#and again this is excellent practice for doing things like calling your reps <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[xoxoemynn]

Transcript of tweets below the cut but in short: calling makes the biggest impact, focus on DEI, you can call more than once, and you do not need to be in the US or have a Max subscription to call.

Everyone, I just talked on the phone to an absolute ally at Max, and they gave me extremely useful information! We need to be calling WAY more. It's a higher impact that most other things we can do. Here's the phone number: (855) 442-6629. But read on if you want to know WHY.

Every time Max receives a customer feedback call, that information is logged in the system. The info, *including all the details* is pushed to a server that relays it to the higher ups. They don't just get a tally of calls and general opinions—they get the full feedback.

And it's not just higher-ups at Max. Per the service rep, "it's actually read by the higher ups who are in charge of what happens within Warner Media/ Discovery."

The rep also suggested that particular types of feedback, especially those around DEI, might bear extra weight. They had to be a bit cryptic for job reasons, but they made this very clear.

They ask for an email but don't triage based on whether that email has a subscription. E.g., if you're outside the US and watch elsewhere, you can still call, and your feedback will still go up the chain.

In fact, the rep was very clear to encourage ALL people with feedback to call individually. And to keep calling! I asked whether multiple calls from the same person make a difference, and the answer was a clear yes bc the feedback gets shared as it comes in, not batched.

It's also worth noting that phone calls in general are always higher-impact than letters, online engagements, etc. This is true for political campaigns, and it's true here. There's a real cost to having people answering phones. It takes time, which equals $$.

So: Call. I know it sucks; I hate the phone too. If you have phone anxiety, you can also delegate to a friend and have them provide your name and email. If you *don't* hate making phone calls, ask friend for permission to call on their behalf!

I'll put together a little phone script shortly and add it to this thread.

Source

[jiminrings]

hi!! can i request a drabble of new personaltrainer!jungkook training a pretty awkward (and kinda chubby/thicc..?) y/n and its super fluffy and aaaa,, i love your writing aaaa 🥺

cloud nine

pairing: jungkook x y/n

wordcount: 3k

glimpse: y/n finally gives into jimin the gymbro’s thoughtful push, and jungkook is sO close to barking back to his chihuahua the moment he gets home :D // gif isn’t mine but look at it it’s so cRISPY!!!

notes: thank you sO much babie!! here you go :D

okay that’s iT!!

you totally need something new in your life

you need a change of pace or whatever that’s called

all the days you’ve been having are all blurring into the same one and it just makes you feel so stagnant

the only difference you could point out are the sleep shirts you wear and that’s ONLY if you don’t try to repeat wearing them

you now have a list of people you’re in awe of

people who genuinely and unironically consider friends the tv show as a cinematic masterpiece because nOAH FENCE how do they manage to get entertained by laugh tracks and the same skit over and over again

ok maybe your slander towards it increased because hoseok (the guy you have a sorta crush on) likes it and he leaves you on read and sometimes doesn’t even open your message and thEN you’d see his instagram stories and they’re all just???? friends???? what was the reason

and second, jimin!

jimin’s your best friend and that just makes you awed even more because you don’t even know how the two of you got close

jk it was when your friends forced you to come with them at this inflatable water park and you were sCARED and so he held your lifevest and was like

“hEY do you wanna take this in the same pace that i’m doing it?? tbh i just wanna get back to my mimosas but my friends paid too expensively for this”

<3 he has been the guardian of your heart since <3

jimin’s just so well-paced and organized and knows how to have his fun that his daily life doesn’t seem like a mindless routine

you are actively YEARNING for that kind of lifestyle

and right now it just seems like the stars are aligning for you and are practically made for your existence alone!!

jimin’s a gymbro

he is the living breathing talking definition of gymbro and gymrat and gymgod or whatever it is

.....

.......

.... gymin if u will ....

okAy then

but he wasn’t the aggressive type of gymbro, not at all!

he’s a total natural!!

like he’s ripped but not excessively and exaggeratedly ripped

he doesn’t flex but the muscle definition and the physique are just wHew exquisite!!

he doesn’t talk in protein powder lingo but you aren’t surprised to see a giant jug of it inside his cupboard!!! after all he’s proud to say that it’s practically all-skill!!!

and to top it off.,.,

:D

okay so jimin takes off his shirt right

the two of you are neighbors and you often come into each other’s places and it feels like home too

and you aren’t complaining!! you know that he runs a little hot that normal and you wouldn’t want him overheating

but he has this large tattoo on his rib that reads nevermind and it’s so cOOL and it just makes the gears in your head go creak creak because aha your best friend is the blueprint huh

you’re not surprised!! you really aren’t!!

after all, why would you be surprised out of all the things above when you already know that he owns a goddamn GYM??

the only regret that you have is not meeting him sooner :((

yeah sure pjm athletics does have a nice ring to it bUT WHAT ABOUT PARK’S GYMIN

you’ve always been.,., a lil curious ok

i mean your goddamn friend is the ownEr of a really well-known and well-praised gym!! how could you not??

you don’t wanna mooch off from him though no matter how much he offers you free classes and stuff

he always brings you home extra merch and energy drinks that you’re sure you can now have a tap for gatorade

he’s not dENSE!! he sees how you look at him whenever he does push-ups on your floor or when he does planks like no big deal

there’s this thought at the back of your head that y’know..,., what if THIS was the thing that’s gonna be your change of pace

lmao you’re looking for hardship basically

jimin’s finally had it when you sigh for the eleventh time while he’s doing pull-ups

you want to spend your own money and he knows you won’t accept any of his offers!!

that’s it he needs to be smart about this!!!

“woah jimin holy sHIT you’re having a 50% off your membership??? and it comes with a trainer too??? are you serious right now???”

:)))

he can now sleep in peace knowing his editing job for this flyer has paid off and he’s passed the “y/n’s not believing me” stage :))

if it wasn’t established enough there really isn’t a sale lol

here you are then,.,.

wearing workout leggings that jimin deemed to be reAlly great and it made quite a hefty dent in your wallet but you trust his judgement so ok

you’re not in the mood to wear anything besides jimin’s black dri-fit shirt because you really don’t wanna attract attention as the newbie

this is good!! you now have a gym membership AND a personal trainer!!

you dON’T exactly need them but you feel you just do y’know!! there’s no harm in trying :D

you didn’t want jimin to be your personal trainer and he basically sULKED for a whole week

it’s not a him problem!! it’s a you problem!!!

you know that it’s a given that the trainers shOuld be excellently to a degree to actually train someone else

but it’s now dawning in you that HE’S the owner and he’s so intimidatingly good!!! you would look like a raw egg that’s just dumped haphazardly into a pot and he’s the perfectly-boiled egg :((

oh my god

jungkook feels like he’s gonna throw up with how nervous he is

it’s his first day as a personal trainer!! :D

he’s half-excited and half-terrified because holy shit fIRST of all this gym was hard to apply to in the first place

everyone’s flocking it because:

a) it’s really great

b) even greater benefits for the employees

c) the pay is hUGE

d) the equipment?? the morals?? the testimonials?? the owner?? the whole thing??? FANTASTIC

and second omg jungkook won’t admit it to anyone but uHm he’s kinda scared ok

he’s not the type of person that’s comfortable with ordering people around??? even if that’s technically his job???

like what if his first-ever client is a guy like jason momoa and that guy’s a fucking UNIT for sure

imagine hIM telling jASON MOMOA to give him three sets x twenty reps of push-ups

g-gulp

“or i can do it for you, i-if you want?”

he’s bouncing nervously on the balls of his feet and swinging his arms around forward and backward to make them clap quietly

“there, you’re all set!! i already filled up all the forms for you the moment i gave you the flyer!!”

“but-“

“your trainer’s... not me. but he’s uh, what’s his name again, jungkook!! what does he look like again — oh right!! i remember!!”

“jimin-“

“he should be the guy with the big doe eyes!! has a lot of dangly earrings!! if he’s not wearing a sweater then he should be the one who has some tattoos!!”

“no jimin-“

“off you go!! i’ll be bouncing around but i’ll keep an eye on you, don’t worry!! okay now go and i’ll let you have a sip of my gatorade even if we have the same drink :D”

.....

whew

there goes nothing then

you’re about to keep your duffel bag close as a reason to stall to getting to the locker room but jimin’s already one step ahead and snatched it from you

you didn’t even get your towel :((

it had a little blue cloud embroidered at the middle of it and it’s your Emotional Support Towel by default

you’re kinda nervous since there’s some pairs of eyes on you because after all they just saw you have the most carefree conversation with the owner they’re a lil scared to talk to

you’re wringing your hands together as you try to spot this jungkook with jimin’s descriptions and-

oh

oH

O H

jungkook looks so ????

wow?????

he’s gorgeous like that is nOt up for debate

he looks so fresh?? effortless?? handsome???

jungkook looks like he smells like baby powder and freshly-washed sheets

the baby powder that you’re tempted to snORt because it smells so good which was the one you’d put on your chest bc boob sweat and to prevent ur thighs chafing

he had to do a double-take on you because the first time he glanced at this walking person he immediately shut down

like when something looks sO pretty that you have to look away for a second because you literally can’t take it

oR like when you have this favorite scene of a movie and you have to physically pause it before rewinding and doing that for another six times

“are you perhaps jungkook?? because i’m not surE and-...”

“jungkook i am. i-i aM jeon jungkook!! yes, right, jungkook!!!!!”

holy fuck he’s stopped working

your mouth’s a little parted because you didn’t expect him to go on that lil spiel cLEARLY but omg he’s adorable!!!

if he could punch himself he really would

it’s taking him a second to regroup but you take the initiative to introduce yourself :D

“i’m y/n! you’re my trainer from what they told me :))”

you’re a lil more awkward when it comes to social interactions like these but it looks like you’re acing it when put in front of jungkook

the both of you shake hands and then immediately put it behind your back because wow u just shook the pretty boy’s hand AND it’s not even 8 in the morning yet!!

you haven’t even started the workout portion yet but ur already on fire

( jimin’s looking at the security footage and even HE’S blushing from the secondhand embarrassment jungkook’s brough oh my god )

(( jimin suddenly wishes he could unlearn reading people’s lips ))

“so, what brought you here?”

it’s jungkook who asks but he alsO wants to answer himself to say it’s fate aha :D

he’s getting you to stretches and he’s doing them with you!!

“to be honest?? well there was like a fIFTY percent discount but you already know all of that”

wait

what now

“a sale? what-...”

there’s an abrupt noise that goes through the whole gym and it makes the both of you flinch and you even yelP

if you see jimin lifting a 100lbs barbell only to throw it down and cut off jungkook from speaking THEN MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

“you okay?”

jungkook asks you quietly and taps your shoulder and you’re about to faint right then and there of how you met like then minutes ago and he’s cONCERNED

the focus on today was flexibility plus easing you into working out!!!

stretches are the next best thing to working out and it’s a win-win combo bc you’re flexible aND you’re basically exerting effort = kind of a workout apparently

the bit of reaching your toes then doing a downward dog and the upward-facing dog right after to hear that satisfying grunt of your joints is a LITTLE awkward because jungkook’s looking at you

jungkook wants to look away but in the same time he can’t will himself to

one because he’s a young wide-eyed attracted man and twO he’s the trainer omg he needs to look at you!!!

“o-okay! just a set of jack jum — jUMPING JACKS!!! jumping jacks and we could start :)))”

no one told you.,.,.

no one told you where you should look when you’re doing jumping jacks

you can’t look downwards because that’ll throw you off and you can’t look up either because why?? what??? WHO are you seeking up there????

looking straight ahead is kinda awkward

the safe answer was everywhere at once according to you

you sneak a look at jungkook and you almost choke in your own spit with how handsome he still looks

you’re not gonna cope up with that fact probably ever

jungkook’s feeling a lil sweaty now because uHm he shouldn’t really be doing this with you technically

it’s usually a trainer doing it with you for like the first five reps and then letting you do it alone for the rest

but nO he’s doing this with you he doesn’t mind :D

he could feel a bead of sweat by his sideburns and he’s screaming internally to gO the fuck back where it came from

he wants to tear off his hoodie but he doesn’t know if he should since he doesn’t have a shirt underneath!!!

being shirtless to the gym isn’t new but you’re with him and nOW he feels nervous

honestly jungkook would rather overheat than to make you feel uncomfortable

news flash: you want to curl up into a ball and cry about thinking how you’d be sore the next day

you r about to give out and tear up a little bit because fuck this is nOT an introductory workout

you also don’t want to look like a wimp in front of jungkook because that is not a good look for your pride and you’d feel embarrassed for eternity

just two more to go!!

honestly fUCK fire hydrants!!! ����𝕙𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕦𝕔𝕜 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦?? 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕦𝕔𝕜 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦?? 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕊?? 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕓𝕖???? 𝕚 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠 𝕒𝕊𝕊!!!

you raise your head because you’re getting dizzy looking down

jungkook’s looking at you and he sees you looking at him and it dOESN’T help the way you look right now

with you sweaty and grumbling under your breath and ur baby hair all over the place and ur eyes unfocused and fix at the same time a-and ur lips parted and-

JESUS LINE UP AT THE DMV RIGHT NOW TAKE THE WHEEL

jungkook’s so nervous and flustered that his limp actually trembles with how hot his cheeks are and he’s rambling out of nowhere

“fire hydrants amirite??? most certainly inspired by dogs and stuff because cooky, my chihuahua, does exactly that when he pees and-...”

THERE’S THAT LOUD BARBELL CLANGING AGAIN

oh my god he should not have said that

jungkook’s beyond mortified wHY DID HE SAY THAT

you look speechless and you aRE

you’re just nodding at him with a tight-lipped smile and if he knows better that’s because you’re so spent and a little light-headed and less off from his nervous rambling

planks,,, just planks,,, the final bit of it all

you don’t wanna get dizzy at the last stretch so you’re trying your best to not pay attention to the blood rushing to ur head

jungkook’s so distracted with his thoughts that he wordlessly adjusts you

lifts up your core while adjusting your feet closer before pressing his hand to your back and-

aHA FUCK

you now feel like you can run a marathon right after that

jungkook now feels like he can compete in a twenty-hour triathlon

he’s praising you to no end that you did sOOOO good!!! you really did!!!!

meanwhile your face is hot not only from that but also because you’ve endured hardship that felt like hours <3

you’re breathlessly laughing because wHEW you really did do that and wow you’re proud of yourself!!!! it’s not even 10 in the morning!!!

there’s a towel that’s gently patting your face section by section

:)

“you uhm, you didn’t have a towel with you so-“

jungkook pats at your neck to your nape and that’s when it hits that o-OH right i’ll leave you to that

you take the towel with a grin you’re fighting so hard and that’s when you realize that it’s not just a random gym one

but rather it was jungkook’s himself because it’s the same clean one he had in his hands awhile ago!!

you can smell him on it and you make sure to pat your face extra dry because you wouldn’t want to get your face sweaty now would you :D his perfume’s just a bonus, right :D

shouldn’t trainers be the cold and straight to the point ones and immediately leave right after you’re all done????

..... inch resting

“oh my gOD — mr. jimin sir-nim min jimin-nIM!!”

jungkook has the fright of his life when his boss appears from nowhere by his side

jimin laughs at how frazzled this guy is lmao but anyways he came here for you (as if he hasn’t been supervising from afar the whole time)

“want me to give you a ride home or?”

kook’s a little lost and he might just cry as he starts to think that oh wait a second are you guys-

“he’s my best friend.”

you whisper under your breath towards him and he unknowingly sighs in relief

“well did you get here using your jeep or your vespa???”

jimin has this jeep he passionately calls chimmy the jeep and he has a knack for naming things with a ring on it ok

and the other was a cream-colored vespa he bought like six months ago

he learned how to ride the bike a year ago and he was immediately let’s get this to the next level idc i’m getting a vESPA!!!

you have an iRRATIONAL fear of vespas

you’re okay with big bikes and regular motorcycles!!! in fact you find them less threatening than jimin’s motorcycle

the little wheels scare you and it’s just so??? it looks so bite-sized wHY does it look like that???? it looks like you could breathe an extra breath to your right and the vespa would steer to the right

ugh you hate his motorcycle sO bad

“well don’t you hAte public transport when you’re tired and all that???”

yikes you did

it’s true!! you’d call him to pick you up because the bus ride hits harder when you’ve had a long day and u feel every bump in the road possible

“i have a big bike!”

jungkook chimes in and he even raises his hand and that’s when he shuts up when he realizes his mistake

“no one asked mhmm i’m sorry jimin-nim sir hYung-nim”

your eyes widen as it sinks in you that oh my god he mIGHT be as into you as you are with him and that’s so ???? that’s such a heartwarming concept you can’t believe

jungkook has the same big brain moment and he takes your widened eyes as a signal to keep talking

“i have TWO helmets! but uhm one of them is for kooky and he’s a chihuahua, wait i already said that, so that means it’s just a tINY helmet i ordered from amazon but it’s okAy i can wear it!!! b-but i’m not forcing you or anything that i should take you home o-or no offense to mr. jimin-nim sir i am NOT underestimating you or-“

surprisingly, jimin doesn’t hate the idea of you and jungkook

ah he should probably adopt a dog and name them jupiter or sth,,, you and koo look like you’re gonna end up anyways

“okay. just bring her home in one piece.”

he’s oddly calm and that also makes YOU confused

jungkook isn’t confused however because the moment you turn, jimin mouths to him in korean and the rough translation was hurt her and i’ll kill you :D

you nodded your head and that meant he’s iNDEED taking you bome

he starts throwing things in his duffel bag (and he should still be in the gym but jimin jus gave him a free pass) and he’s wordlessly carrying yours too!!

he could feel your fist holding the back of his hoodie and jungkook just feels at peace :’’’)

wearing a ridiculous miniature helmet for dogs on top of his head that won’t do shit is tOTALLY worth it

[currentfandomkick]

Miraculous and the Batboys - Week 3

So i am back(ish) and I bring the Update. Editting is for those with patience and time that i lack. ao3 link HERE

--

A weekend dodging Gina was… eventful. Even moreso when celebrating ‘No More Gabriel Brand’ time was cut short by a barrage of akuma.

All weekend.

Marinette is convinced the man has too much free time.

She would admit (ONLY when no one else was around) that having someone else checking info during battles was nice. Out of the visiting bats, she had come to rank them from least to most irksome: Red Robin (most helpful), Nightwing (helpful), Red Hood (… he was slightly less annoying—he seems to understand she is the leader of the team) then Robin (who can’t get that she knows what she’s doing, AND hurts the minions more than necessary).

Okay, maybe she’s holding a grudge from when they first met (Tikki enjoyed reminding her of that new found habit—grudge holding) but you don’t go around calling a bunch of magic jewelry powered superheroes incompetent before finding out what they’re fighting and how they have to fight!

And yes, this is a hill she will die on.

Chloe and Adrien are in full agreement, well, Queen Bee and Chat Noir are.

“Are you sure we can’t just…” Chat gestured with his eyes to where Robin was perched at the edge, “just a little?”

Marinette didn’t answer him. She turned to Queen Bee. “You need to influence chaton less.”

“Never.”

--

Tim almost collapsed when he saw Marinette on her own. Why?

Because he was Certain that he saw a, a red thing—creature? Poke something out of her purse.

Red was Ladybug’s color. Yep. She’s. Yep—mini Red Robin hard since he’s pretty sure she’s avoiding someone too.

She was too—he knew for a fact she’s avoiding Gina excellently (either hiding at the hotel with Chloe, the teashop or one Adrien Agreste and his… legal cousin but Tim is certain there is something off about that with the Holy Doopleganger Batman! Vibe he got from checking out the pair’s apartment. He now had a fun thing to look into when he’s bored and tired of Hawkmoth Shenanigans).

