#and from there they were able to more so bridge the gaps in their communication

[chisatowo]

I was thinking more abt my deep sea metro salmonids and mayyyyy have accidentally made a new salmonid oc who is also friends/maybe girlfriends with Sash so uhhhhh oops

[tainbocuailnge]

it's easy to dunk on people with poor reading comprehension or to look down on them (consciously or not) even if you're not actively shaming them for "not getting it" or "being stupid" but it's not actually helpful. it's a worrying development that many people (particularly many young people) are becoming resistant to the idea that complex and/or challenging books have value but it's also an understandable development, because in many cases it's a reaction to being shamed for their struggles with literacy and not given the help they would've needed to develop an adequate level of literacy.

that's not even going into what should even be considered an "adequate" level of literacy to begin with, because the truth is that a lot of people will simply never be able to read better than absolutely necessary to navigate their daily life, and this shouldn't be treated as some kind of failure on their part. the goal of literacy education should be to give people the tools for self-sufficiency.

what's worrying is not that there are a lot of people who don't engage with complex texts, but that there are a lot of people who refuse to believe that there is something to be gained from engaging with complex texts. someone doesn't have to read or understand shakespeare or kafka or what-have-you in order to live a fulfilling life, but when they become resistant to the idea that a text can have something going on beyond what's immediately apparent on the surface, they become easy targets for deception. this hinders the self-sufficiency that literacy is supposed to provide them with.

the goal of you high school language class is not just to get you to analyze texts, but to introduce you to the idea that texts can be analyzed in the first place, even if you don't go on to be particularly good at actually analyzing them yourself. you don't need to be able to read between the lines to understand that it is possible to read between the lines, and that therefore a text that seems nonsensical to you at first may simply be written for an audience of a different skill level - this is only a problem if there is a mismatch between the complexity of the text and the literacy of its target audience. an inability to read for subtext is not a personal failure, nor does the ability to read for subtext make you a better person than someone who can't. literacy is a skill, and like any skill there are people to whom it comes more easily than others.

calling people who are drawn to anti-intellectual rhetoric due to their struggles with literacy stupid is not going to encourage them to change their mind. developing media literacy and reading comprehension is something that is very difficult to do on your own, and doubly so if any attempt at trying to learn is met with derision for not already being able to do it. the problem is not people who only engage with easy texts, the problem is people growing hostile towards the idea that there is worth in engaging with more complex texts

if reading comprehension has always come naturally to you, it can be difficult to grasp how someone can fail to understand a text that you thought was easy enough to follow. I myself am guilty of snapping at people for misinterpreting me so wildly it seemed like they were doing it on purpose. you need to learn to suppress this kneejerk reaction, and instead see this frustration as common ground: you are both facing a situation where your communication skills are insufficient. what can you do to bridge this gap? how can you present this information in different ways that better suit how the other party processes information? keep in mind that this does not necessarily mean to simplify the information, because nobody likes being condescended to, and being condescended to is in many cases exactly what made these people hostile towards more complex ideas to begin with.

I don't have an easy solution, because this is a complex problem, and what helps some people will inevitably be useless to many others. but I believe fostering a culture where you won't be met with derision or ridicule for not understanding something or needing more explanation will go a long way. next time someone comments on your post with an absolutely baffling take that makes you wonder if they even read what you said, consider that maybe they are trying to engage with a text that is above their reading level, and they genuinely lack the ability to parse and retain the information you presented in the way you presented it. if you're going to respond, try to do so in good faith.

[elkyralt]

I'm going to write this now as I'm watching the goodbye stream, to add my two cents and whatnot.

The community has always been a huge part of the project, if we put the actual server aside for one second. The fanart, fanfics, headcannons, theories, comics, analysis, videos, memes, all of it was just as important as the actual players and server happening. The community was as much the lifeblood of the project as the actors involved were, and for that I can give a big thank you to all of you in the QSMP tag reblogging and creating under QSMPblr. I've adored each passing moment here - that including the rougher eras because as a community I've seen very measured responses from people truly passionate about the purpose the QSMP was there to serve - to unite communities.

As I'm watching Quackity talking about the fact that even if the QSMP as a project has ended, his desire in bridging cultural and language gaps is still present and something he wants to continue creating for. So yes, even if the server is currently ending, what has been achieved will forever be present. I'd never even thought that I'd be in a community with so many different nationalities who are not afraid to express themselves in their own languages and cultures, and especially I'd never thought that I'd be eagerly waiting to congratulate mutuals on their national holidays and things like that. In that, it's made me want to get closer to my own culture since I've never really properly grown up where I come from and I think that is something to be cherished.

I'd never thought I'd rekindle my passion for language learning and now be able to watch videos and streams in Spanish to understand the majority of what's being said and laugh along in chat, nevermind that same passion being rekindled or created for thousands of others. We have so many languages here and it's insane to even think about isn't it? People in the community that speak: Portugese, French, English, Spanish, German, Korean and probably more! I've been trilingual for the major part of my life, and have known Italian really well for a long time on top of that, but the QSMP as a whole has opened up my perspective on language like I'd never thought anything could.

THAT BEING SAID. Thank you to the creators involved in the project. It was clear to me as early as from the first days - before the translator - when the creativity and passion of the creators broke through those initial barriers and helped form the meaningful connections we find today. The roleplayers that created stories and characters very near and dear to me are absolutely to be praised, personally, I'd say q!Cellbit, q!Roier and q!Etoiles are my favourite characters to come out of this and those that I will keep creating and blogging about. Every character that came out of this is incredible though, everyone even down to Jorgito the IV drip and Posolito the capybara are utterly, indisputably, definantly: peak. Im greatful to the duos or groups that have emerged thanks to the translator and opportunity, just a few examples being: Cellbit and Roier, Badboy and YD, Pierre and Maximus, Etoiles and Phil, Missa and Phil, Cellbit and Baghera, Tubbo and Pac, etcetera! All of these connections between CCs were really entertaining to watch, and all due to the QSMP.

ALSO THAT BEING SAID. Thank you to the actors behind the scenes doing as much of a part as the streamers themselves. The eggs were all absolutely wonderful as NPCs and breathed life into the server like no other. All of them, all portrayed such different characters with realistic personalities and struggles that to me have always been stupendous at staying in character at all points. Lullah, Chayanne, Richas, Tupperware (Dapper), Patitas de cheto (Bobby), Leo, Tillin, Juanna, Trump, Chunsik, Em, Pepito, Sunny, all of you eggos have made the QSMP an unforgettable experience, and you admins deserve to get recognition. Massive thanks also go to the designers, writers, actors and managers behind the project as well, just as important in keeping the server running and fresh in how it was.

General thanks to the project for achieving what it has. Uniting communities, creating an incredibly story and characters, opening mine and other's eyes to more diverse cultures, rekindling passion for language learning and just so much more shit I could talk about for hours. This server has been an incredible ride, but that doesn't mean I'm leaving it completely.

Of course, the QSMP was by no means perfect and I'm not trying to make it out to be. It has it's issues and I'm completely aware of that. I think the impact and beauty the server has had is something to be celebrated regardless because it's something on a scale not done before.

I'm still going to be here, posting and creating about this SMP even after it closes. I'm still gonna be here posting silly clips and making long posts like this one that will maybe get 5 notes - but that's fine with me. I'm proud to be part of this community and experience as a whole, since Day fucking 1 - and I regret none of it. To all the people I've met over this thank you so much for being the people you are, keep creating and learning.

Thank you, QSMP, QSMPblr and Quackity Studios.

[unabashegirl]

Enticing 34 || Harry Styles

Summary: Harry is a young billionaire and CEO of his own company. He mostly keeps to himself, he is stern and very meticulous when it comes to business. He also likes to keep his personal life very private for the sake of his newly born son Oliver Styles. It isn't until he meets Y/N Y/L/N that everything changes. She becomes his new nanny after his previous one quits due to personal reasons. She is young, caring, and sweet. Will they ignore their feelings? Will Harry's girlfriend accept their love and leave them? Will she be able to cope with his busy agenda? What about Oliver's mother? Where is she? Who is she?

masterlist

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Y/N found herself seated in the cozy confines of the Indian restaurant, the warm ambiance and enticing aromas tantalizing her senses. She glanced down at her watch, the minutes ticking away as her anticipation grew. She had arrived a bit early, eager to honor the plans she and Harry had made for their dinner date.

As her gaze flitted over the menu, a mixture of hunger and curiosity stirring within her, the entrance of the restaurant caught her attention. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Harry walking in, his presence commanding attention even before he reached her table.

Harry's eyes scanned the room briefly before landing on her, and a genuine smile lit up his face. The sight of her sitting there, waiting for him, was a reminder of the connection they were trying to rebuild—a connection that had been tested by time, distance, and unexpected revelations.

Y/N couldn't help but admire Harry's impeccable appearance as he approached her table. His perfectly tailored suit accentuated his form, the elegance of his attire matched by the warm sincerity in his gaze.

"Y/N," Harry greeted her, his voice a mixture of warmth and fondness.

"Harry," Y/N replied, her smile mirroring his.

As he took his seat across from her, their eyes met in a silent exchange that held a hint of vulnerability. The weight of their shared history and the newfound dynamics they were navigating was palpable, but so was the desire to bridge the gap between them.

"I'm sorry I kept you waiting," Harry apologized, his expression sincere.

Y/N waved off his concern, her gaze softening. "No worries. I just got here myself."

Harry's smile deepened, a touch of relief evident in his features. "I hope you're hungry. I've heard great things about this place."

