#Radio Broadcast Reliability

[bookishscrolls]

Technical Aspects and Infrastructure for Running a Community Radio Station

Behind every captivating broadcast from a Community Radio Station (CRS) lies a complex and well-maintained technical setup. It’s not just about having the right equipment; it’s about creating a cohesive infrastructure that keeps your station running smoothly and your community engaged. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup, this guide will walk you through the…

[buryustogether]

yandere alastor x fem!reader hcs

sfw + nsfw below

i have this idea that, when you were both still human, alastor married you for a marriage of convenience (probably tax purposes). he's not one for love, but he does quite like to make things easier for himself, as well as a bit of reliable companionship from someone he can trust. he found it rather cute that you were head over heels in love with him.

he insists upon keeping you at his side almost 24/7. you accompany him everywhere; to his station while he's broadcasting, about town as he runs his errands, even to his overlord meetings, though you are forced to wait outside. he knows you won't up and disappear; even if you weren't such a good little pet, there isn't anywhere you could run that he couldn't find you.

the other overlords tease alastor about his little 'pet' he keeps on such a tight leash. he doesn't ever object to this title.

gives you dancing lessons and doesn't allow you to rest until you can copy his movements exactly. if you collapse from exhaustion before that, he'll coo and brush your hair out of the way, then haul you to your feet and start again from the beginning.

he won't have you doing much other than keeping your shared home clean and occasionally cooking a meal or two. you're his darling, he can't have you wearing yourself out taking care of him. he'll do most everything - he just wants you to sit there and look pretty for him.

won't allow you to leave the table until you finish the meals he makes for you.

loves to have you hanging on his arm. you're like a precious little trophy for him to show off - only his, and no one else's.

being alastor's beloved companion makes you a prime target for blackmail and kidnappers, but he doesn't want you to fret, dear - he has it covered. his shadows are on your trail in the extremely rare occasion he's not with you, and he's killed demons for less than even looking your way.

doesn't allow any kind of modern technology inside his home or upon your person, even if you died long after him. he considers cellphones to be the property of his enemies, and you wouldn't want him to catch you wearing the symbol of the v's, now, would you?

he picks out your outfits for each day, even has them custom made at the tailor's just for you. he knows best, darling, so don't fight him on this. he doesn't want you going out looking like some common harlot, not when you belong to the radio demon.

often takes out his frustrations of the day on you at night when you're alone in his bedroom. he bites and scratches and thrashes like a beast trapped in a snare, and he relishes in having you wear the marks when he's done.

his favorite position to have you in is plain old missionary; not only is it traditional, but he enjoys having complete control over you while he bucks up into your heat.

like most animal-based demons in hell, he enters a rut once a month and rarely emerges from his quarters; which means you don't, either. at least three times a day, and he only stops to give you rest and to whisper the filthiest things you've ever heard in your ear.

enjoys bondage to an extent, but only on you. he's not opposed to pretty little collars wrapped around your neck, either.

now, when you're in the mood and he's not, he's not totally cruel. while he won't fuck you when and wherever, he'll allow you to straddle his thigh and hump his leg like an animal while he continues whatever work he was doing before.

he may often be brutal, he knows aftercare is extremely important. he can't leave his darling bruised and broken for next time, can he? licks up any blood he may have drawn and ensures you drink when you're done, even if he has to hold your back against his chest and tip your chin up to force the water down your throat. he'll usually run you a bath and, surprisingly, will gently bathe you before dressing you in the finest bedroom silks in hell and putting you to bed.

he doesn't sleep much, but since meeting you, he's replaced many of his nighttime activities with sitting at the side of your bed and watching you sleep.

alastor doesn't love; but he knows he would tear hell apart at the seams if you were ever taken from him.

[avnnetwork]

Connecting the World: Telecommunications Satellites Enhance Global Communication Networks

In an increasingly interconnected world, the role of telecommunications has never been more critical. The rapid growth of digital communication technologies has significantly transformed the way we live, work, and interact with one another. At the heart of this transformation lies a technology that orbits high above us – telecommunications satellites. These sophisticated machines play a pivotal role in bridging gaps across continents, bringing people closer, and enabling the seamless exchange of information on a global scale.

Telecommunications satellites are the backbone of modern communication networks. These satellites are designed to transmit signals across vast distances, overcoming the limitations of terrestrial infrastructure. By relaying signals from one point on the Earth's surface to another, they enable instant communication, regardless of geographical barriers. This capability has revolutionized various sectors, from media broadcasting to internet services, emergency communications, and more.

The Evolution of Telecommunications Satellites

The journey of telecommunications satellites began in the mid-20th century. Early experiments with satellite communication laid the groundwork for what would become a global network. The launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, in 1957 marked the dawn of the space age. However, it wasn't until the launch of the first geostationary satellite in 1965 that the true potential of satellite communication was realized. This satellite, positioned in a fixed location relative to the Earth's surface, could provide continuous coverage to a specific region, paving the way for real-time communication across the globe.

Since then, telecommunications satellites have evolved dramatically. Advances in technology have led to the development of more sophisticated satellites with greater capacity, reliability, and efficiency. Modern satellites are equipped with high-powered transponders, enabling them to handle large volumes of data transmission. These advancements have expanded the capabilities of satellite communication, making it an indispensable part of the global communication network.

How Telecommunications Satellites Work

The operation of telecommunications satellites is based on the principles of radio frequency transmission. These satellites receive signals from ground-based stations, amplify them, and retransmit them back to other ground stations. The process involves several key components:

Uplink: The transmission of signals from a ground station to the satellite. This is typically done using high-frequency radio waves.

Transponder: The component within the satellite that receives the uplink signal, amplifies it, and changes its frequency for retransmission.

Downlink: The transmission of signals from the satellite back to a ground station. This completes the communication loop, allowing the original signal to reach its intended destination.

Satellites are positioned in different orbits depending on their specific functions. Geostationary satellites, which orbit at approximately 35,786 kilometers above the equator, provide continuous coverage to specific regions. Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, positioned much closer to the Earth's surface, offer lower latency and are often used for services requiring real-time data transmission, such as internet connectivity.

Impact on Global Communication Networks

The impact of telecommunications satellites on global communication networks is profound. They have enabled a level of connectivity that was previously unimaginable, facilitating the seamless exchange of information across vast distances. Here are some key areas where their impact is most evident:

Media and Broadcasting

Telecommunications satellites have revolutionized the media and broadcasting industry. They enable the transmission of television and radio signals to remote and underserved areas, ensuring that people worldwide have access to information and entertainment. Live broadcasts of major events, such as sports competitions and political speeches, are made possible through satellite technology, allowing audiences to experience these moments in real time.

Internet Connectivity

In many parts of the world, terrestrial internet infrastructure is either insufficient or nonexistent. Telecommunications satellites provide a vital solution to this problem by offering internet connectivity to remote and rural areas. Satellite internet services have become increasingly popular, providing reliable and high-speed internet access to communities that were previously disconnected.

Emergency Communications

During natural disasters and emergencies, terrestrial communication networks are often disrupted. Telecommunications satellites play a crucial role in providing emergency communication services, ensuring that rescue and relief operations can be coordinated effectively. Satellite phones and portable satellite communication devices are essential tools for first responders and humanitarian organizations, enabling them to maintain communication in even the most challenging conditions.

Global Navigation Systems

Telecommunications satellites are also integral to global navigation systems. They provide the precise timing and positioning data required for navigation and location-based services. These systems are essential for various applications, including aviation, maritime, and land transportation, as well as for personal navigation devices used by millions of people worldwide.

Future Trends and Developments

The field of telecommunications satellites is continually evolving, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for connectivity. Several trends and developments are shaping the future of this industry:

High Throughput Satellites (HTS)

High throughput satellites represent a significant advancement in satellite technology. These satellites offer substantially increased data transmission capacity, enabling faster and more reliable communication services. HTS technology is particularly beneficial for providing broadband internet access to remote and underserved areas, helping to bridge the digital divide.

Constellations of LEO Satellites

One of the most exciting developments in satellite communication is the deployment of constellations of low Earth orbit satellites. These constellations consist of hundreds or even thousands of small satellites working together to provide global coverage. LEO constellations offer lower latency and higher data transfer rates compared to traditional geostationary satellites, making them ideal for applications such as internet of things (IoT) connectivity and real-time data services.

Advances in Satellite Manufacturing

Advances in satellite manufacturing are making it possible to produce smaller, more cost-effective satellites. These miniaturized satellites, often referred to as smallsats or cubesats, can be launched in large numbers, providing flexible and scalable communication solutions. The reduced cost of manufacturing and launching these satellites is driving innovation and enabling new players to enter the market.

Integration with Terrestrial Networks

The integration of satellite communication with terrestrial networks is another key trend. Hybrid networks that combine satellite and terrestrial technologies can offer seamless connectivity, ensuring that users have access to reliable communication services regardless of their location. This integration is particularly important for providing consistent internet coverage in areas with challenging terrain or sparse infrastructure.

Challenges and Considerations

While telecommunications satellites offer numerous benefits, there are also challenges and considerations to address. One of the primary challenges is the cost associated with launching and maintaining satellites. The development, launch, and operation of satellites require significant investment, which can be a barrier for some organizations.

Additionally, the increasing number of satellites in orbit raises concerns about space debris and collision risks. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities requires careful management of satellite operations and the implementation of measures to mitigate the risk of space debris.

Conclusion

Telecommunications satellites have fundamentally transformed global communication networks, enabling instant connectivity and information exchange across vast distances. From media broadcasting and internet connectivity to emergency communications and global navigation, the impact of these satellites is far-reaching and profound.

As technology continues to advance, the future of telecommunications satellites looks promising. High throughput satellites, LEO constellations, and advancements in satellite manufacturing are set to further enhance the capabilities of satellite communication. By overcoming challenges and embracing innovation, telecommunications satellites will continue to play a crucial role in connecting the world, bridging gaps, and enabling a more connected and informed global community.

In a world where connectivity is essential, telecommunications satellites stand as a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. They embody the spirit of exploration and innovation, bringing people closer together and fostering a sense of global unity. As we look to the future, the continued evolution of telecommunications satellites promises to unlock new possibilities and drive the next wave of communication advancements.

[mywritingonlyfans]

One For The Road. // Mentor!Alex Turner X FreshSinger!Reader (Smut) Part 1

Prompt: (Age Gap Fic;Fem!Reader) Alex is on an extended hiatus from the band and finds himself wanting to start a studio to recruit new talent. One day, he hears a voice on the radio that captivates him, so he jots down the name and, with that voice stuck in his head, searches for it on Google. When he finds you, you both decide to work together for your growth, setting off a journey filled with new melodies, issues with paparazzi and online exposure, and Alex being completely smitten with his latest discovery and love.

Words: 9,5K

A/N: The fic was planned in three chapters: before the recognition (fame), during the recognition (fame), and after the recognition (fame).

Alex felt fulfilled, both physically and emotionally; he didn’t need any additional elements to complete his sense of satisfaction. During the band's extended break, due to various factors like other members' children and James admitting that a break would be beneficial, Alex found himself contemplating new possibilities. Unable to step away from music entirely, he set up a studio and handled other bureaucratic aspects for future artists. This was his way of giving back to an industry that had been so rewarding for him.

He didn’t know much about the artist he was suddenly into, only that sabe was a young girl with a captivating presence. Alex had heard your voice in the car before visiting Miles. It had a numbing effect on him, in a good way, leaving him sitting in the parked car after arriving, gazing out the window and absorbing every word you sang as if they were drops of water in the desert. It was strange, but it was exactly what he needed.