She’s also… yep. Dodging a bunch of teens he’s certain are her classmates.

And… Damnit demon spawn!

--

Marinette managed to disentangle herself from class parkour (miraculous training as civvies) when she got a text from Damian.

Apparently he wanted to ask how she was handling the whole… Thing with Bustier and Lila.

She wonders if he’s dealt with bullying too, and was looking for advice. She was certain hers was crap, but she did say she’d be around so…

She met up with Damian not too far from the park at a café, nothing fancy, and waited for him to start once they’d placed their orders.

“I know it is a personal matter and not my place to ask, however I would like to know how you have managed to endure the repugnant behavior of our teacher and the harlot.”

Marinette forgot she should think before responding.

“Pretty sure whores and sex workers are paid. She’s more con artist for attention than anything else.”

She missed Damian’s response as the waiter put down their drinks and raised an eyebrow at them.

“Remember the girl that framed me a while back and tried to expel me the first Scarlet Moth round?”

“Ah.” The waiter turned to Damian then. “Don’t insult whore by putting them in with that, well, work and I see my boss so I can’t say what I want again, but we both know what she is, and whores are no where near that level. Politicians, most, whores? No.”

Marinette snorted into her drink as they left.

“And to answer your question, well, I don’t really have a choice.”

Damian narrowed his eyes at that.

Marinette could feel his eyes on her, but couldn’t meet their gaze with this topic. (It still hurt, even though it’s a been years since it began.)

“Lila had everyone charmed or uncertain if she was lying until two weeks ago. Bustier said I had to be a good example and class representative putting that above everything else in my life. Even though everyone knows I’ve been helping run three different businesses on top of handling my program and own business and clientele, and help take care of Fu with a few other small business kids. Nothing could come before the class’s harmony—nothing.”

Marinette took a small bite of her pastry.

“So I saw someone who could force her to listen or have to deal with actively and knowingly violating anti-akuma laws—something she’s only managed to narrowly avoid since, well,” Marinette gestured to herself. “I got tired of constant akumas in class and managed to convince the school board as my last act as class rep to require daily and weekly mental health checks and mitigate potential akuma triggers during weekly checks, daily being more ‘answer these questions honestly’ for stress levels. The system flags major changes, and the students affected see one of the counselors immediately to find ways around what’s bothering them.”

Marinette missed Damian staring at her for that, or how his mouth opened ever so slightly.

“When I stepped down, everyone noticed I wasn’t comfortable alone with Bustier, so it became a rule to stop it whenever they could. The other classes are field specialty and ours is the only one for people doing more than one program or close to.”

Marinette looked up at that with a  smile. “Fashion is my official program, but since I do so much business outside of school, I kept having to take classes to help out early on. I never enrolled in the program officially like Chloe did, but the school has me credited as able to graduate with both programs, so until they can justify opening another multi-program class, I’m not allowed to transfer out of the class and stay in Dupont.”

Her eyes hardened when she said, “And I’m not letting a liar and a Bustier be the reason I left the only school that’s willing to go as far as they have for me program-wise—especially not when I only have a year left.”

Damian nodded at that, deciding he’d have to sic Drake on the harlot either way… perhaps Todd and Gina too. He was feeling spiteful.

--

Marinette decided that when she meets Hawkmoth, she is not only punching him in the face, she is going to do, she doesn’t know exactly what (Tikki has a few ideas that Marinette is certain involve torture) but it will hurt.

Why?

Third akuma on a Sunday. THIRD! What is this man not doing that he was before? She wants to know since whoever freed up his time is on her list now.

Robin was being less annoying (re: tracking the akuma and leaving the minions less battered than usual) while Red Robin was helping the police evacuate affected areas with Nightwing. Somehow Red Hood got it in his head to stick with Chat for “on the job training” her team is trained asshole and she is debating how far she should go when they finish off Hawkmoth for good.

--

Monday was… interesting. The emancipation was approved—Adrien Agreste legally required no legal guardian.

When Gabriel tried to fire Gorilla, well, Adrien pointed out Gorilla had been in Adrien’s employ this whole time as mother hired and paid him from her accounts. Which transferred to Adrien when she was declared dead.

Marinette dreaded the akuma Hawkmoth might cook up using Gabriel. How he wasn’t akumatized again was anyone’s guess.

Class was…

“So last night Damiboo said—“

Marinette put her head on her desk, and decided to raise an eyebrow at a… for some reason ill-looking Damian.

“Is it because you guys share a name?”

Damian blinked.

Adrien turned around then. “Or because someone has commitment issues.”

Marinette squinted at Adrien because… “What?”

Nino sighed. “Adrien is on another MatchMaker spree.”

“ah. Who are the victims?”

“Not touching it dudette, not touching it.”

Marinette snorted. “It’s not like he’s going to match anyone with well,” Marinette gestured at herself.

“Your infamous army.”

“They are not an army.”

“How many ‘relatives’?” Nino used air quotes.

Marinette narrowed her eyes. “Well under a hundred thousand, so not an army.”

“I am counting the fans.”

Marinette scoffed. “They do not count.”

“They do, and I’m pretty sure Adrien’s fan girl army is applicable.”

“Okay, just because they made up titles and help out during akuma evacs does not make them an army—they’d need weapons training, clear chain of command, coded strategies—”

“And the fact you know this only proves my point, you have an army.”

“Who has an army?” Chloe asked as she walked over.

“Marinette.”

“I do not!”

“You do,” Chloe agreed. “Kim!” the boy looked over at that. “Marinette’s ‘family’ is a small army.”

“I, yes?” Kim’s face scrunched up in confusion. “Any one that picked her up had how many knives on them when we were kids?”

Damian turned to her with a suspicious eye.

She blushed. “Nonna’s friends.”

Damian nodded slowly.

Marinette wondered if the earth could just… swallow her up now.

--

The rest of the week was in a similar vein. Constant attacks, the batboys helping, her class being weirdly fixated on her family (they aren’t violent, just… prepared.)

Her gymnastics classes were a godsend, and her instructor was checking up on her more than usual, but that might be her more or less running her own classes and lessons as she worked out her routine, music choice, and requirements for her teammates and partners for her routines on trapeze.

Tim was around more. He got it in his head that she needed “guidance” (and okay, she does) on how to conduct corruption investigations into the whole company’s practices and staff.

Then there was Damian being… distant? She was busy but they weren’t talking as much as they were at first and fine, whatever, she got it. She’s not someone he wants to be around…. It happens.

It just… hurts a little is all.

At least she had Adrien and less secrets there. He was fixated on Damian having “commitment issues” and she thinks he’s trying to set him up with someone (Chloe maybe? Why else would he be this focused…. It’d be interesting explaining she’s pretty sure Chloe like girls better than boys and that Damian isn’t her type. At a later date—she’s too busy to now).

Then she had chores and was called in for a hearing on Bustier which was… interesting…. (her duties weren’t too bad for class president. she wasn’t making lesson plans or anything. The role model and forgiving everyone for hurting her and being told to let Lila walk all over her for years was not okay at all, but any teacher would have said that, right?)

Oh and Gina was now convinced Marinette needed protection and now semi-stalking her (Jason was weirdly close to Jason now and talking to him a lot). So random Grandma Attacks when she wanted to draw in Peace.

Lord Murder was her best stress buddy, and Gina is now well acquainted her. She was also given Gina’s Seal of Approval to take over her house for the purposes of keeping Lord Murder and staying there once her current tenants were out (no seeing it until then… unfortunately. She did get dimensions for cat things though. she may browse a bit obsessively… only a bit.)

--

Tim froze when he ran into Jason with Civilian Chat Noir. And a giant man (Gorilla). At their base. Playing videogames.

“Hey Tim, this is Adrien, Adrien, Tim. Adrien is your mini’s buddy and this is the guy that keeps the harpies away, Gorilla—yes he refuses to tell me his real name—and they’re family now. B can suck it.”

Adrien waved at him before turning back to the game. “I have no idea why he keeps saying that.”

Tim took a deep breath. Apparently adopting strays was just another Bat-thing. “So its nurture, not nature.”

Damian came out, sighed when he saw the group still there, and took a drink into his room while saying. “I did not adopt him.”

Adrien looked back at him then. “You have too many commitment issues to. Don’t worry, though, I’m good at destroying pesky problems like that.”

Tim blinked at that.

Damian sighed as they had this conversation too often now. At school and apparently, his home now. “I am not going to—”

“That’s just your fear talking—we both know that.” Adrien spoke like he was talking to a petulant child. “Why don’t you text your friends and see what they think since I already know the answer and you need more convincing.”

Damian narrowed his eyes. “Jon thinks you are annoying.”

“I’m a delight.” Adrien turned back to his game then.

Jason grinned proudly next to him. A bit too much like a proud parent for Tim’s comfort. (He may also be realizing his keep-his-mini-from-Damian-dating may end up in vain thanks to one Adrien Agreste(?))

--

Dick sent Bruce exactly (1) update: You are a grandpa now—Jason has a blond cat-hero son who can’t dodge.

Bruce may have had a small heart attack as now he has a magic grandson that he never met, apparently controls raw destruction, and is deeply traumatized. (It was the grandpa part that freaked him out—the rest is par for the course as Batman. He’s a Grandpa Alfred—he’s too young for his children to pull a him and adopt tiny traumatized children and train them into (heroes) vigilantes. Alfred stop laughing, he’s being serious!)

-------------

HEY so thanks for patience with the updates as life is Extra Hell now between puppy training when i'm finally home and work being Extra Hell with longer shifts and more to do during.

And before anyone asks about the peacock!marinette thing, look at the two series I have going with Bronywn as those are ongoing as my stress writes.

Any preferences for next update? Open to ideas as my mind is too stressed to do more than work off a prompt of some kind for the time being, and next to none of this story has been planned so far, so ideas are very welcome to keep it moving forward.

--

@worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @littleredrobinhoodlum @northernbluetongue @kceedraws @pirats-pizzacanninibles @theatreandcomicfreak @daminett4life @catthhay @weird-pale-blonde-person @amayakans @chocolatecatstheron @tired-butterfly @multplelifes @yin-390 @area51qt @toodaloo-kangaroo @bzz75 @ilovefluffbutsmutisalsogreat @freshbark @soup-served-chilling @daminett4life @smolplantmum @karategirl119 @goblinwhoships @melicmusicmagic @maribat-is-lifeblood @spartanxhunterx @maribat-is-lifeblood @toodaloo-kangaroo

[soobiniebaby]

Angels &  Devils Part II: Someone Say What’s Going On

Tomorrow x Together Fanfiction

~ p a r t s : main post || prologue || part 1 || part 2 || part 3 || part 4 || part 5 || part 6 || part 7 || part 8 || part 9 || part 10 || part 11 || part 12 || part 13 || part 14 || part 15 || part 16 || part 17 ~ p a i r i n g : love triangle involving choi soobin and choi yeonjun ~ g e n r e : high school au | some social media au | some fluff & angst | childhood friends | love triangle ~ l a n g u a g e : English ~ w a r n i n g : contains swearing, alcohol, kissing (?) and may contain mature themes (angst, etc.) ~ a / n : This will be my first fanfic (go easy on me pls) and i’m just writing this as I go along, so bear with me juseyo The setting (place/country) of the story is up to the reader’s interpretation ~ s u m m a r y : What should she choose? Han Baby: the new girl with a troubled past MO Academy: her new high school Choi Soobin: student council president, member of the Ecosave club, volunteer at the Humane Treatment of Animals, member of the Honor Society, a vocalist in the Jazzed club, the school’s all around golden boy Choi Yeonjun: leader of the Dance club, star of the Jazzed club, the school’s it boy with a bad rep 5 best friends, 1 new girl, 1 childhood friendship, 1 epic love triangle? What will this school year bring?

She had been trying hard to ignore the onslaught of messages from Kai, but the last ones he sent got her laughing quietly to herself. It was her 3rd period of the day, Science, and it was the first and only period on her schedule that she didn’t share with Kai or any of his friends. She wasn’t too nervous though, she knew how to handle herself well in most social situations.

She had her phone hidden under her desk, and she was about to give in and respond to Kai’s messages when she heard someone from her left.

“Pst. Hey.”

She looks up and sees a girl smiling at her. She had shoulder length hair and a confident smile on her face. “Um, sorry if that was rude. You’re the new girl, right?” the girl asks. She nods in response.

“It’s fine, yeah, I guess I’ll be living with that title for a bit. You can call me B, though.” B says, flashing a smile.

“It’s nice to meet you, B. I’m Ryujin.” the girl says. She gestures over to another girl beside her. “This is Yuna.” the other girl, Yuna waves at B. “Hey there.” Yuna had long blonde hair and a bubbly air about her.

B waves back with a smile. “Hey, nice to meet you. How long have you 2 been studying here?”

“We’ve been here since freshman year. It’s a great school, I’m sure you’ll love it here.” Yuna says.

“How’s your first day going so far? Did you get the welcoming committee treatment?” Ryujin asks. “All new students get a short tour on their first day by representatives from the student council.”

B shrugs. “So far so good, yeah I was welcomed this morning before first period. It’s a great campus, I’m happy to be here.” she responds, trying to keep her voice low. The teacher wasn’t paying strict attention to the class since it was only the first day and he was just giving an introduction to their subject for the term.

“So, which of the legendary council members gave you the tour? Was it Beomgyu?” Ryujin mused. “Nah, Beomgyu doesn’t usually like dealing with council stuff. I bet it was Taehyun, he’s always down for official council business.”

“The legendary council members?” B asks, laughing a bit. “Actually, it was the 5 of them. Soobin the president, Taehyun the VP, Yeonjun the secretary, Beomgyu the treasurer, and Kai the public relations officer..” B started trailing off slowly when she noticed the odd looks on Ryujin and Yuna’s faces. “What?”

“So you’re telling me that the entirety of TXT gave you the campus tour?” Ryujin asks.

“TXT?” B asks. There goes that term again.

“Yeah, that’s what everyone calls the 5 members of the student council. They were all there this morning for the tour?”

“Entirety of TXT…yes? But it’s no big deal. Ningni–I mean Kai, is my childhood friend so I asked him to help me sort of get settled into the school since I know he goes here, but I didn’t know he was in the student council and everything? It’s no big deal though.” B says defensively, but she can see by the way Yuna’s eyes widened and Ryujin shook her head that somehow, she was wrong.

“You’re close friends with Kai?” Yuna asks.

B nods. “Yeah, I asked Kai to help me get settled in since I knew he was a student here, so I guess he was just doing me a favor?” she says defensively, but Ryujin just shakes her head again.

“Oh sweetie, you have no idea. Not once in the history of MOA has all 5 members of the legendary student council given a single new student a tour.” Ryujin says.

“Ah well, Kai’s my friend so I guess he was just doing me a favor. Really, I don’t think it’s such a big deal.” B says defensively.

“So how are you close friends with Kai?” Yuna asks, focused on the topic of Kai.

“We were best friends back in elementary school, practically inseparable, until we were finally separated when my family had to move away.” B explains. “Since then, I’ve only seen him a few times each year to catch up when we could, but since I got the chance to transfer schools, I ended up choosing the one he happens to go to now.”

“Oh wow, so you 2 grew up together.” Yuna says. “What was he like when he was younger?”

“Kai? He was gross.” B says, wrinkling her nose. “I mean, we were kids. He was a silly boy, always pulling pranks, always teased me and annoyed the hell out of me, but he was the sweetest boy I knew and the best friend I had.” she says, a fond smile on her face.

“Oh wow, I can only imagine. He sounds like he was an amazing kid. Is there any history between you two? Have you ever…dated?” Yuna asks, an intense look on her face.

Ryujin swats Yuna’s shoulder. “Yuna, come on. Can you please shut up about Kai.” she says teasingly. It was only then when B realized that Yuna probably had a crush on Kai.

“Oh, don’t worry, no romantic history between him and I at all. And there never will be.” B says. “I mean I had a crush on him at first when we were kids, but ew god, I can’t see him as anything other than a brother now.”

Yuna raises a brow. “Oh, you had a crush on him? Are you sure you don’t have any feelings for him now?” she asks. B was amazed at how straightforward this girl was, somehow she admired her for it.

B shakes her head. “Positive. None at all.”

“Well now that that’s been settled,” Ryujin says, wanting to steer the conversation away from Kai, “what do you think of his friends then?”

“You mean the other council members? What about them?” B asks.

“Well, in case you haven’t noticed, they’re practically legends at this school. And with good reason.” Ryujin explains. “MO Academy has never had a group of guys as talented, smart, charismatic, and attractive as them around. Especially not all in one group, and especially not in the student council. They’re legendary.”

Yuna nods. “TXT are like the gods of MOA.”

“What exactly is TXT?” B asks. “The guys mentioned it during the tour, but when I asked them they didn’t really know either.”

“It’s a nickname that people started calling them. I’m actually not sure who started it or what it means exactly, I think it means Tall and Tasty, cause they all are.” Yuna says, laughing. “But I think it means different things to different people, depending on who you ask.”

“Tall and Tasty?” B says, amused. “I mean, they are all practically giants.”

“They’re all pretty tasty, too! I mean, you’ve seen them. You spent the whole morning with them. You should know.” Yuna says teasingly.

“I mean, they’re all pretty friendly and nice.” B says. “But I don’t really know them yet, so I really can’t judge.”

“Well if you must know, they’re all pretty much legendary in their own ways.” Yuna says. “First there’s the youngest member, Kai.”

“I already know about him. I grew up with him.” B says, but Yuna interjects.

“Yes, but do you know what he’s like now?” Yuna begins, “He’s dreamy, he’s charming, he’s cheeky, he’s-”

“Yeah yeah, let’s just say Kai is like the human version of Dopamine.” Ryujin interrupts, wanting to keep it short and straightforward.

Yuna nods. “He’s like a ray of sunshine, he’s energetic and he makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy. Not to mention talented, he’s the president of the Art club, he’s part of the instrumental team for Jazzed, and he’s the student council’s public relations officer, so he’s an all-around friendly person.”

“Wait, he’s part of the instrumental team for what now?” B asks. “I mean, I know he’s musically inclined, but I didn’t know if he was still like practicing it.”

“Jazzed, it’s our music club but there’s a lot more to it than music. They’re like an entire production crew or something, you’ll learn all about it on Club Recruitment Day.” Ryujin says dismissively. “Oh Yuna, you forgot to mention that Kai plays basketball.”

Yuna laughs. “How could I forget? He looks adorable in his jersey. Soobin and Yeonjun don’t look half bad either.”

“Wow, I didn’t know he was into sports.” B says, amused. “Do they all play basketball?”

“Nah, it’s just the 3, but Beomgyu and Taehyun definitely aren’t lacking in the extracurriculars either. They’ve all got different things going for them.”

“Different things?” B asks.

“Yeah, take Taehyun for example. While Kai is bright and energetic, Taehyun shines as well, but in a different way. He’s a scholar, so his grades are always topnotch, and he’s always been in the school’s Honors society. He excels at everything he does, such as singing and dancing. He has the best vocals in Jazzed club. He’s the president of the debate club, leading our school into regional championships since he started. Plus, he’s the student council vice president despite being just a sophomore, and he’s set to take over once Soobin graduates. Kang Taehyun is pretty much perfect, honestly.” Yuna enumerates.

Ryujin smirks. “Pretty much, except he’s just too perfect. No one can match him. He’s too focused on succeeding that he hasn’t really showed interest in dating anyone, or rather no one has succeeded in dating him anyway.”

“What do you mean no one’s succeeded?” B asks.

“Well, he has his fair share of admirers, and don’t get me wrong he’s very nice and charismatic, but it’s like he’s too nice? He’ll never flirt, he’ll never show interest. When girls talk to him, you can just feel that he’s not interested, even though he’s really polite.” Yuna explains. “He’s intense, but really nice. He’s like…a King. King Taehyun.”

