye to Jinx, I found kinda sweet. I still feel like she is going to pop up again. I don’t feel like she is proper dead... Maybe I am wrong but I haven’t seen anything to say the actress wasn’t returning for part 2 or anything. I would personally prefer if they kept her dead moreso cos I don’t feel she has any more of a part to play in the rest of it but yeah. At first, I didn’t think they were even gonna mention her and then Rachel did and I was like lmao okay cool. Glad that was cleared up. XD

Honestly, they’ve done such a good job of getting the vibe of bonkers cult for the Church of Blood like it’s so full of whackos but it all feels so believable tbh. I like Sebastian; he’s an interesting character and villain. I’ve always liked the Brother Blood storyline in all media forms through the years and this is no different.

I AM MISSING GAR TERRIBLY ALREADY. I proper felt his absence and I HATED IT. Like I get it, we’re gonna be getting a whole ep for my boy but like I miss his cute little face. Gar woulda been a mood if he was in the town with them. GOD. I can’t wait to see him again soon.

Conner... my guy. I fucking hate you this season. I get the Lex thing and what they’re going for and Joshua Orpin does phenomonelly as he makes it believable but FUCK ME. I am tired of his superieor bullshit XD. Like when he started blaming Dick for the plan going south, I was like are you for real and then Dick being like well fuckface we had a good plan but it went to shit cos of your dumb ass. I was like FUCK YEAH, TELL HIM DICK! I need Conner to not be a douche for much longer cos it’s grating af.

In addition to that, it was cool to see Mercy again. I was surprised since I don’t think anything had mentioned her making an appearance. Still hate her character but it was a cool little moment.

MY GOD. The whole interaction with Roberta was my absolute favourite. When she like inhaled Kory, I was cracking up and I peeped Dick’s smiling eyes ever so slightly when she did it. Hilarious. I loved it and I loved Roberta.

I really REALLY love the clothing department for all the outfits but... my baby girl. Every outfit was a slay. OH! AND THE FUCKING JACKET!! IT SAYS WE <3 GAR AND OBVS THATS A NUDGE TO THE ICONIC SHIRT?? I really adored that little easter egg to the comics. Muchos appreciated.

I LOVE TIM AND BERNARD. They’re little idiots trying to figure shit out and I’m a sap for it tbh. AND GUUURL, they gots their own motel scene. I was like Yaaas TIM, go get your boo. I really like their relationship tbf. I was smiling through like all their scenes, especially at the motel.

Dick getting the shit kicked out of him in the police station made me physically wince; the fight-acting was amazeballs but ugh my boy, I was like bro, you’re getting fucked up. I get he obviously does not have the Nightwing suit with him but dang man, you got knocked about like a ragdoll.

I like the pace in this first episode; it brought me straight back into the flow and action of the season rather than acting as filler bs, at least I felt.

-----

Episode 8: Dick & Carol & Ted & Kory

This episode killed me dead because of the dickkory; I just wanna get that out straight away cos... my god. It was glorious. These thoughts will be including DK cos how can I not; half the episode was them.

That frickin bedroom scene... them freaking and then Kory being like did we sleep together? And Dick is like NO. No? It was so funny; I was cackling. The comedic and the seriousness and the romance as well... it all worked surprisingly very well? Like it felt in the middle of chaos but it works?? I loved this episode more than maybe any other episode in the show.

THE WEDDING RINGSSS. I just wanna say, they got changed. They didn’t need to keep them on. Maybe yes because they’re keeping up the appearances but PLS they both looked real comfy with wedding rings js. Some of the shots also really felt like they were intentionally showing them off. Maybe I was imagining it but some of the shots felt very pointed. Loved it.

Their outfits. THE OUTFITS. Barbieland could never. I just... they were so opposite to Dick and Kory but they looked so fucking cute. I wanted to die. It was the best thing ever.

OH! THE MUSIC IN BOTH EPISODES FUCKING SLAPPED. The town knows how to do a playlist, ite? I was vibing for a lot of the time to the point I had to rewind bits cos I wasn’t paying attention.

The scene with Sebastian cutting Rachel had me raging. Like, bitch lemme cut you and see what you think. Step away from my GURL.

The scene where Dick has bought the recorders... I found Kory hilarious with her ‘Peak daddy bullshit’ line but aw, omg I felt bad for Dick like his poor face he was like, I’m just trying to save us :( It’s rare Kory proper loses her shit with him so I was like oh, this is not nice. I got her but also like he trying.

Inhale... guys... them recording their memories... Kory’s had me sad. Anna’s voice was so sad like it was great.

In addition to that... my poor heart when Dick came downstairs and Kory had turned into Carol like full pelt... I was like noooo. His face is like no.... no no no. Brenton does Dick’s facial expression just so damn well.

POOR CAROL!KORY. She was so fragile all like oh im sorry, did I do something wrong. And, I really love how Dick went from yelling at her cos boy is frightened and frustrated but then softens and is like no, it’s not your fault, its mine. And yes, I adored the hand holding and promising not to leave her, even if it was her Carol self. But, I agree with others on that; Dick’s face was sad cos he knows its not Kory doing it.

KORY HEARING WHAT DICK SAID ON THE TAPE AHHHHHHHH. Im so mad tho. Like he loved her since season 1 what the actual fuck man. Which, actually makes sense why he backed off in s2 and s3 cos like Kory was the one who put it out there about them figuring themselves out before they attempted anything romantic so maybe Dick took that as she wasn’t into it as well as like the not going to San Fran with them? Which makes me sadder. Like giving her space and time but really being like i luv you Kory. UGH. IM SICK.

The radio room was grim; Dick just walking around in these blood pipes like its nothing like even Rachel was like gross dude. Dick just walks out after like nah its fine; I’m covered in some randos blood but its all good.

TEHE the last bit where Kory says about it not being the painful memories. He 10000% now knows she listened to his tape and knows he loves her. Like pls.

Ugh Conner... what are you doing and why do I feel like you’re gonna fuck shit up again, ya little douche. He best not cause any harm to the other Titans with his stupid ass antics. I swear to Jesus.

That’s all of my long winded thoughts for both episodes! Can’t wait for next weeks and we get to see baby Gaaar!!

#titans #dc titans #dickkory #thoughts #nightglider124

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toon-rp-finder · 10 months ago

Note

⭐️ Hi! 24F here!

So this is probably a long shot, but I thought I'd try anyway. I'm looking for a Disney roleplay! Specifically I’m hoping to play Cassandra from Tangled the Series/Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure! I’m desperate to do an f/f romance with her, and while my preference would be to pair her against Rapunzel, I’m honestly happy to try pairing her against other ladies from the show/other Disney ladies in general. I’m also not against trying out doing Unknighted Dream— though I’ve got no desire to wind up maining Eugene constantly. I'm not interested in playing against OC’s!

Don’t have a set point in canon I’d prefer or anything— I’m just as happy to do something pre-canon as I am to do road trip stuff set during season two, or something angsty with moonstone Cass, or something fix-it set post canon, as long as we have an interesting plot worked out! I can honestly take or leave smut, but if we are going to include it I really don’t want that to become the entire roleplay.

I tend to write in third person past tense, going anywhere from short paragraphs, to 2-4 paragraph responses depending on the scene in play. Obviously sometimes trying to eek out longer responses can get a bit tortured especially in dialogue heavy scenes, but I’d rather not be getting 1-2 line responses consistently? I’m generally a quick replier (and I’ll let you know in advance if for some reason I won’t be able to check for a few days), and would prefer to match with someone who’s decently consistent, but I get that life happens and writers block can be the worst so please don’t feel like I’m going to be harassing you to reply all the time.

I’m GMT but I work odd hours so I can’t make any promises you won’t get responses from me in the middle of the night/the early hours. Oh, and if the plot is going well there’s a good chance you’ll have to put up with me sending you moodboards and playlists and stuff, sorry!

If you interact with this post I’ll message you on here, but I’d rather move to discord once we’ve talked things through a little!

Oh, and a quick thanks to the brilliant mod for posting— apologises this was so long!

The more info the merrier 😉👍

#smut rp #discord rp #disney rp #cartoon rp #tangled the series rp #tangled rp #female x female #canon x canon #romantic

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canonrpfinder · 11 months ago

Note

🗡️🦉🌙

Hi! 24F here looking for someone 18+ for a Disney roleplay!

So this is probably a long shot, but I thought I'd try anyway. I'm looking for a Disney roleplay! Specifically I’m hoping to play Cassandra from Tangled the Series/Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure roleplay! I’m desperate to do an f/f romance with her, and while my preference would be to pair her against Rapunzel, I’m honestly happy to try pairing her against other ladies from the show/other Disney ladies in general. I’m also not against trying out doing Unknighted Dream— though I’ve got no desire to wind up maining Eugene constantly. I'm not interested in playing against OC’s!

If you interact with this post I’ll message you on here, but I’d rather move to discord once we’ve talked things through a little!

Oh, and a quick thanks to the brilliant mods for posting— apologises this was so long!

✒

#roleplay #rp #disney #tangled #18+ age range #discord rp

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pheonyxian · 1 year ago

Text

Started a solo run of Baldur’s Gate 3. Was playing with friends but wasn’t getting a good feel for the companion characters and after seeing just how unhinged the internet is for these characters, I decided I needed to judge for myself. And it was decided over voice chat that the only proper way of judging everyone’s favorite blorbos was to play the acest character I have, so without further ado

Baldur’s Gate 3: sexless any%. Get through the entire game making friends and fucking no one.

A little under 4 hours in and here’s the initial judgment.

Shadowheart: Thank god this girl’s a cleric because a few piddly heals is all she’s contributed so far. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her land a cantrip on an enemy. She has like 10 dialog options right out the gate and like 9 of them come off as weirdly flirty. Ever since KOTOR pushed Bastilla so hard I’ve taken an instant dislike to the obviously canon female love interest characters. Don’t think that’s what’s going on here because this is the game where you can romance literally everyone but it do come off that way. 2/10 might have an interesting backstory, if I’m allowed to know it without being a creep.

Gale: Unfortunately I decided to play a sorcerer so Gale and my character have a lot of overlap combat-wise. So I don’t foresee Gale getting a lot of use after I recruit a character with a decent HP stat. Character-wise he’s a charmer that the game is heavily implying is hiding something and I’ll admit I do like these types of characters. 5/10 downplaying his score because I know he’s one of tumblr’s favorites.

Astarion: considering the only way I know how to play rogues is to beg the DM every encounter that this DEFINITELY counts as a sneak attack, I'm kind of surprised Astarion's been my best character so far. I guess the bar is keeping a consistent 70% hit rate. At first I thought I missed some vital dialog because all attempts to talk to him were met with a cold shoulder but I guess his character development gets kick started in a cutscene where he tries to feed on you at night. And look. If you require genitalia to be involved for it to count as sex then sure. Sexless any% has not been broken. But I am versed enough in vampire lore to know that when he goes down on your carotid artery after begging for just the sip and asks how you're feeling in the morning, you fucked. ?/10 it's complicated calling an emotional abuse hotline.

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mrsbsmooth · 1 year ago

Text

Scripts - S7 - Episode 18

Date with Evan, Lounge room smut, flowers?

NARRATOR: Welcome back to Love Island, where tensions are high after Movie Night.