Your voice was raw with potential but still unrefined—you were not bad, just clearly new. The lyrics were sweet and nostalgic, evoking feelings that seemed foreign yet familiar. Alex found your work mature in a way he hadn’t been when he first started making music. He couldn’t picture your face, hair, or preferred style, but your voice lingered in his mind; the breaths, pauses, sometimes resembling soft and failed sighs, were compelling.

After the song ended, he stared at the radio display, waiting for your name to be announced. He quickly grabbed a notebook to jot down before he could forget.

Alex briefly mentioned you during dinner with Miles, running his fingers through his hair absentmindedly. His friend could tell that you had affected him in some way. "Just a girl, huh? How many times have you listened to her songs, Al?" Alex was usually romantic in his descriptions, this time he swore he had been succinct—though he felt he had failed. As the visit was coming to an end, all he could think about was your voice; he had to share you with someone else.

"Not many," he admitted honestly, though it wasn’t very convincing. Miles laughed, indicating he would listen later. His friend's recommendations were always reliable.

…

Finding you on the internet wasn’t easy. Alex had written down the wrong surname, which delayed his search longer than anticipated. You had no professional recordings, and later Alex discovered that the radio segment he had heard was an exclusive broadcast for new artists. All he found were amateur videos on YouTube of you singing in some pubs, with poor audio quality that didn’t do you justice. He listened to them repeatedly over the next few days.

The videos with better resolution were watched more often, and although Alex feared it might be due to your angelic face, he tried to avoid focusing on the fact that you were younger than him–perhaps more than he could point out. Nevertheless, as he closed his eyes before sleeping, he often imagined you from the video of your channel, wearing that summer wine dress with the straps slightly falling off. He imagined gently adjusting them with his finger, smoothing your hair while your calm eyes followed him. Your head falling affectionately into the caress of his palm and a brief wet kiss to your temple as your eyelashes flutter; not that he thought he would have such an effect on you.

It was indescribable how your voice occupied his mind more than anything else. He found himself humming snippets of your lyrics in the shower, while cooking, every end of the day. When he called Miles the next weeknd, his friend knew exactly what to expect.

…

You were delicate, and the words flowed from your lips effortlessly. Indeed, the cameras, the analog look, and the audio from the YouTube recordings didn’t do justice to what it was like to experience you live. There were few people, mostly around your age, though some appeared older with their doubtful expressions. It was a pleasant environment.

He watched you from a distance, neither too far nor too close. Wearing a white collared shirt, jeans, and a brown jacket, he kept his sunglasses on even at night to avoid being easily recognized. Occasionally, he slid the glasses down his nose to get a clearer view of you without the lenses.

You held the microphone gently, as if it weighed nothing, intertwining the cord between your fingers and taking small steps across the makeshift, tiny stage. Most people were distracted, but many took a moment to watch and listen to your music. Sometimes your voice faltered, and he noticed your disappointment, but you were so endearing.

You wore white tights and a black dress with a Peter Pan collar; Alex thought it suited you perfectly. He adjusted the edges of his shirt peeking out from under his jacket, a reflex of how your fingers nervously fidgeted with the fabric of your dress on stage. He smiled sweetly, as if hoping you could see and feel encouraged by it. You were doing well.

At the end, which was marked by silence following your thanks, he began clapping, soon joined by everyone else. You tried not to look around too much, not expecting the applause, and Alex was pleased to see you so happy.

You held a glass in your hand, chatting with the guitarist. Alex could easily see himself playing guitar alongside you in that dimly lit place filled with long, whispered conversations that created an intimate atmosphere. The guitarist nudged you, indicating Alex standing in front of you. When you turned, Alex felt his palms sweating and had to hide them in his pockets. You were even more beautiful up close; your posture wasn’t perfectly straight, but he noticed your charming walk and had to avoid smiling.

Alex felt more awkward than a teenager talking to girls, and he wasn’t proud of it. You greeted him with a warm smile, and before he could say anything, he knew you were as warm as you looked. “I enjoyed your performance up there. You sing really well, and the original lyrics are great. You’re very talented.” The compliment came out smoothly because he had practiced it many times. He felt his face flush, knowing he was fully red.

You bit your lips, offering a shy smile and resting your fingers right around the edges of your dress. Alex found this to be an adorable habit of yours. If he could, he would have held your hand and provided some distraction from whatever you were thinking. You thanked him, unsure of what to do or say but sincere nonetheless. When Alex offered a drink, he noticed your hesitation, but there wasn’t anything better for you to do than share a drink with someone who, for reasons you couldn’t quite place, seemed familiar. He was being nice.

“I don’t think anyone has ever come to see me sing so well-dressed,” you said, your eyes sparkling. Alex felt that in a few hours, you’d be more comfortable around him.

Noticing your assessment of his outfit, you could tell it wasn’t cheap; the fabric of his button-up shirt was well-tailored, the collar had a unique design, and the jacket was definitely leather. Not that you knew much about such things, but you didn’t see many like that.

Alex saw you enveloping your hands and didn’t think twice before taking off his jacket and draping it over you. Fingers touched your icy skin and he wished he had noticed sooner. You didn’t resist, your expression showed that you needed it; you merely nodded in thanks. “Don’t you think you deserve it?” Alex hadn’t intended it to sound flirtatious, but he realized it as soon as the words left his mouth. You shook your head, giving a half-hearted laugh.

He considered apologizing, but you continued, “I think it’s nice to think that someone would dress up to see me here, you know? To know that you’d come to see me sing and then anticipate it throughout the day, even considering what outfit would be most suitable or comfortable. It’s kind.” You were much more eloquent than he was, your words flowed naturally.

You sighed in relief, snuggling into the leather and tucking your hands into the long sleeves. Alex felt his chest warm up. You gestured animatedly while speaking, clearly excited, and probably didn’t even notice when your knees brushed together and stayed there in a pleasant touch that made him not want to move. “Well, if it helps, I heard you on the radio the other day and wanted to see you in person.” He breathed between his words, his voice deepening with the pauses.

You nodded, brushing off the compliment, not because you disliked it but because you didn’t want to deal with it. “I like your accent; it makes you sound older than you are.” Your shoulders brushed together, casually but comfortably, a result of your restlessness. There was a brief silence as you both listened to each other’s calm breathing amidst the background noise of drinks.

Maybe the contact was what mattered; Alex hadn’t planned this poorly. Despite his struggle with succinct communication, he explained the record label project, detailing the steps and what could be done if you wanted to pursue something more professional. At some point, you stopped listening to him, your eyes wandering over his dark hair cascading in beautiful waves, the furrow between the eyebrows, his perfectly shaped mouth, and the stubble that was starting to grow. He gestured less than you did, but his large yet delicate hands made him seem like a Christmas ornament, like men in '80s movies or even a younger Al Pacino.

“I’m listening, but I wouldn’t have the money for it; I can’t even afford a guitar. I play in pubs because I can use their instruments; they don’t pay well, and sometimes it’s just beer and food.” You spoke honestly, without bitterness about how it limited your dreams. You had the purity of someone who believed it was for you. Someone bumped into your chair, causing Alex to steady it, which brought your bodies closer together. He could now distinguish the exact color of your eyes and the scent of your hair. His mouth went dry. “That’s my point; you get paid so I can help you get heard and recognized for your work.”

…

"Did you set up the record label for the girl?" Miles carried a hint of truth, though he knew it was initially Alex’s idea, and you were the final touch that made it happen.

"It’s not like that, she’s really good. You’ll meet her." Alex’s voice carried warmth and anticipation; in a few months, you’d be fully immersed in this with him.

"And does she know what’s going on in your head? Like, the reason for your soft tone and silly grin when you mention her name? I might be wrong, but it doesn’t seem like you’re just thinking of her as a musician, Alex."

He shook his head, as if Miles could see him. "It’s nothing. I just want to help her with this. Besides, I’m not at that stage; we don’t fit in the same place." The idea of putting all that into words hurt a little.

The conversation continued, as if that settled the matter, both on the call and in real life. But Miles’s final words were, "Alex, I’m sure this will hurt her more than it will hurt you; you don't deal well with reason, your feelings will get in the way.”

And though it stung, it might be true—something to consider with concern. But would it really be so bad to spend all that time with you?

…

You learned who he was and thought it might be a scam, but a simple Google search left you stunned. You clearly knew the band, just not his exact current appearance; it certainly wasn’t like in the “Cornerstone” video, but the more recent ones fit the style of a dad with a six-year-old daughter, which was pleasant. Your friends were happy for you, even if they were as incredulous as you.

“It’s quite big; will more people be coming here?” Your voice echoed through the studio, your fingertips freezing. You’d arrived a few weeks ago and had some singing lessons Alex had arranged with another professional, but from then on, you feared he would be your sole tutor.

“For now, yes, but later there’ll be more people.” You nodded, hands in the pockets of your dress. LA was hot, he was killing you with that air conditioning. He had shown you every corner, you felt quite comfortable; the place had guitars on the wall, basses, and a drum set from that inaccessible brand. You stood in front of him, looking like a lost child, genuinely waiting for what to do next. It took him a moment, but he understood.

“Okay, I didn’t plan this out too well,” he laughed softly. He mentioned having read the songs you sent, even though he had heard them before, now he knew the exact lyrics. “Is it okay if I use the equipment?” Your question was followed by the tips of your fingers touching one of the microphones and holding the headphones, waiting for his response.

“Feel free to use whatever you want, little one.” Your cheeks were warm, making you bite the bottom of them. You looked confused at the buttons; they were just buttons with no informative labels. Alex had forgotten that this was familiar only to him. “Sure, it’s a good idea to get you familiar with everything first, then we can see what to do.” It sounded like a good idea.

The time passed quickly; what took hours, with Alex, seemed like minutes. Sometimes silence would fall over you both, but it was so comfortable. He had a pleasant voice, explaining things as if they weren’t intuitive, and you could visualize them. You liked it. His hair was longer than the last time you saw him, falling into a cute fringe over his eyes, which shone brightly as he spoke and gestured. He wore a suit and a button-up shirt, making no sense given the amount of fabric he was wearing in the LA sun.

“It’s pretty heavy, Turner,” he had given you a red guitar with white detailing, the side bearing his last name. It had clearly been through some battles but was beautiful. Alex found your pronunciation of the “r” endearing, rolled on your tongue and lingering. No one called him that around; it could be your thing. The guitars you had played were lighter, less durable.

“You can play if you want. You can also make it your own; it’s a good idea to get used to a specific one for now.” You listened, wondering why you wanted him to call you “little one” again. You held the strap, looking at the floor. “I don’t know how to play,” your voice was weak, your fingers pressing the strings without making any sound. He nodded, understanding you.

“What don’t you know, little one?” His face was calm, as if it didn’t cross his mind that you might be a fraud. His body was positioned behind yours, and you felt your heart racing; you were sure he could hear it. He placed his hand on the neck of the guitar, adjusting some strings.

What happened was: you would hum melodies, your friends would map out the notes, next you had them with you.

“I only remember my songs, which are few. I memorized them with the help of some friends at the pub.” You didn’t like how that sounded. You stepped back without thinking, bumping into Alex’s firm chest. He held your waist, noticing your nervousness. You still smelled the same as before.

“There’s nothing wrong with that; no one is born knowing. I learned a lot from the first album ‘til now; we can work on that if you want.” You heard the guttural sound he made when speaking slowly in your ear, dangerously close. “Do you want to try something?” he asked, a little before plucking a small segment of one of your songs. Alex had heard it so much that he had memorized the chords. You found it strange but ignored it; controlling your breathing was more complicated.

