#but I don’t really want a newsletter

[sawruhh]

Boy do I have updates

[atiglain]

The NYT coverage of Palestine is so fucking dishonest man. They’re really trying their hardest to justify Israel’s war crimes and still coming up with stuff that would not pass high school debate team-level scrutiny

[lesbianlenas]

u know this youtube woman has an insane unparalleled chokehold on me when i am literally going to buy her custom sweatpants when they launch 😔 like i have never once in my life even thought to buy a single piece of youtuber merch until this woman started talking abt her sweatpants i was like ok girl tell me more? i would love to give u my personal money 🤗😚🥰

[idontmindifuforgetme]

Wanted to bring some attention to BDS’s Join a BDS Campaign page for anyone who wants to take action locally and isn’t sure where to start. I’ve found multiple organizations in my city through this search engine, and they usually have IG pages/newsletters if you wanna keep tabs. My local organization provides transportation to statewide rallies if you don’t have the means to drive there yourself, hosts phone banks on Zoom where locals collectively call state and city reps and pressure them to publicly speak out against the genocide in Gaza, and organizes fundraisers to raise money to humanitarian aid in Gaza. Basically you’ll have a lot of opportunities to help if that’s something you’re interested in. Marching is an option, but it’s not the only thing if you’d rather get involved in other ways.

It has been so incredibly fulfilling to work alongside people in my city who’re just as invested in Palestine’s liberation as me. I really do recommend this to anyone who’s interested enough and has the time of day to help. If you’re busy, there are still some low-impact things you can do like emailing reps, leaving public comments, and donating. These organizations usually make it more accessible by giving you the resources to assist w that on a local scale. It really does make a difference, however small it may be.

[fallstaticexit]

Prev / Next (Intermission) / Beginning

Transcript under the cut

Nancy Narrates: [Before I knew it, Vanessa began to carve out a space in my life. It was such a comforting, familiar feeling, as if the space for her was already there. All she had to do was fill the void she had left behind]

Malcolm: Hey Auntie V, are you coming to our Christmas Eve party?

Jonathan: Yeah! You should come! We have all the good desserts and daddy let’s us open one gift each too.

Malcolm: Well, I open two when everyone goes to bed!

Vanessa: Sounds like a bitchin’ good time. I’m in.

Nancy Narrates: [I was beginning to feel there weren’t enough hours in the day to spend alone together. There wasn’t enough time to learn all the ways she’s changed, all those intimate little details I craved to know. Apart of me still feared she would leave me again. Maybe that’s why I craved more of her]

Nancy: I want to build you a home right here, in Brindleton Bay. I’d like you to be close to me- to the boys. They’ve taken a liking to you.

Vanessa: [smiles] Oh, just the boys, huh?

Nancy: [blushes] I could start right away. I can even make sure you have a little reading nook. Do you still like to read?

Vanessa: I do. I’ll need a big ass closet for my heels alone.

Nancy: Anything you like.

Jonathan: Mom! Auntie V! Are you watching? Mom!

Nancy: Yes, I’m watching!

Vanessa: A large kitchen with a window view of the ocean.

Nancy: A spacious backyard, for a garden.

Vanessa: A big, deep bathtub to soak in, with a view of the bedroom, of the bed.

Vanessa: You could visit me. Come and go as you please.

Nancy: Well. I’m sure you’d have...suitors there. Women...

Vanessa: In the house you built for me? You better be the only woman I see there.

Bob: [chuckles] Those two, am I right? Some things never change.

Geoffrey: Yeah. It’s like stepping into a time machine. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her that close to anyone before. She’s been happier lately.

Bob: Like I’ve said, female friendships are intense. Hey, you uh, ever talked to her about what you told me?

Geoffrey: I never really had the time. She’s always off somewhere with Vanessa, or Vanessa is always there. Maybe it’s not worth mentioning.. it’s not like I ever saw it again.

Bob: It get it, it’s a tough conversation. Just don’t let it sit and rot, you know?

Geoffrey: Right..

-

[collective chatter]

[collective chatter]

Nancy Narrates: [I hate that it bothered me; the thought of her with other women. She’s single. She’s beautiful. Of course she has. I’m sure she will continue to]

Nancy Narrates: [Why does it matter anyway? We are just friends, after all]

Eliza: [chuckles] Why are you out of breath?

Geoffrey: I’ve been chasing after the boys all night. The photographer is here to get a family photo for the Foundation’s newsletter. Haven’t seen Nancy either.

Bob: 100 bucks she’s wherever Vanessa’s at.

Geoffrey: Yeah, I figured as much. Haven’t seen Vanessa either.

Bob: Probably wherever Nancy’s at [laughs].

Eliza: Bobby, please. Ignore him Geoffrey, it’s the eggnog. I’m pretty sure I saw Nancy go into the barroom.

Vanessa: [tsks softly] You’re not hiding from me, are you?

Nancy: No, of course not.

Nancy: Sipping champagne wasn’t hard enough. I guess I wanted to think about something else other than the other questions I want to ask you.

Vanessa: Hmm, I thought I answered them all. Like what?

Nancy: What do you do for work that makes you travel so often? You still haven’t told me.

Vanessa: It’s nothing to rave about, really. Boring stuff. Besides, is that what you really want to know?

Nancy: What’s in that little box you’re holding? I was hoping our no gift rule had no expiration date.

Vanessa: I never got a chance to get you gift back then, so you owe me this. Besides, you’ll like this one.

Nancy: [laughs] A brooch? You actually got me a brooch?

Vanessa: [giggles] What? It was ‘really, really expensive’.

Nancy: This is the world’s longest joke, you know that?

Vanessa: If there’s one thing I’ll do, it’s commit to the bit. Now stop wiggling or I’ll poke you. Do you like it?

Nancy: I love it. Thank you.

Vanessa: It looks good on you. I had it custom made, just for you.

Vanessa: Emeralds, like the color of your eyes.

Nancy: [inhales sharply]

Nancy: Have you been with other women?

Vanessa: A few. Have you?

Nancy: O-of course not..

Vanessa: [hums thoughtfully]

Vanessa: Don’t be mad at me for saying but, I’ve thought of you when I was with them. I guess I do have a thing for blondes.

Nancy: [trembles]

Vanessa: Hey. Today’s our anniversary. Our first kiss? It happened on Christmas Eve. Do you remember?

Nancy: ...Yes. Yes, I remember.

Vanessa: [sighs softly]

[both panting heavily]

[door creaks open]

Nancy: [voice cracks] Y-yes?

Geoffrey: The photographer is here.

Nancy: [clears throat] Right.

[silence]

Vanessa: I should get going.

Nancy: What? No, you don’t have to spend the holiday alone.

Vanessa: I’ll be alright. Besides, what’s another year?

Nancy: [murmurs] I can come with you. I can grab my purse and-

Vanessa: [smirks] It’s fine, Nancy. Enjoy your party. Enjoy your family. There’s always tomorrow. I promise.

Geoffrey: It’s uh, it’s nice having Vanessa around, isn’t it?

Nancy: [smiles weakly] Yes. Yes, it is. Would you like a drink? I think I’ll need two before dealing with the press.

Geoffrey: Sure. Yeah. A drink is nice.

[coollizzylou]

Everyone’s correct in saying that now more than ever we need to be building our communities, but it can be difficult to know what that actually *means*, especially in our isolating society. So here’s some straightforward practical advice I’ve learned over the few years I’ve been organizing in my own life.

You do not have to reinvent the wheel.

There are people who have been fighting this fight for decades. You are not starting from scratch. You do not have to do it all by yourself. All you have to do is find your allies and engage.

On the ground resistance movements/aid organizations that have legs under them may not have much of a social media presence. You may have to do some legwork find your place.

Check the local papers if you have one for your area. Sign up for your city government newsletter. Go to the library and ask what events are being hosted. Check Churches! Schools! Small businesses! Ask your local old ladies!!!! They have time on their hands and know what’s going on in their communities.

It’s ok if you don’t know anything. Listen to the people around you, ask questions, be respectful and curious. Just show up!! As you do this, you will learn more about the place you’re in and the people that live there. Those people will guide you, and there’s a non-zero chance that you’ll find a mentor willing to take you under their wing.

The logistics make the movement.

Demonstrations are important and powerful, but they are NOT the be all end all. Not even close.

There are people who’s job it is to take notes, people who host meetings, and people who pick up snacks. Some folks are especially good at getting the word out through tabling and canvasing, others are better at making the pamphlets that get handed out. You could be in charge of carrying heavy boxes of donated food, or you might be better suited preparing a hot meal sitting at the table. Are you able to watch young children? Drive carpool?

All of these tasks and more are essential to maintaining a healthy community group. Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment to figure out where you can do the most good.

Your stories are your power

One of the most effective tools in your arsenal are your testimonies. When shared with friends they remind us we are not alone in our struggles. When shared with adversaries, they are undeniable proof of our humanity. You can quote facts and statistics all day, but a personal experience will always punch above it’s weight.

Think over your life and explore questions of what your personal stake in the game is. What about your life makes you want to fight. Really dig in deep. This can be uncomfortable. I recommend doing this among friends and being gentle with yourself. You don’t have to have any particularly special reason. This isn’t supposed to be performative. You aren’t trying to get a good grade in leftism, your goal is to identify your self interest. For example, I first got involved with the tenet union because I wanted to go to college in the city but knew I couldn’t afford to live there. I first got involved with planned parenthood because I was scared when Roe v Wade overturned. These are selfish reasons, they have to be for this to work.

