#but really. sometimes it's not necessary to be so detailed and yet. i simply Can't

[yeowangies]

Sometimes I hate that I write very detailed porn. Like sometimes there's No Need.

Yet at the same time. I had always appreciated detailed smut and I learnt how to write it and be happy with the end result right before I joined the db fandom so. That's what yall are going to get. Detailed porn.

[msfbgraves]

Konmari day 16: goodness I think I've finished paper.

That only felt like finishing a triatlon. Or six.

Paper is really a dangerous one with 'tie-ins': I certainly haven't finished all the 'omg I ought to look into this more' going through all your personal and legal papers inspires. And because of that, it really doesn't feel like I've accomplished much at all, even though this was the toughest category for me yet. But first of all, I need to get to komono, because there are movers here come next Monday. And Marie-san says you have to get through clothes, books, and papers before you get to komono, she's very strict about this, so I have.

But I don't know if I'll be so obedient next time.

The problem with 'paper' is, that at least for me, I'm not certain what she actually means. Categorise all your papers and give them a designated spot, including pending paperwork? In that case, it should not have cost me more than half a day. I've done this for twenty years, my house is seldom overflowing with heaps of paper. It does happen, but that has nothing to do with not understanding how to sort through papers, and more with being completely overwhelmed or in pain.

But if it means: "Dealing with any and all potential issues these papers are about", well. That's... that's. I mean, Jesus. No.

I have tackled a few things, because you want to, but I've also had to look at a lot of things that A, I would not absolutely have had to look at in this detail, and B, are very painful.

I have never really liked looking back all that much.

At fond memories, yes. But I can't remember a year of my life since I've started to form memories, that aren't also filled with intense, bad memories. Three years old! Ah... remember the ear infections? And the operations? Four years old! Remember how humiliated you felt when the stronger boys held you down at recess? Six years old! Ah, I remember that doctors' visit to determine when you had to continue that Czech physical therapy programme, the one that, thirty years later, has been reclassified as medical abuse, producing symptoms commonly found in child sexual abuse survivors? Yes, I do. I remember my mother being so astonished that I'd been terrified to attend that exam. I had no desire to revisit those memories, but here we are, aren't we? Ah, a chess certificate. That's nice, I like chess. A termination of my German bank account in 2006. I suppose that can be tossed. University notices- cool. More medical records. Everywhere I look are medical records and psychological evaluations about life being just that bit too hard for a crip who never qualifies for any accomodations. Minor car collision from 2014. Joy. Ah, there is your father's will. Remember he is dead?

And something that the cancer box has made very clear to me, and the papers reconfirm: handling painful things doesn't automatically make them less painful. It's not cathartic. What it does do, of course, is make papers easier to handle and give you an overview of what you're choosing to keep - which in the case of papers is more about preventing any legal or medical difficulties. But for me, it's like looking through a life full of photos except that here, hardly any of the fun parts are recorded; photos at least sometimes show the good times. I'm hoping that I can allow myself to shelve some of these records and not take them out unless strictly necessary. It's good enough to know they're there and accessible when needed. But only when needed. Some of the things that are important simply do not spark joy.

Well at least I am allowed to move on to komono, which is why I started this whole thing.

[kinetic-elaboration]

February 5: Tinker Tailor (Movie Version)

Just finished re-watching Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. That was... an interesting experience. Last time I watched it, it was before reading the book, on purpose to see how well I could follow it blind, and this time I just finished a re-read.

Overall impression: this was made for people who've read the book. It's not that it was difficult to follow exactly... that's too hard for me to judge at this point. It's more that I think it might be hard to see the point or to really get invested without the book. But maybe I'm wrong because I think I was pretty invested after my first watch, with just the movie to go on.

Often times, what it reminded me of was a sort of summary, picking out the most important part of each section or scene and presenting it with minimal context. When I was a kid, and the internet had like 3 sites on it, I would amuse myself sometimes by using the summary function in Word to make summaries of various lengths of things I had written. This movie felt at times, especially early on, like such a document. It was accurate in picking out the most important bits but they weren't presented with much context and they had no particular room to breathe, no time for excess detail. (Which is sort of understandable because it's a 2 hour movie but also not understandable because there are a lot of quite random interlude scenes of Smiley... walking? swimming?)

I did think it did a good job of compressing important plot points when necessary. For example, cutting out Dani and her mother but still having a reason for Guillam to suspect Tarr was lying, or simplifying the confusing situation with Haydon at the club.

The relationship between Smiley and Peter was so good, and I thought there was a subtlety to the performances that really brought a lot that was unique while still being in keeping with the book. Smiley's "You're going to do something for me" really sent me. He didn't get to show off that much of his softly powerful interrogation style, but he had moments--"Yes, I am a better spy than Bill Haydon" moments--like that one, or like when he had Guillam pulled off Tarr, that really drove his character home.

The Karla encounter story was also really well done. That's a long story that seems like it should be a flashback in a movie, and yet it can't be a flashback without showing Karla, and they way it was done here really solved that problem beautifully. The smoky brown room and they're both fucking plastered and Smiley's re-enacting the whole memory to a blank chair on the second half of the screen... Karla is the empty space, the eye of the storm, the vortex around which everything else whirls.

I really liked Tom Hardy's portrayal of Ricki; it seemed a stand out performance to me this time around. He's certainly more sympathetic, but he still retained that coiled up nervous energy.

In general, a lot of the characters came off more sympathetic here, in particular Ricki, Connie, and Westerby--though Westerby was arguably just a name, really, since he didn't have either actual Westerby's personality or the personality of Sam, the actual duty officer on the night of Jim's shooting.

There were some bits that were added that I liked quite a bit: in particular, Haydon bringing his bicycle into the Circus, because it was a quick, fun way to show how quirky and likable he is; Tarr using the mirror to draw light on Irina's face, because it made them both sympathetic very quickly and it was beautiful; and the use of the Mr. Wu song while Guillam was stealing from the Circus. It's hard to depict on screen the sort of paranoia that is so obvious on the page, especially in Guilliam's arc, but having him pass by Roy singing on the stairs did that super well, and in a way that fit the medium. Is he singing it because he was listening to the same radio station, or because he was listening to Guillam on the phone? You simply can't know!

I'm also pro-recurring Christmas party scene, though I wonder if that's a controversial take.

Though there were places where I felt the summarizing was well done, there were other places where I felt like shortcuts they'd put in created inconsistencies, or where things were cut I would have liked to have seen kept in. For example, Smiley tells Jim when they meet that it's presumed that he blew his networks to save himself--no, it's presumed he died immediately from being shot. You can't have both. Seems a weird thing for Smiley to lie about and yet it doesn't fit with the movie timeline. It makes sense in the book--but then the networks were a much bigger deal in the book as well. Similarly, I get why they depicted Karla shooting Irina in front of Jim--it established she was dead and showed what kind of torture he endured, two birds, etc.--but the timeline, fudged as it is, doesn't make sense. Either Tarr sat on his info for even longer than in the book, or she hadn't been captured yet.

I also think the movie was too coy about Bill and Jim. I've heard both takes--it was too coy and it was (somehow) too explicit--but I'm bothered that one completely legitimate interpretation of this movie by itself is that Jim's feelings were not requited. It's true Bill takes the photo of them, and that he mentions having both a man and a woman he's attached to in England (aka canonically is bisexual) but the Christmas party scene makes it look perhaps like it's only Jim who has those feelings. Also, the truly fucked up relationship between them and the depth of Haydon's betrayal are not clear enough in my opinion. It wouldn't take much to make them so. It could be as little as adding "because he loved you" in the middle of the line "He came to warn you. Because he knew all along it was you."

On a related note, I think it was important to make clear that Operation Testify was not a legitimate operation that the mole fucked up. It was a set up from first to last. Again, there isn't a lot of excuse for keeping this unclear in my opinion. Smiley's last talk with Haydon is extremely short--very much one of the 'summary scenes'--and adding in a few more lines wouldn't have made it run too long. They do talk about it! After Haydon saying "Dammit I got him back," Smiley could have asked if the operation was ever real, for example, and he could have said no.

I also think it was unnecessary and mean to make Jim reject Roach at the end. That's completely made up, not just truncated from the book, and I think both characters deserve more than that.

I realize I'm harping on Jim stuff (I wonder why) but it also bothered me that the kids talked about his hunchback but he absolutely did not have one??? Am I just not seeing it? He seemed fine to me.

Another nitpicking detail: Witchcraft was the name of the intelligence product, and Merlin was the name of the source. I don't get why they didn't differentiate those two things. Jarring to hear "Witchcraft" used as the name of a person.

Overall.... the structure of the film seemed softer and less precise than the book, and I realize this is book bias talking but... I was a little frustrated. Why does Ricki tell his story so late? Why isn't Operation Testify given its due? There was a real build up to Smiley and Jim meeting in the book; in the movie it's just another interview, like with Connie or Westerby. Even really big scenes, like the Jim interview, or the reveal of the mole (which could have used more violence imo), or the Haydon scene at the end, seemed like, eh, just another scene. The pacing was too even, I suppose is what I'm saying, and the placement of scenes too random. I think that's what people find hard to follow: the when of each scene seems quite arbitrary most of the time. It isn't always, but I think if the movie followed the larger structure of the book, which is really quite smart and well thought out, I mean it's all done for you right there, it might have been easier to parse.