“In contrast, Beomgyu is more laidback, less intense.” Ryujin begins. “He’s more into anything that has to do with cameras, like film and photography. He’s the best photographer and videographer on campus. He’s also the editor and chief of the school paper, but he isn’t uptight about how he runs it cause they say he’s more like a supportive mentor than a strict manager, but he’s a big perfectionist so despite his carefree style of handling things, he somehow manages to ensure flawless outputs in everything he does. He may be part of the student council, but he feels more like an average student compared to the rest of them, like he can make anyone feel like they’re his friend.”

Yuna nods. “Mhm, yeah, very well said for someone who used to date him.”

B’s eyes widened. “Wow, you and Beomgyu used to date? When? What happened?” she asks, surprised.

Ryujin chuckles at B’s reaction. “We went out last year while I was a freshman. He was assigned to give me my welcoming committee campus tour and we became friends for a bit before we started going out. It didn’t work out between us, and we only dated for a couple of months, but we’re still on pretty good terms now. No hard feelings or anything” she explains.

“You guys were really cute together.” Yuna says in awe. “I mean, you still are. You’ve still got great chemistry, even as post-break up friends, but you 2 were so sweet together. Remember when he played you that song last Valentine’s Day? That was the most adorable thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

“Oh wow, that sounds like something a girl could only dream of.” B sighs. “Wait, Beomgyu can sing too?”

Yuna nods. “Yes, and he can play the guitar like a pro.” she says dreamily. “If I were Ryujin, I would’ve melted on the spot.”

“I don’t melt. You’re just too much of a softy.” Ryujin scoffs. “And yeah, he’s pretty good at playing the guitar. His voice isn’t bad either. He’s part of the Jazzed club as well. Now that I think about it, all 5 members of the student council are in Jazzed.”

“What, they’re all musically inclined?” B asks, amazed.

Yuna nods. “Kai knows the most about instruments, Taehyun’s vocals are heavenly, Beomgyu plays the guitar like a pro, Soobin composes songs like a genius, and Yeonjun was just born to be the star.”

B nods, taking it all in, until she says, “Wait, Yeonjun? Born to be the star? The star of what?”

“Of, well, everything I guess?” Ryujin answers. “He writes songs and everyone says he can sing though no one’s really heard him sing before. And not only is he musically inclined, he’s the president of the dance club too, and he dances like he was born to do it.”

Yuna nods. “I mean, Kai’s amazing, but when Yeonjun dances, I can’t keep my eyes off of him.” she admits. “Not to mention he’s the captain of the basketball team. He dominates the court every time. You’d think Kai or Soobin would do better cause of their height, but Yeonjun’s got skills.”

“Yeonjun sounds amazing.” B says in awe. These boys were starting to sound more legendary by the minute.

Ryujin scoffs. “I mean, he’s great and all, but he’s…complicated.”

B raises a brow. “Complicated? How?”

“Well let’s just say that he’s got a lot of history, with a lot of people.” Yuna begins. “He’s hot and cold, one minute he’s on fire and the next he’s the ice king. First he’ll treat you like you’re the sun and the stars in his world then out of nowhere he becomes this black hole and you’re gone. Just like that.” She snaps her fingers. “I mean, I haven’t had any firsthand experience with him, but our friend Yeji was obsessed with him last year. They only went out a couple of times, but she was crushed.”

Ryujin shook her head with pity. “And despite his record, girls still fall at his feet. Every girl wants to believe that they can be ‘the one,’ I guess.”

“Oh god, no thanks. I was never into bad boys, anyway.” B says, laughing.

“No, don’t get us wrong, he’s not a bad boy. He’s actually a really nice, cool guy. He’s just complicated, is all.” Yuna clarifies.

Ryujin nods “And it’s not just his dating history that’s complicated. That guy’s life hasn’t been very easy on him, either. He even got suspended last year, so it’s a miracle that they let him in the student council again this year.”

B’s interest was immediately heightened. She’d been curious about it ever since Beomgyu let it slip during the tour. “He was suspended last year? What for?” she asks casually.

Yuna shrugs. “That’s the thing, no one really knows. No one ever mentions it out loud. He suddenly stopped coming into school in the middle of our final term. It was weird cause at the time he was already the student council secretary, and although his father pulls him out of school on some days, he was already set to graduate. It was supposed to be his final term at the school, but he just stopped coming to school altogether. And no one really knew why, the council members and everyone on the school board kept very hush about it, as if he never existed. Everyone assumed that his father had finally enlisted him to take over the family business, or that he had suddenly moved away or something, so it was a shock to everyone when his named appeared on the list of student council members again this year.” She explains. “I mean, sure he has to repeat his senior year and everything, but its’s a bit of a surprise that he’s still on the council despite getting suspended during his supposedly final term.”

“That does sound very strange.” B says. Hearing more about it only filled her head with more questions. She also felt sorry for him, as she remembered how bad her last term at her last school was for her as well. “Oh, you mentioned something about his father and the family business? What’s that about?”

“Oh, his father is the CEO of YJ Choi Corporation. His family owns it.�� Ryujin pipes in. “You may think that all the students at this school are pretty rich, apart from the handful of scholars of course, but his family is filthy rich. Loaded. And he’s next in line as CEO, so his father sometimes pulls him out of school to do business stuff.”

B lets out a breath. “Oh wow. He does sound complicated.” she says, taking in all the new information. “He sounds very different from how you described the other boys.”

“Well, let’s just say they’re a very diverse group of boys with a very interesting group dynamic.” Ryujin says, chuckling.

“Oh, we haven’t even mentioned Mr. President, Choi Soobin himself.” Yuna squeals. “Now, he’s just absolutely–” she began, but was interrupted when the bell rang.

“Alright students, hope our first day of class was productive for you. I have clearly outlined our syllabus for the term, so I expect some reading to be done in advance. Biology is fun! See you all tomorrow.” their teacher says as he dismisses the class.

“Class is over already? Wow, the period just flew by. Is it really lunch time already?” Ryujin asks.

B shrugs and checks her phone for the time. Only then does she see the number of texts from Kai.

“Hey B, you wanna have lunch with us? We haven’t even mentioned Soobin yet! I’m sure our other friends wouldn’t mind having you with us either.” Yuna asks her excitedly.

“Actually, Kai and his friends already offered to have lunch with me. He’s actually waiting for me outside.” B says apologetically.

Yuna’s eyes widen. “Oh my god, he’s outside our room?? Right now?” she squeals. “Can I walk you out of the room? Maybe you can introduce us.” Yuna asks, her eyes sparkling.

B laughs. “Yeah, sure, let’s go.” she says, collecting her things. As she walks out the door with Ryujin and Yuna by her side, she sees Kai standing across the hall, leaning against some lockers. He stands up straight as he sees the girls walk out.

“Baba! Why weren’t you answering my texts?” he asks, pouting a bit.

“Sorry, I got caught up in something with my seatmates.” she says, laughing. “Ningning, these are my seatmates, Yuna,” she says, gesturing to Yuna, who gives Kai a bright smile and a friendly wave which Kai reciprocates, “and this is–”

“Ryujin! Hey.” Kai says, surprised. “Haven’t seen you around in a while.” he says a bit awkwardly.

B was about to ask him how he knew her, until she remembered her history with Beomgyu.

“Right back at ya.” Ryujin says, laughing slightly. “Well, Yuna and I have to go meet up with the girls. Say hi to Gyu for me.” she says, tugging at Yuna’s arm and giving B a smile before heading down the hall.

B turns to face Kai, her eyebrow raised. “I think you have a lot of explaining to do.” she says.

“What do you mean?” Kai asks, laughing nervously.

“I’ll fill you in on the way to lunch. Let’s go.” B says, hooking Kai’s arm with hers as she starts to walk down the hall.

“Um, Baba?” Kai says, trying to pull B in his direction. “Lunch is this way.” he says.

B lets out a huff, turns around, and pulls Kai in the other direction. “Okay, so here’s what I know so far…”

•°•

“So is it true?” B asks after relaying everything to Kai.

“Is what true?” he asks, his arm still hooked in hers as he leads her past the quadrangle and into the grassy school grounds.

“Um, everything? Beomgyu and Ryujin’s history, Taehyun being a scholar, Yeonjun being suspended last year?” she says in return. “Plus, where the hell are we going? Wasn’t the cafeteria the other way?”

Kai smiles. “Yeah, I guess you can say there’s some truth to it all. And yeah, I know where the cafeteria is, but that’s not where we’re going.”

“Just some truth? What do you mean?” she asks. “And if we’re not going to the cafeteria, then where are we going?” she asks again, exasperated. She hated walking, and it felt like they’ve been walking for an hour even though it had only been 5 minutes.

Kai abruptly stops walking then, startling B as she walks into his chest. “Oof, what–” she starts, but Kai looks at her intently then, which shut her up. She hadn’t seen him look this serious since they were kids.

“Look, people talk. Everyone has a lot of things to say, you will hear many things about me and everyone else in the council. Some of these things may be true, but some of them might be complete bullshit. I’ll tell you everything you need to know later, but right now, I need you to set your curiosity aside and just enjoy having lunch with us.” he says softly. “I know you’re curious, I know how stubborn you can be, I know you’re probably dying to know everything. Trust me, I know you.” he says, laughing a bit when she pouted at him. “But right now I just need you to behave, enjoy my company, and try not to act like a lunatic. Can you do that for me?”

B nods. “You know I would never embarrass you, if that’s what you mean.” she huffs. “I promise to keep my mouth shut in front of your friends” she says. “Now will you tell me where the hell we’re having lunch?”

Kai grins. “Thanks, Baba. You’re the best.” he squeezes her cheek. “No need to tell you, we’re almost there.” he says, leading her a few more steps forward until they finally reach a gazebo draped with different kinds of flowers, and inside was a round table made of marble with a round bench built in along its walls. And on the bench sat the 4 other members of the student council, their packed lunches spread out across the round table, looking like something out of an anime.

B raised a brow at Kai as they approached the gazebo. “A garden gazebo is your lunch spot? Are you kidding me? What kind of students are you?” Kai just laughs in response. “Do you guys eat lunch here everyday?”

“Why don’t you ask them?” Kai says, before waving a hand in the air and yelling “Hey guys, we’re here!”

4 heads turn towards them then, and they all smile as they see Kai and B approaching.

“Took you guys long enough. Come sit with us.” Taehyun says, motioning them over.

“Where do you wanna sit, Baba?” Kai asks as they enter the gazebo. “Wanna sit next to me?”

“Come on, she’s probably sick of you by now, Hyuka.” Beomgyu scoffs jokingly, while the other boys snicker. “You can sit wherever you want, B.” he says.

B assessed the situation. It was a round table, so there weren’t really any sides to choose from. The one closest to the entrance of the gazebo was Yeonjun, and he seemed to be busy as he kept alternating between using his phone and leaving it on the table. Beomgyu and Taehyun were beside each other, and their food was already half eaten so she could tell that they had already settled in. Next was Soobin, who had his lunch box on the table still unpacked, he had both hands atop the table as if he were waiting for everyone to arrive before getting started on his lunch. Out of the 4 boys seated, B figured it would be safest to sit next to Soobin.

“Alright then, I think I’ll sit next to Mr. President himself.” B says, making her way around the table towards where Soobin was seated. “Do you mind?” she asks with a sweet smile on her face.

He smiles brightly as he says, “Not at all, this spot is all yours.” He pats on the space next to him. She thanks him as she sets her things down and takes a seat.

Kai follows suit and occupies the space next to her. “Good call, Baba. I usually sit next to Soobin anyway. Yeonjun’s always too busy to talk, while Gyu and Taehyun start eating right away.” he says, laying his lunch on the table.

Beomgyu snorts. “It’s only cause you all take your sweet ass time getting here, my stomach waits for no one.”

Taehyun, surprisingly, nods in agreement. “Time is important, and we only have an hour to eat and rest, so I’d like to maximize the free time I have.” he says matter-of-factly. “Unless you’d prefer that we wait for you to get here before we begin?”

It took B a moment before she realized that Taehyun was talking to her, Kai had to nudge her leg under the table before she straightened up, swallowed her food, and gave Taehyun a bright smile. “No, you guys don’t have to worry about me, thanks. Sorry, my mouth was full.” she replied sheepishly.

Taehyun smiled back warmly, and damn it, he did look somehow regal as he did. “Thanks, we’ll keep that in mind. No worries.” he said.

“So how’s your first day at MOA so far, B?” Soobin asks politely as he begins to eat as well.

Just as B swallows her food and opens her mouth to answer Soobin’s question, she stops when the sound of a cellphone ringing loudly pierces through the gazebo.

“Yeonjun, why isn’t your phone on silent mode? Lunch break still counts as school hours, you kno–” Taehyun begins, but he stops when he sees the tense look on Yeonjun’s face. “Oh.” he says quietly. The rest of the boys fall silent too.

Yeonjun purses his lips together and stands up to leave before answering his phone. He steps out of the gazebo as he says “Hello?”

“So…” Beomgyu begins, breaking the silence. “B? How’s your first day so far?”

She plasters on a smile, trying to tune out Yeonjun as he spoke on the phone a few steps away from the gazebo. “So far, so good. I thought my science class would be lonely, but I was able to get along with my seatmates, so it wasn’t too bad.”

“…it’s my first day back, and already you pull shit like this?” B heard Yeonjun say, as much as she tried not to listen.

“Oh right, none of us have 3rd period with you.” Soobin says. “Good to know you got along with some classmates though.”

“…do you seriously think it’s a good idea for me to skip class on my first day back…”

“Seatmates, huh? Who are they? Anyone we know?” Beomgyu asks curiously.

Taehyun comments “I doubt it would be anyone you know since she takes Sophomore Science and you’re a batch higher than her class.”

“…I’m still on probation from last term, so I honestly don’t think this is the best…”

“Oh actually,” B begins, until she feels Kai kick her shin under the table. She does her best to suppress any expression of pain and annoyance as she looks at Kai, who was giving her a warning smile. She smiled at him with the same energy as she continued, “actually, it was just a couple of girls in my grade. They were really nice, very good company, so they actually made third period enjoyable for me.”

“…please, I don’t want to go…”

“Well I bet your next period will be more enjoyable, since you’ll be sharing it with me.” Beomgyu says, wiggling his brows at her, which caused her to laugh and Kai to scoff.

“Please, I bet it’ll be a snore.” Kai says. “It is French class, after all.”

“…I’m at the gazebo.” Yeonjun says as he finishes the call and makes his way back into the gazebo.

“Yes, it’s French class, but French class with me is better than just plain French class, you know what I’m saying?” Beomgyu says, trying to keep the atmosphere light as Yeonjun sits back down.

All the boys look at him with concern, and there’s a moment of silence as they all seem to be waiting for him to speak.

Yeonjun runs his hand through his blue hair, clearly frustrated. “So, apparently, I’m being pulled out of classes this afternoon.” he says. “My dearest father sends his regards.” he adds bitterly.

“Already? But it’s just your first day back.” Soobin says with a hint of concern. “You feeling okay?”

Yeonjun nods. “Yeah, it just sucks I guess.” he sighs. “Sorry you had to see that, by the way.” he apologizes to B. “But as you can see, my dad is a bit of a dick and wants me to skip afternoon classes on my first day back.”

B nods, accepting his apology. “Trust me, I know how shitty parents can be.” she says sympathetically. “I’ve never known any parent who actually wants their child to skip classes, though. Can he do that?” she asks.

The blue-haired boy laughs as he says “Trust me, my father is unlike any parent you know.” he says, as he starts to collect his things. “And trust me, he can do anything.”

“Looks like your chariot awaits.” Kai says, as a black sedan with blacked out windows pulls up close to the gazebo.

Yeonjun sighs as he stands up and slings his bag over his shoulder. “See you later, alligators.” he says, giving the boys a salute.

“Come back soon, crocodile.” the 4 boys respond, giving him salutes back. A man dressed in a black suit steps out of the car and opens the door, waiting for Yeonjun to come inside.

As Yeonjun steps out of the gazebo, he pauses, looks back and says “Later, Baby.” as he flashes a smile her way before continuing on and getting into the car.

There’s silence as everyone watches the car drive away.

“Okay, I hope you guys don’t mind me asking, but I think that warrants some sort of explanation.” B says, breaking the silence. The other boys look at her then, and she could tell by the looks on their faces that they knew she was right, but that they were hesitant to tell her anything. She felt Kai squeeze her hand under the table. She looks at him, and he gives her a small nod, and she takes it as a go signal to ask,

“So, what was that all about?”

[alchemist-shizun]

5 times Logan saved the day + 1 in which ... well that could’ve gone worse!

General taglist: @whizzie72 @sapphire-knight @burningpersonflapsuitcase @softanxiouspatton @royallyanxious

Word Count: 2,716

Characters: Logan, Roman, Deceit, Virgil, Remus and Patton

Pairing(s): Logicality

Warning(s): Misgendering, crying, implied aphobia

Summary: People could say Logan was excellent at saving people in extremis. When it came to him in particular, though … what could he say. He gay panicked.

A/N: Am I not just great at summaries? I had yet to do one of this type of fics so here goes nothing. I also took the opportunity to expand the lgbtq+ rep I have in my writings, hope you don't mind! Idea originated from this post, then @pistachio-lan inspired me so yeah thank you bud you're cool. Pardon me if some scenes are too short and other much longer I can't control my creative flow anymore-- I hope you all enjoy!

1- In which Logan saves Roman's day

Entering class with the widest smile any human muscle could ever bear, Roman practically bounced towards his seat.

A group of students immediately surrounded him, few were the times where one expressed such profound happiness first thing in the morning.

Logan eyed him from his desk right next to Roman's.

People started gathering and asking what was up with him, pushing the boy, who couldn't stop smiling, to confess the reason of such joy.

« I just had the most wonderful time last night. »

Multiple voices overlapped at that, with classmates asking for details, clarifications … who it was.

Only that, Roman had forgotten for a moment that literally none of them knew the only person he could have had a date with was a boy.

That was Logan's cue to act.

« You guys are aware we had to do a quick research for today, right? »

A chaos of “what?” and similar shocked expressions ensued, driving the attention away from Roman.

« The teacher said he was going to ask what we found out about the most recent discovery on Mars. »

« Oh, you've got to be kidding me. » that one kid that, for some reason, was always ahead of the program, hit their head against the backpack they had laid on the surface of the desk. « I literally spent the whole afternoon yesterday looking stuff up and I left it all at home! »

The situation could only worsen, people frantically ran around the room with some friends, competing at who found information first.

The hint of an amused smile crossed Logan's lips.

« You just made that up. » he heard Roman go, who had noticed his behavior.

« Isn't it lovely to watch the whole class go wild with dismay? »

Roman snorted and absorbed their classmates' despair. « You're a mean one, Lo. » he kept looking ahead of himself. « But thank you. »

Neither of their smiles faltered.

2. In which Logan rescues Deceit from a probably very uncomfortable explanation.

Nights out with friends often meant the weirdest stuff was about to happen. The one time they had started to jokingly call one of their group “Deceit” was definitely one of their top moments.

But, especially, the most delirious ones happened when they threw ridiculous YouTube videos or vines in the lot.

« Look at this. » Logan and Deceit leaned on the table towards their two friends. It was an extract from a song Bo Burnham had released years prior.

And, well, when certain comments come to you naturally … there's no way to stop yourself before the deed is done.

« Oh, that's me. » Deceit had said. Or, actually, Deceit had said right upon hearing the lyric “half-boy”.

Promptly forgetting for a single instant his other two friends had no clue of him being a demi-boy.

Not even the hint of a single trait of confusion could paint their friends' faces when Logan intervened.