With that information, you are prepared to sit with other people and ask them the same thing. If you are open and willing to listen to people’s stories, a casual conversation can lead to strong bonds of friendship. And when you’re friends with someone, you fight for them. This is the core of relational organizing.

There is joy here

Organizing can be difficult. Many things are in life. But from personal experience I can tell you that not only is this work worth it, but it can be *fun*. You can sing and dance and play music and scream and laugh and you’ll do it all together. Hold onto your hope, find your joy where you can, and take the plunge. You’ll be better for it, I promise.

[kierongillen]

General Player Advice For RPGs

I published this in my newsletter here a while back, and discourse reminded me I wanted to put it more public. I probably should get around to actually doing a proper blog for this kind of stuff. You can sign up to the newsletter here.

One of the things which I’ve been chewing over since getting back into RPGs is that there’s so much advice for GMs and so little advice for players. I keep thinking over why - though the whys aren’t what I’m about to write about. However, some other folk think any worthwhile advice is system/genre specific.

This got me chewing over whether I agree with that. As the list below shows, I don’t.

The first four are ones where I think I succeeded, and as principles generally guide you towards better play no matter what game you’re playing. The last three are mainly applicable to games with a significant story component (the last especially). There’s a few more I played with, but they were more about being a good at the table generally – about being a better player in any game rather than specifically about role-playing games. I also avoided ones which were more GM-and-player advice rather than just player advice (if there’s a problem in game, communicate out of game, use appropriate safety tools, etc).

I also didn’t include “Buy The GM Stuff”.

Anyway – here they are. See what you think.

GENERAL PLAYER PRINCIPLES FOR BETTER PLAY

1) Make choices that support the table’s creative goals

If you’re playing a storygame, don’t treat it like a tactical wargame. If you’re playing a tactical wargame, don’t treat it like a storygame. If it’s bleak horror, don’t make jokes. If you’re in a camp cosy romp, don’t bring in horror. It also varies from moment to moment – if someone’s scene is sincere, don’t undercut it.

2) Be A Fan of The Other Characters

This is GM advice in almost all Powered By the Apocalypse games – for the GM to be a fan of the characters. It’s a good trait for a player to cultivate. Be actively excited and interested in the other characters’ triumphs and disasters. Cheer them on. Feel for them. Players being excited for other players always makes the game better. Players turning off until it’s their turn always makes it worse.

3) Be aware of the amount of spotlight time you’re taking

This is a hard one for fellow ADHD-ers, but have an awareness of who is speaking more and who is speaking less. A standard GM skill is moving spotlight time around to players who have had less time. Really good players do this too. Pass the ball.

4) Learn what rules apply to you, to smooth the game, not derail it.

To stress, this isn’t “come to the table knowing everything” but learning the rules that are relevant to your character along the way, especially if they are marginal (looking at you, Grappling and Alchemy rules). Doing otherwise adds to the facilitator’s cognitive load and hurts the game’s flow. The flip is being aware that knowing stuff isn’t an excuse to break the game’s flow with a rules debate either – that’s an extension of the third principle.

5) Make choices which support other characters’ reality

If someone’s playing a scary bastard, treat them like a scary bastard. If they’re meant to be the leader, have your character treat them like the leader , for better or worse. A fictional reality is shared, and you construct it together.

6) Ensure The Group Understands Who Your Character Is

This is the flip of the above – having a character conception that is clear enough that everyone gets who you are, what you want to do and how you want to do it. If you don’t, the table will be incapable of supporting your choices. This links to…

7) If asked a preference in a story game, a strong choice is almost always better than a middling choice.

Don’t equivocate. If asked “You’ve met this person before. How do you feel about him?” either “I love him” or “I hate him” is better than anything middling. The exception is if it’s something you’re really not interested in pursuing.

[cassandraclare]

A bit of publishing stuff (if you get my newsletter you've already seen this)

So by now you lovely people have all seen the announcement about what books I have coming up next. Ragpicker King is coming March 4, 2025, and The Last King of Faerie is coming early 2026.

I know a lot of you were hoping for LKOF to come earlier. It’s going to be a big gap between the last Shadowhunter book and the next — three years. Previously the longest gap between Shadowhunter books was two years, between Mortal Instruments and the Dark Artifices.

I announced last year that I was taking time off — six months. It was the first time I’d taken any real time off since 2005. The pandemic had just happened and I was wiped out physically and mentally. I also needed to take stock of where I was in my publishing journey and really think about what I wanted — it had been years since I’d had time to consider whether I was happy, because I always had another deadline and that was always more important.

  When I came to the end of The Last Hours, I was “out of contract” — meaning I didn’t have any further Shadowhunter books that were owned by or owed to a publisher.  it was the first time that had happened since, again, 2005. Being out of contract is your one chance to change anything you want to change about your career, and I knew I was going to leave my longtime US publisher of the Shadowhunter books and move to Random House, who published Sword Catcher.

This isn’t a small decision for any writer to make. It sometimes happens when a writer has been at a publisher for a very long time that the nature of the publisher changes. Maybe all the people you worked with when you first came to that publisher have gone elsewhere, so your team has inherited you rather than having chosen you. Maybe your publisher has been sold to another company whose vision for that publisher doesn’t fit with yours. Maybe your publisher isn’t interested in your genre anymore. 

I spent a lot of time agonizing over the decision—I certainly could have stayed where I was, but I knew that was no longer the best decision for the books. So those of you who pay attention to these kinds of details will note that where the other Shadowhunter books have all been published by McElderry Books, these next ones will be published by Knopf. (Who are an amazing imprint. They make great books.)

Normally a writer wouldn’t really address switching publishers — it happens a lot, and most readers don’t care who publishes a book. I’m talking about it now because I know there will be a lot of people who are angry and don’t understand why Ragpicker King is coming out before Last King of Faerie. The short answer is: Ragpicker King has been under contract since it was sold along with Sword Catcher, years ago now, and I’m obligated to get it done when I said I was going to. The books of The Wicked Powers are only just now securely under contract enough to be announced, as you just saw! So Ragpicker King is planned to be turned in in a couple of months, and after that I will be able to focus entirely on The Last King of Faerie (which I already began, but since it was only sold to Knopf last October, I was only able to get started after that).

And it takes a a year at least to write a book and another good year or so to publish it, and that gets us to the pub dates we’ve got. I would love if I could get it to you earlier, but multiple factors have brought us to this point, and in the end, not rushing through them is the best thing for the books, and will produce the best version of those books. I always want to get you my best work — that’s what is important to me above all things.

In terms of other publishers in other countries — I’m staying with all my longterm Shadowhunter publishers. Nothing’s going to change for y’all — Walker Books is still publishing Shadowhunters in the UK, even though a different publisher is going to publish In Fire Foretold there (due to spiciness.) ;) 

For those of you who backed the Kickstarter, that will mean you do get new Shadowhunter content between now and early 2026* — which was part of the reason I did it! I’m also talking to my new publisher about bringing Better in Black out — with at least a six month gap for the Kickstarter backers to have it to themselves — so fingers crossed. There’s also Black Volume of the Dead, the final Eldest Curses book, which is still planned and which I am still excited to write, but since it is set after Last King of Faerie, it hasn’t been scheduled yet. More news on that as it develops—for now, I wanted to talk directly about the schedule in the next couple of years, since I feel confident it is set and will reliably happen this way, something I can’t yet say about 2027 and beyond. The point is, I’m really excited to bring you Wicked Powers just as soon as it is ready, and I know enough about it to say  it’s going to be quite a ride!

And also an early look at In Fire Foretold.

[fjorn-the-skald]

Watching all these social media platforms spiraling into disgust, I really think we need to consider alternatives. And I’m not really talking about finding different social media platforms, either, but rather changing the way we engage with and reach the content we want to see online.

As things stand now, we’re really just being corralled into ad-revenue pens at our own expense (i.e. being forced to see toxic content that’s terrible for our mental health but great for their engagement). It’s not for our benefit. It’s for theirs. In fact, we often get punished by their algorithms because we don’t post at their pace or share the kind of content they want.

But we’re stuck because we don’t feel like we have any other options, right? Because that’s the only way we can reach people and share our creations, right? To be honest, I’d rather subscribe to newsletters and visit personal blogs or websites. I’d rather pay modest, reasonable amounts to access a creator’s work than force them to rely on ad revenue from the more ravenous. But I don’t think we’re ready for that as a whole…

[piratefishmama]

Fake it 'till you make it | Prompt

When Steve Harrington came out to his parents, he expected a few things to happen. Jumping back a little, he hadn’t even meant to come out. His parents meant well, they did. He couldn’t deny that they meant well.

They knew he was lonely when they were gone, they knew he was the type of person who kind of… needed someone around. He wasn’t a lone wolf, he wasn’t someone who could just go it alone, while they were away for months, and while Robin was lovely, Robin was also a lesbian.

So Robin was out of the question.

So it fell to the women they knew. Through their connections. And unfortunately those women tended to be, for lack of a better phrase, ‘Daddies money is how I intend to live for the rest of my life’, and completely comfortable in switching out who Daddy was.

Steve… didn’t have a daddy kink, thanks.

Okay maybe he did a little but not in the call him daddy kind of way. More the other way around.

After the fifth attempt to throw some business partners daughter at him, a woman who’d actually kind of impressively deep throated a hot dog at the office barbeque while looking directly at him before he’d even gotten her name. Impressive, kind of terrifying.

