#don't get me wrong i think he should be signed and paid...but if he plays like this during a contract season?

[eyes-above--the-waves]

I think every season should be a Nylander contract season.

[bird-inacage]

Love Sea Episode 4: Where Things Have Gone Astray

It pains me to say it, but I found Episode 4 sloppy in it's execution, direction and writing overall. (I'd like to preface that regardless of how much I like fortpeat, or have enjoyed the series for the most part, I personally think it's important to be able to critique a show when it's flaws present themselves, and not to blindly excuse those issues because we want so badly to like it).

The transition from island to Bangkok was a huge turning point in the story, and I'm disappointed to say it wasn't handled well. The episode felt very off-beat and clunky compared to the lovely moments we got last week. Most of the issues centre on inconsistencies in character trajectory that were set up by the end of Episode 3. So let's unpack what went wrong here.

Mut is brusquely given the cold shoulder

My biggest gripe is the treatment of Mut this episode and without good reason. Let's start by recognising that Mut has potentially left his entire way of life behind: his friends, his community, his livelihood - all on the possibility that Rak may come to love him. I don't think Mut's naively banking on this being forever, but the emphasis here is he's willing to give it all up. The lack of acknowledgement to this gesture was glaring. The boy is only 20 years old, may I stress. Rak knows the hardships that Mut has faced, which should make this sacrifice even more significant in my opinion. What little Mut has built from scratch, he's willing to leave behind. All for Rak.

Other than a few brief moments of Rak looking sheepish/guilty, he's very passive throughout. I was really hoping he'd display more initiative and maturity here as the older party (like he did at the end of Episode 3). Even more disappointingly, once they land in Bangkok, Rak has Mut trailing behind him and largely leaves him to his own devices. At points, Rak's attitude towards Mut feels borderline exploitative. Rak is the one who begged Mut to come with him, and now that he's there, he seems to be putting Mut on trial.

Mut's hospitality on the island was due to Rak being an outsider who was completely out of his comfort zone. Now they've essentially reversed the situation but somehow the default is still Mut making all the effort (and yes, I know he's getting paid, but the last 3 episodes have just attempted to establish that their relationship is beyond just monetary). We need to see some more active reciprocation from Rak that supports why he was so driven for Mut to stay with him.

We've also been shown that though Mut is incredibly patient, he's not a doormat. When Rak crosses a line, he does get angry. Mut ran away when his father offended his core values, so we know he's capable of putting his foot down. But Rak's treatment of him here roused no protest or questioning when it would be fully warranted. By the time they discuss the contract, it's a null confrontation as Mut has already conceded to Rak's demands by signing. I wish he stood up for himself more here.

Tongrak's change in demeanour

The Rak we see in Bangkok is how I would imagine his character to be at the beginning of the series. Slightly haughty and dismissive. But because our impression of Rak was intentionally reversed so early on - where we were shown his sensitivity and softness - to have him slip back into a standoffish persona gave me whiplash. Has Rak regressed to who he was prior to the island? Has his time with Mut not changed anything? We know it has, which is why this front feels performative. Why would Rak feel the need to play into this character when Mut's already seen who he is underneath? And what has triggered him to do so? His family haven't come into the picture yet. I don't think Rak really cares about Mook's judgement. So why?

I think it's a huge disservice to shrug this off with: 'oh it's because Rak has trauma', and that's why he's running hot and cold. Doing so only trivialises the magnitude of trauma as a 'convenient' excuse when the writing doesn't support itself well enough for a character's actions to feel convincingly well founded.

When I started Episode 4, I thought we'd missed a scene or were due a flashback that would signpost why Rak changed his mind. We're told it's because of his PA, but that doesn't hold up well because surely Rak would have factored that into the equation. There are plenty of ways they could have remedied this. They could have shown us that Rak was genuine in agreeing, but spirals over the enormity of such a decision afterwards, which leads him to back out. Or Rak agreed despite knowing full well he couldn't meet his promise, and only lied because he didn't want to hurt Mut's feelings. Or they could have included the phone call from his sister in this episode, which would indicate that Rak has bigger responsibilities outside of himself, which caused his decision to sway. But we didn't get anything to ground us to Rak's mindset this episode, so his mentality feels like a 180. It also makes his agreement to Mut feel flippant if all it took was for Mook to whine to change his mind.

I can accept Rak retreating emotionally out of pressure or worry, but it doesn't read that way. Instead, his actions and body language feel abruptly indifferent, oddly detached and cold. The contract just epitomises a clinical level of emotional distancing. Even when Mook voices her concerns, Rak looks exasperated. So this isn't presented to us as a reaction borne out of vulnerability. And because we don't see Rak mulling over any doubts about Mut or otherwise, his behaviour feels all the more sudden and incongruous.

Ultimately, Rak was the one who let Mut down. If Rak agreed to stay on the island because he truly cared about Mut, wouldn't he be feeling doubly guilty at present? Not only has he broken a promise, but Mut is making a huge compromise to pursue Rak. Yet, Rak's attitude seems to be: 'these are my terms, do you have a problem with that?' This challenging air feels out of place and counterintuitive to what they've set up so far. What has Mut done to deserve this? Why is Mut still the one accommodating and initiating, with seemingly no return?

When comedy is not your strong suit, do not lean into it

I have a real bone to pick with the 'humour' attempted in this episode. I know comedy is subjective, but these scenes are arguably the shows weakest moments. People underestimate just how hard it is to pull off comedy and to do it well. And the brand of humour they're going for comes across quite juvenile, slapstick or theatrical. Sadly it only magnifies Aya's acting as egregiously bad in this episode because Mook is leant on so heavily as comic relief.

Mook and Vi's presence as individuals and as a couple has also been very one-dimensional so far which doesn't help things. It's getting increasingly taxing to sit through their scenes when there's so little substance and depth there to root for. Trust me, I am trying to like them, but they're not making it easy.

At it's worst, filler offers us no further insight or advancement in either character or plot. Which inevitably makes you question why the run time is being wasted on excessively inconsequential material. That crime was being committed multiple times this episode.

This is not me writing off the series by any means. As I say in my introduction, I think it's extremely important as a viewer to retain the objectivity to recognise when there are speed bumps, dodgy choices or noticeable areas for improvement.

As I was writing this, I found myself going: 'I think I see what they were trying to go for here' and applying additional guess-work to fill in the gaps. But that's the issue. If the writing requires your viewer to do mental gymnastics to make it make sense, you've dropped the ball. I would heartily advocate for 'show, don't just tell'. But in this episode we neither get shown or told why our characters are acting like this, especially when it seems to contradict how we got here.

Let's hope next episode is only onwards and upwards.

[l1tw1ck]

Casting: Al Haitham

bottom!ftm al haitham x top!masc reader

↳ W.C: 1,629

↳ [Event] | AFAB Language Used

CW: Extreme Dub-Con, Humiliation, Oral Sex, Cum Shot, Riding, Nipple Play, Squirting, Multiple Orgasms, Cunnilingus, Virginity Loss, Cunnilingus, Creampie

Al Haitham's at a low point in his life, he lost his job and has been working odd jobs to make up for it. When he finally shared that with you, you were very excited to give him a job opportunity.

You told him it's a simple modeling job that pays well once a week, well enough that he won't have to work any other jobs. He believed you, since you're his friend, and took the job.

Al Haitham looks in the mirror with his cheeks flushed, embarrassed by the outfit you're making him wear. It's a cow bathing suit and the top part is way too small for his chest. They only cover his nipples. The bottom is a thong with a cow tail attached to if. He's also got on a cow headband and a cowbell to top it all off.

"Haitham? Are you okay in there?" You knock on the door.

"Did you give me the wrong outfit?" He asks.

"I doubt it, let me see."

Haitham opens the door and looks at you, frowning.

You stare at him for a moment before collecting yourself. "Nope, this is the right one!" You grin.

"What kind of modeling is this..?"

"Didn't I tell you what kind of company this is?" You tilt your head.

"You said it was for adult models?"

"I meant for porn magazines, videos, and all that." You laugh. "Sorry, Haitham."

He turns a soft pink.

"Well, let's get started, shall we?" You snap your fingers, a group of workers hauling Haitham over to the set.

Haitham stays compliant the whole time, trying to wrap his head around the whole thing as he gets posed in the most embarrassing positions. His embarrassed expression makes the pictures even better.

"You're an amazing model, Haitham, you did well." You praise him. "Now, we should discuss other options."

Haitham, still dazed and confused, allows you to bring him to your office. He doesn't notice the other workers getting aroused by his presence.

"Here's the check." You sign off on the paper and place it on your desk.

"You're the CEO of a porn company?" He says finally.

You laugh. "Yeah, and you could get paid a lot of money by joining. What do you think?"

Haitham frowns. "Blur out my face, please."

"So is that a yes?" You smile, having no intention of blurring his face.

He bites his lip and nods, assuming you mean by becoming an official model.

"Great! Come with me." You get up and lead him to another room, the room where you cast your stars.

Haitham looks around at all the cameras in the room, most pointed at a large bed and at two black leather couches. He wonders what kind of modeling he'll be doing now.

"Sit." You point to the leather couch, sitting adjacent to it. Haitham sits down as you asked, hiding his body with his arms.

"We're going to ask you some questions now, and we're going to record it. Is that okay?" You ask.

Haitham nods. "Okay."

Your assistant starts the camera and focuses on Al Haitham.

"Introduce yourself."

"My name is Al Haitham. I'm 25 years old. I’m from Sumeru.” He finds it hard to stay serious in his current outfit.

“What's your sex life like? Do you masturbate?” You ask. “And are you a virgin?”

Al Haitham’s cheeks tinge red. “What?”

You laugh. “Sorry, I suppose that was an embarrassing transition.”

“Um, I don't have time for sex. I'm- Yes, I’m a virgin..”

“So you masturbate? Do you watch porn too?”

“..Yeah. Sometimes.” He admits, turning to the side. “I mostly read it..”

“Oh?” You smirk, standing up. “So you're not completely innocent.” You chuckle, a sort of random thought entering your head. “I wonder how well you’ll be able to give me a blowjob.”

Al Haitham turns a darker shade of red. He looks to your assistant, who's smiling at him and wordlessly telling him to get down. He gets on his knees, earning a thumbs up from them.

He turns to you and gets slapped in the face by your cock. Everything else was embarrassing but having your fat cock resting on his face is humiliating, he feels like a whore.

“Don't you look cute.” You turn on your mini video camera and record his pretty expression. “Say ‘ah’” You grin, moving back and tapping on his lips with the tip of your cock.

Haitham opens his mouth, cheeks burning hot as he lets your thick length enter him.

“Pretend it's a popsicle.” You suggest.