Y/N chuckled softly, her laughter a testament to their shared humor. "Starving, actually. And Indian food sounds perfect."

As they perused the menu together, an air of camaraderie settled between them—a comfortable familiarity that held the promise of eased tensions and genuine conversation. The tension that had marked their previous interactions seemed to fade in the warmth of the restaurant's ambiance.

As they engaged in light banter, the layers of complexity that had once overshadowed their connection began to peel away. Their conversations flowed with ease, and Y/N found herself laughing more freely than she had in a long time. In the space of the restaurant, they were just two individuals, connecting over shared experiences and the prospect of a future that held hope.

As the evening progressed, their connection deepened, the weight of their history giving way to a sense of rediscovery. The wounds of the past were gradually being replaced by the potential for healing and growth—a future that was as uncertain as it was promising. And as they dined together, their laughter mingled with the flavors of the food, creating a tapestry of shared memories and newfound possibilities.

Harry and Y/N's conversation continued to flow, carrying them through topics that ranged from their shared history to hopes for the future. As the evening progressed, a pivotal decision emerged—a decision that held the potential to shape the path ahead.

Harry looked down at his phone, his fingers tapping against the screen as he navigated the sensitive topic that lay between them. He took a deep breath and met Y/N's gaze, his expression earnest.

"Y/N," he began, his voice gentle yet resolute, "about the paternity test..."

Y/N's attention shifted to him, her curiosity evident. "Yes?"

Harry's gaze held hers, a mixture of seriousness and determination in his eyes. "I think we should schedule the appointment for the day after tomorrow. I want to get this over with."

Y/N nodded in understanding, the weight of his words settling between them. "I agree. It's something that needs to be addressed."

There was a pause in their conversation as Y/N a bite out of her coconut chicken green curry, her thoughts mingling with the flavors on her palate. Harry's decision to confront the issue head-on resonated with her, a testament to the complexities of their situation.

Harry's fingers danced across his phone's screen as he responded to a message from Andrew, his assistant. A sense of purpose seemed to guide his actions as he navigated the logistics of their decision.

Andrew had taken the initiative to set up the appointment with Harry's family doctor, knowing that this step was significant for both Harry and Y/N. As Harry typed out his response, his focus remained on the conversation at hand, the weight of the decision they were making still heavy in his mind.

Y/N's gaze shifted from her plate to Harry's face, her expression a mixture of understanding and curiosity. "Did you manage to set up the appointment?"

Harry nodded, a sense of accomplishment in his gaze. "Yes, Andrew's already on it. The appointment is scheduled for the day after tomorrow."

Y/N's appreciation was evident in her smile. "Thank you"

Their conversation continued, intertwining with the decision they had made.

As the evening unfolded, the air around Harry and Y/N seemed to hold a delicate balance—a balance between reconnecting, addressing their shared past, and navigating the uncharted territory that lay before them. With the paternity test scheduled, the topic of their future was bound to arise.

The aroma of their meals still hung in the air as Y/N's gaze met Harry's, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Harry, what's going to happen after the paternity test? I mean, if it confirms everything..."

Harry's expression was contemplative, his gaze steady as he met her eyes. "I've been thinking about that, Y/N. And honestly, I'd like you to move in with me—for the duration of the pregnancy."

Y/N's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a mixture of emotions flickering in her eyes. "Move in with you?"

Harry nodded, his tone sincere. "Yeah. I want to be there for every step of this journey. I want to support you through the pregnancy, and I want us to share this experience together."

There was a moment of silence, the weight of Harry's words hanging in the air between them. Y/N's mind raced as she processed his request, a complex mixture of feelings swirling within her.

"I appreciate your offer, Harry," Y/N began, her voice soft yet resolute, "but I can't accept that."

Harry's expression shifted to one of confusion, his brows furrowing slightly. "Why not? I just want to be there for you."

Y/N's gaze held a mixture of determination and vulnerability as she spoke. "I'm in the process of renting out my first apartment. And more than that, I want to continue to be independent. I know you mean well, but I can't simply move in with you. We're not together anymore."

Harry's features softened with understanding, his gaze reflecting a sense of empathy. "Y/N, I get it. I respect your need for independence. But this is about supporting each other through a crucial time."

Y/N's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her emotions on display. "Harry, how can you expect us to live together now, when we're not together as a couple anymore? It's not the same as it was". 

Harry sighed, his gaze dropping to the table momentarily before meeting hers again. "You're right, Y/N. It's complicated. But my intention is just to be there for you, to share in this experience as parents."

Y/N's gaze softened, the vulnerability in her expression matching his. "I know, Harry. And I appreciate that. But we have to find a way to navigate this in a way that works for both of us. I want to continue to be independent, even amidst the pregnancy."

Harry nodded slowly, understanding her point of view.

Their conversation lingered in the air, the weight of their decisions and the complexity of their feelings forming a bridge between them—a bridge that held the potential to guide them forward, even as their paths diverged. The future was uncertain, but in their shared dialogue, they found a glimmer of understanding—a reminder that despite the challenges, they were united by the life they were bringing into the world and the journey they were embarking upon, together in a new way.

The evening had been a delicate dance of shared moments and honest conversations, woven together by the flavors of their dinner and the warmth of their connection. As they finished their meal, Harry's insistence on indulging in dessert had elicited a smile from Y/N—a momentary reprieve from the complexities that surrounded them.

With the Indian restaurant behind them, they found themselves strolling through the streets, the cool evening air a balm against the tensions that had simmered beneath the surface of their discussions. Their steps were unhurried, their conversation light as they explored the cityscape that surrounded them.

As they walked, their path led them to a baby store, its display windows showcasing an array of items meant for the tiniest members of society. Their gazes lingered on the storefront, both hesitating just outside the entrance.

Nervousness mingled with curiosity as they exchanged a glance, the unspoken fears and uncertainties hanging in the air between them like a fragile thread.

Harry's voice broke the silence, his tone soft yet tinged with vulnerability. "I never thought I'd be standing outside a baby store like this. Not even after Oliver. I sent out someone to buy everyone for him”.

Y/N's gaze remained fixed on the store's window, her emotions visible in the furrow of her brows. "Me neither." Y/N remembered that Harry wasn't there for Oliver's pregnancy. Ashley had taken that away from him. She had almost taken that away from him. 

For a moment, they stood there, their shared history and the circumstances that brought them to this point weighing heavily on their shoulders. The future was uncertain, and the prospect of parenthood together had brought them to a crossroads—one that was filled with both hope and apprehension.

Harry's fingers brushed against Y/N's hand, his touch a gentle reminder of their connection. "It's okay to be scared, Y/N."

Y/N's gaze met his, vulnerability and uncertainty mirrored in her eyes. "I know. It's just...it's a lot to process."

Harry nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "It is. But no matter what happens, I'll  be here for you". 

As they continued to stand outside the baby store, the moments of shared silence and understanding seemed to knit their connection closer. The complexities of their situation had not faded, but the willingness to confront their fears and navigate their shared journey was a testament to their growth.

With a deep breath, Y/N turned to Harry, a mixture of emotions playing across her features. "You're right. We'll figure it out. And maybe...maybe we can step inside and take a look."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Harry's lips, his gaze holding a mixture of warmth and reassurance. "Only if you're ready, Y/N."

Together, they stepped inside the baby store—a physical manifestation of the path they were treading together. As they explored the aisles and examined the tiny garments and necessities, a sense of unity seemed to settle within them, quieting their fears and strengthening their resolve.

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TAGLIST: @0oolookitsme, @happycupcakeenthusiast, @kennedywxlsh, @hsfics, @stylesbrock, @cuddlingwithharry, @sucker4angstt, @bluemoonedwings, @cherriesrae, @vornilla, @mellamolayla, @harryscurls21, @stilesissaved, @be-with-me-so-happily, @harryssattelitestomper, @jerseygirlinca, @tenaciousperfectionunknown, @lomlolivia, @stylesfever, @daphnesutton, @n0vaj3an, @breezykpop, @kathb59

[catgirl-kaiju]

i don't want anyone to start shit with tumblr user velvetvexations, but i do have some criticisms about the way she seems to operate.

when visiting her blog and looking her up in the tumblr search function, i see a pattern of behavior where she will go into people's ask boxes to badger folks who post about transmisogyny, interpretting many comments regarding the subject to be anti-transmasc, even when transmasc people are not even mentioned. she refers to this as "activism", but it reads more as a petulant "debate me" behavior that serves only to start fights with people she disagrees with.

this tendancy of hers is why i'm not @ing her or tagging her in this post, and why i've blocked her. i have no interest in dealing with a combative stranger on the internet.

i find it curious that she puts so much effort into harassing people who disagree with the transandrophobia model of talking about transmasc issues, or even just people who post about transmisogyny in a way she feels demonizes transmasc folks (just based on vibes, i guess), while putting very little effort into actually spreading awareness about the challenges that transmasc folks face.

like, i may disagree with transandrophobia being an appropriate or productive way to model the kinds of challenges unique to transmasc folks, but that doesn't mean that i think transmasc issues aren't worth talking about and making space for. i mostly post abt transfem stuff, bc that's what i most easily relate to, and it's what i can speak to from my experiences. but i do actually try to boost posts from transmasc folks that talk about transmasc issues and the transmasc experience. transmasc folks are an important part of my life and my community; i want them to be heard and cared about.

but, under the narrow conception of someone like velvetvexations, i actually hate transmasc folks bc i don't talk abt their issues and experiences the specific way she wants people to. and, frankly, it's strange that she seems to consider herself an authority in this area when she is not able to speak from a transmasc perspective. i think her energy would be much better spent boosting the words of transmasc folks speaking to their own experiences and drawing attention to causes that can address the challenges that they face, instead of trying to police the speech of her fellow transfems.

anyway, i think it would be hypocritical of me, on some level, to insist that she should boost the speech of transmasc folks and draw attention to causes that aid transmascs without doing that myself. so, i'll be taking a moment to post some links here to charitable causes that benefit transmascs:

Tbuddy bridges the critical gap in mental health support for transmasculine individuals by fostering a safe, 24/7 peer support network that leverages the power of lived experience. Through compassionate and confidential connections, we combat isolation, depression, and empower transmasculine individuals to thrive.

you can donate to Tbuddy on their website and you can apply for their services and resources if you are a transmasc person in need. they have been around since 2017, and were founded in response to the 51% suicide rate among transmasc folks at the time, seeking to combat the issues that drive transmasc people to suicidality.