NARRATOR: But {0} didn’t get mad, she got Evan.

NARRATOR: Let’s see if their romantic date is Evan sent…

NARRATOR: Or if they just break Evan.

NARRATOR: It’s too easy with this guy!

The girls are gathered around you as you get ready for your date with Evan.

UMA_IDLE: I didn’t think anyone would be having dates after Movie Night.

UMA_HAPPY: Except maybe Rafael and Daphne.

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: I wouldn’t mind a little romance.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Every moment with you and Rafael is romantic.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: You two brushing your teeth together would be romantic.

DAPHNE_EMBARRASSED: Stop it you!

DAPHNE_HAPPY: I’m glad Movie Night worked out for {0}.

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: Are you excited for the date?

BONNIE_SERIOUS: Yeah, I won’t lie.

BONNIE_IDLE: That was a bit rough.

SUMMER_HAPPY: Worked out well for {0} though!

SUMMER_FLIRTY: Are you excited for the date?

I can’t wait to get to know him

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m excited!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Defo looking forward to getting to know Evan more.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m open to exploring things with him.

PLAYER_HAPPY: It’ll be nice to have a proper date.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: And some alone time.

I don’t see my head turning

PLAYER_IDLE: Nothing Evan says or does is going to turn my head.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I just don’t think there’s a connection between us.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I thought I might be into him, but maybe not.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m really feeling {0}.

BONNIE_IDLE: I’m glad to hear that.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: Movie Night kinda gave me a different impression…

BONNIE_FLIRTY: I am really feeling you too, though.

VICKY_IDLE: I’m glad to hear that.

VICKY_EMBARRASSED: Movie Night kinda gave me a different impression…

VICKY_FLIRTY: I am feeling you too, though.

UMA_HAPPY: I think {0} is really feeling you too.

UMA_IDLE: Despite what happened at Movie Night.

I don’t know what to feel

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I’m not sure what to feel!

PLAYER_IDLE: Movie Night is barely over.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: And now I’m going on a date?

PLAYER_IDLE: It’s a lot.

PLAYER_IDLE: I was feeling Evan for sure.

PLAYER_IDLE: Just not sure where my head’s at after all that.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Today has been wild.

VICKY_SAD: I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t have minded another date with Evan.

UMA_IDLE: I was kinda surprised he didn’t pick you, Vicky.

Evan’s feeling me more

PLAYER_IDLE: Sorry, Vicky, but he’s obviously feeling me more.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: He’s been grafting hard since I got back to the villa.

BONNIE_IDLE: Yeah, he’s defo had his eye on {0}.

BONNIE_HAPPY: And you deserve someone who’s totally focused on you, Vicky.

VICKY_HAPPY: Thanks, Bonnie.

VICKY_IDLE: No hard feelings, {0}.

VICKY_HAPPY: I want you both to be happy.

He’s playing hard to get

PLAYER_IDLE: Maybe he’s just playing hard to get.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Or trying to make you a bit jealous.

VICKY_SERIOUS: I hope not.

VICKY_IDLE: ‘Cause I’m not into playing games.

VICKY_SAD: I think he’s just more interested in you, {0}.

VICKY_IDLE: And that’s ok.

VICKY_EMBARRASSED: I just want him to be honest with me.

Who knows what he’s thinking

PLAYER_IDLE: Honestly? I have no idea what he’s thinking.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’ve given up trying to read boys’ minds.

UMA_HAPPY: Who knows why they do the things they do.

VICKY_HAPPY: No clue!

VICKY_IDLE: But really, no hard feelings, {0}.

VICKY_HAPPY: If you guys have a connection, go for it.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: I think it’s sweet.

DAPHNE_IDLE: He’s single, so he could have picked anyone.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: And he picked you, {0}!

SUMMER_HAPPY: It’s a big compliment.

SUMMER_IDLE: He’s single, so he could have picked anyone.

SUMMER_HAPPY: And he picked you, {0}!

Evan’s obviously feeling me

PLAYER_HAPPY: He’s obviously feeling me!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: He’s been grafting hard since I got back to the villa.

UMA_IDLE: He’s defo had his eye on you, {0}.

UMA_HAPPY: And now you get to see if there’s something there.

He wanted to pick a friend

PLAYER_IDLE: I think he wanted to pick a friend.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Someone he knew he’d have fun with no matter what.

UMA_HAPPY: Then he picked the right girl.

UMA_IDLE: You two are going to have a great time.

Who knows what he’s thinking

PLAYER_IDLE: Who knows why he picked me.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’ve given up trying to read boys’ minds.

UMA_HAPPY: Who knows why they do the things they do.

VICKY_HAPPY: No clue!

{0}_IDLE: I know why he chose {1}.

PLAYER_IDLE: And why’s that?

{0}_FLIRTY: Because I partnered up with {1}.

Dig her out

PLAYER_ANGRY: That’s pretty rude, {0}.

BONNIE_SERIOUS: Yeah, {0}. Not ok.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I didn’t mean it that way!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I can’t see how else you could have meant it?

{0} gets quiet and looks away.

{0}_SAD: Ok! Sorry.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Fine, just don’t come crawling back for him like you did with {0}.

Ignore her

PLAYER_IDLE: Thanks, {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I think we’ll have a very nice time.

PLAYER_IDLE: No matter what you say.

{0} rolls her eyes.

UMA_HAPPY: Well, we’re excited for you, {0}.

SUMMER_HAPPY: And a little jealous that you’re going on a date.

SUMMER_IDLE: But mostly excited.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: And a little jealous that you’re going on a date.

DAPHNE_IDLE: But mostly excited.

UMA_FLIRTY: And defo excited to see what you’re going to wear!

UMA_HAPPY: What are you thinking?

PLAYER_IDLE: This’ll work for the date.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: That’s, um, fine…

UMA_HAPPY: You deserve better than fine!

SUMMER_HAPPY: You should choose something as gorgeous as you!

DAPHNE_HAPPY: You should choose something as gorgeous as you are!

UMA_IDLE: Why don’t you take another look?

Let me look again

I’ll wear this

PLAYER_HAPPY: This is the perfect outfit.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Oh my days!

UMA_HAPPY: Evan is a lucky guy.

UMA_FLIRTY: He won a date and then you show up in that?

SUMMER_HAPPY: If he wasn’t head over heels for you before, he will be now.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: If he wasn’t head over heels for you before, he will be now.

PLAYER_IDLE: I’ll just wear this.

UMA_IDLE: As long as you like it, that’s what matters.

UMA_HAPPY: We won’t keep you. You should go enjoy your date!

PLAYER_HAPPY: See you girls later!

You give the girls a wave as you head outside to meet Evan.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m speechless.

EVAN_FLIRTY: You look incredible!

EVAN_HAPPY: A true work of art, {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: You would know!

EVAN_HAPPY: You look lovely, {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks, Evan.

Evan pulls out your chair and you sit down.

PLAYER_HAPPY: What a gent.

EVAN_FLIRTY: My mum taught me well.

He pours you a drink and then pours one for himself.

EVAN_HAPPY: How about a toast?

PLAYER_IDLE: What are we toasting to?

EVAN_FLIRTY: First, to the public.

EVAN_HAPPY: For giving us the opportunity to spend time together.

PLAYER_HAPPY: To the public!

You and Evan clink glasses.

EVAN_FLIRTY: And I also want to raise a glass to you, {0}.

EVAN_HAPPY: For joining me on this date.

EVAN_FLIRTY: And making my time in the villa so memorable.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’ll cheers to that.

EVAN_HAPPY: To {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: To me!

You and Evan clink glasses again and he gives you a flirty smile.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Feels like this date has been a long time coming.

EVAN_HAPPY: Or at least it feels that way to me.

PLAYER_HAPPY: You’ve been very patient.

EVAN_IDLE: I’ve tried.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I’m excited to finally see where things could go between us.

EVAN_HAPPY: I feel like there’s defo a connection that I want to explore.

You and Evan clink glasses again and he gives you a big smile.

EVAN_IDLE: Glad we have this time together, just the two of us.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks for inviting me.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’ve been wanting to see where things could go between us.

EVAN_IDLE: Not sure how you’re feeling, but I’m very open to exploring things.

Tell him you’re open

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I feel like there might be something there too.

PLAYER_HAPPY: And I’m open to exploring it.

EVAN_HAPPY: Glad we’re on the same page.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s see where things go.

EVAN_FLIRTY: This is going to be fun, {0}.

Shut him down

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I’ll be honest, Evan.

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m pretty closed off right now.

EVAN_IDLE: Understood.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m still looking forward to getting to know you.

EVAN_IDLE: Even if it is just as friends.

Play it cool

PLAYER_FLIRTY: We’ll see that happens, won’t we?

EVAN_HAPPY: Keeping me on my toes?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Always.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I like it. Carry on.

Evan looks out at the landscape in the distance.

EVAN_IDLE: Look at that sky.

EVAN_HAPPY: It looks like a painting.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Do you see everything through an artistic lens?

EVAN_IDLE: Pretty much!

EVAN_HAPPY: I’ve always been creative.

EVAN_FLIRTY: And I tend to find beauty and inspiration wherever I go.

PLAYER_IDLE: No wonder you became an artist.

EVAN_HAPPY: I never considered doing anything else.

EVAN_IDLE: Though I’ve had plenty of odd jobs to support myself.

EVAN_HAPPY: Nannying, bartending, gardening…

EVAN_IDLE: I once walked a pack of ten pugs.

EVAN_HAPPY: They’re surprisingly strong.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Really? They’re so small.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: They almost pulled me into a river.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’ve done it all.

EVAN_IDLE: But things are finally starting to pick up, so I can just concentrate on my art.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’ve actually got several residencies coming up.

EVAN_HAPPY: In London and Nottingham.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I’d love for you to come to one of the exhibitions.

PLAYER_HAPPY: What are you showing?

EVAN_HAPPY: I mostly do portraits of people and places from around Notts.

EVAN_IDLE: They feel so real and beautiful.

EVAN_HAPPY: And that’s what I want to highlight in my work.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I’d love to paint you someday if you’re up for it.

EVAN_HAPPY: You have a beautiful profile.

I’d pose for you anytime

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’d love that.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’ll pose for you anytime.

EVAN_HAPPY: I can’t wait.

You strike a few practice poses.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: How’s that?

EVAN_FLIRTY: I think this could be my greatest work yet.

Not interested

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m not interested in being painted.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Besides, I don't think I could sit still for that long!

EVAN_HAPPY: I understand.

EVAN_IDLE: I’d still love to show you my studio.

EVAN_HAPPY: No portrait required.

Bet you say that to all the girls

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I bet you say that to all the girls.

PLAYER_IDLE: It’s a pretty obvious pick-up line.

EVAN_SURPRISED: No, not at all!

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m very selective about who I paint.

EVAN_HAPPY: I wouldn’t have offered if you weren’t special to me.

PLAYER_IDLE: How did you manage to find enough free time to come here?

EVAN_IDLE: Because work isn’t everything.

EVAN_HAPPY: And what’s the point of success if you don't have anyone to share it with?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Have you shared it with someone in the past?

EVAN_SERIOUS: Yeah, I’ve had a few serious relationships.

EVAN_IDLE: One in art school, then a couple after I graduated.

