#Influencer-Driven Purchases

[seohabibi]

This article explores how social media influencers are reshaping consumer behavior and driving trends in the digital age. It delves into the impact of influencer marketing and the ways in which these online personalities influence buying decisions.

[astrosouldivinity]

𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝑬𝒚𝒆: ⁺⋆🧿⋆⁺ (𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎)

𝑬𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝑬𝒚𝒆 𝑻𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝑼𝒔𝒆:

1. 𝑬𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚-𝑺𝒊𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 (➖)

• Recruiting Allies: They recruit other people to help with undermining you, knowing they can't succeed alone.

• Obsessive Monitoring: They engage in gang-stalking behavior, fixating on you, plotting and praying on your downfall.

• Controlling Behavior: They nitpick and belittle you, trying to manipulate your emotions and provoke reactions.

• One-Sided Relationships: You invest your energy into them, but they offer nothing in return. Essentially, pouring into an empty cup, leaving you drained and feeling entitled to your energy.

• Deteriorating Health: Their influence can manifest in negative effects on your well-being, leading to visible changes such as decreased vitality, increased illness, and persistent brain fog.

2. 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 👹

• Gaslighting: They make you question your reality through passive-aggressive tactics, engaging in psychological warfare that is truly diabolical. This involves throwing stones and hiding their hands, creating confusion that drives you to doubt your perceptions and feel like you’re going crazy.

• Isolation: Following a smear campaign, you may find yourself ostracized, leaving you vulnerable and unprotected. This isolation is even more distressing if you don’t fully understand what’s happening.

• Existential Neglect: They act as if you don’t exist, undermining your self-worth and causing you to doubt yourself. This behavior pushes you to seek their validation, aiming to disconnect you from your true self.

3. 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖 🪢

• Commitment to Misunderstanding: They are dedicated to misinterpreting you, and people who dislike you will always find faults, fueled by a relentless desire to undermine you.

• Projection: They impose their limiting perceptions on you, trying to box you into a version they can control.

• Stagnation: They resist your growth, attempting to keep you in a state where they had the most control over you, and project their own lack of evolution onto you.

4. 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 🪬

1. Wear Protective Crystals: Utilize stones such as black tourmaline, obsidian, and smoky quartz. Wear evil eye jewelry, and incorporate protective practices like spell jars, mantras, and visualization techniques.

• I create evil eye-themed jewelry, crystal jewelry, and spell jars, which will be available for purchase soon. 💟

• 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝙹𝚊𝚛𝚜 🌱🫙

2. Pray for Protection: If necessary, consider return-to-sender or freeze spells. However, these are most effective when you know the source of the negativity. Identifying the evil eye source can be challenging, especially in omnipresent situations.

• 𝚁𝚎𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚂𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛/𝙵𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚣𝚎 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚕𝚕

3. Practice Energetic Detachment: Employ the "grey rock" method—remain unresponsive and stoic. By becoming an emotionless force, you deprive them of the energy they seek to access.

4. Embrace Your Inner Power: Recognize that they are sending negative energy towards you. Channel that energy back to them, transmuting it into your own strength. Remember, these individuals are ultimately weak; their attempts to bring you down are driven by a desire to feel powerful and in control.

𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 1

𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 2

𝚃𝚒𝚙 𝙹𝚊𝚛 🫙🙏🏿

𝙼𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝

𝙽𝚘 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚍. 𝙷𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛, 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝: @𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 🖤

*✧🧿 *✧･ﾟ🧿✧･ﾟ🧿 *✧･ﾟ🧿✧･ﾟ🧿 *✧･ﾟ🧿✧*

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕 𝚎𝚢𝚎. 𝙸 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚌 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎, 𝚊𝚜 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜. 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌 𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏, 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙. 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚢 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎; 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚠𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚢. 😓

©𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚍.

[1d1195]

Ding - Round 4

Read Ding here | ~4.7k words

Warnings: angst, fluff

From me: Sorry for the delay. Honestly, might be for the best. I know this is a little shorter but I think it will help spread out some of the plot points I have planned for parts 5 and part 6. I think it might be a little rush but I promise hope it will be worth it.

Summary: Cupcake wants a proper date. Harry wants a Cupcake for dessert.

Harry was fresh out of college when he took out a loan and bought the gym. It was a steal, an investment, and exactly what he wanted to do. He didn’t have a lot of staff—in fact, Harry taught a lot of classes, cleaned the showers and toilets as much as possible. He got Niall and Louis to help as well. Once he was settled a little more, he got his college roommate, Mitch and his girlfriend Sarah to help as well. His own little family. Niall managed it most of the time and while he still liked to teach classes and train with Louis, he hired a few more staff members (and honestly? Even though he hired a few custodians, he didn’t mind cleaning the bathroom every now and again). His family was his life and he tried to maintain a proper balance which required a certain number of employees.

But adding in the sweet girl that dinged his car threw him for a bit of a loop. A good loop.

Louis was insistent he focus more on his training. Any time not spent teaching classes or going over the paperwork in his office was spent training for his big fight. He was going to be boxing a guy from a few towns over; someone also undefeated. It was being publicized as their own state’s match of the century. Harry didn’t care truthfully about it. He just wanted to remain undefeated. Harry was competitive and he would rather never box again than lose his undefeated record. The added bonus of Driven getting more publicity wasn’t a bad part of the deal either.

Truthfully, the part where he might win $100,000 was also a bigger influence on him than he was willing to let on. The fame of the fight had sponsors and publicity, and more good stuff for him than he wanted to believe he could have.

Harry wanted to give his niece a substantial chunk of money to kickstart her college fund. But even still, he would have plenty to give her and then he would consider, finally, purchasing a house—which seemed silly because he nearly lived at Driven and if he wasn’t at Driven, he was at his mum’s...or Gemma’s with the baby.

But that pretty girl with an apron and sprinkles had him thinking about all kinds of future things. Like a house with a fence. A garden that they could have picnics in during the summer with a dog that needed to be walked two times a day but didn’t mind lounging with them among the flowers while they read. A massive kitchen where she would bake cupcakes for their little ones when they had birthday parties and—

No, he just wanted to win.

Maybe if he had lost at some point in his career he would have felt differently. But the “0” in the loss column made him cocky. He was good, and he knew it. Harry was smiling at his phone, a picture of his sweet niece smiling for the camera while he went over the bills for the current month. There was a knock right outside his office.

“Hey,” Niall smirked. “Your class is about to begin.” Harry was dreading it. They had chatted a lot more and gotten a lot closer than they previously were, but the class made him irrationally angry. Maybe it was the space and just knowing why she was there, that had him so grumpy. “Thought you would want to see her,” Niall murmured when he didn’t respond and also looked like someone pissed in his cereal.

He sighed, putting the bills into a folder for later. He thought about taking them home and dealing with them while he watched a show before bed. Since he’d been teaching her self-defense moves, he found himself riled and angrier than normal—especially after her class. It made it difficult to focus on bills and his calendar when she was there feeling unsafe. “Course I want t’see her,” he mumbled.

Harry stepped out of his office and headed to the room with Louis. She and Louis stood close together speaking quietly, like two old friends. She was smiling brightly, looking adorable as ever. Her T-shirt was bright blue. It said A Pinch of Sprinkles across the back and was littered with sprinkles like rain over the design. Louis caught Harry’s eye and then tilted his head toward him. She turned to face him. It was like a reflex and her smile was so bright, Harry couldn’t help but feel better than he did when Niall alerted him about the class. He felt all the anxiety and frustration leave his body and he headed over to her.

“Hey, Cupcake,” he put a hand on her arm gently giving it a friendly squeeze. “How was your day?” He asked.

She smiled in return. “Good, relaxing. I went to visit my dad.”

He thought so. He may or may not have spent his lunch hour being creepy and noted that her car wasn’t in the parking lot near A Pinch of Sprinkles. Nor was it there when he drove by in the morning on his way to the gym...and if he ran his four-mile cardio workout outside rather than on the treadmill to see her car still wasn’t there right around the four o’clock shift change then who would really know?

“S’nice,” he smiled. “How is he?” He asked.

She hesitated ever so slightly that if Harry wasn’t so focused on her, he might not have noticed. But before he could ask more about it, she simply nodded. “Good,” she offered. Harry needed to remember to circle back to that when they were alone. He wanted to know more about her family and why she seemed so guarded at times.

Which reminded him of what he really wanted to talk to her about. “Hey, Cupcake, would you want to—”

“Alright, let’s get started everybody!”

Harry was looking forward to “accidentally” punching Louis tomorrow during his training session. He sighed. “Stay a minute after class?” Harry asked and headed toward the front of the room.

“Since this is the second to last class, we always offer to have a bit of a celebratory send off the final class if you are interested,” Louis said knowingly. Harry was looking at the floor, then picked the lint off his pants. The grumpiness he felt with Niall returned rapidly. There seemed to be a long pause while the group decided if they wanted to celebrate next week. “Oh, thank God, love,” Louis sighed causing everyone to laugh. “You don’t want Harry or I baking for the masses.”

“I can make cupcakes,” she promised with a giggle.

Harry looked up realizing she was offering her kindness to a bunch of strangers, bonded through their own traumas and the need to feel empowered because of it. His lips curled into a smile. Even though he was still a bit frustrated. It was kind of her to offer. He wasn’t surprised. Someone that worked with sugar that much had to be sweet.

“Can you make the chocolate chip ones?” Someone asked.

“The blueberry lemon ones are my favorite, it’s a shame they’re a summer flavor.”

“I can...” she laughed lightly, and Harry felt so warmed by the sound; all the frustration he felt melting off him. “I can make a list before we leave.”

Harry truly thought there was no one sweeter.

It killed him she was in this class learning to protect herself. Especially now that he knew why. But as mad as it made him, he was so happy to see her. Having her in the class was just more time he got to look at her and note how beautiful she was. Her strength, her resilience, all these qualities he instantly admired as he got to know her more and more. That first night where she dented Clay seemed like ages ago, not months. He was wound around her finger, and he didn’t care.

They went through the moves they learned the weeks prior and discussed more scenarios. Harry had Louis help her more when she needed it. Frankly, it was too hard for him to do it without getting irrationally angry. “You want t’make sure you’re continuing t’practice these moves even after the lessons end,” Harry told the group as their time was ending for the night.

“So, we should be fighting our significant others over the dishes?” Someone called from the back of the room. It caused everyone to laugh once more, and Harry chuckled.

“No, not what I would suggest,” he snickered and even though there were at least fifteen other people in the room, Harry could pick out her giggle among everyone else’s.

“We’ve discussed a lot of reflexive moves and how a lot of the fight back instincts that take over don’t always help you get away,” Louis continued. Harry’s face returned to its neutral position. Although if she was asked, it was one of the sourest expressions she saw on him. But she was intently listening to Louis repeat the spiel once more. “Remember that’s your goal: to get away and find help as quickly as you can and as safely as you can.”

Harry didn’t dare look at her.

*

She stood next to Sarah’s desk taking down orders for their celebration the next week. It was a long list. Harry wasn’t a baker nor the owner of a bakery, but he knew that if they came to her store, it would have cost a pretty penny to sell all that was listed on her slip of paper.

“I can pay for it,” Harry offered coming to stand in front of her.

“Oh God, no. Don’t you dare,” she smiled and shook her head. “You’ve made all of us feel so safe and so empowered. It’s the least I can do—besides, it’s almost blueberry lemon season so I need to practice anyway,” her shrug was casual as she crossed out different parts of her list and added tallies to the other parts. “Maeve and I can handle it. I usually end up giving the leftovers to a homeless shelter anyway, or the nearby nursing home.”

Harry wondered if she was magic. Made of flour and sugar herself that was dipped into all her treats at that bakery and decorated with a pinch of sprinkles. There was simply no one as sweet as her. He was certain.

She watched as Harry’s eyes softened around the edges as she spoke. It felt warm and nice to look at Harry so intensely. He was so handsome and so kind to her. No one had made her feel so safe in ages. Not even Louis who propped her hands and feet into their proper positions and told her how to execute a stomp to someone’s instep.

“Cupcake, do you want to—”

“I’m sorry, Harry, one second,” she held her hand up toward him and turned her attention to a girl from their class. “Did you say Jack?” She asked.

Harry tilted his head curiously but watched as the recognition on the girl’s face blinked in surprise. “Uh...yeah?” She held her phone out to show a picture. Harry watched as her whole body stiffened and she glanced away. “Why?”

She bit the inside of her lip. “Look, I don’t want to prevent you from having a nice time, but he tried to force me back to his place. I would feel horribly guilty if I didn’t tell you. Maybe it was just a me thing. But I think I would like to know ahead of time. He’s why I’m here, taking lessons,” she looked at her pleadingly. “One girl to another,” she offered. “That’s all I want to say. I’ll mind my business now.”

The girl looked back and forth at her then the phone curiously. Her friend was silent.

Harry was shaking again. His hands clenched into fists. He saw the picture of him. He tried to place him in her bakery the other day and couldn’t identify where he was. Harry stalked off toward the back room without another word to her or the other ladies.

His focus was on making his way for the punching bag as quickly as he could to release the stress and anger he felt. He didn’t get to hear the rest of the conversation, nor did he want to. He hoped that girl took her advice and didn’t go out with him. It would serve that sorry excuse for a man right, and of course, most importantly, keep her safe. Harry would lose his mind if he found out he hurt someone else the way he hurt his sweet sprinkle girl.

His breath was a series of uneven pants. Not the regulated breathing he practiced while he trained with Louis. His emotions and frustrations clouded his head taking over instinctively. When he finally ran out of breath with one final punch he stopped, held the punching bag, and rested his forehead against it trying to relax his breathing.

Softly, she cleared her throat. Harry blinked, his eyes opened and turned to the sound. “Sorry,” she whispered. He steadied the swaying bag and looked at her, his eyes intense and as focused on her as ever. “I know you...” she sighed. “I had to tell her.”

He nodded. “I know.”

She paused awkwardly standing in the doorway. “I’m okay,” she offered. “Actually... I’ve learned at least five ways to incapacitate you to get to the front and tell Sarah to call 911,” she smiled weakly hoping it would make him smile.

It didn’t.

Biting the inside of her lip, she felt a wave of anxiety come over her. He was too mad right now. She should have just left. “Do you want the raspberry filled?” He continued to stare at her. Unspeaking, unmoving. Her heart felt sad that he didn’t want to talk to her any longer. “Um... okay... I guess... I’ll see you around, then, Harry.”

It felt like he was holding his breath until that moment and then released it as if all the air in his lungs had been there since the day, he met her and whooshed out of him for a good thirty seconds. “Cupcake,” he murmured running a hand over his face. She turned back, stood far away from him as she could without being in the other room. “I’ve been trying t’ask you on a date all night—well, for days really. And... s’jus’ not the right time—never the right time. We keep getting pulled into other conversations. Or training or your timers for cookies. Then m’mad or m’tired or—”

“Yes,” she whispered.

Harry stopped speaking. This time he thought he had stopped breathing altogether. “Yes, what?” He asked.

“I would love to go on a date with you,” she answered. Her cheeks were pink—he could see how flushed she was by the concept.

“You would?”

“I’m glad you’ve been doing the repeating lately,” she smiled.

“Are you sure, Cupcake?” He ignored her joke. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable; and I know I’ve been a lot... Plus your last—”

She closed the space between the two of them and pressed her lips to his cheek. He tasted like salt from the sweat that poured over him throughout the day. He was in desperate need of a shower. “I would really like to go out with you, Harry,” she repeated softly. “Whenever you want.”

Harry swore his heart skipped a beat. “Yeah?”

She nodded, still smiling. “I would really like that,” she promised. Harry sighed with relief.

“Tomorrow? I’d like to take you t’dinner,” he offered.

She nodded. “I would also like that,” it was the happiest she ever felt in her whole life.

