#high quality mobile stands

[movanchi]

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Smart Watch Straps: Enhance Your Style and Comfort!

Introduction

Smartwatches have revolutionized the way we stay connected and organized in today's fast-paced world. Beyond their practical functionalities, smartwatches have also become fashion statements. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to personalize and enhance the aesthetics of your smartwatch is by investing in the right strap. In this ultimate guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about buying smartwatch straps to elevate your style and comfort.

Smart Watch Strap Materials: Exploring Your Options

Leather Straps

When it comes to sophistication and timeless elegance, leather straps are unrivaled. Crafted from high-quality leather, these straps exude luxury and refinement, making them perfect for formal occasions or professional settings. They offer durability, comfort, and a classic aesthetic that never goes out of style.

Silicone Straps

For a more casual and sporty look, silicone straps are an excellent choice. These straps are lightweight, flexible, and resistant to water and sweat, making them ideal for active individuals or everyday wear. Available in a wide range of colors and designs, silicone straps allow you to express your personality and match your style to any outfit or activity.

Metal Straps: Combining Style and Durability

Stainless Steel Straps

If you're seeking durability and versatility, stainless steel straps are the way to go. These straps are robust, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand daily wear and tear with ease. With their polished finish and sleek appearance, stainless steel straps effortlessly elevate the look of any smartwatch, whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or heading to the office.

Milanese Loop Straps

Milanese loop straps offer a unique blend of style and comfort. Constructed from finely woven stainless steel mesh, these straps provide a luxurious feel and a snug fit around your wrist. The adjustable magnetic closure ensures a secure and customizable fit, while the refined design adds a touch of sophistication to your smartwatch.

Nylon Straps: Perfect for Casual Wear

NATO Straps

Originally developed for military use, NATO straps have become increasingly popular in the fashion world for their durability and versatility. Made from high-quality nylon, these straps are lightweight, breathable, and available in a wide array of colors and patterns. Whether you're going for a laid-back vibe or adding a pop of color to your outfit, NATO straps offer endless possibilities for customization.

Perlon Straps

Perlon straps are another excellent option for casual wear. Crafted from braided synthetic nylon, these straps are lightweight, flexible, and quick-drying, making them perfect for outdoor activities or everyday use. With their breathable design and comfortable feel, Perlon straps are ideal for those who lead active lifestyles or prefer a more relaxed look.

Choosing the Right Smart Watch Strap: Factors to Consider

Compatibility

Before purchasing a smartwatch strap, it's essential to ensure compatibility with your device. While many straps are designed to fit a wide range of smartwatch models, some may be specifically tailored to certain brands or models. Be sure to check the compatibility specifications to avoid any compatibility issues.

Style and Aesthetics

Your smartwatch strap is a reflection of your personal style and taste. Consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve, whether it's classic and sophisticated, sporty and casual, or bold and vibrant. Choose a strap that complements your wardrobe and aligns with your individual style preferences.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is key when it comes to selecting a smartwatch strap, as you'll be wearing it for extended periods. Look for straps that are made from soft, flexible materials and feature adjustable closures for a secure and comfortable fit. Pay attention to factors such as weight, width, and breathability to ensure optimal comfort throughout the day.

Durability and Quality

Investing in a high-quality smartwatch strap is essential to ensure longevity and durability. Opt for straps made from durable materials such as leather, stainless steel, or high-quality nylon that can withstand daily wear and tear without losing their shape or integrity. Check for features such as reinforced stitching, water resistance, and scratch resistance for added durability.

FAQs

How do I determine the right size smartwatch strap for my wrist? To determine the correct size for your smartwatch strap, measure the circumference of your wrist using a flexible tape measure or a piece of string. Be sure to measure snugly but not too tightly, as you'll want a comfortable fit. Once you have your wrist measurement, consult the sizing guide provided by the strap manufacturer to select the appropriate size for your wrist.

Can I replace the strap on my smartwatch myself, or do I need to take it to a jeweler? In most cases, replacing the strap on your smartwatch is a straightforward process that you can do yourself at home. Many smartwatches feature quick-release mechanisms that allow you to easily swap out the strap without the need for special tools. However, if you're unsure or uncomfortable replacing the strap yourself, you can always take it to a jeweler or watch specialist for assistance.