« I've actually seen one of his shows in person in the past. »

« Oh my goodness, you have? » wide eyes stared at him with deep interest.

As the three engaged a conversation on the comedy skills of the man, Deceit was able to steady his heartbeat and take some deep breaths to release the anxiety that had taken over his chest.

He caught Logan's eyes when the waiter had arrived with their orders; he raised a hand and pressed his fingers to his chin, then moved them slightly outward in Logan's direction.

Thank you.

Logan gave a small nod and, just like that, everything went back to the regular outing.

3- In which Logan is Virgil's coolest cousin.

To say Virgil despised having guests over for the night was an understatement. He was obliged to tidy up his generally messy but comfortable room when all he ever wanted was to sleep for eternity as soon as he touched his pillow.

And, of course, there was always something out of place that his little cousin pointed out. Not that he had allowed her to follow him when he had excused himself upstairs.

He heard Logan's voice echo « Miranda! » around the steps.

The door to Virgil's room opened and Miranda was already jumping on his bed.

« Viv! Your bed sheets are so fluffy! »

Virgil forced himself to smile. “She doesn't know.” he repeated in his mind. “It's just a nickname.”

« Miranda, didn't you hear your parents telling you to stay down? » Logan's reprimanding tone made the kid giggle.

« Maybe. » the two older cousins shared a playful eye roll.

« Come on. » Logan held his hand out towards her.

« But I want to stay in her room to see what she does! »

She doesn't know.

« Have you ever heard of privacy? »

« Nope. » Miranda laughed.

Then she noticed something and her eyes grew with curiosity.

« What's that? »

Virgil's eys followed her gaze and fell upon his binder. Of course, out of all things, she had to notice that.

He went to open his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. What could he make up this time? Whatever he told her, she would have wanted to try it on at all costs.

Were he to say the truth, though ... she'd have probably gone to their relatives talking about how he had a weird piece of clothing and that could only end badly.

« Oh, that must be part of your future cosplay? »

Virgil snapped his head back up only to be met with Logan's quick wink.

Keep it up.

« Oh, yeah. I have to sew some things on. »

Miranda gasped in amazement and clapped her hands together. « Can I try it? »

Damn.

« I'm afraid you should have your cousin's exact size. If not, that particular material would be damaged in the ending result. » did he keep lying only to protect him?

The kid whined but dropped the disappointment right away. « What's the name of the character? »

« Virgil. »

« Who is he? »

« Well, just ... » Virgil narrowed his eyes, looking for the best explanation. « Just a boy. »

« Why him? » Miranda was in that brilliant age where everything needed to be questioned.

Logan checked with a side glance to see if his cousin needed assistance. Instead, he found him smiling to himself.

« It makes me happy. »

The little girl seemed pleased enough with that answer. « Then can I cosplay with you one day? Carnival is near! »

« Of course, I can make whichever costume you prefer. »

She squealed in joy and threw her arms around him, squeezing him tightly.

Then, she started running off towards the stairs. And she said it.

« Thank you, Virgil! » giggling was heard, but, apart from that, complete nothingness.

Until Virgil dropped on the edge of the bed with his hands covering his face, a slight tremble could be seen shaking his body.

Logan was immediately by his side, offering one of his rare hugs that Virgil gladly accepted.

It felt so nice. Achieving a goal prematurely but ultimately feeling the satisfaction melt away with the knowledge that he was never going to experience that ever again.

What an utopic illusion.

« It's fine. You're okay. » Logan tried, as his cousin's body shook with every sob he failed to repress.

« I'm sorry. »

« Don't be. »

Virgil let go of him as he started wiping his cheeks clear of fresh tears of fear and frustration.

When he looked at the other again, there was a hint of a smile dancing on his lips. « You're the best cousin. »

Logan returned it. « Always glad to be of help. »

4- In which Logan prevents Remus from carving his eyes out out of annoyance.

The blissful rest lunch-break gave after hours of mostly a quiet balance between interest and boredom was the most important reward as noon approached.

That wasn't exactly the case all the time.

Logan and Remus were sitting with two of their classmates who just so happened to have lab afterwards with both of them.

It wasn't like the they were particularly irritating people, on the contrary they radiated a calm energy most of the times.

That one day, though. It seemed something had happened in one of their lives and they needed all the time in the world to get every single detail out. They involved every one of them in the conversation and everything would have been fine if they had stopped at simply asking opinions on the matter.

« C'mon Remus, how about you? »

« What? »

« You never talk about this stuff. » one of the two leaned forward. « Spill the beans. There has to be someone you like. »

Remus smiled falsely. Oh, he was so done. They had gone the last fifteen minutes trying to get out of him information that he didn't have.

« Of course! You if you stuffed your mouth with trash bags and finally stopped talking. »

« Aw, stop being weird and evading the question. »

Logan eyed the one who had just spoken.

« I am not, I just don't care. »  Also, since I'm aromantic, I'd really appreciate if you stopped before I prohibit your breathing.

« Everybody gets crushes! »

And I'm about to crush your face.

Remus's hands started fidgeting out of stress under the table, which Logan noticed.

He was about to snap.

« I do. »

The two lab partners' eyes widened and focused on Logan all at once.

« You what now? »

Remus's face was painted with a confused expression: he knew his friend would never open up about himself to acquaintances, let alone about his feelings.

It was what happened after that made him understand.

The other two completely concentrated their attention on Logan, started asking questions about the boy he had been referring to, trying to guess who his crush was almost as if it was a game or anything of their business.

It … did feel kind of sad.

As Remus was able to catch his glance for a sole moment, he wore the “you didn't have to do that” expression.

All he saw was Logan shrugging in a “it doesn't matter” way and carrying on with subjecting himself to the pain of their classmates.

He made a mental note to remind him how grateful he was for that funky little nerd's existence.

5- In which Logan is the Patton protector.

Having friends living nearby school sometimes meant hang out invitations. Also, it often times meant free food which was everything that was good in the whole planet.

Logan had internally beamed as Patton had come back to the living room asking him to stay for dinner, while he had pretended not to hear a faint “Would you like to stay forever?” coming from his little sister.

He had tried not to agree right on the spot, but it was difficult to hesitate when being asked to spend even more time than intended with one of his favorite people.

That was how the two of them were now sitting with Patton's lovable family, discussing unimportant things and just all around enjoying their time.

Logan loved being around them, it was a delightful break from the coldness in his own home, he could get along with all the components just fine.

There was a television behind Patton's parents; they hadn't been exactly listening to the news, but it seemed a broadcast about the recent Pride parade in town was being held.

« Oh look! » Patton pointed to the screen with a toothy smile as a pan flag flashed across the TV.

He froze while his parents' expression grew perplexed the more they paid attention to the news.

« You really need to get rid of this habit you have of getting excited when you see dogs. » Logan started, adjusting his glasses as Patton and his parents turned to him.

« Why? » Patton's confused tone was half-real.

« You almost startled me simply because there was a dog on television. »

That was when he understood. « It was an adorable husky, Logan! »

Laughter started to fill the room and the previous disorientation was soon forgotten.

As his guest stood up to get more food, Patton heard a whisper being stealthily delivered to his ear.

« Be careful. »

He couldn't help but smile to himself. Logan was always on the lookout for others and it was a quality that almost came natural to him.

And he needed to thank him for that properly.

6- In which Logan forgets to stop himself.

An echo of “thank you”s rained down on Logan yet again as he and Patton stepped out on the garden of Patton's home.

This time, though, there was none to prevent him from potentially ruining his relationship with his interlocutor. And, ultimately, even everyone else around him.

As his cousin was used to believe the worst outcomes to happen, it did actually affect him at times. But, in that moment, he had gone completely blank and forgot to steady his impulse control.

« I'd do anything for you. » was what aimed fire.

He had meant to only think that.

Yet, he didn't find heartbreak and misery.

Instead, he watched as Patton's expression softened even more. Patton got a few steps closer, so that only Logan could hear his murmur.

« I feel the same. »

Logan's eyebrows arched slightly. Happiness quickly gave way to a clenching feeling in his chest.

« No, wait. » he responded, looking down and then back up. « I don't think that's a good idea. »

Patton's eyes narrowed for a moment. « For me to like you? » that was absurd and maybe his tone was a bit hurt.

Why would he say something like that?

« Lo, you're a wonderful person, and- »

« No- I mean, it's not that. » Logan gesticulated, trying to find the best explanation without actually telling anything.

« Logan, you know whatever you'll tell me, all the good things I think of you won't change. »

The boy took a deep breath, some of the weight relieved already.

« I am asexual. » he looked away immediately. « And I know plenty of people despise that and say it's not real, so if you don't- »

« I think that's wonderful. » when Logan met Patton's gaze, he found one of those smiles Patton only dedicated to him. « And I don't see why I shouldn't like that about you, too. »

A smile slipped on Logan's face, the dreadful feeling leaving space for relief. « Now you're just making it too difficult with your unconditional love. »

Patton let out a quiet snicker. « Well then, » his tone grew bolder. « We could talk this over dinner sometimes soon if you'd like? » he had clapped his hands together, looking up at Logan with a twinkle of hope in his eyes.

« That was too sly for me to refuse. »

« As if you weren't happy I just asked you out! »

All Logan could do was, of course, groan at how flustered that line made him. « I'll concede that to you. »

As the time to part drew nearer, Patton took two steps back, thoughtful.

« Are you okay with hugs right now? »

Despite having told his friends years prior of how he had never fancied physical touch that much, he was always grateful whenever they posed that question.

« I am. »

« Alright. » Patton stepped closer again and wrapped his arms around Logan's neck, who returned the hug rather quickly as he heard a quiet “thank you” being whispered to his ear.

Then, the shorter boy stepped away, but kept his hands on Logan's shoulders.

« You're my hero. »

With that, Patton was gone.

And Logan was left astonished in the middle of a summer's night.

[sharpen-jadescythe]

Trick or Tease: Sharpen’s Emcee Script

LOL Sharpen hosted the Succulent Tart Trick or Tease Hallow’s End event, and he did it as the personal trainer from hell! (Here he is creeping up on the smiling Captain Azeroth in the pic below.) For those of you who missed it, run 80 laps around Shadowfang Keep! And then... enjoy.

/say “Woo! I am pumped! Welcome to our annual Hallow’s End show and party—Trick or Tease!” ((Show music is here: tinyurl.com/tartdiscord . And I’d like to remind you all to please keep your chat to short emotes or whispers only. We wanna be able to read what our performers are saying!))

/bow

-play https://youtu.be/_eU12nuBYdE

/say “Happy Hallow’s End, my dudes. I’m not only your emcee for the evening, I happen to be a very good personal trainer. Some call me… The Sharpenator: Personal Trainer From Hell ™!!!!”

/flex

/say “You don’t believe me? I also train animals. Look here—I turned a little chump like this one into a terrifying bacon-making machine. Come on out here Hogzilla and prove to the people I mean what I say! One hundred laps around Shadowfang Keep!”

**summon Hogzilla, use beastial wrath, use eyes of the beast to have him run around the audience.

/say “Hrm. Those were only little piggy-sized laps. Oh well, you get the idea.”

/say “So with that in mind, right now. RIGHT NOW. We are going to get all of you guys whipped into shape! There is an exercise we can all do. And we’re gonna do it all night long because it’s going to make our forearms stronger, get you into the spooky spirit, get that blood pumping. PUMPING! Pump, dammit.” *he clenches his teeth* “When I say clap on the count of three, I want everyone to do it. Ready?”

/say “3... 2… 1… Clap!” *Sharpen pumps a fist in the air.* “I can’t hear you! Louder! Clap for your first performance and I mean it! Or there will be PAIN!”

/clap

/yell “WOO! Now that’s some clappin!”

**Sharpen hops up and down a lot

-stop

/say “Now then! Everyone settle down, well done. We’ll be doing like 80 reps of that later, don’t worry.”

Star

/say “Listen up! Our first performance of the evening is in…” *Sharpen claps with emphasis each time* “…Perfect! Burlesque! Form! Let’s give it up for the illustrious Star. Please be warned, we do have some strong language with this performance. Come on out here Star, and shine, honey!”

-play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35pJPrpEWsI

Dicenne

/say “Excellent work, Star!”

/clap

/say “Wow! YEAAAAAUGH! Do you guys feel pumped? Now, I’m here to keep you fit and keep you safe while you’re having a spooky time, so for this second performance, we do have a fire trigger and (fake) blood warning.”

/say “Another thing about our next performer? He is not only athletic to a fault, he’s got some serious HOT BOY magic! Please, let’s welcome none other than the sparkling -and sparking- Dicenne to the stage! Work it ouuuuuut!”

/clap

-play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8QNTsOJ1kc

Jiroki and Caythaes

/say “Give it up for Dicenne! I think he worked up a pretty good sweat, there.”

-play https://youtu.be/_eU12nuBYdE

/say “Alright you guys, we’ve made it this far. We’re doing good, but I wanna do something about those ghastly glute muscles out there.” *Sharpen shudders, just thinking about yummy, doughy bottoms*

/say “Alright! Right now, while in your seats, the Sharpenator needs you guys to do some butt crunches. Now if you do these exactly right, I shouldn’t be able to see or hear anything. Practically nothing will change. Just sit on your butts really hard alright? On the count of three. 3…2…1! SIT!”

/say “You’re doing it! You’re doing so well, keep sitting, another moment or two, I know this feels strange, but I will also hurt you SO GOOD if you fail! You can do it. YEAAAAUGH!! And, done! How does that feel? Does your butt feel any stronger?”

/clap

-stop

/say “Good work. Listen up, people! Our next performer tonight has some fantastic tricks they'd like to show you! They're very talented and love the attention, but I heard they’ve been feeling like they're being watched lately? Now that’s spooky... Anyway, round of applause!”

-play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irZc7ieVp70

Kávo

/say “Jiroki and Caythaes! Excellent work out there. Someone, get them both hydrated! I think I brought some GNOMEADE…” *Sharpen finds it and tosses them each two rusting, sparking cans of the glowing orange sports drink. Well, that looks none too safe!*

**put on the brewfest back pack thing and toss some drinks to Jiroki and Caythaes.

/say “Who else needs some hydration? DRINK UP, dammit!” *Sharpen throws some more dangerous, sparking, and leaking Gnomish projectiles into the audience* “Drink! Your! Friggin’ fluids! Arrrgh!!”

**toss out some more drinks to random audience members

/cheer

/say ((While you recover form that, a quick OOC announcement: We usually have a December show for the holiday. We’re not sure if timing will work out this year due to the expansion release. But please stick around in our discord after the show and we’ll keep you posted on that and other fun Succulent Tart events!))

/clap

/say “Okay, focus up, team! We can deal with any serious head injuries after the show. Or you know what, better yet? Just walk it off, don’t come crying to me.” *Sharpen rolls his eyes*

/say “Next up is a really talented guy who’s impossible to beat when it comes to those hunky vocals! Can I get a really good round of athletic clapping for Kávo!”

-play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTYc_9QM7os

Bella

/say “I apologize for any of my himbo technical difficulties.”

/say “And now for the boo! tiful Bella. Once again, as your personal trainer, I want to spot you on this one, keep you safe. We do have a fire trigger warning for this next performance. So, please scooch back from the flames, unless you’ve got special magic or something. My favorite kind is… hot girl magic. Alright! Welcome to the stage, Bella!”

-play https://youtu.be/6zckQ5kxXkM

Sabbac

/say “I’d like to announce that we’re also recruiting. See Captain Azeroth after the show for more info on that. He’ll be easy to spot, he’s the other insanely good-looking man here, other than myself.”

/say “Woo! Now for a really scary lovely lady who also makes my heart race faster than dead-weight push-ups down in Stonedark Grotto Gym, in front of Navarogg himself! Sabbac! And guys, please watch out for fire, blood, a little body horror and knives… She’s uh, very sharp.” 

-play https://youtu.be/5foQanhdArA

Saeil (welcome back to the Tarts stage!)

/say “Next up is someone we haven’t seen on the Tarts stage in some time and I am very excited to see them come back with a…” *Sharpen punches the air and weaves around* “One! Two! Knockout performance! I hear that he stays in crazy shape with everyone’s favorite sport… saeiling. Give me some healthy applause for Saeil! Watch out for those flames!”

-play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TqhGxfAwqI

Pheonix (our finale)

/say “Alright everyone! You feeling good? You feeling the burn? Aww, you’re alright! Because, we’ve arrived at our amazing finale performance!”

/say ((Before I bring out our last performer, remember—we have a raffle (WrA only) for you to win art or game time, and we even have our Rave in the Grave after party! To purchase tickets, you can see (Alliance) me or Zarcisel (Horde). Raffle winners will be announced during the party, and you have to be present to win. So stick around here and in our Discord too!))

/say “Up next is our very own Pheonix, who once joked she is ‘as chaotic as Hallow’s End itself!’ I’m not sure about that, but she really is a hellraiser. Please give it up fooooor *his voice dips sultry* fiery Phe.

-play https://youtu.be/ovk8R4qgoGU

[deebormzone]

Return of Blog

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything on here. Just for fun, here’s a snapshot of the video games I’ve been playing recently.

Smash Bros.

Remember my old prediction for Fighter Pass 2? Well, I’m already wrong.

That’s okay, though! Min Min is pretty good. I do prefer third-party characters for the wow factor, but Arms didn’t have a rep yet, so this is kind of like adding a new franchise.

Special mention to the Vault Boy costume. Despite everything, I still love Fallout.

Still, I might have underestimated how many first-party characters would be in the second pass. This time around, I’m buying them individually, so I can dodge lamers like Pokemon and New Paper Mario.

The punchline here is that I’m not actually playing the game, because if I fight someone I know, I only win, and if I fight online, I only lose. Neither is fun and life is suffering.

World of Warcraft

These being Covid Times, I thought it would be a good idea to use videogame to provide some social interaction, so I re-subscribed and made ten new characters. The following two months were spent grinding. I stopped once I realized that the game is not actually fun, and cancelled my subscription again.

Note: No social interaction occurred in-game during this time. I anticipate paying sixty dollars plus tax for the expansion.

Evil Genius

I guess this has been my main game lately! Out of nowhere, it’s an old PC game from 2004.

The concept is: A James Bond film, but you are the antagonist. Hollow out a mountain and build an evil underground lair. Recruit minions and execute them when they disappoint you. Embark on evil missions around the globe to increase notoriety. It’s all very silly, and the theme is excellent.

Unfortunately there are a few racial caricatures. Most prominently: my favorite playable genius Shen Yu. It hurts a little whenever he says “this is vitar to my pran”, but his ability helps keep agents off my island, so I have to play as him because I hate those fucking agents goddamn it.

He also starts with my favorite henchman, Lord Kane, a morose gentleman in a top hat who is, according to his biography, “responsible for pretty much every major crime or disaster this century.” His special power is to glare at the enemy, causing them to flee in terror. The enemy’s allies also flee in terror. Even if they are in a completely different room.

Another notable henchman is Dr. Neurocide, a fearsome scientist whose backstory is that she invented Evil Juice and then rubbed it on herself by mistake. I like her because, when you command her to eliminate an intruder in your lair, she replies “right away, sugar,” in a country girl accent.

I like the game a lot, but it can get pretty tough. My first campaign ended in failure because, since I was playing as a Bond villain, James Bond appeared and killed me. I wasn’t too mad about it because I got to see the special failure movie.

Incredibly, this old game is getting a sequel this year! Shen Yu isn’t playable this time, so the devs have probably cleaned up their act a little. Also, one of the unrevealed playable characters looks a little like Dr. Neurocide. Fingers crossed!

The Binding of Isaac

Have I even mentioned this on my blog before? Isaac is one of my favorite games of all time. Top ten for sure. It’s disgusting and vile, but the cute art style takes the edge off, leaving only intense dungeon fight and shoot. I have trouble playing some games lately- my thumb hurts if i have to press too many buttons- but Isaac is a twin-stick shooter. No buttons required!