The guilt of it was overwhelming.

“Good night, kitten,” he cooed softly.

“Night, Harry,” she headed for the door again. Harry watched, smiling after her as she turned in the doorway. She leaned against it, her hand pressed to the frame, and she tilted her head against it. “You’re going to kiss me, right? After our proper date?”

Her smile was so pretty, Harry felt light-headed. “I hope so, Cupcake.”

*

Harry did kiss her.

In fact, he kissed her so much they didn’t even have dinner at the restaurant. He could hardly stand how pretty she looked he couldn’t leave her doorway when she opened it. She had spent the better part of an hour fixing her hair into a perfect style rather than the stringy, rainy mess he saw the day he met her. Or the way her hair was almost always up and out of her face to deal with baked goods. She put on extra makeup too. She felt beautiful—but Harry’s reaction made her feel... gorgeous.

He put a hand over his heart and smiled, stepping back a pace to take in how beautiful she looked. She laughed at his dramatics. “Wow,” he tapped his hand over his heart. “I thought y’were beautiful with the apron and sprinkles.” She laughed; her pretty cheeks turned pink. He put his hand against the top of the doorframe and leaned in toward her.  “M’not going t’make it through dinner, Cupcake,” he shook his head. “Can I kiss you now?” His eyes were soft.

“Now?” She whispered back.

He nodded his eyes focused on her lips. “Repeating again?”

“What about dinner?”

“I’ll take y’after.”

Honestly, she didn’t think there would be an after if they didn’t go now. Harry looked unbelievably good. He wore a pair of dress pants and she had only ever seen him in sweats and shorts. Those did things to her heart that she didn’t know the dress pants would do. His button down was tucked into his pants, and he looked like he was ready for an interview. He was so handsome.

“I’m pretty hungry now,” she told him, her eyes dancing flirtatiously.

“Me too,” he answered and leaned closer. His forehead rested against hers. She could feel the exhale of his breath against her skin. “May I kiss you, Cupcake?” He asked. She nodded breathlessly. He shook his head. Rested a hand on her waist and pulled her closer to him. “You have t’say it, kitten,” he encouraged softly. “M’not messing around with this,” he assured her. “I’ll give y’anything y’want, but y’have t’say it,” his voice was so gravelly and low she felt it in every inch of her nervous system. She shivered involuntarily and nodded again.

“Please kiss me,” she whispered so quietly he barely heard her.

But he did hear her. Harry would give her anything she wanted so he pressed his mouth over hers, and it felt like he was supposed to kiss her. The way her lips felt against his, the exhale of her breath against his skin. It all felt so perfect. His hands rested on her hips, and he tugged her closer to him, so she pressed snuggly against his body. Her hands came up to the sides of his neck, her fingertips curling to the back of his head and sliding into his hair.

“Your hair is so soft,” she whispered when they broke apart for air. Harry chuckled and kissed her again, his lips slotting between hers and he brought an arm around her back leaning toward her, so she tilted back just so slightly. “Can we go inside?” She whispered.

“Do you want me inside?” He asked against her lips.

She nodded quickly. “Very much.” Harry didn’t break from her lips to push her inside the doorway. She slipped out of her shoes; shoes Harry didn’t even get to look at because he was so distracted by how much he wanted to kiss her he couldn’t take in the rest of her and how pretty she looked. He took a moment now to note her dress, all black with some buttons and a tie sinched around her waist. It fell to just below her knee but left room through the slit for him to see part of her thigh.

She was stunning.

“God, Cupcake, you’re so beautiful,” he murmured went back to kissing her. His hands roamed over her waist making her insides turn to mush wherever he touched her. She shivered again letting her tongue run over his lower lip as he kissed her. He groaned into her mouth. Her hands held onto his belt loops, tugging him closer to her. She could feel the way their kiss was affecting him. It made her want more to feel his arousal.

“Can I...?” She swallowed pulling from his lips and her hand started for the front of his pants.

“Oh fuck,” he croaked.

“I...” she looked at him nervously. He made consent sound so sexy but she felt stupid for asking.

“Yes,” he nodded firmly. “Whatever y’want, Cupcake, m’all yours.”

For whatever reason she thought of Niall saying how Harry was whipped for her when they hardly knew each other. He called Harry her boyfriend and now she wanted to take his belt off and rip his pants off.

Was it too fast? She didn’t let Jack take her home and she knew him about as much as she knew Harry at the time. Was she overreacting? How could he ruin this moment even though...? How come—

“Cupcake?” Harry asked quickly. “Y’okay there, sweetheart?” He asked softly. She blinked in surprise, realizing she spaced out as her thoughts reeled. Harry was holding her face gently. “D’you want to stop?” His pants were unzipped and unbuttoned—she didn���t even realize she had done that. Her fingers tucked into his beltloops once more, ready to pull them down further. The Calvin Klein band poked out from his shirt and the shift of his pants falling lower on his hips. Harry was staring at her nervously. Her gaze was blank as she looked back at him; as if she was unsure of her own actions. “Kitten?” he repeated and removed his hands from her face. He tugged her fingers loose of his loops. “Can y’talk t’me please?” He asked, separating them a bit more. He pulled his pants back up, zipped and buttoned them. “You’re making me nervous, Cupcake...” he trailed off eyeing her uncertainly.

Her heart felt sad for him. He was so gentle, so nice, so careful. He steered her to the couch, putting space between the two of them. The only part of him that touched her was his knee bumping into hers. “Sorry,” she whispered, finally.

Relief rushed through him at the sound of her voice. “There’s nothing t’apologize for, Cupcake,” he promised reassuringly.

“But you’re—” Her eyes looked at the bulge against the zipper of his pants. He shrugged.

“S’not important.”

She disagreed strongly. That bulge nearly made her mouth water but as much as she needed her brain to focus on it, her mind had other ideas. “I just... need a minute,” she leaned back against the sofa and sighed. She stared at the ceiling, her hands covering her face. Harry was hot. He was so kind. His lips tasted like sunflower oil—perhaps it was his chapstick. He smelled so good and looked so good. It was unfair that someone from nearly a month ago could continue to ruin her date.

“You can have all the time in the world, Cupcake,” he continued to assure her so soothingly, it made her heart melt. “Did I do something—”

“No,” she shook her head and looked him straight in the eye. “You didn’t do anything,” she promised.

He sighed with relief and leaned back beside her and smiled. “Good,” he draped an arm along behind her head across the back of the couch and kissed her temple. “Take your time, Cupcake. M’not going anywhere.”

She swallowed hard, the lump in her throat trying to break her esophagus open wide. “He ruined it,” she whispered.

“Ruined what, sweetheart?” Harry’s voice was so soft. Like the way it felt to snuggle in bed on Christmas Eve when she was little. It was so comforting. It made her feel safe. She sniffled and turned her face away from where Harry was.

“Our first date.”

“No, he didn’t,” his voice was still soft, but the tone was firm. He was certain when she very much wasn’t.

“But I want to—”

“I know, Cupcake.”

“Don’t you want to?”

“Do I want t’have sex with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met before we go to dinner?” He asked bluntly. “No, sounds like a terrible waste of m’time.”

She blushed, closed her eyes; still turned away from him. “I don’t know who this most ‘beautiful woman’ is you’re talking about. I just see a snively baby.”

He snorted. Gently he coaxed her to turn her around and look at him again. His expression was still gentle, and she was sure he wanted to be mad. She wondered what kind of self-control that took. Maybe it was the Oxytocin covering for him.

“Show me,” he murmured.

“Show you?” She repeated.

Harry smiled. “Practice.”

“Practice what—oh. Oh,” she looked at him in confusion. “You want me to practice my self-defense moves?”

“I like when y’repeat me,” his eyes were warm, smiley on their own.

“I’m wearing a dress.”

“Look, I could say m’dying t’know what’s under your dress if that will make y’feel better.”

“Harry!”

He pushed off the sofa and moved the coffee table toward the side of the room. He grabbed her hands pulling her up, so she was standing in front of him.

“Well, t’be really honest, Cupcake. You’re not going t’have much say in the matter of what you’re wearing if y’need t’use the moves,” he reminded her gently, he cupped the side of her face and looked into her eyes as if his life depended on it. She gulped in response. He was so intense. It made her forget every one of the moves she was supposed to practice. “C’mon, it’ll make you feel better...and me, honestly.”

“You?” She questioned.

He didn’t even comment that she repeated him. “Want t’know you’re safe, Cupcake,” he skimmed his thumb along her cheek. “Always.” She grabbed his hand against her cheek and smiled at him.

Then swiftly she pulled his arm behind his back and twisted it up. He chuckled peering at her over his shoulder. “Good. Again.”

*

After a while of practicing her moves, Harry ordered pizza. He took his jacket off and described a series of moves she could try that she hadn’t learned in the class. She took them seriously; the little pucker of her brow made her so adorable—Harry wanted to kiss her.

“Let me make brownies,” she offered heading to the kitchen and mixed the ingredients within minutes of opening her cabinets. It took maybe ten minutes and soon her place smelled like brownies. Once the pizza was delivered, she pulled out seltzers that Maeve left behind after a girls’ night in. She put on a reality show about baking that she watched two years ago when she was sick with the flu. “The cake challenge is my favorite part,” she told him.

Harry had his arm around her, her body slumped into his embrace, and she snuggled deeply against him. He was so happy to be curled up on the couch with her. It was like they had watched TV together for their whole lives. Had been spending date nights in for twenty years. It made him unbelievably at ease.

Eventually, without realizing, they fell asleep on the sofa. Harry woke up with a slight strain in his neck that he was certain Louis would be pissed about, but the sight of her sleeping beside him made him smile. He scooped her into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom. “Are you kidnapping me?” She yawned.

He chuckled, kissed her temple. “No, Cupcake. Putting you on the bed. Want you t’be comfortable. I’ll go back on the sofa.”

“You don’t want to sleep with me?” She pouted.

He chuckled. “I do,” he promised. “Do you want me to sleep with you?”

She nodded. “Do you have to work tomorrow?”

“No,” he shrugged. “Do you?”

She shook her head. “Do you want to stay here?”

“Always, Cupcake. Always.”

taglist: @justlemmeadoreyou @daydreamingofmatilda @sunshinemoonsposts @loving-hazz @likeapplejuicenpeach

@straightontilmornin @freedomfireflies @littlenatilda @kathb59 @babegoals

@angel-upon @lilfreakjez @mleestiles @ameliaalvarez06 @canyonmoondreams

@summertime-pills @daphnesutton @l4rrysh0use @perfectywrong @foreverxholland

@lovrave @st-ev-ie @pandeebearstyles @toosarcastic03 @luvonstyles

@tenaciousperfectionunknown @classychalamet @love-letters-to-uranus @emmaawbr @crossyourpeter

@kissinthekitchen @kittenhere @stylesfever @indierockgirrl

@michellekstyles @just-another-reader1098 @hermionelove @tiredinwinter @whimsy-willows

@hannah9921 @fangirl7060

ding: @ell0ra-br3kk3r

I'm sorry if I missed anyone in the taglist. Please let me know if you'd like to join, if it didn't work, if you no longer want to be included, etc. :)

If you like this, check out my masterlist here

[satorusideals]

|| Electric Love ||

pairing: rockstar!geto x fangirl reader

a/n: honestly, forgot what number post this is but not proof read… oops. but, i recently went through my playlists and found my rock phase playlist. i love long haired rockstars and what’s better than fangirl-ing over ATSUSHI SAKURAI?? geto rockstar!

part 1 | part 2? | masterlist

He was just a rockstar on your wall. The cinematic posture he showed while playing the guitar was captured with an essence that drove you wild. His sensual music filled your head during every second of the day.

Suguru had long raven hair that framed his visage. Soft almond eyes and a broad nose that made you drool a little. Not to mention his decorative jewelry. Flooded ears and a left eyebrow piercing.

He was a dream.

He was Suguru Geto.

There is a clear distinction between your work environment and the ethnic to your free time. Obviously. Your personal life was driven by the desire to live to the fullest.

There was no doubt you were a smart and shy girl that wanted the best. And with that, there came your good taste in men.

Sometimes.

A casual “celebrity” crush you could say would be Suguru Geto.

His sudden influence on rock music altered the perception of performances.

His band’s concerts were like no other.

That much was apparent when you experienced it first hand with your friends on a day off from your office job.

Who knew your life would be tainted after purchasing an incredibly expensive ticket?

It was surprisingly easy to reach your fate. The late afternoon sky aided your journey to your area. And after settling in, the speaker began to hype the crowd and introduce the band members.

Which seemed unflattering due to the fact of The Curzed’s name being on the top of every media page.

But, the high pitched voiced highlighted the audience’s anticipation.

It was first dedicated to the vocalist. The soft menace.

“Hello ladies and gents.. emos and posers, we have your favorite Satoru Gojo!”

Though you had a favorite, it was no secret all the members were attractive. Gojo was eye-candy. His soft and bright features were a handful. Snow kissed hair and bright blue eyes that would bring gazes even if he weren’t in a band. His music skills just amplified it.

The crowd cheered as he smirked and looked around to catch glimpses of anyone remotely familiar.

It wasn’t long until the speaker switched to the drummer. His face was covering the screen to show his reaction.

“Don’t drool too much.. Kento Nanami also enjoys the competition!”

There seemed to be no joy. His frown was clearly showing the regret of ever having joining the band.

This quick joke was casted aside as the camera zoomed out and showed both of the guitarists practicing. More particularly the bassist being caught off guard.

“And don’t forget about Ieiri Shoko.. what a sight for the sore eyes!”

Her eyes are knit together in concentration before quickly looking up and casting the toothpick in her mouth aside to wave across.

“Who could possibly forget about him? Everyone, roar for Suguru Geto!”

Without a second, the whole stadium squeals. You could practically feel every fangirl trying to outshine the other.

I mean, it’s not like it’s jealousy? Right?

Your friends quickly begin to hype you up. You had a claim on him, right..?

Geto was obviously continuing his practice on the electric guitar before the audience cheered loudly for him. He looks up and softly smiles.

God.. you could eat it up.

As if the mood could switch any faster, the whole stadium goes dark and music began playing. The bright lights left you shunned after each beat. Your eyes perceived the bright screen that reflected each member. Your throat swallowed every note while your feet felt each thump of the speakers.

You were going to be deaf after this.

Your friends were jumping and screaming as there seemed no way of ungluing your eyes from Geto. He was playing every note with casualty it drove you insane.

He was actually there.

Across of you. Playing your favorite song.

Which really, it was only because he had a solo.

It was so fucking hot.

There was no thought in your head, everything was silent, and your only focus was him. There's no shame about it.

He was Suguru Geto.

Song after song, bitter saliva to swallow, you were dragged out by your friends and the crowd.

It was a shame to see the once lively stage be so empty. Casted aside by the limited time they had for you. For everyone else.

It was decided that you'd go to a bar that was on the other side of the city.

Sweet liquor and horrible karaoke was needed on an eventful Friday night.

The city lights illuminated the streets, not to mention the busy traffic that left no room for pedestrians. It was a relief your friend ordered an Uber.

Minute after minute, you arrived alongside your friends.

Shot after shot, it was apparent you'd all meet up for brunch the next day. Because that is what reckless girls do.

The hours of entertainment passed and friend by friend was leaving. You look up and notice the emptiness and the fact that the bartenders were cleaning up the stands. You took your last shot and decided to sober up before going home. It was just a 20-minute ride.

Your head was beginning to spin and pulse.

"Shit.. should've drank more water" you mutter under your palm that rested on your forehead.

The bell jingled as some large group entered the building.

You hear a man speak with a whiny tone. "Nah man.. all the girls were totally screaming for me."

A girl quickly responds after. "Shut up Gojo.. this is why can't get laid."