Al Haitham sucks you off slowly and with clear inexperience, just barely able to take you.

“You’re so adorable, Haitham.” You coo, ringing the bell on his neck.

He looks up at you with the cutest expression on his face, an expression that makes you want to ruin him. You're glad you have this on camera.

“Gods, I could come just from looking at you.” You sigh gently. “Such a pretty little thing. Why don't you try going faster?”

Haitham sloppily sucks your cock, making obscene noises and trying his best to please you despite how humiliating it is.

Just seeing him try so hard while looking so cute is enough to bring you close to your peak.

You gently pull him away from you. “‘M gonna come on your face, baby.” You warn, jerking yourself off.

He closes his eyes, his face somehow redder than before. Moments later, he feels hot spurts of cum decorating his pretty face.

You tap your cockhead against his lips, letting out the last drops of your spend against the soft flesh. You take a few pictures with the camera before getting him cleaned up.

You sit down on the couch and pull him down onto your lap. Your still hard cock rests against his stomach, the feeling of it twitching makes him nervous.

You pull his top upwards, revealing his nipples. You only touch them with your thumbs, earning a wanton moan from him. “I barely touched you, and here you are, moaning like a slut.”

His cheeks burn.

You rub circles around his nipples, causing him to moan louder. “All I’m doing is touching your nipples, are you really this sensitive?” You grin. He whimpers, feeling embarrassed.

You replace one of your hands with your mouth, licking and sucking on his nipple. He rocks his hips at the sensation, feeling way too good from your mouth.

“Wa- wait-” He tries to move you away but you don't move. “I- Aah~!” He lets out a loud, slutty moan as he comes. You keep sucking on his nipple, using your hand to rub his clit inside his thong.

“Nnh- no- no more~” He whines, body heating up when he remembers he's on camera. “Please~”

You ignore his begging, going harder to make him come again instead.

“I- I ca-can't–” He shakes his head, tears forming in his eyes. Haitham throws his head back, squirting.

You move away from his chest, smirking. “Can I fuck you, sweetheart?”

Haitham nods shakily, it's not like he really has a choice. You pick him up and take him to the bed, turning him around and instructing him to get on all fours.

You slide his thong aside and drag your tongue up his wet pussy before sliding it inside him.

“Hh~” He moans and buries his head into the pillow, letting you tongue fuck his sensitive cunt. You rub circles around his clit, making him twitch and tighten around your tongue.

It gets easier and easier to make him orgasm each time, this time it only takes a few thrusts of your tongue to have him coming again.

You pull away with a grin on your face. “You’re such a cute little slut.” You spank his plump ass. You can hear a loud whine muffled by the pillow.

You slide your cock up and down his wetness before easing yourself inside him. His eyes widen at the feeling of you entering him, it's painful but pleasurable at the same time. He grimaces as you bottom out, he feels so full.

You slowly thrust in and out of him, causing Haitham to cry from the pleasure. He can't handle how good it feels, he's already so sensitive from having an orgasm three times.

You grip his hair, avoiding his cow headband, and lift his head up. “C’mon baby, look at the camera, we wanna see your pretty little face.”

He looks at the camera with a teary eyed expression, his lips quivering and a blush strewn across his cheeks. He can see his reflection through the lense, humiliated by what he’s become.

You fuck into him harder, making him lose his train of thought. “Gods, your pussy feels amazing.” You use your free hand to spank him, forcing more, louder wanton moans to leave his mouth. His ass turns the same color as his face thanks to you.

Al Haitham rolls his eyes back as he feels himself reaching his peak for the fourth time.

“Fuck– I might come inside, baby-” You groan. “Can I?” You ask, knowing he’ll say yes. He’s been so compliant all day and his brain is probably fuzzy at this point.

“Ye- yes~!” He moans, the smart part of him is completely thrown out the window and maybe it's the erotica he reads but the other part of him wants to feel you fill him with your load. You smirk, fucking him roughly and sloppily as you chase your release.

Haitham grins dreamily as he feels you pumping your cum into his cunt. “Mm..[Name]..” He whimpers.

You pull out and flip him onto his stomach, watching your cum drip out of his pussy. “I think we should go one more time.”

[octuscle]

Hi Chronivac or Suitcase people! I'm looking for a change in my life like working with my body rather than with my brain, living in the north rather than in the south, being poor but happy rather than wealthy and unhappy, being a player rather than the relationship-guy and so on. I hope for your help

Dude, seriously, if you're going to do it, do it! Why only half the cake? Why not work with your awesome body, live on the beach in the south, be rich and happy and take everything that comes along? Somehow that sounds much better… At least for me… I have another suitcase for you, labeled MVD. Filled with everything you need for a basic jet-set influencer beach vacation. Beachwear from Vilebrequin, sportswear from Balenciaga, a little something for the evening from Prada and co. And a hotel voucher for The Grand Hotel in Punta del Este. Just for the weekend. After that, it's off to Buenos Aires for you and then you'll have to see…

Shit, the brand new iPhone alone, which you're holding in your freshly manicured hands, costs more than you've paid in rent for your miserable apartment in six months. You don't even want to know what the entire contents of this suitcase cost. But how do you get to this Punta del Este now? And where is it anyway? You look at your new cell phone. Your tickets are in the wallet. First to Madrid, and then on to Montevideo. Premium Economy. Sounds great, you've never had that before. Should you put something on straight from your suitcase? Better not. You should take it easy on your clothes. But maybe one of those T-shirts from Balenciaga. A quick look in the mirror… Okay, better not, maybe a little tight around the hips. You're not changing.

When you check in your suitcase, the ground staff lady flirts with you. She asks why you've joined the queue with all the tourists. As an Emerald customer with oneworld, you should have been allowed to use the first class check-in. She asks if she can upgrade you to Business Class as compensation. You don't say no.

You can get used to the lounge. It's better than waiting outside in the aisles. The toilets are also better. And when you look in the mirror, you think that they must be playing tricks with the light. You look younger and more relaxed. And were you wearing that immaculate white shirt just now? Somehow the champagne seems to be going to your head. You almost missed the boarding call.

The lounge was cool, but flying in Business Class is really awesome! There aren't many passengers up here. But somehow you get the impression that everyone is just looking after you. Like a real VIP. You take a selfie of yourself and the purser. Later for Instagram. The Iberia logo well placed. You have to show your appreciation somehow. In Madrid, you send the two pictures out. The second one with the pilot. He says it was an honor to fly you. They're getting a bit carried away… They're making fun of you!

When you go through passport control at the terminal change, you first think you've put the wrong passport in your pocket. Cool picture! But it doesn't look like you. You check it out as best you can in the reflection of a window pane. Yes, the angular features, the piercing blue eyes… It all fits.

It's getting better and better. Instead of your connecting flight being called for boarding, a member of ground staff comes by in the lounge, takes your bag and accompanies you to the gate. You're already in the mood for a glass of champagne. But alcohol is only compatible with your six-pack to a limited extent. Besides, it's already late and you should get some sleep. You have more than enough room. So apply your night cream, put on your sleep pods and put on your sleeping goggles. And when you wake up rested after almost nine hours, you hear the first signs that the breakfast service is about to start. You hear the flight attendants gossiping. One of them says that you looked like Cupid while you were sleeping and that you could shoot him with your arrows. They obviously have no idea that you speak Spanish. You let them believe that you don't understand them.

Actually, you would have liked to have taken a closer look at Montevideo. But you don't have time for that. The season in Punta del Este is as good as over, so if you want to boost your mid-season business, you need a few pictures of the sunset. And you get paid quite well for boosting the mid-season business a little.

It's actually a bit too cold at the end of March for topless shots. But your nipples look even better this way. "End of a hot day, beginning of a hot night at the most beautiful end of the world" you write under the picture. 3K likes in half an hour. You are worth your money!

[mysadblacksoul]

Backslide - 3/13 of the Clancy album

Grab a coffee and let's start this madness

MV

Tyler is wearing the same clothes that he wore in Overcompensate MV to I would assume that this MV takes place right after

Let's break down the signs first

We see the return of Ned Bayou as well as FPA, now standing for Food Petrol Etc.

You can buy 9 buns for $21, love the symbolism

There is a Jim sign omg. Baby is having his own bubblegum business

Of course the Bishops sign with 9 lines marked on it

I could've sworn that the black sign says "Dema Vapes", but looking closely I believe it's "Velma Vapes" lol

What is more, the cones (?) are yellow and I'm pretty sure that the fact that there are 5 of them is not an accident

They sold him bread that went bad lol. Nah for sure it's not the case since he gives the same bread to a child

But I believe that the scene and the lyrics are closely tied with Stressed Out

Now the next scene is interesting

I think that the bad weather is a simple metaphor for feelings of anxiety or fear

We can see that Tyler was contemplating then he was suddenly pulled from his thoughts

This is when the scene changes to normal, right? Exactly on the line It's over my head

Then we move to the scene with the kid

And I really believe that this little lad is personification of Ned

Like he has the same boba eyes lol

No but for real, this is parallel to Chlorine - kid is giving Tyler a cup just like Tyler gave to Ned. Yet he accepts it and drinks whatever is inside and Ned just shudders

Another interesting thing, that could make my point more valid is that the kid literally asks Is that a stain? You should change / Are you doin' good? / Did you solve all of your problems? like he knows Tyler very well and is in a way looking out for him

It's like he's keeping Ned by him - okat I'll stop

It might be a stretch, but the N kinda looks like a mirrored band symbol, do you also see it?

If 0.75c is equivalent to the cost of one bun than Tyler is being ripped off since he paid $21 for the pack instead of $6.75 lmao

Something is really wrong with those buns lmao

Then the mood changes again, but this time is even worse. Like his mental health is declining even more and even faster

The bread is wet, the day is ruined, thanks Mr. Joseph

You killed it Josh, love your creative mind

*funny music stops*

Now let's talk about the way how the MV is looping itself

I would say that it is a demonstration of the twisted circle that is life

Maybe it's a very basic analysis but I think of all the complicated lore-oriented MVs this one is uncomplicated

What is shown here is how our psyche can play tricks on us and how we can complicate a rather simple situation ourselves

If Tyler hadn't had dark thoughts then nothing would have happened to the bread, so he would have just gone and given it to Josh

This shows how our psyche itself can abolish the situation in which we find ourselves

Looping, on the other hand, shows that as long as we don't do anything about it ourselves, we will be stuck in this fishbowl (see what I did there?)

Maybe it's one big AD to check your mental health and a sign to try to get better

Lyrics!