An image of his life consisting of an unhappy marriage where his wife used sex as some kind of transaction rather than the big family full of love that he wanted flashed before his eyes.

He'd had enough. So when the sixth one came up, Vivian, he hadn’t even been able to wait for them to explain who she was, which business associate she was related too, it just. Came out.

Or rather he came out. Spectacularly.

“I’M GAY!” Okay less spectacular initially, more manic desperation. He expected a few things to happen after he realised what he’d blurted out.

He expected anger, he expected disappointment, he half expected disownment, not fully expected, his mother would probably be on his side. He expected violence, judgement, demands of him to tell them it wasn’t true, or demands that he hide it, keep pretending for appearances sake. He’d heard the coming out horror stories.

He did not expect—

“Oh oh! What about Jonathan!! From Tennis club, honey you remember Jonathan right? Peter’s son?” His mother turning to look at his father, who’d turned a little pale. That was it, his father would be the one to blow up, his mother was in his corner that was sort of expected but his fa—

“Lynda he is not dating someone with the same name as me, that—no. No, I don’t think I’d recover if those thin walls at the chalet struck again.” Goddammit. “What about Timothy, Dorothy’s nephew? Didn’t she say she’d caught him with some punk boy on that family holiday to London?”

“Yes but she was trying to get points around the water cooler for being hip and homophobic, did you not hear what she called the poor boy? I’m not associating with Dorothy, good heavens.”

“I hadn’t heard, why have I not heard? Lynda we’re trying to create an inclusive work environment, I can’t have homophobic people working in HR!” And John was up, newspaper down, and off to his study to deal with Dorothy muttering about how he was sure the monthly office newsletter, which included the updated company values, would have weeded the bigots out by now.

“…Did my coming out just get someone fired?” Steve finally broke his shocked silence, his mothers attention turning back to him, her eyes wide, mouth puckered in a little, silent, oh.

“……Maybe.” His shoulders slumped, expression dropping to deadpan, she moved quick to reassure him “Don’t worry about it, Steven, she really wasn’t well liked.” It didn’t make him feel better… okay maybe it did, one less homophobe in the workplace. “Oooh, what about—”

It didn’t stop the matchmaking. The potential suitor pool just got bigger. Especially when he quietly, defeatedly corrected himself, revealing it was bisexual, not just gay, accepting his fate.

So it was no longer Vivian, Jessica, Bethany, Barbara, Carol, etc.

It was Vivian, Thomas, Jessica, Peter, Bethany, Robert blah blah blah

“Okay but you know some people would kill for that kind of support right?” Robin spoke the truth while rewinding the latest batch of returns. And maybe he was whining, maybe he was being overdramatic, his parents were supportive and were trying to make sure he’d be happy while they were gone on their long business trips.

Honestly they could have probably just let him get a dog. It’d have been easier. Less expensive than any of the people they were suggesting.

“I know… it’s just… they could at least try and find out what my type is. Instead it’s like they’re trying to throw a whole Indy gay bar at me in hopes that one person just kinda sticks. And now I’ve got a whole week with them coming up in some remote chalet, what if they bring someone, Robs? What if they bring someone and try an set us up an—”

“Can your parents just… adopt me?” She wasn’t listening “I’d kill to have the dating thing simplified for me, I can’t even talk to girls, you’ve got your mother doing all the work for you. I’d appreciate them, tell them I’d appreciate them.”

The door chimed, neither of them looked up, too engrossed in what they were doing. If a customer needed their help, they’d make it known.

They’d just adjust language used to not out themselves to strangers.

“You tell them! Pretty sure they’d find you someone.” Apparently his parents would be thrilled to help. He wanted to be happy about that, he really did, it was just exhausting having to fend off people who were interested in him but only for the last name, the business connection, the money. He wanted someone who wanted him for him, and none of those ‘potential suitors’ fit that bill. “Robbie I’m serious here, what if— what if they try when I can’t escape. I can’t spend a whole week in the woods with some stranger they’ve thrown at me, I think I might actually perish.”

“Then take a date.” Both young adults turned to look at the culprit behind the door chime.

“Henderson!” Steve’s favourite of the brat pack. Having met him while ferrying the kids home when Jonathan couldn’t pick Will up from Mike’s on a night when Steve had been hanging out with his at the time girlfriend Nancy. The kid was hilarious, a little bit of a know it all, but when you actually know it all, you’ve kind of earned the right to be obnoxious about it. “What did you hear?”

“That someone’s setting you up with people? Which is that a bad thing?” He directed the second question to Robin who shrugged and rolled her eyes.

“Not in my book lil man, not in my book.”

“Okay It’s not the attempt that’s the problem, it’s the quantity of attempts, and the quality of people they’re throwing at me! Quantity and quality are the issues here, people, it’s not that they’re doing it,”

“It’s that they’re doing it badly.” Dustin finished, Steve pointing at him with clicked finger guns.

“Exactly… and I don’t want my parents at my future wedding claiming they were responsible for getting us together cause that’d be weird! And pathetic. I want a fun first date story, a meet cute, or a ridiculous ‘yeah we were trapped in an elevator for like, three hours and bonded’ kind of story, I want an ‘I met them on a train’ or ‘they hit on me at the bar, and it just worked’ not an ‘my parents set us up in a remote cabin in the woods’, do you get me?”

“I can see your dilemma, but remote cabins in the woods can be really roman—"

“Nobody wants to hear about you and Suzie again! We get it, she’s your soulmate and future nerd wife you lucky little shithead.” Long distance and tricky as it may be, they were kind of perfect for each other. “Now what were you saying about taking a date?”

“Exactly that, take a date with you. Tell them you’re bringing someone and just… bring someone.” Dustin let his eyes flick to robin purposefully, quirking his head a little to subtly nod at her “you could take Robin” as if to say now’s your chance, dickhead, take it.

“Somehow I doubt Robin would be able to convince them that we were dating.”

“Cause we’re not.”

“And will not be.”

“At all.”

“Eh—"

“—ver”

“You guys make no sense.”

“We make perfect sense, my strange little child friend. You just don’t have all the information to make it make sense.” Robin wiggled her fingers at him as if it was some kind of mystery, it was to Dustin but that wasn’t important. “He does have a point though, you could take a date, there’s plenty of people in Hawkins who’d kill for a rich person get away, just gotta let them know that it’s a pretend date situation. Or… actually find a date. If you can.”

The "you suck" board flashed into his mind momentarily. He couldn’t. Not within the time frame he had. He was so far off his game his parents were matchmaking for him.

Dustin’s voice broke through his thoughts once more, offering salvation. “I know someone you could hire for that…” hallelujah, Dustin Henderson everybody.

Part 2

[the0doreslover]

Hey, I wanted to ask if you take requests!! If you do would you do Theodore x Reader angst to fluff

where like Theo gets jealous because of a rumor and paranoid thinking Reader will leave him for someone else (you choose who) but In reality it was all just made up from some girl that has a crush on Theo

And at the end he apologises multiple times to Reader because he didn’t let her explain

If not just ignore this! Have a great day.

shadowed trust

Theodore had always been a bit of a paranoid guy, but he had never been this jealous before. He sat in the Slytherin common room, his brow furrowed as he read the newsletter. The rumor had spread like wildfire, and now it had even made it to the papers.

Theodore couldn't believe what he was reading. The words were etching into his mind, The rumor suggested that you, his girl, his darling was growing close to someone else. Someone he knew all too well, someone he had considered a friend – Adrien pucey.

It was as if a wand had been plunged into his heart, and he couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal. Theodore had never been one to easily trust others, but he had allowed you to breach the walls he had built around his heart. You were the one person who had made him believe in love again, especially after his mother, and now it felt like that love was slipping through his fingers.

That night Theodore couldn’t put himself to sleep his mind kept going back to the possibility that the whole time he was thinking of you with nothing less that love and adoration you were thinking of adrien, the supposed rival. He couldn't fathom the idea of losing you, of waking up one day to find that you were no longer a part of his life. The anxiety clawed at him, making it hard to breathe. He had to talk to you, had to know the truth, even if it meant facing his worst fears head-on.

That evening, he found you standing in the astronomy tower, a place were the two of you shared the most fond memories. You looked up and saw him approaching, a smile lighting up your face, but it quickly faded as you noticed the turmoil in his eyes.

"Teddy, what's wrong?" you asked, concern lacing your voice.

He swallowed hard, his throat dry. "Is it true, what they're saying about you and adrien?" He couldn't bring himself to utter adriens name, the bitterness seeping into his words.

Your eyes widened in realization, and you quickly understood the source of his distress. "Theo, that rumor is false," you said earnestly. "I can’t believe you would even believe that, i don’t have feelings for anyone else. You're the one I love."

He stared at you, he wanted to believe you when he saw the sincerity in your eyes. But his insecurities quickly replaced that sight as he unfolded the paper that he pulled from his hoodie pocket and showed you the page that had a picture of two people in a heated situation.

“are you being serious? theodore you can’t even see their face!”

“when did you start thinking about him?”

“theodore what is wrong with you?”

“was it when we were on our first date?” he continued

“theo stop-“

“was it when i first said i love you?”

you stared at him in shock as he continued listing scenarios while walking closer to you.

“was it when i first made love-“

you didn’t want to listen anymore, your hand came and swiftly slapped across his face.