Are smartwatch straps water-resistant? The water resistance of smartwatch straps varies depending on the materials used and the construction of the strap. Leather straps, for example, are not typically water-resistant and may be damaged by exposure to moisture. Silicone, nylon, and stainless steel straps, on the other hand, are generally more resistant to water and can withstand occasional exposure to moisture without issues. However, it's essential to check the specifications of your specific strap to determine its level of water resistance.

How do I clean and maintain my smartwatch strap? The cleaning and maintenance requirements for your smartwatch strap will depend on the materials it's made from. For leather straps, gently wipe away any dirt or grime with a soft, damp cloth and allow them to air dry completely. Avoid exposing leather straps to excessive moisture or harsh chemicals, as this can cause damage or discoloration. Silicone and nylon straps can be cleaned with mild soap and water and left to air dry. Stainless steel straps can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and polished with a soft, dry cloth to maintain their luster.

Can I customize my smartwatch strap with different colors or patterns? Yes, many smartwatch straps are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs, allowing you to customize your device to suit your personal style and preferences. Whether you prefer classic neutrals, vibrant hues, or bold prints, there's a wide range of options available to help you express yourself and make a statement with your smartwatch.

How often should I replace my smartwatch strap? The lifespan of a smartwatch strap will vary depending on factors such as the materials used, the frequency of wear, and the level of care and maintenance. Leather straps may need to be replaced more frequently if they show signs of wear or discoloration, while silicone, nylon, and stainless steel straps tend to be more durable and long-lasting. As a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to inspect your smartwatch strap regularly for any signs of damage or wear and

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right smartwatch strap is essential for enhancing both style and comfort. With a wide variety of materials, styles, and designs to choose from, there's a perfect strap out there to complement your personal taste and lifestyle. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of leather, the sporty versatility of silicone, or the durability of stainless steel, investing in a high-quality smartwatch strap can elevate your smartwatch experience to new heights. By considering factors such as compatibility, style, comfort, and durability, you can find the perfect strap to suit your needs and express your unique personality.

[tk-duveraun]

LBH is SO NORMAL About Shen Yuan

Part 1/?

1 (here), 2

Based explicitly on @sunderwight 's idea here

System dialogue modified from the 7seas translation of svsss

-

Everything hurt. Considering the last thing Luo Binghe remembered was metal and glass flying everywhere thanks to a truck t-boning his car, pain everywhere was only to be expected. Less expected was the mobile phone ringing so loud it felt like it was inside his own head. No one should have their mobile in his hospital room. Not since he was taken in by his biological father, who was the very definition of more money than sense.

He opened his eyes a crack to see if he could glare at the phone's owner until they silenced it. The ringing stopped, but his eyes were assaulted by an electric-blue floating window out of some badly CGI-d scifi movie.

He had to blink a few times before his vision was clear enough to read the words.

[Activation Code: "Who wrote this? Knock-off Chat GPT fed only a twelve year old's wet dreams?" System automatically triggered.]

The fu— Luo Binghe's eyes snapped fully open to stare at the screen. Yes, he had been reading the latest update to "Intricate Rituals with my Shixiongdi" while his driver took him to his father's house, but—

[Welcome to the System. This System operates in lie with the design concept "YOU CAN YOU UP, NO CAN NO BB"; we hope to provide you with the best possible experiene. It is our sincere wish that during your time, you can fulfill your desires and, in accordance with your wish, transform a stupid work into a magnifcent, high-quality, first-rate classic. We hope you enjoy.]

My wish? Luo Binghe went cold, then hot, adrenaline flushing through his body. I can finally wife Shen Yuan? He wanted to cry, to scream, but he was still saddled with enough pain that even the adrenaline didn't give him much energy to get up and run off his excitement.

"Ah, Shixiong is awake. Good," a voice came from his right.

Luo Binghe agonizingly turned his head away from the blue screen and saw an older teenager in neat hanfu and a starched apron standing next to him. The teen had a handbound book folded open and was holding a stick of charcoal.

"How is Shixiong feeling?"

"Hurts." Luo Binghe said. His voice was rough and his throat felt like he'd swallowed every shard of glass from his windshield. He tried wiggling his hands and feet and found the movement easy, if excruitiating.