DCATS (DC Area Transmasculine Society) is a trans-led nonprofit organization that serves to advance the lives of transmasculine folks by providing resources that help overcome the social, economic, and health-related barriers to living authentically. Founded in 1998 as a monthly support group, DCATS has transformed into an organization that offers a variety of services to meet our community's needs.

DCATS has a donate option on their website, as well as methods of contact, events, and programs.

Trans Masculine Alliance Houston is a peer led community group for anyone assigned female at birth (AFAB) who identifies as FtM, transmasculine, non-binary, or who is questioning their gender. TMAH’s mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for the transmasculine community. We hold workshops, community building and social activities, and meet to engage in discussion of issues related to transmasculine identity. Additionally, we are working on a program to help offset the cost of gender affirming surgeries and name/gender marker filing fees.

there does not appear to be a place to donate on their website, but they do have a directory of various resources pertinent to transmasc needs, some of them specific to the Houston area, and some more widely accessible.

i'm gonna stop there, just bc this post is already SO long, but anyone feel free to post more in the reblogs. also, transmascs, feel free to post any of your donation or fundraising links on this post. i will do my best to boost!

alright end of post, g'night y'all!

[gorchards]

Time Without Consequence - Yuuta Okkotsu x Reader

Part 1.5 of Love Lines!

word count: 1,851

a/n: Just a little building block/flashback chapter to bridge the gap between Love Lines and the Next one :) Toge is a very very patient friend and I love him for that. Not much of Y/N in actuality, they're mentioned a lot by Yuta tho. ofc <3

Yuta strode his way up to his dorm with a skip in his step- which wasn’t something he normally did, but today? He had seen you. He’d seen you in person for the first time in four years.

As he climbed up the stairs, every moment of your little meet-up replayed in his head. Your laugh echoed in his ears. The look on your face when you handed him your new number burned in his mind. He almost couldn’t believe it. You actually wanted to see him again.

Everything else in his life, even you, had told him that there was no chance you could ever reunite. No chance that he could ever see you again.

Yuta had spent every day since the break-up praying for your return. He would spend so much time just thinking about you- especially when you first broke up. You were all that he could think about.

Well, He had tried to move on from you more than once. He thought that would be the right thing to do- the kind of thing that you would have wanted. But it was an impossible task for him to even attempt. Every time he worked up the nerve to download a dating app or to try and pursue someone in his classes, he just couldn’t ever go through with it. Just when he would think he was ready, something would happen and he would fall right back into the endless memories he kept of you.

Even though his heart was clinging to the string of hope that you would come back (at the very least, as his friend), he didn’t want you to come back and find him just the same as he was before. He feared that you wouldn’t be able to bring yourself to stay if he didn’t take this time to improve. So he had done his best to do better for himself day by day, for both his own happiness and the potential of your return. And that had caused several suitors to become attracted to him- all of whom he would end up turning down.

The first person who expressed interest in him after you had ended surprisingly well, though. Roughly a year after you two had broken up, Toge Inumaki had approached him after a shared class, and invited him to lunch via a piece of notepaper.

Of course, Yuta had agreed! It was exciting, the prospect of a new friend. And it had gone very well, to his utter delight. And so they went out to lunch, again and again.

As the weeks passed, Yuta grew downright giddy about his new friend. Toge Inumaki was selectively mute, but they had managed to communicate over coffees and lunches with a little bit of work from the both of them. It was strange for Yuta to talk so much, but he did his best for the sake of his new friend. In the back of his mind, though, you were ever-present. He often wondered what you might have thought of Toge. He could imagine that you would have shared in his joy over this- that you would have wanted to meet his new friend. He thought they had a lot in common, so perhaps you would have liked him- but not too much, he hoped.

He knew that Toge would have loved you. After all, who wouldn’t? He imagined that if the three of you had had lunch together, it would have been even better than it currently was! You always knew what to say, and how to make just about anyone feel comfortable and included.

He wondered what new people you were meeting, what new friends you had. He wondered what you might be doing with them. It wasn’t hard to picture you surrounded by people who loved and cared about you, and he hoped that he and his new friends could one day be among them. He wanted to make sure you could feel that love.

And then the thought would come that you would never meet each other's friends again.

That you would never celebrate another thing together again.

That he would have to love you in longing for the rest of his life.

It crushed him. Heavy, the thought would weigh on his mind whenever he would meet up with Toge. The thought would linger, and cause him to space out occasionally, to Toge’s concern. Still, it didn’t weird his new friend out enough to scare him away.

One evening, Toge had walked Yuta to the bus. It was just the two of them, so they sat down for a little chat. “Thanks for hanging out with me today, Toge.” He said with a soft smile. “I always have fun with you.”

Toge nodded and began to sign. Yuta had picked up a little bit- trying to learn for his friend.

“You…too?”

Yuta looked up at Toge for approval. To his delight, he was smiling and nodding in approval.

He started smiling even wider. “Hey, I understood that!”

Toge chuckled slightly and patted his shoulder. Again, he signed. “Good job!”

Yuta’s eyes lit up in excitement. “It’s so cool how you can communicate like that. I’ll do my best to catch up with you but…well, you’ve got a pretty serious headstart on me.

Toge took out a notebook and scribbled on it. “It will come with time. But I will always be ahead of you.”

Yuta nodded. “You’re right…but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try.”

Suddenly, Toge shifted his weight slightly and took a deep breath.

“Is…everything okay Toge? You look pretty serious all of the sudden.”

“Read” Toge signed. Then, he handed Yuta a letter.

In confusion, Yuta looked it over. A plain envelope with his name signed on the back.

Immediately, his mind fluttered to you. You had done something similar before, for your one-month anniversary. But the envelope was covered in hearts and stickers- a thought that made him smile even now. So much care and thought had been put into it.

So had Toge, he was sure. Whatever this was though, put a sinking feeling in his stomach. He wasn’t sure why.

Slowly, he opened it.

“Yuta Okkotsu - I have had a wonderful time with you these last few weeks. I admire your ability to try and include me in group discussions, and to converse with me over our meals. You are an amazing person, and I am happy to have become your friend.”

This made Yuta smile ear to ear. Short, but sweet in an upfront way. He appreciated the praise, but really he should be thanking Toge for helping him ease back into socializing.

Ah, but there was more.

“However, I must be upfront and honest with you. You see, the reason I was originally drawn to you is that I find you quite cute.” Oh?

“And I would like to ask how you would feel about going on a date.”

Oh.

Yuta’s smile cracked awkwardly. “Uhm…”

Toge tilted his head, eagerly waiting for a response.

“Toge, I’m sorry but…Well, I’m just…I’m not ready to date again. I’m sorry but…I have to turn you down.” With sweaty palms, he handed back the letter.

Toge was quiet for a moment, looking down at the ground.

Yuta could feel it. This would be the end. That’s how it was, in his experience. Once you had broken up with him, you couldn’t stand to even be around him anymore (at least, so he thought.), and had left him. Now that he had turned down Toge, he was sure that he would leave too.

“Again?” Toge signed.

“What?” Yuta said, snapping out of his thoughts.

Toge took the back of the envelope and wrote on it. “You said again. You’ve dated before? You don’t give off that impression.”

Yuta had to laugh a little bit. It’s not like he wasn’t right. “...I used to date this girl in high school. Her name was Y/N L/N and…well, she was my best friend.”

Yuta went on and on about you. How kind you were, how beautiful you were. Endlessly talking about the little moments he had with you that he treasured dearly, starting from the moment you first met as kids. Getting stuck in a tree together, birthday parties, your awkward middle school years. Your confession, your first date, dancing in the rain, lending you his sweaters. He couldn’t help himself. He had talked so much that they had both missed the bus without realizing it.

As cringeworthy as he initially found it, the more that Yuta talked, the more that even Toge found it oddly sweet. He got the feeling that you two would either find your way back together in some mushy gushy reunion, or you might have ruined Yuta for any other potential partner.

So three years later, when Yuta burst through the door of their apartment with the brightest smile he had ever seen on the man, Toge had a feeling that he knew what it was about.

Toge snapped twice to get his attention. “You look happy.” He said.

Yuta flushed. “I do?” Well, he shouldn’t have been so surprised. The joy of reuniting with you would of course be felt vibrating off of him like heat radiates from a fire. You were the love of his life in every way that someone could be.

“Did something good happen?” Toge asked.

“Well…” He scratched the back of his neck, unable to hide the pure joy that was pouring out of him. “Do you remember Y/N?”

“Your ex, Y/N?” He replied with a sigh, giving Yuta a look.

“Uhm…Well. We kind of ran into each other today…and she wants to see me again.”