“I don’t know, Turner,” he laughed, the pleasant nasal sound close, with his blazer rubbing against your bare arms. He took your hands in his, guiding your fingers as he wanted, explaining each string press and brief sound. It took some time, and due to your anxiety, it seemed to take longer than usual.

“It doesn’t seem to sound very good,” you impulsively turned your face to look at him. His eyes, which had been on your hands, moved to your face, and it was closer than you had experienced before. “But it will, you know?” He smiled, his slightly crooked lower teeth noticeable to you, as well as the light beard scars and age lines around his eyes. God, he was so beautiful.

“You’re doing well, lil’ one; you just need to relax and be more patient.” You felt your fingers ache, pulling your hands slightly away from Alex’s. “You trust me a lot.” He noticed the superficial cut, the tips of your fingers bruised a bit, pretty normal, and you seemed quite calm about it. “Shouldn’t you? Trust yourself? I haven’t seen anything in you so far that doesn’t show how good you are at what you do...” The sentence was lost, somewhat unformed, but you wished he would talk about you like that more often. He took your finger, drying it with the edge of his shirt, which had become slightly reddened, and pressed until it stopped. It was hard not to just look at him. Your cold hands made Alex make a mental note that you weren’t a big fan of the air conditioning or that maybe your clothes were too short and thin.

…

On the same night, before heading back to the hotel, Alex suggested you two could go out to eat together as a way to spend more time talking. Since you’d spent hours at the studio and he hadn’t thought to offer you food or water, he chose a more relaxed place, reminiscent of the pubs where he knew you performed—live music and cozy lighting.

Upon arrival, you felt the chill against your arms. Alex laughed. You hadn’t seen him take off his blazer, but you noticed his attentive gaze as he draped it over your shoulders. It was a comforting relief. “I can control the studio’s temperature, but most places ‘ere are air-conditioned; you’ll end up feeling cold,” he said. You didn’t respond, only pondering whether Alex would always have a jacket or blazer for you if you never wore one. You liked his scent on you and the respectful way he looked at you, you hated that your thoughts were not as innocent.

As you sat across from him, there was little distraction, and you knew it would be a challenging time—more accurately, a journey to be honest, regardless of what happened next. He had loosened more buttons due to the heat. The collar was pressed against his rosy skin, neck chain attached to his sweat, and his eyes were on you, making your stomach flutter. Your foot brushed against his calf under the table, you couldn’t look at him. He smiled pleasantly as usual, the distinctive nasal sound of his laugh remaining soothing, despite the feelings he stirred in you. Your foot found comfort there, resting against him; neither of you moved.

“It smells nice; what is it?” he asked before you put away your pink tube of moisturizer.

“It’s peach,” you replied, sounding a bit excited. You wanted to talk but felt that besides your music, you might not be interesting to him, even though you felt there was something desirable in that; even if you didn't see yourself that way.

“The scent is great; it makes me less tense, Turner,” you said. You took his hand in yours. They were larger and calloused—something your fingers should be. You applied a drop of cream, massaging his hand with focus on each callus and prominent vein.

The sensation was light for him (even for you); your nails brushed against his wrist with a pleasant tickle. Taking your time, you smoothed out the creases in his poorly folded shirt, rebuttoned it, and adjusted the fold to what Alex would consider the perfect height. Your touch was gentle, and there you were, right in front of him, with your shoulders covered by his blazer. He noticed the strap of your dress was a little crooked, but you were nestled in something warm. Alex cherished everything about that realistic snapshot.

When you finished, you noticed his attention was on your face. You smiled slightly, as did he. You were in complete silence, yet every minute counted.

The food arrived shortly, and you didn’t need to question it. He simply whispered a “thank you, little one” to you as you curled into his blazer a bit more. He was hoping it would carry your scent by the end of the night.

The atmosphere remained the same—you both enjoyed each other's company, evident in the unspoken comfort between you. The air felt light in your lungs, yet breathing was easy and relaxed. Alex wasn't particularly hungry, but seeing your bright eyes and inevitable smile with every bite you took, he couldn't help savoring his food as well. You made him feel good; he realized just how true that was.

He gently brushed the corner of your mouth with his clean thumb, wiping away a small smudge. You followed his movement intently, reflexively cleaning the spot afterward. For a brief moment, Alex considered bringing his thumb to his lips out of instinct, but quickly caught himself, realizing the weight of the gesture, and instead wiped it off with a napkin. He thought about apologizing, but feared it would make things awkward.

However, you continued to look at him, your face full of color, the atmosphere just as comfortable and inviting as before. It wasn't a mistake for you; you liked the tingling sensation his touch left on your skin.

…

The weeks passed effortlessly; neither of you avoided the other. Occasionally, you both made your way down from your rooms together for dinner at the hotel restaurant or to have a drink. Conversations came easily. At first, Alex felt uneasy about how you didn’t smoke during routine activities, which made him uncomfortable for not being able to cut back on the habit himself. However, over time, he grew used to it and eventually stopped smoking around you, finding that he missed it less.

Sometimes, nights at the studio would deliberately stretch late, with Alex fine-tuning guitars that didn’t really need it or you attempting to replicate familiar songs on the drums, under the guise of practice. The truth was, even though you both knew you didn’t truly need each other, you still made an effort to be close to one another, whether in quiet moments or during busier times.

"Y’know, oldie. We moved it all online…” You mentioned it when you opened your eyes and noticed Alex annoyed by the droplets from his hair dripping onto his newspaper.

You couldn't pinpoint where the idea came from, but you understood his priority in not overwhelming you—imagining how a poor work dynamic could fall into the hands of bad journalists. In the end, that led you both to the beach, enjoying the refreshing breeze that made the sun less intense.

Your comment drove him to give up on the newspaper and just look at you. He couldn't look at you casually or quickly, he was getting used to that. Behind his sunglasses and cap, he felt like he was taking advantage by noticing the thin strap of your bikini and the ties and lace that drove him to think of other pieces. He took a deep breath, sinking into the lounge chair, like in romantic comedies that end well. You brushed your knee against his, drawing his attention back to you (yes, you were sharing the only remaining chair meant for couples—neither of you even knew such a thing existed).

Alex quickly realized he was blushing, feeling the heat in his cheeks when he got you had noticed him staring at you. "Do you need sunscreen? I didn't see you apply any yet," you asked, getting ready for your second layer, while Alex hadn’t put on any. "How disgraceful, Turner. You hardly seem like an older man." He rolled his eyes at your amusement.

His hair was tousled by the wind. His face had a radiant glow at you. You put some of it in his hand, and he began to apply it to his sun-kissed cheeks and nose, a bit of it smudging into his hair. You couldn’t help but laugh at the scene, his clumsy hands more likely to smear than spread the lotion properly. "Alright, Tur, let me handle this." You moved closer, your cool fingertips touching his skin and discarding the sunglasses. He caught the scent of peach as it drifted on the breeze, smiling softly as you smiled at him. Your gentle touch grazed his cheeks, finding comfort in the rough texture of his beard, which made you scrunch your nose in a playful smile that turned into a quiet laugh. Letting himself relax, Alex closed his eyes as you smoothed the excess lotion onto his neck. He wished he didn’t enjoy that closeness, but he did, and he had no intention of denying it.

You cleaned the stray strands of hair and lightly traced your thumb up the bridge of his nose, pausing briefly between his eyebrows. Alex sighed in contentment, his lips parting slightly, you felt even more at ease. Before he could open his eyes, you stepped back, slathering more sunscreen into your hands, then pressed your palms against his soft shoulders and just above his chest. He gave you a funny look, but before anything else could happen, you pulled away. "Rub it in," you instructed, noting his slight confusion. "And turn around. I'm going to apply it on your back." Touching his warm, velvety skin felt therapeutic. He shared that same sentiment. Was this how cats felt when they kneaded with their paws? It was just as comforting.

Alex felt the same when his fingers touched your back in return. The silence weighed on him, with only the pulsing of his veins echoing in his ears. Yet, you smiled peacefully, eyes closed and lower lip caught between your teeth as you lay on your stomach. He massaged your skin with sunscreen, convinced that this was a laborious task. Your muscles relaxed under his touch, and he noticed a foolish smile creeping onto his lips.

He gently moved the delicate strap of your bikini aside, making sure to cover every inch, no matter how thin the material was. His palm brushed your hair away from the nape of your neck, and for a long moment, he imagined kissing your sensitive skin, hearing your sighs at a playful bite, letting out the repetitive thoughts that were always about you stuck in his mind. He had memorized your scent, longed to immerse himself in you until your peaches became his, something only he could experience–no one else, not even the stupid boys your age (especially them). He followed the same ritual on your neck, sighing to himself as he acknowledged how addictive your skin was there; you were highly addicted.

"Wait a minute," you murmured, your words drawn out and languid, almost like failed moans that would fade into silence. Your delicate fingers fumbled with his as you pulled the bikini string down, revealing more of your skin, though not in an obscene way. Even though his gaze was heavy in a way that it wasn't entirely clear. Soon, the piece was no longer there, but the view was limited by the way you were lying.

Understanding his place, he lightly rubbed sunscreen over the exposed area, subtly moving down your waist and barely grazing your hips. He felt as if he were touching porcelain, afraid that any poorly thought-out movement might shatter you. He gave your flesh a final gentle squeeze, and your abdomen contracted at the loss, accompanied by a soft murmur. Returning to his position, Alex chuckled to himself as he noticed how you kept your head closer to the towel you used as a pillow, your body not moving a single millimeter. It was then that he realized the process had taken longer than expected, you had fallen asleep.

He pulled his cap down over his face, a bit embarrassed, even though you couldn't see him. Adjusting his sunglasses back in place, he quietly watched you, taking in your calm breathing and relaxed posture. He took his own shirt, wrapping it over you, deciding that you had been in the sun long enough. He didn't touch you, knowing you were still asleep, but couldn't resist briefly brushing his fingertips against his lips and gently moving the strands of hair that covered your face. His gaze sharpened instinctively, and while he knew how to handle it if he were alone, you didn't deserve that side of his life.

It was quick—just a fleeting moment, a feeling of being watched, though he didn't hear any cameras or whispers. He didn't want to risk dismissing the thought, even if he couldn't see anyone nearby. Slowly, yet without hesitation, he gently called your name, softly stroking your arm. You responded by murmuring his name, manipulating a warm and soft sound, making him wonder if you were conscious of his presence or merely dreaming—of him. It took a while, but Alex remained patient until your eyes opened, startled. He then placed the cap on your head, carefully cradling you in his arms, being cautious not to disorient you further as he buttoned his shirt on you, doing so with as little awkwardness as possible. Despite touching your skin, he never once looked anywhere but your face, waiting for your arms to slip into the sleeves until you looked somewhat presentable.

"We're going to walk to the car, alright? It'll be quick," he said, his voice concerned, firm, and reassuring. He knew what he was doing, hoping to minimize the damage. You simply nodded, resting your tired cheek on his shoulder, and he chuckled softly. "Can you put on my sunglasses, please, little one?" You gave a sweet smile, making him internally berate himself for putting you in this situation. He placed the sunglasses on you, guiding your hands with his own, and kept you close. "Shall we? It'll be quick, promise and you can sleep on the way to the hotel, huh?" You appreciated his calm demeanor, respecting your groggy mood after just waking up.

He grabbed your bag, abandoning any attempt to save the newspaper, and drove his hand on the small of your back. Leaning into him for comfort, you felt him hold you tighter. Instinctively, you nuzzled your face into his chest, only to hear him say, "Okay, just don't get too close to her, alright?" His heart pounded against your ear, and you heard the sound of camera clicks. You didn't want to, nor could you, open your eyes. You couldn't make sense of the noise; the person continued taking photos, asking questions, and you couldn't tell if there was more than one of them.