“don’t speak to me till you come to your senses” you scoffed with glossy eyes.

theodore seethed as he watched your figure walk away

The next day at breakfast was rough, you were sitting with luna while theodore sat with his friends

Draco crossed his arms, looking at Theodore with concern. " So you're letting baseless rumors ruin your relationship? You should trust her. i don’t know why i even have to tell you that"

Blaise nodded in agreement. "We all know how much you care about her. Don’t let something as stupid as rumours break a good relationship mate"

Pansy chimed in, "Theodore, i’ll give this to you bluntly, Y/n is my best friend and you really fucked up, i heard about everything last night she came back to our dorm in pieces and if you actually believe these rumours... Honestly you’ve made a right mess of this one"

Theodore sighed before noticing the familiar face of adrien on his way out the hall

It was him he should be angry with.

“You’re right” he started

“i know” pansy smiled

“i should be mad at adrien!”

before anyone could react theodore had gotten up and stormed out the hall where he had saw adrien.

“Oi Pucey”

“hm?”

Before adrien even registered who called him theodore’s fist had connected with his cheek.

Adrien was flung back and theodore didn’t even blink before jumping on top of the boy and beating him.

Ignoring the cheering crowd that had now formed the fight seemed to be getting worse as blaise and draco had now come to intervene.

you watched next to pansy in disgust as the boy you loved was beating a poor boy who hadn’t done anything.

adrien got a good few punches in near the end before finally they had been separated.

Theodore couldn’t hear anything as he felt himself getting more angrier by the minute. He stared back at the crowd and for a second his eyes met with yours before you turned away in disgust and dragged pansy along with you.

theo and adrien had both been taken to the infirmary with a strict warning from mcgonagall that if they do much as touched each other again there would be serious trouble.

they sat in silence for a few minutes before theo broke it.

“just tell me if they’re true”

Adrien looked taken aback by the sudden conversation. "I don't know what you're talking about, mate."

"Don't play dumb," Theodore snapped. "These rumors about Y/N and you. Tell me the truth."

Adrien hesitated,"I didn't start the rumors, but I heard people talking about it. I thought it was just gossip, nothing serious."

Theodore's anger shifted into frustration. "You should have put an end to it, not let it spread like wildfire."

Adrien looked remorseful. "I know. I'm sorry, when marissa asked me if there was anything going on i should have been more stern."

Theodore clenched his jaw, his anger dissipating as he realized what had happened "Marissa? Slytherin Marissa?”

“yeah”

“the one who has had a crush on me since second year!” he raised his voice a little bit

“oh shit! mate you need to apologise to y/n”

Just then, you entered the infirmary, carrying a tray with ice packs and ointments. You didn't say a word but walked over to then handing them an ice pack.

“madame pomfrey wanted me to give them to you” you said bluntly before making a move to walk away.

Theo wasn’t stupid he knew that madame pomfrey could of given it to them herself but he wasn’t about to question anything, he was just happy you had come to see him even if it was just to make sure they were still alive. He grabbed your hand quickly stopping you from leaving.

"Y/N, i’m sorry”

you didn’t say anything, instead you turned around and took the ice pack from him and placed it on his new forming bruise

“i should of trusted you”

You continued to apply the ice pack without meeting his gaze.

“i was being irrational and i know you would never cheat on me. I don’t deserve you, even now you’re here helping me”

you finally met his eyes

“i love you y/n”

“i love you too”

“i promise i won’t ever let a stupid rumour by stupid marissa get to me ever again”

“wait… marissa started this rumour? i’m going to bloody kill her” you spoke for the first time making theodore laugh

“it seems we’re both the jealous type no?” he grinned

a smile finally broke out on both your faces as he leaned into you, his lips meeting yours for a short sweet moment before adrien cleared his throat.

“piss off” theodore groaned before yanking the curtain around his bed and pulling you back into him.

[hopefulleafva]

Papyrus Wrote the UTDR Mystery Valentine

Okay so with a 2025 release for Deltarune chapters 3&4 confirmed I want to get this off my chest and document it for future me to either feel vindicated by or have a good laugh at how wrong it was. This has been eating me alive since the Valentine’s newsletter and I never said anything but I want this out there before anything new comes out.

Disclaimer: I have no idea if this is a theory other people have already made posts on or not because all I ever see is “it’s Gaster!” or “It’s not Gaster, it’s Dess/Egg Man/[Insert mysterious character here!]”. If someone has posted this theory before I missed it entirely. Not looking to steal anyone’s theory thunder here.

I’ve convinced myself this is Papyrus and just want to get my thoughts down here.

So. I see a lot of people talk about how the flippant and humorous way it’s written makes them think this isn’t Gaster. To get the Gaster stuff out of the way, my stance is that everyone has their own preferred idea of how they think Gaster acts and whether or not he could have a sense of humor, but we really have yet to learn a lot about him in canon. I don’t love us trying to make rules about what is and isn’t “in character” for him when we really haven’t met properly and have very little dialogue to go off of. I get a lot of people are basing their ideas of him being serious off Entry 17 and the popular assumption that the intro voice is Gaster. I think that’s fair and very understandable, but even still it’s only an extremely limited peek at what the guy is like. Point is, maybe he does have a silly sense of humor and maybe he doesn’t. I don’t want to entirely dismiss the idea that Gaster wrote this based on “it’s too silly, Gaster is serious!”. But I also think that the idea that because the speaker is a mysterious voice with meta knowledge of Deltarune that it MUST be Gaster is also a bit shaky.

Anyway.

Is it just me or does the bizarre roundabout way of phrasing things in the letter perfectly fall in line with how Papyrus speaks?

One of my favorite notes in the Undertale Legends of Localization book (HIGHLY recommend by the way, a really fascinating read) was this:

While yes, it’s important to bear in mind that this was the quote of a localizer and not Toby directly, I think it still rings very true for Papyrus’s character. Don’t really think I need a laundry list of examples for this point, right? Papyrus’s fun and unique way of speaking is such a memorable part of his character that you encounter in all routes.

Which is why it’s so interesting to me that this mystery writer seems to have a highly similar way of phrasing things in a unique and playful way.

The first one that really sticks out to me is the “I never forget someone I don’t remember.”

Really reminded me of the little bit you get after a post neutral run reset.

While not something I originally weighed in to my theory, it is worth noting that this bit between Papyrus and Sans occurs immediately after Papyrus has recognized Frisk after seeing them for this “first” time. This makes the mystery valentine writer’s preceding comment that they will know the forgotten person they are looking for immediately upon seeing them extra interesting.

This bit also stood out to me:

Because it also felt like very familiar phrasing. It took me a while to realize what it was making me think of.

Down to the quotations around a common phrase like it’s an alleged thing not a very common thing??? Like MAN.

While these were the only two parts I felt directly and strongly paralleled specific phrasing Papyrus has used before in canon, there were a few other things that caught my eye.

A faith in the power of love, and the power of belief.

(Yes, I realize the “even if you don’t think so” appears to negate the idea of Frisk’s beliefs being an important part of their ability to change, but I’d say Papyrus is still emphasizing that his beliefs are significant in this.)

Very strange that the writer doesn’t dismiss the idea that the person they have forgotten they wanted to help could be themself. How could you forget yourself? But then again…

And while not really the same degree of strength in a parallel, I just want to bring up that the letter writer remarks that the reader is odd yet reliable for responding out loud to a piece of written communication.

It is strange that the author seems to have still heard the reader’s out-loud reply to the letter. A weird instance where a mode of communication that has limits on what SHOULD be able to be perceived by the other person somehow has those limits broken and allows that person to comment on something they shouldn’t be able to perceive.

Kind of like if you were having a phone call with someone far away from you but they still seemed to somehow be able to know exactly what you were looking at and where you were. Where have we heard that before…?

Also come on. You can’t tell me “PUT ON YOUR COAT AND WASH YOUR FACE! OR, PUT ON YOUR FACE AND WASH YOUR COAT. NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER. OR, IN ANY ORDER AT ALL.” doesn’t sound like a Papyrus-ism.

I know some people may point out that Papyrus already has Valentines that are very explicitly from him in the newsletter, so it would be weird to have three that are and one that wasn’t. But I don’t think that necessarily should refute this idea. It could be possible the “signed” valentines are from Undertale’s Papyrus, and this one is from Deltarune’s Papyrus. Even if you subscribe to the idea that UT Papyrus IS DR Papyrus, this could simply be a letter sent from a different point in time.

Anyway, this has been eating me alive since February so I wanted to get it off my chest. Maybe this is completely off base, but interesting to think about.

[ktempestbradford]

From The Atlantic: Substack Has a Nazi Problem

[that link is to an archived version, so no paywall]

Bottom Line: the CEOs/leaders of Substack aren't just being laissez-faire about the fascists and open white supremacists on the platform, they actively boost them by having them on the company podcast, featuring them, mentioning them, and boosting them. Because the newsletters bring in LOADS of money and they love money. Even newsletters that repeatedly violate the basic, useless guidelines of Substack, they do not get punished.

This isn't a huge surprise for anyone who has been following the major issues with Substack that have come up in the past few years. There was the whole scandal where the public discovered that Substack had been paying people secretly to be on the service while advertising that anyone can make it on their own here! Plus, they were paying bigots directly to put their newsletters on the srvice.

Good breakdowns of that from Annalee Newitz and Grace Lavery.