Rat race, place to place, adding weight / Tendencies on repeat, innit? - rat race for sure happened in Dema, and repeat is literaly the loop, innit meand that Clancy is canonicaly British

Benefit from a shoe with no lace - shoe with no lace would make you fall back on the behaviour that you are running from

Take the seat with the crease in it - seat of someone who already tried to change their life, or even who had the same dreams and hopes for better future like Clancy

This could be parallel to When I leave, don’t save my seat/ I’ll be back when it’s all complete from Chlorine

I don't care, you control me / Leading me anywhere - well, all I should say is Dema don't control me and we all know the rest of the story

I don't wanna backslide to where I've started from - he doesn't wanna go back to his back habits as well as doesn't wanna go back to his life before he tried to escape

There's no chance I will shake this again - if he falls back one more time that will be the end of him. His psyche won't take it anymore and his plans will be buried

'Cause I feel the pull, water's over my head - this is parallel to Fall Away And I, I can feel the pull begin. But it also gives me the parallel to Holding On To You MV, the scene with the rope

Strength enough for one more time - like I said, this would be the last attempt to change everything

Reach my hand above the tide - it could indicate that his physical strength is also wearing out

I'll take anything you have / If you could throw me a line - again with the line. But it also can mean that he can endure anything now, he just needs a little helping hand

I should've loved you better - this line can be directed both to himself but also to the person who extends his hand to help. He might not have appreciated both parts before and now regrets it

Do you think that now's the time / You should let go? - This line is like both a request and an apology. As if he wants to say “I'm sorry I treated you badly before but please don't leave me when I need help”

Bad place, on a hundred-dollar bass - this line is also giving me Stressed Out. You can imagine the cheap bass being transported on the bicycle right?

Kinda wishin' that I never did "Saturday" - I think that he doesn't mean the MV irl lol, but the regret of taking part in Bishops' manipulation altogether

Is that a stain? You should change - a play with mentioning Saturday and the lirycs She said that I should change my clothes

Are you doin' good? / Did you solve all of your problems? - like I said before I believe that this is Ned looking out for Clancy, wishing him well

Thanks for asking, in a way, but / Accidentally uncovered a new one yesterday - safe to say that he is not doing better lol

What happened to what I brushed under the rug? - what happened to how well he used to be able to hide his problems and true feelings

I used to be the champion of a world you can't see / Now I'm drowning in logistics - if viewed as a fact that he created this world it now looks like he wants to regain all control over it. Logistics is to take care of the management of planning. And once again we see the mention of drowning

The bridge is acting as an externalization of his myhs and fears that even if he is outside the Dema, the Bishops will still have control over him

The entire song is about both regaining conrol over the world of Dema but also regaining control over himself, his psyche.

The main theme is about not going back to old habits.

The most important thing here is progress and pushing forward.

Because one wrong move can make all the work in vain and we will sink to the very bottom.

Safe to say that I liked it haha

[allycat75]

Some dos and (mostly) don'ts for the upcoming Comic Con, Boston Dumb Fuck.

So I don't know if your handlers have had a chance to program you for the event yet or if they are waiting for a software update, but here are some tips for your trip to Seattle.

When you smile, try to have it reach a little up your face. You could scare the children with your hollow, soulless eyes. You may have become an automaton, but these people paid good money so try to look and act like a human male. And stay off the weed- makes any chance of a sparkle disappear.

When speaking, try to avoid the "ok" sign, or even the Italian thing you do sometimes with the fingers together (🤌)*. It's too close to the sign the smug wifey likes to flash with her close Nazi buddies. You are already tied to her and carry around a certain amount of shame for that, don't need to make it worse by appearing like you are a true believer now.

Don't mention your inconsequential political site. These folks just want a picture with the dude who once played Captain America. They don't care about you and your vain extra curriculars.

At the same time, don't play too much into the Captain America role. You signed on for this fake marriage with the antisemetic, racist wifey to reset your image (I guess?) and you cannot claim any similarity or want for similarity or admiration for the character, when you embody everything he would be ashamed of.

Don't try to get your feminist street cred back by wishing people a good Women's History Month. That ship has sailed for you.

As much as I hate seeing that liars ring, keep your left hand out of your pocket. You look like you are diddling yourself and people don't need more reasons to try to label you as a p**vert. We all know you are an "alone guy" and maybe that is what you do back at the hotel, although with its dubious metal composition, I don't recommend getting that piece of jewelry too close to your junk. It could cause sterility...On second thought, whack away, rub, rub, rub with good old lefty. Do society a favor. You are enough of a child for you to raise.

Of course you could forgo the ring altogether (in unison "You could forgo the ring". Sorry, I had to do that. My dad trained me too well watching "Airplane"). Have the OFFICIAL break up announcement come out before the con. Garner some sympathy. Begin to remove all reference of her. But don't forget that this does little to clear your karmic debt or repair the pathetic shreds of your life. You have a long road to travel, if you chose to do better. Leaving this debacle is only the first step. No matter the narrative being told, the only thing for certain is that you are a major liar who has selfishly hid behind his privlege to get what he wants, no matter the collateral damage.

If you are in real trouble and are in need of serious help, send us the message by wearing your California cap and we'll come running. Maybe. You've been a real shit and may not derserve it. We'll have to assemble a coterie of mods to discuss your fate, like in a Wes Anderson movie. Any mods interested?

If, on the other hand, you are ok but would like to acknowledge you have been a manipulative, selfish sack of White Privleged shit who needs to actively work to become a trustworthy, authentic person and make amends, wear the NASA cap.

Well, that's all I can think of for now. Enjoy the coffee up there in the Emerald City, if you are into coffee that week, you Mercurial mother fucker! 👋

*PS- I would like to clarify that I am in no way equating one gesture with another. My intent was that, in this case, there is a likely possibility the Italian gesture could be taken out of context and skewed to look like the beginning of a WP sign because of BDF's association with the little Nazi twit. Photshop has been used before, why would it not be used for this nefarious purpose? Even these simple and inert gestures can become weapons in the wrong hands.

But I should have been more careful and I sincerely apologize to anyone I offended. I tell BDF to do better, but unlike him, I am not a hypocrite so I will follow my own advice. Thank you to those who politely called me out and I hope this helps.

[nhlgossips]

https://www.tumblr.com/nhlgossips/767727549414604800/jack-has-always-been-nice-to-fans-and-all-ive

i agree heavily with this anon. his job is literally to play hockey, that is what he is paid for. he could have 0 fans, but as long as he's good he'd be in the nhl. he doesn't get paid to sign jerseys and take pictures with fans, that's something he willingly does, wether he's in a bad mood or not you should be thankful you got the opportunity to meet him.

also the fact people were talking bad about him in line, literally right where he could hear them, and he STILL signed their stuff is insane. also it is a known fact jack is anti-social, yet he still makes appearances to these things. and yes he's going to be nicer to the kids because they're a very sensitive age group, he has always been nicer to kids.

this man has millions of good fan interactions, but because of one night yall jump to get on his case. like srsly if people were talking shit and expected me to sign something for them i wouldn't made a bigger deal about it. his reaction was valid

and YES i am a jack hughes defender because this man hasn't done anything seriously wrong. yall are making such a big deal out of it you'd think jack was out here calling people slurs and kicking people.

can we also talk about how fans are insanely creepy towards jack aswell? like fans tried to jump into the window of his car when he stopped to sign things, making him stop stopping. if he is rude to you, YOU are the problem.

there are so many players who have done shit like this but you only care if it's jack. seriously grow up and get off this man's case.

i apologize for any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes, i wrote this quickly and truly i don't care to re-read and fix my errors. 💕

he actually does get paid for signings and promo stuff (media) it’s in his contract this is basic stuff that I thought everyone knew??  saying I should be grateful even if he’s rude says  quite a lot about you haha. first time I hear about people talking shit but doesn’t matter, why should other fans in line have to deal with moody Jack because of other people’s actions? he makes appearances do these types of things because he’s bound by contract not on his on will. never had a problem with him being nicer to kids, they’re kids ffs. yes, he’s had many other good interactions in different occasions but does that mean I can’t call him out for this one? I’d call out any player, Jack is just popular to have everyone talking about him, that’s not my problem. 

I’m actually a big fan of Jack, that does not stop me from calling him out, you should do the same 😁

[idkwhatimdoinghere1655]

|1|The Sound Of Rain - Pierre Gasly|

<word count - 2961>

Patience Wears Thin as Time Draws On

"Look, Etta, I just don't want to go," I complained, looking at myself in the mirror as my best friend, Antoinette, tried to convince me to go to my performance tonight. I had been performing at the same pub (The Horse and Trough) for about a year and tonight I just didn't feel like it. 

It was always the same people in, every single night. My main night there was a Saturday, but I also did other weeknights. They were never as busy, though. Etta said that tonight, however, was going to be a different one. A few of our friends apparently knew a guy who was racing at Silverstone the next day. The only reason this was supposed to matter to me was because he was going to be at the pub with them tonight. 

Etta had insisted that I look 'extra hot' (her words, not mine) as he was a fellow Frenchman, single, had a great job and handsome (again, her words, not mine). So, she dressed me in a long, flowy maxi-dress in a stunning sapphire blue. To be fair, I did look quite nice.

 But, it's not like I wasn't going to go, I'm getting paid for it. Doesn't mean I wanted to be there. "You might not want to go, but when you're there, my dear Leone, you will never want to leave," she tried to coerce me, "Pierre is absolute boyfriend material,"

"Have you got any pictures of this Pierre?" I asked her, the name feeling right on my tongue.

I expected her to show me some specky-looking racing driver. Boy was I wrong. She pulled her phone from her purse and scrolled through Instagram for a minute, before turning the screen to face me. Wow was all I could think as I gazed at him, hopping out of the car. He still had his helmet on, but he just looked great. She scrolled to the next picture, and I could swear my heart skipped a beat. 

His hair was all ruffled and his suit was rolled down to his waist, leaving him in a set of white fire-proofs. I didn't believe that this was the guy that was going to be at the pub. "You're sure that this is the guy who Will knows?" 

"Yes, I'm sure. I've talked to him as well,". Maybe tonight wouldn't be as bad as I thought it would be. "Oh I see that smirk! You like the look of him, huh?" Etta teased, nudging me with her elbow.

"I'm not going to say he's not attractive," I rolled my eyes, picking up my purse and walking towards my apartment door. "I can't wait to play matchmaker!" she giggled, following along as her heels clicked on the wooden floor. 

Being the start of August, the weather was still very warm and the sky was still very blue as we drove to the pub. I needed to get there early to set up and make sure all of the tech was working. Etta would probably disappear into the storage cupboard with Will for a while, they always kept each other occupied. 

Nearer the start of my set, Will and Etta re-emerged from the cupboard, their clothes slightly askew and their hair was rather disorderly. People also started filtering into the pub, ready for their Saturday night drinks. Before I started, it was packed. There was barely any standing room left and the bar was crammed with people. 