Toge pursed his lips with a nod, and sat up in his seat. He patted the spot next to him, and Yuta complied quickly. Then, Toge grabbed his friend's shoulders. “Under absolutely NO circumstances will you text her without me reading it over first.”

Yuta laughed nervously, feeling Toge’s intense stare barrel into him.

“I’m serious. If I have to hear you talk about Y/N in the past tense for the next fifty years you WILL regret it.” Somehow, over the last few years, Yuta had never once shown even an ounce of resentment toward you. And Toge would always be the one to hear about it whenever the grief of missing you became too much. He didn’t want to make Yuta feel bad for his emotions, but… he didn’t feel he could react so empathetically for much longer.

“Okay, okay! Message received! But…well, I was going to ask for your help anyway. You always know what to say and I…I really don’t want to mess this up.” He said, slumping down in his spot on the little couch. “I…I’ve missed her so much, Toge. You have no idea how happy I am right now.”

Toge cracked a little smile. “...Well, I am happy for you regardless. Tell me about it. I’m all ears.”

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[bulldagger-bait]

Went on a date and they were like "I'm sorry you're disabled". My first thought was to get frustrated or feel patronised, but, that doesn't get us anywhere. So i thought about it and tempered my reaction, and what I came to was this: they're sad, but I'm not!

I understand the impulse to feel bad about my life situation. I get it. It sucks. Like objectively. It bums me out too sometimes.

But im not sorry I'm disabled, I'm happy I'm alive! Im happy with disability, not in spite of it. It's a part of my life. I can no more be miserable about my disability than I can be about getting a bad haircut. It's a part of me and I can either live with it, or I can suffer. If those are my options i choose live with it. Its really that simple and drastic.

Disability means pain, yes, but pain does not mean suffering. I am in pain every day of my life, but I do not suffer. How does that work? I live my life. I live! Isn't that wonderful? I am alive and I have a good, privileged life! I have friends. I have community. I have family. I have passions. So long as i can find the good, I am not focused on my pain, and if i am not focused on my pain it cannot consume me, and if it cannot consume me then I cannot suffer.

My disability is just another thing that is part of me. I don't look at what I can't do. I look at what I want to do, and I find a way to get there.

My life looks different from an able bodied person's life. It just does, and it always will. It's going to be different. I can either embrace it, or I can be miserable. I can either live with it or i can suffer.

I choose to embrace it. I choose to live with it.

It wasn't easy to do so, don't get me wrong. I was miserable for such a long time. I wanted to die; I wanted to die so badly. I thought there was no worth in my life and that I'd never be worth anything. But that's not true.

My life is beautiful. It's not exactly what i wanted for myself, and yeah, if i could wave a magic wand and be in a perfect body... I wouldnt even hesitate to take that option. But that's not gonna happen. So i look at what I have, and I'm so grateful to have it in the first place.

I could be so much worse off. Im fortunate. Im lucky. Im an immigrant success story. I live in a better land. Im happy here. Im well integrated. This place is my home. My country looks after me. I dont want for food. I dont want for shelter. Thats amazing. So if I can look at the little things that im grateful for and build from there...

I dont have all the abilities i want. I will never have everything I want, no matter how simple it may seem. So instead, I will be grateful for what I do have.

Im not sorry i'm im a wheelchair! Im happy! How many people in the world dont have a wheelchair who need one? Im fortunate to have one. My wheelchair is freedom. My world opened up when i got my wheelchair the same way it did when i got my licence.

My life may be sad to you, but its not sad to me. And if its not sad to me, then its not sad! You dont have to feel sad for someones disability. I think its natural to want them to be able to do the same things you can, or to achieve the same things you can. I think you should foster that desire into finding ways to help bridge the gap between what someone can do and what they cant. Access is how you bridge that gap.

Feeling sad for someone with disability is a natural empathetic response. I think its wrong to shame people for it, but it is worth it to redirect their thinking. They are sad for me, but its because they can only see limits. But disability isnt about seeing limits, its about finding out how to move past them.

My life might look sad to you, but you dont know what i can do. You dont know how far ive come. You dont know what my life looks like beyond my disability because you've never been shown that. Its not a story thats told. And i dont mind showing you that theres more to my story than what i cant do.

So, i dont mind if someone tells me theyre sorry im in a wheelchair. Im not. Lets get past that impulse of empathy, and have a real conversation. Because you'll see that i'm not sad. I have a rich life and im happy. Once you can see all that joy, the wheelchair becomes secondary. Of course i'm happy, my life is good.

The wheelchair. The disability. Its set dressing. Its the stage my life takes place on. We cant ignore it. Its there. But it is not so big that it robs goodness from my world.

Am I happy about having my disability? No. But I'm not sad about it. Not anymore.

And that is going to be true about any other disabled person you meet. We dont need pity, because our lives dont warrant it. We dont need you to feel bad for us, because there is no need to feel bad. Its just life. Thats how it goes sometimes.

Once a disabled person's hit the acceptance stage, there's really no need to offer them your sympathies anymore. Be happy with them in their life, however that looks.

[our-arospec-experience]

please ignore if this type of thing isn't allowed, however I'm an allo and I wanted to ask for an aro perspective since I've started dating an aro person. (they were the one who ultimately asked and I know it's something they really want)

they don't really know how to explain their aromanticism but they say they really love me in their own way and a way that they don't feel for other people, but insist they don't experience romantic attraction though their love isn't platonic either. I really want to and try to understand but I admittedly haven't been fully able to. I just accept that's how it is for them

I'm more sensitive to irrationally feeling unloved due to my mental issues, currently I'm stable so it's not an issue but at times my brains targets their aromanticism as a source of insecurity for me. obviously there isn't anything wrong with them being aro and the type of love they experience for me, but during those irrational times I struggle to dispel those thoughts

I feel bad coming to them about it since it's something they struggle to explain or even totally understand themself and already have expressed they sometimes feel bad they can't exactly reciprocate my romantic feelings

so in another attempt to gain a better understanding I wanted to hear from aros in romantic relationships with allos, what are your experiences? how do you feel about your relationship? what is it that's different with them that makes you want to be with them? anything else related or that you feel like I should know, feel free to share! I know being aro is extremely varied and shows in different ways so I know the situation may not be the same but I still feel like it'd help me understand and be helpful to reflect on in my future episodes

also, how do you and your partner bridge the gap between your differences? my partner is a very honest, direct person and hasn't ever expressed disliking my affection but has vaguely said sometimes they can't really understand the things that make me happy (meaning expressions of love) and I'm not sure how to go about that

I'm sorry if anything sounded rude or ignorant and feel free to correct me, I don't have much experience with aro people aside from my partner or the aro community

I'm glad you're trying to understand your partner better, and don't ever feel that it is rude to genuinely ask a question (it's very brave).

Unfortunately I don't have a partner, so I won't be much help, but any other aros, please feel free to comment and help anon!

The most advice I can give you, anon, is to talk to your partner. It might be hard, but it's often the best way to resolve issues, and avoid misunderstandings.

I hope you can figure it out :)

[avelera]

So I’ve gone back and I’ve been reading some Old Guard fic (as I try to get motivated to write the last damn chapter of my one damn TOG WIP finished so I can finally moved on), and I must admit, one silly and very minor pet peeve I have in some Nicky/Joe fics for the Old Guard that explore their Crusader days is the trope of having them go a really long time without being able to understand each other. Because based on Nicky’s path as a Crusader even getting to the Holy Land, and the various hints we have that Joe has a pretty worldly background, I would suggest they should have had a baseline to communicate already when they met and that bridging the gap would have gone very quickly for one or both of them once they committed to learning.

There’s a few reasons I find them going a really long time without speaking each other’s language (most likely Nicky picking up Arabic) somewhat implausible:

- First, just based on my own personal experience: I went through a full language immersion experience myself and yes it was painful and yes, having textbooks and classes certainly helped, but all told it was 3-4 months from almost zero before I could start doing normal things for my age group like read simple books and do homework. However, the most effective language learning program in the country, Middlebury, does a full immersion program that gets people to baseline functionality in 6 weeks. Yes, learning a language is hard and I will be the first to say that mastery takes years and mastery without immersion is nearly impossible, but if you’re completely immersed there, without options, it goes much faster. You won’t be fluent of course but you will be conversational. Also, by all accounts, being illiterate or otherwise not bothering to learn how to read and write at the same time and ONLY going for verbal communication actually makes things go even faster.

- People who pick up by speaking (rather than reading and writing) and people who speak multiple languages already tend to pick up other languages even more quickly. Once you learn one or two, a lot of polyglots don’t stop there. There is that old joke: the word for speaking three languages is trilingual, two languages is bilingual, and speaking only one language is American. Which is to say I think native English speaking writers might be the ones underestimating how quickly a language can be learned (at least to a conversational level).

- Now throw in the fact that both Nicky and Joe have been recently in multilingual societies or organizations as a requirement of their meeting during the First Crusade, no matter how you slice it. Either as both coming from a merchant trading backgrounds traveling across international (so to speak) lands, or Nicky being part of the pan-European Christian army where multiple languages would be spoken across the camp, to him possibly having a priest background which would mean Latin as well. Not to mention Greek if Nicky picked up anything while in Constantinople (if he came over land). Nicky also would have been on the road to the Holy Land, if he went overland, for as long as 3 years and in Antioch before Jerusalem.