Then there was the disasterous interview one of the CEOs (Chris Best) did with Nilay Patel of The Verge when Substack's Twitter clone launched. Nilay -- who is, if you hadn't guessed, of Indian descent -- asked him pointed questions about content moderation and... well...

[Nilay] I just want to be clear, if somebody shows up on Substack and says “all brown people are animals and they shouldn’t be allowed in America,” you’re going to censor that. That’s just flatly against your terms of service. [Best] So, we do have a terms of service that have narrowly prescribed things that are not allowed. That one I’m pretty sure is just flatly against your terms of service. You would not allow that one. That’s why I picked it. So there are extreme cases, and I’m not going to get into the– Wait. Hold on. In America in 2023, that is not so extreme, right? “We should not allow as many brown people in the country.” Not so extreme. Do you allow that on Substack? Would you allow that on Substack Notes? I think the way that we think about this is we want to put the writers and the readers in charge– No, I really want you to answer that question. Is that allowed on Substack Notes? “We should not allow brown people in the country.” I’m not going to get into gotcha content moderation. This is not a gotcha... I’m a brown person. Do you think people on Substack should say I should get kicked out of the country? I’m not going to engage in content moderation, “Would you or won’t you this or that?” That one is black and white, and I just want to be clear: I’ve talked to a lot of social network CEOs, and they would have no hesitation telling me that that was against their moderation rules. Yeah. We’re not going to get into specific “would you or won’t you” content moderation questions. Why? I don’t think it’s a useful way to talk about this stuff.

Best wasn't willing to get into these "gotchas" around their new social network, which is a pretty clear indication that they won't get into it around content moderation on the original platform. (Their statement after the fact did nothing to make things better.)

It's also really clear from the Atlantic article that the Substack CEOs/Owners are, at best, more interested in making money than in keeping white supremacists and Nazis (literal ones) off their platform. At worst, the Substack CEOs/Owners are supremacist/Nazi sympathizers. Either way:

Substack Directly Supports the Alt-Right, Nazis, and White Supremacists

Openly, brazenly, and without remorse.

[likecastle]

I know there have been a lot of suggestions about alternatives to NaNoWriMo since that whole debacle happened, but I just wanted to plug novelist Jami Attenberg’s 1,000 Words project. She does periodic writing challenges (like writing 1,000 word each day for a week, or for the whole summer) and sends out really lovely free newsletters about writing and productivity that don’t feel cloying or self-help-y or overly on-the-grind-y. She’s also published a book about her 1,000 Words project, which I haven’t read, but if it’s anything like her newsletter, it’s down to earth and encouraging in a sea of really terrible writing about writing practice.

Most importantly, one of her mini challenges starts tomorrow, January 3rd, so if you’re looking for a way to reinvigorate your writing practice in 2025, it’s worth checking out!

[waitimcomingtoo]

Take A Hint

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Synopsis: no matter how many times Peter tried to ask you out, you never get the hint

Authors note: can you guess what non marvel character this was originally written for

Masterlist

“Hold the door!”

Peter stuck his hand between the elevator doors of the tower when he heard an unfamiliar voice. The doors opened back up and you stepped inside.

“Thanks for holding the door. It’s nice to meet you. It’s my first day.” You said as you held your hand out to him.

“It’s nice to meet you too. And I hope you don’t think it’s rude if I don’t shake your hand. I just have a thing with germs. The number of pathogens passes during a handshake is staggering. It’s actually safer to kiss.”

“Hm. I’ll have to take you up on that.” You replied with a coy smile, sending a blush to Peters face.

“I hope you do.” He mumbled shyly, getting a laugh out of you.

“I’m Y/n, by the way. Mr. Stark just recruited me to be on the team.”

“I’m Peter. And I didn’t know we were getting anyone else on the team. I’m barely on the team myself.“

“Same with me. I think I’m just doing a trial run to see if I fit in well.” You told him. “Is there anything I need to know before I meet the team? Any insider tips you can give me?”

“Well, you’re a pretty girl, so Sam is definitely going to hit on you.” Peter rolled his eyes a little. “But if it makes you uncomfortable, he’ll back off. He’s a flirt but he’s not an asshole. Well, he is an asshole, but he won’t be towards you. He is towards me though, but that’s a different story. Tony talks with an inflection in his voice that makes it really hard to tell if he’s kidding or not so never take anything he says seriously. And you should know Bucky and Steve are not dating. Neither are Bruce and Natasha. I don’t really know what’s going on between them but at this point I’m too scared to ask.”

“Is it important that I know they’re not dating?”

“Yes. You’re inevitably going to wonder about it so I’m telling you right now that they’re not.”

“Good to know.” You chuckled.

“Yeah. You’ll figure everyone else out pretty quickly. They’re all good people.” Peter assured you.

“What about you? Is there anything I need to know about you?” You asked, making Peter blush again.

“That depends on what you want to know.”

“Well I’ll have you know that I like to know everything. I hate when shit is unbeknownst to me.” You replied, making Peter laugh.

“I’ll tell you whatever you want to hear. I swear.” Peter answered, earning a smile out of you just as you reached your floor.

“I’m happy to hear that. I have to meet with Mr. Stark before I meet the team. It was nice meeting you, Peter.” You waved to him as you walked off the elevator.

“You too.” Peter called after you. He watched your disappear down the hall with a smile on his face and did a little happy dance before going to the meeting room.

It wasn’t long before Tony came into the room with you by his side. You looked around nervously at all the Avengers until your eyes landed on Peter. He gave you a double thumbs up and you visibly relaxed.

“Hello all. As you may have heard from my weekly newsletter I send out on Snapchat, we have a new recruit joining the team.“

“Snapchat newsletter?” Nat whispered to Sam.

“I don’t know. I blocked him after the first one he sent.” Sam sighed.

“Is Snapchat the one where you swipe right if you find a person attractive?” Steve leaned in to whisper.

“Yes.” Natasha lied.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I gave you the impression that I wanted to be spoken over when I’m talking.” Tony shouted over them, making you stifle a laugh.

“Sorry.” They mumbled.

“Thank you. Now, please give a warm and fuzzy welcome to Y/n.” Tony stepped to the side and proudly presented you.

“Hello.” You smiled shyly and waved. Everyone stared blankly at you and you wanted to disappear into the floor. You could feel your face burning up in embarrassment until someone stood up and walked over to you.

“Well I’ll be the first to play with the shiny new toy. Hi, gorgeous. I’m Sam.” Sam smiled suavely and shook your hand. You heard the name and made eye contact with Peter over Sam’s shoulder. Peter rolled his eyes again and you giggled.

“Hi. Nice to meet you.” You greeted him. Natasha and Steve were the next ones to get up to shake your hand.

“I’m Steve and that’s Natasha.” Steve told you as he firmly shook your hand.

“You can call me Nat.” Natasha smiled warmly at you when you greeted her.

“Hi Nat. Hi Steve.” You smiled timidly.

“This is Bucky.” Steve said and laughed Bucky forward. You held out your hand to shake his but when you saw his metal arm, you retracted it.

“Hi.” You said quickly.

“Sup.” He smirked.

“That’s Rhodey over there. And this is Peter.” Tony said and nudged Peter towards you. You reached out a hand and everyone assumed you were trying to shake Peters hand.

“Oh, Peter doesn’t-“ Tony began to warn you when your hand met Peters shoulder and you pulled him closer to kiss his cheek.

“Good to see you again.” You smiled at him.

“You too.” Peter blushed and patted your arm. Your hand slipped off his shoulder and you looked around to see the rest of the team staring at you.

“Wow. Okay, so, I’m gonna need an explanation for that at some point.” Tony nodded his head.

“I do too.” Sam chimed it.

“Give her some space.” Peter told them. “Here, you can sit next to me.”

You sat in the chair Peter had pulled out for you and gave him a grateful smile.

“Anywho, let’s jump right into the mission. We’re flying out to Socovia today folks for a little world saving. Then maybe some Mexican food after? Yeah? No one’s agreeing but it’s gonna happen anyway. Wheels up in 30.”

The team shuffled out of the room to grab their to go bags as you awkwardly hung back. You waited until you saw Peter and followed him out to the plane.

“Peter?” You whispered and tugged on his sleeve.

“Yeah?”

“Is there assigned seating on the plane?”

“No.” He shrugged. “We can sit wherever we want.”

“But do people typically sit in the same seats? I don’t want to overstep.”

“How about you sit next to me? Then you don’t have to worry.” Peter offered.

“Okay. Thanks.” You smiled and wrapped your arm around his so you could walk onto the plane together.

“So what’s in Socovia?” Natasha asked once everyone was seated.

“People keep getting murdered in the same gruesome way and the same symbol has been left on the wall each time.” Tony explained.

“What symbol?” Peter wondered. Tony took out an Manila folder and slid a photo towards you and Peter. In the picture was a graffiti drawing of the Avengers symbol inside a giant red circle with line going through it. Everyone leaned in to see the picture and understood why this was an Avengers level threat.

“Damn. They put the Ghostbusters thing over it and everything.” You mumbled.

“How gruesome are we talking by the way? Because I just ate.” Sam asked.

“All the victims were chained to the back of a car and dragged until they were decapitated.”

“Oh. Lovely.” Sam smiled sarcastically.

“Murders just keep coming up with new ways to murder, don’t they?” Steve said.

“Actually, dragging is steeped in English history. Back in the 11th century, drawing and quartering was a common form of punishment, and in fact-“

“Peter.” Tony cut him off and shook his head.