EVAN_HAPPY: We had some good times, and then things ended amicably.

EVAN_IDLE: I’m not a big drama person.

EVAN_HAPPY: What are you looking for in a partner?

Red hot chemistry

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I want red-hot chemistry.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Someone who I can’t keep my hands off of.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Chemistry is big for me too.

EVAN_HAPPY: There’s got to be a sexual spark.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Exactly.

Fun and laughter

PLAYER_HAPPY: I want someone that I can have fun with.

PLAYER_IDLE: They have to be able to make me laugh.

EVAN_HAPPY: Absolutely.

EVAN_IDLE: A good sense of humour is the most important thing to me.

EVAN_HAPPY: I love to have fun with my partner.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Exactly.

Someone who challenges me

PLAYER_HAPPY: I want someone who challenges me.

PLAYER_IDLE: I think a partner should push you to be your best self.

EVAN_HAPPY: I completely agree.

EVAN_IDLE: I love it when a girl encourages me to go after my dreams.

EVAN_HAPPY: I defo want someone who inspires me to be better.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Exactly.

Total devotion to me

PLAYER_HAPPY: I want someone who is totally devoted to me.

PLAYER_IDLE: I should be my partner’s whole world.

EVAN_HAPPY: Loyalty and devotion are important to me too.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I think it’d be pretty easy to make you my whole world.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m thrilled that we agree, {0}.

EVAN_IDLE: I like to share the same values as a partner.

Evan looks away distracted for a moment, before looking back at you.

EVAN_IDLE: Sorry, got distracted. I just keep thinking about your movie clip.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Oh yeah?

EVAN_IDLE: And I gotta tell you, I don’t think you did anything wrong, {0}.

EVAN_HAPPY: {0} and {1} are just hurt.

EVAN_IDLE: They obviously both like you.

He gives you a cheeky smile.

EVAN_FLIRTY: And so do I.

PLAYER_IDLE: What about {0}?

EVAN_IDLE: I know I’ve said this before, but there’s nothing there.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Like, less than nothing.

EVAN_HAPPY: If you’d been in the villa, I’d have gone for you, not {0}.

EVAN_FLIRTY: We defo have more of a spark.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: Plus she’s done a complete 180 since Casa Amor ended.

EVAN_IDLE: She seems like a completely different person.

You hear chatter and look up at the terrace where the others are watching.

EVAN_HAPPY: Seems we have an audience.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Should we give ’em a show?

Get your graft on with Evan

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Let’s forget about them.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It’s just you and me here.

You offer Evan your hand and he holds it across the table. You stroke it gently with your thumb.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m just interested in you.

EVAN_FLIRTY: What a coincidence. Because I’m only interested in you.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It’s been nice to spend some time with a real gent.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Someone who knows how lucky they have it.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Oh trust me, I know I’m the luckiest guy in the villa right now.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Scratch that, luckiest guy in the world.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Good save. Don’t you forget it either.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: And don’t think I don’t know how lucky I am too.

You walk your fingers slowly up his forearm, sending goosebumps up his arm.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: To have a heart throb like you all to myself.

EVAN_HAPPY: A heart throb? I haven't heard that one before, but I’ll take it!

You bite your lip as you stare into Evan’s eyes.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: This has been a really special date, Evan.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I hope it’s not the last…

EVAN_FLIRTY: Me too.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I know I said I’m pretty closed off.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: But you’re making things very hard for me.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I’m glad.

Get flirty to make {0} jealous

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Let’s give ’em something to chat about.

You reach across the table and rub Evan’s forearm. You talk loud enough for everyone to hear.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Wow, are you tensing?

EVAN_FLIRTY: No?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Your muscles are so hard.

Your hands rise up towards Evan’s biceps.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: May I?

EVAN_FLIRTY: Be my guest.

You feel his bulging bicep.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You must be pretty strong.

EVAN_FLIRTY: It comes in handy…

PLAYER_FLIRTY: How?

EVAN_FLIRTY: That’s something for a later date…

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Well, I hope there are many more dates to come.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Who knows, if you’re lucky maybe we could skip to the good bit?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I did wonder if the rest of you was this muscular…

EVAN_FLIRTY: There’s only one way to find out.

You stare at each other intensely and bite your lip.

He smiles at you with a striking confidence that confirms his sincerity.

You look back up at the terrace and see {0} frowning.

You can sense their jealousy, you have them wrapped around your finger.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I think we made {0} a little jealous.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Looks that way.

Keep it friendly

PLAYER_HAPPY: Nah, they got enough of a show at Movie Night.

PLAYER_IDLE: We don’t need any more drama today.

EVAN_HAPPY: Good point.

EVAN_IDLE: Don’t want to stir anything up.

Evan takes a sip of his drink.

EVAN_HAPPY: Well, this has been fun. Thanks for sharing this time with me.

EVAN_IDLE: I suppose we can wrap things up.

EVAN_HAPPY: Unless there was anything else?

EVAN_HAPPY: I’ll be honest, I don’t want this date to end.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Should we keep it going?

EVAN_FLIRTY: Maybe go somewhere private while no one else is around?

*Get flirty alone time with Evan

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’d like some alone time with you.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s go inside and get some privacy.

EVAN_HAPPY: Lead the way, {0}.

You and Evan walk back toward the villa.

*Get flirty alone time with {0}

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m going to go catch up with someone else now.

EVAN_IDLE: Ok, no worries at all.

*Get flirty alone time with {0}

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m going to go catch up with someone else now.

EVAN_IDLE: Ok, no worries at all.

Wrap the date up

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s wrap this up.

EVAN_IDLE: Fair enough.

Evan seems like he would’ve liked to get closer to you.

Your mind races with the other people also vying for your affection.

You consider whether to meet up with one of them for a secret rendezvous.

*Get flirty alone time with Evan

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’d like some alone time with you.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s go inside and get some privacy.

EVAN_HAPPY: Lead the way, {0}.

You and Evan walk back toward the villa.

*Get flirty alone time with {0}

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m going to go catch up with someone else now.

EVAN_IDLE: Ok, no worries at all.

You leave Evan and head into the villa to find {0}.

*Get flirty alone time with {0}

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m going to go catch up with someone else now.

EVAN_IDLE: Ok, no worries at all.

You leave Evan and head into the villa to find {0}.

Wrap the date up

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s head back to the villa.

EVAN_IDLE: Let’s do it.

You walk into the living room and find {0} sitting alone on the sofa.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I was just coming to find you.

{0}_FLIRTY: Didn’t fancy sticking around with Evan then?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I figured there was someone else I’d like to spend some alone time with.

{0}_FLIRTY: I guess it’s my lucky day.

You snuggle up next to {0} on the sofa.

You and {0} make your way into the empty living room.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Finally, away from the prying eyes of the others.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m sure they’re disappointed.

EVAN_HAPPY: But I’m not.

EVAN_FLIRTY: This really is my lucky day.

Evan sits down on the sofa, and you cosy up beside him.

{0}_HAPPY: Sitting on a sofa next to you feels so normal.

{0}_IDLE: Like how life would be outside the villa.

{0}_FLIRTY: I could see us having such a cute place together.

EVAN_IDLE: We could hang some of my art on the walls.

{0}_FLIRTY: We could decorate it however you like.

{0}_HAPPY: What’s your decor style?

My style’s minimalist and modern

PLAYER_IDLE: My design style is super minimalist.

PLAYER_HAPPY: White walls, sleek furniture.

PLAYER_IDLE: Just super bright and modern.

{0}_HAPPY: I love minimalism.

{0}_IDLE: I’d like my home to look like an art gallery if I could!

I’m super eclectic decor-wise

PLAYER_HAPPY: My style is very eclectic.

PLAYER_IDLE: I like adding stuff from all over.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I find things at flea markets, while travelling, everywhere really!

{0}_HAPPY: I love that.

{0}_IDLE: I like my home to feel really personal and be filled with things I love.

I’d go for traditional decor

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’d make it look traditional.

PLAYER_IDLE: Wood panelling, chandeliers, antiques.

PLAYER_HAPPY: It’d feel like a historic estate.

{0}_HAPPY: I love places that feel like they’ve been there forever.

{0}_IDLE: They’re so full of character and stories.

{0}_IDLE: I think we could make a lovely home together.

{0}_HAPPY: I can picture it now.

{0}_FLIRTY: It’s Friday night. End of a long week.

{0}_IDLE: I whip out the takeaway menus…

{0}_HAPPY: What are we havin’?

Sushi

PLAYER_HAPPY: I want sushi!

{0}_HAPPY: Then we’re having sushi.

{0}_IDLE: I know a great spot.

{0}_HAPPY: Best sashimi in town.

Pizza

PLAYER_HAPPY: I want pizza.

{0}_HAPPY: Then we’re having pizza.

{0}_IDLE: I know a great spot.

{0}_HAPPY: Best Neapolitan pizza in town.

Indian food

PLAYER_HAPPY: I want Indian food!

{0}_HAPPY: Then we’re having Indian food.

{0}_IDLE: I know a great spot.

{0}_HAPPY: Best biryani in town.

You’re not cooking for me?

PLAYER_SURPRISED: You’re not cooking for me?!

{0}_HAPPY: Ok, if you want me to cook, then I’m cooking.

{0}_IDLE: I’ll rush out and grab fresh ingredients.

{0}_HAPPY: Then whip up something spectacular.

{0}_FLIRTY: Then I’ll open a bottle of wine.

{0}_HAPPY: We’ll cuddle up on the sofa and watch a movie.

Rom-com, please!

PLAYER_HAPPY: A rom-com, I hope.

{0}_HAPPY: Of course. I’m a softie for a happy ending.

{0}_HAPPY: Nothing better than a laugh and cheeky cry at the end of the week.

{0}_FLIRTY: Might need you to hold me if it gets too sad.

I vote for a scary movie

PLAYER_HAPPY: A scary movie, I hope.

{0}_HAPPY: Of course. I love a movie that gets my heart racing.

{0}_FLIRTY: Might need you to hold me if I get too scared.

Let’s do an action flick

PLAYER_HAPPY: An action flick, I hope.

{0}_HAPPY: Of course. I love a movie that gets my heart racing.

{0}_FLIRTY: Might need you to hold me if it gets too intense.

{0}_HAPPY: So we’re on the sofa watching the movie, and the credits roll.

{0}_IDLE: I move a little closer to you.

{0} inches closer to you on the sofa and looks at you intensely.

{0}_FLIRTY: You’ve heard the hypothetical situation…

{0}_FLIRTY: Now how about you tell me what happens right now?

Do bits

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I get closer to you…

You move closer to {0}.

{0}_HAPPY: Then what?

{0}_HAPPY: Then we heat things up.

{0}_FLIRTY: Why wait for a Friday night?

{0}_FLIRTY: Plus, no one’s around.

You press your lips to {0}’s and he eagerly kisses you back as he wraps his arms around you.

You run your fingers up his muscular arms as he kisses your cheek, then your neck.

His lips move down to your collarbone as you begin to remove each other’s clothing.

You press your naked body against his, feeling the warmth of his skin.

You caress {0}’s back as he glides his fingers along your inner thigh, sending shockwaves of excitement through your body.

Your hands move across his abs, he lets out a small gasp of pleasure as you touch him.