But that's easy for me to say as someone who's never written a screenplay I suppose.

Now where's my movie that's all about Thursgood's?

[hypnagogic-marshmallow]

🍄, 🥕, 🦷

(Reference to this post)

🍄Are there any fandoms you've never written for but want to try?

Hmm, nothing I feel too strongly about yet. There is a possibility that I will dip my toes into My Hero Academia because I basically re-outlined an entire MHA movie a few years ago (the first one I think, forgot what it's called) because there were so many cool possibilities they coula explored, and so many baffling choices that were made (opinion).

I'm also revisiting Amphibia and I know I had a random idea for that one, so if I remember it during my rewatch, maybe I'll pick it up!

🥕What's one area of your writing that you think needs the most amount of improvement?

Variety and brevity. I have learned by working on my longest project to date that it really is difficult to keep some descriptions fresh---smiling, eye movements, nodding, what have you jesus christ.

And also when I simply can't think of other ways to describe the things I normally do, it probably means that I am relying on them too heavily. I have a tendency in general to get over-lost in the details, too.

Most of that stuff I'm not super worried about in this draft, though. Just need to get my words down, even if they're sometimes repetitive. I'm definitely gonna hit it hard in editing.

🦷Is there a chapter, scene, or WIP you're dreading to write (but is necessary to your plot)? Share a snippet or tell us about it!

*Inhales*

*Exhales*

THE ENDING. Which is not a great thing to be dreading, probably!!! It's just...a lot. And it's one of those Parts I Haven't Written in this franken-draft because I changed almost everything about it from draft one. It's...a combination of things, I think.

It's going to be creepy, it's going to be probably the Most Upsetting part of the story, and I dunno, I'm just scared it won't all come together!! Or people are gonna hate it and think it's stupid. (Which is funny because none parts of this story are currently up for public comsumption so what am I afraid of lol).

But yeah, I just gotta do it when I get there and hope it gives me a groundwork to build off of during the second pass.

[cheswirls]

quick tangent for i think uh.. like problems i have w writing that i've noticed lately

idek how far back it goes but i make a lot of notes before actually writing for a piece from start to finish. i flesh things out in my head or think of a detail to elaborate on later and jot typically everything down that i can bc my memory sucks and ik i'll forget it later of i let it set too long, or if not forget then it'll be hazy and all the details won't be there.

the thing abt this is that 1) i write most notes all in a big blur and separate big thoughts by semicolons in lieu of any other punctuation, and i feel like most of the time i'm jotting everything down as i think of it (as it is in my head) so i don't have to waste time on coming up w correct wording or what makes sense, i'll figure out what makes sense later yknow? so it's all a giant stream loosely punctuated and if you read it out mostly it'd sound like someone speaking.

which leads to 2) a lot of extraneous detail accumulates and the bits and pieces that DO end up sounding eloquent i end up liking enough that i wanna shive a phrase or line into the story as is. which is !!! part of the bigger problem, exhibit a

when i come up with something for a story, i want to somehow insert it into the story no matter what. this means that i have trouble letting go of older ideas that no longer fit, but it also means (and this is the main problem i feel i have) that i feel the need to put a lot of extraneous elements into the story just because.

sometimes this is fine!! but sometimes, like this past week skimming old notes for a wip fic abt a yr old, i feel like this is not great and that i could be going abt it all in a better way.

let me give an example. i have a fic where a character is not quite human, is adopted by human parents for power gaining purposes later, is never told they're not human and ends up running away at a young age, but starts exhibiting non-human qualities later in life.

also, this fic is from the pov of another person in conflict with the one above. they meet after the first has already run away from home, so from a story perspective, there is no reason that the pov character should know any of the information i listed above. the story is about them trying to figure out what exactly the other character is, species-wise, and both of them are not on good terms so there's no opening to inquire directly with each other to puzzle it out.

what i've realized is that this plot point is interesting and can add to the story, but not as a direct quote, because it doesn't fit and would hinder the narrative to introduce. however! just because it can't fit doesn't mean i can't use it indirectly. idk where to go just yet, but today i thought about tossing aside a mention of the parents and such directly and instead using that information to build characteristics. i know it happens and that this person experiences it, so i can use that to puzzle out how it influences them, maybe showing how it contrasts them to the pov character, or possibly alluding to it as what's probably necessary information that the pov character simply doesn't have ('if i could just figure x out, if i just knew about y, then i could solve for z')

which is to say that uhhhhh basically! i'm slowly realizing that there are (probably better?) ways to use extraneous information besides directly. i usually don't worry about padding a story, but i have written plenty before where there's a word cap and for that purpose i feel like this will be helpful to keep in mind so the "padding" can be reduced but still serve its purpose.

it helps too that i never really delete my notes, so it's not like all the bits and pieces i think are ingenious are gone forever jus bc it doesn't make it into the story. i've thought abt actually taking screenshots or straight up copy/pasting some of my fic notes here, especially for completed fic i'm not liable to think abt again in terms of editing, as a sort of archive but also jus so i have somewhere i can point my fingers at and say 'oh look! i wrote smth cool come look at it!'

anyway this isn't uh anything tangent and i need to learn to kill my darlings i think first before i can implement this idea, or perhaps starting this way (with indirectly adding to a story) will enable me to do that better (discarding unnecessary things altogether). again bc i'm writing fic for fun i'm not rly stressed abt forming a perfect cohesive story that cuts out irrelevant details bc if i'm writing for me and i like those details then why not? but i do also think overall this will help me improve writing quality and i'm excited to test some things and go from there :) even if i like where i'm at now, i also think challenging my comfort when writing is never a bad thing bc i'll look at smth i write now a yr ago and go oh! i've definitely gotten better!

[rosiewitchescottage]

True enough.

A slur like 'queer' sticks in the gullets of many LGBT people, the same as 'fag', 'dyke' etc.

And given how they've been thrown at people, like so much rotting fruit and veg, over the years. One can clearly see why they don't want any association with them.

But at the same time, I also get why others actually choose to wear such labels, showing that the aimed insults have missed the mark.

This however is a horse of quite another shade. In fact. Can one even call it the same species?

Yes. You want to show how the notion that you want to 'groom' and 'defile' children is too ridiculous to take seriously.

I get that, loud and clear. And I don't believe otherwise. I never have done.

But this method of handling the matter?

Errrr no, just no. It really does NOT work like you think it does. In fact.

It Sounds Creepy As Fuck!

There are drag queens on video twerking, lap dancing and going about scantily dressed in from of small children.

A minority? Probably yes. But guess what? More of you need to be condemning that minority, instead of pretending that it isn't happening. The LGBT folk who do call it out are treated like they're the problem.

When they're the ones wanting to protect both children and the reputation of your community.

Kink out on public streets at Pride. Even if children aren't brought to the parades, they can still be out in the streets, adults who don't want to see 'kink' will be out and about. Those adults aren't consenting to see this stuff, and children can't consent to it.

Have Kink Pride events. By all means. Be kinky and proud of it, I say. But hold it somewhere that has a gate and a gatekeeper.

Only adults come in. And adults should know what's going on inside, so that by coming in they consent to seeing whatever they see.

Can't do any of that on a public street. And, if you want respect, then you also must give it.

There are the books in school libraries, not simply those that say that some families have two mummies or two daddies. This is both fact and perfectly innocent.

But those giving stomach churning details about sexual acts, with an attempt to veil it from criticism by sometimes putting it in books about being 'queer'.

NO this isn't about there being gay or lesbian sex. It's fully as reprehensible when describing a man and woman having sex.

Explicit detail is the problem here.

Something being LGBT related shouldn't mean that it can't be criticised when necessary.

These aren't details that are either suitable or educational for children. It won't be a part of their lives until they are adults.

Right not we should be helping them learn how to form and maintain healthy, mutually beneficial long term relationships.

They should be learning biology, and how the male and female bodies differ. (And yes. In the video bellow a father complains about naked bodies being shown. I agree that for 10 year olds, it might not yet be suitable. But I'd certainly say that for 14 year olds, simply showing naked bodies isn't innately sexual, unless they're involved in sexual acts or arousal. Which later they are!)

They should be learning the process of conception. And how contraception can stop that from happening when need be, as well as protecting each other from sexually transmitted infections.

None of this requires the sort of details that belong in Adults Only Erotic Fiction.

From around 1:20 we get to a father reading out loud from a book from school aimed at 10 year old children.

Ironically the school board asks him to stop reading, because the details are too 'graphic' for public consumption.

Yet apparently this book was fine to be put into a school library?

And good for this father he lays right into the truth of the matter.

This really isn't something to joke about. Agreed that both same and opposite sex acts are being described. But that's not the point.

Want to show people that far from 'coming for' children, you actually take their well being seriously?

Then show it, by calling out those who do wrong in this regard.

In this video, a mother reads from chapter 9 of 'This Book is Gay' by Juno Dawson, that is recommended to 12 and 13 year olds.

Is it appropriate to say that boys and girls can love each other, boys can love other boys, girls can love other girls?