Alex opened the car door, firmly guiding you until you were seated inside. He gently stroked your hair, noticing how visibly shaken you were. He quickly kissed your forehead. It was a brief, hurried gesture, one you wished you had more time to savor. You held onto his arm, unable to speak. "I'll close the door and come around; I'll be right beside you, and we'll head to the hotel, okay?" He was frustrated, angry, but it wasn't directed at you; he didn't want you to see these feelings of his. He should have been more careful, knowing that this was possible even with the band being on a break, but he had been careless.

Once inside the car, with the windows tinted completely black, ensuring no one could see in, he reached for your hand as he started the engine, holding it tightly as you looked at him, dazed, avoiding looking outside. "Does this happen often?" you asked, your voice small. His throat tightened with an irrepressible knot; he hadn’t considered how foreign all this was to you.

…

Alex’s head throbbed, the furrow between his eyebrows deep with tension. You sat on the edge of the bed, hands clasped between your thighs, eyes filled with unshed tears as you looked at him. He had used his connections, calling to inform them of the situation and to request the removal of any photos of you from gossip sites if they had already been posted. He was told on the phone that it would be handled, which confirmed that the images had likely been uploaded.

Alex chose to make the call in the hallway, asking you to go ahead to the room, not wanting you to hear and worry more than you might have already. But as soon as he entered, it was clear you had seen something. Your fingers played with the hem of his shirt, lost in thought, and guilt washed over him.

"I can listen to you, pretty one," he said, his voice soft, showing a rare vulnerability as he assured you that he was there with you. He wanted to hear you out, to relieve any burden weighing on your shoulders.

"I know this happened because you’re well-known," you replied, swallowing hard as you struggled to find the right words. Alex waited, kneeling in front of you between your legs, his fingers lightly brushing your skin. He didn’t know exactly what to do, but hoped he could offer some comfort. The touch didn’t feel like a mistake—it was a natural act of reassurance, though the proximity made him feel conflicted. Yet, considering the situation, it seemed right.

"I’m really sorry, truly. It was careless of me," he apologized, his tone sincere. You shook your head, gently cupping his face in your hands, pushing his hair back. His warm, caramel eyes focused on you, filled with concern as you teetered on the edge of tears, a feeling he feared he didn’t fully understand.

"Tur, I might sound stupid, but—" You hesitated, then he responded with his usual tenderness, drawing you closer. Your legs wrapped around him, your arms holding him tight. He stroked your hair, helping you find comfort against him. The towel draped over his shoulders—since he had given you his shirt and didn't feel like walking around the hotel shirtless—slipped to the floor, and having his warmth was enough for you.

"If they like the album, which I really hope they do, and with all the pre-album promotion as an artist... I don’t want to sound ungrateful, huh, like, this whole journey with you has been amazing, but is it going to be normal to have so many people talking ‘bout me? Pictures of me without my consent? And comments about my appearance?" You couldn’t look at him, which made it easier for you to speak coherently without feeling embarrassed about opening up.

It was so much to process, and Alex hadn’t considered it from that angle. After all, he was the one who had brought you into this situation, both in the moment and for the long haul. You were young, and he didn’t want you to go through what he had at your age. He could have prevented this, but now you were caught up in it.

He kissed your forehead, then your eyelids, realizing just how intimately right—and wrong—this all felt. It was inevitable, and it shouldn’t have been. He pulled back slightly, only to give in when you tightened your hold, snuggling closer. You took his hand and placed it on your waist, your way of asking him for it to take longer, seeking more of his embrace. He chuckled softly, needing it just as much.

There wasn’t much to say. "I think you know the answer, little one. I wish it wasn’t like this either. I’m sorry for introducin’ you to this.”

Alex’s hands slid up and down your back, gripping the fabric and holding you tightly against him. Your sigh was one of relief, drawn out, so sweet. He cupped your chin, lifting your head to meet his gaze. Your cheeks were damp, and he offered a small, uncomfortable smile.

“It’s okay,” you said weakly, trying to sound more composed than you felt. “It’s not your fault, Turner. I don’t think that, and I don’t regret being here with you. I’m just scared of everything that’s going to come with this, especially since I never really thought about it before.” Your words seemed distant, but even in your emotional state, you were eloquent.

Alex didn’t know exactly what to expect either; things had changed since 2008. He remembered the Humbug era being the worst, with all the attention from MTV. His tongue rested on the roof of his mouth as your fingers found a home at the nape of his neck, gently tugging at the fine hairs, much like you do with the hem of your shirt when you’re anxious. It soothed you. Your eyes lowered to his chest, and you realized it was the first time you’d hugged him this longer, and he was shirtless. You liked everything about it—the warmth and the view you had.

He pulled the collar of your shirt toward him, bringing your face closer until his tiny beard tickled your skin. You looked at him, and he didn’t even try to hide the fact that he was staring right into your soul. You were beautiful with your red eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. Understanding what you were going through, he got you whispering amidst the chaos of finding the right words, “I can’t mess this up, Tur.”

He focused on your words, though he wanted to pull you into him even more, but he resisted, waiting for you to continue. “I want this too, I just don’t want you to think less of me, okay?” Your eyes welled up again, and as soon as you tried to lower your head, he gently lifted it back up, fully aware of what you were trying to convey. “I don’t want you to think I’m like this just because I’m interested in you. I don’t want you to see me as…” You paused, struggling with the words. He simply rested his forehead against yours, holding your face gently in his hands.

“I don’t think anything bad ‘bout you, lil’ one. I’ve never thought that way, and these are just your worries, you got me? Nothing changes the fact that I think you’re talented and competent, huh? That has nothing to do with how I see you as a professional. You don’t have to be afraid of that.” He was firm, his voice louder than usual. You took in every word, noting the roughness of his tone and the space between his lack of manners with sentences. He swallowed hard, his mouth slightly open, and you appreciated how patient he was with you, how well he seemed to understand that you needed this moment. Your fingers tightened on his, and then your lips met his. It was slow, and though you felt like you lacked experience, it was warm. He pulled you closer, every inch of you molding to him.

You started to pull away, embarrassed, feeling like maybe this wasn’t meant for you, but as soon as your lips began to leave his, he tugged your collar, bringing you back for a more urgent kiss, making it clear he had been waiting for this for a long time. You leaned back slightly, but he held you firmly, sensing how your body was softening against him. He chuckled into the kiss, and you felt his velvety tongue against yours, slowly being enveloped by wet, lingering kisses. The taste was salty from tears and the sea, you laughed at the thought of him being seasoned.

You brushed his fringe away, noticing how his cheeks were flushed and his lips swollen. You wanted more. You realized your brain hadn’t fully registered what it felt like to have his beard brushing against your face.

“Was it bad?” you asked, your voice barely audible. You couldn’t help but think about how Alex had been with many other women, while you could count on one hand the people you’d kissed in your life.

“Do you talk when you’re nervous?” His warm breath brushed against your skin, close enough to be unsettling. Before you could answer, he planted soft kisses on your lips, still making a slight sound and lingering just a bit. He tasted of mint, not quite of cigarettes. The tip of his nose grazed yours, and the subtle stubble on his face slid pleasantly against your cheek. When he pulled back, your natural reaction was to lean forward for more, which he didn’t resist, a playful smile on his lips as he let you set the pace. Your fingers seemed made for his hair, and Alex was sure of it. By the end, you were breathless, though he wasn’t quite as much.

“Okay, I need to breathe...through my nose while doing this.” He chuckled, pulling you close for a hug. You felt at ease with him, talking out of nerves, but it was clear it didn’t bother you. He liked that. “It’s not bad at all. It’s actually wonderful, pet.” He touched your nose and cheeks, his fingers tracing every feature, wanting to soak in each detail of you. “You’re beautiful,” he said. You nodded. He struggled to figure out if the way your eyes fluttered when he spoke to you like that was because of his voice or his compliments, yet he was determined to keep drawing those reactions from you.

He ran his calloused fingers up your thigh, stopping at your hips, squeezing them hard. Your nails dug into his shoulders in anticipation as your legs parted briefly, giving him better access and also making the fabric of your shirt give him more of a view. The bottom of your bikini was tight, very tight, leaving a mark on your skin and he ran his fingertips over the spot. You looked at him, thinking about how no one had ever looked at you like that; the mix of desire and actually seeing you as something more than that. You had written about it before, but never experienced it, and so you wondered about the possibility of Alex acting like that because he knew your writing. However, you didn't want to think badly of him, you wanted to enjoy it.

His gaze rose to meet yours, his tongue moistening his lips and the crease between his eyebrows deepening, was it fair that that alone made you wet? He didn't need to say anything, you confirmed what he wanted.

The attention lingered on your face, your heart racing at the serenity of how he undid the ties, getting rid of the piece. You couldn't move, taken by how delicate he was and his eyes on you didn't do the same, even though he didn't fail to contemplate you.

“Turner,” it was like a sob, a tiny sharp. His fingers touched your center, sighing as a way of savoring the moment, then he sank a little deeper, smearing his fingers and spreading them from your entrance to your clit to improve the sensation.

“It's all right, princess, I'm right ‘ere. I've got you, but we've got all the time in the world, so let's be patient, you're with me?" Each word was breathy and soft, difficult for you to string together, but you still repeated his last name in a pleading whisper.

He brushed two of his fingers against you, one of your legs lifting and bending at the knees, he laughed at your reactions but it was adorable, even though he was nothing much but his dark orbs. Respecting your body, he plunged his fingers deeper, sliding in easily. Your body gave in, your hands supporting you back and your moans getting hotter, you felt tighter but it still felt good.

"Relax, lil’ one. You can lie down, everything's fine, huh? You can just relax, no thoughts." His accent, full of patience, so familiar yet made you swallow hard. Alex’s fingers were damp, all along their length, carrying that blissful energy that comes with youth. Certainly, it could be said that you were not so used to that, the gap between doing something and thinking about it was great, given your state you had fantasized about it a few times; maybe you expected something he couldn't give you, but he was there for you.

He felt like an exception, he wasn't so young anymore, but he was acting like one. His fingers slid, you swallowed them completely, until your legs trembled a bit and he pulled back, only to repeat it all over again. He was touching you, getting to know you, and thinking about how he would be tasting your juices on his tongue in a few seconds, getting you ready to have him inside of you without any concern... He throbbed with each glimpse.

He couldn't deny that he had fantasized about you too, how he wanted to corrupt you while you were wearing your usual spaghetti strap dresses, hike them up to your waist and just pull down his pants to take you in the studio, have your voice fade away while instruments were thrown to the floor. He would get heavy, swollen with sensitivity in his underwear when he thought about you from time to time, refusing to do anything that bordered on disrespect, and even if he failed, he followed a ritual in his light groping, looking for relief, without letting himself get there as punishment. He never felt right thinking about you that way, but it seemed like a plausible moment to let himself be reminded of it.

Your eyes were closed, your face to the ceiling, your head pressed into the mattress in agony. You weren't expecting it, but your muscles clenched tighter into the sheets, this was new; you knew what it was, it just had never been like this. There were brief kisses on your wetness, noisy and messy, his hair brushed against your thigh and his hands were firmly on you. You had never seen yourself without thinking about anything, not literally, but your senses only hovered over how to be good for Turner so he could make you feel great.

For Alex, it was better than he remembered imagining. It was hard to breathe when all he could do was focus on keeping going, listening to your sweet whimpers for more. The vivid scent of peach filled his senses, your taste taking over his consciousness, everything felt so good.