I stood there, adjusting my microphone slightly. The pub looked as boring as ever, as I was searching for something to be different, just to have a change. Of course, there was nothing out of the ordinary.  

I thought about how I should just get a normal job and leave this place. I should get a job that can actually get me somewhere, not performing in a pub most nights a week, desperate for the right person to walk in and spot something in me. 

I always started with a song in French, just to see how the crowd took to them. Before I could let my thoughts of stardom and success run away with me, the soundtrack started playing. "Mon cœur, mes mains, mes yeux, mes reins," I started, scanning the crowd for any sign of Will's French friend. 'Evidemment' was a newer song I had written, but people didn't seem to care too much.  "Dans mon jardin d'enfer poussent des fleurs," 

I looked at everyone and they seemed to be bored out of their minds. Looks like we'll be heading back to the club classics then. Anyway, even if they didn't enjoy it, I certainly did.

 I carried on with the night, no sign of Pierre anywhere. Finally, I had reached the end of the set. "So everyone, for the final song, grab your special someone and come down to the dancefloor for me," I said, watching as Will grabbed Etta's hand and dragged her in front of me, as well as a lot of other couples making their way to the dancefloor. 

I approached the keyboard that the pub had with my microphone in hand, positioning it in front of me. I started playing the song, trying to ignore the jealousy I felt of the couples on the dance floor. How I longed to have someone that I could slow dance with, someone to spend my life with, someone to love. "When we're out in a crowd, laughing loud, and nobody knows why,"

"When we're lost at a club, getting drunk and, you give that smile," I smiled to myself as I sang the words, imagining someone smiling at me from across the club. "When we're done, making love and you look up and give me those eyes," I turned to look at the audience, hoping to see the happiness on their faces. However, my eyes met with a striking pair of blue ones, and my fingers almost stopped pressing the keys. 

--

Getting back to the hotel and seeing a text from Will was never a great sign. I had just gotten back from the qualifying laps and I would be starting in P11 on the grid, which wasn't too bad, but could be better. Going out was honestly the last thing I wanted, but I would feel bad if I didn't. He was always texting, asking how I was and everything. We could never meet up because I was always somewhere in the world, so I felt I owed him tonight. 

I wouldn't be drinking or staying out too late, I would just be going to chat and have a good time. He also mentioned that there would be entertainment, one of his other friends was singing, so that would be nice. He said she was really good. 

Will last seen: 2 minutes ago

Will: Hey Bud! I'm heading down to the pub tonight and just wondering if you wanted to tag along? Thought it would be nice to see you since you're here. 

One of my friends is singing and she's really good, so you'll have good entertainment as well. 

Let me know asap!

You: Hey Will! I've got the GP tomorrow, so I won't be staying out too late or drinking.

Text me the address and I'll be there in a bit.

What time does your friend's set start?

Will: Around 6? You'll love her, she's brilliant.

You: Alright, I'll be there soon! See you later

Will: See you later, bud!

Right, here we go. I hopped in the shower quickly, throwing on whatever clothes were at the top of my suitcase. No, I hadn't unpacked. Why? Simple answer: I couldn't be bothered. I'll be leaving in a day or two anyway.

I wouldn't have to stay at the pub too long. I'd just have to show my face, watch the set (which I assumed to be around an hour or so) and come back to the hotel, ready for the GP tomorrow. 

I found out the pub wasn't too far away from the hotel I was staying at, so I decided to walk there. It was only 5 minutes. 

I zipped up my jacket, only so that I had the pockets for my phone and wallet. I quickly figured out that I didn't need it as I strolled along the pavement, so I took it off and draped it over my arm.

When I arrived at the pub, it was... Quaint? It wasn't the nicest building, but it had a cosy feeling that became overwhelming due to the British summertime heat. I spotted Will and a girl who I guessed was his girlfriend, and approached them.

"Pierre! You made it!" he exclaimed over the noise of the chattering of the bar as he rushed over to embrace me. I hugged him back, offering to buy him and Etta a drink. "You see that girl on the stage over there?" Etta asked, pointing in the direction of the stage.

I looked over and I saw her. She was wearing a stunning blue dress and she was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I tried not to look gobsmacked, but Etta just laughed at me. "That's Leone, she's going to be singing." She said, patting me on the shoulder, "Don't worry, she had the same reaction when I showed her your picture earlier,"

Before I could respond, music started playing and then she started singing. In French. It was the best thing I've ever heard. On the other hand, the crowd around me clearly didn't seem to appreciate her talent and the beauty of the song. The majority of them were chattering amongst themselves, or on their phones. 

I couldn't take my eyes off her. The way she embraced every word she sung and how she clearly didn't care for the lack of appreciation from the crowd because she loved being up there. 

I had never heard the song before, either. "Did she write that?" I asked Etta as she whispered something in Will's ear. "Yes, she did. It's one of her newer ones," she explained, smirking. 

Listening to the lyrics, they were deep. Loosely translated, the chorus was something along the line of, "Obviously, it's always quiet before the storm. Don't you forget - it's always too good to be true, but never too ugly to be unreal,". It was genius and it sounded brilliant. 

Unfortunately, there were no more French songs played, probably due to the lack of interest from the crowd. 

I couldn't tear my eyes away from her for the entirety of her set, which lasted quite a bit longer than I expected it to. For the final song, she asked people to head to the dancefloor and she made her way to the keyboard. I lost my company to the dancefloor, leaving me by myself at the bar. 

She looked in her element at the keyboard, singing a heart-warming but also heart-wrenching song with every ounce of emotion in her body. "When we're done, making love and you look up and give me those eyes," she turned to look at the audience, but her eyes landed on mine and I could swear she nearly stopped playing. 

I never really believed in love at first sight, but gazing into her eyes from a distance, for even a second made my heart jump and butterflies came to life in my stomach.

Not really listening to the rest of the song, I kept on replaying the moment again and again in my head. I thought I was just being silly, thinking about things too much, but I could have sworn I saw something in her eyes too. 

She finished the song, earning a loud round of whoops and cheers from the audience as she thanked them. She hopped off stage and wandered over to Etta on the dancefloor. Without giving her a second to think, Etta grabbed her by the arm and dragged her in my direction. 

Nerves bubbled in my stomach for some reason. I drove cars at over 170 miles per hour around tight bends, and I was nervous to talk to this girl I've never met. 

"Pierre, this is... Actually, I'll let her introduce herself to you," Etta smiled, nudging the green eyed girl in the ribs. Etta leaned into her ear and whispered, well tried to whisper, "Good luck, tell me how it goes tomorrow," she winked and fled into the crowd. 

The poor girl choked on the air and took the bar stool next to me. "So, I'm Léonide Adélaïde Poirier, but everyone calls me Leone and it is a pleasure to meet you," she said awkwardly, like she hadn't had to introduce herself to anyone before. "Well, Leone, I'm Pierre Gasly and it is a pleasure to meet you too," I followed, trying to make her feel as comfortable as possible. 

"J'ai adoré les chansons, tu es génial," I complimented her in her native language, hoping to make her feel more relaxed with me. "Merci, Pierre, j'apprécie."

"Do you want a drink?" I asked, watching as she picked up her purse and fished around in there. 

"Yes, please, let me just get my purse,"

"Oh no, I'll get you one," 

"Oh, thank you. Can I get you one, then?" she asked, a light blush creeping up her cheeks. 

"I'm not drinking tonight, I've got the GP tomorrow." I said, waving the bartender over. 

"What can I get for you?" he asked with a smile.

"I'll have a gin and tonic, please," she replied, earning a nod from the bartender.

"I completely forgot that you're a racing driver! That is a very cool job," she gushed as the bartender placed the drink in front of her on a coaster. "It is, I'm very lucky to be able to do it," I said, not wanting to talk about myself. I wanted to know more about her. 

"So, how did you end up here?" I asked.

"I moved here from France when I was 18, because I thought I could get more into music over here, but it turns out I was wrong. I never wanted to do pub gigs, but it's not too bad," she looked bored talking about it, something about her twitching for a new adventure. 

"You want to be famous?"

"No, not really. I just want my music to be appreciated," she said, a solemn look in her eyes. How no one had appreciated her brilliant talent and songs was beyond me. It was unbelievable. "I appreciate it," I said, and cringed at myself after the words had left my mouth. 

"Thank you Pierre, I appreciate it," she giggled slightly, causing a smile to instantly spread across my face. She has such an infectious giggle. 

For the rest of the night, we talked and laughed a lot. After a while, I checked my phone to see what the time was, and it was late. Well, eleven pm isn't late, but it was considering that I had a GP tomorrow. "I'm going to have to go now, sorry. I have to get up pretty early tomorrow," I said, not wanting to go to the hotel but it was the responsible and professional thing to do. 

"No, no. Don't worry about it," she said, looking slightly disappointed but I was as well. "Do you want me to walk you home?" I asked, hoping she would say yes. 

"I don't want you to have to go out of your way, it's a pretty long way," she said, looking around to try and find Etta. She knew where they were, though. I pretended like I didn't see them sneaking into the storage cupboard. "No, its fine, I insist,"

"Alright, I'll just go and say goodbye to Will and Etta," she chirped, standing and hooking her purse over her shoulder. "I think they're a bit... Occupied?" I muttered, glancing towards the storage cupboard. "Oh, right." She said, realizing exactly what I was trying to convey.

We left the pub, her directing me where we needed to go. We were talking about where abouts in France we were from, when I saw her shiver as the breeze blew past. "Are you cold?" I asked, her looking at me as the moonlight shone on her face. "No, I'm alright," she tried to reassure me, shaking her head. 

Without saying anything, I draped my jacket over her shoulders, earning a smile from her. "Thank you," she said, turning down another different street. Leone took me into a tall apartment building, and I wondered why I was letting a stranger take me into a random building, but it was her.

After we stepped up a few flights of stairs, she stopped outside of a green door, shrugging my coat from off her shoulders. "Well, this is me," she sighed, not making any attempt to enter her apartment. "You're welcome to go to the GP with Will and Etta tomorrow, I can find you a seat with them if you don't have a ticket," I asked, hoping she would come.

"I'll see. I have some stuff to do, but I'll probably tag along with them since they got me a ticket anyway," she said, looking down at her feet. "Alright, I might see you tomorrow then," I joked, listening as she laughed lightly. "Goodnight, Pierre," she said, placing her hands on my shoulders before giving me a swift kiss on the cheek. 

I started blushing profusely and she did as well, as she opened her apartment door and disappeared inside, leaving me stood in front of her green door.

--

I kissed him on the cheek then ran out of pure embarrassment. People don't kiss people on the cheek anymore. I tried to brush off my nerves and relax before heading to bed. 