I say absolutely, yes.

But sexual detail like we get here? Not in the least. Completely inappropriate and frankly unnecessary.

Talk about what a healthy relationship looks like, how to build one and maintain it over time.

Talk about health and protecting each other from disease and unplanned pregnancy.

Leave sexual detail until adulthood, where it belongs.

Yes. We know that some boys and girls will experiment, earlier than we want them to.

But we shouldn't be giving them 'how to guides'!

We should be encouraging safety, we should be encouraging the building of strong relationships, above multiple, casual, empty encounters.

[pearlstarlight5]

Licensed Game Review #2: Disney/Pixar's A Bug's Life

Year released: 1998

Developer: Traveler's Tales

Console: PlayStation (played on PlayStation 3)

Funny story: when I started playing this game, I turned off the sound effects in order to complete level 4 because Flik just wouldn't shut up. I turned it back on after I finished level 5 and there turned out to be an in game cutscene. I kept the voices at a lower volume than the music and that compromise made the game a lot more pleasant, and less awkward with Flik shouting "Oh yeah!" every time you press a button.

So on that note, I'll start with the sound design: it's definitely one of the weaker points of the game. Flik talks too much in the game, and while sometimes it's helpful to figure things out, other times it's really not necessary, especially in level 4. Spamming commentary such as "Are we there yet?!" really feels like a sorry attempt to portray Flik as a Mascot With Attitude (then again, the cover also gives off this vibe so I think it's intended).

Another point that I would consider weak, but not necessarily a negative is that the first 4 levels are actual cakewalk if you're not a completionist. I suppose I could have searched for the collectives in those levels to give myself more of a challenge. However, when you get to the city, the game really starts to pick up. If you're gonna be playing it too, please don't judge it by the first 4 levels.

The biggest problem with the game is the camera. The Emperor's New Groove had camera issues too, but makes up for it in that you can use the analog stick to adjust it. You can't in A Bug's Life. I kept pressing the left trigger to refocus the camera instead. Even then, the camera overall is poorly done, but of course, that was the norm for 3D platformers in '98, huh?

One more nitpick, more like complaint, that I have is the lack of a "continue?" screen. Instead, it has a game over screen, meaning that if you run out of lives, you have to skip the logos and reload the game. As you can imagine, it got very tedious to die.

Yet, I enjoyed this game. If that's so, why has most of this review been bashing it? Well, first point is one that I'm starting to see in all these Disney games is outstanding presentation. It doesn't invoke the same geekiness I get over The Emperor's New Groove's legitimately perfect presentation, but it's still fun and does the A Bug's Life movie justice.

Another great point about the game is the seed system. I haven't seen anything like it in other games that I've played and really enhanced the puzzle aspect of it. It's really satisfying to use and feels elaborate in a really fun way.

And additionally, I'm a sucker for 3D platformers, so that alone made the game fun for me. One thing I have noticed about Disney games in the '90s is that the 2D movies have 2D platformers* and the 3D movies have 3D platformers. It's a neat detail that perfectly reflects the times.

*Except for Tarzan, which got a 2.5D platformer, which is still perfectly fitting for that the movie was made using the Deep Canvas method (for those unaware, it was essentially a method that put 2D characters in 2D-looking 3D environments. This was applied to scenes such as the rotating effect when Jane meets the gorillas or any tree-surfing scene). Speaking of Tarzan, I'm playing that one right now.

Verdict: Despite some annoying flaws (that are ultimately a product of their time), still an enjoyable game that I recommend to fans of the movie and licensed games.

Also, you might have noticed that I changed the name of these reviews, and that is simply because I will be playing more than just Disney games.

[moon-lixie]

"Were you this touch deprived?" The amusement could be easily missed in between the calm of your voice that threatened to melt under his fingertips.

"Yes," he answered immediately, no time for thinking needed, "when it comes to you I'm always touch deprived, I can never get enough of you."

word count: 1.970k

genre: fluff, Hyunjin x gn reader.

song: Wrong About Forever - Jeff Bernat

Every great waltz has its spins that make you feel like you're flying as the music pushes you further, Hyunjin wasn't a stranger to this concept, nor was he ignorant to the part in which the two people dancing move apart, stretching their arms as far apart as physically possible while their hands stay clasped together.

He, more than anybody, knew what it was to dance, to give yourself to music and get lost quicker than he could even realise.

What he wasn't familiar with were the matters of the heart, at that he had always been clumsy and hesitant, comparing love to a dance.

That's exactly why he could never understand when you walked away; his mind couldn't wrap itself around the concept of you leaving for good, in his heart there was always hope for a last dance.

Your face was carved into his memory, he could draw your every feature down on paper as easily as he could dance with his eyes closed.

Loving you wasn't a rational decision, it was an impulse, something he had grown to adore despite the difficulties it brought along.

The music filling the room suddenly faded, leaving behind the thrumming of his heart reverberating in his eardrums.

He had to admit there was always a bitter taste when that moment arrived, his body not being able to push any further and the music coming to an end.

If it was his decision then he would spend every second of his life doing the things that he loved, without the need of a break, without knowing what an ending meant.

But wishful thinking only ended up hurting his heart, bruising it carelessly as if he wasn't the type to hope on behalf of the entire world.

With a loud exhale he allowed himself to relax, shoulders loosening and eyes opening slowly, as if rushing through the process would be a mistake.

The first thing he saw was his reflection, the rolled sleeves of his shirt, hair clamped together on the front of his face because of his effort, lips parted and chasing an extra breath.

His surroundings were one of those places that gave comfort due to the long time it had been the background of his happiness, his passion for what he did had been sprawled all across the room.

Dragging his feet across the wooden floor, he scrambled to gather his things, barely remembering to grab his phone that had been discarded on the couch when he arrived if it hadn't been for the light buzzing sound coming from it.

The device loomed like a threat over his heart, having the ability to mend everything or put an end to one of those things he loved with an inimaginable fervor.

An unseen message had been sent in blue, waiting impatiently despite not being the first one sent between the both of you.

You had contacted him first; after two weeks of radio silence you had sent four words his way, typical of you.

'Can I call you?' It was unknown to him how long he had spent staring at the dark screen, forcing his eyes to trace the eleven characters that shaped your unorthodox way of asking for forgiveness.

Forgiveness for what? That he no longer knew, perhaps this time you had gotten scared of how ever so well you two worked together and that's why you had decided to walk away, or maybe there was a chance you had just gotten tired of him, again.

The game the both of you played didn't feel like the typical love he saw portrayed in movies but he couldn't find it in him to care, after all, dancing around you had never bothered him in the slightest.

With trembling fingers he had typed an answer, one word, three letters, a simple affirmation.

He tried to be quick, direct and concise; searching the deepest corners of his mind for the answer that could please you the most and immediately regretting the dry response.

But what had been done already wasn't something that should trouble his mind, even if it came to you, the person he craved to have by his side the most.

So, he had abandoned the mobile as soon as he stepped foot in the dance studio, leaving it screen against the couch in hopes that would soothe his anxious heart if only for long enough to enjoy his dancing.

Now that it buzzed with the call that could be the one he couldn't help but walk cautiously forward and take deep breaths before picking up.

"You're done with dance practice, right?" If he had ever wanted to get high on something, it was your voice, along with every single detail about you.

His lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Oh, so you do remember my number?"

A dry chuckle resonated on the line, forcing his mind to picture the scowl twisting the features of your beautiful face, portraying the guilt you never owned up to in front of him.

"Are you free?" Of course you would dodge his comment, but yet again, he couldn't bring himself to care, simply humming in affirmation.

"Okay, then see you in a bit."

Dumbfounded, an amused laugh found its way out of his lips. "Should I know what you mean by that?"

The harmless exasperation painted itself across your every word as you answered. "Do I really need to spell it out for you, Hwang?"

He was inexperienced when it came to love, very much so, but he was an expert when it came to you, always knowing what you meant, what you wanted, the things you needed.

Walking in the direction to your apartment he answered, "I'm afraid yes, I can't know what you mean if you don't explain it, now can I?"

You laughed annoyed, staying in silence for a moment; he couldn't have pushed things far enough yet, he could never, because you happened to love him just as much as he loved you.

"I miss you, okay? Happy now?"

"Very," he said, lips curling in a lovesick grin that shielded him even from the way you abruptly ended the call.

No matter how much you tried to walk away from him, suddenly cutting yourself from his life, you always came back, always stayed in the tiniest of details around him.

Perhaps that had been his mistake, to accept you even with that quirk of getting cold feet, because if only he had stopped it at once then it wouldn't have become a habit, a necessary routine.

But to love is to get tangled so awfully that you can't find your way out, only further falling into the mess of affection and longing.

The two of you just had your special way of working and tackling things, for instance, you hadn't talked to him for half a month and still your spare key remained under the pot of his favourite flower of yours.

Victory grin plastered on, he reached for the metal piece, opening the door of your apartment as if it were his very own home.

Alerted by his steps at the entrance you came to greet him, arms crossed over your chest as if to keep a final barrier between you and the man that owned your heart.

"I missed you too." Was the very first thing he said once he found your eyes staring right at his; it made you smile and he felt accomplished.