- Now, as an admitted caveat to all of this, I’ve lived overseas and it is absolutely common for expats to live in a country for years without bothering to pick up the local language at all. There were cultural and societal reasons that European Crusaders and the Egyptian Fatimids who lost Jerusalem wouldn’t bother to learn each other’s languages or any of the common merchants tongue or other common languages like Greek to bother to talk to each other. That’s absolutely fair to invoke for why they wouldn’t have a single word of any language in common.

- However, I will say, once both or either of them decided to try, I think some writers don’t give enough credit for how quickly one or the other would pick a language up, especially if it’s the language of the country they’re in (basically, I think once he tried, Nicky would pick up Arabic very quickly if he’s still in the Holy Land by the time he and Joe start trying to communicate). Effort plus full immersion is probably the single fastest way to learn a language, you’d be able to have rudimentary conversations within a few months at most. Really from there it’s just a question of whose country are they in once they start talking and stop trying to kill each other.

TL;DR I will be the first to say an author should go with what makes their story work best BUT there’s plenty of historically backed reasons why Nicky and Joe should have been able to carry on a basic conversation with each other from when they first met, and not be completely stymied in communicating with each other because of a language barrier.

[heartmachinez]

Embracing Accessibility and Diversity: The Vital Role of Remote Presentations in Game Conventions

In recent years, the gaming industry has witnessed an unprecedented surge in popularity and innovation. This phenomenon is often celebrated at large international conventions like Gamescom / devcom, where developers, enthusiasts, and creators from around the world gather to showcase their latest creations, share insights, and explore new horizons.

However, as the gaming community continues to expand, so does the need to ensure that these conventions remain accessible and inclusive for everyone. Enter the concept of live remote presentations – a powerful tool that preserves diversity, fosters representation, and empowers those who might otherwise be excluded.

During the pandemic, many conventions like GDC, Gamescom, Gen Con, etc. decided to go remote rather than cancel their events outright. Now that COVID-19 is under control, these same conventions have decided to return to an IRL format for the obvious benefits of fostering greater networking opportunity, spontaneous collaborations, personal branding, cultural exchange...among other advantages.

We were very fortunate this year that even though Gamescom / devcom was one of thsoe conventions that returned to an in-person format this year, they were able to accomodate our Founder / Creative Director Alx Preston's remote talk From Pixels to Polygons – Bringing the Hyper Light Universe into the Third Dimension. They decided to make an exception to the in-person only format this year due to Alx's specific health considerations.

But maybe a hybrid format should be the norm, and not the exception?

The Power of Representation and Diversity

One of the most valuable assets of the gaming industry is its diverse and passionate community. Gamers, creators, and developers hail from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, enriching the industry with fresh ideas and innovative concepts. Embracing this diversity fosters creativity and leads to games that resonate with a broader range of players. But for this diversity to flourish, the voices and viewpoints of all members of the community need to be heard.

Accessibility as a Cornerstone of Inclusion

International conventions like Gamescom attract attendees from around the world, turning them into melting pots of ideas and creativity. However, the barrier of physical attendance can inadvertently lead to exclusion. Not everyone has the financial means, the physical health, or the time to journey halfway around the globe to participate in such events. This exclusion can inadvertently stifle unique perspectives and novel insights that could otherwise contribute to the growth of the industry.

The Crucial Role of Remote Presentations

Live remote presentations offer a solution that bridges the gap between physical presence and accessibility. By allowing speakers to present their ideas, projects, and perspectives remotely, conventions can ensure that individuals who might not be able to attend in person can still contribute meaningfully. Here are a few compelling reasons why this approach is essential:

Global Representation: Remote presentations empower voices from different continents, cultures, and backgrounds to participate and share their experiences, especially including folks from foreign countries who might encounter time or money difficulties getting visas to travel. This widens the scope of perspectives and ensures a more holistic representation of the gaming community.

Inclusivity: Everyone should have an equal opportunity to engage with the industry they love. Remote presentations provide a level playing field for those with limited physical abilities, financial constraints, or geographical limitations.

Time and Resource Efficiency: For busy professionals, remote presentations eliminate the need for extensive travel and time away from work or other commitments. This encourages a more diverse pool of experts to contribute without sacrificing their personal and professional obligations.

Reduced Environmental Impact: International travel carries a significant carbon footprint. Embracing remote presentations aligns with sustainability efforts and demonstrates a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of such events.

Technological Advancements: With the rise of high-quality video conferencing tools, remote presentations can be seamless and engaging. This eliminates potential technical barriers and ensures that remote speakers can effectively communicate their ideas.

Looking Ahead: A More Inclusive Gaming Community

In conclusion, the gaming industry's continued growth hinges on the cultivation of diverse ideas and perspectives. International conventions like Gamescom play a pivotal role in this process by providing a platform for individuals to share their insights. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations that physical attendance imposes on accessibility and representation. By embracing live remote presentations, and offering a hybrid format, these conventions can pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant gaming community.

In a world where technology connects us across continents, it's only fitting that the gaming industry utilizes these tools to break down barriers and amplify voices. By making remote presentations a staple of game conventions, we celebrate the richness of our community while ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table, regardless of their location, resources, or physical abilities.

Thank you so much to Nico Balletta and the devcom / Gamescom team for giving us the chance to share our projects with the world. Here's to an amazing Gamescom 2023!

[poorlydrawndirk]

We're on air.

More precisely, I was on air when I recorded this, but the details are largely irrelevant. Because I don't really feel like covering fuckin' introductory quantum mechanics and telling you exactly how the influence of the Skaian universe, when applied at the quark level and taken alongside the probabilistic effect of quantum behavior, superposes via particle states and results in the formation of what you might refer to as "overlapping timelines". And that's already getting real abecedarian about this shit.

Yeah, sue me. Try boning up on basic physics while you're at it.

So. I'm sure you'd love to hear about how I managed to rig this sick as hell channel-cum-blog up and get it to straddle the space-time continuum like an antediluvian Olympic gymnast doing mad splits over baby's first toy pony, but that ain't the point of this little exercise. Posting what's effectively a vlog is enough of an onanistic venture without adding Skaian Principles For Dummies: Electric Boogaloo to the schedule.

Where was I?

(Rhetorical question. Don't answer, if it needed to be said.)

The name's Dirk.

Strider. Yeah, that Strider.

I'd be more worried about internet safety, but seeing as there are only up to two people alive around here no matter how far you pull my timeline back, and I'm one of 'em, it doesn't exactly compute. Face it, brosephine: you aren't getting to year 24xx post-hilarocaust, and you sure aren't getting past that. Wasn't shat out of a lab yet when you were committing identity theft and scamming doddering old ladies out of their sadsack pensions.

(If you manage to get pizza delivered out here, I'll tip extra.)

Besides, you already knew my name, didn't you?

Maybe your next question's going to be:

"Why are you calling this a vlog when it's obviously just a blog?"

Or maybe,

"Why is your URL poorlydrawndirk when it's totally malapropos?"

Buckle in, kids. Strap yourself into that convertible toddler-safe harness and keep your ass glued tight to all the prime polyester-lined foam, because this ride's about to pull into the station and vehicular standards are some passé 21st century horseshit.

The first thing you have to understand is that even peering upon the brink of these echelons of irony is a skill that you'll never grasp in your life. But that's fine. I'm around. And if it puts your mind at ease,

I'll be the one pulling the strings here.

(There's the tired callback. It's not wrong, but it's tired. Worn out enough for it to be begging you to take it out back behind the shed and put it out of its misery.)

(I'll leave it at that for now, because self-referencing is one thing, but if I get any more meta, I'll have to start narrating in twelve-point Times New Roman.)

Anyway, I'll be breaking it down, just this once. Magnanimous as hell, I know. I could wax poetic and in doing so obfuscate the actual meaning once more from obtuse minds, thereby adding another strata to irony so layered that it's settled past sedimentary and is ready to unearth some fossil formations, but let's be real. That shit would fly over your head so far it'd be trying to dial ground control at Houston.

Here we go.

Vlogs aren't cool; making one ironically is.

Putting in this much effort into making a multiversal vlog makes it cooler, ironically.

Putting in this much effort to make a multiversal vlog when the doomed timelines are all inherently fuckin' doomed, as the name implies, and therefore functionally useless to communicate with, makes it more ironic.

I have Heart powers and am able to achieve my ultimate self through my alpha timeline. Therefore, not only is this pimped-out vlog functionally useless, but I actually don't need it at all.

Which means this wasn't too hard to set up to begin with. Ironic, considering the complex presupposed conditions necessary for bridging that 'verse gap.

And despite framing this as a vlog, this is obviously a blog.

Even though it's just a blog, all these drawings I've made had you convinced that I really thought I was posting a vlog.

And in a way, I'm still making one. It ain't the traditional format, but the almost videographic mannerisms I've been laying on you more than compensate for the fact that the video part of "vlog" doesn't exist.

Except it does, for me.

And because it does, none of these pictures are drawn to begin with. They're all film stills. Screenshots, if you prefer.

Which makes the qualifier of "poorly drawn" untrue.

But it's also almost true, because you can call them poorly drawn by virtue of them not even being drawn. Ride that definition of "poorly" down the one-way rail and you're here, selfie central, population two, me and you.

Of course, that means we have to cover the quandary of truth itself. What constitutes the truth? Titillate that thought for a second.

If I consider the attached files to be selfies, but you consider them to be illustrations, which is it actually?

An analysis of the "truth" means that we have to start delineating how much of this is subjective, tying us in bed with the concept of knowledge. The Socratic take calls for dialectical conversation and inquiry via questioning; therefore, if I just bequeath my knowledge to you on a pretty little metaphorical platter, it won't mean fuckall. So we have to keep digging. Get your pickaxe ready, 'cause we ain't hitting any diamonds of wisdom any time soon.