“Sorry.” Peter mumbled and slumped in his seat in embarrassment.

“He does that a lot. You’ll get used to it.” Sam told you, making Peter grow more embarrassed.

“Wait. I wanted to hear the rest.” You ignored Sam and turned to Peter.

“You did?” Everyone asked skeptically.

“You did?” Peter smiled in surprise.

“Yeah. What were you saying, Peter?” You asked and gave him your full attention.

“I was just saying that they would also disembowel and behead the victims when they were done with them. That’s all.” Peter continued.

“You just knew that off the top of your head?” Your eyes widened in amazement.

“He knows everything off the top of his head. He’s like a human encyclopedia.” Tony informed you.

“Wow. That’s really cool.” You smiled at Peter. Peter tried to say something in return but found himself too flustered to speak.

“You’ll have to forgive him. You might be the first person to refer to him as “cool”.” Sam snorted.

“Well I think you’re cool.” You said as you continued to ignore Sam.

“Thanks. You’re cool too.” Peter smiled shyly. Sam looked between the two of you before scooting closer to you.

“You know, I wouldn’t mind giving you a tour of the tower once we get back. I’d be more than happy to show you the ropes.” Sam said with a debonair smile.

“That’s okay. Mr. Stark already gave me a tour of the building when he interviewed me to be on the team.” You politely declined.

“A tour before you even joined? Is that so?” Sam raised his eyebrows at Tony.

“She was by far the best candidate.” Tony shrugged. “She had the job before she left my office.”

“Wow. So you’re not just a pretty face?” Sam teased you with a flirtatious wink.

“No. I’m not.” You said flatly.

“I don’t think anyone gets asked to join the Avengers for having a pretty face. I’m pretty sure she was hired because she’s qualified.” Peter chimed in, making you smile.

“That’s awfully charming of you to come to your lady’s defense, spider boy king of thieves, but I’ll have to respectfully disagree. Thor was 100% hired for being pretty.” Tony admitted.

“Oh.” Peter said and sat back in his seat.

“Why’d he call me your lady?” You asked Peter.

“Um, I have no idea.” He lied quickly. Peter turned bright red and looked at Tony, who was looking at the two of you with a knowing expression.

“You know why.” Tony mouthed. He then pointed between the two of you before making his hands kiss each other. Peter motioned for him to stop but you were oblivious to the whole thing.

Once you landed, you got off the plane and waited for further instruction. Tony started to pair everyone off and Peter got excited when your name still hadn’t been called.

“Blues Clues and New Girl, you should head to where the first victim was found. See if you can find anything.” Tony told you and Peter.

“Okay. On it.” Peter saluted him before slipping his mask over his face.

“And hey. No kissing, okay? This is a serious mission.” Tony called after the two of you. Peter was thankful he had his mask on so you couldn’t see the shade of red he turned.

“No kissing? Does he always say that?” You laughed in confusion.

“Uh huh. Let’s not think about it. Let’s go.” Peter said quickly and treaded into the forrest ahead of you.

“Okay.” You laughed skeptically and followed after him. When you caught up to him, you gentle elbowed him in the side.

“Thanks for having my back on the plane, by the way. Sam is just like you said.”

“No problem. And don’t mind Sam. He can only speak to women if he’s flirting.”

“What about you? Do you do a lot of flirting?” You smiled coyly at him, making Peter choke on his saliva.

“I’m afraid I don’t know how.” He admitted.

“Sure you do. Pretend I’m a girl you want to date and give me your best pick up line.”

“Pretend you’re a girl I want to date? What? I mean, I’ll try.” Peter laughed nervously. “But I don’t know any pick up lines.”

“Come on. If you saw me in a bar and you were trying to pick me up, what would you say?”

“I wouldn’t be in a bar.” Peter laughed sheepishly.

“Just humor me.”

“Fine. I would say that I think you’re really beautiful and I would like to take you on a date.” Peter said sincerely as he stopped to look at you. You stopped as well and smiled softly at him when you heard the fondness in his voice.

“Where would you take me?” You asked him.

“A museum.”

“A museum? You had that answer ready.” You chuckled in surprise and took a step closer to him.

“Well I noticed you have a picture of The Kiss as your phone background. I’m a fan of Klimt as well.”

“I love The Kiss. It’s just so romantic.” You sighed. “Even though it looks incredibly uncomfortable.”

“It does. Her neck must really hurt.”

“Do you know any facts about The Kiss?” You asked him. “I only ask since you knew all that stuff back on the plane.”

“Are you being polite or do you actually want to know?” Peter asked skeptically.

“I want to know.” You assured him.

“Well, Klimt’s career was actually on a downfall when he painting it. Before creating the piece, he had received a scathing review in the first decade of the 20th century for his three-part University of Vienna Ceiling Paintings. Because of all the nudity, his works were described as "pornography" and "perverted excess”. It almost ruined his reputation, actually. He later wrote in a letter, "Either I am too old, or too nervous, or too stupid—there must be something wrong." in regards to his paintings. That was all right before he got popular with The Kiss.” Peter told you. He smiled under his mask when he finished speaking and realized it had been a long time since someone had let him talk about something without being interrupted or told to stop.

“You’re so smart.” You sighed. “I wish I was smart.”

“Come on. I’m sure you’re smart.” Peter assured you.

“I’m not. I’m really dumb actually.” You admitted and gave him a sad smile.

“What? I find that hard to believe.”

“It’s true. I’m book smart, sure. But when it comes to talking to people, most things go right over my head.”

“That’s okay. You have a lot of other great qualities to you. I’ve only known you a few hours and I can see that already.” Peter told you.

“Aw. Thanks, Pete.” You smiled at him as your shoulder brushed up against each others. Peter smiled shyly in return and felt his face heat up.

“So do you like museums?” Peter asked you.

“Love them.” You gushed. “I like going in and pretending like I’m in that scene from Pride and Prejudice where she stares at Mr. Darcy’s stature and realizes she’s in love with him.”

“I haven’t seen it.” Peter admitted, wishing he had so he wouldn’t disappoint you.

“What? You have to watch it.” You insisted.

“Maybe you could show it to me sometime.” Peter suggested, hoping you’d take the hint that he liked you.

“Yeah! I totally could. And we could check out a museum afterwards so you can feel like that scene!” You smiled in excitement and tugged on his arm.

“It’s a date.” Peter replied, liking how excited you were to spend time together.

“You’re so funny. A date, he says.” You laughed and kept walking into the forest. Peters smile fell when he realized you had in fact not gotten the hint that he liked you.

The longer you lived in the tower, the closer you and Peter became. You spent most of your time together and as much as he loved being your friend, he couldn’t help but pine for you. You often made it seem like you felt the same, but he found that every time he tried to tell you that he wanted to me more than friends, it went right over your head.

“I’ll go easy on you, okay?” Peter said as he held up his boxing glove covered hands during sparing one day.

“I’m gonna knock you out where you stand.” You exclaimed and swung at him. Peter ducked and punched you in the stomach before tackling you onto the mat.

“I’m sorry. But this is the end of the line for you.” Peter smirked as he hovered over you.

“Not if I make it a curve.” You declared before flipping Peter over and pinning him by his wrists.

“Wow. You pinned me.” Peter said with pleasant surprise.

“Please. You totally let me win.” You rolled your eyes and got off of him.

“What? I would never.” Peter said sarcastically.

“You would. And you did. Cheater.” You teased before tugging the strap of your boxing glove off with your teeth. Peter gulped and watched you as you did the same to the other one instead of using your newly freed hand.

“But I cheated for you. That’s a good kind of cheating.” Peter said as he helped you off the ground.

“So you justify cheating? Wow, P. Is this what it would be like to date you? Constantly getting cheated on?” You pretended to gasp as you went to get water bottles out of the refrigerator for the two of you.

“Are you kidding me? I’d be an excellent boyfriend.” Peter insisted and took the bottle you handed him.

“Really? Says who? Where are the user reviews?” You teased and took a sip.

“So far, they haven’t been any users. But if I ever became a boyfriend, I’d be the best boyfriend to ever boyfriend.”

“You know what? I believe you.” You shrugged. “You do have all the best boyfriend qualities. You’re sweet and smart and funny. Not to mention, slightly above average on the handsome scale. You’re kinda a total catch. Oh my god. How come I’m not dating you?”

“You could. If you wanted to.” Peter stammered as his entire face turned red.

“You are so funny. Seriously, why don’t you have a girlfriend?” You laughed as Peters advances went right over your head. Peter frowned a little and decided that if he was going to get through to you, he had to try harder.

A few days later, you came into Peters room while he was doing some homework to show him your outfit.

“Woah. You going out?” He asked you when he saw the little black dress guy had on.

“Yeah. Does this outfit make me look slutty but in a fun way?”

“Honestly, yes. That’s exactly how I would describe it. Who are you going out with?” Peter wondered.

“A boy.”

“What? What boy? Who him? I mean, who is he? What?” Peter fumbled over his words as jealously manifested in his tummy.

“Oh my God. I’m just kidding. I’m going out with some girl friends.” You laughed when you saw how flustered he got.

“Oh. Okay.” Peter sighed in relief.

“You weren’t jealous, were you?” You smiled in surprise.

“I…I was actually.” Peter admitted, knowing there was no point in denying what you already knew.

“Oh. I get it.” You nodded and smiled sympathetically at him.

“Look, I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while-“

“You were jealous that I had a date and you didn’t, weren’t you?” You cut him off. That wasn’t at all what Peter was jealous about and you had once again missed what he was trying to say.