I already knew I was going to the GP tomorrow, so I don't know why I said I might go. I put it down to playing hard to get, but I doubt he was interested in me. At least we could be friends? I hoped we could.

A/N - I've had this written for a while, so I thought I might as well post it. It is 22 chapters long in total, so let me know if you'd like to read the rest of it! Do you guys prefer OCs or Y/Ns? If you prefer Y/Ns, I could always change it :)

|masterlist|

[gh0stchoir]

(Hope Tao isn't OoC)

„Here you go, little hunter“ Hobie's voice was quiet as he handed Tao a cup of tea. Tao accepted with a quiet hum of gratitude, shifting a bit more to side to make room for his friend. Hobie sat, taking a sip of his own tea. „So, what did you want to talk about?“ At this, Tao tilted his head to side, frowning a bit, „What do you mean?“ „Tao“, Hobie hummed, „You don't call me over for nothing. You don't even call Gwendy over for just hanging out. Something's up. You don't have to tell me now, but I'd like to know at one point. Can't help you if I don't know what's wrong.“ Tao hummed, turning the cup in his hands, keeping his hands busy. „It's not like there's much here where we could hang out...“, Tao said quietly. His house was run-down and small, in the outskirts of a large, american city. But not the suburbs where children ran through the streets and played, or rode their bikes. There was little green around, and the people were most often not seen until after nightfall. It had never been a safe place, but it had been all he had. Tao missed Japan. Missed his father, who took care of him so lovingly. His old friends, his old school, the cherry blossoms every spring. But those things were long gone. He remembered the day a police officer came to the school, and told him about his father having been shot. It was the beginning of the end. His mother had made it clear, she did not want to raise Tao. She signed away her rights and left when he was three, he could barely remember her. No memories, no traces. The only thing she left was the hollow feeling of being abandoned. Her family refused to take him in, it almost ended with Tao in an oprhanage. But then, Uncle Ben showed up. Uncle Ben, papa's brother who still lived in America. A new school, a new home, an entirely new continent. It sounded scary, but also exciting. Like a big, fun adventure. It was anything but fun.

Uncle Ben didn't like Tao. He never hid that, either. Uncle Ben was what people called a Redneck, and he hated his brother had taken off with a... Tao didn't like thinking about the word Uncle Ben used to describe his mother. Uncle Ben paid for school, but only so the police wouldn't show up. The fridge was rarely full, and if, then it was food Tao wasn't allowed to touch, because it was for Uncle Ben and his friends, when they watched football. Not that that mattered much. It was always meat, and Tao didn't like meat much. The school didn't like that much, but at least they never shouted at him for not eating it. The other children teased him for it, or for his looks. He stood out, in the school that was almost all white kids. He didn't really made friends. So, living with Uncle Ben was a drastic change from the loving home he had in Japan.

And then one day, Uncle Ben just left. He had been sleeping when Tao went to school, but wasn't home when Tao returned. That wasn't unusual, sometimes Uncle Ben worked longer, or went away with his friends. But Uncle Ben didn't come home that night, or the next day. And days became weeks, then months. Electricity and water were never shut off, and no one came to check on them. So, Uncle Ben was propably still alive. He just didn't want to live in this tiny house in a horrible area anymore, with the foreigner he never liked. It should have been sad, how little Uncle Ben's absence changed in the house. But the only thing that really changed was the fact that now, the fridge didn't fill up on its own anymore. It had been hard, trying to get by, without anyone noticing Uncle Ben was gone. But, it had become easier with time. Yet... „It's been sixteen months now“, Tao said, breaking the silence. Hobie raised a brow, patiently waiting for Tao to continue talking. „My sister, I mean. When... when Kingpin's machine ripped us into that other dimension. We should have been brought back here. Miles said everything would be okay, but it wasn't. We saved the multiverse, and were sent home... and then I was alone.“ Tao ducked his head between his shoulders, gripping the cup tighter. „I've never been alone before, Hobie. We were always together.“ And that was the thruth. If they were walking somewhere, Filo would hold Tao's hand and swing their arms. If the school gave him food he didn't like, she'd give him of her vegetables, and take the meat from his plate. It was not the same anymore, waking up and looking up from his bottom bunk, up to the top where Filo would normally be sleeping. It was the only piece of furniture the twins had bought themselves, when they had saved up enough money, and the old one didn't fit their teenaged bodies anymore. „When we got bitten, we were so terrified. We had no money to pay for antidotes, or even antibiotics. You know, in case the spider wasn't venomous, we'd still be at risk for bacteria getting in and getting blood poisoning or stuff. You should have seen the faces we had when we learnt what truly happened.“ Being able to crawl on walls and the ceiling had been something. It reminded them of an Anime scene they saw once, when they were really young. Then, the idea of being superheroes like the Avengers came up. It was a terrifying, yet also exciting possibility. They had designed their suits for ages, trying to come up with good personas. In the end, Tao had taken on Uncle Ben's old crossbows, using them to shoot his webs further, under the persona of Huntsman. Filo had become Jumping, only able to live up to that title once they had gotten their hands on some machines from Doc Oc, allowing her to craft boots that would shoot her higher whenever she jumped. Tao still had trouble believing it had only been three years.

„It was so surreal. One day we're teenagers trying to get by, trying not to be found out so we won't end up in the system... the next, we fight mutants and crazy scientists and other criminals. We go to school and try to keep good grades and then have to hope our friends are safe when Vulture or Doc Oc or whoever comes up is attacking. And then we're suddenly in another dimension, with people who have the same powers as us, and the same names as our classmates... but it's not them. There's a whole multiverse that we have to help save. We do it, and everything's fine, but then it's not anymore. I'm home, but Filo isn't with me. I don't see her face first thing in the morning anymore, looking down from the top bunk to wake me up. She's not next to me in classes anymore. We aren't fighting crime as a team anymore. Everything is out of sync, and everyone is sure she's gone forever. They're sure she got killed and I'm in denial, but I'm not. I know she's still alive, and trying to come home.“ Hobie hummed, listening to his friend's ranting and venting. He knew how to be a comfort, what others needed once they were leaning on him. But, the name had made him perk up. „What did you say your sister's name is?“ Tao looked at Hobie, confused. „Filo. Why do you ask?“ Hobie didn't answer, just grabbed his phone, punching in a number, ignoring Tao's increasingly confused „Hobie?!“ „Gwendy, is the little cloudjumper with you?“ Tao furrowed his brows, unable to hear Gwen's answer. What he did hear though, was Hobie's reaction. „Yeah, get her on the phone“, Hobie looked at Tao, „I've got her twin with me“ He pulled the phone away from his ear, holding out to a stunned Tao. Time had stopped, because surely Hobie couldn't mean what he thought. Yet a moment later, a scream rang through the phone speaker. A voice Tao hadn't heard in a year and a half, calling out his name. Tao took the phone with shaking hands, holding it to his ear. He swallowed around the lump in his throat, „Filo?“. A sob rang through the speaker, followed by a mix of japenese and english. The last time she had mixed their languages like this, they had been children. Or when Filo was especially agitated. Not that he was any less agitated. He had been right, she was alive! They all had called it denial, but he had known. He had known! His twin wasn't gone, she had only been ripped to another dimension and didn't knew how to get back. But now, Hobie was here, and Hobie had a watch. And by the smile the punk gave Tao, he intended to reunite them.

gods, this is both written so well and made me tear up a little thinking about how they both must have felt away from each other for that long

[greenbeansartgallery]

Miracle of Chu Chapter 1: The Rise of the Indigo and Purple

Sig finds the Peacock Miraculous and makes a bug friend, things go downhill from there and a Moth heroine is born. AU: @greenysoliatre and @camirazone

Sig let out a yawn. This has been a tiring day and all he did was look to see if there's any new bugs he can find, being the season of summer with the cold being away bugs will come out and play but so far he had very little success.

Before he could call it a day and take a break, a shine of blue stopped him in these tracks.

Coming from his bug catcher net..

Wait, when did that get on his net?

To his disappointment, it was not a bug but a blue broach shaped like five segments of peacock feathers and a black teardrop at the bottom centre.

But at least it looked cool, it was blue and Sig liked the colour blue as it was the colour of the sky and the ocean. With no second of hesitation, he puts it on after taking it out and is met with a bright blue light causing him to shut his eyes to prevent them from being blinded.

As it subsided, a high pitched voice chimed "Hello~!"

Eyes now opened, floating before Sig was a deep blue creature resembling a peacock looking at him with a curious smile.

"Are you the one who found me?"

"Uhh.. I guess I did." The only response he can think of at this point.

Meanwhile in Primp Magic School, class was starting and everyone was present apart from one.

"Umm.. where's Sig?" Lidelle piped up as she took notice there was no sign of him anywhere. It really didn't take a detective to know where he went as everyone knew the answer.

"He's probably still doing his bug hunting. Surely he'll be back..?" Amitie responded with her hopes up. Sig has gotten a bit better keeping track of time, what's wrong with being a little late?

"Maybe one of us should go get him?" Carmen asked. "It's possible he might have fell asleep."

"Don't bother wasting your time, if he's absent from class, that's on him." Klug scoffed as he paid no attention to the disapproving scowl from the others.

Raffina found herself pulling a face at the notion that she does agree with his point.

"Maybe after school one of us could check up on him in case~" The gentle giant known as Tarutaru suggested but before anyone can reply, their one and only teacher Professor Accord arrives

"Hello, children, I hope you enjoyed your break because we have a pop quiz coming up." She greeted as she does an attendance count, everyone was here apart from Sig. Oh dear, she hoped he was alright. Marking him off as absent, Accord made a mental note to speak to him first thing tomorrow if he does make it. "Now time for the pop quiz~"

Back to Sig who couldn't really understand the little bird thing who introduced himself as the Kwa.. me? Kwami of Emotion, Duusu as the name of the bird was trying to tell him as they were panicking kind of like Amitie really when she stresses out. "There's something gone amiss and I really need your help, Sig! Please this is urgent!"

"What's gone a miss though?" All Sig could respond as this sounded too vague for him to understand.

"That's what I'm trying to find out but I can't do this alone, please help!"

"Okay, but how?"

Duusu then proceeded to go on ramble: "Well as I said before I am the Kwami of Emotion. I bestow powers to whoever wears my pin and turn them into a peacock themed superhero! The said power is to manifest people's emotions into creatures known as Sentimonsters."

Senti.. monsters? Sig suddenly became intrigued. "So I could make any creature as long as it's based on people's feelings? Even mine?"