I’d been avoiding it because I wanted to wait for the game’s fifth(?) free expansion, which has been in the works for at least a year. Then I remembered that instead of waiting, I could instead play the game with only four free expansions. So I did.

Recently, though, the dev posted with an update: the expansion is definitely coming next year probably. With that assured, I’m back to waiting. I’ll play some other roguelikes instead, such as

Hades

Some kind of historical-action-roguelike-dating sim. It’s very good. Still in Early Access, which i usually avoid, but this one’s worth it. They’re close to release, too: next update is 1.0.

Somehow the plot is the most substantial part of this roguelike. Every update, they add another 400 lines of voiced dialogue. You don’t even have to be good at the game to advance the plot, since you hear more after each death!

Still, I wish I wasn’t so bad at it. Any time I see someone playing it on stream, or in person in the case of @thewrongexecution, they’re playing somewhere between heat level six and eight. Meanwhile I can’t win on heat level one. Truly, this is... hell... the Greek hell... Hades... because the game is called that.........

Torchlight 3

Speaking of Early Access games I usually avoid, I got this one on “release” day because I really wanted to play Diablo, and the five existing Diablo clones just weren’t good enough.

It’s okay. The classes are great, especially Robot and Train Summoner, but the game needs polish. No surprises there, since I got it Early Access day one, but it can be tough to play sometimes. Last update added a whole new section to the game, but it also made all the UI elements very small.

Still, I’m pretty sure it’s going to turn out well in the end. If it doesn’t, I’ll just have to hope Diablo 4 isn’t terrible when it comes out three years from now.

World of Horror

I got this game thinking it was a roguelike.

It is, but it is also a horror game! There was a jumpscare! How could this happen?

I look forward to the next time I am bold enough to play it. Soon, I swear.

Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!

Yeah that’s the game’s full, unaltered title.

I’m not actually playing this game at the moment. I had to dial it back because it got too hard, and also because my thumb hurts if I play anything too intensely button-mash heavy.

Even though I’m a poor typist, I’m seriously considering switching over to keyboard controls so I can keep playing, because as hard as it is, this game is incredible. The whole series has been good and the third is the best of all. It’s the world’s most hardcore cooking simulator. A hard sell, I know, so I’ll just leave you with this, one of my favorite “you have seven seconds to prepare for the final stop, at which fifty-three customers will each order a personalized sandwich, and your sliced meats are about to spoil all at once” theme songs.

in closing...

It’s tough times. I can’t go without saying one more thing.

I’ve been watching the nationwide protests on twitch for a while now. I’ve been struck by two main things: the strength and courage of the protesters, and the cowardly violence of the police.

I know my audience is practically nil, but please take a look at the peaceful protests if you haven’t. Take a look at their opposition, the officers who launch gas bombs into crowds and fire rubber bullets at people’s faces.

And holy shit, this is during a pandemic! All the protesters out there are risking their lives on multiple fronts, and they have been for months.

Please support the protesters.

Please support Black communities.

Please wear face masks.

And please be kind to yourselves.

[scarletwelly-boots]

Books Read 2020

I started off really good this year, what with quarantine and all. And then I got sidetracked by reading one hundred and forty-nine fanfics (and counting) (mostly Destiel; CW can kiss my ass). 

I read 30 books this year, which I thought was bad, but apparently I only read 24 last year, so not awful. I did the Popsugar reading challenge for the fifth year. There were 50 categories this year, so 60% isn’t too bad. So without further ado, let’s get started under the cut.

1. The Mermaid, The Witch, and the Sea, Maggie Tokuda-Hall (a book that’s published in 2020). This book, y’all. My god. It has it all: pirates, queer relationships, genderfluid characters, an intense plot. This book was so good. I definitely recommend this book. Pirates!!! And gay!

2. Somebody Told Me, by Mia Siegert (a book by a trans or nonbinary author). I don’t know how Siegert identifies, but I know they use they/them pronouns. This book was... okay but frustrating. A bigender teen, Aleks/Alexis, has a traumatic experience and moves in with their aunt and uncle, who is a newly converted Catholic priest. I liked the queer rep, but sometimes it felt like the author had these assumptions or prejudices about the Catholic church. Some of them were right, granted, and I’m not a practicing Catholic anymore so I don’t know why it pissed me off, but it bugged me anyway. So I guess if you don’t mind it seeming like the author did little to no research on Catholicism, then it’s a good book.

3. All the King’s Men, by Nora Sakavic (a bildungsroman). Who, me? Rereading my gay comfort trilogies during quarantine? It’s more likely than you think. Love the All for the Game trilogy. This is the third book in the series. It’s the best book in the trilogy. It is a series about a college sports team who play a made up sport called Exy, which is basically a more violent version of lacrosse. I’m not a huge sports fan, but the way she writes Exy matches had me on the edge of my seat. The team is made up of all “at-risk” students, the main character being a kid on the run from his mob boss dad. Trigger warning for the series for violence, sexual assault/rape, abuse, drug use, I may be missing some things. It was so good though.

4. Captive Prince, by C.S.Pacat (a book with a map). Back again with the gay comfort trilogies. This is the first book in the Captive Prince trilogy, and whoops, did I say love All For the Game? Love this series more. It’s awesome. It’s fantasy and gay and romantic. But the romance isn’t even the central part. Laurent is my favorite asshole. Damen is so sweet and sassy as fuck. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Seriously. I can’t do this series justice.

5. The Foxhole Court, by Nora Sakavic (a book recommended by your favorite blog, vlog, podcast, or online book club). First book in the All for the Game series. What are you still doing here? Go start this trilogy!

6. Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine (a book that passes the bechdel test). This is such a good book. It was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. It’s basically a retelling of Cinderella, and if you’ve seen the movie version with Anne Hathaway, the book is way, way better. 

7. Loki: The God Who Fell to Earth, by Oscar Basaldua (a book with the same title as a movie or TV show but is unrelated to it). God, I cannot WAIT for the Loki show. Anyway, this is a new comic about Loki (obviously). I love anything with my disaster wife in it, so 100% I recommend it. 

8. As Drowning Men Clutch at Straws, by EA Roisin (a book by an author with flora or fauna in their name). Okay, so. Roisin is an Irish name that means rose, and EA Roisin is my (unpublished) pen name. In my defense, the manuscript is 186 pages long and it felt like an accomplishment when I finally finished rereading it for the first time since I finished it in 2015. Do I recommend it? I’ll let you know if it ever gets published.

9. Red White and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston (a book that won an award in 2019). I’m still rereading this book. I got interrupted because my sister wanted to read it and then I got a new book for my birthday. But this is, far and away, my FAVORITE BOOK. It’s so beautiful. It was very romantic (once they stopped “hating” each other), and gay. The premise sounds far-fetched: First Son of the United States falls for the Crown Prince of England. But, guys, it’s soooo gooooood. Highly, highly, highly recommend. 

10. A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor, by Hank Green (a book with only words on the cover, no images or graphics). This is the sequel to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. This was just as great as the first, but I spent a good chunk of the book vibrating with anxiety. The stakes were way higher, and I don’t think I’ve been scared while reading a book since reading Jade Green (Phyllis Reynolds Naylor) in junior high (which was fucking terrifying, btw). But I definitely recommend it!

11. Crush, by Richard Siken (a book with a pun in the title). Guys. I read this book almost every year, because it’s quick and gorgeous and the title is accurate because it absolutely crushes me. This is a collection of LGBT (more specifically, gay) poetry, and OH MY GOD. This is in my top five favorite books. I read it all the time. This is the book that made me fall in love with poetry, back in high school.

12. The Raven King, by Nora Sakavic (a book with a bird on the cover). The second book in the All for the Game series. Trigger warnings for All the King’s Men apply to this one, too. 

13. 1014: Brian Boru, by Morgan Llewelyn (a fiction or nonfiction book about a world leader). If you know me, you know I’m a complete Irish history nerd. This book is about a very important battle that took place in Ireland, and the last great High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. High Kings are mostly just an elected title, who get paid via taxes from provincial kings and chieftains, but Brian was the only one who saw as close to a united, free Ireland as it got until 1921 (although since the island is split between the North and the Republic, it’s still not totally unified). I recommend if you like history.

14. The Magnolia Sword, by Sherry Thomas (a book by a WOC). Oh. My. God. So this is a retelling of the ballad of Mulan. Mulan is a very important story to me anyway (tomboy as a child, genderfluid, bisexual as fuck), and this retelling was so good and interesting. It also features one of my favorite tropes, Surprise Gays. I highly, highly recommend.

15. My Own Ways Through This Life, by Chris Viau (a book with at least a four-star rating on Goodreads). Okay, so it miiiight have a four-star rating because of me and my camp family all rating it, but it counts. This is a mixed media autobiography by one of my camp friends. He has written at least three books, and all are available on Amazon. This is the only one I’ve read so far, and it was really interesting. I definitely recommend it. 

16. Insomniac City, by Bill Hayes (a book you meant to read in 2019). This book was beautiful and heartbreaking. It was a Christmas gift from my brother. It’s a memoir about Bill’s time in a relationship with Oliver Sacks, a famous neurologist. It’s sweet and melancholic and funny. Huge recommendation.

17. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens’ Agenda, by Becky Albertalli (a book about or involving social media). Still such a wonderful book. Better than the movie, I’m telling you. It was really good, and I definitely cried. If you liked the movie, read the book. It’s different in several ways. I think if you’re thinking in terms of trueness to the book, the movie was maybe not as good, but they’re both good as their own standalone things. But I highly recommend both.

18. Loki: Agent of Asgard, by Jason Ewing (a book that has a book on the cover). This is such a good series. It’s a great characterization of my disaster wife.  I love this graphic novel series. I love how they depict Loki, how he finally gets a goddamn redemption arc. It’s a really fun read. Check it out.

19. Kings Rising, by CS Pacat (a book with a made up language). This is pushing it, since they never actually speak in the made up languages on paper. But UGH. Third book in the Captive Prince trilogy, and hands down the best. Laurent and Damen finally let go of the goddamn longing and actually do something about it.

20. The Deep, by Rivers Solomon (a book set in a country beginning with C). This is pushing it, because it’s about mermaids (basically), but I think they’re in the Caribbean. I loved this book. It was so interesting. It’s based on a song by clipping., Daveed Diggs’s group. The premise is the wajinru (the mermaid people) originated as the infants from pregnant Africans that died and were thrown overboard during the slave trade. So like, it’s a pretty heavy book. But it’s heartfelt and sweet, too. Also more Surprise Gays, which came at an excellent time (November, post-Supernatual finale) for me. I highly recommend.

21. Written in the Stars, by Alexandria Bellefleur (a book you picked because the title caught your attention). I just finished this book tonight and it was so. good. It’s basically a modern, lesbian, fake dating rendering of Pride and Prejudice. And let me tell you, if there’s one thing I love more than Pride and Prejudice, it’s lesbians. It’s really really great. I highly, highly recommend. 

22. Running with Lions, by Julian Winters (a book with a three-word title). Thanks to All for the Game and movies like Handsome Devil and Boys, I have discovered that I have a huge thing for queer sport stories. So this book was really, really good. It’s got friends to enemies to friends to lovers, which is great. It’s got soccer, which is way more homoerotic now. And it’s got gays, which is really why I picked this book up. But it’s well written and the story is interesting, too. I definitely recommend.

23. The Prince and the Dressmaker, by Jen Wang (a book with a pink cover). Oh my god. AHHHHH!!! This book is amazing. It’s a graphic novel, so it’s a quick read. It’s fantasy and feels a little Cinderella-y, but that’s not the best part. The queer relationship is amazing, but that’s not the best part. The prince is genderfluid! Like me! And his mask name is Sebastian! Like me! (Okay, so my name is Bastien, but close enough) This was so so so good. I got it at a convention in February, and I was practically vibrating with excitement as I read it. I highly highly highly recommend. 

24. Girl Crushed, by Katie Heaney (a book by or about a journalist). I think I’d have liked this book better if it wasn’t so...similar to my life. The main premise is the main character is getting over a sudden and painful break up, after being dumped by her long-term (maybe first? I can’t remember) girlfriend. The ex has the same initials as my ex and acted very similarly, so maybe I ended up picturing her when the character came up in the book. The ending pissed me off. It was very gay and that wasn’t the entirety of the book, so maybe you’ll like it more than me. It was just too true to life for me and opened up some old wounds I didn’t want to open up. The author is an editor at Buzzfeed, so that’s how it fits into this category. 

25. Date Me, Bryson Keller, by Kevin van Whye (your favorite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading Challenge--a book published this year). This might be my second or third favorite book, goddamn it’s that good. It’s queer, obviously, and sort of fake dating? Bryson is dared to date someone new each week. He’s assumed to be straight, so all the people he dates are girls until Kai asks him. It’s really sweet, and there’s some issues with coming out to your family that don’t always sit well with me, but overall it was really good and it ends well. I definitely recommend.

26. Loki: Where Mischief Lies, by Mackenzi Lee (a book written by an author in their 20s). AAAHHHH!!!! Fuckin.... Okay, y’all know I have feelings about Loki. He’s my spouse and I love him to death. This book was so, so good. Loki gets sent to Victorian London to solve a mystery and meets a group of humans who know about Asgard and basically keep Midgard in order for Odin. Loki is canonically pan and genderfluid (as he should be), and Theo is a sweetheart. I wrote a 10k fic coming out of reading this book (Phantom Limb by Irishavalon on AO3, check it out.). I seriously recommend!

27. Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo (a book by an author who has written more than 20 books). I read this with my third graders at the beginning of this year. Such a good book. I read it as a kid too. The movie is great but as always, book is better. Recommend.

28. Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant, by CS Pacat (a book with more than 20 letters in its title). This was a reread of a short story that comes after the Captive Prince trilogy. Charls, the cloth merchant, was such a great side character in the CP trilogy, and telling the story from his perspective was great. It doesn’t have to be read after the other CP short stories, but at least the trilogy should be read first.

29. Fence vol.1, by CS Pacat (a book from a series with more than 20 books). I’m pushing it with this category. I read the first volume, but this is a comic book series, so the 20 books is more issues. This is very good too. It’s another gay sports story, and is probably going to be enemies to lovers, but they’re still enemies by the end of volume 1. Still recommend. 

30. Prince’s Gambit, by CS Pacat (a book with a main character in their 20s). Book 2 of the Captive Prince trilogy. Very very good. 

[mensbodybuildingtips]

Progressive Overload - The Ass-Kickin` Workout That Builds Savage Brawn

What is modern overload? It's a gradual, yet constant, rise of anxiety (through volume, strength, regularity or time) - or a mix of those factors integrated that has modified the normal program of an exercise and also the stress and anxiety that is positioned on the body during workout. Modern Overload not just motivates muscle hypertrophy, it can bypassing the flexible procedure that occurs normally in feedback to organized and predictable stress.

That essentially means that either the number of repetitions increase or reduce (in action to weight used), strength is enhanced. No issue what you pick, one point is particular: You should function considerably harder each workout and also that implies either changing up those variable provided, or making use of progressively heavier weight each time.

Think of it as "forced adjustment." The body adapts to you doing the very same points over and over once again, and also it will certainly adjust using some continued trajectory of effort and physical effort. That could mean making use of the exact same weight each time, however gradually enhancing the number of reps you do, or keeping reps within the same variety as well as enhancing the weight.

Work Capacity and Peaking

When most body builders believe of progressive overload, they envision that they will just be constructing work capacity. There is one more situation - called peaking - which allows training at a lot higher levels of strength without the extreme exhaustion of increases in weight as well as collection numbers.

Increasing time alloted in recovery durations between collections to allow a full recuperation, versus going to failure consistently or taking brief 30 2nd remainder between collections, indicates a bodybuilder can actually function at a much greater percent of one rep maximum lifts (1RM) and also take advantage of on supercompensation.

Progressive Overload could be attained in a couple of different ways - structure work ability and coming to a head - discussed below:

BWC

Strengths: Reliable for constructing toughness, raising muscle mass dimension, boosting condition and mental fortitude.

Drawbacks: Leads to enhanced tiredness and soreness (DOMS), stagnation of explosivity and power.

Increasing intensity

Increasing sets of an exercise

Increasing the repeatings of an exercise

Decreasing rest intervals

Increasing quantity of workout each session/ workout

Increasing the number of workouts/ motions each session/ workout

Peaking

Strengths: Fatigue decrease, enables training at higher percent of 1RM, focus on skill movements as well as get individual bests.

Drawbacks:

Decreasing intensity.

Decreasing total quantity of an exercise.

Decreasing repetitions.

Increasing rest periods in between sets.

Increasing or reducing regularity of training sessions (from two times once a week to once).

Decreasing variety of exercises/ movements per session/ workout

TIP: The Great Point Regarding Progressive Overload Is, You Do not Necessarily Need to Add Weight Every Workout. That Would certainly Be Humanly Impossible! You Can Change Various other Things, Such As Intensity Via Set And Representative Varies, Apparatus As well as Weight.

LET'S SAY YOU:

Squat 225 extra pounds for 3 sets of 6 reps.

If you continued to lift exactly that weight, in that representative and established array, there would certainly be no modern overload - and also absolutely no gains in muscle mass or strength.

However, if you were to:

Squat 225 extra pounds for established sets, yet enhanced the associate range to 7 or 8, OR you boosted the weight to 230 pounds for 6 reps. your body would certainly have a need to develop muscle.

Let's say you were intending to function back today, and your previous session resembled this:

Weight Reps

Set 1: Deadlifts - 155lbs - 8

Set 2: Deadlifts - 135lbs - 6

Set 3: Seated Row - 200lbs - 10

Set 4: Seated Row - 180lbs - 8

Set 5: Pull-Downs - 160lbs - 8

Set 6: Pull-Downs - 140lbs - 6

To begin a modern overload, you would likely wish to boost the number of repetitions carried out in either Establish 2 or Establish 6, since bringing repeatings approximately a minimum of 8 is an excellent beginning. You do not have to enhance representatives in each collection, or weight in each collection - just make some type of considerable change each body component, per training session. Maybe as straightforward as just increasing the total number of collections per body component. Below, it would suggest doing 7 collections, rather of six.

The 4-Day Workout:

[ MONDAY ]

CHEST

Bench Press - 6 x 8

Incline DB Flyes - 3 x 6-8

TRICEPS

French Press- 3 x 8

Overhead Rope Extensions- 2 x 12

[ TUESDAY ]

LEGS

Squats- 5 x 6

Leg Extension - 3 x 8

Stiff Legged Deadlifts - 4 x 6

[ WEDNESDAY ] - OFF

[ THURSDAY ]

SHOULDERS

Military Press - 3 x 4

Lateral Raises - 3 x 8

Pec Dec (sittinged in reverse) - 2 x 10

CALVES/ ABS

Standing Calf Raises- 3 x 10

Hanging Leg Raises - 3 x 12

[ FRIDAY ]

BACK/ TRAPS

Rack Deadlifts - 2 x 12

Bent over Rows - 2 x 8

Wide Grip Pull Downs - 3 x 10

BICEPS

Barbell Curl - 2 x 4-8

Preacher Curl - 2 x 6

Progressive overload can also imply that a lifter would certainly do his full body in 3 days and also repeat one body part on the 4th day, to add strength, volume, repeatings, collections for BWC, however then decrease weight, the general collection numbers and also the number of exercises to practice coming to a head in that week.