"What! I can totally-"

The loud bickering made your eyebrows knit together from how your head pounded even harder. It wasn't long before the bartender announced that they were close to closing.

"Ah shit.. should we go?"

Then, you hear it.

"It's fine. Not like we're here to black out."

Despite the pain you were in, you look up and see him.

Geto. In all his glory.

Honestly, if it wasn't for the pain, you'd go up and beg for an autograph. But you're close to tumbling from the sensation of jelly-legs. Plus, you wouldn't want to come across as annoying.

They quickly found a stand and started their bickering once again.

You were freaking out. With no outlet because your friends left, you quickly got up with the help of the stool. Step by step, you walked over to them.

"Oh my god.. I- I'm such a huge fan. I attended your concert and-"

They all look up at you. Silent. You freeze. Before you could apologize and back track, Ieiri sprints up to pull you back.

"Finally! Another girl."

"I- I'm sorry. I'm drunk, I shouldn't have-"

"It's totally fine. We were just talking about how good our set was. We want your input!"

Your flushed face wasn't helping either. Every slurred word was engulfed by the group of four.

Nanami's stoic face after every shot was apparent. Adding on to Gojo's high pitched laughs and hiccups. He was leaned on Nanami's shoulder before he shoved him off.

"Fuck off.. I thought you said you wouldn't drink so much tonight."

"Hahaha.. you totally messed up on set. Especially on 'Pressured by Quantity'..."

You look up from Ierei and see the two's bickering. Your fuzzy eyes caught a glimpse of Geto looking directly at you.

His eyes looked away with a soft smile.

"Ah.. Y/N, continue? How about we take some shots??"

A nod was all Ierei needed to dowse into liquor. The sweet margaritas wasn't buying it earlier, and only naked tequila would make you feel something now.

The short-lived interaction came to an end when the bartender gave you the bill. Honestly, it was such a big number you sobered up quickly. but before you could open your wallet, Geto pushed your hands down and passed over his card. Shiny and black. It casted a reflection from the bar's lights.

"I'll pay for all 5 of us. 30% tip. Thanks."

You kept looking up at him before he looked down at you.

"Uhm.. thank you. You didn't have to-"

He shook his head and turned towards the door. There stood the other three. They were waiting on you two.

"I enjoyed your input. And your point of view. It's refreshing."

He looked back at you with that same soft smile.

"It's really nice to be so down to earth once in a while-"

"Heyyyy.. are we leaving yet??" Gojo whines.

Geto softly sighs and the bartender returns with his card and receipt.

"Need a ride? You're alone."

You stay silent for a few moments, and before you could respond, Ierei is wrapping around your arm.

"'Course she is! She can't stay alone like this."

She looks at you with a smile. Her toothpick was back in her mouth.

"Alright.. I'll drop you guys off at the suite."

Patter, patter, stop.

You reached their large van. Soft of comical. You had expected a limo of sorts.

Your surprise wasn't casted aside.

"It's to keep our cover low" Nanami says.

"Yikes.. I'm totally scared of having our windows drowned in fangirls."

"Thought you liked them Gojo" Nanami answers with a sigh.

"I do! But not after a set. Definitely on my lap. I'm soooooo tired."

The whole group eyed him with a grossed out look.

"Anywayssss.. I really liked this stadium guys. We should totally come here again for Y/N" Ierei retaliates with a soft song tone.

You softly laugh as Ierei shoved you into the passenger seat.

Geto replies while turning on the vehicle. "I mean the staff made it all the better. No arguments."

Nanami nodded. But before he could reply, Gojo's snores filled the car.

The ride was pretty lengthy. Geto dropped off the tired trio before he looked at you.

"So, your address?"

"Ah.. right. Let me pull it out-"

"Just send it. No worries."

You freeze and look up at him.

He's smiling again and takes your phone. His phone dings and he's quick to start enroute.

"You like j-pop? Classical?"

Your nodding with a soft blush. "Shoegaze."

"Ah, really? Interesting. You like Rock too, eh?"

"I like your solo. I really liked it live."

"Oh.. I can play it for you sometime."

"Hm?"

"I don't have a setup for you right now."

"Yeah.. but it was nice seeing you play it during the concert."

"Hm.. where were you? Pit?"

"Nuh-uh.. too broke. Haha.."

"Don't worry. Thank you for coming."

You hum and slightly doze off. Before you realize, your eyes open at the familiar curve to your apartment.

"Oh.. we're here."

Geto turns off the vehicle and walks around to help you out.

"What floor?"

"Mmh.. third.."

He nods and wraps an arm around your waist and walks you in. He smelled of lilac and hint of cedar. Not too manly. But just enough to doze you off even more. His hair was tied in a bun and you could feel his calloused fingers digging into you.

The elevator dinged and he took you to your door.

"Mmh.. thank you, Geto.."

"Y/N."

"Hm..?"

"Thank you for coming, again."

"I- I just like your music."

"You like my music?"

You nod. "I have your poster.. I really like you, Geto."

The pounding in your head was making you come clean. Honestly, when was the next time you'd see your celebrity crush?

"Suguru. You can call me that."

Your throat closes before you can even muster the strength to respond.

"Go sleep. I'll message you when I head back to the others. Good night, Y/N."

His rough but delicate fingers grazed your ear and pushed the hair behind it.

"Sweet dreams, cya."

You stand frozen as he walks off. What the fuck just happened?? Your heart is beating out of your ass before you slam your door closed.

"What the fuck?"

You quickly slip out of your clothes and drop into bed. No clue where your phone was, but you knocked out at the fuzzy feeling in your head.

God.. you hoped for this feeling to stay, even after your raw hangover. Your eyes were droopy. Limbs across the bed and facing the large yet tantalizing Geto Suguru poster.

YAXUIXAINKJAASH part 2???

[justforbooks]

‘I felt nothing but disgust’: Tesla owners vent their anger at Elon Musk

The tycoon’s links with Donald Trump and Germany’s far-right AfD have slammed the brakes on sales and put the car’s owners in a spin

When Mike Schwede first sat in a Tesla Roadster 15 years ago, he felt like it was a glimpse into the future. By 2016, he was the proud owner of a Tesla, revelling in the thumbs up he would get from other drivers as he whizzed along Europe’s highways in the electric vehicle.

But of late the sheen of owning a Tesla has begun to wear off. For years the brand has been synonymous with Elon Musk and his stance against the climate crisis. Recently, Schwede watched aghast as the Tesla CEO poured hundreds of millions into backing Donald Trump as he made promises to ramp up domestic oil and gas production.

“He was getting more and more weird,” said Schwede, an entrepreneur and digital strategist based in Switzerland. The final straw came when Musk made back-to-back fascist-style salutes during Trump’s inauguration in January. “I felt nothing but utter disgust,” said Schwede. “And I no longer enjoyed sitting in my Tesla.”

On Tuesday, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association showed sales of new Tesla cars almost halved in Europe last month. The figures left analysts scrambling to assess how big a factor customers turning their backs on the brand because of Musk’s foray into far-right politics may be.

The Texas-based carmaker sold 9,945 vehicles in Europe in January, down 45% from last year’s 18,161, the association said.

Now, there are signs existing Tesla owners who have become disgruntled with Musk’s views are making their anger heard.

Schwede contemplated selling his car, but after racking up more than 60,000 miles on it, there was little value left in it. So he came up with his own means of reclaiming his Tesla and the liberal ethos that had underpinned his purchase; he began donating 10 cents for every kilometre driven to a range of charities, countering Musk’s support of the far right with direct support to those who help LGBTQ+ youth or fight hate and extremism. “It was something Elon wouldn’t like,” he said. “That’s my personal revenge.”

It’s a hint of how some Tesla owners in Europe are fighting back, putting up their own – albeit small-scale – resistance as Musk wades into global politics, using his wealth to help secure Trump’s return to the White House and his sprawling influence to back far-right and anti-establishment parties across Europe.

For Germany’s Patrik Schneider, the turning point came as he was heckled by a stranger at a petrol station, who pointed to his Tesla and called him a Trump supporter. Saddled with a long-term lease on the vehicle, he scrambled to find a way to address his relationship with a brand that – in his mind – had soured.

“Of course, as a Tesla driver you were always the fool: the Green party voter, the world saviour, the CO2 guy,” Schneider told Germany’s Capital.de media. “But now you’re in a category that’s no longer funny.”

What he came up with was a line of “Anti-Elon stickers” for Tesla cars. In an echo of an American initiative, he began selling the stickers online six months ago, taking orders for messages that range from “I bought this before Elon went crazy” to “Elon sucks”.

As Musk waded more deeply into German politics, hosting the far-right AfD’s co-leader, Alice Weidel, in an interview on X and turning up at an AfD rally where he disparaged multiculturalism and lambasted the country’s focus on “past guilt”, demand for the stickers soared.

Demand has now climbed to as much as 2,000 stickers a day, with orders pouring in from across the German-speaking world but as far as Australia and South Korea. All of it was done without any advertising, said Schneider, adding wryly: “Elon Musk does that for us.”

Others have called for the actions to go further. In Poland – where the Nazi German occupation led to the deaths of 6 million Poles, including 3 million Jews – the country’s tourism minister called on citizens to boycott Tesla after Musk’s surprise appearance at the AfD rally. “All I can say is that probably no normal Pole should buy a Tesla any more,” Sławomir Nitras recently told Polish broadcaster Tok FM. “A serious and strong response is necessary, including a consumer boycott.”

In August, the German drugstore chain Rossmann said it would no longer buy Tesla cars for its corporate fleet, citing Musk’s support for Trump, while the German energy company LichtBlick said on social media that it would be “pulling the plug” on the Tesla vehicles in its fleet, citing Musk’s backing of “a rightwing populist and extremist party”.

The message was echoed recently by UK-based campaign group Led by Donkeys after they projected images of Musk’s salute on to the facade of the Tesla gigafactory near Berlin.

“The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, is promoting the far right in Europe,” the campaign group wrote on social media after their collaboration with Germany’s Centre for Political Beauty. “Don’t buy a Tesla.”

In London, activists put up a parody “Tesla – The Swasticar” bus stop advert with the tagline “goes from 0 to 1939 in 3 seconds”, referencing the start of the second world war, and stickers with similar wording have been slapped on Tesla cars. In Tottenham, north London, a member of the activist group People vs Elon took a cardboard cutout of Musk’s salute into a Tesla dealership.

In Sweden, the EV maker Polestar has sought to capitalise on the discontent. “We get a lot of people writing that they don’t like all this,” the company’s CEO, Michael Lohscheller, told Bloomberg, adding that he had directed sales staff to target disgruntled Tesla owners.

After a Dutch poll suggested 31% of respondents who owned Teslas were considering selling them or had already done so, it remains to be seen what the impact will be on the company. Matthias Schmidt, a Germany-based automotive analyst, said “2025 will be one of the biggest tests for Tesla.”

“With all respect, consumers tend to be like goldfish; they tend to forget things very quickly,” Schmidt added. “But Germany is potentially slightly different because of its history … The shift to him backing the AfD was potentially far more damaging in Germany than his move to back Trump.”

Last year, Tesla saw sales in Germany plunge 41% – outpacing the overall 27% decline in EVs across the country – as rivals rolled out their own electric vehicles and governments rolled back subsidies.

Figures for early 2025 show that Tesla sales fell sharply across several European markets. Registrations were down 63% on a year earlier in France, 59% in Germany, 44% in Sweden, 38% in Norway and 12% in the UK.

While buyers could be reacting to Musk’s comments, other factors may also be at play as consumers await Tesla’s release of the updated Y model, said Schmidt.

When contacted by the Guardian, Tesla did not reply to a request for comment. But late last month, Musk appeared to be upbeat during a call with investors, hinting that 2025 may be a tough year but that 2026 would be “epic” for the company.

“Musk is kind of like a character that – like a cat – has nine lives,” said Schmidt. “And he’s almost used up those nine lives. And it will be interesting to see what happens now.”

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[citieskyes]

Placements in the house series

Pt 2

Sun in the 2nd can indicate much of your identity closely relates to your financial stability. Money plays a significant role in your life and as a result, you can be financially driven. This placement can indicate having a strong sense of self-worth. This can also indicate starting your own business.

Moon in 2nd finds emotional comfort from material things. They might be stingy with their money. When depressed, they enjoy making purchases and buying things as it brings them joy. Your emotional well being may depend on your financial situation.

Mercury in 2nd are suave when it comes to dealing with financial matters. They can be very smart with their money. You may use your intelligence to deal with business related matters. You may also be very direct and straightforward.

Venus in the 2nd brings luck to the individuals finances. You might be seen as shallow and materialistic, but above all you value stability. This placement can indicate interest in working in a careers related to beauty or aesthetics. Your partners may like to spoil you by buying you things. Alternatively, you may marry rich!

Mars in 2nd may be very ambitious when it comes to money related issues. This placement can indicate a strong work ethic and you like to take charge of things. You may radiate leadership energy and others look up to you. However you may be impulsive with spending money as Mars is a reckless planet.

Saturn in the 2nd may face limitations with their finances. You may have grown up financially disadvantaged. As a result, you may be stingy with your money or you don’t know how to manage your finances. You may feel guilty when purchasing things. One of your biggest fears is poverty. Your lesson is to learn what is your true value outside of finances.

Jupiter in the 2nd may indicate finding luck in financial affairs. You may acquire money easier than others. Money finds its way back to you. As Jupiter is a planet of expansion, you may have an eye for aesthetic and thus you’re prone to being a overspender. Due to Jupiter’s influence, financial opportunities come your way easily. You may have the ability to make money out of anything, meaning you’re destined for a luxurious and wealthy life. Jupiter in the second means that you have a lot of self-confidence as the 2nd house also governs our sense of self-worth.

Pluto in the 2nd can indicate that much of your power comes from your resources and finances. You may get good opportunities when it comes to making money. You may come off as stingy as you have a deep fear of poverty. This placement can indicate transformation with your sense of values and this can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself.

I do $15-20 birth chart readings so message me if you want yours done x

[mintconditioned]

overconsumption & hauls: the dangerous economics of social media and influencer culture

in today’s digital world, social media isn’t just a place for connection—it’s become a marketplace built on excess. enter “haul culture”—the trend where influencers and everyday users show off their massive shopping sprees, glorifying the idea that happiness can be bought in bulk. but behind the glossy videos and perfectly curated posts lies a destructive force: overconsumption. and while this culture has made influencers rich, it’s doing real damage to our planet, our mental health, and our collective future.

the rise of haul culture

haul videos have taken over our feeds—shiny, polished showcases of endless shopping sprees, often packed with cheap, disposable items. the message? "more is better." it's a dangerous illusion that tells us we need to buy more, own more, and display more in order to feel valued or connected. and it’s not just entertainment—it’s a commercial machine, pushing us to spend money on things we don’t need just to keep up.

the toxic economics of influencer culture

influencers may have become millionaires thanks to haul culture, but the truth is, they’re feeding a system that thrives on our insatiable desire for more. each haul video, each new product, and each brand partnership isn’t just about showcasing new stuff—it’s about driving us to consume endlessly. influencers profit directly when we buy through their affiliate links, and brands reap the rewards of an audience hooked on constant purchasing. this cycle isn’t just unhealthy—it’s unsustainable.

the real cost: waste and environmental destruction

haul culture is pushing us toward an environmental crisis. fast fashion alone contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions, and influencer-driven overconsumption only worsens the problem. cheap, poorly made products are bought, used briefly, and then discarded, adding to the growing mountains of waste. the “buy-and-return” culture has created an endless loop of production, waste, and pollution, all in the name of fleeting trends.

the psychological toll of constant consumption

let's talk about the mental toll. social media feeds us a toxic message that we’re not enough as we are—we need the latest products, the newest gadgets, the trendiest clothes to feel happy or worthy. it’s a lie. the constant bombardment of “buy this, buy that” fosters feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and fear of missing out (fomo). influencers, knowingly or unknowingly, perpetuate this damaging narrative, making us believe that material goods are the key to self-worth and success.

a call for change: embracing mindful consumption

it’s time to wake up. the endless cycle of buying and discarding has to stop. we need to reject the idea that happiness can be bought in bulk and embrace conscious consumption. influencers and brands have a responsibility to lead the way—stop promoting mindless buying and start advocating for sustainability, quality, and intentional living. we need to buy less, choose better, and make products last.

conclusion: a sustainable future starts now

haul culture has grown into a behemoth, but we cannot afford to ignore the damage it’s causing. overconsumption isn’t just an economic issue—it’s a crisis. from environmental degradation to psychological harm, the price we’re paying for this culture of excess is far too high. it’s time to reclaim our power, to choose conscious consumption, and to reject the narrative that our worth is tied to material goods. the future depends on it.