"Yes, yes! But now's not the time! We need to start!" The Kwami of Emotion says flapping their arms frantically. "In order to transform, you just need to say "Duusu, Spread my feathers!" and if you want to detransform you say "Fall my feathers." Can you do that for me?"

Sig still confused as ever decided to go with what he has been given. "Okay.. uhhh..."

May as well give it a shot. "Duusu, spread my feathers, I guess."

And just like that the magic of the Miraculous began to do it's work as Duusu disappeared into the peacock pin and Sig felt an odd power surge through him. It felt great but at the same time so strange. In a sudden flash, he took a look at a nearby pond to see that his hair changed into midnight as his usual outfit transformed into a dark indigo jumpsuit with a blue tailcoat adorned with light magenta buttons and a five pointed tail resembling that of a peacock and dark blue gloves. The hood over his head having a feather straps with a magenta center on each side with three blue feathers. His blue and green running shoes were now high boots, the skin also dull indigo and finally his mismatches eyes came in two different shades of magenta.

With all this blue he's wearing the only superhero name he can think of is Sapphirus like his spell Sapphire.

He wasn't sure how to feel about this new look nor on what to do next. A hand fan that somehow appeared in his hands started glowing, more specifically the feathers on the fan did, giving him a hint on what to do. So on instinct, he plucks a feather.

With a clenched hand, the feeling of confusion turns the feather into blue and flings itself onto the butterfly net.

A dark blob appears taking the shape of an oddly shaped beetle three times his height. Sig couldn't help but take a moment to cheer as he made a new bug friend but the celebration was cut short as the beetle charges at him. On instinct he dodges out of the way and watches his new found bug friend running around the Nahe Woods prompting Sapphirus to give chase, leaving behind the net in the process.

"Wait, bug friend! Come back!" He called out hand reached out as he ran after his first creation. By the time he caught up the large beetle was ready to change at him again.

How can he make it stop?

Maybe a Puyo battle could calm it down-

Wait.. what's that beeping sound?

And suddenly in a flash, Sapphirus' form was reverted back into Sig who only had a second to react and catch the exhausted Duusu in his hands.

Wait what just happened?

"Ah, Sig! Incoming!!" The Kwami screamed as beetle charged causing the bug enthusiast to dodge the attack barely as he ended up flopping on the ground, Duusu encased on his hands in front of his head safely. Having the sudden lack of energy to get up, all Sig could do was watch as the beetle went on its way.

"Oh right, your Miraculous has a timer of five minutes anytime you use your powers and it turns you back after it hits zero.. oops." Duusu says sheepishly, slightly as they turn around to see that their holder isn't getting up.

"Coulda told me this sooner..." Sig drawled as the feeling of sleep takes over and the last thing he heard was his new friend crying out in confusion as he began to pass out.

Somewhere the town square of the resident shop where you can buy almost anything at your convenience run by the one and only Oshare Bones, the dapper skeleton, the door bell chimes indicating a customer has arrived. "Hello, Mr. Oshare!"

Hello, Carmen~!" Oshare Bones greeted as Carmen walked in to take a look at what she was looking to buy. "Just came back from school?"

"Hmm mmm, we had a pop quiz." She looked around the shop to see anything she could buy.

A couple of flower seed packs were a must have on her mental list. Mama mentioned she needed some to grow more Tulips as they were getting sold fast. Also some Hibiscus flowers sound nice to grow, it's the season after all.

After a few minutes of deciding what she wants, she places her would be purchases on the counter and gets ready to pay.

Before the platinum blonde knew it, her eyes caught a glimmer belonging to a small deep purple broach with a silver lining resembling a butterfly of some sort in a plain black wooden box sitting by the counter.

It was memorising as if it was calling out to her. "Oh hoo! Found something else to purchase as well? Carmen?"

Carmen snapped out of her trance and looked at the shop keeper and points at the broach.

"Oh that's just a broach I found while I was on a stroll, I thought it looked cool at first but it looked so UGLY when I brought it in so may as well put it up for sale."

For only a couple of silver coins? Aren't jewellery usually a bit more expensive than that? Carmen wanted to say aloud but choose to say something else. "Could I buy it then?"

"Buy all means, you're doing me a favour getting rid of the drab. That would be two silver coins."

And just like that Carmen handed the coins in favour of the butterfly looking jewellery with a thank you and took off. Oshare was kind enough to call her back in for the other items make her purchase to her relief and embarrassment.

While making her way back home, she couldn't help but stare at the box with fascination, it wasn't everyday Carmen would make such an impulsive purchase as she did, as she was taught better than that by her mothers, the importance of planning on what to buy, difference between a want and a need though a bit of self indulgence didn't hurt but it was rather fortunate it costed her a couple of silver coins.

What isn't fortunate however is that the lack of attention towards her surroundings had the winged student bumping into something causing her to stumble back, nearly dropping the box in the process and bringing her back to reality.

"Sorry-!" She began to apologise looking up and sees a rather shiny looking surface.. odd. She could see her reflection on there, kind of.. Taking a second to pat the surface with her hand, it felt smooth now where did she see and felt this before..?

Steps back and eyes went wide with astonishment, a giant sized beetle?! In the town square?! And why does she feel like she's in danger all of a sudden?

The massive beetle began to move causing her to jolt and make a dash for it only for the creature come at her with a charge with an alarming speed causing her to let out a scream in terror as she tries to outrun it but alas she throws herself to the floor to dodge it. Getting up with her heart feeling like it was burst out of her ribcage, Carmen sits up to see the beetle running around the square, she wasted no time running back home before it sees her, opening the door and shutting with a loud slam slipping to the floor with her back pressed again the door and hand clutching the box to her chest, gasping to regain her breath.

Thankfully Mama was there to see her though it took a while for the girl to explain as she went nonverbal and needed to calm down, eventually telling her mother about this large beetle attacking the town square, Carmen was advised to stay home until it's sorted out. Fleeing to her room, she plops on her bed to bury her face into the soft pillows for a second before looking at the broach one last time, as she opens the box once more and suddenly the broach began to shimmer and a small orb of purple light appeared out of it causing her to reel back into her pillows flinch at the sudden brightness as she watches the ball of light manifest into a small lavender creature with butterfly wings that have a long tail with a tip at the end of each lower wing and large dark purple eyes with a swirl of the matching colour on his forehead.

Doing a small polite bow, the creature begins to speak. "Hello, my name is Nooroo, the Kwami of Transmission. I know this must be overwhelming for you since we just met but I need your help!"

Carmen stay sunk into the pillows gasp and covering her mouth with surprise and adoration. He looked adorable! Wait.. what? Looking around a flock of glowing white butterflies made their acquaintance in her room, did they come from Nooroo?

She sits up properly and flaps her hands as Nooroo continued to ramble. "Wait, wait please slow down! What is it you need my help with?"

"Ah, sorry! It's just that it's very urgent. A great threat is here in Primp and it needs to be stopped before it could get worse. The Miraculous you're holding grants you the power to transform into a superhero."

"The miraculous.. the broach?"

Nooroo nods patiently as he watches Carmen take the time to process what he's saying to her and make a decision.

She stares at him before looking at the broach. A threat in Primp..? It had to be the large beetle creature that's attacking the town square maybe she can use the miraculous to stop it. But.. Did she really deserve the right to be called a superhero? After all she did buy the miraculous instead of earning it. She looked down away from the broach upon thinking about it.

But Nooroo needs her help. She'll just have to put in the hard work to make up for that, looking back at the miraculous then clutching it with eyes back at the lilac kwami, eyes hardened with resolve. "I'll do it, what should I do?"

Nooroo beams with delight at this and answers all of the questions she had in great gusto. Putting on the miraculous and standing up away from her bed, Carmen learns that she can create butterflies that can allow her to choose a champion to bestow a superpower onto based on their emotional state to aid her in combat and in order to transform she just needs to say;

"Nooroo, Wings Rise!"

She felt such power coursing through her as the glowing butterflies danced around her with purple light and Nooroo disappearing into the Miraculous. Carmen took a moment to look at the new change of appearance. A dark purple and indigo dress with the skirt resembling that of a butterfly wings and the fluffy top and collar kind of like a moth. The legs being indigo and periwinkle with purple heeled boots and matching gloves that reach up to near her shoulders. Her ponytail was now split into two braids and a large purple fancy hat with two feathers can be felt on her head and course a mask on her face.

Her wings feels different as well.. turning her head to see, what was once sparrow wings now turned into that of a butterfly or a moth, it was hard to see really. Nooroo mentioned having a superhero name. She sits down to think of one, it had to be good. Something memorable, something that feels right..

Butterfly and moth.. Sig some time ago mentioned an order of butterflies and moths but the name escapes her.. Taking a moment to find the notebook dedicated to his bug ramblings which the platinum blonde took a moment to look for, she searched to see if she still had that information written down.

Aha! There it is! She smiles with satisfaction. Lepidoptera.

She will be called Lepidoptera henceforth.

[minhosimthings]

Hi, so just a disclaimer, I AM A MINOR (14) so it is completely up to you if you'll answer this. I want to clarify that I only interact with your and other sfw posts, I'm not rlly comfy with seeing nsfw post since it just makes me feel icky lmao, anyways. ENGLISH ISN'T MY FIRST LANGUAGE, sorry for any wrong spellings, typos or anything incorrect.

So another warning, idk where this actually classifies as, but to put it in simple, slightly creepy teacher.

So, I have this IT teacher. I know him since, the obvious, he teaches at my school and I was also in coding class in 7th grade, which he was the supervising teacher for that extracurricular.

In 7th grade, back when I was still in my coding class, he called the kids up one by one to sign the attendance paper to make sure the kids were all there and when it was my turn, he asked me questions about why I decided to join, it would've been normal, but the thing is, he only asked me. No other kid in the class which already made me slightly warry of him for that.

He also would would pay more attention to me and my friend in the class (one of the few only girls in the class) and would just check in on us a lot more than he would with the guys.

Another thing is that, when I first went into 7th grade, my sister (who used to go to my school) warned me not to get too close to this IT teacher, since even when she was in school he paid "special attention" to a few kids (specially female).

Another interaction was earlier in 8th grade (the grade I'm in now), I had his class and he came up to my desk, leaned into my ear with a hand on my shoulder, and whispered "you should join coding again this year, it's a good learning opportunity for you", and ofc as the logical person I am, I felt disgusted bcus why did he have to go so close??? (And I ended up joining English club after that lol).

The most recent one that happened was around a month ago. My parents hadn't picked me up yet, so I was waiting on the second floor of my school near the teachers lounge, playing a game. Now this IT teacher walked pass me, greeted me slightly while asking what I was doing then he went to the teachers lounge, he came back out and walked closer to me and then leaned in too close for comfort towards my face, just to look at my screen and asked what I was playing, then laughed and walked away.