He sank his tongue, contracting it hard so that it dissolved inside you and felt in honor how you dripped down the sides of his mouth. He held the edges of your shirt tightly, pushing you closer to him, his nose brushing against your clit while his whole face rubbed all over your folds with desire. Your fingers tightened in his hair, gripping hard as you called out his name, the words barely coherent. You focused on him with a dazed expression, your gaze hazy and unfocused. His face was serene, eyes closed in deep enjoyment, completely immersed in your taste. You shifted a little, although he soon forced you against the mattress so you wouldn't do that, wanting to feel his beard hurt your skin. In fact, boys your age, or at least your experiences, did that very quickly, as an obligation. Alex was not a boy.

"You're so addictive," your throat was dry. Alex hadn't even done half of what he had in mind with you; and you certainly couldn't handle it.

He turned his face away due to your trembling knees, holding your gaze to his. He wanted you to get there, but in another way. Still, he watched you as he pressed only the tips of his fingers on your clit, without movements other than those of your hips. “So smart and charming, is there anything you can't do?” You pulsed, electric current going through your entire body.

You didn't know what to do, your cheeks were burning and you could only moisten your lips, wanting the agonizing knot to disappear.

“Turner,” he laughed, the same nasal sound you loved. It was like a mantra, the repetition of the drawn-out last name coming out of you and the cocky laugh. “Please, I need it, I need you, Tur.”

He nodded, stiff and sore in his shorts, then stood up and pulled them off. He didn’t look in a hurry to you, it gave you a headache, but he was nice to look at; his pale skin, his slim waist, his shoulders red from your scratches and his reddened length. He was hot and well-endowed, good enough to make your mouth water.

"Have you done this before?" His friendly tone made you hate your thoughts, and also question if you actually had. His cheeks were flushed, as were his lips, and he swallowed hard while looking at you. You felt a bit embarrassed. "It's okay if you haven't, princess." You smiled softly, shaking your head. "A few times, but it was never good. But this time, it is." Alex understood; he didn't judge you and never would. He ran his hand through your hair, brushing it away from your face, then gently tugged at the collar of your shirt, pulling it slightly away from your skin. "Are your songs not based on your experiences?" You feared he might think that was a bad thing, but his voice didn't carry any judgment. "No..." You sighed, content with his touch and his body pressed to yours. "I don't think I've ever truly experienced love, at least not directly. But I like writing about how I hope it will be." His eyes were a bit misty, and he nodded. He found that meaning beautiful; it was a perspective he hadn't considered before. He didn't feel so distant from that, since he wrote about things he'd witnessed. "It's beautiful. You do it really well.”

He opened the buttons, one by one, taking his time. He revealed your body to him little by little, admiring your collarbone, the curve of your breasts and stomach. His lips touched every nuance, leaving a wet trail and a bite on the flesh below your perky nipple. You writhed with a shrill noise, your legs clinging to him, ready to feel him as he brushed against your thigh. Alex also moaned every now and then, much more restrained and full-bodied, so hoarse.

He held your face to him, preventing you from turning away. The weight of his body felt good, everything about Alex felt like being enveloped in calm; even though you didn't expect calm at that moment. He opened his mouth, perhaps as thirsty as you were, his tongue on the roof of his mouth, staring at you. Slow and precise, you had your muscles soften as he got warm and tight inside you. You swallowed greedily, wet as never before, taking every inch of him.

“Good pet, good girl.” You held onto him tighter, your eyes watering. He held your head, snuggling you close to him. "You're doing great, you're such a good girl, right? Focus on how I'm inside you, filling you to the brim, can you feel me, lil’ one?” He was hoarser, unavoidable not to pay attention. His voice really calmed you down, making it work, your legs rested slowly and you noticed he was more comfortable in you; fitting better.

He held your hand on top of your head, intertwining your fingers, letting you squeeze tightly. Your body rocked on the bed with the rhythm of his hips, the movement was slow, he let his entire length come out of you like that and then pressed harder so you could accommodate him all the way into your lower tummy. It was good, warm, it made you think of more and more until you felt your belly tingle. Alex had a prominent crease, his pink lips parted and he gasped along with you every time your bones collided. Unable to hold back, he sped up, letting you whisper a painful, "Thank you," which made him release your hand, gripping your wrist violently as his forehead fell onto your shoulder. You stained the back of his neck with bruises, wanting your fist to come out the same way.

Your hot breath came in short gasps, you tried to be coherent in shyly mumbling that he could come inside you; wanting to have him fill you to the last drop until you were exhausted. Which wouldn't be a problem, you took your precautions up to date.

The intensity of his body on yours was growing, similar to the arrival of guitar solos in a chorus; you had to close your eyes, really paying attention to how your walls squeezed him inside you. Your firm thighs around him, added to the strength with which he thrusted you, caused friction on your clit and you were becoming aware of your limits. You felt Alex hug you again, delicate arms around you, wetting your shirt in soft moans as he filled you warmly. The sensation, the noise, everything connected made you relieve yourself too, in a relaxation of having both liquids mixing, ready to run out of you. He slowed down, keeping the same ritual, making you feel your thighs sticky until he realized you were getting too sensitive with tears filling your pretty eyes, and it was better to stop.

There was the familiar, comfortable silence that always settled between you two, both of you immersed in each other's presence. The embrace was gentle yet firm. He was comfy, still inside you, pulsing a bit, but good. His hand moved in meaningful circles on your back, and you mirrored the motion on his arm. His hair was a mess, and you imagined yours probably was too. His swollen lips drew in air as before, making you contemplate the way his tongue rested against the roof of his mouth.

"Can you lick me, Tur?" You asked comfortably given the situation, feeling good all over his touch.

He ran his hand over your chin, looking at you, not finding it bad. You hesitated when you asked, but it seemed inevitable. He moistened his lips, touching the tip of his tongue to your mouth, right on the lower one, holding your face firmly and doing what you said. The velvety, wet touch ran down your lip and into your mouth, which made you smile slightly, holding him for a kiss. It was good, you had imagined that. He sucked your lip to himself, in a somewhat messy act of saliva, and you wanted to do it more often.

“You good?” It was a genuine intimacy, right after a few minutes of nothing but the pure sound of his heartbeat echoing in your ear. You couldn’t help but wonder if this would affect how professional he thought you were—after all, he was your mentor—but you didn’t want to bring that up now. Similarly, feeling the way his shirt clung to your body, brushing against his skin and stealing your scent, he wondered the same thing, afraid you might truly believe you weren’t talented enough due to the internet and that this had only made things worse in your mind. Yet, he didn’t know what to say; the silence felt safe. "I’m okay, Tur. Tired, but I don’t want to think about songs, albums, or what we’ll do in an hour right now." You nestled closer to him, kissing his cheek softly, then his neck. Your voice was laced with tears, and he wasn’t sure if it was about what happened minutes ago or the issue with the paparazzi, but he understood that you were vulnerable. He felt guilty, still processing everything. "I’m not going to leave you, little one. I’ll be ‘ere, to deal with this and remind you how good you are." He whispered into your hair that smelled of peaches. You believed him, and he made you see a future in all of this.

You could have him on the cover of your album.

...

taglist: taglist: @ohladymoon @indierockgirrl @bloo-wisteria @bellaturner @cosmicpiracy @nikisfwn @andrews-lovr @nela-cutie @alexturnersbbg3 @blackberryblossom @lilmisssweetdreams @alexshotelandcasino @tbhclove @rostarblog @babieswiftie @yourstartreatment @atticssmellgood @aacheinthejaw @mingods @theonlyoneswhoknowsblog @andulina567 @tonyxstanks @despairinthedeqarture @harrysbestiee @ultragirrl @lifewasawillow @viviannagiorgini @turnerside @seokjinluvb0t @solacestyles @humbuginmybones @gracieghost3695 @holssireland @trumanblacktreacle @lovelikethunder

¡forms/taglist!

[idonttakethislightly]

On first reading The Power Fantasy, I didn't really think about whose voice these data pages are written in. Are they in-universe documents, perhaps from a government dossier or newspaper article? Are they a reliable, omniscient narrator? Are they something else entirely? I admittedly didn't think about any of that until a friend raised those questions for me- but while I don't know if it'll ever affect the plot, it's kind of a fascinating topic.

Particularly I want to draw attention to names...

In Issue 2, we get all the Superpowers' full names, supposedly. But who calls them those things, and when, and why? They all move between versions of themselves that are more human, and versions that are larger-than-life geopolitical figures. Not just in their own choices, but in the eyes of other people who are choosing how to refer to them. Sometimes that's complimentary and sometimes not- sometimes to the Superpowers' faces and sometimes behind their backs. Here's how that happens for each of the six main characters, as listed on the Issue 2 data page:

Santa Valentina: Usually she's just "Valentina"- I'm pretty sure we've only heard "Santa Valentina" on the radio, as a figure involved in world events. To me that feels like the news broadcaster treating her as less human, in a way she really doesn't like. She wants to be just a person, even though she can't quite be. Heavy does call her "Val" at one point, in a dismissive way (telling her how her sneakiness with Magus has backfired on her.) She's down-to-earth, but I feel like she'd still rather not be that cutesy and he knows that.

Eliza Hellbound: I honestly don't remember anyone saying "Hellbound" out loud in the comic itself? She's only needed to be referred to by first name, which has not changed since we saw her in 1978, pre-descension. I feel like "Ms. Hellbound" is just too formal for everyday use, but I think it's interesting that she kept her very human first name.

Jacky Magus: He's usually "Magus", but Etienne calls him "Jacky" on his psychic call just after Heavy is shot. Interestingly, Etienne says "Magus?" by way of introduction, and then switches to "Jacky" once they start arguing- my sense is that he prefers "Magus" and most people tend to go along with that. However… I'm not sure Etienne means "Jacky" as a put-down? In that line of dialogue, he's almost pleading for "Jacky" to hold back. I feel like maybe, possibly, it's an appeal to their history as people who used to get along? "Magus" is the faceless cult leader, but "Jacky" could be someone's friend.

Brother Ray "Heavy" Harris": By contrast, whenever Etienne says "Ray" it is absolutely a put-down- a reminder that hey, Mr. Superpower Cult Leader, you really are just a guy. Notably, he only says so to his face- when Etienne is talking to other people, it's "Heavy", which I think is for clarity but also a show of civility. Tonya calling him "Brother Ray" with the verbal equivalent of an eyeroll feels even more dismissive- it's the only time we've seen "Brother Ray", and we don't know the history of who's called him that and when he first started to mostly be "Heavy". She only says it that one time, before she meets him in person.

Morishita Masumi ["Deconstructa"]: "Deconstructa" is another one we only hear from Tonya, and only once. Tonya says "Deconstructa" as she asks if Masumi could be killing cops, and Etienne replies with "Masumi" when he says there's no way she could kill intentionally. Otherwise, she's "Masumi" all the time- as a Japanese person living in Japan, it's possible she gets "Morishita-san" or something off-panel, but TPF takes place in English with the "Translation Convention" trope clearly in place.

Etienne Lux: "Etienne" is what most people call him most of the time- the only time I remember "Lux" is when Heavy and Tonya are arguing. Heavy says "Lux" in a frustrated way, Tonya retorts with "Etienne", and a moment later when Heavy's calmed down he switches to "Etienne" as well. Notably, Etienne is the only Superpower whose name could plausibly be a human birth name- it's a little too on-the-nose to believe he was actually born Lux, but it is a French surname. Every other Superpower is either emphasizing their own larger-than-life nature, or the world is emphasizing it for them. But I think Etienne's managed to keep a name that sounds human as an intentional counterpoint to his hyper-intellectualized mannerisms.