"Mmm, to be expected given the severity of Shixiong's qi deviation." He reached out and took Luo Binghe's wrist. Having his arm moved hurt as much as moving it himself. It felt like being injected with saline to have his meridians checked or whatever the trainee healer was doing. "But Shixiong's system has stablized nicely. One of this shidi's seniors will be by to release you to Qing Jing Peak with the next…" The teen glanced at something outside of the room and finished, "half shichen."

"Thanking Shidi," Luo Binghe croaked. So it was confirmed: he had transmigrated into IRS. Had transmigrated into Shen Yuan's own peak. And as a disciple, if he was the same generation as this kid. Was he part of Shen Yuan's cohort? His heart thumped at the thought.

IRS was an excrutiating mess of will-they, won't-they between the protagonist, Shen Yuan, and his ever-increasing bevy of admirers. It was a mess with character growth and subplots dropped in favor of introducing another man in love with Shen Yuan's poise and genuine goodness. If Luo Binghe was part of Shen Yuan's cohort of disciples, he could cut through ninety percent of the garbage and save his beloved the indignities of countless 'wardrobe malfunctions' and plants with extremely dubious tentacles.

The teen — a Qian Ciao disciple — nodded politely. "Luo-Shixiong would be wise to consult with Shen-shibo before resuming normal cultivation."

A klaxon went off between Luo Binghe's ears even before the blue screen returned to his sight with a merry jingle.

[This system was sucessfully actuvated! Bound Role: Shen Yuna's demonic student, Luo Baixiao. Weapons: Amature Spiritual Cultivation, Demonic Cultivation (locked), Demonic Abilities (locked). Starting S-points: 100.]

Luo Binghe's mind raced with swear words in a rainbow of languages. He finished with an emphatic kurwa.

[You have triggered the System's execution command and have been bound to the Luo Baixiao account. As the plot progresses, various point types will gradually become available. Please ensure that no score falls below zero, or the System will automatically mete out punishment.]

What kind of shit luck. Luo Baixiao was boogie man of the entire second half of IRS, used as a punching bag by Shen Yuan's various suitors to show off. It was stupid, senseless! How was Luo Baixiao so powerful that he never died, yet so weak he was constantly defeated by the man of the week? Why did he start as Shen Yuan's student only to disappear after a few chapters only to return as a villain?

It made no sense!

Luo Binghe — Baixiao now, he supposed — bared his teeth at the empty room. Actually, that was weird. Who did that? Was that a demonic instinct from his new body? He'd have to do some intense examination and introspection when he could move his limbs without wanting to curl on the floor and whimper.

He was supposed to be Shen Yuan's worst nightmare? Well that whole plot could kindly fuck itself. Luo Binghe knew exactly how Shen Yuan's squirrely mind worked and he was going to slot himself irremovably from his shizun's life while the suitors of the week failed in attempt after courting attempt.

[Warning,] the System warned, flashing again before his eyes. [This proposed plan is incredibly dangerous and qualifies as a violation. Please do not attempt or the system will automatically mete out punishment.]

"What do you mean dangerous? Shen Yuan would never hurt one of his disciples, let alone one that made his life easier," Luo Binghe asked inside his mind.

[Currently, you are at the beginner level, and the OOC feature is frozen. You must complete a beginner-level quest to unfreeze it. Before unfreezing, any act in violation of the original Luo Baixiao character settings will result in a deduction of a fixed number of S-Points.]

"You must be joking," Luo Binghe deadpanned. "Disciple Luo appeared in three chapters. I managed the wiki. He didn't have a characterization at this point."

[This System utilizes all resources in defining characters.] Okay, that meant nothing. So it was going to pull characterization out of its ass and hold him to it? [To aid user, multiple reply options will be given during critical dialogue. User may complete side-quests to unlock Luo Baixiao character motivations. For now, review the complementary character sheet.]

Luo Binghe wasn't really much of a gamer, but the character sheet displayed by the System was pretty basic. Strength, endurance, charisma… It also listed the same 'weapons' the System initially told him about. Near the bottom right it said simply: Internally cold and resentful, externally polite and aloof. Thanks, System.

[User is welcome (✿◡‿◡)]

He was going to have another qi deviation.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Google reneged on the monopolistic bargain

I'm on tour with my new novel The Bezzle! Catch me TONIGHT in SALT LAKE CITY (Feb 21, Weller Book Works) and TOMORROW in SAN DIEGO (Feb 22, Mysterious Galaxy). After that, it's LA, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix and more!