The last two rlly freaked me out bcus he got rlly close. He hasnt done something extreme and just got to close a couple of times, the whole of the 9th and 8th graders basically label him as the "creepy teacher". Idk what I should honestly, everytime I go to school or have his class I always feel scared tbh, I also can't rlly do anything either. He hasn't done anything extreme and I don't have any prove of anything. Do you think I'm just over exaggerating this whole thing? I mean he might just a be a lonely or wants ppl to have him as his favorite teacher.

Sorry it's so long, and it's completely fine if you don't wanna answer.

-🌙 anon

Hi anonnie. Yeah that's fine if you only interact with my sfw posts! Thank you for clarifying your age 😚

That...is so messed up bruh. I don't think that's what a teacher is supposed to do, that's basically on the line to sexual assault and that's extremely pedophilic.

I don't think you're exaggerating this baby, you need to complain to the school board or someone because that is just messed up, there are a lot of ways he could get people to have him as their fav teacher and this is NOT one of the ways.

No baby it's alright, you can rant to me whenever you want 😊

[lieslab]

Hi, so just a disclaimer, I AM A MINOR (14) so it is completely up to you if you'll answer this. I want to clarify that I only interact with your and other sfw posts, I'm not rlly comfy with seeing nsfw post since it just makes me feel icky lmao, anyways. ENGLISH ISN'T MY FIRST LANGUAGE, sorry for any wrong spellings, typos or anything incorrect.

So uh another warning, idk where this actually classifies as but to put it in simple, slightly creepy teacher. I think I'll send this to a couple of blogs, but I'm gonna start off with here since I feel most safest here.

So, I have this IT teacher. I know him since, the obvious, he teaches at my school and I was also in coding class in 7th grade, which he was the supervising teacher for that extracurricular.

In 7th grade, back when I was still in my coding class, he called the kids up one by one to sign the attendance paper to make sure the kids were all there (it's just something that my school does) and when it came to me, he asked me questions about why I decided to join, it would've been normal, but the thing is, he only asked me. No other kid in the class which already made me slightly warry of him for that.

He also would would pay more attention to me and my friend in the class (one of the few only girls in the class) and would just check in on us a lot more than he would with the guys.

Another thing is that, when I first went into 7th grade, my sister (who used to go to my school) warned me not to get too close to this IT teacher, since even when she was in school he paid "special attention" to a few kids (specially female).

Another interaction with him that made me have fucking alarms blaring was earlier in 8th grade (the grade I'm in now), we had his class and he came up to my desk, leaned into my ear with a hand on my shoulder, and whispered "you should join coding again this year, it's a good learning opportunity for you", and ofc as the logical person I am, I felt disgusted bcus why did he have to go so close??? (And I ended up joining English club lol).

The most recent one that happened was this one time after school, my parents hadn't picked me up yet, so I was waiting on the second floor of my school near the teachers lounge, playing a game. Now this IT teacher walked pass me, greeted me slightly while asking what I was doing, I told him "playing a game" as he went to the teachers lounge, after that, he came out and walked closer to me and then leaned in too close for comfort towards my face, just to look at my screen and asked what I was playing, then laughed and walked away.

The last two rlly freaked me out bcus he got rlly close, he hasnt done something extreme and just got to close a couple of times, it's not just me that he'd be way to overly comfy to, the whole of 9th and 8th grade basically label him as the "creepy teacher". Idk what I should honestly, everytime I go to school or have his class I always feel scared tbh, and I also can't rlly do bcus it's not liks I can report him. He hasn't done anything extreme and I don't have any prove of anything.

Do you think I'm just over exaggerating this whole thing? I mean he might just a be a lonely or what's ppl to have him as his favorite teacher.

Sorry it's so long, and it's completely fine if you don't wanna answer

-🌙 anon

I'm glad you're only interacting with specific posts because some of the stuff on Tumblr is definitely not suited for minors. Please never apologize for your English because it's very, very, very good. Hearing that you feel the safest here means the world to me because I've always wanted to create a safe space.

This situation is complex because on one hand, he really isn't committing a crime or anything. However, yes, it definitely is creepy and it feels gross and disgusting. I don't understand why people have a lack of personal space, especially considering that you're a minor.

If your sister warned you, maybe you might feel comfortable bringing this to her attention? You deserve some real life validation for this because it's so gross and unnerving. As an adult, I don't think you should ever put your hands on a child unless they're doing something extreme like physically fighting another student and need to be restrained.

I don't really talk about it, but I have a younger sibling who I basically parent that's around your age. If they came to me and announced a teacher was acting like this around them, I'd be livid. Could it just be an overly-friendly guy? Yes, but this could also be the beginning stages of a potential grooming scenario.

If I were you, I'd stay as far away from him as possible. I don't think you can do that because you mentioned attending his class. Stick tight to your friends and, at least, try not to end up alone with him. I know you can't prevent that like during the time he found you waiting to get home, but if I were you, I'd keep your answers as simple as possible and seem disinterested. Groomers often attempt to try to gain trust from their victims.

It's unfortunate that the school hasn't investigated. If I was in charge and found out that there were rumors of a creepy teacher, I'd investigate that. Maybe you could bring it to the attention of staff members, anonymously? Perhaps an email or anonymous letters of people that have had weird experiences. If there's a teacher you trust and really like, maybe you could start there?

If there are multiple instances of other kids having issues with this man, if he's being creepy and touching them, saying weird things, etc, maybe the school would be forced to investigate if there were multiple complaints.

Whether you choose to try to bring it to their attention or not, it's a very scary and concerning situation. I'm sorry you have to go through that because no child deserves to feel unsafe at school. Please be careful, darling. If it escalates, please, please, please tell an adult that you trust in your life. I can only do so much over the internet because I'm not physically there. Please be safe <3

[lexpendragon]

book 3 review + expectations for book 4 (spoilers!!!)

aLRIGHT, i played a thousand times and now i'm ready to finally organize my thoughts about the book.

first of all... the general plot

It was... not that interesing as i thought it would be. it all happened too fast, it was like it didn't had time to digest what it was happening at all. there was also too much happening. Like, was it really necessary to put the blood drive part if it wasn't going to be too much of a threat? It all got solved too quickly, too easy... They even had a plan B that wouldn't allow things to go wrong. So WHY make that big deal out of it? Honestly the mayor/captain can't even force the detective to donate blood like wth.

I liked Sin as character tho, but the rest of the book was all... very rushy and with a lot of dispensable scenes. There's a lot of time skips too, i felt like when i was finally getting imersive in a scene it boop, quickly skipped to a few weeks/days later.

I'm really trying to not be too judgy since it's the third book but it all felt so superficial, at this time we should get more deep into the lore.

Honestly, if it wasn't for the romance with Mason and the fact that I paid for it, i wouldn't even got throught the half of it, sorry.

The writing was also pretty mechanic by the rest of the book. It felt desorganized and really forced at some times. BUT I really enjoyed the romantic scenes tho, i felt like there was more of a effort in it, except in the sex scenes... Idk, I wish it we could put more of our MC's personality in it? It felt mechanic too.

I also really enjoyed Mason's romance, I loved his growth with MC and in general... He was even engaging at the little party at the end of the book! I really got surprised at that. Buuut i'm not gonna lie it felt a little too fast too, but i'm not gonna complain so much about this because I FOUND EVERYTHING SO CUTE AND AAAAHSOIASJDK i love him.

MY EXPECTATIONS FOR BOOK 4

More developtment in the rogues vs the agency question. I don't trust the agency and my MC also doesn't... It doesn't feel right to me that they're portrayed as the good guys and no one questions them. Like... It's all so vague and unreal, come on, that place screams corruption and I think it's not good to treat all the rogues as the bad guys. Like, we don't know what they reasons are? The Agency clearly wants control, we can't blame some supernaturals to not trust them when they literally have to sign a treaty that gives the Agency power over them.

Hopefully, this will be discussed in the game, It should be discussed.

I also want more content about MC's family and her relationship with Rebecca and idk maybe not so much judgement when we don't want to get closer to her. I like her as character but lmao as a mother?? she literally said to MC "enjoy it yourself" about MC's birthday and cmon they were only A KID, there were better ways to talk!! I like Rook more and we don't even have anything of him like cmon.

Also, I really wish our MC's feelings on things could be more aborded. Like all the stuff about how they feel about Rook was never mentioned again... And also their view on Agency and the trauma with Murphy, that was only mentioned idk two times in book 3.

But well, that was all. There was more things I could say but damn this post would be way too long.

[chaletnz]

Rafting in La Fortuna

I decided the other cafe nearby wasn't worth the super early morning so I slept in and took my time to pack up my things. It took about an hour for us to drive out to the Sarapiqui river where we would start our rafting adventure. On the drive out we were feeling half asleep until the driver hit a massive eagle that rolled over the bus and on to the side of the road, then we were all sitting up in horror. They just kept driving knowing it wouldn't have survived that collision. Once we arrived at the changing area to sign a waiver, they offered us free water shoes. Super annoying because Dennis our guide has told us all to go out and buy them from the supermarket which we had done! Everyone had signed the waiver and was waiting on the bus ready to go except for Charlie who left his shoes, hadn't signed the waiver, and then kept us all waiting while he went to the toilet. We were given a safety briefing on the ride from the changing area to the river and then we unloaded the rafts. They were an assortment of sizes so Tyrza, Georgi, and I teamed up together with our guide Gabriel in one of the 4 man rafts. He wasn't quite our guardian angel, but instead made sure all of us fell out at least one time during the ride! This was a level 3-4 rapid river so a bit more intense than the one in Niseko! Gabriel had us sitting on the front of the raft with our legs in the water going straight through the rapids, and he would instruct us to paddle or move to the wrong side that would cause us to capsize. It was fun for me though, Georgi was hungover as usual so she wasn't enjoying it quite as much. It didn't rain as forecast, plus the cold water was actually nice and refreshing on such a hot day. There was one point when we went over a rapid directly into a rock and i hit my bad knee really hard. It sent a jolt of pain through me but then I switched sides on the boat and felt better. We took a break about halfway down the river for some freshly cut pineapple and watermelon, then after the rafting we were taken back to the changing area for a shower, and big lunch. It included rice, beans, chicken, spaghetti, and coleslaw. There was no way I or anyone else could finish it all. There had been a slideshow of photos playing during lunch for us to watch, and then came the sales pitch. They were asking $50 per boat for the photos as I don't think the photographers realised we were all one big group. Now it made sense to their strategy that we had been split into smaller boats. We could've fit into less larger ones, but then they wouldn't be able to squeeze as much out of us on photos. I wanted the photos but Tyrza didn't want to pay and Georgi didn't like her hungover face in them. So why would I want to pay $50 on my own. The other groups were also annoyed about the price of the photos. Charlie had gone in the 3 man raft with Dennis and the guide, and of course Dennis didn't need the photos but Charlie wanted them. We'd already established that Dennis was not a very good tour guide so when we asked him to negotiate the price in Spanish for us he just shrugged and said we should pay it. I took over the leader role to try to hustle the hustlers and said we would pay $5 each minus Georgi and Tyrza who didn't want them. That left about 11 of us who wanted the photos so I offered him $55. He then tried to make us pay $70 but realised we were backpackers who were not going to pay these extortionate amounts for photos that frankly weren't that great anyway, and that $55 would be better than nothing. He reluctantly agreed and took our $5 each and we were later emailed all of the photos. I paid in full and then spent the remainder of our last day trying to get them all to pay me back which was so annoying.