This could also occur in alternating weeks. For example:

Week 1: Tuesday - Deadlift

Week 2: Tuesday- Deadlift/ Thursday - Deadlift

Week 3: Tuesday - Deadlift

Week 4: Tuesday - Deadlift

Week 5: Tuesday - Deadlift/ Thursday - Deadlift

[cruz-regina-d-journal]

07: Goal Digger

When we are talking about goals we usually think of something we want only for ourselves. It’s exciting to think of what you can be in the future and what you will have as well, but sometimes some people tend to forget that we still need to make an action before we get something we want. We keep on saying that we want this and that but we don’t even make a move on how to get it. Honestly, the past “Regina” was like that. My mind focuses only on my desires, and we can relate this to Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory which are the id, ego, and superego. Our id says “I want it now!” as our superego says “You still can’t have it because you don’t have money yet”, they battle around our mind until our ego says “Okay, kids, let’s study well, find work, earn money and buy what we want”. In every goal we have, there is always a process that we need to get into. We can’t have anything in an instant! Even at opening our phone, we still need to wait and do something in order to open it, and that is to press the power button. In life we also have actions like opening the power button, but the thing is we need to open ourselves. We need to step out of our comfort zone and find ways on how to achieve our goals.

Since I was a kid, my parents buy me planners and notebooks because I love writing, drawing and putting my goals in it. I have this one perpetual planner that I still update whenever I want or got something, and it always gives me this wonderful feeling at any time my plans worked or have gotten well than I expected it to be. And today it really took me a long time to know what I want to have; maybe because I feel down due to this pandemic and my family experienced a huge deal of a problem related to this year’s stumbling block which made me worry about my future. Nevertheless, I’m glad that we’re now okay and I finally conquered those mind-boggling thoughts. The pictures here  show my short and long term goals that I’ve been thinking since June 2020. I’m sharing this things to you because I think I will be needing your support and guidance 😁 Let’s bring each other to the top!

SHORT TERM GOALS

OBJECTIVE 1: Grow a Plant

TIME FRAME: August 28, 2020-October 5, 2020

RESOURCES: Shovel, seed, pot, healthy soil and water

TASKS: 

Choose the right container for your plant and put the healthy soil in it.

Plant the see at the proper depth and water it with a room-temperature water.

Maintain a consistent moisture and keep the soil warm.

Apply fertilizer every week, give the plant enough sunlight and circulate air.

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Be patient and don’t forget your tasks! 

REASON: I’ve been trying to grow a plant since I was in elementary, but I don’t know why they always wilt. I love plants but I don’t think they love me 😢

OBJECTIVE 2: Bond with my Friends and Family

TIME FRAME: March 2020-July 2020

RESOURCES: Love, happiness, understanding and self

TASKS:

Focus your time with them.

Don’t use phones, engage with them through personal interactions

Make them feel loved/important and laugh with them

Always listen to their stories and respond appropriately

Treasure the moment

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Make time with them and don’t forget to enjoy it!

REASON: As I entered college I noticed that I rarely bond with my other friends and my family because I’m studying at Manila during weekdays. I don’t have a free time whenever I go home to Cavite because I use my weekends for doing my school works and sleeping to regain the energy I’ve used during school days. I feel sad that I failed to divide my time for academics and for enjoying life. And now that it’s finally over, I think that this is a great opportunity to recoup my scantiness.

OBJECTIVE 3: Eat Eggs 5x a month

TIME FRAME: August 13, 2020-October 13,2020

RESOURCES: Eggs, pan, plate and utensils

TASKS:

Eat egg once every week.

Ask your family to not cook eggs for you when you’ve eaten once that week.

Avoid eating soft-cooked eggs.

Find an alternative food when tempted.

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Self-regulation

REASON: My asthma will kick me when I eat too much eggs! 😢 I have an allergy for excessive food, and I want to practice myself to eat egg once a week so that I can restrain myself without any trouble or some kind of temptation.

OBJECTIVE 4: Be a Reading Volunteer

TIME FRAME: September 2020-November 2020

RESOURCES: Book, camera and other gadgets

TASKS:

Pick books that have good life lessons

Look for the age recommendation and mention this

Record yourself reading 

Let people see the book you’re currently reading

Put emotions as you read, let your audience feel what the characters in the book are feeling

Engage with them even in a recorded video (ex. asking questions)

Think of a line that will make a great impact to your audience regarding the lesson of the story 

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Enjoy and engage with your audience

REASON: I am a member of PNU Reading Society and I want to officially become a reading volunteer to help students with their lifelong literacy skills that will empower their learning and also to support those people who are falling behind about reading. 

OBJECTIVE 5: Buy new Optical Glasses

TIME FRAME: January 10, 2020: 1:00PM-3:00PM

RESOURCES: Money, optical frame and receipt

TASKS:

Go to Starfinder Optical Shop at SM

Go to SoYou section and look if there’s a discount (if there is)

Choose an optical frame. Keep in mind the shape of the lens you wat and need, and also its weight

Give the chosen frame to the sales rep. and get your waiting number

Wait for your ophthalmologist to call you before you go in the room

When called, sit properly and let the ophthalmologist check you eyes

Perform the said activities

Observe the weight of the lenses 

Make sure that you picked the right graded lenses

Wait for your optical glasses for 1 hour (and so) 

Present your receipt to the sales rep. and wait for him/her to give your glasses with free case

Wear your glasses to see if it’s okay and check if there’s any damages before leaving

Note: Don’t forget to say thank you!

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Be patient, honest and critical thinker

REASON: I need new glasses because my current one is kind of dirty and is not accurate anymore as months pass by. Inaccurate graded lenses will make me suffer to headaches and dizziness making me hard to study and move.

LONG TERM GOALS

OBJECTIVE 1: Graduate from College

TIME FRAME: July 2019-November 2023

RESOURCES: Perseverance, Time Management and Patience

TASKS: 

Always listen to your professor/speaker

Engage with people around you

Do your tasks correctly as instructed and submit it as soon as possible

Make a to-do list 

Take important notes and organize them all

When there’s an exam, review 2 weeks ahead the test day

Ask questions for clarifications

Join organizations and seminars 

Grab once in a lifetime opportunities

Cry but stand up again when you fail

Believe in yourself 

Dedicate yourself to your course 

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Grit

REASON: Honestly, I want to graduate with latin honors but something struck me and thought that to graduate from college should be my main goal. Honor rolls are just bonuses of your hard work. It is obvious that I want to graduate from college to help my family and give them things that they need and want as well. I want to give them a thank you gift for providing me everything that I needed for years.

OBJECTIVE 2: Open a Business

TIME FRAME: January 2025-January 2029

RESOURCES: Money(Capital), manpower, product/service, promotion, patience, determination and connections

TASKS: 

Think of a business that is unique where many customers will be attracted

Create a solid business plan with your chosen strategy

Make a website or Facebook/Instagram Page about your business

Be approachable to gain customers

Advertise your product/service

When the business grew bigger, register your business name at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Register with Barangay and present valid IDs

Register your business to your city mayor’s office (LGU)

Register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

Remember to always check your financial status

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Patience, Analytical skill, Accounting, Problem Solving and Communication & Negotiation

REASON: I was an ABM student before and I want to make use of my skills to help my family and those people who need financial assistance. Opening a business was also part of my dreams. Not only that it will help me to gain more money for my post-graduate, but I want to invest my small money from my teaching profession to something that I can make use to the present and future. Nevertheless, having a business will not stop me from teaching.

OBJECTIVE 3: Become a Doctor

TIME FRAME: August 2024-November 2028

RESOURCES: Money, grit, school supplies, experiences and books

TASKS:

Look for a medical school (preferably: De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute)

Take the MCAT (Medical College Application Test)

Focus on your studies to be a Psychiatrist

Earn a Doctor of Medicine and complete your residency

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Patience, Empathy, Focus, Practical & Decision-Making Skills and Time Management 

REASON: I had this late bloomer moment. Before entering college I was confused on what I really want to be. Not that I am boasting but I had this mindset before that any courses will do because I thought I can do everything. My top choices are Architecture, Accountancy, Teaching, and Medical. I chose teaching since there’s a time that I became super inspired of my Senior High School professor and I noticed that from the past few years of my life, I never experienced a class with an excellent Filipino teacher who really took a course of Filipino, and that’s why I want to became one. As I became a BFE Student, I still want to pursue my medical dream. I want to be more useful to my people even if it will take me thousand years to be a 100%.

OBJECTIVE 4: Buy a New House

TIME FRAME: July 2024-July 2026

RESOURCES: Money and communication

TASKS:

Know your budget for your house and stick to it. DON’T EXCEED TO YOUR ESTIMATION!

Research subdivisions or areas that are accessible to buy your needs and public transportation

Get prequalified and preapproved for credit for your mortgage

Find a nice and approachable real estate agent

Start touring to subdivisions or areas that you already searched (Make sure to check every detail of the house especially the water and electrical system and always consider the people who will live with you)

Make an offer

After building the house, get a home inspection and check if there are structural damages before transferring (if there are, contact your real estate agent)

Make sure to pay your monthly bill and coordinate your paperwork

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Hard working, Critical Thinking, Observance and Patience

REASON: I don’t want to be dependent of my family’s money and belongings. I want to buy my own place for my family, and if blessed, I am glad to share my payments with my partner to build our new life together. If my parents want to stay with me, I will let them stay there as well, but if they prefer to stay at our old house, then I’ll support for the renovation of our old house. 

OBJECTIVE 5: Live a Healthy Life

TIME FRAME: August 2020-August 2025

RESOURCES: Healthy food and balanced diet

TASKS: 

Be physically active

Eat a healthy rich diet

Drink vitamins

Do yoga and exercises

Make time with friends and focus in the present

SUCCESS CRITERIA: Self-regulation and willingness

REASON: I have a weak body and I want to practice a healthy life until I get used to it and became my normal habit. I am not a fan of junk food but I still think that I’m not living a healthy life today because I refuse to exercise. But now that I noticed that it is important to take care of yourself and we need these kind of things to prevent us from being sick, I finally told myself that I have to change this kind of lifestyle and start to be healthy; not only physically but also mentally.

[leejeongz]

Stray kids reaction to their s/o helping with their music

😣I’m sorry it took so long! Anyways I hope you like it😣

Bang Chan:

Chan was definitely the type to keep his work and relationship separate. He didn’t want to bother you with that kind of stuff, you had a professional joke of your own. But one night, when no other members were around, he called you into the studio. “I just need a second opinion, please baby?” He pleaded, he needed you to listen to his new masterpiece since no one else could. As soon as you arrived he hit play. It was amazing, of course it was, you expected nothing less. “Chris, it’s perfect!” You admitted. Although you hadn’t really done much, Chan was still very thankful. “I know it’s late, but wanna grab some food?” He asked. You nodded. He packed away his music stuff before heading out to his car and taking you to the expensive restaurant down the road. “It’s on me” he pushed your hand with your purse in “order what you want, I’ll pay.” He hopes this was enough to show his gratitude, but it was more than enough.

Woojin:

“How am I supposed to do that with my leg, Minho, I’m not a contortionist?” Woojin sassed before plopping himself into the empty space on the sofa next to you in the practice room. Minho, now clearly aggravated, walked out, slamming the door as he went. “Woojin, you can do this if you try. You gave up without even giving it a go, who are you?” Your eyes narrowed as you stood up. You were now stood over him. “If I, the most unfit citizen can do this, then so can you.” You sat and performed the move Minho had previously shown to Woojin. “Your turn, honestly it’s not that hard” you encouraged him. To Woojin’s surprise he did it first time, almost as good as Minho at that. Once you were both back on your feet, he grabbed your waist and kissed the side of your head. “You’ve been spending too much time with Minho, haven’t you?”

Lee Know:

“I just” he paused, his grip on your hand loosened as he began to tell the truth. “I don’t want to mess up again.” He’d been assigned a really hard rapping part in the new comeback and he was beginning to doubt himself. “Baby, I’m sure you’re gonna be amazing. I’m here to listen and give constructive criticism anytime, you know that” you tightened the hand holding. “Can I show you now?” He asked apprehensively. You nodded an he began to rap. It needed some work but it actually sounded really good you thought. “Maybe you could sharpen that start and drag out the end word, that sounds sexy, you know?” You told him. He did as you said and was impressed with the barely noticeable results. “Damn y/n look at you, my little musical genius” he raised your hand up to his mouth and pecked it.

Changbin:

Changbin’s head hung over the back of his chair, clearly stressed over the new song he was working on. “What’s up?” You asked, rolling your chair from your desk next to his. “It’s this” he pointed at the screen. To be honest, you had no idea what was going on but you acted like you did. “Play it” you requested, sitting back on your chair. It sounded good, but there was something missing. “What if you added a muffled scream here and a moan here?” You instructed and Changbin followed. He looked hesitant, was your newness to this really that plain? He played it once again. He suddenly shot forward on the chair in excitement. “Y/n that sounds amazing!” He exclaimed in shock. He turned and hugged you, crushing you slightly. “Thank you! Chan will love this oh my gosh” he clapped excessively.

Hyunjin:

“Teach me how to sing” was the first thing that Hyunjin had uttered all night. He’d been scarily quiet but you decided not to interrupt him, you’d learnt that usually didn’t help. “What?” You questioned. “Please y/n, I know you have a great voice and I need you to help me for the new song.” You agreed to assist him. You didn’t really have to work on much, his voice was almost perfect. You gave him tips his own vocal coach didn’t share with him, he was so grateful, especially when everyone enjoyed and complimented him on his voice in the song. “Thank you darling” he hugged you when he returned home one evening. “They love you, they love what you’ve done to me, and as much as you say it’s all me, there’s bits of you in me too and that’s what makes it perfect, I think.” He rested his hands on your waist while looking at you. “Stop rambling and kiss me, Hyunjin” you laughed as he gladly obliged.

Han:

Jisung was drowning in work. Chan just kept throwing tasks at him but it was own fault. “Yes Chris I did that” he lied once again, before receiving yet another task that he would no doubt procrastinate doing. Enough was enough, Jisung clearly needed help with this and you were the only person available. “Pass me those head phones” you ordered. He did so before watching what ever you were doing. You plugged them into Chan’s pc. “Sad Jisung, the vibe is sad. You should write about how all this work is making you feel but make it so students can relate.” This was the biggest task he’d been given. Write lyrics for the new song. He’d spent weeks trying to figure out what to write, which would have helped if he actually listened to the instrumental. “Thank you thank you thank you.” He repeated, finally putting pen to paper. You ruffled his hair before picking up his next task. He could definitely get used to the two of you working together.

Felix:

“Poor, poor, poor” Felix read off his performance sheet. “Y/n I’m not improving any, the only excellent I have is in dancing” he sobbed. You already had him wrapped in your arms, you wished there was something more you could do. “I practice everyday, nothing is getting better though what am I doing wrong?” he cried out helplessly. You just want to cry with him but you know that wouldn’t help. “Felix, how about we set you targets?” you spontaneously ask. “Like what?” He sniffled. “You know like, get excellent by Christmas in the rapping category? That’s easily achievable” Felix agreed to set these targets and to your surprise he kept to them. It meant everything to you to see him happy with himself and you were the only person who he could thank. “I love you y/n, thank you for this great idea! Look at all these excellents! Yet I think they all belong to you, my excellent baby”

Seungmin:

Terror flashed in his eyes as he watched the new choreography through the mirror. You sat and watched him panic, rooted to the spot. He didn’t need to learn it yet but you could see he wasn’t confident in it. Upon noticing this, you pulled out your phone and began to record the dance. After the professionals and the members had left, you showed Seungmin the footage. “There, I sent it to you, now you can get a head start, don’t worry sweetheart, you’ll get there” you rubbed his arm, he still looked terrified. “Th-thank you” he replied. “Thank you for recording it, I don’t know what I’d do without it, without you.” He confessed shyly. “Can you come and watch me practice this week, I think I want your opinion as someone who’s not going to judge me straight away?” He begged. You whispered “of course” to which he smiled. He was so thankful and could never repay you for this.

I.N:

“Agh this is a nightmare” Jeongin shouted before letting out an unexplainable noise. You rushed to the kitchen to find a sweaty looking Jeongin. “It’s 2am what are you playing at?” You questioned, still half asleep. “This move, y/n, I can’t get I right” he tried one more time but failed even more than before. “It’s meant for two people right?” You recalled him and Seungmin practicing this a few days ago. He nodded “pretend I’m Seungmin then” you stood in the correct position, trying your best to remember the moves. 3 reps of the choreo and he’d got it spot on. “What would I do without my darling?” He asked, visibly proud of himself and you. He hugged you and stroked your hair. “Don’t tell Seungmin this, but I prefer dancing with you.” He jokingly said “And I prefer dancing with you too, now let’s go to sleep” you dragged Jeongin who was in no mood to go to bed just yet, too excited that he finally got the moves right.

Gifs aren’t mine

[claudeteemonds31]

What Is CPA Marketing | Guide On Starting

What Is CPA Marketing?

If you have looked for ways to make money online, you’ve probably heard the term “CPA” marketing. It is likely you’ve heard of CPA as some underground secret society where individuals are making fortunes online. This was the view that lots of have when they first begin examining exactly what CPA is, I know since I was one of them. I keep in mind questioning whether I was even qualified to be investigating them when and my really first interview.

The extremely first network I joined was MaxBounty and as they re-launched their updated website today, it got me considering my very first experiences going into the world of CPA. I decided that I ‘d get a short article out there to dispel the myths about CPA and give a brief introduction of exactly what it is.

CPA: Back to basics To begin out any sort of introduction I’ll initially share my definition of what CPA is. It might not be dictionary perfect but it’ll at least give you a design to deal with whilst thinking about the points throughout this article.

CPA (Cost Per Action/ Cost Per Acquisition): This is an advertising model where publishers are paid for an action that is taken as a direct outcome of their marketing. This differs from normal affiliate marketing because you may not necessarily need to make a sale to earn money within a CPA network. Payments are typically based on lead generation such as submitting a phone number or e-mail address to get some free product or information.

As you can picture the fact that you can get paid without even having to make a single sale can make CPA networks extremely appealing to the “make cash online” crowd and can possibly leave a lot of space to be made use of. When allowing individuals into their network, this means that CPA networks will normally be a little stricter than your normal affiliate network.

When individuals hear that CPA networks are more stringent they frequently get scared off. You shouldn’t let this take place to you since the fact is, if you are an honest upstanding affiliate or intend on becoming one, they actually do desire you involved. It’s actually the fraudsters and spammers of the world that they will try and weed out.

Methods of CPA Promo There are many varying methods to promote CPA campaigns, some of which include having your own website, some that don’t. The fact is that CPA marketing is really not all that different than other types of marketing. At it’s a lot of standard you simply need to spend some time to consider the product that you are promoting and where you will really discover a market that is interested in either discovering more or buying an item.

Having said all of that I will note a couple of examples of the more popular CPA promotional methods that you might discover:

Evaluation Site– Typically these types of websites will consist of 3 of more items within a specific niche i.e. Weight reduction Tablets or Lawn Fertilizer. They will then give you a short intro to each product, a review of the items performance and then normally a star score out of 5. Each of these products will usually be ranked in order and all will include links to either a customized landing page (presented below) or direct to the merchant. Sales/Landing Page– This site is generally more of a direct sales page and will likely present a lot more info on the product that it goes over. It will normally be a really difficult sale and work to get it’s reader either clicking through to the merchant there and then or at the very least signed up to the site owners sending by mail list. Some sales pages will really try to do both of these things, though it can frequently be beneficial to have one direct path through a landing page. A lot of alternatives can eventually suggest losing clicks. Splash Page– This is usally content light and will have flashy graphics with some punchy headlines and copy to encourage readers to input their information or click through to the merchant. Product information is typically minimal and these types of pages are often booked for items that need little explanation or are already popular i.e. competitors for an iPhone or Macbook. Quiz/ Fun Landing Page– Similar to the spash page but even simpler. There will typically be a concern with 2 or more responses that can then be clicked through big prideful buttons. In some cases some sort of game might be utilized in page of this style and it is certainly not the sort of page that somebody will be revisiting. It’s only purpose is to get that click-through and get it now. Having actually given you all these examples of sites that are utilized do not be misinterpreted into thinking that you can only market through your own website. Other possible techniques of promoting CPA Deals consist of posting to message boards, emailing a list of contacts, adding links to videos on YouTube and as soon as you’ve increased the capital perhaps even text-in adverts in publications or regional/national TV.