In fact, maybe that ain't the right direction. Flip it turnways. We gotta climb a li'l higher for what we need.

Maybe we gotta head to the roof.

now. brought cal.

where making this HAPEN.

Haha.

Just fuckin' with you.

Welcome to my blog, dude.

Want water? Imagine I got you a nice, chilled glass.

Let's get this parasocial relationship pumping.

Questions? Concerns? Misguided pseudo-parental queries about whether or not it's safe for your pipsqueak to be exposed to a full dose of radically Stridered bullshit?

Cool.

Make it all three and drop it in the asks, yeah?

[clangenrising]

Month 5 - Greenleaf

Oddstripe took a deep breath as she made her way up the mountain in Sagetooth’s pawsteps. Her jaw worked silently with nerves as she stared at the rocky slope, its well worn stone stained auburn by the last dregs of sunlight draining out from the sky. She felt absolutely sick, in no small part due to the fast Sagetooth had said would help her find her way to the Silverpelt. Communing with StarClan on an empty stomach was apparently a part of the ritual, but she had abstained on her first visit for fear she wouldn’t be able to feed her kits. 

She hadn’t dared to risk it this time. Thankfully, the kits were beginning to eat on their own now, because she couldn’t bear the idea of being the only one who didn’t receive a vision again. 

Was it her? Was it because she was an outsider? She had been puzzling for the last two weeks over whether or not there was something she needed to do to gain their favor. Sagetooth had gently laughed at her suggestion of a prey sacrifice, dashing Oddstripe’s hopes of some sort of mystical solution to her problem. The older Healer had assured her that the fast would be sufficient to bridge the gap between her and StarClan’s hunting ground. Still, Oddstripe couldn’t help but worry it was her fault somehow, that she wasn’t made for this sort of thing, that she was built wrong. That had to be the reason right? Why else would four other cats swear they spoke with the dead when she dreamt only of darkness. 

Sagetooth must have smelled the distress coming off of her because she turned around as they reached the mouth of the cave and frowned sympathetically. 

“Are you doing alright, Oddstripe?” she asked. “We can stop if this is too much for you.” 

“Oh, no!” Oddstripe blurted immediately. “No, I’m fine. Just… nauseated.” She looked down at her paws guiltily. 

“That’s alright,” Sagetooth said, laying her tail against Oddstripe’s flank. “You learn to tune it out eventually. It’s normal to feel sick the first few times.” 

“That’s good,” sighed Oddstripe, although she didn’t feel comforted much at all. 

“Try to clear your mind of worry,” Sagetooth advised. “If you meditate and empty your thoughts, you’ll be more attuned to StarClan’s guidance when it comes, okay?” She smiled and Oddstripe forced herself to do the same. 

“Okay,” she said. 

“That’s the spirit,” purred Sagetooth. She turned and led the way into the dark and winding tunnel ahead of them. Oddstripe took a deep breath and followed into the terrible unknown. 

Eventually, the dark tunnel opened up and Oddstripe was once again astonished by the sight of the glimmering cave before her, its glowing blue ceiling reflected in the water making a replica night sky. It filled her with wonder. Just like last time, she was struck with the unquestionable sensation that this place was deeply magic. 

The feeling that she didn’t belong here wasn’t far behind.

Tangletooth was waiting for them already. The ginger tom sat by the water, staring at the reflections with a foggy look on his face. Sagetooth cleared her throat as they entered and he straightened with a sharp inhale. 

“Ah, Sagetooth!” he smiled, turning to face them. “And your new apprentice!” He looked Oddstripe over with a frown of confusion before asking, “What was your name again?” 

“Oddstripe,” she supplied with a warm smile. 

The elderly tom nodded, body bobbing heavily with the movement. “Yes, that’s it. Oddstripe. Glad to have you joining us again. How are your kits doing?” 

“Oh, very well!” she purred, worries disappearing for a moment. Sagetooth sat down and folded her tail over her paws with a small smile on her face while Oddstripe continued. “Floodkit got a few scrapes trying to play around the Stoneperch but he’s recovering smoothly. Oh, and Sparrowkit has been bringing me flowers trying to help me with my work, he’s so sweet.” 

Tangletooth chuckled and the conversation continued this way, the two of them talking about nothing back and forth. Every now and then Sagetooth interjected with a short correction or addition, but for the most part, Oddstripe chatted pleasantly with the SkyClan Healer. She’d always enjoyed the conversations she’d had with older cats. There was something so sweet about the way they plainly spoke their minds. She was enjoying herself so much, she was startled when another cat emerged from the tunnel.

“There you are,” Sagetooth said, tail twitching. “I was starting to wonder if we should start without you.” 

Stormwhisper, the handsome young EarthClan Healer licked his whiskers nervously and said, “Apologies, I got held up treating a bee sting.” His eyes flickered over Oddstripe before purposefully fixing themselves on Sagetooth’s face. Oddstripe felt her empty stomach twist.

Sagetooth shook her head with a scoff (at whom, Oddstripe wasn’t sure) but Tangletooth said, “Where’s Blazingbrush?” and looked around as if she were hiding somewhere in the cave. 

“Oh,” Stormwhisper swallowed, “She won’t be coming. She has a stomach ache and is isolating, just in case. I sent her some herbs yesterday.” He licked his whiskers again and shuffled his paws. Sagetooth squinted. 

“Mm,” hummed Tangletooth, “That’s for the best then. StarClan willing, it isn’t Red Gut.” Oddstripe’s ears perked. She’d heard a lot about this deadly plague from both of her teachers and the thought that it had returned was frightful to say the least. 

Clumsily, she echoed the prayer. “Y-yes, StarClan willing.” Sagetooth and Stormwhisper both glanced briefly in her direction and her ears flattened shamefully. Was that wrong? She shouldn’t have said anything at all.

“Well, in that case, let’s get started,” Sagetooth said. “I have no major updates to share. A few of our herb stores have been ruined by the heat but I don’t think we’ll need any assistance in replacing them.” 

“Likewise,” Tangletooth nodded, “Nothing of note in SkyClan.” 

“And my only news was about Blazingbrush,” concluded Stormwhisper.

“We should make sure to be ready if it is Red Gut,” Sagetooth said. “Have you made any arrangements with her if it is?” 

Stormwhisper blinked in surprise and quickly said, “Uh, no, but I’ll talk to Poppybird about it. I’ll send an apprentice to spread the word if it’s Red Gut.” Sagetooth huffed in what Oddstripe recognized as irritation at incompetence. Despite knowing it wasn’t aimed at her, she straightened her posture and tried to comport herself with dignity. 

“Good,” said Sagetooth curtly, “Make sure you get that handled promptly, yes?” 

“Of course,” Stormwhisper nodded hastily, looking thoroughly chastened.

“Alright,” she said, looking around at the others, “Shall we then?” 

“Yes, I think we shall,” nodded Tangletooth, turning back to the river. Oddstripe felt her chest tighten. The moment of truth was upon her and she suddenly had a desperate need to find more excuses to delay the inevitable. Sagetooth stepped up beside her and put on a smile.

“You’ll be alright,” she said softly, “Just let go of your thoughts and put your soul in StarClan’s paws.” Oddstripe didn’t understand how she was supposed to ‘just’ do that, but she nodded anyway. She just had to trust in StarClan. How hard could that be? One by one, the four Healers bent to drink from the icy cold river and then settled down in the well worn places where Healers had slept for generations. Stormwhisper settled down on the other side of Oddstripe from Sagetooth, his eyes lingering on her. 

Oddstripe quickly looked away and curled up, closing her eyes to avoid meeting his gaze. Soon, she could sense Sagetooth’s breaths slowing beside her and Tangletooth’s snores started to echo across the slick cave walls. Oddstripe tried to will herself to sleep but couldn’t seem to get out of her own head. She shifted, repositioned, tried to find a more comfortable place, but nothing seemed to work. She groaned. Why couldn’t she do something as simple as falling asleep?!

Suddenly, Stormwhisper’s voice pulled her back from the precipice of a spiral. 

“Can’t sleep?” he asked in a hushed voice. She turned to look at him, large ears flicking forward. He had an awkward smile on his face, not what she had expected to see. 

She let out her tightly held breath in defeat. “Yes. I hope I haven’t kept you awake.” 

“Oh, not at all,” he said, glancing past her to Sagetooth’s slumbering form briefly. “I was actually hoping to talk with you one on one.” 

“With me?” she asked, completely blindsided. 

“Yeah,” he said, smiling as he shuffled closer. “Sagetooth said you were taught by a Clan Healer. Did she ever tell you her name?” 

“Um,” Oddstripe tried to pull her thoughts back into a manageable shape, “I think it was Redleaf?” Immediately, she saw Stormwhisper’s face light up. 

“Do you know where she is now?” he asked eagerly. “Where she might have gone?” 

Oddstripe frowned in thought and tried to seriously consider his question. “Maybe? I think she was planning to head into the mountains, or at least the foothills. Why? Did you know her?” At this, Stormwhisper blushed and looked down at his paws and Oddstripe realized her mistake. “Oh, of course you did! She must have come to these meetings, right?” 

“Yes,” he nodded, licking his whiskers again. “She was Sagetooth’s last apprentice. We were… good friends.” 

“Really?” asked Oddstripe. “Sagetooth hasn’t mentioned her at all. She hasn’t even asked about her.” She frowned some more. Why hadn’t Sagetooth been interested in her old apprentice?