[mariacallous]

Ten years ago, a flood of gamers attacked developers Zoë Quinn and Brianna Wu and media critic Anita Sarkeesian. The three were part of a growing chorus of people calling for a more inclusive culture within video games. The attackers doxxed and harassed their targets, doing all they could to stifle the women’s efforts. The incident, which became known as Gamergate, illuminated the toxicity women faced in gaming spaces and beyond.

Eventually, the harassment faded from the news, but its residue was never fully removed from the internet and public life.

Gamergate articulated a particular kind of aggrieved masculinity, an anger at losing the power of being the target audience. Since 2014, it has shaped everything from the men's rights movement to the current iteration of the GOP, outlining what it means to be a man in certain corners of the internet.

In many ways, says Adrienne Massanari, an associate professor at American University’s school of communications, Gamergate presaged a broader reaction on the right toward real changes happening in American society. Former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon latched onto this in 2015, harnessing the power of committed online fandoms to bolster Trump’s campaign.

Within the community, Gamergate seemingly bifurcated men into distinct camps. Men who came to Sarkeesian’s defense, for example, were dubbed “white knights” and simps. Meanwhile, the people doing the harassing saw themselves as trying to protect the space from the “outside” influences of “social justice warriors,” who threatened to take away the elements that—they felt—made games fun.

“Even though we know that a bunch of people play games, [the men involved in Gamergate] saw themselves as being the target demographic for games. When that started to shift, the reaction was, of course, anger,” says Massanari. “Now that’s reflected, refracted, and amplified by Trumpism and that kind of far-right strain of Republicanism reacting to demographic and societal shifts toward a more egalitarian society.”

This same kind of anger and resistance can be seen now in figures like J.D. Vance and Elon Musk, who both decry “woke-ism” in politics and culture broadly. In interviews, Musk has said that he was motivated to purchase X, formerly Twitter, to fight the “woke mind virus” that he says is destroying civilization. The Heritage Foundation’s political road map Project 2025 repeatedly mentions “woke” progressivism as a threat that must be eliminated, particularly by doing away with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in government spaces.

This connection comes full circle in what’s become “Gamergate 2.0,” a backlash to inclusion efforts where “DEI” is now a catchphrase. Ten years ago, gamers pushed back against critics like Sarkeesian for pointing out that many female characters in games were nothing more than tropes. In 2024, the campaigns are against video game consulting companies such as Sweet Baby for performing what some gamers believe is “forced diversification.” No matter the rallying cry, the reason is the same: Being upset that the characters in video games no longer represent your interests.

While the politics of masculine grievance aren’t exactly new, says Patrick Rafail, professor of sociology at Tulane University, “the mainstreaming of it is.”

Although Gamergate came out of a relatively niche subculture, its elements can now be found in influencers like Andrew Tate who have popularized “these very simplistic, archetypal, stereotypical extremes” of masculinity, says Debbie Ging, professor of digital media and gender at Dublin City University. A new era of podcasting, coupled with a rise in short-form video platforms like TikTok, “which are heavily algorithm-driven,” have been significant drivers of this form of rhetoric, Ging says.

Current influencers provide a sort of blueprint for a post-Gamergate masculinity, one that still contains some of the movement’s toxic ideas, repackaged to be more initially appealing. “These ‘manfluencers’ propagate a lot of the same kind of red-pill ideas, the same kind of theories from evolutionary psychology. But what they have kind of moved toward is a greater focus on financial advice, motivation, mental health,” Ging says. This kind of content is ultimately “focused on how to maintain your masculine status.”

The more mainstream topics peddled by these influencers—and a need for community—continue to pull young men in, says Andrew Reiner, a lecturer at Towson University and the author of Better Boys, Better Men: The New Masculinity That Creates Greater Courage and Emotional Resiliency.

“It's not like a lot of these guys start out on the far right saying, ‘All this has happened to me and these people on the left here are to blame,’” Reiner says. “It’s not that extreme. In the beginning, a lot of these guys are saying, ‘I’m struggling, I’m looking for support, and I don’t really know where to turn.’”

Part of that desire for community is what makes gaming or influencer fandom both deeply attractive and such a powerful breeding ground for groups that rely on masculine grievance. Male-dominated online communities, like gaming or right-wing spaces, can often be characterized by trash-talking and one-upmanship, “because that's the only way young men have been acculturated into being able to talk with their peers,” Massanari adds. That same behavior can easily spill over into harassment, partly because it’s about maintaining that masculine status.

As influencer culture and political culture become ever more intertwined, it should be no surprise that the desire to maintain masculine status—and anger at its decline—can be found in many of the ways the right codes itself. After the attempted assassination of Trump last month, a photo of the former president, fist in the air in front of an American flag, went viral. Even Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg called the moment “badass” in an interview with Bloomberg. Speaking at the National Conservatism Conference in June, author and professor David Azerrad called Trump “undeniably manly.”

And while politics and fandom have always had an overlap (e.g., Brat Summer), Massanari says Trump and the new right represent a whole different scale. “Gamergate was really focused on fandom communities,” says Massanari. “If you think about Trump, Trump is nothing if not a fandom community. When I watched any of the [Republican National Convention] stuff, I was struck by thinking, ‘All this could be like a bunch of Taylor Swift fans.’”

Jessica O’Donnell, author of Gamergate and Anti-Feminism in the Digital Age, warns that while the ideas of Gamergate may live on in the far right and the GOP, the aggressive, harassing fandom behaviors are not limited to a political party. As some online spaces, such as Reddit, have become more friendly to far-left politics, which can have its own form of aggressive promoters (see: dirtbag left), O’Donnell says Gamergaters have followed along.

“I think a lot of people who were involved in Gamergate, you see now having more of a sort of radical leftist kind of ideology, because they’ve seen that’s where they’re going to get more clout,” she says. “It’s more about picking the winning team, rather than the team to win.” In other words, Gamergate was the internet—and it’s everywhere now.

[rayet1]

Rulers, HxH fanfic PART 2

MANGA SPOILERS AHEAD!!

It only took Shalnark twenty minutes before he arrived into the town centre, and an extra five minutes to pull into the parking lot of the largest supermarket. Even though his face was now recognisable as a Phantom Troupe member, Shalnark was not worried, if someone were to notice him, he’d simply use his hatsu to make them forget temporarily - plus the country they were in did not have heavy mafia influence and he was wearing a different outfit besides the one in his pictures back in Yorknew.

Scanning through the hanging signs for stationery, the young man walked through the store, and as he spotted the desired aisle, he smiled and swiftly entered the section. Though Shalnark’s smile would be wiped off as soon as he saw the lone person in the shopping lane.

Pale hands gripped twenty or so rulers, sharp nails secured themselves around the plastic, followed by red wrist warmers, and matching red bicep warmers, and as Shalnark’s dark green eyes gazed up along the toned arms of the individual, the expression of the owner of such sensuous appendages turned into glee as he saw the grimace on the man standing a few feet away from him.

“Well if it isn’t my dear spider Shalnark. To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing such a handsomely cute face again?” Hisoka purred, smirking at Shalnark as he placed the rulers into his cart, which was filled with even more rulers - including yard long ones.

Shalnark’s mood soured at the teasing; whilst around the Troupe, he had smiled off Hisoka’s strange comments and stayed bright but as he was alone, his face contorted in disgust. He hated the clown possibly as much as his pink haired comrade.

“Why are you purchasing every single ruler? It’s not very nice of you to run something out of stock when you clearly have more than enough,” quipped Shalnark, whose scowl deepened with every second he had to stare into the amber coloured eyes of Hisoka.

“Illumi asked me to buy every ruler this store had, but since I owe him one, I will be spending my own money on these. I’m sure they’ll restock soon.”

“That doll faced weirdo wants you to buy all the rulers? What’s he going to do, shove them up the asses of his zombies?” Shalnark remarked, hand on hip. He was aware of who Illumi Zoldyck was, including the fact that he was a manipulator who used nen needles (he may have gone through Kalluto’s phone for information).

“What he needs to use them for is classified, my dear. I am also afraid I will not be surrendering any of these rulers to you. I must be going now, see you around,” Hisoka said as he pushed his cart towards the other end of the aisle and towards the registers. Staring at where Hisoka was last visible, Shalnark could not comprehend how unlucky he was for crossing paths with the clown once more and even more the fact that he took the one thing he had driven out to buy. The blond sighed before he headed back outside and took out his other but more modern phone to check the map for nearby stores, “Sometimes I wish I became a geologist instead.”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Thirty minutes later, Shalnark was sitting on a park bench, eating a single vanilla ice cream (with two flakes). He was perplexed. Every single store in the town did not have rulers - did Hisoka really buy all the other rulers? The spider began to question his sanity as he had also heard whispers of the locals about a ruler outage. An outage for damn rulers!

“This ruler outage is just so silly!” a shrill voice came from behind Shalnark.

“It must be frustrating for your husband, Mrs. Bernhardt.” another woman replied. Even though it was the nth time he was hearing about the shortage, Shalnark focused in on the conversation.

“Yes! Luckily he’s already ordered a new supply of rulers. They should have arrived by now.”

Shalnark grinned from ear to ear. Civilians were truly intellectually inferior to him, surrendering precious info for even the dead to hear. Standing up, the man almost skipped his way towards the husband’s store. Figuring out which store was quite easy, as the store was literally named Bernhardt’s Supplies. Civilians were truly all troglodytes.

[nayziiz]

Shadows | LN4

Summary: [Mafia] In the face of dire financial troubles, Lando receives a desperate plea from his father to unearth a lucrative solution within the family business. Fueled by the pressure to rescue his family from ruin, Lando stumbles upon a seemingly perfect venture—using luxury cars as a facade for the clandestine world of drug trafficking. With the unexpected partnership of Amelia Rossi, his father's best friend's daughter, Lando believes he has found the ideal accomplice. However, as the Norris family collides with the ambitious Russells in a ruthless bid to establish their dominance, the perilous path Lando has chosen places not only his newfound enterprise at stake but also entangles Amelia in the dangerous crossfire that unfolds.

Warning: Violence, drugs, blood, smut, fluff, guns

Pairing: Lando Norris x OC (Amelia Rossi) - appearances from other drivers

Masterlist

Chapter 4

As the weeks wore on, Lando and Amelia found themselves navigating a precarious game of cat and mouse, their every move shadowed by the looming threat of exposure. Despite the setbacks, they managed to orchestrate several successful shipments to various parts of the world, each one a testament to their resilience and resourcefulness. From the bustling streets of Paris to the neon-lit alleys of Tokyo and the sun-drenched beaches of Rio de Janeiro, they navigated the intricate web of international logistics with skill and precision.

But as the shipments continued, so too did the speculations between Lando and Amelia, casting suspicion on everyone from trusted allies to low-level associates. With each passing day, the sense of paranoia grew, fueled by the nagging fear that someone within their ranks was working against them.

In the absence of concrete evidence, they could only wait and watch, their nerves stretched taut with anticipation for the inevitable confrontation with George and his father, Steve. They knew that it was only a matter of time before the Russells reappeared, armed with questions and demands for answers.

Steve was unrelenting in his pursuit for answers. George's conflicted loyalties became increasingly apparent as the tension escalated. He found himself caught between his father's ruthless demands and a lingering sense of compassion for Amelia, a girl he once cared deeply for. He pleaded with his father to spare her harm, emphasising the need for restraint, but his appeals fell on deaf ears. The elder Russell remained resolute, driven by a relentless pursuit of answers, regardless of the methods employed.

In the pursuit of those answers, the Steve saw instilling fear in the young Rossi as a perfect means to an end. The calculated decision to create a climate of intimidation was intended to extract the information they sought. In George's mind, this heavy-handed approach seemed unnecessary, but he had little influence over the methods his father deemed fit for the situation.

The tension reached a boiling point when an unexpected intrusion disrupted Amelia's ordinary night at the car dealership. As she diligently worked at her desk, finalising purchase paperwork, a mysterious figure slipped into the shadows, wielding a gun. He stalked her as he made his way up the staircase to her office. The sudden appearance of danger shattered the illusion of Amelia's once seemingly idyllic life. The threat materialised from the dangerous undercurrents of her business dealings, casting a dark shadow over her personal space.

In the harrowing moments that followed, Amelia faced a stark realisation – the vulnerabilities that came with her involvement in the less-than-clean aspects of business had breached the sanctity of her private world. The once distant dangers of the underworld had materialised at her doorstep, leaving her to confront the consequences of her choices and the menacing presence that now lurked in the shadows of her seemingly secure life.

Amelia swiftly recognized the orchestrator behind the menace—Russell, and by association, George. Driven by a toxic blend of jealousy and a warped sense of rivalry, they had crossed a line that Amelia could not dismiss or forgive.

The bitter irony lay in George's role, someone who had once pleaded for leniency and attempted to protect Amelia from the ominous reach of his family. However, his own history of betrayal and a pattern of undermining friendships, including those with Lando and Amelia, had now come full circle. The loyalty he had hoped to foster had eroded, replaced by a perilous alliance with his ruthless family.

For Amelia, this was more than an isolated incident; it was a pivotal moment that shattered the facade of normalcy. The underworld, a realm her father had sought to shield her from, now unfolded at her doorstep, and she found herself at the centre of the dangerous game by her own volition.

Amelia's heart raced like a drumbeat in her chest, each thud echoing the gravity of the chilling reality before her—an imposing gun pointed unwaveringly at her forehead. The tension in the air was palpable, and despite her training in various martial arts, the starkness of the situation eclipsed anything she had faced before.

The training that once instilled confidence now offered only a fragile shield against the looming threat. Her breaths, normally measured and controlled, came in quick, shallow bursts, as she grappled with the instinctive surge of fear. In the dimly lit confines of her dealership, the menacing presence of the intruder cast an ominous shadow, and the world seemed to contract to the immediate proximity of the weapon aimed at her.

Drawing upon every ounce of her strength, Amelia fought to steady herself, her mind racing as she attempted to approach the perilous scenario with a facade of calm reasoning. The pulsating seconds felt like an eternity, each one magnifying the weight of the gun and the precariousness of her position.

In the face of imminent danger, her training became a delicate dance between muscle memory and raw instinct. She focused on the intruder, attempting to decipher the intentions behind the cold, unyielding gaze. The air hung heavy with unspoken threats, and as the seconds stretched, she steeled herself for the unfolding confrontation.

The assailant's demand cut through the air like a sharp blade, his words resonating with ominous intent—he sought information about her business dealings with Norris. Amelia, despite the palpable fear coursing through her veins, summoned a steely resolve and met the demand with a measured composure.

With unwavering determination, she firmly denied any involvement in fraudulent activities, each word spoken with deliberate clarity. In the face of the menacing weapon trained on her, Amelia asserted her autonomy, emphasising that her business operated within the bounds of legality. The echoes of her denial reverberated in the dimly lit room, a defiant stand against the threat that loomed before her.