We had a misty drive through the mountains to our final destination - the Costa Rican capital, San Jose. It was lashing rain when we pulled up to our hotel Le Bergerac and Georgie took a spectacular slip. Once we'd unpacked in our rooms and had some time to plan for tomorrow's departure, and shower, we all went out for our last group dinner at Olio, an expensive tapas restaurant. I chose a chicken quesadilla as everything else on the menu was super expensive - another place Dennis would eat free when bringing in all the gringos. After dinner we all gave Dennis a tip (I gave him $20 which was the same I'd given Walter for half the amount of time) and then headed to the Fallen Stag pub for a final drink together.

[duskyvision]

m. l. rio - if we were villains

Hi, it's been a while! I've been itching to write a book review because it's been over a year now, and sometimes I just have to scream about books in other places than on Discord (I still scream about books on Discord, but shh).

So why not just write a book review about a book that I did not enjoy? Haha, what a funny thing nobody has ever done before! I sure wonder what this funny guy is going to say about this book he didn't enjoy.

Anyway, this is going to be pretty long, and I'm gonna bitch about a bunch of stuff in here. Will contain spoilers.

Content warnings:

substance abuse (alcohol, drugs)

cheating

suicide

This book was my first venture into the dark academia genre/aesthetic, something I'd seen a bunch of stolen Tiktoks about on my Pinterest feed, but never paid too much attention to, mostly because I don't really care about stories centered on students. Maybe that should have been my first warning sign.

Initially, I wanted to read The Secret History by Donna Tartt because that's apparently what's seen as the dark academia staple, but I decided to stick to this because it was the only book I'd found an audiobook of on Scribd, and audiobooks are more digestible. Read a bit of the blurb and thought, "okay, sounds like it could be interesting".

Man was I wrong.

Reading the blurb, I already knew I'd have to handle pretty pretentious characters, because there's nothing more pretentious than a group of more or less wealthy white theater kids obsessed with Shakespeare (except for rich white business majors and law majors, put one of each category in a locked room and they'd maul each other within 0.5 seconds like wild beasts trying to one-up the other), but holy shit, it was worse than I'd anticipated.

The writing makes everyone and especially Oliver (the narrator) sound insufferable to the point where I wished they could simply shut up. Unfortunately, this book has slug-like pacing and bitches who love to talk on top of chapters that are padded with lines copied verbatim from Shakespeare plays because admittedly you need a very high IQ to understand the nuances and intricacies of Shakespeare plays and how it influences the characters.

And while we're still on writing: while in theory, the script-like snippets are a fun nod to how plays are formatted, it simply doesn't work in audiobook format. Really grating to hear things like "James: Cock" "Me: So true bestie" when my patience was already wearing thin the more I listened to it.

Yet, the writing wasn't the most infuriating aspect of this book to me. I think what infuriates me the most about If We Were Villains is that, ultimately, the entire book tries so hard to be deep and emotional regarding its plot and its characters when said plot is predictably boring and the characters have the depth of a single sheet of paper.

So let's talk about the plot! By the halfway point in the first part of the book, it was made obvious who would die between the main characters, but comically so. The moment Richard started acting up, I felt like the author slapped a huge sign on his head like "Watch out! He's either the bad guy or... THE VICTIM! OMG!" because there was no way Mrs Rio could come back from turning Richard into a goofy Sunday morning kids cartoon villain. And as soon as Richard died, I also predicted the twist itself, because it was so goddamn obvious it felt like it was screamed into my ears.

Now, I usually don't mind if a plotline is predictable. Actually, I enjoy it! It makes me feel smart to predict things and figure out what's happening, and it usually keeps me engaged rather than plot twists that are pulled out of the author's ass! The problem with this book, though, is that I wasn't engaged in the characters to begin with, so following them going through their problems after Richard's death just made me feel a total sense of apathy followed by "so... when are we getting to more plot?"

It focuses too much on trying to give emotional depth to characters whom, in my opinion, severely lack it to begin with. The main characters aren't interesting to me, they're just puppets with names on them at this point. They can really just be summed up into archetypes that are barely explored in a way that feels compelling:

Oliver: The average joe. Oh, look at him, he's so average and surrounded by people who are so much more interesting than him (this is a lie)!

James: The guy. I'm struggling to find anything interesting about him, besides the fact that he's Oliver's best friend and roommate. You can tell he's important because he's Oliver's roommate. I think a loaf of white bread would be more memorable as a character than him.

Richard: Probably the most interesting character in the cast, ironically, solely because he's a fish out of the water. By that, I mean that he's just a jock in the middle of theater kids. Besides that, he's laughable at best: the author tries so hard to make him devoid of anything sympathetic in the moments leading up to his death that it nullifies any emotional investment you could have in any of the characters.

Meredith: The hot girl but like not in an objectified way, in a gaslight gatekeep girlboss way (this is a lie). Richard's girlfriend. Can't catch a break because everyone and their mom objectifies and slut shames her. She usually breasts boobily, not in written script but in spirit due to how her role in the story is pretty much "piece of meat".

Alexander: The weed-smoking gay literature major stereotype, except in a special way because he objectifies Meredith too, for some reason. Diversity win! Gay man is also gross towards women!

Filippa, Wren and Colin: Filippa and Wren exist for the sole purpose of not turning this cast into a complete sausage fest (& Knuckles Meredith). Filippa is the good friend who covers everyone, and Wren is the fragile frail uwu girl. Colin exists solely to be Alexander's boyfriend.

What a totally charming cast of characters who are oh so full of depth, and completely developed throughout this book. There's also a detective guy, but I completely forgot his name because the book spent too much time on this group of pretentious theater kids whining about their interpersonal relationships.

Man, just talking about how much this book bored me is becoming a pain in the ass, so I'll just summarize what I thought about the book here:

Pretentious, flowery writing with sluggish and often jarring pacing

Characters who are equally pretentious and whose high airs desperately try to hide the innate nothing burger-ness of their existence

Extremely predictable plot that's handed to the reader on a platter by the first part, making the reading experience that much more boring when you have 0 affinity nor sympathy for any of the cast members

Final rating: 1/5 (2.29/10 on CAWPILE). I should have dropped this book when I predicted the entire plot instead of being stubborn.

[freeworldallahmbaclass]

In honor of my friend and my new found family 50 Cent and his crew that he choose that is cool with me here's to a new day and I toast to all these laws may they all get passed and we all live in prosperity my city to your country

Proposing the job safety and job secure act for all employers

Full labor union membership at job signing which means job security at the signing of the job for guaranteed long term full time employment , too many single mothers are afraid of losing their job which is her only stable income and she loses her job she is left to fend for herself without any financial support . I say that companies should want this to law pass into legislation because they get to keep them employees for a long time thus eliminating a high turnover rate and let's think about the young man trying to stay out of trouble he is young ambitious just does not have the opportunity of long term employment he needs to know that he has a job that he can safely call his own as long as he knows how to do that job with efficiency and is effective in carry out his responsibility and duties , he should not fear losing employment as soon as he get the job he needs a job so that he can start his life and have a family and be able to support his family and love his wife and children and be able to provide a good healthy future for them .With all that is going on in America right now i feel as though the most important issues are being overlooked this month I want to bring up the issue of economic inequality and the income gap between the peoples of America .

Honestly welfare reform is working but it makes you wonder can more be done like for instance you have to congratulate the programs and training programs that put people that is on welfare back to work or in some cases that train them how to work but the problem at most times these jobs are only seasonal temporary jobs , so that means after the assignment the person is back to square one no what is needed is permanent employment to help curb the curse of poverty , recidivism to prison , idleness , alcohol and substance abuse , gaps in employment on resumes , now don't get me wrong these are good programs that help clean up cities like Baltimore , Washington , Chicago , and New York the workers are given not just a job but a sense of purpose and get to commit to doing environmental and community repairs and maintenance to their neighborhoods like for instance cleaning up city shelters and the parks in our inner cities giving workers a chance to not only indulge in building their communities instead of destroying them at the same time it is providing safe and enjoyable places to eat , play and live , these jobs provide the workers with a stable income so that a person starting at ground zero can provide themselves and their families with higher standards of living , better access to housing , education , healthcare , and better chances of gaining employment in the field that they are trained for , the problem is then that most of the time they are no jobs for these workers when they are finished with their assignments what is needed is permanent job training programs or training programs with automatic job placements in permanent jobs .

And these are some of the programs that the American government can invest in the government can take job depleted areas and create businesses that put it's citizens back to work permanently , we need environments with access to more resources like jobs with good incomes that can provide good standards of living economic situations that enriches the social and cultural net worth of the people thus creating richer and better healthy habits , attitudes , values , self images and behaviors , goals , dreams , and reality for the people .

These programs can be the paid training before the full and fair employment , thanks to past Presidents we have the job corp program this should be an expansion on that , including people's ages 24 to age 65 it would be good to walk into a Brooklyn or Bronx workforce and see these programs , also free grants for educational programs that not only train a person to work but give them a place where they could learn to work and think for themselves as liberals .

Financial counseling and full financial advisor services promised at the time of job signing .

Counseling services on 401 K plans retirement and investment retirement accounts income stocks , mutual funds and portfolio diversification .

Full medical coverage insurance and other type of insurances offered through employment .

Insurance coverage : Health insurance Automobile insurance to help with payments on car insurance Education insurance to help with payments on active schools Life insurance to help with payments on regular life insurance Home insurance to help with mortgage rent assistance and insurance on a home owners home

Automatic union protection and membership guarding employees benefits at the signing and hiring for employment .

Unions offer protection of employment litigation against work related discrimination but only after a number of months and union payments to employers and labor union that fail to adequately protect the interest of newly hired employees and candidates for that employment .

I'm proposing Unions do their job and be a people that fight for employees rights in wage increase every 2 years at 2 to 3 dollar increase and training full training monthly training helping employees become better trained and working professionals .