You close your eyes as his fingers slowly travel up your thighs and your breath quickens in anticipation.

He caresses you sensually, responding to your soft moans, as you lose yourself in the moment.

The pleasure builds and builds within you until it finally peaks in a euphoric climax.

You and {0} collapse onto the sofa.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Woah.

He smiles at you.

{0}_FLIRTY: That was even better than I could have imagined.

You quickly put your clothes back on.

You press your lips to {0}’s and she eagerly kisses you back as she wraps her arms around you.

You run your fingers up her back arms as she kisses your cheek, then your neck.

Her lips move down to your collarbone as you begin to remove each other’s clothing.

You press your naked body against hers, feeling the warmth of her skin.

You caress {0}’s hips as she glides her fingers along your inner thigh, sending shockwaves of excitement through your body.

Your hands move down to her thighs, she lets out a small gasp of pleasure as you touch her.

You close your eyes as her fingers slowly travel up your thighs and your breath quickens in anticipation.

She caresses you sensually, responding to your soft moans, as you lose yourself in the moment.

The pleasure builds and builds within you until it finally peaks in a euphoric climax.

You and {0} collapse onto the sofa.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Woah.

She smiles at you.

{0}_FLIRTY: That was even better than I could have imagined.

You quickly put your clothes back on.

Kiss

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I move closer to you…

You move closer to {0}.

{0}_HAPPY: Then what?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Then we share an incredible kiss.

{0}_FLIRTY: Why wait for a Friday night.

You press your lips to {0}’s as you close your eyes.

{0} slips one hand onto the small of your back and you feel the gentle caress of their fingertips.

Your lips part ever so slightly and you feel your tongue meet theirs.

The kiss grows more passionate as you move your hands to {0}’s face, beckoning them closer.

After a moment, you pull away and see the excitement in {0}’s eyes.

{0}_HAPPY: You promised an incredible kiss.

{0}_FLIRTY: And you delivered.

Cuddle

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I move closer to you…

You move closer to {0}.

{0}_HAPPY: Then what?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Then, we snuggle.

{0}_FLIRTY: Why wait for a Friday night?

{0} opens his arms and you nestle into them.

He wraps his muscular arms around you and holds you close.

You feel the warmth of his body and you linger in his embrace for a moment.

You hear his heartbeat slow as you both lay there perfectly relaxed.

{0} opens his arms and you nestle into them.

He wraps his muscular arms around you and holds you close.

You feel the warmth of his body and you linger in his embrace for a moment.

You hear his heartbeat slow as you both lay there perfectly relaxed.

As you part, you see {0} grinning at you.

{0}_HAPPY: That was the perfect end to an amazing date.

Just chat

PLAYER_HAPPY: We’d have a nice chat.

{0}_HAPPY: Oh yeah? About what?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Our days for starters.

PLAYER_IDLE: Then how we’re feeling after a long week…

PLAYER_HAPPY: What we’re going to do on the weekend…

PLAYER_HAPPY: Anything and everything.

{0}_FLIRTY: That sounds like the perfect end to the week.

{0}_HAPPY: Just like this chat has been the perfect end to our date.

{0}_IDLE: I could stay here with you all day.

{0}_HAPPY: But the others will be wondering where we are.

{0}_FLIRTY: And what we’ve been up to.

PLAYER_IDLE: If they aren’t already.

PLAYER_IDLE: I’ll catch up with the girls on the terrace.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s go and catch up with the girls on the terrace.

{0}_HAPPY: Good thinking.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m glad we got this alone time.

{0}_FLIRTY: It was memorable to say the least.

You head off to find the girls on the terrace.

You and {0} step out onto the terrace to find the other girls chatting.

You step out onto the terrace to find the girls chatting.

UMA_HAPPY: There you are!

{0}_FLIRTY: Where have you been?

{0}_SERIOUS: You disappeared for a while.

{0} looks at you suspiciously.

UMA_FLIRTY: I want all the goss on your date with Evan.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Didn’t you see everything from up here?

UMA_SAD: We had a good view, but we couldn’t hear a thing!

{0}_IDLE: Even I couldn’t. And I have incredible hearing.

VICKY_EMBARRASSED: Weird flex, {0}.

UMA_IDLE: Plus you snuck off! We didn’t know where you’d gone!

You and {0} look at each other cheekily.

SUMMER_HAPPY: So, how was the date?

DAPHNE_HAPPY: So, how was the date?

It was incredible!

PLAYER_HAPPY: The date was incredible!

PLAYER_IDLE: An absolute dream date.

PLAYER_HAPPY: The chat just flowed and he really opened up.

UMA_HAPPY: Awww, I love that!

Almost fell asleep

PLAYER_IDLE: To be honest, I nearly fell asleep.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: It was kinda boring.

PLAYER_IDLE: Zero excitement.

UMA_SAD: I thought maybe there’d be a spark between you too.

{0}_HAPPY: It’s never been boring when I’m alone with Evan.

Not the best, not the worst

PLAYER_IDLE: Not the best date I’ve ever been on, but not the worst either.

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was fine.

UMA_HAPPY: Not every date can be a dream date.

{0}_HAPPY: Too bad, {1}.

{0}_IDLE: My chats with Evan were always way better than fine.

SUMMER_HAPPY: Guessing Evan didn’t turn your head then?

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Guessing Evan didn’t turn you head then?

SUMMER_HAPPY: Is he turning your head, {0}?

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Is he turning your head, {0}?

He could turn my head

PLAYER_IDLE: I think Evan could possibly turn my head.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Only time will tell.

Bonnie gives you a worried look.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: Guess I better up my game?

BONNIE_HAPPY: Nothing wrong with a bit of competition!

Vicky gives you a worried look.

VICKY_EMBARRASSED: Guess I better up my game?

VICKY_HAPPY: Nothing wrong with a bit of competition!

My head’s staying where it is

PLAYER_IDLE: Nope. My head is staying exactly where it is.

You give Bonnie a reassuring smile.

BONNIE_HAPPY: I’m over the moon to hear that.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: I only have eyes for you too, {0}.

You give Vicky a reassuring smile.

VICKY_HAPPY: I’m over the moon to hear that.

VICKY_FLIRTY: I only have eyes for you too, {0}.

UMA_HAPPY: {0} is going to be over the moon to hear that.

UMA_FLIRTY: Pretty sure he only has eyes for you too, {0}.

SUMMER_HAPPY: I think Evan’s head is defo turning your way.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: I think Evan’s head is defo turning your way.

{0}_HAPPY: Anyway, let’s go for a chat, {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: But we’re in the middle–

{0} comes out onto the terrace.

{0}_IDLE: Sorry to interrupt.

{0}_HAPPY: But I wanted to pull {1} for a chat.

{0}_SERIOUS: Actually, we’re in the middle–

{0}_HAPPY: You coming, {1}?

You and {0} walk off the terrace together, leaving behind a disappointed {1}.

You and {0} settle in on the swing seat.

{0}_IDLE: Before you say anything, I have to tell you something.

{0}_IDLE: I wanted to say this in the living room.

{0}_IDLE: I had this whole speech planned.

{0}_FLIRTY: But the whole chat quickly turned into a very different chat.

PLAYER_IDLE: What did you want to say?

{0}_SAD: I need to apologise.

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m listening.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I didn’t react that well to your clip during Movie Night.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I got a bit jealous.

{0}_IDLE: Just like I did when you were flirting with Evan on your date.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You got jealous did you?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You’re enjoying this aren’t you?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Maybe a little, yes. Tell me more about how you felt.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Watching you cracking on with someone else while I had to watch?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: It didn’t feel good.

{0}_IDLE: And it reminded me of what I have with you. And how lucky I am.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: And…?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: And... I should have had your back more during Movie Night.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Ah, good to hear.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I’m actually feeling a bit silly about it now that things have calmed down.

Call {0} out

PLAYER_SERIOUS: You should feel silly.

PLAYER_ANGRY: You blew things out of proportion.

{0}_SAD: I’m really sorry, {1}.

{0}_SAD: I blew it.

{0}_IDLE: Hopefully I can make it up to you.

Be understanding

PLAYER_IDLE: I understand, {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was a super tense challenge and everyone was overreacting.

PLAYER_IDLE: Emotions were running high and you just had a natural reaction.

{0}_HAPPY: You’re amazing.

{0}_IDLE: Thanks for being so understanding.

Tease {0}

PLAYER_HAPPY: Remind me to never watch a movie with you again!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Thought you were going to throw your popcorn at the screen.

{0}_FLIRTY: I promise our next movie screening will be more low-key.

{0}_HAPPY: I’ll keep my reviews to myself.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Good. Because you’re a tough critic.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I don’t think I understood how strong my feelings for you were til I saw that clip.

{0}_HAPPY: It made me realise that you’re the person I’m here for.

PLAYER_IDLE: You figured all that out from one clip?

{0}_SAD: The clip and seeing you on the date with Evan.

{0}_IDLE: That was when it all fully clicked for me.

{0}_HAPPY: I was watching from the terrace, wishing I could have taken you for the date.

{0} looks down, avoiding eye contact.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Though I did want to ask you…

{0}_SERIOUS: What happened when you two went inside?

Tell {0} what happened

PLAYER_IDLE: I’ll be honest with you, {0}.

PLAYER_IDLE: We had a chat…

PLAYER_IDLE: One thing lead to another…

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: And we did bits.

{0}_SURPRISED: Really?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Yeah, it just happened.

{0}’s face falls.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Wow. Ok. Sorry, I don’t really know what to say.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I mean, we’re not exclusive…

{0}_EMBARRASSED: But that does sting, I can’t lie.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I thought we were getting closer.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I guess I just went with the spark I was feeling in the moment.

{0}_SAD: I guess you did.

You both fall into an awkward silence while {0} processes it.

{0}_SAD: Well, thanks for being honest.

{0}_SAD: That took guts to admit.

{0}_SAD: I really appreciate you being open with me.

{0}_SAD: Especially with…

PLAYER_IDLE: Especially with what?

{0}_IDLE: Especially with how I feel about you.

PLAYER_IDLE: We had a chat…

PLAYER_IDLE: One thing lead to another…

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: And we kissed.

{0}_SURPRISED: Really?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Yeah, it just happened.

{0}’s face falls.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: This doesn’t feel great, not gonna lie.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I get it’s just a kiss and we’re not exclusive…

{0}_EMBARRASSED: But that does sting a fair bit.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I guess I just went with the spark I was feeling in the moment.

{0}_SAD: I guess you did.

You both fall into an awkward silence while {0} processes it.

{0}_IDLE: Well, it was just a kiss.

{0}_IDLE: And thanks for being honest.

{0}_SERIOUS: That took guts to admit.

{0}_SAD: I really appreciate you being open with me.

{0}_SAD: Especially with…

PLAYER_IDLE: Especially with what?

{0}_IDLE: Especially with how I feel about you.

PLAYER_IDLE: We had a nice chat…

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: And we had a bit of a cuddle.

{0}’s face falls a little.

{0}_SERIOUS: Well, thanks for being honest with me about it.

PLAYER_IDLE: Nothing happened.

PLAYER_HAPPY: We just chatted in the living room for a bit.

{0}_IDLE: Thanks for telling me what happened.

{0}_HAPPY: I knew there was nothing to worry about.