The air became charged with an unspoken intensity, the intruder's gaze a piercing scrutiny that sought to unravel the truth hidden beneath her words. As the minutes stretched into an agonising crawl, Amelia's strategic mind worked swiftly, seizing upon a fleeting opportunity to lower the gunman's guard. In a moment of calculated precision, she initiated a series of manoeuvres, skillfully disarming him with a deftness that belied the urgency of the situation.

The sudden, unexpected struggle erupted through the quiet dealership, the scuffling sounds echoing in the otherwise silent space. Amelia's training in martial arts became a decisive advantage as she defied the odds, turning the tables against the assailant. The struggle played out in a dance of survival, the stakes heightened by the threat that had initially loomed over her.

Amidst the chaos, the sudden commotion escalated, the tension reaching a fever pitch. In the frenzied struggle, a gunshot shattered the silence, its reverberations ricocheting off the walls and distorting the perception of time. The deafening sound momentarily drowned out all other noise, leaving an eerie stillness in its wake.

Amelia's heart raced in the aftermath of the gunshot, her senses heightened as she assessed the situation. The abrupt eruption of violence had shifted the delicate balance within the dealership, leaving a lingering tension in the air.

Amelia's body tensed in the aftermath of the gunshot, a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins as time seemed to freeze. The once frantic struggle now hung in suspended animation, and the dimly lit dealership became a stage for the unknown. The surreal silence that followed the deafening sound of the gunshot enveloped her, and the world seemed to hold its breath.

In the oppressive stillness, Amelia waited with bated breath, her senses heightened, and her perception attuned to the slightest shift in the air. The harsh echoes of her own laboured breaths reverberated in the quietude, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Panic gripped her, the uncertainty of the unfolding events amplifying the fear that coiled within her.

The profound sense of relief that washed over her was palpable, a wave that momentarily eclipsed the lingering fear. The realisation slowly dawned—she had not been the target of the gunshot. The threat had been redirected, and it was the assailant who now bore the wounds inflicted in the struggle.

Amelia's gaze fixated on the fallen gunman, his laboured breaths a haunting symphony in the aftermath of the struggle. The reality of the situation seeped into her consciousness, and a heavy silence enveloped the dealership. Time, momentarily suspended, resumed its relentless march, yet Amelia remained frozen in place, a silent witness to the unfolding consequences of the violent encounter.

The man, now a mere shadow of the menacing threat he had posed, struggled with the injuries inflicted during the tumultuous struggle. The metallic tang of blood hung in the air, a visceral reminder of the brutal clash that had transpired within the once-quiet confines of the showroom. Amelia, caught in the aftermath, grappled with the weight of the encounter settling heavily on her shoulders.

As the wounded assailant choked on his own blood, the air became charged with an eerie tension, the sounds of his suffering echoing through the space. The dealership, once a sanctuary for luxury vehicles, now bore witness to the stark realities of the dangerous game Amelia had willingly entered. The poignant contrast between the opulence of the surroundings and the brutality of the confrontation lingered, casting a sombre pall over the scene.

As the dealership gradually settled into an eerie calm, the remnants of the recent struggle lingering like ghostly echoes, Amelia took a moment to collect herself. The adrenaline, which had surged through her veins like a tumultuous tide, began to ebb away, leaving in its wake a mix of shock and a subtle undercurrent of accomplishment.

Surveying the aftermath of the violent encounter, she found herself amidst overturned furniture and the tangible residue of the struggle that had unfolded within the walls of her once-secure sanctuary. The normally pristine office space now bore the scars of the confrontation, a stark reminder of the perilous world she had been abruptly thrust into.

“Shit.” She mumbled as she stumbled to switch off all the lights on in her office.

With her heart still pounding and her once-white satin blouse now stained in scarlet, Amelia made her way to her desk, a silent witness to the turmoil that had unfolded in her sanctuary. The stark reminder of the recent struggle clung to her, an indelible mark on the fabric of her existence.

As she reached for her phone, uncertainty gripped her. The weight of the decision loomed over her—should she call her father, the protector who had shielded her from the dangerous undercurrents, or should she call Lando, the ally who understood the shadows of their shared past? In a moment of visceral instinct, she chose the latter, trusting in Lando's unwavering support and the absence of judgement that their history promised.

Pressing the phone to her ear, she waited in breathless anticipation for Lando's voice to resonate through the device. The seconds seemed to stretch, each one echoing with the aftermath of the struggle. In the silence that enveloped her, the phone call became a lifeline, a connection to the one person who could comprehend the complexities of the perilous world she had been thrust into.

The pulsating beat of music and the lively atmosphere of one of Lando's clubs enveloped his surroundings as he answered the call. Amidst the rhythmic sounds and vibrant energy, a voice, laden with urgency, cut through the noise.

“Amelia?” Lando's voice crackled through the phone, momentarily competing with the lively ambiance of the club.

“Lando. I need your help.” She replied, the weight of the recent events evident in her breathless tonemanages to breathe.

“Now’s not the best time.” He informed her, his words navigating the delicate balance between the two worlds—one of immediate revelry and the other, a world in which Amelia grappled with the aftermath of a dangerous encounter.

In the background, the ambient noise of the club continued, underscored by the playful distraction of Zara kissing down his neck—a glimpse into the lavish and carefree surroundings that defined Lando's realm.

“I wouldn’t call if it wasn’t urgent.” She emphasised, her voice a stark contrast to the surrounding revelry.

The weight of her statement penetrated through the distractions of the club, prompting Lando to take decisive action. In a swift motion, he pushed Zaral off him, leaving behind the allure of the night's festivities. Rising to his feet, he stepped away from the vibrant chaos, a silent acknowledgment of the urgency embedded in Amelia's call.

“Where are you?” Lando's voice held a sense of urgency as he sought to understand the specifics of Amelia's situation.

“I’m in the dealership. Just make sure you come alone and come around the back.” She informed him, her words laden with a discreet plea for discretion and swift action.

Amelia, far from being a passive victim, emerged from the ordeal with a silent vow etched in her heart. The betrayal she had endured fueled a fierce determination to retaliate. The past bonds that once tethered her to George were now severed, and she understood the gravity of the situation. It was no longer just about self-preservation; it was a commitment to safeguarding those she held dear, a pledge to shield not only herself but also the loyal allies who had stood by her side.

The passage of twenty minutes left the dealership in an eerie stillness, the back door creaking open to admit Lando into the shadowy expanse. The showroom, once a realm of gleaming luxury, now lay shrouded in darkness, the ambient glow of the city's night seeping through the windows.

Lando, attuned to the urgency of the situation, cast a glance upward at Amelia's office on the first floor. The dim light emitted from her phone served as a lone beacon in the otherwise darkened space, guiding him towards the heart of the unfolding drama.

Making his way up the spiral staircase with cautious steps, Lando's senses heightened. The air hung heavy with the aftermath of the struggle, and a palpable tension gripped the surroundings. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, a hushed realisation settled in—there, in the semi-darkness of the office, lay the assailant's feet.

“What the fuck?” The immediate shock and disbelief coloured Lando's voice, echoing through the silent expanse of the building.

“Shut up!” Amelia hissed, her urgency cutting through the tension that hung in the air.Amelia hissed.

“What did you do?” Lando's voice, now lowered but no less intense, sought answers in the darkness.

“I will answer all of your questions, but you need to help me get rid of his body.” Amelia's words carried a weight, a confession that reverberated through the shadows.

“Amelia.” Lando's tone held a mix of concern and incredulity.

“It was either be killed or kill. I had to choose.” She explained, the gravity of her words hanging in the air like an unspoken truth.

Lando, confronted with the grim reality of the situation, snapped into action. The urgency of the moment prompted him to shed his jacket, rolling up his sleeves with a focused determination. In the silence that hung over the showroom, his mind raced with logistical considerations.

His thoughts turned to the practicalities—they needed a different vehicle. The trunk of his car, by his quick assessment, wouldn't accommodate the task at hand. A calculated and strategic mind, Lando contemplated the intricacies of the situation, considering the weight and gravity of each decision.

“Alright.” He said, his voice steady despite the unfolding chaos. “We'll use another vehicle. We need to act fast, and we need to be discreet.”

Lando dragged the unconscious man by his feet, the chilling reality of the situation sinking in. The dealership, once a pristine display of luxury, now bore witness to the aftermath of a violent struggle, leaving behind a trail of stark evidence.

“Fuck, the blood is everywhere.” Lando muttered under his breath.

As Lando manoeuvred the body onto a rug, his gaze shifted upward, and he found Amelia, the once-composed orchestrator of her business, now completely spaced out. Disgust etched across her face, her eyes fixated on the volume of blood that stained her office floor—a visceral reminder of the choices made in the throes of danger.

“Are you hurt?” Lando's concern cut through the tense air, a reflection of the gravity of the situation.

“No.” Amelia replied, her voice holding a trace of weariness.

“You have blood on your shirt.” Lando observed, his gaze fixated on the stained garment.

“It’s not mine.” She clarified as the weight of her words underscoring the gravity of the struggle she had endured.

“You need to get bleach and a ton of paper towels.” Lando suggested, his mind already racing with plans to address the aftermath.

“I’ll get it.” Amelia responded, her resolve unwavering even in the face of the disconcerting scene in her office.

The logistics of the cleanup became a practical focus, a way to navigate the aftermath of their choices and restore a semblance of order to the chaos that had unfolded within the once-tranquil dealership.

In a matter of moments, Amelia descended the staircase and reappeared, carrying the cleaning supplies needed to address the aftermath of the struggle. The cleansing scent of bleach filled the air as she sprayed it onto the blood-stained tiles, the pungent odour mingling with the lingering tension in the showroom.

Amelia's movements were deliberate and focused, the rhythmic sound of the paper towel wiping away the evidence of the violent encounter. The dim light cast shadows on her determined expression as she worked to erase the physical remnants of the struggle that had disrupted the tranquillity of her office.

“I’ll have my security guys wipe the footage from the CCTV database.” Lando informed her, his tone authoritative and decisive. The practicality of his suggestion was evident—a strategic move to eliminate any traces of the recent events. “And, I’ll have them send some guys down to be here when you’re in the office.”

“That’s not necessary. My father-”

“Your father cannot know a thing. He’ll know that you're busy with shady business. Just say you had a security breach and I offered.” Lando interjected, his voice firm and insistent.

The weight of his words conveyed an understanding of the delicate balance they needed to maintain in the face of a situation that threatened to unravel the carefully constructed facades of their lives.

In the strategic dance of shadows and secrets, Lando's offer became a lifeline—a shield against the prying eyes of those who couldn't be trusted.

“He always liked you.” Amelia acknowledged, a subtle nod to the complexities of her father's affections.

“Precisely.” Lando responded, recognizing the leverage that goodwill might afford them in navigating the intricacies of their clandestine actions. “I’m going to need someone to help us. We can’t do this alone.”

“Just not Max. Or Alex.” Amelia stipulated, expressing a cautious reluctance regarding the choice of allies.

“Don’t worry about it. Just pretend like nothing happened.” He directed with a pragmatic approach to maintaining the illusion of normalcy in the wake of the violent encounter.

“I can’t go home looking like this.” Amelia confessed, her voice carrying a mix of vulnerability and concern.

“You’ll come home with me. We’ll get you cleaned up, get rid of your clothes and get you back home. No one needs to know a thing.” Lando assured her, his tone a blend of reassurance and determination.

“Thank you.” Amelia responded, a heartfelt acknowledgment of the support she found in their shared alliance.

“This is technically my fault.” Lando admitted with a sense of responsibility underlying his words.

“No, it isn't.” Amelia countered, her conviction unwavering.

“This has to be George, no?” Lando pondered, drawing connections between the recent events and their shared history.

‘It can only be him. He was the only one asking questions.” Amelia affirmed, a trace of frustration in her voice.

"You know George, he's only ever happy when he's included in something." Lando observed, a rueful acknowledgment of their former schoolmate's tendencies.

In the dimly lit showroom, Lando wasted no time. With determined efficiency, he rolled the unconscious assailant into the rug, the fabric concealing the evidence of the violent struggle. As he straightened up, he wiped his hands on his jeans, a pragmatic gesture to rid himself of the residual traces of the grim task at hand.

Pulling out his phone, Lando dialled the number of his right-hand man, Jon. The urgency of the situation echoed in the hushed tones of their conversation as Lando briefed him on the need for assistance.

“Jon, I need you to come to the dealership. We've got a situation. We’ll leave everything open at the back for you. Just a clean up and disposal.” Lando spoke, the weight of the words underscoring the gravity of the clandestine operation unfolding within the confines of the dealership.

As Jon's acknowledgement reached Lando's ears, the stage was set for the arrival of assistance—a strategic move to navigate the aftermath and ensure that the shadows of the night kept their secrets hidden from prying eyes.

“Jon will sort out the body and his car. He'll get some people in to give the room a proper clean. You and I need to get out of here. I'll be your alibi if shit hits the fan.” Lando asserted, his words carrying a sense of urgency and commitment.

“Feels like we're back in high school.” Amelia remarked, a wistful note in her voice as she drew parallels between their current predicament and the challenges they faced in their youth.

“Neither of us killed someone in high school.” Lando responded, his tone a mix of pragmatism and reassurance.

"We saw someone get shot and we kept quiet, Lan. That makes us look fucking guilty." Amelia countered, her words laden with the weight of their shared past.

“We weren't out there that night looking for a murder scene.” Lando asserted, drawing a distinction between the events that unfolded in their teenage years and the unforeseen circumstances that now required their discretion.

Flashback

They were just 17 that night. Lando, bold and adventurous, had snuck out with one of his father's Audis to pick up Amelia for a house party. The night took an unexpected turn when they got lost, the dimly lit roads leading them to an abandoned stretch. Eager to regain phone signal, they pulled over, the night air thick with anticipation.

As they sought connectivity, the tranquillity of the night was shattered by screams and yelling, the ominous sounds drawing them in. Their curiosity propelled them forward, and seconds later, they found themselves witnesses to a harrowing scene—a man being shot several times, the violent act searing into their young minds.

The shooter's face remained hidden in the shadows, a faceless perpetrator of a crime witnessed in the dead of night. Lando, quick on his feet even in the face of danger, grabbed Amelia before she could utter a scream, and they sped away from the scene.

In the aftermath of that fateful night, a silent pact emerged. Lando and Amelia, bound by the shared trauma of witnessing a crime, made a promise—an unspoken agreement never to speak about it with each other or anyone else. The weight of that secret forged an unbreakable bond, a shared understanding that transcended the boundaries of adolescence and lingered as a shadowy thread woven into the fabric of their friendship.

“This is different.” Lando voiced with a discernible tension in his words as the echoes of their past mingled with the challenges of the present.

“Lando.” She implored, her gaze seeking reassurance from the one person she had turned to in times of both peril and secrecy.

“Remember you called me, Amelia, not the police, not your dad, me. You called me because you know I won’t tell a soul about any of this.” Lando reminded her, his tone carrying the weight of their shared history. The unspoken bond that had endured the trials of teenage secrecy and witnessed the violence of that night now became the anchor in the tumultuous sea of their present predicament.

As Lando and Amelia made their way down the staircase, each step echoing in the quiet showroom, a pregnant pause settled between them. Amelia stopped halfway down the staircase causing Lando to turn back to see where she was.

“If this is your way of reminding me that I make shit decisions, it is not the time.” Amelia retorted, a note of defiance in her voice as the weight of the night pressed upon her.

“You forget that when you agreed to do this, you agreed to get your hands dirty. And, I know you didn't mean to kill that guy. It was an accident and you were defending yourself. So, when I offer to help, just take it and trust me.” Lando explained, his words carrying a mix of understanding and urgency.