"Of course you did." His words melted you in an instant, making you move closer to him and take his hand in yours. "You always do."

And how could he not? How could he bring himself not to miss someone like you? Someone whose mere presence was intoxicating, seeping inside his muscles and veins, putting his being at ease.

Gently, he allowed the pads of his fingers to trace the outline of your nose, your lips, your chin, before leaning in towards you.

A firm hand against his chest stopped him on his track, causing a question to paint his face with confusion.

"You're all sweaty and you stink." You scrunched your nose adorably, as if actually bothered by his smell. "Go take a shower."

"But I want to kiss you first." A pout made his lips stand out, well aware that it sometimes worked wonders with convincing you.

"Nope, no kisses while you're all smelly." And just like that the both of you were back to normal, not caring to drag things for longer than they should with explanations or apologies that fell into deaf ears.

Against your petition he moved forward and embraced you in his arms, suddenly set on stone in making you squeal in complaint.

Moments later dragging you towards the bathroom despite the verbal refusal that didn't match with your eager steps trailing behind him.

Leaving his things forgotten on the entrance along with whatever fear he had harbored in his heart about this time being the time you would leave his side for good, he closed the bathroom door and kissed you.

Your lips felt unfairly soft against his, warm as a blanket that shielded people from every possible unfavorable outcome life could have prepared for them.

Sure hands moving to clasp on the hem of your shirt, slowly moving it upwards the further he got lost into the kiss.

Piece by piece he undressed the both of you until you were down to heart and soul, truths lying bare for eyes to pry and discover the biggest vulnerability in them.

Knowing the place as well enough as his own home, he turned around to set the water into the perfect temperature for the both of you, never cold.

Then he led you like you needed to be held, careful and attentive, eyes never leaving yours in a new attempt to learn every detail embedded in your pupils.

He turned you around, pressing your back against his chest and hugging you close until there was no space in between, his lips finding the way to your shoulder, pressing soft kisses meant to fix any remnants of doubt.

"Were you this touch deprived?" The amusement could be easily missed in between the calm of your voice that threatened to melt under his fingertips.

"Yes," he answered immediately, no time for thinking needed, "when it comes to you I'm always touch deprived, I can never get enough of you."

He couldn't be more honest even if he was asked to testify in court and make a pledge that allowed him to say nothing but the absolute truth, because he loved you with an intensity that sometimes could be mistaken as meek due to it's soft and innocent nature.

Hyunjin loved you the way someone loves something unobtainable, innocent and patiently, willing to wait entire lifetimes for stars to align and give him the pleasure of being in your presence.

Your hands moved to rest atop his where they were clasped together against your bare torso, thumbs escaping to rub soothing circles into your skin.

Trailing kisses up your neck he allowed himself to hope that every one of his touches reverberated with warmth all the way to your heart in the same fashion that yours did to him.

For you he would learn how to love properly, he would even understand to let go if that was what you truly wanted at some point in the future.

"I love you." The words felt like dripping honey as they slipped in between his lips for the very first time.

"I love you too," you answered, not even leaving time for him to panic at the sudden frankness with which his deepest sentiment had been revealed.

For a love like yours, he would always wait, always fight to make things better.

[mojaves]

[breaks down your door] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 13 for jason and marcus >:]

ALREADY ANSWERED 1 BUT. if necessary i could go into so much more detail. i could i really could i WONT but i could.

2. How’s their team work? Do they share well?

at first, they didn't even try to work together, or even really listen to each other - even though they are in this TOGETHER, with no one else to help them for a good while. then, it was like. god fine i'll work with you but only because we share a common goal. which finally made them break down the first barrier they both had up, which lead to them actually liking each other. but obviously neither of them would admit that for a WHILE. now, they work together VERY well. theyre so in tune with each other they don't even need to speak half the time, just one knowing glance, a nod, and they're on it, perfectly in sync.

the sharing is the same, they REFUSED at first but now??? marcus takes also jason's clothes,, jason cannot stop him. theyre way too big for him but he looks too cute so. jason just has to learn to deal with it

3. Are they open about their relationship? How do they feel about public displays of affection?

DEFINITELY yes. they were a bit shy at first* (*very shy like my GOD they couldnt even look each other in the eye) but then they gradually got comfortable with being out and about, holding hands, a little kiss every now and again. the power and ego trip they both experience by yelling "that's my BOYFRIEND you bitch" before starting a fight?? unparalleled.

4. First impression of each other? Was it love at first sight?

can't go into too much detail with it all yet bc that's exactly what i'm writing at the moment and i don't wanna spoil all of it <3 but it wasn't love at first sight at all, marcus was scared of him because he's tall, freakishly strong, very cold, an asshole, and generally. very angry and unpleasant person. and marcus did not want to be stuck with him. he was also scared bc, with marcus being able to see ghosts + undead stuff, jason had an extremely Weird vibe that marcus had never seen before, and it really freaked him out

as for jason, he saw marcus and was like, this is the most pathetic looking little guy ever. he can't even throw a punch. he's looking at me and he's about to start crying. do i have to babysit this little freak??? my boyfriend cheated on me with THIS??? jesus christ. how pathetic am i. and then. well. marcus's whole existence gave him even more self-esteem issues HFSJHGHJ

5. Nicknames? Pet names? Any in-jokes?

as i write more and fine-tune their relationship, i'll definitely have a better answer for this. but i do still have Something!!! jason used to call marcus 'big guy' and 'casanova' a lot when they started being a little less hostile to each other, sometimes also throwing in the occasional "honey" and "babycakes", bc marcus's reaction to those two specifically made him laugh. again he wouldnt admit it. but it really did make him go. omg... i.. orythfg aAaaaaa. it broke him internally every time but that didn't stop him. there's also a whole thing about a swear jar, because jason will NOT stop swearing at all ever, he sprinkles at least 5 swears in every sentence. WHAT a guy.

6. Any tasks that are always left to one person?

answered this one too AAAA

8. What do the like best about their partner?

jason is head over heels in love with marcus's smile and laugh. and the two of them together??? he melts. he gets weak at the knees he CANNOT deal with it. even after they've been together for years, it still makes him flustered <3 also his eyes, his freckles,,, how he's so SO talented like. the most talented guy he's ever seen he CANNOT get over it. just. even the way he simply exists in the world has jason on the floor. and the moustache. he says he hates it but like. it's one of his favourite things about marcus 1000%

marcus also loves jason's smile, that's the first thing he noticed about him - the first sign that he was actually breaking through the front jason had up and was getting through to the real thing. his resillience, with the amount of things he's been through, and the fact he's still going?? he's Amazed. he had already been in love with him for a while up until this point but when he heard him play guitar for the first time, which was also the first time where jason was 100% authentically himself??? he could have kissed him and married him and ran away with him right then and there. but he DIDNT bc they werent even TOGETHER and he still thought jason didnt like him all that much. ALSO HIS HANDS. JASON'S HANDS ARE SO IMPORTANT TO HIM. I COULD WRITE AN ESSAY ABOUT IT.

10. Who drives? Cooks? Does the handiwork? Cleans? Pays the bills? Handles the public?

jason (unfortunately) drives, marcus mostly does the cooking, but jason is getting better at trying to help <3 they both do varying levels of handiwork, both share cleaning tasks + bills too i guess idk!! THEY LIKE DOING THINGS TOGETHER and theyre both a little stupid so they need to use their combined braincell to get anything done. jason mostly handles anything with being out in Public and talking to people, bc he's tall and intimidating so no one will ever try shit with him or marcus. he HAS to protect his short bf at all costs

13. What do they do for fun? Do they have a favorite activity or do they like to switch things up?

i know i already answered this but i'm thinking about how they make music together again. and. aruthfghjd. when i said about them travelling?? they take as MANY pictures as they possibly can and put them all in a photo album. they LOVE photo albums. and scrapbooking. this fact is VERY important to me

[oftenderweapons]

Dirty ABCs | Seokjin and Angel

Grab your water because this is getting thirsty!

Pairing: Seokjin x reader/OC (Angel)

Wordcount: 2.3k

Genre: headcanons, smut, fluff

Rating: 18+, minors dni

Trigger warnings: Cockwarming, Cumshots (face, mouth, chest), Creampie, Cumeating, Bondage, Saint Andrew‘s Cross, Impact play, Nipple and clit spanking, Riding crop, Objectification, Body tray (using body as a food tray), Submission (slave) and domination, Discipline and punishment, Deegradation, Pinning, Masturbation, Oral sex, Sex toys (vibrator, nipple pumps, clamps, wrist restraints, cockrings). Mentions of threesome, mild exhibitionism and teasing in public.

Edited by Goddess Almighty, Queen Of My Heart, @joheunsaram, this is all for you, muffin 😘🥰

Here’s my masterlist

Enjoy 💜✨

Aftercare: For Seokjin, aftercare is mostly a way for him to calm down and for Angel to take care of him emotionally. Angel is usually okay after a scene as long as Seokjin isn’t feeling guilty or dirty or distant. So it’s mostly her performing aftercare on him, while he prefers staying on the receiving end, getting his body scrubbed and his hair washed, or being fed while being held. He really likes being hugged while talking. He’s also into cockwarming after sex, since he feels like he’s being protected and that he’s reconnecting with his vanilla side.