Keep it between you and Evan

PLAYER_IDLE: That’s between me and Evan.

PLAYER_IDLE: Didn’t you just admit to overreacting?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Seems like you’re about to do it again.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You’re right. It’s none of my business.

{0}_IDLE: Sorry, {1}.

{0}_IDLE: Truth is, I see something real between us.

{0}_HAPPY: I know we just got together.

{0}_FLIRTY: But I really want to see how far we can go as a couple.

{0}_IDLE: I was always happiest when I was coupled up with you.

{0}_HAPPY: I want us to get back there. To be together.

{0}_SAD: I’ll be honest with you too.

{0}_SAD: It really hurt to hear that.

{0}_IDLE: But at the end of the day…

{0}_IDLE: Like I said, we’re not exclusive.

{0}_IDLE: Even if I wish we were right now.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Really?

{0}_IDLE: And I wish I’d asked you this earlier.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: It feels weird to ask you this after you and Evan got closer.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: But as much as it stings my ego right now.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: If anything it only proves how I feel about you even more.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: And how do you feel about me?

{0}_HAPPY: I want us to finally have a chance to couple up.

{0}_HAPPY: I just want to put all the drama to bed and be with you.

Give {0} a kiss

PLAYER_HAPPY: Then let’s put it to bed.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: And celebrate with a kiss.

{0}_FLIRTY: Even better.

You press your lips to {0}’s and let yourself melt into the kiss.

You place your hands on {0}’s face, drawing her closer.

She caresses your back and you feel the warmth of her embrace as you kiss.

Finally, you pull away from {0}. Her eyes light up.

You place your hands on {0}’s face, drawing him closer.

He caresses your back and you feel the warmth of his embrace as you kiss.

Finally, you pull away from {0}. His eyes light up.

{0}_HAPPY: Drama officially over.

Suggest a hug

PLAYER_IDLE: I want the drama to be over too.

You open your arms, and {0} smiles, moving into your embrace.

You hold each other, feeling the warmth and comfort of each other’s bodies.

There seems to be a magnetic pull keeping you together.

Finally, the pull breaks, and you part.

{0}_HAPPY: Thanks, {1}.

{0}_FLIRTY: I needed that.

Flirt it up

PLAYER_HAPPY: I want to put the drama to bed too.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: And that’s not the only thing I want in bed.

{0}_FLIRTY: Oh yeah? What else do you want?

PLAYER_IDLE: Let’s just say I’d like to release the tension of today.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: And I could use a little help.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m always happy to help.

Keep it friendly

PLAYER_IDLE: Hopefully, everyone calms down.

PLAYER_IDLE: Things got heated today.

PLAYER_IDLE: You’ve chilled out, though.

{0}_HAPPY: Everyone needs to be more like me.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m a role model.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I didn’t say that.

{0} smiles at you.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel a lot better now that we’ve talked.

You see {0} walking over toward the swing seat.

PLAYER_IDLE: What’s up, {0}?

{0}_HAPPY: Hey, I don’t want to interrupt.

{0}_HAPPY: But can I steal {1} for a chat?

{0}_HAPPY: Fine by me.

{0}_IDLE: I’ll see you later, {1}.

You and {0} walk off toward the bean bags as {1} watches you go.

You and {0} sit down on the bean bags.

{0}_HAPPY: Feels like I should bring up the elephant in the villa…

{0}_EMBARRASSED: That clip.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: With that kiss.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: With that hug.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: With that banter.

{0}_SAD: I’m sorry everyone was so critical.

{0}_SAD: I feel like you got the worst of it, which wasn’t fair.

I’m still fuming

PLAYER_ANGRY: You’d better believe I’m still fuming about it.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: You’re right. It wasn’t fair.

PLAYER_ANGRY: There were two people in that clip.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: And everyone called me out.

{0}_SAD: I’m sorry, {1}

{0}_IDLE: You didn’t deserve that.

I’m over it

PLAYER_IDLE: Meh. I’m over it.

PLAYER_HAPPY: {0} admitted to overreacting.

PLAYER_IDLE: No sense in dragging out the drama.

{0}_HAPPY: Couldn’t agree more.

{0}_IDLE: Time to move on.

Didn’t bother me in the first place

PLAYER_IDLE: Whatever. It didn’t bother me in the first place.

PLAYER_HAPPY: People can think or say whatever they want.

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m above the drama.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m really glad it didn’t get to you, {1}.

{0}_IDLE: I was worried.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m all good, {0}!

{0}_HAPPY: I’ll be honest. I liked the clip.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Really?

{0}_IDLE: Yeah, it was a nice reminder of how much fun we have together.

{0}_HAPPY: I really enjoyed that chat on the terrace.

{0}_HAPPY: I really enjoyed that chat on the daybeds.

{0}_HAPPY: I really enjoyed that chat on the bean bags.

{0}_HAPPY: I really enjoyed that chat on the loungers.

{0}_FLIRTY: And I feel like we have some unfinished business.

{0}_IDLE: It got me wondering where your head's at?

Interested in you

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’ll tell you where my head’s at.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It’s interested in you.

{0}_HAPPY: Pretty thrilled to hear that, {1}.

{0}_FLIRTY: Mine’s in the same place.

Focused on {0}

PLAYER_IDLE: My head is focused on {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: And I think it’ll stay that way.

{0}_IDLE: I understand.

{0}_IDLE: {1} is great.

All over the place

PLAYER_IDLE: To be honest, I don’t know where my head is at.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: A lot has happened today.

PLAYER_IDLE: And I’ve barely had time to think.

{0}_HAPPY: Makes sense.

{0}_IDLE: It’s been quite a day.

{0}_HAPPY: We’re still getting to know each other.

{0}_IDLE: But I really feel like there’s something there.

{0}_FLIRTY: I can’t wait to see where it goes.

{0}_IDLE: I know you’re coupled up with {1}.

{0}_HAPPY: Kinda hoping there is another recoupling soon.

{0}_FLIRTY: If I’m honest I’m here for you and only you.

{0}_IDLE: Unfortunately, there are plenty of other people who are too!

{0}_HAPPY: I don’t mind a bit of competition.

{0}_SERIOUS: It’s been hard watching you be with other people.

{0}_HAPPY: Kinda hoping there is another recoupling soon.

{0}_FLIRTY: If I’m honest I’m here for you and only you.

{0} smiles warmly at you.

{0}_HAPPY: Truth is, we’re still getting to know each other.

{0}_IDLE: And I don’t want us to rule anything out.

{0}_IDLE: I know you’re coupled up with {1}.

{0}_IDLE: But we have had some good times here.

{0}_HAPPY: And I want you to know that I’m still here for you.

{0}_FLIRTY: Unfortunately, there are plenty of other people who are too!

{0}_HAPPY: I don’t mind a bit of competition.

{0}_IDLE: It’s been hard watching you be coupled up with other people.

{0}_HAPPY: But I’m still hoping that we’ll get our turn to be coupled up.

PLAYER_IDLE: You really put all your cards on the table.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel like I don’t have any time to waste.

{0}_FLIRTY: I needed to tell you how I felt.

Flirt with {0}

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I like this open side of you.

PLAYER_HAPPY: It’s pretty sexy.

PLAYER_IDLE: You should keep baring your soul.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: And baring some other things too.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’ll bare anything for you, {1}

{0} raises an eyebrow seductively.

Kiss {0}

PLAYER_FLIRTY: What else is on your mind?

{0}_HAPPY: Just thinking about how much I want to kiss you right now.

{0}_FLIRTY: What’s on your mind?

PLAYER_HAPPY: How much I want you to kiss me.

You lean in and press your lips to {0}’s.

The kiss is soft and tender at first then grows more passionate as you wrap your arms around each other.

{0}’s fingers caress your back and you melt into the kiss even more.

After a moment you part, continuing to stare into each other's eyes.

{0}_HAPPY: That was gorgeous.

Share a hug

PLAYER_HAPPY: Good to know.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: For now, I’d take a hug.

{0}_HAPPY: I can do that.

You and {0} wrap your arms around each other.

The hug is warm and comforting and you feel yourself melt into {0}’s arms.

You hold {0} closer before you both part.

{0}_FLIRTY: Thanks, {1}.

{0}_HAPPY: You’re the best hugger.

Wrap up the convo

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m glad we chatted.

PLAYER_IDLE: And that you were so honest with me.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m really glad we talked too.

{0}_IDLE: Thanks for listening.

Be friendly

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks for being so open.

PLAYER_IDLE: It’s a brave thing to do.

{0}_HAPPY: You’re worth being brave for.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Honesty is big.

{0}_IDLE: Completely agree.

{0}_HAPPY: Whether it's just friendship or something more.

{0}_IDLE: I hope we can always be honest with each other.

{0} yawns.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Getting bored?

{0}_HAPPY: No way. Just getting sleepy.

{0}_IDLE: It’s getting late.

{0}_FLIRTY: We should get ready for bed.

You and {0} walk off toward the bedroom.

You step into the bedroom, where everyone’s chatting and getting ready for bed.

{0}_FLIRTY: There you are, {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: We were wondering when you were going to grace us with your presence.

Uma pulls you aside.

UMA_HAPPY: You’ve had a busy evening!

UMA_IDLE: Speaking of which…

UMA_FLIRTY: Who are you planning on sharing a bed with?

UMA_HAPPY: Bet you’ve got a lot of options after all your chats.

Before you can answer, you look over at your bed.

Resting on your pillow is a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Where did those come from?

UMA_HAPPY: They must be from a not-so-secret admirer!

At the other side of the room, {0} and {1} look at you longingly.

At the other side of the room, {0}, {1}, and Evan all look at you longingly.

UMA_FLIRTY: Who do you hope they’re from, {0}?

{0}

Travis

Evan

Vicky

Bonnie

PLAYER_IDLE: I have a hunch who they’re from.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Pretty sure it’s the same person I’m planning on sharing a bed with tonight.

UMA_SURPRISED: I can’t take the suspense!

UMA_HAPPY: Who is it?!

NARRATOR: Someone left flowers on {0}’s pillow. But who’s the secret florist?

NARRATOR: I remember surprising my ex with flowers. The joke kind that spray water.

NARRATOR: She said she was ending it. But I managed to get her back when she was leaving…

NARRATOR: Her back was drenched.

NARRATOR: Anyhoo, is {0} going to be more receptive to her mystery flowers?

NARRATOR: Find out next time!

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lej222 · 6 months ago

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I think I would prefer it if Jisu wasn’t a love interest and this chapter seemed to hint at it ?? Nothing against Jisu it’s just I personally just don’t like 2nd leads. Soonkki seems to develop her characters well so I’d like that. I am interested to see what role he would play tbh I’ve always felt this was the type of story to not have a second lead like to me it just wouldn’t work 🧐 I thought when Jinseop was introduced he would be one then Jungwook then Jisu idk so yh the story in itself seems to be about growing up and the bonds between friends so I do enjoy it it’s definitely been a ride seeing the friendship between all of them !!