“Of course I trust you.” Amelia conceded, a hint of vulnerability in her admission.

“Then start acting like it.” Lando urged, his tone firm but laced with a genuine concern for her well-being.

In the wake of their tense conversation, Amelia followed Lando in the dimly lit showroom and out to the back parking lot to where his sleek McLaren awaited. The low hum of the high-performance engine punctuated the stillness, and as they settled into the car, the interior became a cocoon of shadows and shared secrets.

The engine roared to life, and the McLaren glided out of the parking lot, merging seamlessly into the city's nocturnal symphony. The darkened streets unfolded before them as they embarked on a journey to the Norris family home, a sanctuary where they hoped the shadows of the night could be momentarily left behind.

As the city lights streaked past, the McLaren became a vessel hurtling through the spaces where choices and consequences collided.

“We might need to keep a low profile on exports the next few weeks and wait for the Russells to sink their teeth into someone else's business.” Lando suggested, his voice carrying the weight of strategic thinking in the face of external threats.

“Fucking George and his incessent need to make everyone's lives difficult.” Amelia muttered, frustration evident in her words.

Flashback

In the hazy atmosphere of the party, Amelia and Lando, still reeling from the shock of what they had witnessed that night, arrived seeking refuge in the noise and distraction. However, George, always on the lookout for drama and mischief, was quick to spot their anxious and flustered demeanour.

Seizing the opportunity, George, with a mischievous glint in his eye, began to weave a narrative of his own. He subtly suggested that the two had hooked up during their absence, letting the whispers of the partygoers carry the story further into the crowd. The rumour spread like wildfire, growing more exaggerated with each passing moment.

The consequences of George's manipulation reached unforeseen heights when the school, influenced by the escalating gossip, decided to intervene. Concerned about the well-being of the students, they went so far as to phone Amelia's mother, urging her to discuss family planning with her daughter. The supposed affair between Amelia and Lando had transformed into a spectacle, a testament to the power of whispers and the lengths people would go to spin a tale in the shadows of high school drama.

In the quietude outside the Norris family house, Lando parked the McLaren, the engine's hum subsiding into a gentle purr. Anticipating the need for discretion, he reached back to grab a hoodie, a makeshift cover for Amelia's stained shirt.

As they entered the Norris residence, Flo, one of Lando's younger sisters, zipped past with the carefree energy of youth, barely offering a greeting to Amelia. Lando, recognizing the need for privacy, ushered Amelia upstairs to his bedroom. With a deliberate gesture, he shut the door and locked it, creating a temporary sanctuary where they could navigate the aftermath of the night undisturbed.

“We'll have to burn everything.” Lando stated matter-of-factly, the weight of the recent events hanging in the air.

“Everything?” Amelia queried, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

"Yeah. Panties too, I'm afraid." Lando confirmed, a touch of humour attempting to lighten the gravity of the situation. The necessity to dispose of all evidence, even the most personal items, underscored the severity of their predicament.

As the gravity of their situation hung in the air, Lando took charge, crossing the room to the fireplace. He skillfully arranged the wood, the flames flickering to life under his deft touch. The warmth emanating from the growing fire cast a gentle glow across the room, creating a play of shadows on the walls.

The crackling flames seemed to dance in rhythm with the uncertainty of the night, their flickering light casting a comforting yet eerie ambiance. As the fire gained strength, its radiant warmth began to fill the room, creating an intimate haven where Lando and Amelia could confront the shadows of the night and embark on the delicate process of erasing the traces of their clandestine actions.

“You're disgusting.” Amelia remarked, her tone a mixture of reproach and weariness.

“Well, you're not exactly the girl I thought I was bringing back home tonight.” Lando retorted, his words carrying a note of frustration and perhaps a tinge of regret.

“Sorry to disappoint.” Amelia responded, a touch of sarcasm underscoring her words.

The room, bathed in the warm glow of the firelight, became a stage for the raw honesty and tension between them—a moment where the repercussions of their choices unfolded

In a silent acknowledgment of the need to erase any trace of the night, Amelia retreated to the bathroom. There, she methodically stripped away the stained clothes, leaving behind the remnants of a tumultuous evening. Wrapping a towel around her body, she returned to the room, a vulnerable silhouette against the warm glow of the fire.

Lando, understanding the gravity of the situation, took her discarded clothes and tossed them into the crackling flames. The fire eagerly consumed the fabric, its hungry tongues licking at the evidence of the night, reducing it to ashes. The room bore witness to this ritual of cleansing, the dance of shadows on the walls telling a silent tale of discretion and consequence.

“Now a shower.” Lando suggested a practical continuation of their efforts to cleanse themselves of the night's events.

Leading Amelia back to the bathroom, Lando started running the shower. A moment of vulnerability hung in the air as Amelia expected him to leave her to her privacy. However, to her surprise, Lando began undressing, leaving him stark naked in front of her.

Amelia, caught off guard, quickly averted her gaze, her breath catching in her throat. The unexpected intimacy in that vulnerable moment accentuated the complexities of their relationship, adding another layer to the shadows that seemed to linger in the spaces between them.

“You have blood in places you can't see so I might as well help you with that.” Lando remarked, his practicality cutting through the awkwardness of the moment.

“If you wanted to shower with me, you could have just asked.” Amelia grumbled, a hint of annoyance in her voice. Memories of a similar situation resurfaced, adding a layer of familiarity to the present. “I vaguely remember you doing this one night after we went out. I was so drunk and covered in alcohol. You showered me that night, dressed me and tucked me in.”

The echoes of the past mingled with the present, creating a sense of déjà vu in the bathroom.

A small smile crept onto Lando's face as the memory of that past night played in his mind. 

Flashback

Amelia sat at her desk, buried under a mountain of textbooks and lecture notes, her mind buzzing with the weight of her upcoming university exams. She had been studying for hours, pouring over endless pages of information, but the words seemed to blur together in a haze of exhaustion and frustration.

With a sigh, she pushed her books aside and rubbed her tired eyes, feeling the stress of her studies weighing heavily on her shoulders. She needed a break, a moment of respite from the relentless pressure of academia.

Without thinking, she grabbed her phone and scrolled through her contacts, searching for a familiar name amidst the sea of numbers. And then she found it: Lando.

With a sense of relief washing over her, Amelia dialled his number and waited anxiously as the phone rang. And when he answered, his voice was like a lifeline, grounding her in the midst of chaos.

“Lando.” She said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “I need you.”

His protective instinct kicked in immediately, his concern evident in his voice as he asked her where she was. And when she told him, he didn't hesitate for a moment.

“I'm on my way.” He said, his tone firm and reassuring. “Just hold tight.”

And true to his word, Lando arrived moments later, his car pulling up to the curb outside the club where Amelia had sought refuge from her studies. With a sense of relief flooding through her, she hurried outside to meet him, grateful for the familiar sight of his reassuring presence.

When she climbed into the car beside him, she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her, knowing that no matter what challenges she faced, Lando would always be there to protect her, to guide her through the darkest of times.

As they drove away from the chaos of the club, the weight of her worries lifting with each passing moment, Amelia couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unwavering support of her friend.

Stepping into the shower, he extended a helping hand to Amelia, the towel dropping to the floor.

In the intimate space of the shower, the warm water cascaded around them, washing away the physical remnants of the night. The small smile on Lando's face carried with it a mix of nostalgia and genuine care, a reflection of the bond they had forged through the years.

The spacious shower, though offering room to breathe, found Lando and Amelia pressed against each other beneath the hot water. In the closeness of the moment, Lando took a loofah and squirted shower gel onto it, gently scrubbing away the dried blood from Amelia's arms and hands.

“You OK?” Lando inquired, his voice carrying a note of concern.

“I'm still processing.” Amelia admitted, the vulnerability in her words echoing the weight of the night.

“Scared?” Lando asked, his touch and presence offering a sense of reassurance.

“Terrified.” Amelia confessed, her honesty underscoring the gravity of their situation.

“Understandable.” Lando acknowledged; his understanding becoming a silent promise that they would navigate the aftermath of the night together.

As Amelia took over the loofah, the roles reversed in the warm embrace of the shower. The steam-filled air carried a sense of familiarity, a tangible connection that transcended the immediate circumstances. The loofah glided over Lando's tanned skin, the intimate act of washing away the remnants of the night weaving a tapestry of shared history.

It had been a while since they'd been this close, the memory of past intimacy echoing in the quiet moments between them. Recollections of nights filled with solace, where Lando sought refuge after heartbreak, resurfaced. Amelia had offered him comfort and affection, creating a bond that endured beyond the ebb and flow of relationships. Their connection, built on shared vulnerabilities and unspoken support, had weathered the storms of life.

They were never strangers, and the shower became a canvas where the past and the present merged. In the dance of shadows and steam, Lando and Amelia continued to navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives, finding solace in the comfort that only the truest of companions could provide.

“Everything will be fine.” Lando reassured, his words carrying a comforting certainty.

“I know.” Amelia responded, the weight of the night and the shadows they faced momentarily lightened by the shared understanding between them.

Lando, in a tender gesture, pressed a finger to Amelia's chin, lifting it gently to meet his gaze. In the closeness of the shower, their eyes locked, becoming mirrors reflecting the intimacy they both crave.

“We can't, Lan.” Amelia asserted, a note of restraint in her voice.

“Why not?” Lando questioned, his gaze searching hers for an answer.

“Because you have a girlfriend and I'm seeing someone.” Amelia explained with the weight of their entangled personal lives adding complexity to the moment.

“I don't have a girlfriend.” Lando clarified, challenging the assumption.

“Then what is Zara?” Amelia pressed, her gaze holding firm.

“I didn't realise you and Charles are together now.” Lando countered, revealing another layer of their tangled connections.

“It's just casual for now. No pressure.” Amelia admitted, her tone suggesting a nonchalant approach to her current situation.

“Yeah, that's because he's got another girl in Monaco waiting for him.” Lando remarked, a touch of frustration in his voice.

“Stop it.” Amelia implored, the tensions of their conversation escalating.

“Amelia, seriously, why do you waste your time with these men who offer you nothing? First it was Daniel, now it’s Charles.” Lando questioned, a hint of concern in his words.

“The sex is great. What more could a girl want?” Amelia retorted, her response laced with a mix of defiance and humour, attempting to diffuse the underlying tension.

The exchange revealed the intricacies of their personal lives, the complexities that had always lingered beneath the surface of their friendship. Feeling flustered by the intense conversation in the shower, Amelia stepped out into the cool air, the droplets from the shower clinging to her skin. The exchange had laid bare the complexities and unspoken tensions that existed between her and Lando, their words echoing in the silence of the bathroom. As she wrapped a towel around herself, the lingering steam seemed to magnify the uncertainties that hovered between them.

“What about love?” Lando questioned, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

“Lando, I appreciate the concern, but I don't question who you date.” Amelia responded, her tone attempting to maintain a sense of detachment.

“Well, for your information, Zara isn't my girlfriend.” Lando clarified, seeking to dispel any misconceptions.

“So, she's just met your family for fun then.” Amelia retorted, a touch of sarcasm in her voice.

“Amelia Rossi, are you jealous?” Lando teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Fuck off, Norris.” Amelia snapped, her response revealing a mix of frustration and defensiveness.

Quickly drying herself off, Amelia made her way into Lando's room, searching for a shirt and a pair of sweatpants. Lando followed behind her, the atmosphere carrying the lingering tension from their earlier conversation in the shower.

“Do you remember what happened that night?” Lando inquired, the memories of a pivotal evening resurfacing in the quiet space of his room. “When the shooting happened.”

“We went to the party like we planned and George told everyone we hooked up.” Amelia recounted, the events of that night etched in her memory.

“What happened after that?’ Lando prompted, seeking to revisit the moments that had shaped their relationship.

“We drove home early from the party and I stayed over.” Amelia replied, the details unfolding.

“You're forgetting the part where you could barely speak for hours after and refused to leave my side.” Lando added with a touch of sincerity in his voice.

“Do you blame me?” Amelia questioned, the vulnerability in her words hinting at the impact of that night on her.

“Just don't go all silent on me again. Tell me if something is bothering you or if you want to end the deal before things get worse.” Lando implored, the weight of unspoken concerns lingering in the air.

“The deal sticks. Now, are you driving me home or should I call for a driver?” Amelia shifted the focus, steering the conversation toward the practicalities of the present.

“I'll drive you back.” Lando agreed, a silent understanding passing between them.

As Amelia locked herself in her room, the weight of the night's events bore down on her. Alone in the quiet confines, she spent the whole night reliving the harrowing moments of the shooting in her office. The memories, vivid and haunting, replayed like a relentless film, each frame etching the fear and uncertainty of that critical juncture.

This ritual, revisiting the scenes in her mind, was not unfamiliar to her. Years ago, she had engaged in a similar process, attempting to etch faces and features into her memory. It was a desperate attempt to make sense of the chaos, to understand the shadows that lurked within the corridors of her own life.

In the solitary hours of the night, as she grappled with the echoes of gunshots and the weight of her choices, Amelia navigated the complex tapestry of her past. The walls of her room became a sanctuary for introspection, a space where the shadows of her memories danced in the darkness, revealing the intricate threads that wove together the fabric of her existence.

[demifiendrsa]

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed | Release Date Reveal | Collector’s Edition Trailer

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam on September 24, 2024 for $59.99 / £49.99 / €59.99.

Digital pre-orders are available now and include 24 hours of early access to the game on September 23, as well as the downloadable content “Costume Pack,” which features “Steamboat Willie, “Brave Little Tailor,” and “Football” costumes for Mickey Mouse. The “Costume Pack” can also be purchased separately for $4.99.

About

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed brings the magic of Disney to life in a vibrant 3D platformer. This beautiful remake sends Mickey Mouse on an epic journey through Wasteland, a realm of forgotten Disney characters. As Mickey, you will dive into a fantastical world and, armed with paint and thinner, shape your adventure and the fate of this alternate world.

Every stroke of your magic brush matters! Use paint to restore beauty and harmony or thinner to alter your environment and uncover hidden secrets. Your choices influence Mickey’s destiny and change the outcome of this artistic odyssey. Will you become the epic hero Wasteland needs?

Encounter various iconic characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first creation, as you travel between lands in Wasteland. Collect virtual Disney pins, tackle creative challenges, and uncover secrets, all while exploring classic platforming levels inspired by animated films and shorts.

Originally envisioned by Warren Spector, reimagined by Purple Lamp, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed employs state-of-the-art visuals and improved controls to breathe new life into a beloved classic. Experience new movement skills for Mickey, such as dash, ground pound and sprinting. The game’s compelling story makes it an unforgettable adventure for long-time fans and newcomers alike. Join Mickey Mouse and unravel the mysteries of Wasteland in this homage to Disney’s legacy.

Key Features

Explore a reimagined Wasteland, full of Disney’s timeless characters and stories.

Wield the magic brush: Paint to create, thinner to alter. Every choice shapes your story.

Meet Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Disney’s original star, in a rich, narrative-driven world.

Enjoy advanced gameplay with new abilities and enhanced visuals in a classic setting.

Mickey has new moves such as dash, ground pound and sprinting.

High replayability with multiple endings based on your unique playstyle and decisions.

[satoshi-mochida]

FuRyu announces school life RPG VARLET for PS5, Switch, and PC - Gematsu

Publisher FuRyu and developer AQURIA have announced school life RPG VARLET for PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store). It will launch on August 28 worldwide.

In Japan, the PlayStation 5 and Switch versions will be available both physically and digitally for 7,980 yen (8,778 yen after tax). A Limited BOX will also be available for 12,680 yen (13,948 yen after tax), which includes an original box, 80-page creative art book, the special album CDs “Character Vocal Side” and “Original Soundtrack Side,” an A5-size canvas board, a code to download the protagonist outfits from Monark and The Caligula Effect 2, and an original sticker.