“Yeah. That’s it.” Peter lied.

“P, if you want a date, you just have to ask a girl out. Any girl would be lucky to have you.” You said simply.

“You think so? Any girl?”

“Totally. If a guy like you asked me out, I’d say yes in a heartbeat.“ You assured him.

“You’d say yes if I asked you out?” Peter raised an eyebrow.

“Are you kidding? Absolutely. And I’d lock you down too. You’d never get away from me.” You told him. A smile tugged at Peters lips as your words gave him the confidence to finally ask you out.

“Y/n, I think you are the most beautiful girl in the world and I would love to take you on a date.” Peter said and held his breath in anticipation of your response.

“That was perfect, P! That’s exactly how you should ask a girl out.” You smiled in excitement, making his smile fall.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He grumbled.

“Good luck. See you later!” You patted his back before leaving the room.

The next day, you went into the home theater and found a couple members of the team watching something on the big tv. Peter turned his head when he heard you come in and waved you over.

“Hey. Mind if I share your blanket?” You asked him.

“Yeah. Go ahead.” Peter blushed and lifted up his blanket so you could slide under it. You smiled at him before sitting down and snuggling into his side.

“You’re so warm. Can you start sleeping in my bed? It’s freezing in my room.” You mumbled as you wrapped your arms around his torso.

“I could definitely spoon you at nights for $5 an hour.” Peter teased as he wrapped an arm on you.

“I’d pay $20 an hour just to have these arms around me. Holy shit. They feel like a snake swallowed a baby.” You said as you squeezed his bicep.

“Thank you?” Peter chuckled.

“No. Thank you. Never let me go.” You sighed happily and snuggled back into his chest. Peter felt his face heat up and rested his cheek against the top of your head. You could feel his heart beating against your cheek and nuzzled into his chest further. You stayed in comfortable silence for a minute as your breathing synced up.

“This is nice.” Peter said in a quiet voice.

“It is. You should hold me more often.”

“I would love to do that.” He laughed softly.

“Really?” You asked and tilted your chin up to look at him. He looked down at you and nodded his head. You smiled and snuggled into his chest, restoring his confident once again.

“Do you ever think about being more than friends?” He asked softly.

“Oh my god. Are you finally asking me?” You smiled and sat up a little.

“Yeah. I finally am.” Peter nodded and sat up as well.

“You want to be roommates?” You asked excitedly and squeezed his hands.

“Wait, what?” Peters smile dropped.

“We can get bunk beds and everything! I thought you’d never ask.” You gushed and threw your arms around him to hug him. Peter squeezed his eyes shut in disappointment that you hadn’t understood what he was trying to say but decided that this was better than nothing.

“Me either.” He mumbled.

A week later, you had fully moved into Peters room. He laid awake one night and stared up at the bottom of your top bunk. He thought back to the day you built the bunk bed together and while showering him with compliments for his strength all day, he still had no idea how you really felt about him. You always made it seem like you liked him back but as he stared up at the bottom of your bed, he couldn’t help but think of all the times he tried to ask you out and you didn’t even realize. He was so deep in thought that he hadn’t even noticed you had climbed down from your top bunk and stood beside his bed.

“Holy shit.” He jumped when he saw you.

“I had a bad dream.” You said in a quiet voice.

“Oh no. Come here.” Peter sat up and patted his bed. You quickly climbed down and got into bed with Peter.

“Can I sleep with you tonight?” You asked and you laid down together.

“Of course. Always.” Peter nodded and wrapped his arm around your waist. You rested your head on his pillow and looked into his eyes.

“You seemed kinda restless up there. Is everything okay?” Peter asked you.

“Not really. I have a lot on my mind.”

“Oh yeah? What’s the matter?”

“I raised my hand in class today and got it wrong. Like, way wrong. A few people laughed because I think they thought I was trying to be funny. But I wasn’t trying to be funny. I really thought my answer was right.”

“At least you tried.” Peter said reassuringly.

“I shouldn’t have tried. I tried to redeem myself later in class by answering another question but I got that one wrong too. And then the teacher asked a question that I definitely knew but when I raised my hand, he laughed and said “maybe you should stop trying”. I felt like such an idiot. I had that right answer. He just didn’t let me say it.”

“Don’t talk about yourself like that. You’re not an idiot.” Peter said as he rubbed circles on your back.

“Yes I am. Everyone says so.” You sighed. “I’ll never be smart like you. You know everything about everything.”

“Just because I memorize a bunch of facts doesn’t make me smart. You’re smart in your own way.” Peter told you.

“That’s a nice way of saying I’m dumb.” You chuckled softly.

“I would never call you dumb. I don’t think you’re dumb at all.” Peter shook his head and looked into your eyes

“Aw, P.” You smiled softly and cupped his chin.”

“In fact, I think you’re the loveliest person I’ve ever met. You’re courageous and hardworking and strong and so insanely beautiful sometimes it’s annoying, actually. And when I think of all the adjectives that can be used to describe you, dumb does not make the cut.”

“Why are you so good to me? It’s like you came straight from heaven into my life.” You smiled and scooted closer to him.

“I did. I’m a ghost.” He whispered, making you laugh.

“I’m so glad you were the one I met in the elevator on my first day. Can you imagine if I asked someone like Sam to hold the door for me?”

“You’d be in his bed right now and not mine.” Peter snorted.

“Please. I’d never be in his bed. And I like to think that no matter who held the elevator for me that day, you and I still would’ve formed this bond.” You said without looking into his eyes.

“You think so?” Peter smiled a little.

“I’m positive. I’ve never connected like this with anyone. I never believed in soulmates until I met you.”

“You think we’re soulmates?” Peters smile grew as he pulled you closer.

“Why not?” You shrugged. “Why not suspend your beliefs in science for a moment and believe that you and I were cut from the same cloth? I know it sounds silly, but I think it’s possible. And it makes me happy to believe it. You’re my twin flame.”

Peters heart was pounding in his chest as you said everything he always wanted to hear. Peter brushed some hair off of your face and left his hand on your cheek.

“What are we?” He asked you in a quiet voice.

“I just said we’re twin flames?” You frowned in confusion.

“Not that. I meant our relationship. What do you think of us as?”

“Peter.” You laughed softly and moved closer to him. He nodded his head and eagerly waited for your response.

“Twin flames. I literally just said that. Can you not hear me?” You asked genuinely and spoke a little louder. Peter groaned and rolled onto his back so you wouldn’t see his frustration.

“I’m going to sleep.”

“You promised you’d hold me.” You whined a little.

“Fine. Roll over.”

“Can’t we lay like this?” You asked and tugged his shirt so he’d roll back over to face you.

“Oh. Okay. Sure.” Peters disappointed faded away as he was reminded that just being your friend was a privilege.

“Goodnight, P.” You said through a yawn and wrapped both arms around him to rest your head on his chest.

“Goodnight, honey.”

The next morning, Peter walked into the kitchen and the conversation that had been happening immediately went quiet. Peter looked around in confusion as everyone snickered and hid behind their coffee cups.

“So. Rumor has it you two slept together last night.” Tony said with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

“What? Who started that rumor?” Peter frowned as he turned bright red.

“I did. After I went into your room this morning and saw you two tangled together in Peters bed.” Tony smirked and pointed over to you. You were sitting in the living room by yourself with your headphones in so you couldn’t hear the conversation going on.

“Ew. Aren’t you guys like 10?” Sam scrunched his nose.

“No. We’re adults. And it wasn’t like that. She had a bad dream so she slept in my bed.” Peter defended.

“Aw. Look at you comforting your girlfriend when she had a bad dream. How cute.” Sam teased.

“She’s not my girlfriend.” Peter mumbled and felt that of his face got any hotter, he’d explode.

“Wait, she’s not?” Sam asked.

“No. We’re just friends.”

“Well then what the hell am I waiting for? I’m about to get myself Mrs. Falcon.” Sam laughed and got out of his seat. Peter watched him as he went into the living room where you were.

“What’s he doing?” Peter asked Tony.

“Asking Y/n out. Duh.” Tony replied.

“What?! He can’t do that? He’s so big and strong and handsome. What if she says yes?” Peter began to panic and craned his neck to watch you and Sam.

“What’s your damage? I thought you guys were just friends.” Tony snorted.

“We are. I don’t even care actually.” Peter lied and sat back in his seat as his leg bounced. He looked over at you and Sam again and saw you nodding your head at something Sam was saying.

“Are you okay?” Tony asked when he saw the look on Peters face.

“I’m gonna fucking throw up.”

“Plug it up. He’s coming back.” Tony warned him. Sam walked back to Tony and Peter with a look on his face that peter couldn’t read.

“Well? Is she the next Mrs. Sam Wilson?” Tony asked.

“She turned me down.” Sam answered, seeming like he still didn’t believe it.

“What? What did she say?” Peter couldn’t contain his smile as he asked.

“She said she’s flattered but not interested in me.”

“Wait, how did you ask her?” Peter wondered.

“I don’t want to rehash it.” Sam waved his hand. “I asked her to go on a date, she said no, that’s pretty much it.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Peter whispered as he sat back in his chair.

“That’s what I said.” Sam scoffed. “Wait, why are you upset? I’m the one who got turned down.”

“Because I’ve been trying to ask her out for months but she either pretends she doesn’t understand or it genuinely goes right over her head. How come she understood when you did it?”