Body part: TITS. Jin loves the entirety of Angel, but he has a thing for her chest. And her face. She’s so beautiful, and so clean-faced. He loves being the only one who sees her pretty face crumble in pleasure when she cums for him. Now, Angel loves Seokjin’s hands and lips. He loves watching his lips kiss and suck at any part of her body.

Cum: Seokjin loves to cum inside Angel’s mouth. When he’s feeling especially naughty, he wants to cum on her face, then get inside her and see her ecstatic expression covered in his semen as he coaxes an orgasm out of her. Angel likes cumming on his cock, mostly because of how whiny he gets when she squeezes him with her cunt; plus, once she discovers she can cum without him touching her clit, just ramming inside her, she decides that’s her new favourite way to orgasm.

Dirty secret: Seokjin wants to tie Angel up to a Saint Andrew’s Cross and use a riding crop to spank her clit and nipples. Of course he has plans to make that happen, he just needs to figure out a couple more details. Like whether he should buy a cross and then turn it into… a coffee-table? Angel wants Seokjin to use her body as a food tray, ignoring her entirely while he eats, only to turn her around and fuck her against the table once he’s done. She wants to be treated like a slave just once. Just to try.

Experience: Jin has had a couple of partners before Angel, but he never went that far. He’s always been a freak, but way too restrained to try things out. Only with Angel he realised he could get what he wanted without feeling like he was disrespecting his partner. Angel has had maybe two partners. Maybe just one — the guy who cheated on her with a girl they had a threesome with. He was a freak through and through, and it only felt natural for Angel to join him, but she’s always been a bit of a freak — and she has always known that.

Favourite position: MIS-SIO-NA-RY. For both of them. A soft go-to for romantic sex and a hard and fast jackhammering. Though there is some debate on cowgirl — especially once Seokjin starts shoving Angel on his cock.

Goofy: these two can be major goofs when having sex. It’s pretty common for them to start laughing when something is extremely out of character, but they have a special look they exchange to make sure that laughing is okay at that moment. Such an agreement came after the mood was ruined by inappropriate cackling, so they found a way to look for the other’s permission. Once one of them starts laughing, the other one follows suit. After releasing tension by chuckling, the sex turns very playful, the best expression of Angel and Seokjin’s genuine friendship and companionship.

Hair: Seokjin keeps things neat, but he doesn’t put too much effort on that. He prefers staying as natural as possible, with some trimming when the situation gets out of hand. Angel trims her hair short, she has a specific electric razor to make sure it doesn’t get long but also so she can shave comfortably and safely.

Intimacy: Seokjin aims at intimacy mostly during aftercare, when he needs to feel Angel extra close and loving. Also, on romantic nights. Sometimes he just needs to go vanilla-galore all over her, and spoil her and just… treat her like a goddess. During soft lovemaking, these two just say ‘I love you’ a lot. Most of their intimacy is unspoken and really physical rather than verbal.

Jack off: Well, there are cases where it’s strictly necessary. Though Angel does it a bit more than Jin, he still is a pro at it. He actually prefers when she’s around to do it for him, or can “assist”. He just wants to cum on her tits or her mouth. Or her face. Angel just uses toys when Seokjin is away. Or sometimes when he’s around but is feeling lazy and is not in the mood and she needs to get laid: she simply picks up her small, efficient vibrator and gets stuff done. Though sometimes Seokjin changes his mind…

Kink: Ooh… Seokjin is learning how to actually dominate. However, he already knows a couple things, like punishments, discipline, degradation and impact play. He sorts of assumes he’s into restraints too, but he’s still trying to figure that out. Angel truly enjoys power dynamics, and she absolutely adores subbing for Seokjin, especially since her ex never had the kind of authority that Jin can muster and impose on her so easily. She likes being pinned and degraded by Seokjin. She finds it extremely exciting when he grabs her and uses her a little, when he doesn’t give her a chance to fight back. She likes feeling overwhelmed by him, like she’s finally unraveling him from that polished outside that he curates so expertly. She loves being the only one that gets to feel the beastly part of him on her own body. Truth is, she’s even more proud of being the one who lets him liberate himself and finally embrace his true passion and pleasure.

Location: Their home because Seokjin is shy. But as long as there’s a flat surface and a lock on the door, he’s game. Actually — the flat surface is not truly necessary. Just wait and see. Anyway, Seokjin is super glad that Angel is almost always ready when he wants to get dirty. Most of the time he’s the one dictating when and where, and Angel is entirely okay with that. Saturday night in their apartment is code for “do not disturb, we’re smashing. Maybe across the kitchen floor so absolutely do not enter”. If they’re out in public, there’s a very low chance of Angel teasing him. If she does, she’s very subtle, and in a rather private public place. Think of a hand on his thigh while he’s driving with her somewhere. Blowing him in the bathroom of a rooftop restaurant.

Motivation: The easiest way for Seokjin to get horny is seeing Angel showing off her boobs. If she's going around the house in a t-shirt and a pair of shorts (no bra), consider her busy for the next two hours minimum. She's most definitely trying to get fucked. Sometimes she might even forgo the shirt too. Seokjin can't stand her being stressed, because of her being moody and hard to deal with, he'd much rather get some dopamine and oxytocin running through her by fucking her against the kitchen table. Especially if she's being exceedingly argumentative. However, if she's truly stressed and tired, then expect him to take the lead and try to relax her as… as deep as he can. Angel's greatest weakness is watching Jin doing the housekeeping. Cooking is excellent for sex on the counter. The laundry is freaking amazing for sex on the washing machine — even better if the machine is running. But the absolute best is when he's using the mop for the floors and she can drop her clothes and scold him for not cleaning properly. It always drives him mad and subsequently leads to Angel getting fucked exactly the way she wants.

No: Third parties in the room. Angel absolutely doesn't want to share. It's mostly due to her past experiences rather than Seokjin himself. That's her only strong no. Seokjin supports her fully and he has no interest in adding anyone to their mix. Angel is more than enough to deal with. Jin has a couple hard No’s, mostly linked with Angel teasing him in public, but also her flirting with other people. She’s rather cheeky and he gets a bit mad when she gets too comfortable with his friends. On more sexual terms, he’s still exploring; however, he already knows he’s not okay with anything considered strictly hardcore.

Oral: sloppy, hungry, fast. That's the way Seokjin wants it done. Yes he's fucking hung, but he doesn't care how much Angel takes in her mouth (throat, actually), he rewards the enthusiasm. He appreciates plenty of sucking, and encourages Angel in pumping his balls in her mouth. Angel goes insane with oral sex. I mean, have you seen his mouth? Meow, purrfect. He can make a kitty purr for sure. Angel's most definitely.

Pace: The fastest, the furiousest. This man is a fucking train. He won't stop. Till he's broken Angel through and through. Though some slow rolling of hips is used to tease and arouse and torture, and eventually to please on calmer, sweeter nights. Nevertheless, they both prefer to go as hard as possible. If they don't break they're not done yet.

Quickie: strictly limited to emergencies, but they love them. They can't have casual quickies because they usually turn on multiple rounds and torture, so they must be on a schedule, like ten minutes left before one or both of them has an appointment or has to leave. Usually that happens with Angel bent over or pinned to the wall while Seokjin goes wild all over her.

Risk: Depends. Usually no. If Angel's been naughty enough, well, Seokjin can consider. It's mostly about restaurant bathrooms, car back seats, and some very mild inappropriate touching on lifts, think of Angel standing before him, discreetly rubbing her ass against his crotch. Oh, and one backstage storage room. Once. Never gonna happen ever again.

Stamina: if I had to rate it, I'd say 8/10 solid. The point is burning out, not burning steady. The goal is running out of energy, so they don't hold back, they do their thing for however long that takes. But Seokjin can most definitely handle multiple rounds. His record is probably four, but he doesn't like going there often. Foreplay and one or two rounds is more than enough for him

Toy: a big yes for Angel. For Seokjin too once he gets used to the idea of them. Angel likes vibrators, the more unusual the better. It needs to do something that a dick can’t do, so no dildos. A big yes for breast-toys (her boobies are hella sensitive). She’s also a fan of restraints (mostly hand ones but not exclusively) and impact toys. A big toy freak. Seokjin embraces her love for cockrings (especially vibrating ones).

Unfair: Seokjin? Yes. Very. Angel won’t get to cum unless he has tortured her for at least twenty minutes. Sometimes he sets a timer and edges her until it rings. Sometimes he keeps her tied up while he cums over her body — her chest especially. He likes reminding her consistently that he is superior to her as long as the scene is going. But once it’s over, he is quick to remind her she’s his partner, his equal, and anything that happened during the scene was just an act.

Volume: Angel is super quiet. She can exercise incredible volume control — and she is particularly encouraged to do so by the fact that Seokjin can be extremely shy about his moans and grunts, keeping them on the low. Especially when going vanilla, she really needs to pay attention to spot his little whines. At some point in their relationship, she admits she wouldn’t mind him controlling himself a bit less, vocally speaking, and from there on Seokjin gets gradually less shy, finally being the loud, messy man he is in his everyday life.