CPA: How difficult is it really? I understand you’re questioning how easy it is to enter all this. I indicate everything sounds excellent in theory however what’s this talk of nationwide TELEVISION? The reality is you needn’t go to these type of lengths to earn money in CPA. Whilst it’s great to understand that it’s possible to go to these lengths, there are ordinary people out there making thousands of dollars each day simply by running CPA promos online. I desire you to realise through this short article that it’s not some secret society and it’s definitely not some pie in the sky concept. It is still a service design and it will take work to make it. You ought to truly discover for yourself that with a little bit of work to obtain began you too can have success worldwide of Cost Per Action Marketing.

How To Get Accepted into CPA Networks Practically without fail this is one of the first concerns that pops into peoples minds when they hear that you have to apply to sign up with most CPA networks. Whilst there is not one simple method to get accepted each time, there are manner ins which you can increase your likelihood of being accepted. You ought to always bear in mind that if initially you do not prosper, try and try once again. As much as I want to claim that I’m best, I have actually been both accepted and rejected in the past. That’s the method that life works, nevertheless if you follow the steps in this short article you will be offering yourself the finest chance of success.

Obtain a Site– If you don’t already have a site, then now is the time to get your very first one. Whilst it is possible to get accepted to some networks without your own website you may also provide yourself the very best chance of success. Then can use with your existing domain, if you are a significant publisher or an experienced marketer and plan on running the CPA advertisements on your site. Nevertheless it’s most likely that you will have a number of smaller sites or none at all. In this case you will wish to produce a site that brands yourself as an online marketer and explains the locations that you work in. A good choice of ability sets to consist of are your experience with PPC, SEO, Email Marketing or any other methods that you might utilize. Selecting a name such as SOMETHINGmarketing.com will also give you a more expert feel. If you can’t or do not desire to create the site yourself then work with someone to do it for you within a CMS (Content Management System) such as WordPress so you can edit yourself at a later date. Use an e-mail on your domain– I got this information on excellent faith from a market expert a while back. If nothing else you will wish to use an e-mail that looks a little like this ‘yourname@yourdomain.com’. If you mainly utilize a GMail account or comparable you will want to do this and set up a redirect, even. Many CPA networks will immediately turn down any applicant who utilizes a complimentary e-mail address as they are so easy to set up and they have no verification you are really the individual who owns your website. Open & Honest in All of Your Communications– Whilst this might get you denied by some of the more selective CPA networks I really think that sincerity is very important especially in this area. If you say that you intend on driving 1000 keyword targeted leads from monthly from PPC and they telephone you up and it’s clear that you’ve never even used Pay Per Click it will start to raise flags about other locations. Whilst you may believe that stating you can do everything will help your case it may really injure it. As CPA networks usually offer you your own rep/manager you can typically get extra assistance in the areas where you are lacking, even if it’s simply a prod in the right instructions. Your success is where they will be making their cash. Be Proactive When Applying– Lots of CPA networks will require an interview over the phone or via instantaneous message prior to approving your account. In some cases it can take up to a number of days before they get an opportunity to call you back. If they provide a contact number or IM contact details then you ought to utilize them. You will have all the information that you have actually offered fresh in your head and even if they can’t talk to you on the area it proves that you are major about joining and they will likely identify your name when calling back. There you have it, equipped with the following information you ought to be well on your way to getting accepted into your very first couple of CPA networks. And on that note it’s worth stating that you ought to likely request a few of them. Even if you do get accepted into them all you will find that a number of them have different offers available that others don’t.

In Conclusion …

Ideally you have not been too overwhelmed by the quantity of info included within this post however I felt it needed to offer a full summary of precisely what CPA is and how you can get involved. You’ve learned a few of the approaches that CPA affiliates are utilizing today to make money online. Even equipped with the information you’ve discovered today you are method front of the typical individuals level of understanding about CPA so please don’t lose this opportunity.

My individual obstacle to you is this: If you’re thinking about entering CPA Marketing then either register with a network or set the wheels in motion today! A lot of individuals read details online and then forget about it after a couple of hours and never return. If you actually wish to be successful in any online marketing endeavours the genuine key is informed action. This article has actually offered you the power to take your primary steps into CPA, now what you finish with that info is up to you.

Get Going Today with the MaxBounty CPA Network

Source

Source: https://yourmoneymakingmachine.com/what-is-cpa-marketing-guide-on-starting/

from Your Money Making Machine https://ift.tt/2QsESTw

[elnatbrooksmi]

What Is CPA Marketing | Guide On Starting

What Is CPA Marketing?

If you have looked for ways to make money online, you’ve probably heard the term “CPA” marketing. It is likely you’ve heard of CPA as some underground secret society where individuals are making fortunes online. This was the view that lots of have when they first begin examining exactly what CPA is, I know since I was one of them. I keep in mind questioning whether I was even qualified to be investigating them when and my really first interview. The extremely first network I joined was MaxBounty and as they re-launched their updated website today, it got me considering my very first experiences going into the world of CPA. I decided that I ‘d get a short article out there to dispel the myths about CPA and give a brief introduction of exactly what it is. CPA: Back to basics To begin out any sort of introduction I’ll initially share my definition of what CPA is. It might not be dictionary perfect but it’ll at least give you a design to deal with whilst thinking about the points throughout this article. CPA (Cost Per Action/ Cost Per Acquisition): This is an advertising model where publishers are paid for an action that is taken as a direct outcome of their marketing. This differs from normal affiliate marketing because you may not necessarily need to make a sale to earn money within a CPA network. Payments are typically based on lead generation such as submitting a phone number or e-mail address to get some free product or information. As you can picture the fact that you can get paid without even having to make a single sale can make CPA networks extremely appealing to the “make cash online” crowd and can possibly leave a lot of space to be made use of. When allowing individuals into their network, this means that CPA networks will normally be a little stricter than your normal affiliate network. When individuals hear that CPA networks are more stringent they frequently get scared off. You shouldn’t let this take place to you since the fact is, if you are an honest upstanding affiliate or intend on becoming one, they actually do desire you involved. It’s actually the fraudsters and spammers of the world that they will try and weed out. Methods of CPA Promo There are many varying methods to promote CPA campaigns, some of which include having your own website, some that don’t. The fact is that CPA marketing is really not all that different than other types of marketing. At it’s a lot of standard you simply need to spend some time to consider the product that you are promoting and where you will really discover a market that is interested in either discovering more or buying an item. Having said all of that I will note a couple of examples of the more popular CPA promotional methods that you might discover: Evaluation Site– Typically these types of websites will consist of 3 of more items within a specific niche i.e. Weight reduction Tablets or Lawn Fertilizer. They will then give you a short intro to each product, a review of the items performance and then normally a star score out of 5. Each of these products will usually be ranked in order and all will include links to either a customized landing page (presented below) or direct to the merchant. Sales/Landing Page– This site is generally more of a direct sales page and will likely present a lot more info on the product that it goes over. It will normally be a really difficult sale and work to get it’s reader either clicking through to the merchant there and then or at the very least signed up to the site owners sending by mail list. Some sales pages will really try to do both of these things, though it can frequently be beneficial to have one direct path through a landing page. A lot of alternatives can eventually suggest losing clicks. Splash Page– This is usally content light and will have flashy graphics with some punchy headlines and copy to encourage readers to input their information or click through to the merchant. Product information is typically minimal and these types of pages are often booked for items that need little explanation or are already popular i.e. competitors for an iPhone or Macbook. Quiz/ Fun Landing Page– Similar to the spash page but even simpler. There will typically be a concern with 2 or more responses that can then be clicked through big prideful buttons. In some cases some sort of game might be utilized in page of this style and it is certainly not the sort of page that somebody will be revisiting. It’s only purpose is to get that click-through and get it now. Having actually given you all these examples of sites that are utilized do not be misinterpreted into thinking that you can only market through your own website. Other possible techniques of promoting CPA Deals consist of posting to message boards, emailing a list of contacts, adding links to videos on YouTube and as soon as you’ve increased the capital perhaps even text-in adverts in publications or regional/national TV. CPA: How difficult is it really? I understand you’re questioning how easy it is to enter all this. I indicate everything sounds excellent in theory however what’s this talk of nationwide TELEVISION? The reality is you needn’t go to these type of lengths to earn money in CPA. Whilst it’s great to understand that it’s possible to go to these lengths, there are ordinary people out there making thousands of dollars each day simply by running CPA promos online. I desire you to realise through this short article that it’s not some secret society and it’s definitely not some pie in the sky concept. It is still a service design and it will take work to make it. You ought to truly discover for yourself that with a little bit of work to obtain began you too can have success worldwide of Cost Per Action Marketing. How To Get Accepted into CPA Networks Practically without fail this is one of the first concerns that pops into peoples minds when they hear that you have to apply to sign up with most CPA networks. Whilst there is not one simple method to get accepted each time, there are manner ins which you can increase your likelihood of being accepted. You ought to always bear in mind that if initially you do not prosper, try and try once again. As much as I want to claim that I’m best, I have actually been both accepted and rejected in the past. That’s the method that life works, nevertheless if you follow the steps in this short article you will be offering yourself the finest chance of success. Obtain a Site– If you don’t already have a site, then now is the time to get your very first one. Whilst it is possible to get accepted to some networks without your own website you may also provide yourself the very best chance of success. Then can use with your existing domain, if you are a significant publisher or an experienced marketer and plan on running the CPA advertisements on your site. Nevertheless it’s most likely that you will have a number of smaller sites or none at all. In this case you will wish to produce a site that brands yourself as an online marketer and explains the locations that you work in. A good choice of ability sets to consist of are your experience with PPC, SEO, Email Marketing or any other methods that you might utilize. Selecting a name such as SOMETHINGmarketing.com will also give you a more expert feel. If you can’t or do not desire to create the site yourself then work with someone to do it for you within a CMS (Content Management System) such as WordPress so you can edit yourself at a later date. Use an e-mail on your domain– I got this information on excellent faith from a market expert a while back. If nothing else you will wish to use an e-mail that looks a little like this ‘yourname@yourdomain.com’. If you mainly utilize a GMail account or comparable you will want to do this and set up a redirect, even. Many CPA networks will immediately turn down any applicant who utilizes a complimentary e-mail address as they are so easy to set up and they have no verification you are really the individual who owns your website. Open & Honest in All of Your Communications– Whilst this might get you denied by some of the more selective CPA networks I really think that sincerity is very important especially in this area. If you say that you intend on driving 1000 keyword targeted leads from monthly from PPC and they telephone you up and it’s clear that you’ve never even used Pay Per Click it will start to raise flags about other locations. Whilst you may believe that stating you can do everything will help your case it may really injure it. As CPA networks usually offer you your own rep/manager you can typically get extra assistance in the areas where you are lacking, even if it’s simply a prod in the right instructions. Your success is where they will be making their cash. Be Proactive When Applying– Lots of CPA networks will require an interview over the phone or via instantaneous message prior to approving your account. In some cases it can take up to a number of days before they get an opportunity to call you back. If they provide a contact number or IM contact details then you ought to utilize them. You will have all the information that you have actually offered fresh in your head and even if they can’t talk to you on the area it proves that you are major about joining and they will likely identify your name when calling back. There you have it, equipped with the following information you ought to be well on your way to getting accepted into your very first couple of CPA networks. And on that note it’s worth stating that you ought to likely request a few of them. Even if you do get accepted into them all you will find that a number of them have different offers available that others don’t. In Conclusion … Ideally you have not been too overwhelmed by the quantity of info included within this post however I felt it needed to offer a full summary of precisely what CPA is and how you can get involved. You’ve learned a few of the approaches that CPA affiliates are utilizing today to make money online. Even equipped with the information you’ve discovered today you are method front of the typical individuals level of understanding about CPA so please don’t lose this opportunity. My individual obstacle to you is this: If you’re thinking about entering CPA Marketing then either register with a network or set the wheels in motion today! A lot of individuals read details online and then forget about it after a couple of hours and never return. If you actually wish to be successful in any online marketing endeavours the genuine key is informed action. This article has actually offered you the power to take your primary steps into CPA, now what you finish with that info is up to you. Get Going Today with the MaxBounty CPA Network

Source

from Your Money Making Machine https://yourmoneymakingmachine.com/what-is-cpa-marketing-guide-on-starting/ from Your Money Making Machine https://yourmoneymakingmachine1.tumblr.com/post/189888134683

[johnshintze1]

What Is CPA Marketing | Guide On Starting

What Is CPA Marketing?

If you have looked for ways to make money online, you’ve probably heard the term “CPA” marketing. It is likely you’ve heard of CPA as some underground secret society where individuals are making fortunes online. This was the view that lots of have when they first begin examining exactly what CPA is, I know since I was one of them. I keep in mind questioning whether I was even qualified to be investigating them when and my really first interview. The extremely first network I joined was MaxBounty and as they re-launched their updated website today, it got me considering my very first experiences going into the world of CPA. I decided that I ‘d get a short article out there to dispel the myths about CPA and give a brief introduction of exactly what it is. CPA: Back to basics To begin out any sort of introduction I’ll initially share my definition of what CPA is. It might not be dictionary perfect but it’ll at least give you a design to deal with whilst thinking about the points throughout this article. CPA (Cost Per Action/ Cost Per Acquisition): This is an advertising model where publishers are paid for an action that is taken as a direct outcome of their marketing. This differs from normal affiliate marketing because you may not necessarily need to make a sale to earn money within a CPA network. Payments are typically based on lead generation such as submitting a phone number or e-mail address to get some free product or information. As you can picture the fact that you can get paid without even having to make a single sale can make CPA networks extremely appealing to the “make cash online” crowd and can possibly leave a lot of space to be made use of. When allowing individuals into their network, this means that CPA networks will normally be a little stricter than your normal affiliate network. When individuals hear that CPA networks are more stringent they frequently get scared off. You shouldn’t let this take place to you since the fact is, if you are an honest upstanding affiliate or intend on becoming one, they actually do desire you involved. It’s actually the fraudsters and spammers of the world that they will try and weed out. Methods of CPA Promo There are many varying methods to promote CPA campaigns, some of which include having your own website, some that don’t. The fact is that CPA marketing is really not all that different than other types of marketing. At it’s a lot of standard you simply need to spend some time to consider the product that you are promoting and where you will really discover a market that is interested in either discovering more or buying an item. Having said all of that I will note a couple of examples of the more popular CPA promotional methods that you might discover: Evaluation Site– Typically these types of websites will consist of 3 of more items within a specific niche i.e. Weight reduction Tablets or Lawn Fertilizer. They will then give you a short intro to each product, a review of the items performance and then normally a star score out of 5. Each of these products will usually be ranked in order and all will include links to either a customized landing page (presented below) or direct to the merchant. Sales/Landing Page– This site is generally more of a direct sales page and will likely present a lot more info on the product that it goes over. It will normally be a really difficult sale and work to get it’s reader either clicking through to the merchant there and then or at the very least signed up to the site owners sending by mail list. Some sales pages will really try to do both of these things, though it can frequently be beneficial to have one direct path through a landing page. A lot of alternatives can eventually suggest losing clicks. Splash Page– This is usally content light and will have flashy graphics with some punchy headlines and copy to encourage readers to input their information or click through to the merchant. Product information is typically minimal and these types of pages are often booked for items that need little explanation or are already popular i.e. competitors for an iPhone or Macbook. Quiz/ Fun Landing Page– Similar to the spash page but even simpler. There will typically be a concern with 2 or more responses that can then be clicked through big prideful buttons. In some cases some sort of game might be utilized in page of this style and it is certainly not the sort of page that somebody will be revisiting. It’s only purpose is to get that click-through and get it now. Having actually given you all these examples of sites that are utilized do not be misinterpreted into thinking that you can only market through your own website. Other possible techniques of promoting CPA Deals consist of posting to message boards, emailing a list of contacts, adding links to videos on YouTube and as soon as you’ve increased the capital perhaps even text-in adverts in publications or regional/national TV. CPA: How difficult is it really? I understand you’re questioning how easy it is to enter all this. I indicate everything sounds excellent in theory however what’s this talk of nationwide TELEVISION? The reality is you needn’t go to these type of lengths to earn money in CPA. Whilst it’s great to understand that it’s possible to go to these lengths, there are ordinary people out there making thousands of dollars each day simply by running CPA promos online. I desire you to realise through this short article that it’s not some secret society and it’s definitely not some pie in the sky concept. It is still a service design and it will take work to make it. You ought to truly discover for yourself that with a little bit of work to obtain began you too can have success worldwide of Cost Per Action Marketing. How To Get Accepted into CPA Networks Practically without fail this is one of the first concerns that pops into peoples minds when they hear that you have to apply to sign up with most CPA networks. Whilst there is not one simple method to get accepted each time, there are manner ins which you can increase your likelihood of being accepted. You ought to always bear in mind that if initially you do not prosper, try and try once again. As much as I want to claim that I’m best, I have actually been both accepted and rejected in the past. That’s the method that life works, nevertheless if you follow the steps in this short article you will be offering yourself the finest chance of success. Obtain a Site– If you don’t already have a site, then now is the time to get your very first one. Whilst it is possible to get accepted to some networks without your own website you may also provide yourself the very best chance of success. Then can use with your existing domain, if you are a significant publisher or an experienced marketer and plan on running the CPA advertisements on your site. Nevertheless it’s most likely that you will have a number of smaller sites or none at all. In this case you will wish to produce a site that brands yourself as an online marketer and explains the locations that you work in. A good choice of ability sets to consist of are your experience with PPC, SEO, Email Marketing or any other methods that you might utilize. Selecting a name such as SOMETHINGmarketing.com will also give you a more expert feel. If you can’t or do not desire to create the site yourself then work with someone to do it for you within a CMS (Content Management System) such as WordPress so you can edit yourself at a later date. Use an e-mail on your domain– I got this information on excellent faith from a market expert a while back. If nothing else you will wish to use an e-mail that looks a little like this ‘yourname@yourdomain.com’. If you mainly utilize a GMail account or comparable you will want to do this and set up a redirect, even. Many CPA networks will immediately turn down any applicant who utilizes a complimentary e-mail address as they are so easy to set up and they have no verification you are really the individual who owns your website. Open & Honest in All of Your Communications– Whilst this might get you denied by some of the more selective CPA networks I really think that sincerity is very important especially in this area. If you say that you intend on driving 1000 keyword targeted leads from monthly from PPC and they telephone you up and it’s clear that you’ve never even used Pay Per Click it will start to raise flags about other locations. Whilst you may believe that stating you can do everything will help your case it may really injure it. As CPA networks usually offer you your own rep/manager you can typically get extra assistance in the areas where you are lacking, even if it’s simply a prod in the right instructions. Your success is where they will be making their cash. Be Proactive When Applying– Lots of CPA networks will require an interview over the phone or via instantaneous message prior to approving your account. In some cases it can take up to a number of days before they get an opportunity to call you back. If they provide a contact number or IM contact details then you ought to utilize them. You will have all the information that you have actually offered fresh in your head and even if they can’t talk to you on the area it proves that you are major about joining and they will likely identify your name when calling back. There you have it, equipped with the following information you ought to be well on your way to getting accepted into your very first couple of CPA networks. And on that note it’s worth stating that you ought to likely request a few of them. Even if you do get accepted into them all you will find that a number of them have different offers available that others don’t. In Conclusion … Ideally you have not been too overwhelmed by the quantity of info included within this post however I felt it needed to offer a full summary of precisely what CPA is and how you can get involved. You’ve learned a few of the approaches that CPA affiliates are utilizing today to make money online. Even equipped with the information you’ve discovered today you are method front of the typical individuals level of understanding about CPA so please don’t lose this opportunity. My individual obstacle to you is this: If you’re thinking about entering CPA Marketing then either register with a network or set the wheels in motion today! A lot of individuals read details online and then forget about it after a couple of hours and never return. If you actually wish to be successful in any online marketing endeavours the genuine key is informed action. This article has actually offered you the power to take your primary steps into CPA, now what you finish with that info is up to you. Get Going Today with the MaxBounty CPA Network

Source

from https://yourmoneymakingmachine.com/what-is-cpa-marketing-guide-on-starting/

from Your Money Making Machine - Blog https://yourmoneymakingmachine1.weebly.com/blog/what-is-cpa-marketing-guide-on-starting

[yourmoneymakingmachine1]

What Is CPA Marketing | Guide On Starting

What Is CPA Marketing?