“Because I was direct. I didn’t beat around the bush like a boy who’s scared to ask his best friend on a date.” Sam told him.

“I’m not scared.” Peter scoffed. “I’m fact, I’m gonna go talk to her.”

“Good luck.” Sam called after him as Peter went over to you.

“Hey.” Peter waved nervously.

“Hey, P. What’s going on?” You smiled and took your earbuds out.

“Not much. I hear Sam asked you out.” Peter said as he sat down beside you.

“Oh. Yeah.” You scrunched your nose a little and laughed uncomfortably.

“You said no?”

“Yeah. I felt bad but he’s not my type.”

“I get that. What is your type, by the way?” Peter asked casually.

“I guess I don’t really know. I just like people that I like. But it helps when they’re kind and can make me laugh. I just want someone who doesn’t make me feel like I have to put on a performance. I want someone who makes me feel like I can be the person I am when I’m alone.” You explained. You thought about it for a second and then laughed a little.

“Hey, look at that. I just described you.” You chuckled. Peters heart beat in his chest and he knew if there was ever a time to tell you how he felt, it was now.

“Well I’m glad you feel that way. Because I have feelings for you. I have for a really long time.”

“Oh. You do?” You frowned and looked concerned. Peter saw your face and sighed, knowing that meant his feelings were likely unrequited.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Well what are the feelings? Oh no! Is the feeling anger? Are you mad at me?” You gasped and put your hand on top of his. Peter stared at you for a long time as he realized his efforts had once again gone directly over your head.

“No. Actually, yeah. I am mad.” Peter realized.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“You haven’t done anything wrong.” Peter sighed. “I’m just confused.”

“About what? Can I help?”

“I have been trying to ask you on a date for months and you haven’t taken the hint yet. Do you just not like me or am I just not being clear enough?”

“You want to take me on a date?” You furrowed your eyebrows.

“Yes. I do.” Peter answered, excited that you had finally understood.

“As friends?”

“No!” Peter groaned.

“As roommates? Oh, I get it. You want to go on a shopping date to IKEA to decorate our room now that we’re roommates.”

“What?! No. How does your mind even jump to that?” Peter whined and buried his face in his hands.

“I’m confused. Are we going to IKEA or not?”

“I WANT TO BE YOUR BOYFRIEND.” Peter picked his head up to exclaim.

“You want to be my boyfriend?” Your eyes widened.

“Yes. Finally.”

“But as friends, right?” You continued, making Peter slam his head down on the table.

“What do I have to do to get through to you? Get on my knees?” He asked you.

“It wouldn’t hurt.” You shrugged. And so, Peter got down on one knee and took your hand in his.

“Will you make me the happiest man in the world and let me take you on a date?” Peter asked as he looked into your eyes.

“A date? I thought you were proposing.” You replied, just messing with him now.

“Oh My God. This is impossible. I give up.” Peter got up and held up his hands in defense.

“Aw, what? You’re giving up right at the good part?” You smiled coyly as you stood up as well.

“Good part? What good-“

You cut Peter off by cupping his face to pull him into a kiss. Once he got over his initial shock, his eyes fluttered shut and he wrapped his arms around your waist to pull you closer. The team mates in the other room caught sight of this and had a misted reaction of smirks and eye rolls.

“How does tonight at 7 sound?” You asked once you pulled away.

“That sounds perfect.” Peter smiled as his face turned a shade of pink.

“Awesome. It’s a date.” You kissed his cheek before walking out of the room.

A few days later, the entire team piled onto the quintet to set out on another mission. Tony passed around the file to get everyone up to speed on the mission while you and Peter whispered things in each others ears and laughed quietly.

“Wow. This must be some kind of satanic ritual. All victims killed so far have been virgins.” Steve noted as he read through the file.

“Uh oh. Peter better stay home.” Sam snorted.

“Peters not a Virgin.” You laughed, making everyone fall silent. Peter shrunk down in his seat and turned bright red as you realized why everyone was staring at you in disgust.

“I’m guessing.” You quickly added.

“So I take it she finally got the hint, huh?” Sam asked Peter with an unamused expression.

“Yeah.” Peter smiled proudly. “She got it.”

Tag List 🏷️

@awesomebooklover17 @thebookwormlife @imanativeofswlondondahling @serendipitous-amor @tom-hollands-wifey

@whatareyouhidingpeter @takenbyheartstrings @ultrunning @imyourliquor-youremypoison @andreasworlsboring101

@letsloveimagines @peterparkoure @a-villain-vying-for-attention @justcallmehitgirl @jackiehollanderr @maryjanee23

@geeksareunique @emmamarshmellow @unbelievableholland @flixndchill

@sovereignparker @every-marveler-ever @undiadeestos @caelestii-e @eridanuswave​ ​

@fiantomartell @solarxmoonchild @canyouevencauseicant @illwritetomorrow

@thehappygrungelife @saysomethingspiderman @smilexcaptainx @quaksonhehe @kelieah

@seasidecrowbar @lovelessdagger @electraheart-3174 @unbelievableholland

@yourtypicalhotmess @horanxholland @thesuitelifeofafangirl @marshxx

@heyheycharlatte @nooneinvitedfascistbarbie

@maybemona @alexxcorona113 @lethal-wisdom @xo-spidey

[kingdoms-and-empires]

After Dark Review (Zombies!)

I recently had to go travel and read a few works that I never got around to reading but was interested in.

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS REVIEW IS DONE BY ME AS A READER AND IS MY OWN OPINION.

This means I will review in accordance to my own tastes, how the game caters to me, and what I feel. Do not take my word as gospel, what I may not be interested in or dislike, may be what YOU are interested and love!!!

@dalekowrites

Synopsis:

A few years from now, in Little Peak, Michigan, a teenager is ready to go to sleep.

While the heavy industry is more active than ever, the effects of global warming are evident, with higher temperatures, dying bees, and animals acting weird.

It has simply been another normal Wednesday, but little do people know that it’s the last day of normality Mother Nature has granted them.

After Dark is a scientifically accurate apocalyptic horror. You’re tired of zombies rising from the ground for no reason? You don’t believe in ghosts? Glittering vampires aren’t for you? Then you have to try one of the three different stories that unfold in After Dark.

When a global pandemic starts to transform people into dangerous monsters, which path will you choose? Will you fight for humanity? Will you stay for your family? Or will you run away in search of a better future?

Review:

The Good: Why does every IF Zombie game have the authors kill themselves in the coding department? This is in the good section, so it isnt a bad thing, though sometimes I worry for the sanity of the author lol. Anyways, After Dark is ambitious! Here are some of the things the author implemented:

Three different routes with three completely different stories. (1 is being worked on right now, the other two have not yet been implemented yet as far as I know)

A phone with a social network, gallery for the ROs, a newsletter, and a weather forecast app... of which you need to charge without it being annoying thankfully!

Characters remember what you talk about and will bring it up in future conversations, so you cant be two faced lol

A romance autonomy system that you can switch on that allows ROs to flirt with you!

Random encounters to encourage re-playability.

An inventory system.

A weather system, that can be prepped for using the weather app on your phone.

Hourly progression system, there are only a set amount of hours in a day that you can use to do things without affecting you.

Discoverable side stories.

A private journal that keeps track of stuff for you. Kinda Elder Scrolls coded and i jive with it haha

And crazy enough, there's more. The above sounds complicated and overwhelming, but it isnt for the reader somehow. The author was able to integrate all the above without it feeling intrusive or annoying.

As for the story itself, remember this is currently one route. The writing is well done, it isnt overly flowery or super descriptive to the point of walls of text. Instead it gets to the point effectively and without losing points.

It made me want to read more, and that is exactly what we readers look for as we scour the IF space for more stories.

ABBY

I really like Abby. She's the preggo lady you can find, and I love the humanity she brings to the story. She does some things thatll make you go:

All of the characters feel grounded and not tropey if that makes any sense. And the dynamics of the group can change with the MC's input, or lack of it.

And then food. Holy shit, the need for food actually felt immersive lmao, whenever id find a snack or something id snatch that mfer up

The Bad:

I would like more zombies. The characters, the narrative, and the plot works well. But I'm worried of being presented with more human on human conflict/drama instead of the undead, and to that I recommend the author to introduce more scenes where we can see the horror, eeriness, and sadness that such an apocalypses would induce. Make a scene where the player is being chased by the undead because of a fuck up, it can be MC's or one of the characters to create tension or drama and it can even make an RO moment occur. Or a scene where you can enter a school, or one of the FEMA camps and see the aftermath of an incident where the zombies break in or someone infected got in. Of course, the author is steadily updating, and what I just said may very will be in the cards of a future update! But I do think something involving the zombies should occur sooner than later, as the beginning scene with the parent and the chaos, horror, and tension of the scene still stayed with me, and i was hoping to reach those emotional heights again while playing!

The Ugly:

Other than a few gender variable errors of the ROs and the regular grammar mistakes found in any IF, the biggest issue i had was with presentation. I'd recommend the author to clean up the spacing between paragraphs in the future when they have time alongside the new update.

The Aftermath:

Zombie IFs just don't seem to miss. Almost all are able to land within the "good" category whenever one releases, and this has the potential to land right in the "Chef's Kiss" tier. I'd recommend this game to anyone craving a zombie IF, and im excited to see this develop more in the future! The characters are grounded, flawed but not annoyingly, and capable. The story is plausible, and the narrative makes sense. Honestly? I want more and I want it now!