There's always the chance, you're right! There are arguments for and against it, like how he wore the Romeo clothes and things like that, obviously he doesn't have to be a love interest to be a relevant character! I personally wouldn't mind if all of the kids just stayed friends, they are still so young and I like to think of the series as a growth story rather than a romance one. I think your opinion is just as valid, we are all just readers at the end of the day. :)

#ask about aslfua

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haledamage · 1 year ago

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first of all, how dare you hurt me in this specific way that I asked you to hurt me in 💀

I love them both a whole lot, and love how AJ is sad but also hopeful and patient, whereas Mallory is full on "you kissed me and now I'm going to make that your problem" and I CAN'T WAIT to see how both of those go from book 4 onward!!

okay, HERE. WE. GO! Ramble time part deux

This ended up being a lot of Kira meta in general in addition to Kira/Adam 😅 I just have a lot of Thoughts and Feelings about my girl, and they demand to be expressed.

It's become very clear after the events of Book 3 - and again in the holiday special - just how much Kira was shaped by Rebecca’s absence. Even though she is close to her mum and doesn’t blame or resent her for anything… the empty house, and all the missed birthdays, and holidays spent alone, it all took a toll on Kira and on how she builds relationships with other people.

And I think Kira is starting to realize that now too. That she makes herself smaller, emotionally speaking, so she won’t be a burden. She doesn’t ask for help, she doesn’t complain, she doesn’t ask for more than she’s given. She lets others have the spotlight, and is content to support them from the sidelines. She even dresses like a stagehand, plain and nondescript black to blend into the background (though that wasn’t the intention when I made her).

I’ve made the Elsa from Frozen comparison for her more than once. “Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know” could be Kira’s mantra. (I actually added “Show Yourself” from Frozen 2 to her playlist recently, it’s an absolutely perfect song for her post-Book 3)

She is starved for attention, but doesn’t know how to handle it when she gets it. She gets defensive and withdraws whenever someone compliments her, and she gets shy and awkward at any hint of affection for or interest in her.

It’s something she acclimates to, eventually. Having a team, which becomes having friends, which becomes having a family. But it’s a struggle to accept it, at first.

And obviously this manifests differently depending on which romance route she’s on (it is in fact the central romantic conflict between her and Nate (they’re too much alike and don’t know how to react to someone who tries to put them first) but that’s a rant for another day 😉), but with Adam… god. Adam makes her want to take up space. From the moment they met, when he was trying to push her around, she surprised herself by pushing back, by raising her voice and telling him “No. You aren’t in charge here, I am.”

By the time Book 3 rolls around, they’ve figured out how to fit together and share the spotlight. Not only is Adam willing to listen to her, he’s actively seeking out her counsel in situations that play more to her strengths than his. Kira trusts and respects him as a leader, backs him up and supports him without argument (mostly). They’re partners. This is true whether they’re friends or almost-maybe-lovers, but it’s obviously a lot more intense on his romance route.

They have a sort of… unintentional honesty with each other, especially when they’re alone together. Like they both forget to put on the armor they wear with everyone else.

When Kira asks Adam about himself, past and present, he answers. He tells her about his family, about his beloved car, about bearing the burden of nearly a millennium of life, about what he wants (her) and why he feels that he can’t have it (her).

And when Adam asks Kira the same questions, she answers too. She tells him when she’s not okay, and when she’s in pain, and about how lonely and lost she is. About her nightmares. About Mum, and Rook, and the struggle to be something more than a shadow of legacy cast by her parents.

She lets herself be vulnerable, and Adam tells her how strong she is for it. That scene after the building falls on her (the warehouse, that is. Not the apartment building. If I had a nickel for every time…) was a Moment™ for her. Allowing herself to be taken care of, to bare herself to him like that (figuratively but also literally in this case), and he admires her for it? If she hadn’t already been in love with him, that would’ve been what sealed the deal.

(She already is in love with him, of course. She’s known it since the fight with Murphy in the rain, though she didn’t actually call it ‘love’ in her head until she got “Tu Omnia”’d)

So of course she took the “too late” option. Of course she told him how she feels, even though it just makes it hurt worse when he leaves. She couldn't lie to him about it even if she wanted to.

Kira Kingston has very high pain tolerance. She can take it. Even if it always hurts, even if that one (life-changing, heart-stopping, world-ending) kiss really is the only thing she ever gets from him and they spend the rest of their lives pining, she can take it.

But she’s not going to pretend it’s not there. She’s going to take up space. She’s going to ask for more than she’s given. She wants him, and she is going to make sure he knows that dammit. She’s going to remind him, every day, even if they both live another thousand years: “I’m still here. I love you, and I’m still here. What’re you gonna do about it?”

To go with your analogy, if AJ is a gentle stream and Mallory is a raging river, Kira is a frozen pond. Still and patient, willing to wait as long as she needs to... but also inescapable. At least until the weather heats up, and she starts to thaw ;)

@haledamage *cracks knuckles* ALRGHT THEN, can't wait to see the Kira ramble

I've already talked a little about how their different reactions in The Scene make me wanna chew drywall, but I'll refresh on that as I go. I think a lot of the differences and what makes them so DELICIOUS comes from the fact AJ and Adam are v different and Mallory and Adam are so, so very similar(the number of times Nate compares Mallory to Adam in their romance AU makes me laugh)

AJ, ofc, did the "what if we don't break?" response bc she's very much a "you'll never know if you never try" kind of person. Sure, maybe there's a 2% chance of success/no pain if they go for it(she personally thinks it's much higher), but there's a 0% chance if they deny something they both clearly feel and want to happen. She gets that Adam is trying to spare them both future pain of loss(a level of loss he's experienced before, which she can glean from the "again" even if he hasn't gone into detail about what happened to his family yet). She does. BUT his solution to avoiding potential future pain is to cause definite current pain. That doesn't make sense to her. Especially bc if something were to happen to him; seriously injured yet again or GOD FORBID killed, IT'S STILL GOING TO HURT. She still loves him even if he's not willing to let them be together. Can't speak for him, but suspects it would be the same. :) Just bc they're not acting on it doesn't make the feelings go away.

Her "going forward" is gonna be more of what's in the ficlet, not hiding that she loves him, not pushing too hard, just unobtrusively but relentlessly making him aware that whenever he's ready so is she. She doesn't want to pry for what happened to his family, what made him feel like this, worry about being broken bc he cares deeply about someone(spoilers, Adam, you care about Bravo. You care about Rebecca. You're still fucked even if you don't let yourself fall in love :)))) ), but even without details she understands it was Bad and she gets the desire to flinch away from a potential repeat of a pain you've experienced. Burn your hand, you don't touch the stove. Fall through ice, you don't walk on frozen rivers. etc etc. But she also feels that no matter how valid that fear might be, he needs to work through it(that feels like wrong phrasing >.>) bc not letting yourself get close to people for fear of how much losing them will hurt is no way to live. Especially when you're immortal. And maybe that's naïve bc she is mortal instead of being a 900 year old vampire. Maybe she'll feel differently after she's watched her mother and Tina and Verda's kids all age and die. But maybe she won't. Maybe loving people is worth enduring the chance/certainty of their loss.(Might do something in this AU with the fact she had a cat who died of old age a couple months before book 1. Much smaller scale, but she does have a little experience with loss of something beloved. And she wouldn't trade the years she had and loved her cat to avoid the pain of losing her, that would be silly.)

And Mallory. haha prepare for Mallory's Bold stat to SKYROCKET.

She's been trying to ignore, deny, and explain away the fact she's falling for Adam since late book 1, juuuuuust ignore she got worse PTSD from Murphy stabbing him than anything the asshole did to her. :) She still has nightmares about it. :))) Trapper fight too :))) The truth almost managed to escape after book 2 combat training, but she shoved it away, only to have TU OMNIA smash the walls down into little teeny tiny pieces she'd never put back together. (Love having a language nerd romance Adam "mutter in Latin so people don't know what I'm saying" du Mortain :). She DOES, buddy boy. It's fun) she still kept it kinda buried bc he was so clearly trying to deny/get rid of his feelings, and she already got her heart broken once by Bobby, she doesn't want a repeat of that. But the STUFF in book 3, man. And that my proud, cynical, STUBBORN AF, "I'm not fragile, Adam"// "I can handle myself" girl deliberately let herself be vulnerable enough to say "Too late" when he says he can't let her fall in love with him makes me SCREAM. She knew it was going to hurt. She knew it was going to break her heart. She did it anyway. She loves him enough to let him hurt her like that. Bc she had to tell him. She's honest, outspoken, reckless and so in love with him she can barely breathe, OFC she had to tell him even if he refuses to do anything about it.

But now, ohoho, he's admitted he loves her, and knows she loves him. The dam is finally, FINALLY broken, the river is raging, and good luck stopping her. She's gonna be way more open and blunt and vocal about how stupid she think it is to deny their feelings for each other. example: I DID NOT FINALLY GET OVER YEARS OF BLOODY BOBBY MARKS CRIPPLING MY LOVE LIFE TO ROLL OVER AND BE RESIGNED BC YOU'RE AFRAID OF GETTING HURT DU MORTAIN. DOES THAT SOUND LIKE ME?!?!?!?! (Do you know how long it took me to admit to MYSELF and sort-of kind-of to SOMEONE ELSE that I love you??? I can't back down NOW)

Mallory loves a challenge. She is encouraged and inspired when given a challenge. She also HATES IT when people tell her what to do, especially "for her safety". And Adam's whole "I will not allow you to fall in love with me" hits BOTH of those buttons. He literally could not have made her more interested in pursing him if he'd confessed his love and asked her on a date. xD Telling her "You can't do this, you'll get hurt" and thinking that would stop her???? Instead of make her chase it more stubbornly and blatantly????? Do you know her at all, Adam????? (Mason's gonna have a ball watching/abetting her in book 4 and I"m here for it)

tl;dr, AJ's a gentle stream, Mallory's a raging river, but they WILL both wear down the rock that is Adam du Mortain's obstinate refusal to pursue their mutual attraction, and it's gonna be delicious to watch.

#kira kingston #kira/adam #this is also over 1k words 😅 oops #I just have a lot of feelings about them okay #this *gestures at entire essay* is also why I'm struggling to write fic for between books 3 and 4 #because kira/adam is the loudest pairing by a WIDE margin but kira refuses to just yearn in peace anymore #I hope this is like. coherent. lmao

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seraphinitegames · 2 years ago

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The Wayhaven Chronicles—Update 18/Nov/2022

So I started this week determined to get Chapter 20 done.

I knew it was gonna be a serious push, but I was pumped to get it finished.

And I did!

The base writing for Chapter 20 is completed already!!

Not only am I over the moon with getting it finished earlier than expected, but I actually managed to add in an extra scene for each LI scene that varies depending on a certain choice made the MC! And I ABSOLUTELY LOVE them!!

Part of my push was also due to intense excitement because it meant I got to write a couple of majorly emotional scenes I've been waiting actual years to write!! I had, like, a folder of extra notes specifically for these moments that I’ve been writing towards it over the years, hehe :D

It was both amazing and somewhat cathartic to get them out and decide what was going in, what wasn’t, what needed to be adapted to account for unexpected changes in things that have happened over the other books, etc.

I was also really enjoying the differences of the LI’s thought processes depending on who they talk to in the extra scene that I added in.

For example, M is realizing what is going on with their feelings a lot faster in a certain BFF route just because that vampire doesn’t push. Where as in the others it’s not as easy or fast. Just really love being able to have that variation in there!! Takes a long time to add, but so worth it! 'Cause it means you could replay M’s romance and experience it differently even when playing it multiple times!