Here is an overview of the game, via FuRyu:

VARLET draws upon FuRyu’s experience developing immersive, story-driven games, and will challenge players to explore the duality of their own nature as they navigate the perilous high school halls. Welcome within the halls of Kousei Academy, the first school to implement the cross-reality, virtual reality network known as “Johari,” which is used for everything from finding basic information and making purchases to serving as a social networking and messaging app. The app has resulted in a marked increase in users desire for approval and attention amongst peers, and soon an urban legend begins circulating about users disappearing into otherworldly “Glitches” if those desires grow too strong. And worse yet, monsters inhabiting the “Glitches” are said to replace users in the real world leaving everyone none the wiser.

The protagonist soon discovers that this urban legend is very real and some students have already been replaced by monsters, forcing them to take a stand. As a member of the Student Support Services (SSS), a guild dedicated to solving the academy’s troubles, players must guide their friends, strengthen bonds, and fight to protect the school from impending doom. However, navigating these relationships comes with its own challenges—getting too close to multiple people may lead to unexpected consequences. At the core of VARLET‘s experience is its dynamic Triad Stats system, which shapes character progression based on player choices. These six distinct attributes are divided between Light and Dark Triad traits, influencing dialogue options and passive battle skills. Light Triad stats emphasize morality, sympathy, and altruism, while Dark Triad stats lean into Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. Players will determine their true nature, either as a guiding leader who uplifts and empowers allies in battle or as a ruthless ruler wielding immense power even at a personal cost.

The game’s staff includes:

-Character Theme Song Composers

Daibakuhashin

Hitoshizuki and Yamasankakkei

KANON69

NILFRUITS

OSTER project

Tadano Kede / A4.

wotaku

Yoshida Yasei

-Background Music: Tsukasa Masuko

-Scenario: Gakuto Mikumo, Ryutaro Ito

-Scenario Editing: Kazunari Suzuki

-Series Original Work: Fuyuki Hayashi

-Production: FuRyu

-Development: AQURIA

-Produce and Direction: Hideaki Ito

-Direction: Takashi Muto

An “Announcement Presentation” live stream will premiere on April 25 at 5:00 a.m. PT / 8:00 a.m. ET / 21:00 JST, featuring the premiere of the opening movie and the latest information on the game with the voice cast. You will be able to watch it on YouTube.

Watch the announcement trailer and music sample videos below. View the first screenshots at the gallery. Visit the official website here: English, Japanese.

Announce Trailer

English

Japanese

Theme Song / Soundtrack Sample Video (Special Mini Album CD)

Background Music Sample Video (Special Mini Album CD)

[jimin-bangtan]

BTS’s Solo Chapter - Part 8

NOTE: This post is mainly a documentation of 2024+ events as I saw them. Consider skipping to the end for more of my overall thoughts about these later solo events, although there are thoughts throughout the entire piece. It’s long but hopefully enjoyable.

*Part 8 includes Suga, RM, & Jimin’s 2024+ summaries and my overall thoughts. Jin, JK, V, & JHope’s 2024+ summaries are in the prior Part 7 of this series.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Yoongi (Suga) did not leave much additional material behind.  At least up until this point that is true. At this time there are still 2 months left so who knows what might yet be revealed. I personally am not expecting anything from Suga [especially since his additional time might be being spent on new BTS material and/or the HYYH (The Most Beautiful Moment In Life) revival].

As far as his music, Suga’s D-Day concert video was released in theaters and was also released on DVD. Fans, who already saw the concert in person or who were not able to attend, could see the concert on a large screen and/or purchase a copy for repeated views. Suga’s D-Day vinyl also was released for sale.

As far as outside of music, Suga had a few more Suchwita episodes to air before the season concluded.  His very first show featured his band leader and bandmate, Namjoon (RM), to kick off the series. He had all 7 members on the show, which included himself, since he invited RM back to host the show when it was his own turn to be interviewed.  His final show for the season featured his close friend and writing collaborator, El Capitxn (Jang Yi-Jeong), who worked with Suga on his album and his tour.

Other than those few items, fans have not heard much from Suga and likely would not have been heard from him at all if not for an incident that occurred, where Suga had driven his scooter home from a restaurant that was a few blocks down the street. He made the short trip calmly and safely, as the street cameras showed, after drinking alcohol with dinner.  Video shows he arrived safely home, and when at his own gate, he turned too sharply and tipped to the side with the scooter, as police officers happened to be walking past. He is shown getting up immediately on his own and speaking with the officers. He was taken into custody for driving while allegedly having an inappropriate blood alcohol level.

Suga took responsibility, lost his license, paid a fine, and apologized to the public several times. For many international fans, this should have been the end of the situation. No one, including Suga nor the scooter were hurt. No property was damaged. He was given a penalty, which he accepted. Done.  Well, not so fast. The Korean media and public did not feel that was sufficient. In addition to very negative, unbalanced commentary and actions (death wreaths?), there appeared to be an expectation that he should leave the band and that organizations should exclude Suga’s image from broadcasting, even when with his BTS band. The loud and angry reaction went on for an unnecessarily long time and Suga even again apologized in writing and in public before the media.

To many international fans, the vitriol seemed excessive, considering the situation and Suga’s response to it. Some even felt the consequences Suga received were ridiculous. Most understood and accepted the penalties regarding the law of his country but didn’t understand the continued venom and the extent of it. As a result of what was viewed as unfair treatment, international fans pushed back and began streaming his songs notably, writing letters, taking online actions to counter the negative and nasty reaction. What was proven was that BTS’s influence had outgrown Korea and the Korean media.  Suga remained silent and fans have heard nothing more from him.  However, fans are anticipating hearing about it in Suga’s music when BTS and/or Suga begin creating songs again from their hearts and experiences, as they have in the past. Most fans don’t plan to allow it to affect their view and support of Suga nor BTS, and most don’t believe BTS or BigHit will allow it to affect BTS’s progress or plans as a team as well.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

In the first part of my solo chapter series, I held Jimin and Jung Kook (JK) for the last 2 solo projects to review because Jimin is my bias and because of the anger generated by the very different promotional efforts for each member. Their work, in particular, revealed the extremes of that situation and the angry response of fans focused heavily on the difference between the two. I am not going to rehash the whole situation, but I will update what has happened since then at the end in my analysis portion. 

This time, though, I held Jimin and Namjoon’s (RM) 2nd projects until the end, again because Jimin is still my bias but also because their projects are this time linked in 2 ways - to me.

First, if you’ve been reading my posts, you may have seen me remark a few times that Mini Moni Music (MMM) is one of my favorite promotional activities during the solo era. RM and Jimin, who have told us that they have enjoyed long conversations together in the past, sat down to listen to and discuss each other’s new albums.  I very much enjoyed the exchange. I understand why they enjoy talking to each other. They both listened well, asked good questions, and gave good feedback. It was the perfect pairing to do something like this, one on one.  Back in 2020, when BTS produced their own album, BE, the group paired up and interviewed each other about the album and the roles each did to bring it to life. RM and Jimin were paired together then, and this may have been where they got the idea for MMM.  I also feel BTS is going to be delving into more subunit work in the next phase of their group career. 

With the first Namjoon (RM) and Jimin MMM1 conversation (for RM’s album), I really feel like I got better insight into them individually, their relationship, and their music. In fact, I really didn’t quite get RM’s album (Right place, Wrong Person) at first, although I liked a few individual songs. After listening to the conversation about his album, it seriously changed my understanding and appreciation of the work. I went back and listened to the album again with the new information in mind, and I really did relate to it more and liked it much better as a whole. I understood better what he was trying to say or express.

After seeing RM’s emotional state at the Festa 2022 dinner [at mark], this album and that conversation really filled in some gaps for me. I appreciated RM being so vulnerable on the album and during that interview. I saw that Jimin’s understanding and closeness to RM helped RM to be more open, and RM knew, from past experience, how he could talk to Jimin to explain things. Jimin asked good questions but mostly offered very empathetic responses that encouraged RM to speak, but also gave RM permission to feel whatever it was he was feeling. Jimin let RM know that no one was disappointed or had a problem with RM struggling and taking time to sort it out. JM even reminded RM that he was available to help him, if needed, after the military service.

While RM did not do a documentary for his first solo album, he did document the making of his 2nd album in Right People, Wrong Place (RPWP) footage. This film was so artistic that it debuted at an art festival and was eventually released into global theatres. The revealing documentary showed the process of making the album as well as RM dealing with his emotions, thoughts, and circumstances that developed from the last 10+ years as BTS’s leader. The film has been highly praised & awarded in the music, art, and cinematic spheres. 

RM’s 2nd solo album allowed him to finally sell 1 million units, making BTS the first group with every member selling a project at the 1 million mark.  His album also is highly complimented for the music, lyrics, and openness. It is a very musically eclectic and creative piece of work. In fact, it was named the #1 KPop album of 2024 by Billboard Music, and it placed 88 on the top 100 albums of 2024 by RollingStone, the only K-Pop artist on the list. RPWP landed on many other similar charts, worldwide.  

A while after his album was released, a Megan Thee Stallion song that featured RM was released called Neva Play.  Since he was not present for the video or debut, he was represented by a handsome cartoon version that depicted him well. All of the reflection from his search while making his album must have paid off because he was finally able to declare in the lyrics that “BTS paved the way” for other Asian artists.  Prior to this release, BTS’s humility and standards seemed to prevent them from owning and proudly expressing that deserved & earned sentiment, which is well-supported by their success and achievements. Fans were delighted, and the collaboration was well received.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Jimin (JM) had already done a documentary about the making of his 1st solo album, so for his 2nd album, MUSE, which we learned had been made at about the same time, Jimin released only YouTube sketches showing the recording of the songs and videos.  The 1st documentary showed the process of how he and his production team wrote the songs for album1, which was probably a similar process for album 2.  The 2 albums were supposed to be one longer LP, but because of the vastly different tones of each set of songs, they ended up being released as 2 shorter EPs.

The 2 separate releases, I feel, worked out well for Jimin.  The first album contained heavier and darker themes than the 2nd. Jimin was present for the promotions, in which he had dark hair.  For the 2nd album, the theme was lighter and happier, using love as the expressive theme, and in the promotions, for which Jimin was no longer present, he had lighter hair.  Jimin was able to film live performances for the promotional material he left behind, including a live Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show performance.

 During the MMM2 conversation for his album, Jimin revealed how much he enjoyed the process of working with his team in Korea and the United States. He discussed the theme of his album, clarifying some aspects and confusing a few others. While the songs are expressed with the theme of romantic love, Jimin explained that this conceptual album was also expressing the feelings of life feeling flat and then searching for inspiration to feel excited again.  He also included a fan song, Closer Than This, to comfort fans in his absence.

During MMM2, RM asked about Jimin’s new vocal lessons. Jimin explained that he was learning better technique so he can sing in a way that is better for his live performances and longevity in singing. He also mentioned a fact that is often left out of his biography in that he did not start out as a singer. Fans who know the story know that he debuted as a lead singer without ever receiving formal vocal training. He pretty much taught himself.  In the new songs, more supported vocals could be heard, along with his still familiar, unique tone.  

During the MMM2 conversation, RM reminded Jimin of how he had commanded the stage and brought a lot of attention (at mark, 2 minutes) to BTS when it was well needed. He encouraged Jimin to remember that if ever he had doubts during his solo work.  During the solo era, RM’s depiction of Jimin was evident. For album 1, Jimin became the first ever K-soloist to hit and debut at #1 on Billboard’s Hot100 and with a Korean song.  For album 2, Jimin’s became the first K-soloist to win a grand prize daesang at MAMA for Fan Vote of the Year and the 1st K-soloist to win a daesang of any kind in a decade’s time. His main song WHO eventually broke Psy’s 12-year record for the longest solo song to remain on the Hot100 chart. Jimin went on to surpass BTS to become the longest Hot100 charting KPop song ever in history. The album and song are still charting and still breaking records all across the globe, yet Jimin’s heart may be warmed most by the record he achieved at home. In Korea, he has earned the longest time at number one on Spotify South Korea Weekly Top Artists Chart as well as Korea’s top artist, song, and album of 2024.

In addition to the interesting MMM conversations they had about their albums, the second way that RM and Jimin’s albums were connected to me is that Jimin at first did the raw, release-truth-and-emotions type of album and then did a lighter album.  RM did the reverse. He first did the light album and then the heavier, darker album.  I have considered that Jimin’s album and success with it may have inspired RM to do the same. From the Festa 2020 dinner, it was clear that RM was in some emotional turmoil but then he released Indigo, which was light. He stated during MMM2 that he wasn’t quite fond of Indigo. I don’t think it was because the music wasn’t good. It was. I feel it was because the album did not express what he really wanted or needed to say.  RM saw the process Jimin took to create his darker album, and in fact, RM participated and assisted Jimin with a few lyrics and translations. The experience of going away and working with a team to express his raw, deep feelings in his own way was helpful and transformative to RM, just as it was to Jimin. Jimin, having released his angst first, was then free to express the lighter, lovelier thoughts next.  Jimin likely knew the fans would also need a lift as this 2nd album would be released while he was away in the military.

Jimin’s traveling exhibition, The Truth Untold, has been in Korea, the United States, and Japan in order to allow fans to see his work up close and celebrate his efforts and achievements in person.

Finally, Jimin participated in another subunit project when he and Jung Kook (JK) filmed a travel show together (Are You Sure?!). Jimin ended up taking much longer to write, produce, and compose almost all the songs on his 2 albums, so he wasn’t able to take a break and travel as he had wanted before military enlistment. He and JK chose to fit trips into their schedules that allowed them to enjoy some time and make memories together before the restrictive military service. They traveled to New York/Connecticut in the U.S., JeJu Island (along with V) in Korea, and Sapporo in Japan. The series was aired on Disney+ and became the most viewed unscripted show in the Asia Pacific region in 2024.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

MY THOUGHTS

In part 2 of the solo era, V released 3 solo singles and 2 photobooks. Jin released an EP album, RunJin episodes, Festa & showcase stages, and a Netflix show appearance.  Suga released a concert film, vinyl record, and concert DVD.  JK released 1 solo single, an international documentary, a travel show, and started his own brand. JHope released another EP solo album, 3 solo songs, and a docuseries. He also embarked on a world tour. RM released another full solo album, a feature song, and an international documentary. Jimin released another EP album and travel series. This list doesn’t include the sketches, videos, and other materials created and/or released during the promotions of each item.  Most of this work was created before the BTS members left for military service and many of the achievements were done while the members were away without the ability to directly promote the work themselves. BTS remained relevant, visible, and successful in their absence for 18 months.  This 2nd leg was as successful, if not more successful in some ways than the first part, considering BTS wasn’t even around for the effort.  As soon as Jin and JHope returned, they jumped right back into work to engage fans and create more work before the entire group would be reunited.

In my previous solo chapter posts (especially Part 4) I had mentioned the problem with the promotional efforts of the company.  I am happy to state that either the company and/or the artists learned from the uneven efforts & results as well as from fan complaints, so there were some improvements seen in the promotions that came in the 2nd phase of the solo era. As expected, improved results came with the improved promotions. No explanations were given, so it is still unclear why the company chose the initial plans that definitely impacted the first impressions and results of a first time debut for artists who were trying to create a good start to their solo work.  While there is still a good amount of work to do to equalize the promotional efforts for all 7 members, there was a lot less anger and ranting for the 2nd phase of rollouts.  Either fans were demoralized by the previous disappointment and just gave up or the improvements were enough to appease the justified anger of those trying to support the members in their work.

As Suga and JHope are the first 2 BTS members to present world tours so far, I am hoping we don’t get another round of having to view unequal tour provisions.  My view is that all 7 members should get the same quality of world tour circumstances, while still expressing their own individual tastes and points of view.