Wild card: Seokjin practices impact play on pillows when Angel is not at home. Mostly to make sure his game gets really safe and good before he uses any new toy on her. Once he learns how to use a riding crop, Angel can’t stop asking for it for weeks.

X-Ray: Girth? Considerable. Length? Excessive. The combo makes it impossible to take him without a stretch. He’s a grower. Angel’s power is all in her boobs. Her ass is on the flat side, but Seokjin wouldn’t have it any other way.

Yearning: Seokjin is the usual two-rounds-on-Saturday-night kind of dude when he first gets intimate with Angel, but mostly because he thinks that’s the way it’s supposed to be. He wants it a lot more. Once they start exploring, he feels free to ask for foreplay or sex pretty much whenever he wants to. Angel is up for daily masturbation/oral sex. They either end up going kinky on Saturday night, or doing the nasty mid-week and go for some fond, soft vanilla once Saturday night rolls in. Still, they’re not the kind to go two or three nights in a row: too exhausting.

Zzz: Angel gets sleepy during aftercare, but she tries to stay up as long as possible if Seokjin doesn’t feel okay. Sometimes he notices she’s sleepy and reassures her she can fall asleep, since the greatest comfort for him is knowing that no matter how cruel he was to her during playtime, she loves him and feels safe to sleep in his arms. Oh, and he’s clingy. He spoons.

[thefirstknife]

I have to hard disagree on the idea that old story content isn't relevant anymore. The story is an on-going tale, and what came before is the foundation that sets the stage for what happens now and what will come. If it was really irrelevant then there be zero point in creating those stories in the first place because they'd be pointless filler. Just because it's not currently being referenced all the time doesn't make it irrelevant. It has always been the biggest flaw of the series to have lack of accessibility for the stories in older content. This is particularly ridiculous for a game that is so lore dense like this series. But I've always been firmly of the opinion that if you require people to go to third party services, pay attention to social media posts, watch panels at cons, etc. in order to fully understand your story then you have failed, hard, at telling a coherent story. Makes me sad because I've loved the story since the start and how expansive it is. Sadly new players simply will never be able to appreciate that without spending hours outside the game researching it. Hell, existing players have to do that sometimes and that's just Not Great.

I agree that Bungie should do better with story delivery. It's something they've struggled with since the start though, so I don't really understand how someone could've loved it since the start when it was objectively even worse.

Story delivery only improved with time. We started with grimoires literally not even being in the game and important lore about characters existing online separately. Not much changed in D2 until they added the lore section and lore books in game. And further improvements were necessary to make the game's story accessible while playing missions and quests. All of this significantly improved in year 4.

Year 4 has been widely regarded as the best one yet for story and lore delivery. And I agree. I also agree that there can be more improvements. For example, weblore should be announced in-game because it's tied to the website so many people will go into the game not knowing it was released. It was a huge issue with Immolant where people didn't read it before hopping into Season of the Hunt and heard "Sagira died" in a voice line, instead of reading the huge weblore drop that continues to be the most important lore piece for entire year 4 and beyond.

Of course every piece of the story is relevant in the grand scheme of things. Red War is still frequently mentioned, Uldren's story was important for Crow, and so on. However, what I meant was that having to play through the entire thing and personally hunt down the Barons and shoot Uldren is not something that one has to go through in order to understand Witch Queen. With that I'm referring only to the players who legitimately never touched Destiny until WQ. Everyone else had three years to get through Forsaken and will have an additional assistance to get through it for free in December, if paying was something they couldn't do before.

I genuinely don't know who else is missing out, except people who never heard of Destiny before WQ and will buy that as their first Destiny experience. But in that case, they can read the lore books that detail Forsaken if they're interested in extra stories. A completely new player will not need Forsaken or Red War because they're not going to understand those either without the full context. At that point we're talking about how everyone has to start playing with D1 which is impossible.

As you said, the lore is very expansive and very dense. It's hard to parse through. It's the seventh year of Destiny as a franchise and people tuning in now can't expect the game to explain everything form the beginning. That's why the community is here. I don't think that's a failure in the narrative in the same way I don't think a TV show in its seventh season should recap every event from the previous seasons before starting season seven. At some point, recaps are impossible to do without taking a significant amount of time. If you decide to tune in late, it's on you to update yourself.

I tuned in late into Destiny, as I didn't play D1 because I don't have a console. D2 didn't explain shit about D1. And as frustrating as it was, I couldn't really expect the game to recap the previous three years of storytelling. They should've done something, for sure, since they came to PC for the first time, but I also understand that recapping three years of D1 would've been fairly difficult, especially if you wanted the full lore experience that includes ancient history like the Books of Sorrow.

Destiny's storytelling is infinitely better now. There's always room for improvement, of course. But people also have to understand that this is a huge ongoing story that's been going on for almost a decade. Having external sources explain past events does not mean the storytelling is bad. On the contrary, it would be quite obtuse and annoying to have detailed recaps at the start of every season and expansion. And yes, even existing players and veterans have to consult the lore archives outside of the game. I'm not sure what should be the alternative. D1 is not even available on PC, so I can't personally play and collect every grimoire. I also can't hold everything in my brain and quote it verbatim. Fan created encyclopedias and archives are not exclusive to Destiny.

I'm in favour of better accessibility so I do hope Bungie keeps improving on that front. But a part of accessibility is also the community. Destiny is not unique in this. Most long lasting and ongoing media utilises the community to help newcomers understand, especially if the original media is no longer available (try finding original Doctor Who episodes, it's nigh impossible) or is entirely inaccessible to people (games like the first Witcher come to mind: that game is mechanically incredibly outdated and more or less impossible for many to play through. I did it, but at what cost).

There's a lot to be said about the preservation of media and especially digital media, but that's a whole different topic. For now, our best bet is preservation through recorded footage, let's plays and streams. Servers can't last forever, games are routinely shut down and content is removed due to being old or glitchy or literally making the game unplayable. Currently I would prefer Destiny to keep going in the direction it's going now, with overwhelming praise for the way it handles ongoing storylines and lore, to keep being more stable and to work well, instead of clinging to old content nobody is playing for the sake of keeping it there.

And again, if Bungie had the option to keep everything in and keep the game running smoothly, I am sure they would've done that. But game development is not that easy. Old code is old code. It makes the whole game unstable and impossible to update on time and fix quickly. I would rather Witch Queen running as well as Beyond Light did overall, with space to develop new stories, missions and quests.

[wheresmynaya]

Do you ever get frustrated at the amount of feedback you get per chapter? Ie. one chapter you receive great feedback and like 10+ reviews and the next chapter you only get like 3 reviews. It's the same story but sometimes you need to write in subplots and filler chaps to move the story along, not every chap can be action packed or filled with lovey dovey stuff.

I'm writing a multi-chap and it seems that whenever there's the drama and fights thats when I get the most reviews and when things reconcile, its like crickets even though I left plenty of other things to analyze. I'm not going to simply add in unnecessary things to get reviews or just to satisfy readers since I already have the arc planned. but I find it frustrating that the feedback varies so much. Idk, Its just more encouraging when readers are engaged and look at the story as a whole. Maybe that fact I'm writing for a slightly unpopular pairing has to do with it. Is there something I could do as a writer? I'm not writing simply for the sake of reviews, but it lets me know that my fic is worthwhile

Oh my God, YES! I can totally understand and relate. Especially what you said about needing to write necessary things to progress your story because you're right - it can't always be about action.

I'm trying to answer this by using my own experiences but there are a couple things that differ like the ship you're writing for and also who you are. Not to be like "Yes hi, I'm Riz and yes I will give you an autograph" bc LOL no gross.

I'm more so meaning that I have been with my fandom for a long time and developed a reputation through my work. I'm not sure how long you've been writing for your ship, but if you're relatively new then it will take some time for your audience to get to know you and your writing style and most of the time they do that in silence - no reviews/no feedback. They're just sussing you out which can be the most discouraging part about writing.

I'll put the rest under the cut bc I love talking about writing and I probably got carried away...

Writers need feedback and reviews which are different that showering you with compliments. Both are great, but like you said - writers need to know what their audience is thinking. Then again, that silence could mean your story isn't ✨hitting✨ the way it should...yet.

So 3 things: relevant subplots, interesting filler and scene importance. Yes, I just made that up hahah but it all has to do with pacing.

So about pacing, there is a way to balance the action, filler, subplots so that EVERY chapter feels like an 'action-packed' chapter. I think it depends on what you consider 'action' but once you figure out the balancing act then I think you'll see an increase in feedback. There's nothing worse than starting a story only for it to take a detour down a road that I'm not really interested in because it has nothing to do with my ship or the main purpose of the story so make sure your subplots are relevant. Same with filler chapters; you don't have to create a lull for the sake of creating a lull. Also, not every scene needs to be written.

Here's an example, I hate writing weddings LOL and yet 3 of my stories involve a wedding. I think they all have the same elements and I get bored writing them so for HtD I decided I wasn't going to write it. Instead, I wrote about it - I talked about a ceremony and about a reception but I never went into enough detail to bore anyone. I picked out a couple scenes that could enhance my main plot but I wrote it in a way that made it feel natural and necessary. I made sure to include 'action' but it wasn't necessarily action at all - just a bouquet toss. I didn't give my audience a moment for their eyes to glaze over because of the pacing. I breezed through parts that didn't matter and honed in on parts that could.