I have more thoughts on side character names from the Issue 3 timeline and the Superpowers' taglines/sobriquets from the Issue 6 character data page… but I'll save those for subsequent posts.

[mydaddywiki]

Pat Hingle

Physique: Stocky Build Height: 5’ 10" (1.78 m)

Martin Patterson Hingle (July 19, 1924 – January 3, 2009) was the quintessential character actor whose face you'd recognize, even if you couldn't name him. He was the man who could make authority figures look both commanding and inviting. Born in Miami, Florida, Hingle's life was as dramatic off-screen as his roles were on it.

He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, dropping out of the University of Texas to join the USS Marshall, then returned post-war to get a degree in radio broadcasting - perfect training for broadcasting his charm. Recalled during the Korean War, he served on the USS Damato, showing he knew how to navigate rough seas, which might just translate into handling other… turbulent situations.

His acting journey started in college, leading him to New York City where he soaked up knowledge at the American Theatre Wing and the Actors Studio. His Broadway debut in "End as a Man" was just the beginning of a career where he was lauded for roles in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "J.B." - plays hot enough to make you think about him in a different light.

Hingle's film career began with a whisper in "On the Waterfront" but grew to a roar with roles that made him the go-to for tough, reliable characters in films like "Splendor in the Grass," "Hang 'Em High," and "Norma Rae." On television, he was a guest star you'd welcome back into your living room… or bedroom.

Married twice, his first marriage to Alyce Faye Dorsey produced three children, while his second to Julia Wright added two more to his brood. His later years were marked by continued acting, including a role in the "1776" revival, showing he still had the stamina - even if off-stage, it might have been of a different kind.

Pat Hingle passed away from cancer in 2009, but his legacy in film and theater is like a fine wine, getting better with age, or perhaps like a good, sturdy partner who knows how to make every scene memorable.

Known for: Batman & Robin (1997) The Quick and the Dead (1995) Batman (1989) Maximum Overdrive (1986)

[the-fyre-flie]

Does DC Tumblr like ocs? Can I oc yap for a bit? I promise I'll go back to superbat and batfamily soon-

I made a Batman oc... he's a hobbiest radio show host, who runs a call-in show from his own home. It's called "Have You Seen Batman!?", where listeners can call in and tell him about their experiences with Batman.

His name is Cody Bushwhitz, hes 20 years old, a strawberry brunette who dyes his cowlick red, wears bulky glasses, has orange eyes, and a tooth gap. (Picrew cuz I'm bad at drawing at the bottom!) Also, he uses a transatlantic accent! He's always been into radio and talk shows, so he's trained himself how to do it and sorta forgot his original East Coast accent, lol

He uses a police radio scanner to follow active crimes and such to catch a glimpse of Batman, and thus is the most reliable source of news for the average citizen. He reports on everything and anything that may be related to Batman. The GCDP isn't super happy someone keeps spilling the beans on their secret stakeouts, but GCDP has always been useless so...

He uses a backpack with his broadcasting gear (a power supply an antenna, big bulky tech stuff, ect) connected to a headset and handheld mic for when he's out and about investigating Batman related things. On more than one occasion, hes climbed rooftops with all that heavy gear on. He's been kidnapped and held hostage about 6 or 7 times already for being at the scene of a crime somehow before Batman even shows up, and every single time he's had to scold the goons manhandling him for being too rough with his gear.

Citizen, calling in to HYSB: I swear I saw him with a new Robin! This one's so tiny and angry!

Cody, nodding, having to speak over the wind: This is the 4th call today about a new Robin! I'm starting to think the rumors are true! From where I stand on top of Downtown Bank, I can certainly see a new, smaller than before Robin!

Anyways... here he is... should I make a rp blog for him?

[coimbrabertone]

Let's Talk Indycar on Fox

A day late on the blogpost, but one: I was busy yesterday, two: I was waiting on the ratings number. We got that ratings number in today (a 1.4 million) so let's talk Indycar on Fox.

Starting with the good news.

First things first, Indycar's back and St. Pete is a great season opener. It's a beautiful city, the race is right on the water, it's one of the longest continuously running races in the sport (having first occurred in 2003 and then continuously from 2005 when it became an IRL event), and it's now steeped in Indycar history.

Englishman Dan Wheldon lived in St. Petersburg and famously led home an Andretti 1-2-3-4 in 2005 in the IRL's first race on a street circuit.

Once Dan Wheldon died, the street along the waterfront was renamed Dan Wheldon Way, with Helio Castroneves memorably climbing the fence in that spot after winning in 2012 and tapping the sign in a tribute to DW.

So, all of that makes for a great season opener.

We also saw a fairly compelling race. Scott McLaughlin led early on with the likes of Felix Rosenqvist, Marcus Armstrong, Christian Lundgaard, and Alexander Rossi giving chase. Meanwhile, the likes of Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, and Alex Palou pit early to switch off of the green alternate tyres and onto the black primary tyres.

This would be a crucial move as the green tyres were degrading very quickly, something that Scott McLaughlin would soon find out.

The likes of Rosenqvist and especially Armstrong ran into pitstop issues, which meant Scott McLaughlin built up a big lead, one that he promptly lost on the green tyres.

This handed the race towards the cars that pit on lap two, with Dixon leading that group initially, then Palou and Newgarden.

However, we then got a third strategy as Lundgaard and Rossi went long on the black tyres, trying to save the green tyre run for as late in the race as possible. This put the two of them in the lead, but they'd need to pit, so we got the tense strategy moment of seeing how everything would shake out.

Finally, we also got a compelling battle for the lead at the end, as Alex Palou overtook Dixon on the pit cycle. Newgarden was also on a charge at this point, moving up into second and gaining on Palou as he was stuck behind the lapped car of Sting Ray, who had a Chevrolet engine.

Newgarden also had a Chevy, while Alex Palou was in a Honda.

Another layer of strategy.

Alex Palou spent laps upon laps stuck behind Robb, then when he passed, Sting Ray let Newgarden through immediately.

Then Kyffin Simpson in the #8 Ganassi Honda let Palou through easily, but Newgarden got through as well, and then next two cars up the road were a pair of Prema Chevrolets...

But Newgarden started dropping back! He used up his tyres and he's out of pace! Scott Dixon came back from third place with a malfunctioning radio to overtake Newgarden on track and move into second.

On a day when Scott McLaughlin built up an eight second gap at one point and then Josef Newgarden ate up a five second gap on the leader, it turned into a Chip Ganassi 1-2 at a track that has so often been a bogey track for them.

Ganassi has only won here twice before now, with Dario Franchitti in 2011 and then Marcus Ericsson inheriting the win in 2023 after Scott McLaughlin and Romain Grosjean crashed followed by Pato O'Ward having the engine cut out on him briefly in a bizarre reliability incident.

So, this is the first time in the DW12 era that Ganassi won in St. Pete on merit. Huge.

I know Palou winning isn't the most exciting thing in the series given he's been a rather comfortable champion in three of the last four seasons, but this is a new win for him.

Furthermore, I liked the booth a lot. James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell carried over from NBC and I like Hinchcliffe a lot, then they paired them with Will Buxton. I haven't loved a lot of the stuff Buxton has done in Europe, but I thought he was solid on the Indycar broadcast.

I also liked Jack Harvey on the IndyNXT broadcast.

So, all of that is good, onto some of the negatives.

First of all...the graphics looked pretty but dear God they did not work nearly well enough. I hope they fix it for Thermal because we saw the ticker outright go away for segments of the race (including most of the IndyNXT race, but it was better for the Indycar race itself) then even when it was working, we'd see transponder issues randomly have drivers popping in and out of the order.

Including an amusing incident where Conor Daly was randomly listed in the lead for a moment.

I will say the Indycar race was better than IndyNXT: the graphics were more consistent, and we saw the gaps most of the time, compared to NXT where the ticker was either not there or frozen for most of the race. This to me suggest they're working on it.

This has also been indicated on Off Track with Hinch & Rossi where Hinchcliffe mentioned that the graphics were a work in progress. Likewise, after the race, Townsend Bell asked for feedback on twitter. I hope all of this means that the graphics will work a lot better at Thermal.

If it isn't...then we have a problem.

Second, on twitter they promised us no fullscreen ads during green flag running, but then we got green flag ads during the end. This isn't great, but I will admit that this was a remarkably caution-free St. Pete race (just the one on lap one) and I think Fox wasn't expecting that.

Their bluff got called and they aired at least one fullscreen commercial break, which is a lie, but...what are you gonna do? In American motorsports, there's a lot of old people that cannot comprehend a reality where we get commercial free coverage.

Even Marshall Pruett, who is usually on the side of the fans, treats the demand for less/no commercials as the product of an audience spoiled by Formula One, but...F1 gets as much ratings as Indycar does at this point and they manage to go commercial free thanks to Mothers Polish.

Indycar could find a way to do the same thing, but they're stuck in an old mindset where commercials pay the bills.

I also suppose I can't beat this drum too hard because, like I said, they did go limited commercials for most of the race.

There are also certain dark arts you can use to avoid them, so there is that.

Hey, don't look at me that way, I have the broadcast on legally on my TV, they're getting their viewership. I'm just also sitting on my laptop hoisting the jolly roger to get the kind of coverage I want to watch.

Oh, here's another thing, the Fox cartoon faces for the drivers. Look, I know that a lot of people hate this, and I do think they're ugly, but...I just can't bring myself to give a shit about this, sorry.

I will say that those jolly roger dark arts methods didn't get the cartoon drivers, they got actual photos of the drivers in the same places, so that means this is a deliberate choice by Fox. Apparently, this is also something they do across their sports programming, like my friend Andy says they do it for college football as well, so it's not just Indycar and NASCAR.

I wouldn't know because I hate American football more than NASCAR viewers hate Clint Bowyer.

Now, onto a neutral note.

The ratings for the Indycar race was a 1.4 million. This is nearly half a million more than last year's 975,000, and it's the highest rating for St. Pete since 2022 which was also a 1.4. Together, those 1.4s are the highest ratings for an Indycar season opener since 2011. All of that means the ratings were pretty good actually. They also said that it peaked at around 1.8 million towards the end of the race.

Still...I hate to say it, but I was hoping for more.

I went into this race thinking that 1.5 million would be good, 1.75 would be great, and 2.1 million was the kind of viewership I was hoping for.

Admittedly, I was under the impression that Indycar reached around 1.6 million viewers at Mid-Ohio or something one year, but now that I'm looking, I can't find any actual evidence of that.

The most viewed non-Indy 500 race last year was Mid-Ohio, but that was 1.25 million in what was generally a down year with NBC giving Indycar the lame duck treatment ahead of their move to Fox.

So given all that, it seems that my expectations were a bit too extreme.

That being said, NASCAR on Fox had 6.76 million viewers for the Daytona 500, 4.58 million for Atlanta, and then 4.1 million for COTA which aired on the same network an hour after Indycar ended!

Is it really that crazy to think that Indycar could've drawn half of what NASCAR is drawing after getting three well-received Super Bowl ads and getting to be the lead-in for NASCAR coverage?

I guess so.

So yeah, I can't count this as a negative because the rating is a lot better than last year and Indycar in general has been doing worse ratings wise than I thought, so 1.4 million is pretty good actually.

Still, I hope this is a start and we get better from here.

That being said, Thermal on March 23rd doesn't exactly sound like the best content that Indycar has to offer.

I also hope the graphics issues during the race didn't turn off any of those new viewers.