Nai has also been getting me hyped as she's been working on Nate/Nat's Love Interest trailer for Book Three...oh, it looks so good already... :D

But yeah, it was a serious push this week, but so proud to get that done.

Which means it's only the base writing for Chapter 21 to go! And I am determined to keep it on plan...I'll be working on some editing today and tomorrow, but will be getting straight into the last chapter on Monday!

Obviously there's all the editing, playtesting, beta testing, etc after that, but that all tends to go a lot smoother and faster!

AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!

Hope you all have the most amazing weekend! We’ll be offline as usual, so I’ll update you all again next Friday <3

#the wayhaven chronicles #interactive fiction #update #progress report #book three

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doitinanotherlanguage · 2 years ago

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Updates on Learning Mandarin Chinese 3/∞: 我看了电视剧。

A while ago, I asked people to recommend me Chinese/Taiwanese dramas so I could practice my Chinese listening comprehension. I got a bunch of recs (thank you so much everyone who recced me dramas! ❤️), so I decided to sit down and try them out. My method was to watch the first episode of all these dramas, and then continue watching the ones I found interesting.

Here are the dramas and my thoughts on the first episodes:

开端 (2022; Reset)

Mystery Sci-Fi Thriller

After repeatedly finding herself dying in an explosion while riding the same bus, a college student finally concludes that she is stuck in a never-ending time loop. Inadvertently, she drags a fellow passenger into her loop and they pair up to find out what is going on.

My verdict: This is very exciting! After watching only the first episode of Reset, I have no idea what the heck is going on but I’m excited to continue the show and find out! I love mysteries, so this is definitely something I’m interested in. I’m absolutely going to finish this drama.

琅琊榜 (2015; Nirvana in Fire)

Historical Drama

A revenge drama set loosely in the period of the Southern and Northern dynasties, Nirvana in Fire is about a strategist who wants to avenge his former house and its 70 000 soldiers, massacred in a conspiracy.

My verdict: Okay, so I’ve never actually managed to watch a Chinese historical drama (that is set pre-1900s) beyond the first couple of episodes. Unfortunately, Nirvana in Fire doesn’t feel like it’s going to become an exception. I’m really intimidated by the episode count (54 + a sequel), and political machinations and power-games in a palace/court don’t necessarily interest me as a plot. Idk, next year I’m planning to read about Chinese history, so I might come back to this then if I get a craving for historical settings.

想見你 (2019; Someday or One Day)

Sci-Fi Mystery Romance

In 2019, a 27 year-old woman is missing her boyfriend, presumed dead in a plane crash. One day, she falls asleep listening to a walkman she mysteriously received and is transported into the body of a high school girl, living in 1998. The girl’s friend looks exactly like the missing boyfriend but obviously cannot be him. Things get even more muddled after she learns that the girl whose body she’s inhabiting is destined to die in 1999.

My verdict: This one immediately hooked me. Consequently, I binged the whole thing. Amazing OST (I cannot stop playing the title track and 伍佰’s “Last Dance” over and over again!). Very well acted. A fun mix of different genres (high school, romance, mystery/crime). The mystery keeps you hooked, watching and guessing. And while I have to admit I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the ending, I wholeheartedly loved the journey there. (Thank you so much @marilearnsmandarin for giving me the push to give this one a go!)

山河令 (2021; Word of Honor)

Mystery Wuxia

A disillusioned leader of assassins sets out for the martial arts world, where he becomes entangled in a conspiracy and encounters a bosom friend. With this new friend, he embarks on an adventure to find a legendary treasure.

My verdict: Like Nirvana in Fire, Word of Honor is a visually gorgeous drama (historical dramas are always so dang pretty!). However, it still isn’t for me. I think it’s because I’m not that into watching martial arts or fighting, or upper class (-adjacent) people (much like why NiF didn’t do it for me either). If there are historical dramas about servants and peasants and regular life, please someone point me in their direction!

沉默的真相 (2020; The Long Night)

Mystery Crime Thriller

It’s supposed to be an open-and-shut case: the murder suspect is caught with the body on a busy subway station and he confesses to the murder. And yet, when the case is tried in court, the prosecutor discovers that all is not as it appears. The murder might just be a cover for another more shocking injustice.

My verdict: I. AM. HOOKED. This I’m definitely going to finish! From the first few minutes, The Long Night got me hooked and on the edge of my seat, and I’m dying to know more. Like I said before, I absolutely love a good mystery. And I’m thinking that there’s going to be some social critique? Like about corruption, etc., or something. (Thank you @m1azena for reccing this!)

理智派生活 (2021; The Rational Life)

Business Romance Drama

From swimming through the cesspool of office politics with its nepotism, sabotage and company problems, to withstanding familial pressure to settle down and marry, to handling suitors interested in her for their own selfish personal motives, to being counsellor and mentor to her best friend and her juniors, a professional career woman tries to navigate through life in her thirties.

My verdict: Another fantastic find! I thought that a couple of things in the first episode were lowkey annoying, but I got interested enough that I put on the second episode... And I’m so thankful that I did! I’m now on episode 10, and I’m obsessed! I really like the main character - I might not be in my thirties quite yet, but the pressure to have your shit together and the constant badgering to settle down with a guy.... yes, I can relate. This drama deals quite a bit with the pressures and obstacles women face, and it’s very compelling. (Thank you @jellycannot for the brief but super convincing description of this show, I don’t know whether I would’ve given this a chance without it!)

最亲爱的你 (2018; Youth)

Comedy Romance Drama

Five young women share a house while attending the same university. The drama follows their hopes and struggles in life and in relationships.

My verdict: This was a nice surprise! Youth is a Chinese remake of the South Korean 청춘시대 (2016; Age of Youth), which I watched several years ago. I’m so excited to see a Chinese version! The first episode is pretty faithful to the original (as far as I can remember), and I’m looking forward to seeing whether there are going to be any major changes.

猎罪图鉴 (2022; Under the Skin)

Police Procedural Mystery Thriller

A skilled portraitist and a respected police captain put aside their bad blood to work together and solve cases using methods that can only be described as uncanny.

My verdict: As much as I love mystery and thriller, and can deal with crime-solving as part of the plot... police procedurals just don’t do it for me. I think it’s because I filled my quota by watching a lifetime’s worth of CSI shows when I was a teen... However, I must admit that this one seems to be of very good quality. I’m probably not going to be in a hurry to continue watching this, but I’m going to leave the option open, because this does look well-made and promising. Would definitely recommend this to fans of detective and police shows.

#mandarin langblr #chinese langblr #learning mandarin #learning chinese #zhongwen #updates on learning mandarin

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humanwheatleyslefttoenail · 4 years ago

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why do you ship chell and glados if glados is basically her mom

Okay this is actually a pretty common misconception in the fandom that unfortunately a lot of people have taken as canon, but I’m feeling nice so I’ll answer your question.

Basically, anon is referencing a theory from around 2012 that Caroline is Chell’s mom. The evidence for the theory is as follows:

- The turret opera calls Chell “bambina”, which means “little girl” in Italian

- Chell’s name can be found on a Bring Your Daughter To Work Day science project

- GLaDOS references the possibility of Chell being adopted multiple times

- GLaDOS is significantly nicer to Chell after discovering she’s Caroline

And, anon, you’re right, it does sound like a pretty good argument at first glance. The problem is that a lot of these points don’t actually hold up to scrutiny.

For example, although “bambina” literally translates to “little girl,” it’s often used in the same way “baby girl” is used in English - it can mean child, but contextually it’s usually a flirtatious term. (Source: Cambridge Dictionary)

For Chell’s science project, it doesn’t work as evidence for the theory because GLaDOS killed the scientists around 1998-ish, when Caroline had presumably been uploaded several years earlier and Cave was already dead. Also, Chell’s in her 20′s, and since we know from Lab Rat/Portal 2 that people don’t age in stasis, and that Doug put Chell at the top of the test subject list only weeks after the takeover, Chell was 28 at the time of the takeover. The science project is really only an Easter egg and doesn’t actually fit into the canon timeline let alone prove anything about Caroline and Cave.

GLaDOS talking about Chell being adopted is a pretty strong point, I’ll admit, but also it’s important to remember that maybe half of what GLaDOS says is true. And even if we take what she says at face value, she also says there’s a man and a woman in stasis with Chell’s last name, which could not have been Cave and Caroline because they were already dead at that point. And the official book Final Hours Of Portal 2 confirms Cave and Caroline were not married and could not have shared the same name anyway. It was also the 50′s, an an unmarried couple of two likely famous people having a child would’ve been scandalous, and yet we see no hint of something like this affecting their company.

Also, although GLaDOS is nicer to Chell after the Caroline reveal, that’s not necessarily indicative of a mother-daughter relationship, and neither is any of their interactions. It’s just. GLaDOS being friendlier.

Finally, when this theory was made (and let’s be honest - it still is happening) Chell was constantly whitewashed to hell and back.

Chell is Japanese-Brazilian, and Cave and Caroline are white, so it would be a near impossibility for her to be their biological child (and insisting otherwise is kinda. just. whitewashing). And although people will cry “adoption!”, based on what I’ve previously proven, that’s pretty much impossible. This theory that somehow she’s Cave and Caroline’s daughter erases an important part of her identity. [Disclaimer, I am white, but this is what I’ve heard from around the fandom]

With all that said, the idea that she’s the daughter of Cave and Caroline really doesn’t hold weight when you really analyze the canon. It’s surface level analysis that doesn’t hold up. And honestly? The idea kinda cheapens the story. It’s much more powerful that GLaDOS learns to care about Chell and becomes kinder than just. Oh, she remembered she’s related to Chell.

But to actually answer your ask.

Why do I ship them?

Well, they aren’t mother and daughter, I think that’s pretty obvious now. But if you actually look at a lot of subtext in Portal 2, without the lens of the mother theory, it’s actually pretty romantic!

I know that sounds ridiculous, but bear with me!

Now - it’s totally okay if you don’t ship them. I get it. Their interactions in Portal 1 and the first half of Portal 2 are toxic if not outright well. Y’know. Murderous. I completely understand why that turns people off from shipping them, and ultimately, shipping is a personal thing. To each his own.

But before you judge me, let me present my case.

Exhibit A: Portal

Portal is kinda gay. No, really. Chell and GLaDOS are enemies in this game, but the entire focus is on their relationship (good or not) and the power struggle between them. They are opposites, two sides of the same coin, different representations of opposite ideologies. People have analyzed Portal as a relationship metaphor, or as a metaphor about women’s role in society - either way, the heart of Portal is the complicated dynamic between Chell and GLaDOS.

That’s not necessarily enough to code a romance, but a lot of popular (and especially popular queer ones) ships begin with opposite ideologies, symbolic powers colliding. Portal cements their relationship as a toxic one, something on the verge of falling apart and hurting both parties in the end. The ending image, of Chell and GLaDOS side by side after the battle, reinforces the symbolic parallels between the two.

The companion cube is also pretty symbolically important to this interpretation. It’s literally a representation of someone’s heart, and you are told to protect it and preserve it under GLaDOS’ orders, and then you have to destroy it regardless of how you actually feel about doing that. You are destroying GLaDOS’ heart, so to speak.