Throughout the solo era, the maknae line, in particular, pushed the envelope in advancing the more mature storylines, which aided in establishing the adults they are.  They showed and expressed many adult themes, mainly about relationships.

BTS’s success and fandom have grown wildly from the fledgling start to the unfortunate pandemic that cancelled their biggest plans as a group to date up until now and into the solo era. They have acquired many more group fans but now have also gained many solo fans as well.  This growth is both exciting and deserved but also problematic.  As new fans came aboard the Bangtan journey, they knew less and less about BTS’s history and beliefs.  The feelings and actions became more divisive and tribalistic.  Instead of the unified force that the fandom (ARMY) once was, it became a war zone for solo devotees, shipping aficionados, genre defenders, comparing competitors, etc. Misinformation abounds and vile, threatening rhetoric floods conversation.  It seems to be less and less about the music and the artists as people and more about the fans’ own personal feelings and opinions. In other words, it’s gotten complicated.  

There is still a sense of unity in divided groups. There are still fans giving to charity, being vocal in speaking up for or writing in to defend members (equally). There are still fans streaming and showing up to support group and solo projects of BTS.  All hope is not lost; HOWEVER, I personally feel it is time for a long overdue conversation from ALL of BTS and BigHit.  I won’t give many details here because it’s not the place, but I am working on a piece about it being time for BTS to address their fandom directly. When they return, they have a unique opportunity when they will have a huge amount of attention from fans: those who were fully engaged before and throughout their entire absence, some who checked out long ago and will return only out of curiosity of what will come of their reunion, as well as brand new fans who recently discovered them.  

For now, I will summarize it to say, I feel BTS has too long neglected to let their expectations be known about fan behavior and decorum.  Their stance on shipping, hating, and all other negative actions against members or other fans should be made clear - once and for all.

I realize that BTS themselves cannot stop the behaviors or make people change, but they can put their feelings front and center and then reinforce it to the best of their ability, without turning too much more attention over to the disruptors.  It has gotten out of hand.

Allow me to say that I don’t blame the guys for what’s happened (other than perhaps taking too long to publicly acknowledge it). They were young and busy while the fandom population was exploding, but that is no longer an excuse not to speak up about it in unity and determination. 

With that said, I do feel there are other forces at play besides just unruly fans.  People can be nasty, but those of us, who have been around awhile and/or have researched BTS’s past, have known of or learned of many more forces at play to slow down or stop BTS’s work and progress. I feel some of the organized, persistent opposition is coming from some of these places as well.  That’s for another writing though.  I would just like BTS to clearly state their disagreement with what harm has been going on in their fandom that fans may be able to affect.

Anyway, as this unusual but productive moment of solo activity is winding down and the highly anticipated moment of BTS’s return approaches, fans and foes alike are watching eagerly, not sure what to expect from the group and company who always surprises and delights everyone. They have done a fantastic job of handling the pandemic, a hiatus, and military downtime beyond anyone’s expectations - and they’re doing it without any roadmap of anyone having done these things before them. I am certain they will continue to exceed our expectations going forward.  They have proven that they are innovative, persistent, and courageous warriors.

2025 is here, and June is right around the corner! The guys will be back - and back together - in full force soon.  We’re all so excited and hope to one day hear their open and honest thoughts about this whole period that brought us so much more from BTS and hopefully gave them as much, if not more, in return.

APoBangPo!

💜

[tedwardremus]

Thoughts on modern fashion?

Also how would muggle Walburga Black dress?

Oh boy, did I share some thoughts lol. But nothing really on any particular trend or brand. I've rambled on enough but happy to discuss specific trends and brands too.

Fashion is a visual medium that encapsulates culture, class, politics, gender, and various facets of identity. It exists at the intersection of art and consumerism, serving as both a form of self-expression and a market-driven product. We pick clothes that we like and feel express ourselves but we are also told what to like and what to purchase by large corporations who see us as numbers in a stock portfolio and not as individuals. 

While fashion has often been dismissed as frivolous, it is fundamentally intertwined with our identities, allowing us to communicate who we are as individuals and as members of society. Fashion is a nuanced and personal expression that reflects social change, political beliefs, and aesthetic values, making it a powerful lens through which we can examine the evolving roles of individuals and communities in the public sphere.

As a consumer good, the demand for clothing is at an all-time high, with fast fashion emerging as a significant environmental concern. The industry contributes to the proliferation of plastic waste, with low-quality garments often ending up in landfills and on beaches. Moreover, the production of such high quantities of clothing raises serious concerns over human rights violations associated with the exploitation of cheap labor.

It can feel like a losing battle these days to find a good outfit that lasts a long time and is affordable. We compromise our values when we shop fast fashion but few of us have an alternative choice.

Today, using fashion as a clear class distinction has become increasingly challenging. Even millionaire influencers often choose to wear inexpensive clothing from brands like Shein and websites like Amazon, favoring mass-produced items over bespoke garments tailored specifically to their bodies. This shift reflects a broader trend where the sign of wealth is no longer measured by the quality or craftsmanship of clothing but rather by the sheer volume of items one owns.

Even brands that used to signify quality have cheapened their production. Levi jeans are not the same quality denim they are famous for. 

A truly well-made purse, like many classic accessories, should be designed to last a lifetime, with craftsmanship that withstands the wear and tear of daily life. Ideally, an investment in such a piece would mean living in and growing with it, allowing it to become a part of one’s personal history. Yet, in today’s culture of disposable fashion, we see a different approach: closets overflowing with countless handbags, each one picked up for a season and quickly discarded in favor of the next trend.

This excess not only dilutes the value of individual items but also fosters a cycle of constant consumption, where style becomes transient and connection to one’s belongings fleeting. Instead of cherishing a few high-quality pieces, the modern consumer is encouraged to accumulate—a shift that ultimately transforms what could be an investment in artistry or utility (we do need to carry things with us throughout the day) into a revolving door of fleeting fashion trends and hoarding.

NOW FINALLY, WALBURGA

Walburga Black would never be caught wearing the same thing as anyone else. Unlike modern influencers who shop off the rack or online, her style is rooted in old-fashioned tradition and exclusivity. She remains one of the last true patrons of couture, frequenting designer boutiques where her measurements are kept on file and each piece is custom-fitted to perfection. Her wardrobe is filled with furs, bespoke pieces, and timeless luxury brands like Chanel. Walburga travels to Paris and Italy to meet designers in person, ensuring her attire is as exclusive as her social circle.

She loves a good hat. She loves dark colors to contrast with her pale skin. She wears Dior red lipstick. She loves a well-cut blazer and she can run in stilettos (not that she would. A lady never runs). 

She would consider Kris Jenner’s taste in fashion gaudy and utterly beneath her. Because try as they might, the Kardashian cannot escape the aesthetic of flashy, social-climbing “new money” and it would be an affront to Walburga’s refined sensibilities and deep-rooted aristocratic standards.

(and my work is cutting wifi off for some reason so I'm publishing this without inspirational photos so I can go home)

[technicallylovingcomputer]

NFT Utility in P2E Games: Beyond Collectibles

In the rapidly evolving world of P2E game development, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) have transformed from simple digital collectibles into powerful functional elements that drive gameplay, economics, and player engagement. As developers push the boundaries of what's possible, we're witnessing a shift from the "collect and flip" mentality toward truly innovative applications that add substantial value to gaming experiences.

The Evolution of NFTs in P2E Game Development

When NFTs first entered the gaming scene, they primarily represented digital art, character skins, or rare items that players could collect and trade. Today's P2E game development landscape looks dramatically different. Forward-thinking studios are integrating NFTs as core gameplay elements rather than mere add-ons or afterthoughts.

This evolution reflects a maturing understanding of blockchain technology's potential in gaming. Players no longer want to simply own digital assets—they want those assets to have meaningful utility within the games they play and, ideally, across multiple gaming ecosystems.

Functional Gameplay Mechanics

The most innovative P2E game development teams are designing NFTs that directly influence how players interact with their games. Rather than existing separately from the core gameplay loop, these NFTs become integral to the player experience.

Dynamic Evolution of Assets

Unlike traditional game items with fixed properties, NFTs can evolve based on player actions and achievements:

Weapons that gain experience and unlock new abilities through combat

Characters that visibly change appearance based on accomplishments

Vehicles that can be upgraded with performance-enhancing modifications

Companion creatures that develop unique traits based on how they're trained

This evolution creates a deeper connection between players and their digital assets. When your sword bears the marks of battles you've won or your character's appearance reflects your unique journey, these assets become expressions of your personal gaming history.

Player-Driven Economies

Advanced P2E game development often features complex economic systems where NFTs serve multiple functions:

Resource NFTs that serve as raw materials for crafting

Land NFTs that generate resources over time

Tool NFTs that increase resource gathering efficiency

Factory NFTs that automate production processes

These interconnected systems create opportunities for diverse player roles. Some might focus on resource collection, others on crafting, while still others might specialize in trading or transportation. Each role contributes to the ecosystem, creating interdependence and community.

Virtual Real Estate and Spatial Development

One of the most powerful applications of NFTs in P2E game development is virtual real estate. By tokenizing land and property, developers create new gameplay dimensions centered around location and development:

Players can purchase, develop, and monetize land parcels

Strategic locations become valuable for specific activities

Communities form around shared spaces and interests

Player-built structures add personalized content to the game world

These systems transform static game environments into dynamic spaces shaped by player decisions. When a bustling marketplace emerges organically in a specific area because players decided it should be there—not because developers placed it—the world feels more authentic and player agency becomes meaningful.

Governance and Stakeholder Rights

Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of NFT integration in P2E game development is the potential for decentralized governance. By distributing governance rights through NFTs, developers can:

Allow players to vote on game updates and changes

Create DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) for community decisions

Enable player-driven content approval systems

Implement treasury management for community funds

This approach fundamentally changes the relationship between developers and players. Rather than merely consuming content, players become stakeholders with a voice in the game's direction. This shared ownership model creates stronger commitment and community investment in the game's long-term success.

Cross-Game Compatibility

Forward-thinking P2E game development studios are exploring interoperability between games through compatible NFT standards:

Character NFTs that can travel between different game worlds

Equipment that maintains core properties across multiple games

Achievement records that unlock benefits in connected experiences

Resources that hold value in multiple economic systems

This interoperability extends the value proposition of NFTs beyond any single game, creating digital assets with persistence that transcends individual titles. When your hard-earned legendary sword can accompany you to your next adventure in a different game, the investment feels more meaningful and lasting.

Challenges in Implementing True NFT Utility

Despite the exciting possibilities, P2E game development teams face significant challenges when implementing NFT utility:

Balancing the Economy

Creating sustainable economies requires careful design:

Preventing inflationary spirals that devalue player earnings

Ensuring new players can meaningfully participate without massive investment

Creating effective token sinks to maintain asset value

Balancing play-to-earn incentives with traditional gameplay rewards

These economic considerations require specialized knowledge that many traditional game designers may not possess, often necessitating collaboration with economists and financial experts.

User Experience Friction

Blockchain technology introduces complexities that can disrupt smooth gameplay:

Wallet setup and management

Transaction fees and confirmation times

Security concerns around valuable digital assets

Complex terminology that can alienate mainstream gamers

Successful P2E game development requires abstracting these complexities away from players while maintaining the benefits of blockchain technology.

Regulatory Uncertainty

As P2E games blur the lines between entertainment and financial platforms, developers must navigate evolving regulatory landscapes:

Securities regulations in various jurisdictions

Anti-money laundering compliance

Tax implications for players

Consumer protection requirements

This regulatory uncertainty presents an ongoing challenge for P2E game development teams looking to build sustainable products.

Best Practices for Meaningful NFT Utility

To create successful P2E experiences with genuine NFT utility, developers should:

Design Game-First Experiences

The most enduring P2E game development projects focus on creating engaging gameplay first, then thoughtfully integrate NFTs and economic elements. Games that lead with financial incentives often struggle to maintain player interest once token values fluctuate.

Create Multiple Player Motivations

Successful games offer various paths to engagement:

Achievement-oriented progression for competitive players

Creative expression for builders and designers

Social connection for community-focused players

Economic opportunities for entrepreneurial players

This diversity of motivation helps maintain a healthy player ecosystem regardless of market conditions.

Build Progressive Onboarding

Effective P2E game development includes carefully designed player journeys:

Allow players to experience gameplay before requiring wallet creation

Provide clear education about ownership and economics

Create graduated complexity that introduces concepts gradually

Offer free-to-play options that can lead to play-to-earn opportunities

These thoughtful onboarding processes help bridge the gap between traditional and blockchain gaming.

The Future of NFT Utility in P2E

As P2E game development continues to mature, we're likely to see:

More sophisticated governance systems giving players greater control

Improved interoperability standards between different game worlds

Enhanced composability of assets allowing new creative combinations

Better integration with traditional gaming platforms and distribution channels

These advancements will drive the next wave of innovation, creating more immersive, player-centric game worlds where ownership and creativity flourish.

Conclusion

The future of NFTs in P2E game development extends far beyond simple collectibles. By focusing on functional utility, economic sustainability, and player agency, developers can create experiences that deliver genuine value to players. While challenges remain, the pioneers in this space are establishing new paradigms for digital ownership and player empowerment.

As technology evolves and best practices emerge, we'll likely see P2E elements incorporated into mainstream gaming, blurring the lines between traditional and blockchain games. For developers willing to navigate the complexities of this emerging space, the opportunity to create truly groundbreaking player experiences awaits.

[famouslyemptyquest]

How will digital marketing change in the future?

1. AI and Automation:

AI-Powered Personalization: Artificial intelligence will be used to analyze vast amounts of data and create highly personalized marketing messages and experiences for individual consumers. 

AI Content Creation: AI tools will assist in content creation, including writing, design, and even video production, making it easier and more efficient for marketers to produce high-quality content. 

AI-Driven Conversational Marketing: Chatbots and AI-powered assistants will become more sophisticated, enabling more personalized and efficient customer interactions. 

2. Immersive Experiences:

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies will be increasingly integrated into marketing campaigns to create engaging and immersive experiences for consumers. 

Interactive Content: Interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, and interactive videos, will become more prevalent as a way to boost engagement and capture user attention. 

3. Video Marketing:

Short-Form Video Dominance: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts will continue to be popular for marketing, with a focus on creating engaging, snackable content. 

Live Video: Live streaming and live shopping experiences will become more integrated into marketing strategies. 

4. Social Media Marketing:

Multi-Channel Marketing: Brands will need to be present and active on a variety of social media platforms, tailoring their content and strategies to each platform. 

Social Commerce: Social media platforms will become more integrated with e-commerce, allowing users to purchase products directly within the platform. 

Influencer Marketing: Influencer marketing will continue to evolve, with a focus on authenticity, micro-influencers, and niche collaborations. 

5. Data Privacy and Ethical Marketing:

Prioritizing Data Privacy: Consumers are becoming more aware of data privacy issues, and brands will need to be transparent about how they collect and use data. 

Ethical Marketing Practices: Consumers are increasingly looking for brands that align with their values, and ethical marketing practices will become more important. 

Sustainability: Brands will need to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

6. Other Important Trends:

Personalization at Scale: Beyond basic personalization, brands will need to leverage AI and data to create highly customized experiences for individual consumers. 

Voice Search Optimization: With the rise of voice assistants, optimizing content for voice search will become increasingly important. 

User-Generated Content: Leveraging user-generated content (UGC) will be a key strategy for building trust and authenticity. 

Omnichannel Marketing: Creating seamless and consistent experiences across all touchpoints, both online and offline, will be crucial for success. 

Focus on Customer Experience: Providing a positive and seamless customer experience will be a key differentiator for brands.