A funny thing happened on the way to the enshittocene: Google – which astonished the world when it reinvented search, blowing Altavista and Yahoo out of the water with a search tool that seemed magic – suddenly turned into a pile of shit.

Google's search results are terrible. The top of the page is dominated by spam, scams, and ads. A surprising number of those ads are scams. Sometimes, these are high-stakes scams played out by well-resourced adversaries who stand to make a fortune by tricking Google:

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/phone-numbers-airlines-listed-google-directed-scammers-rcna94766

But often these scams are perpetrated by petty grifters who are making a couple bucks at this. These aren't hyper-resourced, sophisticated attackers. They're the SEO equivalent of script kiddies, and they're running circles around Google:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/24/passive-income/#swiss-cheese-security

Google search is empirically worsening. The SEO industry spends every hour that god sends trying to figure out how to sleaze their way to the top of the search results, and even if Google defeats 99% of these attempts, the 1% that squeak through end up dominating the results page for any consequential query:

https://downloads.webis.de/publications/papers/bevendorff_2024a.pdf

Google insists that this isn't true, and if it is true, it's not their fault because the bad guys out there are so numerous, dedicated and inventive that Google can't help but be overwhelmed by them:

https://searchengineland.com/is-google-search-getting-worse-389658

It wasn't supposed to be this way. Google has long maintained that its scale is the only thing that keeps us safe from the scammers and spammers who would otherwise overwhelm any lesser-resourced defender. That's why it was so imperative that they pursue such aggressive growth, buying up hundreds of companies and integrating their products with search so that every mobile device, every ad, every video, every website, had one of Google's tendrils in it.

This is the argument that Google's defenders have put forward in their messaging on the long-overdue antitrust case against Google, where we learned that Google is spending $26b/year to make sure you never try another search engine:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-27/google-paid-26-3-billion-to-be-default-search-engine-in-2021

Google, we were told, had achieved such intense scale that the normal laws of commercial and technological physics no longer applied. Take security: it's an iron law that "there is no security in obscurity." A system that is only secure when its adversaries don't understand how it works is not a secure system. As Bruce Schneier says, "anyone can design a security system that they themselves can't break. That doesn't mean it works – just that it works for people stupider than them."

And yet, Google operates one of the world's most consequential security system – The Algorithm (TM) – in total secrecy. We're not allowed to know how Google's ranking system works, what its criteria are, or even when it changes: "If we told you that, the spammers would win."

Well, they kept it a secret, and the spammers won anyway.

A viral post by Housefresh – who review air purifiers – describes how Google's algorithmic failures, which send the worst sites to the top of the heap, have made it impossible for high-quality review sites to compete:

https://housefresh.com/david-vs-digital-goliaths/

You've doubtless encountered these bad review sites. Search for "Best ______ 2024" and the results are a series of near-identical lists, strewn with Amazon affiliate links. Google has endlessly tinkered with its guidelines and algorithmic weights for review sites, and none of it has made a difference. For example, when Google instituted a policy that reviewers should "discuss the benefits and drawbacks of something, based on your own original research," sites that had previously regurgitated the same lists of the same top ten Amazon bestsellers "peppered their pages with references to a ‘rigorous testing process,’ their ‘lab team,’ subject matter experts ‘they collaborated with,’ and complicated methodologies that seem impressive at a cursory look."

But these grandiose claims – like the 67 air purifiers supposedly tested in Better Homes and Gardens's Des Moines lab – result in zero in-depth reviews and no published data. Moreover, these claims to rigorous testing materialized within a few days of Google changing its search ranking and said that high rankings would be reserved for sites that did testing.

Most damning of all is how the Better Homes and Gardens top air purifiers perform in comparison to the – extensively documented �� tests performed by Housefresh: "plagued by high-priced and underperforming units, Amazon bestsellers with dubious origins (that also underperform), and even subpar devices from companies that market their products with phrases like ‘the Tesla of air purifiers.’"

One of the top ranked items on BH&G comes from Molekule, a company that filed for bankruptcy after being sued for false advertising. The model BH&G chose was ranked "the worst air purifier tested" by Wirecutter and "not living up to the hype" by Consumer Reports. Either BH&G's rigorous testing process is a fiction that they infused their site with in response to a Google policy change, or BH&G absolutely sucks at rigorous testing.