There’s also the ending song, Still Alive. The lyrics speak for themselves.

They hint that GLaDOS’ feelings about Chell are more complicated than they may appear (if she’s not being sarcastic...) and she literally talks about Chell breaking her heart (also, think back to the companion cube. Yeah.). The entire song is structurally similar to many a breakup number, with the laments of “I’m glad it happened, but also leave.”

At the end, we also see that the long promised cake GLaDOS was supposedly lying about was real the whole time. Before Portal 2 came out, it was mostly interpreted as a stinger ending (along with the nicer lyrics of Still Alive) to make you question GLaDOS’ true motives and intentions.

She actually did have a real cake waiting for you. (Side note - not really evidence, but in Argentina, “torta” means cake in Spanish. It’s also a slang term for lesbians. So. Do with that what you will). The cake is what GLaDOS offers you to lull you into the sense that she cares about you, so discovering that “the cake is a lie” wakes you up to the realization that she doesn’t. Except then the idea is subverted one last time, at the very end, showing that the cake is real and at least some of what she said she meant.

You also see the companion cube. You know, GLaDOS’ symbolic heart?

Now, okay, you might be thinking I’m extrapolating a bit too much. And you might be right. But Portal is not the only game in the series, and if you’re asking me about Cave and Caroline you obviously know about Portal 2.

Exhibit B: Portal 2

If you thought Portal was gay, Portal 2 turns that up to 11.

Even before GLaDOS wakes up, you’re treated to some visual subtext. A few of Rattmann’s drawings representing the events of Portal 2 focus a lot on the relationship between GLaDOS and Chell, with more of the cake symbolism.

In this, you can see a face layered on top of GLaDOS. This could be foreshadowing about Caroline, and likely is, but also resembles his other drawing of Chell. It insists that Chell is a part of GLaDOS, or reinforces parallels between Chell and Caroline, hinting at something either way.

In this picture, we also see Chell standing on top of GLaDOS, in the same position where the overlay of the feminine face was, again referencing the parallel. It also presents them as opposites, fundamental parts of the same thing and both connected to the same basis, but on opposing sides.

When GLaDOS wakes up, she returns to her antagonistic role, but there are more hints to something deeper just like in Portal.

Here, in her awakening lines, she references Chell not unlike an estranged ex. Also worth noting that GLaDOS is pretty much the personification of testing (in a sense, she is testing since she can control all of Aperture like an extension of her body), and insinuates that Chell loves to test. And that she reciprocates that feeling.

In test chamber 10, she says this:

It’s supposed to be threatening, but it does read as almost... sentimental.

There’s also another chamber with companion cubes in Portal 2. I already talked about their symbolism in Portal, and the same pretty much applies to them here. However, GLaDOS says something interesting about them during this level:

Once again, meant to be intimidating, ends up coming off as “well, GLaDOS, why were you going to give Chell a heart shaped representation of yourself that says ‘I love you?’” And you might think I’m stretching the GLaDOS’ heart metaphor thing a little far here, and I might agree, if the companion cubes didn’t literally sing Cara Mia for you.

Cara Mia is the turret opera from the end of the game, which is all about how much GLaDOS cares about Chell. More on that later. But the companion cubes play a song called Love as A Construct, and when you get close to them, they sing a specific part of the song that has the tune of Cara Mia. These things literally exist to sing about GLaDOS’ feelings.

Which makes this line a lot more. For lack of a better term. Tsundere-ish.

Then, right before the escape, she starts talking about the confetti from her fake surprise.

I really don’t have to explain this one. What else does GLaDOS consider an inconvenience but might miss anyway? Or, more aptly, who else?

Then, during the escape, she teases a (fake) final test chamber in front of you, and forms the panels in the shape of a heart. No, really.

Up to this point, a lot of the points I’ve presented are interspersed with a fair amount of antagonization on GLaDOS’ behalf, more Foe Yay than anything actually hinting at something deeper than GLaDOS being conflicted about whether she loves or hates Chell. But things really ramp up after Wheatley’s betrayal, when the two of them are forced to team up. (I should also note here that “enemies to lovers” is a pretty classic queer romance trope.)

Here, GLaDOS is put on an equal level with Chell and they have to rely on each other if they want to survive. For the rest of the singleplayer campaign, GLaDOS becomes a lot nicer and even friendly to Chell. There comes a point where she starts referring to Chell as a teammate, calling them “we.” She begins to consider them one unit, two opposites unified. Here’s what she says after the lemon rant:

You can not only see her using we, but actively talking about how her and Chell are going to fight Wheatley together. There’s also that last line - “let’s explode with some dignity.” GLaDOS has fully accepted the very likely possibility that she and Chell might die together. That she might die on the same level, and the same team as Chell. And she seems... surprisingly okay with that, as long as she and Chell go together.

It’s during the Old Aperture levels that Chell and GLaDOS also discover that they have a lot in common. This is the part of the game where GLaDOS figures out she’s Caroline, that she’s human. Or, that she’s like Chell. And Chell discovers (from what we can tell anyway) that Caroline is kind, that she’s funny and smart and so many of these things she never noticed about GLaDOS before. Now also with the knowledge she is fighting alongside another human being.

You can also draw parallels between Chell and Caroline, both intelligent women ultimately betrayed by their seemingly innocuous male friends before being trapped in Aperture and forced to team up with one another in a way that will free both of them. We see that really, GLaDOS isn’t that different from Chell - she too has been imprisoned in this place against her will, but in a completely different way. Once again, the idea of two sides of the same coin applies here.

I’ve written another meta about this before, but I also think the whole idea of repressing a part of your identity and hating it, before bonding with another woman and then realizing that it’s okay to be like her and to be on her side. It’s okay to be yourself and meeting her is what helps you discover this new part of yourself. Is kinda inherently gay. GLaDOS’ discovery of her own humanity just fits so well into a queer realization narrative, to me at least.

Then, Chell and GLaDOS escape Old Aperture and have to get through Wheatley’s tests.

Here, GLaDOS isn’t just begrudgingly on Chell’s team. She’s actively helpful. She wants to help Chell solve tests, defends her from Wheatley’s insults, and makes jokes to lighten the mood. Things that can really only be explained by her caring about Chell, especially the part about the insults. See below.

After the two escape Wheatley’s testing track, right before the boss fight GLaDOS has a few other things to say.

GLaDOS is not going to betray Chell, because of some kind of conscience. But she could easily ignore that back in her body, and yet? Here she’s deciding not to, and for no good reason. She didn’t have to say that to Chell, but she did, because she cares and she wants Chell to live.

And then, moments before the fight:

The final lines imply that GLaDOS does not think of Chell as an enemy anymore, and that it doesn’t matter what Chell thinks because they are in this together and they are getting revenge together. It’s pretty heartwarming to be honest, to know that even in a fight that will almost certainly kill you, she is there rooting for you and caring about you, even if you don’t feel the same way about her. It no longer matters to GLaDOS whether you even reciprocate - you staying alive, you making it through is enough for her.

So Chell fights Wheatley and sends him into space, all well and good, and at this point, GLaDOS has the option to kill Chell. But not only does she not, she actively saves Chell, and holds her hand in the process. If you don’t believe me:

And not only that, but when Chell goes unconscious from her injuries, GLaDOS sits and waits for her to wake up. It’s also implied that GLaDOS carries her to the elevator, since it’s where she wakes up but not where she passed out. In the scene where Chell blacks out, you can also hear the part of Love As A Construct that sounds like Cara Mia. Yeah. Yeah.

If you think that this cannot possibly get any gayer, you are wrong again, because then GLaDOS makes her final speech. Which is really just a love confession, let’s be honest.

The “surge of emotion?” Do you mean love, GLaDOS? And the idea of GLaDOS considering Chell her best friend, despite everything these two have done to each other? The idea that GLaDOS, out of all people, forgives someone?

Except this isn’t even Chell’s final send-off. GLaDOS writes her an entire opera of turrets, that sing a literal love song. (Note what I said earlier about the use of the word “bambina”).

It really can’t get any more obvious than that. “My (affectionate romantic term here), my dear, I adore you.” How. Is. That. Heterosexual. In. Any. Way.

So Chell goes to the surface, set free by GLaDOS (think of the saying “if you love something, set it free), and you think that’s the end. Until GLaDOS gives you a companion cube so you aren’t alone on the journey, and from the burn marks, you know it’s your first companion cube. Her original heart, her first gift to you, a piece of her that she wants you to carry with you to remind you that she does care about you after everything. It also gives the lyrics to Still Alive a much more genuine meaning.

Portal 2 ends, and then the ending song, another GLaDOS number plays. Just like Still Alive, Want You Gone is structurally a break up song and very obviously about GLaDOS missing Chell and “counting on” (read: caring about/loving) Chell’s tendencies and quirks.

She’s accepted Chell completely, and yet also given Chell the one thing she wants most. Only wanting Chell gone can mean GLaDOS not wanting Chell in her life anymore, but can also mean she wants to give Chell the freedom she’s wanted for so, so long. It’s the best thing she can give.

In the co-op campaign, GLaDOS also references still caring about Chell.

And that’s the end of the Portal series. Except. Brace yourself. Despite the games being over, there is STILL more subtext somehow. It gets. Even gayer.

Exhibit C: Supplemental Evidence

Valve has made a lot of extra/cut content for the Portal series, and I’ll be looking at some of it below.

This official valentine from Valve shows GLaDOS offering a romantic partner cake, which as we’ve established before, is very symbolic of GLaDOS’ feelings about and/or relationship with Chell.

There’s a lot of other concept art and official art that emphasizes their relationship too. See below.

There’s also some cut GLaDOS lines that are even gayer than the source material and again, sound like confessions or references to a breakup:

The idea of “discovering things about someone”... how much more obvious can it get?

The developers have even confirmed a lot of my commentary on Chell and GLaDOS’ relationship in The Final Hours Of Portal 2. See these quotes from the book/this post:

The devs literally describe it as a romance. They use terms like “cheating,” they wanted to write a romantic duet, JoCo purposefully wrote the endings like love songs. It is literally, blatantly said by the creators of the game that their relationship is interpreted romantically. By the creators of the game.

And if Word of God confirmation isn’t enough for you, have a song written for a cut alternate ending by GLaDOS’ voice actress, Ellen McClain. The song is literally nothing but GLaDOS talking about caring about Chell, about not wanting her to die/leave GLaDOS alone, about wanting to bake a cake with Chell, about waiting for Chell to wake her up. It’s so genuinely sweet and sad, and really, really romantic in the most heartwrenching way possible.

JoCo also came back for the Portal levels in Lego Dimensions, writing one final breakup song for GLaDOS to sing about Chell. It comes off as GLaDOS not wanting to admit she misses Chell even though she obviously does, trying to replace their relationship but failing, and even explicitly forgiving Chell/wanting her to come back.

Also, the “finally I understand,” as if only now GLaDOS understands just how deep her feelings for Chell are... What else can I say?

In Lego Dimensions, GLaDOS also outright rejects anyone who isn’t Chell.

In Conclusion:

Why do I ship Chell and GLaDOS?

Well, ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether I ship them.

Because I think it’s glaringly obvious Portal does.

#chelldos #chell #glados #portal #portal 2 #tw fatphobia #whitewashing #fandom racism #long post

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