Still, we were up about 500,000 viewers and that 1.8 million peak at the end of the race is nearly double what St. Pete on NBC drew last year. That is good. I hope this positive trend continues, and maybe by the end of the season that 2.1 million number I dreamt up might become a reality.

To go over the other racing for the weekend real quick...

Marc Marquez dominated the MotoGP sprint and then I decided to sleep through the main race (which turned out to be the right call because Marquez dominated again in the main race) but AI Ogura on the Gulf Trackhouse bike pulled off a 4th and a 5th on the weekend as a rookie, so congrats to him.

Speaking of Trackhouse...

Connor Zilisch pulled off the win in COTA in the Xfinity Series after a battle with his Jr. Motorsports teammate Carson Kvapil. The ZIlisch hype train was then derailed by Daniel Suárez in the Cup race in a move that was bad for me and bad for my fantasy team.

This left Kyle Busch in charge for most of the race with SVG pressuring him, but my hopes of an SVG win were dashed as well. Instead, Christopher Bell went back-to-back to win both Atlanta and COTA because only the NASCAR drivers I don't care about are allowed to win apparently.

Guess I gotta fill my Phoenix lineup with guys I hate.

Gonna go with like Logano, Gibbs, Byron, Busch, and Hamlin, because fuck me enjoying the race I guess.

No, I'm not bitter, why do you ask?

So yeah, sorry for the blogpost being a day late. If it's any consolation, I wrote 1800 words for my NASCAR fic yesterday, so I did at least put the time to good use.

[sleepyjuniper]

OHHHHHHHH

During "Stayed Gone", after Vox bluescreens and Alastor starts his last verse, that's not Alastor just being insanely powerful that his broadcast can keep going while the city's power is out, that's because RADIO signals aren't lost when the electricity is out. Radio waves don't run on electricity 💀

That's the show displaying to us that Alastor's medium is actually more reliable than Vox's. That's sick as hell actually

[thatswhywelovegermany]

As every second Thursday in September, the disaster warning systems in Germany are tested today, September 12, 2024, at 11:00. Most notably, the test warning will be sent out to mobile phones via cell broadcast, which are supposed to sound an alarm signal. Where available, sirens will sound. Radio and TV will interrupt their programs snd announce the test warning.

The test warning will be canceled at 11:45. A cancellation notice via cell broadcast is not yet implemented.

A nationwide survey about the effectiveness of the warning will be available under the address www.warntag-umfrage.de, where residents are asked how, when, and how well perceivable the warning occurred.

The effectiveness of the warning system has been improved significantly after disappointing results of the first test run in 2020, which relied on a custom-made German system. The tests in their current form, now using cell broadcast as a reliable and pre-configured app on every smartphone, were first introduced after the flood disaster in the Ahr valley, during which most of the population didn't receive any warning and were surprised by the flood – sometimes with fatal consequences.

[ckret2]

Do you have an recommendations for old radio dramas? And where did you find them?

Easiest way to find them go to your favorite Place To Get Podcasts and search for "old time radio" or "otr." There's multiple groups dedicated just to posting old radio shows online for people to listen to.

Columbia Workshop is a good show with a lot of variety; it was one of the very first really "sophisticated" radio shows—like, trying to make high art rather than "just" entertainment. It did a lot of experimental stuff like doing a demonstration to show audiences how different microphones sound on air or the lag time between broadcasting a signal vs sending a signal along a telephone wire, or just recording street sounds to experiment with what the medium of radio could DO. And that's along with just regular radio dramas & shows, which was most of what they did. A lot of pioneering stuff went through Columbia Workshop.

Columbia Workshop was made during the time when people were still trying to figure out how to DO stories on air—how to compensate for the lack of sight using sound alone, and how to take advantage of the benefits you can only get from sound that you wouldn't get from, like, just reading the story. So a lot of the episodes are trying out new tricks as part of that figuring-it-out process, and sometimes they'll talk about it on air, which is neat.

idk if there's a podcast hosting Columbia Workshop but it's available on archive.org.

You might've already heard of Mercury Theater On the Air, that's the program that did the infamous War of the Worlds broadcast. High quality show.

And Suspense is a reliably solid show if you like horror/suspense, I'd def recommend it.

I mainly listen to one podcast that posts random individual episodes from a bunch of different horror/suspense programs, so unfortunately I can't list many actual specific OTR shows since I just sample a bit from so many; Suspense is just the only one I remember off the top of my head that's consistently really good (and that I already knew about before picking up OTR podcasts because, like, it's known for being good).

If you wanna find a wider variety of shows I'd recommend trying one of those sampler podcasts (they'll have names like "old time radio comedy" or "otr horror" or whatever genre) and listen to several episodes and see if you notice one show popping up multiple times in the episodes you like.

[hazbinhotel-bitch]

Episode One: Alastor x (Name)

(Name) sat on the side lines of the large desk with a radio board with all kinds of buttons and switches. The demoness stayed quiet as Alastor sets up to get ready for the first time in a very long time to get back in the game of broadcast. (Name) had her ears pulled back her tail swishing in slight annoyance at the whole ordeal. She honest felt like an assistant but she did find him some news to covers that was happening in the ring of pride. Valentino was caught yet again with some questionable chatter and bad mouthing a few other overlords that the demoness heard and reported it to Alastor. (Name) relayed this story in detail to Alastor who found it mildly amusing and thought it would be fun to announce it.

The two came to the agreement, eventually, that Alastor will introduce Siege as the reliable source and that (Name) is his new assistant/co-host. Of course (Name) would give Alastor the main bulk of the story but more private detail would be used for her Scandal sheets, Alastor agreed reluctantly but he had found the woman to be rather cunning so he was able to admire that.

The red light turned on “ON-AIR” it read with blinking lights. The demoness grew quiet as Alastor flicked some switches as he started to clinch down with his fingers

“Welcome ladies and Gentlemen, it’s been a while” he announced “of course I’m here with a few changes to my broadcast! Fear not my hellish demons, I’m simply here to keep you all informed with my new assistant”

(Name) glared as her tail swished not wanting to talk

“Now, now dear. No need to be so fearful”

she hated that smile that seemed taunting

“Do forgive my little assistant, she’s a little shy. Well I’m sure we will hear from her eventually” he said letting out a little breathy laugh as he started to give out some announcements of what will be added to his little broadcast.

“Now that the pleasantries have been dealt with. Let us talk about this Siege of the Scandal Sheets” he smirked as he saw how (Name) visibly tensed “Now I’m aware that this little demon has been reporting a few things here and there about most Overlords here in pride ring… And believe me I have seen their writing on myself and I too was rather… amused”

(Name) held back her growl at his choice of words, she knew damn well she surprised him no doubt. But for him too be all high and mighty as if he was the one who had his eye on her first was laughable to her, her instincts wanted to correct him but he was live so she held her tongue as Alastor continued.

“Why I bring up this little demon is a rather humorous really, see I had a little chat with this Siege demon… and we came to an accord, they will now be my main source of stories” he stated picking at his claws like he had no care in the world “do stay tuned for what’s to come, I’ll be back with the newest, and yet to be published story by Siege of the scandal sheets. so until then enjoy some nice relaxing… music”

With the “ON-AIR” light was turned off while he let his music, which were nothing much scrams of whatever victim he tortured, play as he smugly looked at (Name). He laced his fingers together as he held his chin up as he leaned on the table

“What’s wrong my dear? You look a little tense?”

His voice was obviously teasing and he finally growled at him “you’re really pushing it Old man”

Although Alastor smiled his eye twitched at her insult, he wasn’t particularly vain by any means, but he never considered himself old so it was rather insulting to him. He made no efforts to say anything tocmbt her insult, it’s not his nature but he caught on rather quickly that simply dismissing with a big smile semed to anger her more than anything.

“Well my dear, I was simply stating an obersvation. You look overly tense my dear… and why is that, hmm?”

(Name) grinded her teeth in sheer annoyance of this man but she did her best to calm down before responding to the obnoxious deer demon.

“Yes I’m tense youre not reallying let me have a chance to preserve my idenity, it’s only a matter of time before someone figures it out” she stressed annoyed how he lounged in his seat cleaning his monical

“Well so be it my dear, why not have it out in the open.” he shrugged placing his monocle back on his face “Darling I still don't see why you are so stressed. If everyone knew you, the infamous Siege, was in alliance with the great Radio Demon; you wouldn’t have you tail tucked between your legs all the time—’

(Name) cuts him off abruptly

"I will have you know, Alastor. Being associated with you is the worst thing to do, everyone would rather kill me and succeed to do it just to get to you... So no, it actually makes me a bigger target. Not to mention you didn't even let there be mystery to your 'assistant' and Siege both being your help and not so coincidentally on the same day" she snapped.

(Name) saw red when he lifted a finger and pressed a button with a big smile as he put himself on air to simply end their conversation. She knew he loved annoying her to no limits but at it seemed after the short break Alastor didn't mention Siege or (Name).

. . . Although she found him insufferably annoying she had to admit at least he was someone respectful once he got the reaction he wanted from her.

--------- --------- Previous Chapter: Here

Next Chapter: Here

[primnroses]

Hello, do you have a post explaining technology in the naruto universe? It seems to be inconsistent.

It is pretty inconsistent and I think it's not used properly for the amount of technological advances they've made because in Boruto it becomes bogus. I'm gonna give you some examples but a lot of these are used 24/7 so I'm just gonna use one image.

Konoha, as well as the rest of villages (Kumogakure is said to be the most advanced technologically), have everyday life technology that we use in the real world. Pretty much everything is mechanized in Boruto's shinobi world.

1. TELEVISION AND LIVE STREAMING, AND SUBSEQUENTLY, CAMERAS:

Both Kakashi's Team 7 and Team Minato took team pictures, which means the predecessor of their modern cameras existed at least since the era of the Third Hokage, early term.

Naruto chapter 16.

They've been using television screens to broadcast live images from the Chūnin Exams back when Team 7 were genin. Gaara even looks at the television, which means there are also cameras, obviously, because they mention videotape. They also have VCR.

Naruto chapter 58.

Sasuke had a television at home, so all those interview programs that Naruto got invited too in Boruto were also a thing at least twenty years before it all. Later, everybody has a television at home, Naruto and Sakura have some more modern plasma screens.

Not to mention Konoha has screens all over their plaza in Boruto.

Naruto chapter 181 and Naruto Gaiden chapter 1.

Livestreaming wasn't just a Konoha thing, every single nation had televisions, cameras and they powered them using some special batteries as well. they also have those satellite dishes on top of buildings for broadcast.

Naruto chapter 488.

The livestreaming is actually pretty useful for daimyō conferences and emergency Gokage Summits.

The Last: Naruto the Movie and Boruto chapter 57.

2. COMPUTERS, TABLETS AND VIDEOGAMES:

I don't think I need to delve into this one too much because it's clear that in Boruto people now work using desktop computers and laptops everyday. Naruto has a laptop, the Scientific Ninja Tools obviously have multiple computers, many of Konoha's teams and departments also use laptops, Boruto has a desktop in his room, etc.

Naruto chapter 700 and Boruto episode 219.

They also have tablets and even videogame consoles have also become available in modern Konoha.

Boruto episode 211 and Boruto: Naruto the Movie.

Of course, since Naruto, there have been several machines used for health and recovery and DNA machines, etc. Or machines to facilitate mind reading as well.

3. TELEPHONES, INSTANT COMMUNICATION AND RADIO:

Phones and landlines became available after Naruto became Hokage and they're used pretty much all the time. Apparently mobile phones also exist but the information is very ambiguous because I don't recall ever seeing one, though Naruto mentions Sasuke has one depending on the translation.