Hopefully that was a good example and you kind of catch my drift. I also think talking with other writers and checking out writer blogs and advice helps A LOT. So come through again if you want to talk stuff out - maybe I can help lol idk I just ramble and hope its useful but that's all part of the process!

[my-reality-my-rules]

Hi ! Hope you’re well , i just wanted to know if you have shifted yet because i have been trying for a long time and i have not . Pls give me some advice 💓💓

thank you, i hope you're doing great too :DD

to answer your question: yes, i have shifted, around four times, but only very briefly, especially for the first two (I'll make a separate post about these). if you're feeling demotivated, my friend—let me tell you. I've been trying to shift since august last year and i was successful just this april.

so. before i shift, i always run through my script and edit it if necessary, then proceed with my routine. it's fairly simple: take a bath, wait for my hair to dry, drink water, and try to shift again. you don't have to do it as well, but that's what works for me. I've also found that you can concentrate much better if you're not constantly weighed down by stress, and excessive schoolwork was probably the main factor keeping me from shifting. since school ended mid-may, i only really got to feel more 'free' (in a sense) after the post-exam rush. feeling that freedom, knowing that nothing would be holding you back for the moment, was enough for me.

your script (if you use one) may also be keeping you back. at the beginning, mine was disorganised as all hell and that made it hard to track. I'll admit my script is detailed af (and yours doesn't need to be to actually shift), but the reason i didn't immediately discard it is because i barely have any semblance of order in my life. i just rearranged them and kept out the things that i don't like. simply having it there is like a guide, something that helps me keep control of myself. but another problem came to me, and this time it may have been that i wasn't citing my intentions clearly enough. having a detailed script is fine, and having little on it or even not at all is also fine. the issue with me back then was my indecision and my laziness to complete mine.

another thing that kept me motivated is talking with my friend about everything and anything that could happen when i shift; it just makes me all the more excited to finally be there for the people i want to see. this may come off a bit proud, but i like bragging?? to her?? well i wouldn't really call it bragging, per se, but every time i talk to her about my script and ask for her opinion i just can't help but feel...well. accomplished and content and humbled, knowing that there's people out there like me, who've done the things that I want to do. it makes me happy and just proud because i know I'm at least one step closer to reaching my goal, a similar goal that so many out there are also trying to achieve.

I'm not sure if this helps, because you might have wanted for something more specific, but all i could offer is that it's all about your habits and your mindset. if you don't think you'll shift, then you won't. think of shifting as any other homework, only this one is the type you know you'll thoroughly enjoy. people say it's as easy as breathing, but to me breathing just gets hard when you're just feeling left in the dust ya know?

I've been unsuccessfully trying for almost a year yet i still managed to get it done in one month. it's dramatic but for every night i cried myself to sleep knowing i failed i got angrier at, well, the universe—for not letting me shift when others are; and i was tired and so frustrated because my envy was peaking, and i thought it unfair that they all made it look so easy. it wasn't for me, in the beginning. for me, it was a gradual process. at first, it was ‘I will shift.’, which turned to ‘I am shifting.’, and eventually became ‘I have shifted.’. it’s how you ease yourself into the process. but the idea that it does happen eventually, and gets better over time, has merit. get yourself used to the failure, and i promise you'll get it some day. maybe not tomorrow, or tonight, or sometime this week.

but you will, you already are, you already have. you can do it.

[yuvon-writes-letters]

Hey guys :)

Maybe I'm going chronological for one time, so I can sort my thoughts easier.

Yeah, Goldie's much mire active than I would've thought, too. But they did all those things to keep me alive and kind of save, since we still don't know who they are exactly working against. (I mean, we don't know who Goldie exactly is either, but you get my point)

Honestly, I am pretty sure the TSB timeline is continuing, at least if my theory that Goldie just set me back in an alternate timeline is true. In this case I feel sorry for TSB, though..Extremely sorry. He still was 'my' Jake back then, even though he acted weird in the end (maybe was manipulated by entities). I mean, if what he wrote was true he went with authorities. And in the end..this could've been his downfall.

And yeah, maybe I'm not exactly safe, but I just have to go back. If I go, and if I lose my job, I have some things to sort out. And Jake luckily agreed with me that clearing up my desk isn't the worst thing I can do before leaving. We're still thinking about a location, which I could luckily deside myself. Max agreed on that. Even though he still has some doubts. (I mean, of course...His cousin opened the door with bruises all over her face.) He did promise to not ask any questions until I feel ready, though. That gives myself and Jake some time to figure that out.

And also, Jake is right! We have three Jakes and three smart people. YUVON. And of course Goldie, like you said Yu :) And some information about the previous timeline. (And that was it with being chronological)

So yeah, like I said, Max and I'll go. And I also think we can be pretty certain now that the message came from Goldie not the MWAF (which is relieving). I saw the messages and they didn't make Jake the bad guy. I honestly just don't think I can quote them yet. (They're too good, but I probably start daydreaming if I do) But they talk about Jake being an important part of my life and my heart and Max protecting me when he cannot. My dear cousin jumped to conclusions when he saw my bruised face. About Max' phone...I'll probably throw it in a river or something if he brings it with him. I told him not to, also because of Jake (he's not only worried about the MWAF apparently...He didn't exactly say it out loud, but I think it's pretty obvious) but he loves this device.

And I emphasize with you about the being kidnapped thing, you'll manage it, I know it :) And if I need to jump dimensions and box some sense into your Crow-Crew xD

No but for real, you can do that. I know it :)

Jake, find a good point in time to talk to her. But do it :)

Otherwise, I still think the 'underlying desire' theory is a possibility! But, like always in the moment, we could be wrong.

As for my stasis, I really do not wish to talk to more people who think I've been kidnapped. And I am a bit scared that could somehow lead to either them or me being in more danger again. But for now we have to wait.

I for now will pack some important things and paper & pens xD I don't want to leave y'all behind :P

Liska🐾🔥

[A screenshot is glued to the back of the letter and the quick sentence "Jake wants to talk to Jake" is written above]

Hello Jake, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am not quite sure in which way Liska will handle giving you my message, but she promised me to not read it for now.

I don't know whether she told you before or not, but as far as I am concerned she realised I am not only worried about the MWAF chasing her.

With me breaking out of this stasis I am sure that my followers aren't that far behind. And I know you can't do anything from where you are, but cross checking way to protect her doesn't seem to bad to me. Especially since we are similar but still fairly different from each other. At least it seems like that from what I have read.

For my part, I recently improved and updated Nym-OS which allows me access to Liskas whereabouts. If Yuvon should read this, she knows and agrees to it.

Still I am yet stuck on one little detail: I am trying to help Nym-OS in counterattacking. So, even though I am sure you already knoe this yourself, Nym-OS gets the ability to access location of the people attacking Liskas phone. I am almost done with that, so we are able to see a bit easier if and where people are that could be a danger.

Do you have any other ideas for ways I could help? Or even improve what I am doing momentarily. I wouldn't normally ask this since I know and trust my skills, but I think that this is fairly different from a 'normal situation'.

~ Jake

Lis,

Um. I don't know if you've seen the newest person to send in a letter, but we now have an issue.

Jessy, if you're reading this, I was sort of trying to avoid talking about this right away but I'm sort of trapped in a weird place, and Jake's here too because I'm a dumbass. I did not, so you know, let him read your letter or my reply. I figured you wouldn't want that. Sorry for dancing around the issue earlier :/ But at least you can get a good sample of the complete insanity we go through on the regular now!

Yeah... you're getting thrown into the deep end right now, aren't you. Sorry. There's no way to ease into this. You should probably either stop reading these entirely or start reading the letters from the beginning, so this will all at least make some sense. The first letter should start with the words "To whoever reads this," just so you know you get the right one.

Back to you, Lis. Yeah, I feel pretty bad for TSB Jake too. I honestly can't imagine being in his position right now.

Alright. So, you can choose the place. Great! There's way less chance of you being caught that way...

Tragedies just seem to be happening to all us Duskwood detectives, recently, don't they? Rai is chronically overworked and barely has time to sleep, I'm stuck in this hellhole and I've been forgotten by most everyone, you were shot, and poor Matt died and... well.

I never knew him, but I feel really bad for him :(

You could give Max half the truth. Tell him you have a stalker, and he's starting to get physical. Jake has been trying to help you get away from the asshole. It's not even a lie, just... not the full truth. Because. You know. The whole truth is completely fucking insane.

Writing to Jessy just put into perspective how insane everything is, I think. Gimme a sec.

Oh, fuck. My Jessy just texted me. Great timing.

Jeez that whole thing with me leaving myself out was just a joke XD If I knew you and Jake would take it so seriously, I'd never have said anything. I'll steer clear from now on.

Yeah, okay, definitely Goldie. That makes way more sense. I don't think you have to be quite so drastic as destroying the phone. Just get him to leave it at home for the trip.