BH&G's competitors commit the same sins – literally, the exact same sins. Real Simple's reviews list the same photographer and the photos seem to have been taken in the same place. They also list the same person as their "expert." Real Simple has the same corporate parent as BH&G: Dotdash Meredith. As Housefresh shows, there's a lot of Dotdash Meredith review photos that seem to have been taken in the same place, by the same person.

But the competitors of these magazines are no better. Buzzfeed lists 22 air purifiers, including that crapgadget from Molekule. Their "methodology" is to include screenshots of Amazon reviews.

A lot of the top ranked sites for air purifiers are once-great magazines that have been bought and enshittified by private equity giants, like Popular Science, which began as a magazine in 1872 and became a shambling zombie in 2023, after its PE owners North Equity LLC decided its googlejuice was worth more than its integrity and turned it into a metastatic chumbox of shitty affiliate-link SEO-bait. As Housefresh points out, the marketing team that runs PopSci makes a lot of hay out of the 150 years of trust that went into the magazine, but the actual reviews are thin anaecdotes, unbacked by even the pretense of empiricism (oh, and they loooove Molekule).

Some of the biggest, most powerful, most trusted publications in the world have a side-hustle in quietly producing SEO-friendly "10 Best ___________ of 2024" lists: Rolling Stone, Forbes, US News and Report, CNN, New York Magazine, CNN, CNET, Tom's Guide, and more.

Google literally has one job: to detect this kind of thing and crush it. The deal we made with Google was, "You monopolize search and use your monopoly rents to ensure that we never, ever try another search engine. In return, you will somehow distinguish between low-effort, useless nonsense and good information. You promised us that if you got to be the unelected, permanent overlord of all information access, you would 'organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.'"

They broke the deal.

Companies like CNET used to do real, rigorous product reviews. As Housefresh points out, CNET once bought an entire smart home and used it to test products. Then Red Ventures bought CNET and bet that they could sell the house, switch to vibes-based reviewing, and that Google wouldn't even notice. They were right.

https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/welcome-to-the-cnet-smart-home/

Google downranks sites that spend money and time on reviews like Housefresh and GearLab, and crams botshittened content mills like BH&G into our eyeballs instead.

In 1558, Thomas Gresham coined (ahem) Gresham's Law: "Bad money drives out good." When counterfeit money circulates in the economy, anyone who gets a dodgy coin spends it as quickly as they can, because the longer you hold it, the greater the likelihood that someone will detect the fraud and the coin will become worthless. Run this system long enough and all the money in circulation is funny money.

An internet run by Google has its own Gresham's Law: bad sites drive out good. It's not just that BH&G can "test" products at a fraction of the cost of Housefresh – through the simple expedient of doing inadequate tests or no tests at all – so they can put a lot more content up that Housefresh. But that alone wouldn't let them drive Housefresh off the front page of Google's search results. For that, BH&G has to mobilize some of their savings from the no test/bad test lab to do real rigorous science: science in defeating Google's security-through-obscurity system, which lets them command the front page despite publishing worse-than-useless nonsense.

Google has lost the spam wars. In response to the plague of botshit clogging Google search results, the company has invested in…making more botshit:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/16/tweedledumber/#easily-spooked

Last year, Google did a $70b stock buyback. They also laid off 12,000 staffers (whose salaries could have been funded for 27 years by that stock buyback). They just laid off thousands more employees.

That wasn't the deal. The deal was that Google would get a monopoly, and they would spend their monopoly rents to be so good that you could just click "I'm feeling lucky" and be teleported to the very best response to your query. A company that can't figure out the difference between a scam like Better Homes and Gardens and a rigorous review site like Housefresh should be pouring every spare dime it brings in into fixing this problem. Not buying default search status on every platform so that we never try another search engine: they should be fixing their shit.

When Google admits that it's losing the war to these kack-handed spam-farmers, that's frustrating. When they light $26b/year on fire making sure you don't ever get to try anything else, that's very frustrating. When they vaporize seventy billion dollars on financial engineering and shoot one in ten engineers, that's outrageous.