“They had a falling out,” he said softly, glancing at Sagetooth again. “She cursed StarClan and Sagetooth doesn’t take that sort of thing lightly. She was fuming for at least two moons after it happened.”

“Oh, wow,” breathed Oddstripe, following his gaze. “Why would she do that? Redleaf, I mean.” She looked back to him, trying to remember the stubborn young calico who had taught her how to do more than deliver kits and pull out thorns. Suddenly, Oddstripe could see Sagetooth’s paw prints all over Redleaf; her short, confident instructions; her no nonsense demeanor; even the specific ways she organized herbs or wrapped cobwebs around a wound. She pictured the two of them in the Healer’s den, trading witty jabs and stripping branches of their leaves. It almost made Oddstripe smile before she remembered that they had parted on bad terms. 

“It was the Red Gut…” Stormwhisper said solemnly, head tilted in a sad look of remembrance. “Redleaf couldn’t believe StarClan hadn’t told us what was coming. They’d warned us of a dangerous disease, but Redleaf was furious that they hadn’t given us more specific instructions to avoid the worst of it. She told me that she finally saw StarClan for what it was, ‘a throne for fools who thought themselves gods.’” He shook his head and shrugged. “I couldn’t convince her to stay, especially not after the fight with Sagetooth.” Oddstripe’s heart went out to him. Clearly, Redleaf’s absence weighed heavily on his mind. 

“Anyway,” he said, shaking his fur a bit, “you said she was heading into the mountains?” 

“Oh! Yes, I think so,” replied Oddstripe. “I met her in the second moon of Leafbare and she stayed with me until the second moon of Newleaf. She said she needed to…” she paused to remember the exact wording, “see more of the world before she settled down.” 

“I see,” he hummed with a frown. 

“I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful,” Oddstripe winced. 

“Oh, no, you’re fine,” Stormwhisper said, suddenly looking up. “I’m just… thinking.” She sat quietly for another moment before adding, “Uh, please don’t tell anyone I asked you about her. Sagetooth would have my tail if word ever got back to her.” 

“Why?” Oddstripe asked, brow furrowing. “What’s wrong with worrying about your friend?”

Stormwhisper laughed anxiously and swiped a paw over one ear. “Uh, how to explain… I was maybe a little too close to Redleaf for Sagetooth’s liking. We’re not supposed to have mates, Healers, and we’re especially not supposed to be mates with cats from other Clans.”

“And you were mates?” Oddstripe breathed, enraptured by the detail. 

“No, no,” he blushed, waving a paw in front of him. “Sagetooth just thought I was trying to court her apprentice. She’s never really liked me much.” 

“Oh,” Oddstripe glanced back at Sagetooth, still sleeping peacefully beside her. 

“Like I said,” Stormwhisper said, “please don’t tell her I asked you.” 

“I won’t,” Oddstripe promised. 

“Thank you,” Stormwhisper sighed with relief. After a moment, he shifted, tucking his paws beneath him, and said,  “We should probably get to sleep before the others wake up.” 

“Right,” Oddstripe felt her stomach churn again. “You don’t have any tricks for getting there, do you?” 

Stormwhisper considered it and then smiled sympathetically. “Don’t stress it too much. They’re not gods or anything, they’re just cats who traded their earthly bodies for different gifts. You’ll fit right in.” 

“Right,” she said again, tone grimmer. “Thanks.” 

“Of course,” he said, settling down to sleep. “Good luck, Oddstripe.” 