Ahaha, thanks. I don't think that's necessary, though. Actually, seeing future!Jessy's perspective has caused a bit of a paradigm shift. I think I might need to reconsider what all to tell and not to tell the Crow Crew. I just sort of default to keeping things secret, now, but you've seen how well that worked for me with you and Rai, and with Jake.

Again, you probably should wait for them to contact you first, but you WILL need to talk to them when that happens. What you say to them and what you don't is up to you.

Pack a couple different pens XD We're all a bit long-winded.

That's all from me :)

(The handwriting changes to Jake's.) Hallo, Lis.

Yuvon refuses to tell me what precisely she means about Jessica. Was she somehow contacted by an alternate version of Jessica? If so, how?

I am glad it was Goldie who contacted Max. Yuvon's suggestion for an excuse seems a good one, as there are far less things to remember that way. You simply need to oversimplify everything.

I do not, unfortunately, entirely believe that Yuvon was joking when she made that comment, based on previous comments and her ongoing guilt. I can't understand sometimes why she feels the need to lie so much. It is difficult for me to read people, much less her.

I will speak to her eventually. Early tomorrow, perhaps, if nothing else rears its head. Yuvon looks tired, and I am also admittedly not at my peak. I sincerely hope she does not wake up as early as she does every single day. It may get somewhat taxing, what with the lack of coffee here.

I think that is all from me to you, Lis. If you would kindly find a way to send the next section to my counterpart without looking at it, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you :)

—Jake and Yuvon

Jake,

It is a pleasure to meet you as well, despite the unusual circumstances.

That our pursuers may be freed from the stasis is a logical conclusion. Seeing as the last known location I had on them in my universe was approximately five hundred miles from Duskwood, they will likely be some of the first to free themselves from the stasis. I do not believe I need to warn you that time is of the essence.

It seems as if I am a small distance ahead of you in the development of countermeasures, perhaps because I have had more linear time to develop them. If you are where I think you are at in the development, you likely have or will soon hit a bug you cannot pin down that makes the pinpointing mechanism simply refuse to work at all. Presuming your and my version of NYM-0S are similar enough, the issue should lie in the public bool set in line 132 of the third part of the targeting script, the script that decides what constitutes a target; you have it defaulted to "false" where it should default to "true".

As for additional countermeasures: I was attempting to work on a rudimentary automated system of pattern detection when I was brought here. Essentially, its function would be such that it would be able to triangulate using the locator features already installed to find a rough estimate of where their headquarters might be. However, I have not found any way thus far to eliminate outliers, and as such the feature is currently next to useless. I am no longer able to work on the code, but perhaps you will have more luck than I did.

That is all I can think of for the moment on that subject. However, I have an odd theory on what may be part of the reason we vary so. If you have a moment to spare, please answer me this:

When I was very young, back when Mother was still around, she took me to a doctor for odd behaviors. This included not looking people in the eyes, but there was a list. I was given a diagnosis; if you had the same experience, you should likely know which one.

Did you have this experience? If so, please prove it by stating what the diagnosis was.

Do not worry if you do not know what I am talking about; I would rather you did not guess. Simply state that you don't know. It will confirm my theory.

Good luck with your pursuers.

—Jake

(The letter tucks itself in the paper clip with the others.)

[mrswhozeewhatsis]

Heya it's about the question I asked in fan fic pond. About readers birthday.

About your answer, I think the writer should specify home town and age, based on the story. Considering most of the spn fics are set in America and the reader could be from anywhere. For example I'm from India and my home town is somewhere in it. So, I feel like it's best to specify the home town if that's required. Also coming to birthday's my fic involves zodiac signs and all that. Then I guess even birthday should be specified.

And when it comes to age, if the reader is dating Dean. Let's assume it's a fluffy fic and a 16 year old is reading it. So we can't exactly put Y/A (your age). I'm just saying from what I have heard and what I read I feel like sometimes readers details should be specified. But I'm a little worried that my readers might complaint, and why am I concerned about pleasing my readers right now than about my fic (I feel like an asshole writing this last point) but I have seen hate spreading and also some posts about how reader inserts should be like nothing specific about the reader and keeping them really generic it's sometimes impossible to do that.

I'm going to try and explain my answer a bit better, because I feel like I may have not made myself clear.

Whether or not you get specific about your Y/N's details depends entirely on the plot. I'll use my own fics as examples, and maybe that will get my meaning across better.

In The Babysitter, Y/N's age is specified, because it's a plot point. She had to be old enough to babysit the brothers, yet too young to date John (in the beginning, when she was 15 and he was, like 30).

In Third Wheel, her age is much more nebulous. She grew up with the Campbells, and is close to Gwen, so you can guess she's around Gwen's age. I don't think I ever actually addressed her age, though, because it didn't matter.

In Nesting, her age mattered, because I was writing about peri-menopause. (That being said, I believe was still a bit vague about her exact age, so anyone in the 40-55 age range could appreciate the story.) In Duck Dean Afternoon, her age is never mentioned because it doesn't matter.

Now, let's say you're writing a fic about Y/N having a birthday. Honest to Jack, you don't need to specify when the birthday is, unless there is some other aspect of the story that requires it. You said your fic involves zodiac signs. That qualifies. If the plot of the story were simply about a present Dean gives Y/N, as long as the present isn't ice skating or surfing (and even then, it can be worked around), no specificity needed.

I guess what I'm really trying to say is that I want writers to think about this kind of thing when they're writing and make their own choices based on the story they're telling. While they're doing that, however, I want them to think about some of these things that some seem to take for granted as being necessary, and ask if they really are?

And I guess that's really my answer.

Will the story, at its most basic, be fundamentally lacking or changed based on this one detail? If yes, then specify. If no, find a way to keep things as generic as possible (without using the fill-ins excessively). If you can't decide for yourself, ask a friend to read it and let you know what they think!

If you do specify, after asking yourself and a friend if the story requires it and deciding that it does, and then someone complains about it, there are a couple ways it could go.

1. They're rude about it, or their complaint is simply, "I hate it when writers do this." In this case, let it go. For every sentence you write, there will always be one reader out there who doesn't like it, for reasons that have nothing to do with you, your story, or your writing. (Some folks will nope out of a fic for grammar, others for certain content, and still others for something commonly done in fics across the board, like making a certain character use a certain term of endearment.) Smile, say, "Thanks for your input!" and move on.

2. They are polite and offer a valid, well-considered reason for their complaint. (Honestly, these folks probably will never actually send you a complaint without you asking them for feedback, so this may never happen.) Is their point something you didn't consider before? Ask them if you can talk about it some more and if they have any constructive advice about changes you could make. If they've taken the time to be polite and considerate, then they will probably be willing to talk things over with you, and you can work it out.

Writing is supposed to be fun, and if rude complaints are stressing you out, that's not fun. Listen to folks you trust and learn from them. As for everyone else...

(gif credit)

[usermischief]

“Oh, no,” Theo says, crossing the room immediately. “No. No. Put that down.” He reaches for the planchette which Stiles moves quickly out of reach. “Give that- Stiles.” Werewolf strength is nothing against longer limbs. At least until Theo decides that he really wants this planchette. Flashing his eyes - something he so often does when being fed up with what he calls stupidly reckless behaviour - Theo grabs the board instead. 

Stiles quirks his brow with a scoff. “You don’t really think these things work, do you?” His boyfriend’s superstitious behaviour is getting ridiculous. Last time they went to the mall with the pack, Theo prevented him from walking underneath a ladder. It’s hard to judge if he truly is that superstitious or if his protective streak is without limits when it comes to Stiles. Sometimes it makes him feel as if he’s some sort of tiny toddler unable to survive on his own. 

“The last time you said that, Bloody Mary tried to pull us through a mirror.” Well, she technically wanted to scratch out their eyes and then steal their souls, but he’s probably not making a good argument by correcting Theo.

He waves his hand around. “This is different,” Stiles explains, turning the planchette around in his hand. “When you play your brain may unconsciously make up answers for your questions. It’s called ideomotor effect.” 

“I think it’s called ‘Don’t tempt fate, you fucking idiot’.” Do people overhearing them think they’re an actual couple? Because sometimes they don’t exactly act the part. Other times, however, they make up more than enough for it. 

Stiles tosses the planchette in the air, fails to catch it, but hauls it close again before Theo can even move a muscle. “It’s like flinching in your sleep.” 

“I know what the ideomotor effect is,” Theo replies, motioning for Stiles to give up the planchette. “I’m also highly aware what the dissociative identity effect is because I happen to listen even when you go off at a tangent.” 

It sounds like a hidden insult, Theo is good with backhanded compliments, yet Stiles grins broadly. Although, granted, having a smart partner can be infuriating, he enjoys it much, much more. Intelligence is really fucking attractive, and kind of necessary. He can't simply bullshit his way out of stuff. Theo pays attention to detail. Running him in circles is not impossible, but it involves a lot more planning. He has an easier time with Scott. He has a much, much harder time with Lydia. She's the nightmare mode in every video game. One hit, and you're done for. 

"Okay, but this is different," Stiles says, wincing at his weak attempt at convincing his boyfriend.

Theo gestures briefly. Elaborate, the slow circle his hand draws in the air orders, please, I'm all ears. Once he has caught a scent of Stiles trying to bullshit him, there's nothing he can do to throw him off.