Google's scale has transcended the laws of business physics: they can sell an ever-degrading product and command an ever-greater share of our economy, even as their incompetence dooms any decent, honest venture to obscurity while providing fertile ground – and endless temptation – for scammers.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/21/im-feeling-unlucky/#not-up-to-the-task

[lemmetreatya]

The ways they like to tease you during sex | JJK Men

ft. gojo satoru, geto suguru, sukuna, toji fushiguro, nanami kento

content: NSFW, afab reader, m! pen, smut, cowgirl position, doggy, backshots, cumshots, orgasm denial

💠 gojo 💠

loves a good long intentional stroke to piss you off. he knows your usual pace and what angles quickest alight you but when hes trying to play with you — to make you grapple at his back and whine for him to do it properly — he’ll pretend that he���s trying to savour the time.

“I just want to make love to you.”

lies. literally all lies, because this wasn’t love making in the slightest. this was gojo being a pest and purposely missing that squidgy spot that will get you clawing at his skin and crying his name for all neighbouring walls to hear.

it’s only when things get too much that you start to rut yourself down on the man, aiming to get your own high and in the end that always sets gojo off. teasing you is fun, but succumbing to your lust is better.

💠 geto 💠

being the control freak he is, geto would make sure he denies you any room to push him around or demand something from him. he’d have you; ass in the air, face down into the pillow and hands held behind your back.

“gu-guru!”

he’d fuck into you, backshots sounding like assaults on skin as he denies you any form of movement. he knows you’re itching to hang off of him or take him into your arms but geto denies you all forms of contact. he can hear you mumble detest into the pillow but the smile on his face is sick as he teases you.

“can’t hear you. speak up.”

geto changes up pace and quality every now and then but knowing you cant do anything about it, all you do is moan and whimper in retaliation.

💠 sukuna 💠

he’ll refuse to touch you in sensitive places. sukuna isn’t much of a passionate lover — he likes things harsh and full of pure lust. but he knows your wants and desires, maybe a bit more than you do, yet he’ll deny you them perks simply because he wants to be a pain.

“kuna, come on…”

he could easily fuck you and not pinch at your nipples, swipe at your clit or kiss at your neck. sukuna’s go to is to be selfish. it doesn’t matter if your whining at him to touch you. the man will only wear a wicked smile as he uses you as a personal fleshlight. easily, he can be finish inside of you and not give you any sort of relief.

but sukuna knows that you dont allow him to stay that way for long. you’ll hiss and spit curses at him for attempting to leave you hanging but the de-man seems privy only to your reprimand. he doesn’t fear you, but he’ll be very sure not to get on your bad side and therefore finish what he started.

💠 toji 💠

being a pain is something hes doing more of than not but if toji wants to tease you because he thinks you’re on too much of a high horse, he’ll appear bored in front of you as you ride his cock.

“Who the fuck are you texting?”

the blue light of his mobile phone will illuminate over his stout face, completely disregarding your intentions to bounce over his dick. what’s even more amusing is the fact that you know he’s probably not even texting anyone because the fuckers such a loner — he literally only hangs out with you. you’ll end up swivelling on him, never allowing him to exit you but you lean forward so you could witness what he was playing at. it was only candy crush.

“so lame…” you’ll mumble, because you know he’s only doing it to fuck with you.

having no phone in his hand, toji rolls his eyes but ends up placing his hands onto the dips of your hips.

“maybe dont be such a bitch next time.” he’ll grumble

💠 nanami 💠

kento isnt usually one for teasing but when he does it’s because he’s trying to get a rise out of you. mostly if it’s because you dont keep to schedule or do something overtime — kento hates having to wait and so in turn, he’ll make you wait.

“ken, please. just touch me.”

the man will sit on the edge of the bed, cock standing tall, red and leaking at the tip but he’d still deny you, even at the expense of himself.

“I’ve told you about making me wait.”

he’d look to his watch on his hands.

“five minutes.”

“kento, please!”

he’s already have given you a taste, wet his cock within you — only a handful of strokes — before dutifully pulling out and moving himself away from you. he wasnt one to play with when it came to time keeping. the man kept a tight schedule and anything over the threshold was detrimental and so here you were, learning that lesson.

you’d pander your own hand down to your leaking cunt, the juices already puddling at the base of your folds but nanami would slap your hand away.

“I said wait.”

yes, he made you wait, but it only meant the reward was a lot better and definitely worth it.

[yellowjestertfs]

The Billionaires secret

“Hi there. Find what what you were looking for?” I ask in my customary upbeat yet soul-dead customer service voice.