Naruto Gaiden chapter 2.

Wireless radio are also very commonly used in Naruto during missions and they even evolved during the 2 year timeskip. They cover at least 1km from the shinobi's position.

Naruto chapters 9 and 263.

They have become kinda obsolete in Boruto for no reason, but they were used at least in Boruto: Naruto the Movie and the early chapters of Boruto.

It's mentioned that it's not reliable for long distance communication, but the new device is at least covering more area since Konohamaru is somewhere in the Land of Fire talking to Konoha.

I don't recall them ever using it again, which is bogus because the new radio is very modern and small so it's easy to carry even without realizing, so I don't know why everybody in Konoha don't use it if they want to forego the landlines.

Boruto chapter 16.

Konoha, as well as the Allied Shinobi Forces, used special Chakra Communication Devices or telepathy devices for mass distance communication with machines of all sizes.

The Intelligence Division and Yin users (mental energy which is the base of mind related techniques) used it to share messages from across countries to eighty thousand shinobi, as the different divisions were scattered everywhere in the Land of Lightning and other countries.

Naruto chapter 521.

I talk more about it here since this is one of the most used technological devices in Konoha.

Naruto chapter 520.

Konoha also uses a more modern version of this device in their Barrier Team to notify people of intruders. They also use computers, screens and all technology mentioned above.

Similar to the wireless radios, I don't understand why Konoha hasn't made a smaller version of this for everybody to use if they want to forego telephones.

Boruto chapter 81.

Despite the technology, Sasuke still uses his hawks for example, or Naruto sends shinobi to other villages to dispatch more confidential information. Also, I'm not sure why they haven't made more practical and smaller devices for shinobi to use or why they decided to stop using some technology.

Now the shinobi gauntlet is another story because I don't understand why they're trying to sell it as some groundbreaking invention when it's just ninjutsu sealed inside scrolls. Fūinjutsu is used to seal anything, chakra, objects, ninjutsu, even life forms.

I know they are used to seal hiden jutsu as well but it's still nonsensical because Jiraiya can even seal Amaterasu inside scrolls, and Amaterasu is a Kekkei Genkai so it can't be imitated.

[themediademons]

Welcome to the Media Demons blog!

Send asks for Vox and Alastor!

Inbox status - Open!

“My dear people, we welcome you to this blog—“

“HELLO DENIZEN! WELCOME TO THIS THING, YOU CAN TALK TO ME ABOUT MY #1 RATED RADIO BROADCAST, THE BEST AND MOST RELIABLE SOURCE OF MEDIA IN ALL OF PENTAGRAM CITY. LISTEN TO MY BROADCASTS EVERYDAY AT NOON, OR WHEN I DO THEM!”

“What he means to say is you can speak to either of us by sending an ask, and TV is inferior to Radio.”

Rules:

1. Be mindful with your asks.

2. Bully Alastor and Vox. Not the mod.

Anon list

[phoenixyfriend]

Suggested Listening: Columbia Protests (as of 4/25/24)

Alright, folks, I've seen a couple different approaches to this situation, and I think there's something to be learned from each of the below. I know some of them have a contested reputation, but all media sources have a bias and I will be including some context on those biases.

The podcasts I'm sharing are:

The Daily (New York Times)

The Take (Al Jazeera)

Democracy Now! (independent radio broadcast)

Global News Podcast (BBC Radio)

It's come up a few times on NPR as well, but not in enough detail for me to include. I will be linking Spotify, but these are all available elsewhere, though official transcripts can take several days.

The Daily - April 25th, 2024: This podcast is a production of The New York Times. The paper is left-leaning, but has a noted bias towards Israel, and has run into trouble on trans issues in the recent past. The podcast is further left, though still more cautiously moderate than something like Democracy Now; the podcast has previously been responsible for fact checks against the more biased NYT opinion pieces.*

Why you should listen to it: This episode provides the most comprehensive timeline to what has happened, in what order, and why certain actions have been taken. It is notably more sympathetic to Columbia University President Shafik than other coverage, though that may just be the natural result of explaining the current political pressures. It is still more sympathetic to the protesters than to her, but I do think this is helpful for establishing a timeline of events. It is not the only one, and I will share another below.

* That infamous article about the alleged systemic sexual violence that Hamas committed on Oct. 7th was put through a fact checker by the podcast team when it came time to do an episode about it, and the inability to substantiate it led to not only the episode being cancelled, but the article itself being (quietly) edited to note that it was not substantiated. The NYT did not handle it well, but I want to make it clear that the podcast team is independent in many respects, and while I've taken issue with some of their episodes, they often have more comprehensive coverage of certain matters.

The Take - April 25th, 2024: This is a podcast from the English-speaking branch of Al Jazeera, a Qatari news organization that, while independent, does receive a certain amount of funding from the Qatari government. By that measure, I do hesitate to place it on a left-right scale due to existing outside the Western political spectrum. As a Middle Eastern, Arab news org, Al Jazeera provides a perspective much closer to the action than others, and one that is generally much more sympathetic to Muslim and Arab voices. It is also, like the others on this list, an award-winning journal. At this time, Al Jazeera is considered one of the most reliable news sources for information on what is happening in Gaza, through their Palestinian correspondents; they have also been banned in Israel as antisemitic propaganda.

I need to make it very clear that I am not in any way denigrating it for having Qatari government funding; the BBC shares many of those factors, just British.

Why you should listen to it: Al Jazeera got a reporter into the student protest encampment in Columbia, and got more direct interviews with some of the students on the ground. This is part two of their coverage of the protests; Part One (April 24th, 2024)provides another perspective of the timeline, which focuses on different factors, generally closer to the events in Columbia than the national factors.

Democracy Now! - April 23rd, 2024: This is a far left/progressive radio broadcast (repackaged for podcast streaming) that has been running since 1996. They often have interviews with people that I haven't necessarily seen other podcasts bring in, and while I would not consider them extreme, I do sometimes find that certain details get left out in pursuit of a more black-and-white narrative.

Why you should listen to it: Cohost Juan González has been in the field of progressive journalism for a very long time, but it's more relevant than ever for this episode: González was one of the original organizers for the 1968 Columbia protests that resulted in one of the largest mass arrests in NYPD history. The 1968 protests were massive, and deeply impactful on a national scale. González's perspective on how this current protest compares to the one he helped organize nearly sixty years ago is a fascinating way to think about the current events.

Global News Podcast - April 25th, 2024: BBC is a very centrist source for journalism, funded primarily by the UK government and advertising. As such, their coverage tends to lean in favor of the current party, though they do not 'toe the party line' as such. They do regularly platform right-wing activists, but they also have correspondents in the Middle East with a more progressive perspective. I would compare them to CNN in the US; ineffective in terms of opinion, and comparatively milquetoast on that front, but capable of getting access to high-level events that smaller networks aren't.

Why you should listen to it: ...honestly, this is just a 'round it out' kind of suggestion, to get an idea of what the international community is thinking of the events at Columbia. I don't think they necessarily contribute much in terms of factual discovery, but it helps with getting the lay of the land.

[pixelatedtaken]

Alastor, Vox, and their Rivalry

...or the nothing it gave us

S1 Analysis

this is based on information the show's s1 gave us. this can and will most likely change once the next seasons release.

disclaimer: this is not a ship analysis. you can read it however you like, but it's not intended for ship purposes

SPOILERS AHEAD ↓

Even before Vox was introduced, it was made clear that Alastor has a... distaste for modern electronics. Even so, he seems to know how to navigate them. He's familiar with TVs and their mechanics, watching and making commercials.

So let's start with:

Radio vs. TV

By default, both represent different eras of media: the Radio and the TV.

It's a very old classical tale of old vs. new that to this day, there's debates on it. Alastor and Vox are exactly that. The debate of which is better. The old and reliable way or the new developed way. The one that doesn't appreciate the changes being made and the one who embraces it. A Radio Demon and a TV Demon.

And they are that simple old vs. new dynamic. Different but similar.

Alastor vs. Vox

Vox first gets mentioned through the title of the Vees by Sir Pentious. And even with Alastor's response, "Oh, nobody important." we're hinted at a dynamic, in this case indifference, which is mostly how Alastor tends to treat and act towards Vox. Mostly...

On the other hand, Vox is obsessed. From knowing that Alastor was gone for 7 years, the hate drawing, the 'fuck alastor' mug, the cameras, the ripped photo, you can even go as far as saying their outfits– he's not subtle about it.

As soon as Vox learns about Alastor's return, he has an overdramatic response with his nails digging into the table, voice changing, and his cameras instantly on Alastor. In general, Vox has cameras probably all over hell, but keeping an eye on Alastor is tricky when the man glitches every time he's being recorded etc, etc. This is also stated by the fact that in the 7 years Alastor had been gone, not even Vox knew where he was.

And Alastor is very aware of the fact that Vox is watching him. So aware that he even posed for the camera (you can argue all you want, he posed). Midly encouraging the behavior as such. Either by the pose or by saying that Vox needs to try harder in his endeavor.

This is where I say that Alastor is also obsessed. In a different way but not any less.

Here's a core attribute the two demons share: Attention.

They want attention, to be the center of it. And although Alastor barely, if at all, provides Vox with it... Vox certainly does provide to the fullest, and Alastor is more than happy to let it happen. With that being said, when Vox was broadcasting the tarnishing of his name, it was a different story. He went back to his tower as quickly as possible - grabbing a cup of coffee on his way - and more or less owned Vox's ass.

Speaking of the song, it's worth noting that Alastor perfectly responded to the part of the song that was never broadcasted, the beginning. It could have been for thematic purposes. It could have been that he somehow knew, the how alludes me.

Let's bring up a certain picture:

Throughout episode 2, much of their relationship was hinted and kept mostly hostile, but this picture gave a whole new meaning to it all.

Alastor, the demon that distorts devices and renders them unable to capture him on film, has a photograph taken of him without any glitches. And next to him in that photograph is none other than Vox.

Meaning:

Alastor allowed the picture to be taken.

Alastor and Vox were close.

They had formed a bond, and the closest thing we can call it, is a friendship. But between the then and the now, something broke that bond.

One thing could have been Alastor's dislike for modern technology vs. Vox's like for evolution, which could have played a role in their fallout. As such, a chain reaction of events begins to unfold.

If it was that dislike, resulting to disagreements, where it started or not, we don't know, but we do know that their relationship fell apart after Vox asked Alastor to join his team, and he refused. They became hostile towards each other, most likely beyond repair since, before Alastor disappeared, they had a fight.

We don't know how brutal the fight was, but we do have the line, "You still pissed he almost beat you that time?". Keyword: Almost. Alastor ALMOST beat Vox but decidedly did not. From Alastor's backstory, we know he's more than capable of defeating overlords without a second thought.

Here's a question: Why didn't he kill Vox?

Maybe it's for stupid reasons. Maybe it's not. Who knows, but we know that he didn't kill him and that Vox was resilient enough to not be easily beaten.

One thing is for sure, the picture re-contextualizes behaviors and actions.

Although at its core, their relationship is a rivalry, adding a possible friendship changes the initial view they gave us of them.

And I'll end it by saying that Alastor calls Vox 'old pal'. If that means something or absolutely nothing, I don't know.

BTW! Calling Alastor obsessed isn't in the same context as Vox. Alastor is obsessed with the never-ending attention while Vox is obsessed with Alastor himself. Just a clarification. Though I wonder how many people stuck this long to read, it's not like I'm saying something new here. I can't wait for all of this to be trashed and debunked somehow in the future.