Oddstripe nodded, ears pressed back, wishing she felt any more confident than before. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and let it out again. She curled her tail over her nose and tried to breathe deep and slow, counting as she did. Soon enough, sleep overtook her. 

~~~

A surprisingly warm and gentle breeze stirred Oddstripe’s fur. She tried to ignore it, but it seemed so out of place in the cold wet cavern, that she couldn’t help but peek one eye open to look for the source. The sight before her took a few seconds to register completely.

She was sat on a flat smooth stone that looked out over the grasslands of RisingClan but the landscape was dyed a deep indigo hue. Each blade of grass glowed with starry light and the stone beneath her paws was a bright shining white. Oddstripe sat up suddenly, eyes snapping wide open to take it all in. 

“I did it!” she gasped, looking around. 

“You did it!” cheered a cat sitting at the base of the rock. Oddstripe jumped, scrabbling to avoid falling to the ground, and the shining ginger she-cat giggled. 

“Welcome to the SIilverpelt, Oddstripe” she said fondly, standing up. “My name is Poppyblaze. Let me show you around.”

[kiirotoao]

Guys.

I think I cracked the case to why many people (namely the GA) don’t like Mike. And it’s because his character arc is external, rarely internal, compared to other characters.

In season 1, one of the most memorable things to me that stood out about Mike was his ability to communicate. He was straightforward, very level-headed, and tried to reason with the unknown. He made his thoughts known, and they were often pretty understandable to those around him, namely Lucas, Dustin, and especially El. His ability to advocate for her really helped bridge the gaps between their world and the Upside Down. Even in just the really small details, Mike prioritized good communication, like when he told/reminded Lucas to end on the Walkie-Talkie with “over” when he was done talking. Mike is also incredibly emotional this season, and we see clearly times of his frustration, sadness, and joy (all of which are very often due to Will, but I will hold off on going in depth in that department lest I ramble about Byler more than I already do). All of this to say - Mike’s focus is on 1) keeping that group mentality, 2) helping El, and 3) finding Will, all things outside of himself.

Then, right off the bat, what’s the problem that Mike faces in season 2? Lack of communication with El. He doesn’t know where she is and he can’t - and arguably doesn’t ever - see her, not even in the void. I can imagine that it’s tough not knowing if a loved one is even alive, so of course Mike is stricken with worry until he sees her again. I think that in season 2, right from the start, we see his mental health take a toll on him as he starts to worry about things going wrong with d’Art, with Max, with Will, with the tunnels, everything. I just think that from a general standpoint, Mike has become more irritable and anxious because he’s lost someone before. And here’s where his attachment to El starts to get much stronger. When he finally sees her again, he’s already scared that he’s about to lose her as she goes off to the gate. All season long, he’s attached at the hip to Will, frustrated about not being able to see El, and generally pretty easily upset by others. All things that I think are a result of internal struggle, but we only see it manifest outwardly. He does get that shed scene moment with Will, but honestly, that’s about it when it comes to Mike’s transparency that season.

Now enter season 3. The conflict right from the start with El is… painful, to say the least. He lies to her, doesn’t try to explain himself until it’s been far too long, and he even calls on Lucas to defend his bs. He’s hiding something, and it’s no longer grief-related. Maybe it is, but we don’t see it. Mike continues to work with the group mentality and he comes up with the sauna test, assumes the worst with the Mind Flayer (and is correct about the spreading of its power), and kinda a throwaway detail, but I can even assume that it was his idea to push the car over using the metal posts in the last episode based on that random comment, “Told you. Physics.” So here’s where things get interesting. Mike is smart, he still is, and he still uses a lot of good communication and strives to connect gaps where they’re needed, and he still often wields the Walkie-Talkie. But when it comes to his relationship with El, Will, too, he falters. Before this season, he was completely in line with the two. But now, in season 3, we never see a clear reason why he thinks what he’s thinking, especially considering the sloth/speed in which he reconnects with El/Will. It is impossible to pinpoint any direct emotional moments from Mike this season because besides the ending scene overlayed over Hopper’s letter, we never truly see Mike let down his guard like he did before. Nor take the leap, like he did in season 1. He’s closed off and we cannot fully see why, not until you begin to interpret down to a deeper, inferential level. Here’s where I think the roadblock especially begins for Mike’s character, because we don’t know what he’s thinking anymore.

Carry this into season 4. Mike seems completely closed off to us, the audience. Now’s a good time for me to say that Finn’s a great actor, though, because truly, we get to see a large array of emotions in Mike’s expressions. And by all means of art and creative media, we don’t necessarily need to hear Mike’s thoughts to know his thoughts, sometimes. But it still goes to show, based on how he behaved in prior seasons, his connection with others and his drive seems completely lacking. He’s falling behind in school, he seems so emotionally distant from El, and, come to think about it, he’s emotionally distant overall. Even with his family and Lucas. I think that a simple explanation to why he’s acting this way is because he’s forced to grow up and grow up apart from his girlfriend and best friend. He’s not happy. And seeing that manifest externally often causes the isolation of internal things. Think about Max’s story but in Mike’s shoes - except we don’t get to see Mike’s struggles. His one emotional outlier is with Will, however, who he openly expresses his thoughts to and even finds a chance to smile again with. And even though he’s largely not in Hawkins anymore, we still see him use his ingenuity. He figures out the Nina number. He knows where Suzie lives. He can hone in when he’s needed. But even then, no matter what he does, he’s unmistakably hampered. He can’t keep up communication when he’s separated from Hawkins. He’s separated from El. Once again, he’s miserable. His one constant is Will, but even then, he buys the lie in the van scene. So, in the words of Finn Wolfhard himself,

(Caption: “He’s just such an idiot.”) I really think that Mike is trying his best. But ever since the start of season 3, so, essentially, half of the time we’ve seen him onscreen, he’s been closing himself off to the audience. And he might just be an idiot, but that doesn’t translate to how he thinks under pressure. Emotionally, perhaps, he’s an idiot. But is he a total idiot? I don’t think so. His seeming idiocy simply comes out so strongly in the later seasons because we cannot draw reason to his behavior like we could before.

Compare this to Lucas who has several dear moments where he opens up to Max season to season. Compare this to Dustin, who doesn’t ever really hide his thoughts. Compare this to Will, whose life we’ve seen the ups and downs all the time. Compare this to Max and her beautiful arc from introduction to depression. Compare this to El and her entire story of finding who she is. Hell, compare this to Steve, who has several glimpses of his life and struggles season to season. Compare this to Robin’s coming out and her struggle with Vickie. Compare this to Jonathan and his talks with Nancy and Argyle. Compare this to Nancy and the constant dilemmas of love and respect. I could go on and on. The characters are written with an emotional story in mind. So if Mike is one of them, who’s to say that his struggle isn’t something to be revealed for season 5?

And now, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t bring this all home with Will. Who has been a consistent source of emotional vulnerability for Mike? Who does Mike let his guard down around? Who does Mike consistently pursue and amend any wrongs with near as soon as possible? Who considers Mike to be the heart? If we’re gonna complain about Mike being closed off or annoying, I get it. I want to see more of his thoughts, too. And the remedy? It’s none other than the one right beside him. The one person who’s never going to give up on him. I think that the only answer to melt that heart is Will Byers.

(So yeah. I can’t wait for Byler to be endgame and for all this discourse about Mike’s true character to end because of it ☺️)

[quinnred]

Xenomorph : Cantos 13 Strain - Whistlers

An isolated branch of the xenomorph family tree named after the colony world of it's discovery, the Cantos 13 Strain is a strange and insidious organism.

Description: The mature stage of the strain are referred to as "Whistlers" by the colonist, based on the metallic whistling they produce to communicate, or more intensely when their about to strike their target.

Whistlers are about 8 to 9ft in height when full upright, but generally keep to crawling rapidly on all four limbs. Despite this size they can contort and squeeze themselves into smaller spaces in order to work and hunt through the tunnels they develop during infestations.

Rather than the tail of their Acheron Strain cousins, the Whistlers have a stinger that lacks the tail's range but makes up for it with extreme power, able to plow through steel with ease like a jack hammer. The stinger's sheathe resembles the creature's head, likely to confuse opponents and prey as to were the true head is, and which end can see them.

The Cantos 13 Strain expresses it's host traits differently than the Acheron Strain, exaggerating much of it in favour of climbing and tunnelling behaviour. The host's anatomy seems to be duplicated from the upper torso, creating a twin-torso like anatomy for the final organism, perhaps to ensure all limbs are gripping limbs. The dome extends into a "horn" that either plays a sensory role, or is simply used to bash prey to concussion or death. A long spine makes the whistlers very flexible, twisting their bodies easily when needed, such as to swing their stinger-end towards prey with the lower arms extended to grab them.

Behaviour: Whistlers do not exactly organize in the hive structure of their cousins, at least not as tightly. Individuals are more "selfish" and will not blindly dash into danger for the sake of a greater whole. They do coordinate efficiently however, often preferring to stalk and ambush prey slowly and patiently, communicating positions via wind like whistling or subtler hums.  If the danger is too great they will flee, though they will keep close to observe for vulnerabilities.

Whistlers will use their whistling to trick prey into moving were the Whistler wants them, shepherding them through fear into desired ambush areas.

Whistlers are generally more patient with hunting and more willing to knock prey unconscious the further they are from the brooding site, but aggression increases as one nears the heart of their nest.

Infestation: A unique trait of the Cantos 13 Strain is how they grow their hive infestation. Like the Acheron Strain, much of the hive material is built from hardened saliva, mucus, and remains of host, but the Whistlers will cultivate and culture these growths into great hollows and spires, like a black tumorous forest. They seem to do this as to increase the amount of spaces for them to hide and suit their crawling behaviour. They can use the material with surprising intelligence, building bridges across gaps or walls to fill-in escape routes.

When a Whistler dies, their body grows with hive material into a jutting spire. This seems to be done so any future Whistlers in that area know were danger/potential host may be and to give them cover from whatever killed the dead Whistler. These spires can also hold the eggs each Whistler carries, allowing them to hatch near potential host.

Much of the the land of the Cantos 13 colony was covered in pale and long dead ancient growths of hive matter, mistaken as a dead coral-like structure native to the planet by the colonist. Some structures implied intelligence to these creations, such as a "pen" filled with skeletons of a long gone sapient species, seemingly kept as cattle. It was only much later in the colony's development that they discovered that this world was a necropolis with still sleeping demons.

[camp-counselor-life]

Ok, this may as well be my journal, but I think that a lot of this is worth bringing up, for the benefit of many. I will lead this by saying that I am not Latina, and this reflects only my experiences as someone in a youth serving position who is navigating bridging an English and predominantly white program with the Latine community. It's long, so below the fold.

Please keep discussion respectful of everyone.

Basically what happened is the training revealed a lot of gaps in our council and how we work with predominantly Spanish-speaking troops. Namely, communication from staff and support from all departments. My coworker who came with me and I talked a lot about it in the car on the way home.

So within Girl Scouts, coming from GSUSA, there is a big push to recruit Spanish-speaking kids and volunteers. So big that, while they haven't finished translating badges (or even gotten into it more than just starting), they are making translated recruitment materials, and we're instructed to have bilingual staff at recruiting events.

Unfortunately, the framework does not exist to support Spanish-speaking or even bilingual troops. Curriculum is minimal, staff support is highly variable, and online resources are barely there, from both GSUSA and many councils. Not to say some councils aren't doing it right (or better), but we're not, and GSUSA certainly isn't.

So basically, where we're at now, is that we have 2 membership specialist and one executive who speak Spanish, and me who speaks Spanish well enough to hold a basic conversation about GS, but is not fluent. And there is this huge push to recruit Hispanic families right now, with Spanish recruitment materials and patch programs and starting to translate badge booklets.

But. It is not a comparable program if you only speak Spanish. I invite you to check out GSUSA's website, look at the resources and info, then toggle it to Spanish. The number of badges that have been translated is 10, maybe 15, and only Daisy/Brownie (idk if the Brownie ones are actually out yet, I might be telling you a secret, oops).

So basically, we make our Spanish-speaking staff recruit Latine families, then we don't have adequate resources to support them. Which is super frustrating, because it's shitty to promise something and then be like, but, you won't actually get that because it's in a language you don't speak.

So the feelings I had after the training were frustration and guilt. Frustration that this troop was having such a fractured experience, frustrated that they hadn't even been able to talk to a Spanish-speaking staff until then, and (selfishly) that I was in that situation, that I'd been asked after saying I wanted another year before I ran something in Spanish. Because that's not fair to them either, that I'm like half a Spanish speaker. They should have someone who is fluent, leading quality programs.

The guilt was that I felt like I hadn't done enough. My boss told me months ago that she was communicating with them via Google translate. That they were doing it all via Google translate. And like, I should have called that out earlier. But also guilt that I hadn't done enough. It's not my job at all, but it is also my responsibility to work towards an inclusive and supportive environment for all girls and adults in our program.

Anyway, that's what I got on this one.

[starkidsbackbababababa]

So, I was able to revisit the instagram chats. I thought I’d deleted the message thread on my end, but luckily I hadn’t, I just didn’t recognize it since Ves changed their pfp. In this series of collages, I hope to provide context to some of the cherry picked screenshots that were used to establish the case of me being a pedophile, and show them in a fuller context, as back and forth that were only meant as jokes. I’ll also be providing samples of our roleplay. One message just establishing we’d roleplayed before then, and we’d generally had a good time. Another one, showing how far we would take an intimate scene before we’d cut it short and skip ahead, one which is an extension of an excerpt posted by Ves to prove that I was “lying” when I said I didn’t recall us roleplaying smut, revealing that in the context of the conversation, the mentioning of those actions is in a hypothetical sense and not something we are playing out, and how I bridged the gap from before the explicit scene that we didn’t play out, to after. And finally, our conversation from earlier on about what we’re comfortable with conveying smut wise, where they’d like to stop, and what they were okay with including and playing through up until.

For that last one, I do need to make an explanation. In my initial message to them, I end it with “I don’t care either way” in regard to whether they’d like to roleplay the intimate scenes we might have faced or not. This is indeed a huge red flag, and implies that I would have roleplayed smut with Ves, but to this end I’d like to say two things. First, that I myself was a minor who roleplayed smut, Very willingly, and very consentingly. And second, that I was a very fresh adult at the time. I wasn’t used to having to consider that I was roleplaying with a minor, because I was just so used to being a minor and it not mattering. I had not yet taken on the mental understanding of what role I was playing in this community as I understand it today two years later. This is not a valid excuse to roleplay smut with minors, I recognize this, and I recognize that that is not an appropriate thought to have at 18 when talking about boundaries with minor roleplayers, and should not have been on the table at all. What I can attest to, is that the boundaries we did set as described in that photo were suggested by Ves, agreed upon by myself, and as far as I can tell from everything I’ve re-read in our messages, faithfully upheld so that we could carry out our story without causing discomfort to anybody.

This post is in the name of honesty, transparency, integrity, and disclosure. Wether you see these individual moments as right or wrong, or better or worse than they first seemed when posted out of context by Ves is completely up to you, but THESE are the extent of my crimes. This is how we spoke, and joked, and roleplayed scenes, and though you may not find them acceptable, it’s what I believed to be comfortable for both of us at the time. I’d once again like to offer my remorse for any and all discomfort these interactions did cause. There are things in here that I wouldn’t be comfortable with knowing about either now that I’m more mature and understand the importance of the age divide between adults and minors and what that means in terms of safety, but I don’t believe that whats shown makes me a pedo or a predator.