If you have looked for ways to make money online, you’ve probably heard the term “CPA” marketing. It is likely you’ve heard of CPA as some underground secret society where individuals are making fortunes online. This was the view that lots of have when they first begin examining exactly what CPA is, I know since I was one of them. I keep in mind questioning whether I was even qualified to be investigating them when and my really first interview. The extremely first network I joined was MaxBounty and as they re-launched their updated website today, it got me considering my very first experiences going into the world of CPA. I decided that I ‘d get a short article out there to dispel the myths about CPA and give a brief introduction of exactly what it is. CPA: Back to basics To begin out any sort of introduction I’ll initially share my definition of what CPA is. It might not be dictionary perfect but it’ll at least give you a design to deal with whilst thinking about the points throughout this article. CPA (Cost Per Action/ Cost Per Acquisition): This is an advertising model where publishers are paid for an action that is taken as a direct outcome of their marketing. This differs from normal affiliate marketing because you may not necessarily need to make a sale to earn money within a CPA network. Payments are typically based on lead generation such as submitting a phone number or e-mail address to get some free product or information. As you can picture the fact that you can get paid without even having to make a single sale can make CPA networks extremely appealing to the “make cash online” crowd and can possibly leave a lot of space to be made use of. When allowing individuals into their network, this means that CPA networks will normally be a little stricter than your normal affiliate network. When individuals hear that CPA networks are more stringent they frequently get scared off. You shouldn’t let this take place to you since the fact is, if you are an honest upstanding affiliate or intend on becoming one, they actually do desire you involved. It’s actually the fraudsters and spammers of the world that they will try and weed out. Methods of CPA Promo There are many varying methods to promote CPA campaigns, some of which include having your own website, some that don’t. The fact is that CPA marketing is really not all that different than other types of marketing. At it’s a lot of standard you simply need to spend some time to consider the product that you are promoting and where you will really discover a market that is interested in either discovering more or buying an item. Having said all of that I will note a couple of examples of the more popular CPA promotional methods that you might discover: Evaluation Site– Typically these types of websites will consist of 3 of more items within a specific niche i.e. Weight reduction Tablets or Lawn Fertilizer. They will then give you a short intro to each product, a review of the items performance and then normally a star score out of 5. Each of these products will usually be ranked in order and all will include links to either a customized landing page (presented below) or direct to the merchant. Sales/Landing Page– This site is generally more of a direct sales page and will likely present a lot more info on the product that it goes over. It will normally be a really difficult sale and work to get it’s reader either clicking through to the merchant there and then or at the very least signed up to the site owners sending by mail list. Some sales pages will really try to do both of these things, though it can frequently be beneficial to have one direct path through a landing page. A lot of alternatives can eventually suggest losing clicks. Splash Page– This is usally content light and will have flashy graphics with some punchy headlines and copy to encourage readers to input their information or click through to the merchant. Product information is typically minimal and these types of pages are often booked for items that need little explanation or are already popular i.e. competitors for an iPhone or Macbook. Quiz/ Fun Landing Page– Similar to the spash page but even simpler. There will typically be a concern with 2 or more responses that can then be clicked through big prideful buttons. In some cases some sort of game might be utilized in page of this style and it is certainly not the sort of page that somebody will be revisiting. It’s only purpose is to get that click-through and get it now. Having actually given you all these examples of sites that are utilized do not be misinterpreted into thinking that you can only market through your own website. Other possible techniques of promoting CPA Deals consist of posting to message boards, emailing a list of contacts, adding links to videos on YouTube and as soon as you’ve increased the capital perhaps even text-in adverts in publications or regional/national TV. CPA: How difficult is it really? I understand you’re questioning how easy it is to enter all this. I indicate everything sounds excellent in theory however what’s this talk of nationwide TELEVISION? The reality is you needn’t go to these type of lengths to earn money in CPA. Whilst it’s great to understand that it’s possible to go to these lengths, there are ordinary people out there making thousands of dollars each day simply by running CPA promos online. I desire you to realise through this short article that it’s not some secret society and it’s definitely not some pie in the sky concept. It is still a service design and it will take work to make it. You ought to truly discover for yourself that with a little bit of work to obtain began you too can have success worldwide of Cost Per Action Marketing. How To Get Accepted into CPA Networks Practically without fail this is one of the first concerns that pops into peoples minds when they hear that you have to apply to sign up with most CPA networks. Whilst there is not one simple method to get accepted each time, there are manner ins which you can increase your likelihood of being accepted. You ought to always bear in mind that if initially you do not prosper, try and try once again. As much as I want to claim that I’m best, I have actually been both accepted and rejected in the past. That’s the method that life works, nevertheless if you follow the steps in this short article you will be offering yourself the finest chance of success. Obtain a Site– If you don’t already have a site, then now is the time to get your very first one. Whilst it is possible to get accepted to some networks without your own website you may also provide yourself the very best chance of success. Then can use with your existing domain, if you are a significant publisher or an experienced marketer and plan on running the CPA advertisements on your site. Nevertheless it’s most likely that you will have a number of smaller sites or none at all. In this case you will wish to produce a site that brands yourself as an online marketer and explains the locations that you work in. A good choice of ability sets to consist of are your experience with PPC, SEO, Email Marketing or any other methods that you might utilize. Selecting a name such as SOMETHINGmarketing.com will also give you a more expert feel. If you can’t or do not desire to create the site yourself then work with someone to do it for you within a CMS (Content Management System) such as WordPress so you can edit yourself at a later date. Use an e-mail on your domain– I got this information on excellent faith from a market expert a while back. If nothing else you will wish to use an e-mail that looks a little like this ‘yourname@yourdomain.com’. If you mainly utilize a GMail account or comparable you will want to do this and set up a redirect, even. Many CPA networks will immediately turn down any applicant who utilizes a complimentary e-mail address as they are so easy to set up and they have no verification you are really the individual who owns your website. Open & Honest in All of Your Communications– Whilst this might get you denied by some of the more selective CPA networks I really think that sincerity is very important especially in this area. If you say that you intend on driving 1000 keyword targeted leads from monthly from PPC and they telephone you up and it’s clear that you’ve never even used Pay Per Click it will start to raise flags about other locations. Whilst you may believe that stating you can do everything will help your case it may really injure it. As CPA networks usually offer you your own rep/manager you can typically get extra assistance in the areas where you are lacking, even if it’s simply a prod in the right instructions. Your success is where they will be making their cash. Be Proactive When Applying– Lots of CPA networks will require an interview over the phone or via instantaneous message prior to approving your account. In some cases it can take up to a number of days before they get an opportunity to call you back. If they provide a contact number or IM contact details then you ought to utilize them. You will have all the information that you have actually offered fresh in your head and even if they can’t talk to you on the area it proves that you are major about joining and they will likely identify your name when calling back. There you have it, equipped with the following information you ought to be well on your way to getting accepted into your very first couple of CPA networks. And on that note it’s worth stating that you ought to likely request a few of them. Even if you do get accepted into them all you will find that a number of them have different offers available that others don’t. In Conclusion … Ideally you have not been too overwhelmed by the quantity of info included within this post however I felt it needed to offer a full summary of precisely what CPA is and how you can get involved. You’ve learned a few of the approaches that CPA affiliates are utilizing today to make money online. Even equipped with the information you’ve discovered today you are method front of the typical individuals level of understanding about CPA so please don’t lose this opportunity. My individual obstacle to you is this: If you’re thinking about entering CPA Marketing then either register with a network or set the wheels in motion today! A lot of individuals read details online and then forget about it after a couple of hours and never return. If you actually wish to be successful in any online marketing endeavours the genuine key is informed action. This article has actually offered you the power to take your primary steps into CPA, now what you finish with that info is up to you. Get Going Today with the MaxBounty CPA Network

Source

from Your Money Making Machine https://yourmoneymakingmachine.com/what-is-cpa-marketing-guide-on-starting/

[niafrazier]

Making the Case for Beto O’Rourke

Full disclaimer: Beto is one of my top picks amongst the 2020 democratic field as of now. I’m a supporter but am in no way affiliated with his official campaign.

At a certain point, Beto O’Rourke was hailed by the media as basically the second coming of Obama, RFK, JFK, [insert any popular democratic figure from this past century… oh and Abe Lincoln]. After he unsuccessfully attempted to unseat Ted Cruz in the senate race, many people across the country were calling him to run for the presidency. He even surged in polling being just behind Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, both who virtually have 100% name recognition. His senate race garnered national attention and even caught Oprah’s attention (she practically begged him to run on her show FFS). Many (including me) grew to admire his authentic, organic, and down-to-earth approach to politics, which is especially refreshing to see given the fact that everything seems so contrived nowadays. So, he wrestled with his decision thoughtfully and eventually came around to the idea, officially tossing his hat into the ring on March 14th, 2019. But now? Right out the gate, the narrative has shifted, and to the mainstream media pundits and Twittersphere, he is seen as an empty-suited, entitled, misogynistic, arrogant dude dripping with white male privilege. What changed?  How is it that the media, the very one that contributed to the rise of “Betomania,” subsequently went into a frenzy and poo-pooed all over his rollout? The faux outrage, double standards, and cynicism directed at Beto by opinion writers, pundits, etc. have basically motivated me to give my own takes on the most common criticisms I’ve seen thus far. So, here we go:

 “ ‘Man, I’m just born to be in it?’ ”

I’m not gonna lie, taking a look at the Vanity Fair cover and seeing that quote was a facepalm moment. As predicted, this quote sparked outrage fairly quickly… given the optics of a privileged straight white man joining a race of several qualified women and POC… Understandably so.  However, upon reading through the whole article, I was able to grasp the essence of Beto’s words. Here’s what he says leading up to his declaration, expressing urgency:

 “This is the fight of our lives…not the fight-of-my-political-life kind of crap. But, like, this is the fight of our lives as Americans, and as humans, I’d argue.”

And now here’s the full quote: “Man, I’m just born to be in it, and want to do everything I humanly can for this country at this moment.”

 He’s not so much saying that he was born to be in a position of power, rather, he’s expressing that during such dire times, especially in U.S. democracy, he could not in good conscience be complacent and not take action. Just as he was drawn to serve his district in El Paso as a 6 year city council member and a 3-term congressman, he believes that at this moment, he has a purpose to serve the whole nation by being as actively involved in the national discussion as possible—to stand up to bigotry and divisiveness displayed by the current administration of the White House. Beto basically confirmed what I had thought after further inspection when he clarified his statement later (Google it. I’m having trouble with my hyperlinks right now). Could he have worded it better? Sure. I just reject the notion that this one gaffe is supposed to sum him up as an egotistical maniac… please. 

“He adds absolutely no value to the race”

This is arbitrary depending on what your key issues are, but I’m gonna give my take on why I think he’s an excellent addition to the race. So, I’ve been intrigued about the possibility of an O’Rourke presidential run since he’s hinted at it back in November. I really didn’t know much about him until toward the end of Midterm season, but the more I learned, the more impressed I became. (Side note: it was this clip that first caught my full attention.) What really fueled my interest in Beto though, was his stance on immigration. As a first generation Nigerian American, this topic is pretty personal to me. My parents were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to immigrate to America and raise me and my three other siblings. However, I’ve also seen firsthand the difficulty of not only getting through with the ridiculous process but also assimilating into this country. For so long, the Democrats haven’t really made immigration a central issue, until the Trump administration hijacked it and pushed the Overton window all the way to the right. With heightened xenophobia running rampant in this country as a result of this abhorrent presidency, it is pertinent that the Democrats not merely pay lip service to this issue any longer and take serious action. Beto has an advantage here: He’s grown up in and served as a U.S House Rep. in the border district of El Paso, also home to the largest binational community in the Northern hemisphere. He can add a lot to the national discussion and debate on the matter. When Trump came to El Paso, the local community organized a counter rally where Beto gave an impassioned speech about the border wall and immigration. It’s pretty long, but I highly recommend the watch. Furthermore, Beto has outlined a 10 point proposal on how best to approach the immigration issue, along with some facts about the border’s history, which you can read here. Immigration hasn’t really been a winning issue, and I honestly don’t see it being one in 2020. With that being said, I respect the fact that despite this, Beto has shown that this is an issue that he deeply cares about. If I’m being honest, even though comprehensive immigration reform is universally called for amongst Democrats, I doubt that anyone in the field will truly make immigration a main priority in their prospective presidencies. To me, Beto has shown that he will. Even if he doesn’t clinch the nomination, it still means a ton to me that we can have the potential to change the narrative of immigration in this country with serious discussion. With the way Beto is able to convey his message, I am hopeful for what’s to come.  

So, let’s talk about Texas. With the way Beto was able to energize the Democratic base in Texas, Democrats have the opportunity to put the Republican bastion state into play. With 38 electoral votes at stake, Texas is extremely crucial for the GOP. To put things in perspective, if Texas turned blue in 2016, President Hillary Clinton would have been a thing.

*Bonus: “He Lost to Ted Cruz lol… already a nonstarter”

Yes. But you know who else lost to Ted in Texas? Donald Trump. Cruz obliterated him in the Texas Republican primaries. I’m not saying Texas is guaranteed to turn blue with Beto on the ballot, but if we learned anything in 2016, it’s not to underestimate the possibility of seemingly blue or red states to flip at any given moment. The GOP has taken note of this. We’ve seen that Beto has a ton of appeal in Texas amongst not only Democrats but Never-Trump-Republicans and independents as well! If Beto is on that ballot, the GOP will most likely exhaust a ton of resources and money into Texas to keep it from going blue. This will only make other states that Trump won with the slimmest of margins vulnerable. Also… I find it disingenuous to make comparisons between Beto and other senators that hail from deeply blue states regarding electability. If Beto lost to Ted in California, then yeah… we could have a conversation about that.

“A woman running mate is his preference? Who does he think he is?”

The backlash on this surprised me, to be honest… Even Whoopi Goldberg blasted his ass for the statement on The View.  If I had to go on a whim here, I feel like it was the Vanity Fair article that sort of set the mood for Beto’s campaign thus far… because otherwise, I believe that this really wouldn’t have been a story. In fact, Beto is not the only male candidate to call for a woman VP. Cory Booker and Bernie Sanders have strongly hinted at choosing a woman running mate. Interestingly enough, I didn’t recall there being any backlash. Here are Beto’s full remarks on choosing a woman as his running mate:

"It would be very difficult not to select a woman with so many extraordinary women who are running right now, but first I would have to win and there's-- you know, this is as open as it has ever been."

This is very much the response I expected from Beto. Time and time again, he has openly acknowledged his privilege, even before getting hammered about it on social media. In the Vanity Fair article, he states his stance on lack of representation in Washington:

“The government at all levels is overly represented by white men,” he says. “That’s part of the problem, and I’m a white man. So if I were to run, I think it’s just so important that those who would comprise my team looked like this country. If I were to run, if I were to win, that my administration looks like this country. It’s the only way I know to meet that challenge.”

Furthermore, he is understanding and considerate of the fact that people are craving for diversity.  Here’s what he says:

“But I totally understand people who will make a decision [cast a vote in the primaries] based on the fact that almost every single one of our presidents has been a white man, and they want something different for this country. And I think that’s a very legitimate basis upon which to make a decision. Especially in the fact that there are some really great candidates out there right now.”

I know I don’t speak for all POC or women, but as a WOC myself, I took no issue to his statements. In fact, I appreciate his sensitivity to the issue and the fact that he doesn’t shy away from addressing uncomfortable topics in politics, such as race and representation.

Let’s just be glad he didn’t pull a Hickenlooper…. Jesus.

“Light on policy… but he stands on counters amirite?”

To discuss this point, it’s important to understand Beto’s campaign style. Beto is more like a blank canvass. What he does is first listen to people and their concerns, and then from there, he shapes his policies around that. He feels that this is the best way to serve the people. The point of his road trips and tours was not to lecture people on full fleshed policy proposals. There is debate on whether or not this is an effective strategy, and I do understand that people do like to know exactly what they’re signing up for before casting a vote. That’s why some people will more likely gravitate toward candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren who have been consistent in their messaging. However, I also think people underestimate the power of simply listening. Take these comments that a potential voter made concerning Beto’s ability to listen during his stop in South Carolina for example:

"I think if he keeps talking to the people and being able to listen, and not talk at the African-American voters. Talk to us. Listen to what we have to say… As long as you listen and then actually put forward ideas that are legitimate ideas to do things, then he will be fine.”

 While policy specifics are important, this is still the early stages of Beto’s campaign. Specifics, of course, will have to come at some point, especially when debates come around. Another critique I hear is Beto not having any policy proposals on his website yet. He’s not alone though.  Several candidates who have been running longer than he has don’t either. It’s also important to note that while people in the race most likely have been mulling a presidential run for several months or years, this has been something that came around to Beto as recent as November 2018. Stuff like this takes time. I think he has potential, however, in this area. For instance, as I mentioned earlier, he has put out a 10-point proposal on immigration. He also has a brief 5-point plan regarding criminal justice reform and legalization of marijuana. (Fun fact, he even coauthored a book concerning the legalization of weed.)  And it’s not like he hasn’t taken stances on issues ever either… I mean, he has a whole congressional record, and his townhalls give you an idea of where he stands on key issues. 

Oh... and about the countertops. Ugh. The fact that this really sparked outrage is comical. I’ve seen all sorts of takes on this from asserting his male dominance to throwing his youth in Bernie and Biden’s faces (lmao). At a campaign stop, the owner of the coffee shop that he was at asked him to stand on the countertop because people complained that they weren’t able to see Beto amongst the crowds and camera equipment (despite him being 6’4’’, ha). So then it just became a thing since. And he’s respectful about it in case anyone was wondering, lol. But there’s one thing I think both the Beto detractors and I can agree on: why tf is this getting media coverage? I do agree that there should be more coverage for other candidates concerning the real issues. However, the response shouldn’t be to go after Beto or chastise him for doing harmless acts during his campaign stops… Talk that up with the media. The ironic thing about this is that some of the media pundits complain about giving Beto so much coverage… all while giving Beto more coverage about the coverage he’s receiving… 🙄

So if you made it to the end of this extremely long effortpost, thank you. I actually had tons more to discuss but I’m not trying to make this into a novel. Anyways, I’ll say one last thing: 

Before going along with groupthink or engaging in the toxic political echo chamber that is Twitter, I implore you all to take a step back and actually get to know these candidates. Seek after local news outlets when candidates visit to get a feel of the vibes from locals. Go to Beto’s Facebook page and watch a town hall or two. You may come home with a different impression than what is portrayed in mainstream media. I can tell you that when I did this, the difference was night and day.  We have such an amazing field of contenders to choose from, and I’d hate for misinformation or bad-faith arguments to warp perceptions.