“I think so. Going to give this one a try.” She says handing me a copy of a book called The Billionaire’s Secret from the romance section. I can see why she picked it, on the cover a man in a suit lay on a bed with the buttons of his dress shirt undone showing off his impressive six-pack and strong hairless chest. Brownish red eyes smolder seductively outwards from a masculine face. High cheekbones, soft lips, and a wide square jaw adorned with black stubble that connects to a short-styled head of black hair.

“I’m Bridget by the way,” she says, obviously a bit embarrassed to see me eying up the cover. “Oh, and this is Dan.” She says gesturing at the man standing a few paces away, engrossed by some mobile game on his phone. 

“Nice to meet you, Bridget.” I scan the book. “That will be $17,” I say. 

She glances over at Dan, he doesn't seem to notice so she retrieves her credit card from her purse and taps it against the machine. “I don’t know why I expected him to offer.” She tells me in a conspiratorial whisper “He’s broke. I mean not that it matters to me, but it would just be nice to date a wealthy man or one who at least pays attention to me.” 

Customers often confided in me. I wish I could say it is because of my open honest face or charismatic demeanor but it probably had more to do with a book I once ate about a bartender people told all their secrets to.

I look around. There are a few consumers browsing the book shelves and my manager is sitting at his desk in the back, no one close enough to notice. Bridget seems sweet, too sweet to be with a man like Dan. Poor girl just wants to escape with some fiction, so why not indulge her a little.

“Did you get a chance to check out our books on sale?” I ask Bridget diverting her attention away. She looks over at the shelf I pointed at giving me enough time to crack my knuckles, take a deep breath, and begin.

I place my hands over the cover of the book and it springs open, the pages start to turn themselves slow at first then speed up. Words start to flow from the book as the pages flip past. The letters lift from the page like a sticker being peeled, floating into the air to spin around me. They form a cyclone of black ink as the pages that flip by are left blank.

I feel the lines as they flow off the paper. The first line reads. “Kustav tower is 400 stories tall, rumor has it, it’s smaller than Dane Kustav’s dick.” 

I directed the words towards Bridget’s boyfriend. The ink splashes into him, absorbing into his gray hoodie but leaving no mark. None except for the fact that his basketball shorts start to thrash like a wild animal is trapped inside. Dan didn't look up from his phone even as his dick doubled and then tripled in size to match the one described in the book Billionaires Secrets.

I tried to be sparing with my abilities. Fiction is great so long as it stays fiction, otherwise you have evil robots or sparkly vampires running around. Still, every once in a while my heroic urges will take over and I am called to help someone with my power to bring words to life. Bridget is one of those people.

More words flowed off the page. “Dane Kustav is well dressed at all times. One would be hard-pressed to ever see Dane not in a suit. If one did see him without a suit, it would be in the bedroom where they would be very, very hard pressed indeed.”

The words spin around me once then drift over to Dan again on an invisible wind. This time his clothes were affected by the words. His grey hoodie which he wore with the hood up, melted off his body, the threads unwinding then rebinding themselves into a far higher quality dress shirt and black jacket complete with a blue tie. His shorts became black dress pants and his sneakers a pair of brown loafers. The outline of his much larger dick was clear in his new tighter pants. A few seconds passed with no changes then, slowly his tie undid itself and each of the buttons on his dress shirt opened so that he was sporting a matching look to that of the man on the cover of the book. Unlike the cover, however, Dan lacked the chiseled face or body to pull off the open shirt. His slight gut and saggy, hairy chest made the outfit look awkward rather than sexy.

Bridget looked up from the sale rack and glanced at her half-nude boyfriend with a chagrined glance. In her mind, he was always dressed in the finest clothes even if he still acted like a man-child.

“Dane Kustav towered over everyone be that in stature or in business.” 

I directed the words into him. Dan shot upwards, his modest 5’10” frame becoming a proud 6’3”, clothes growing to match. And though it wasn’t visible Dan’s head was also filled with business smarts he had lacked before. The game on his phone shifted from Fruit Ninja to Hey Day.

The pages continue to flip, their words leaving the page to float in the air under my command.

“Dane Kustav's muscles were like that of a brass statue, smooth, hard, and golden. Each curve could only have been sculpted by the hands of an artist for nature could never make anybody so perfect.”

I look over at Dan’s soft pudgy body. Not the words I would use to describe him, at least not yet. I float the sentence to him.

Instantly Dan’s belly flattens. One by one his abs pop into being as if pushed out from the inside like one of those pop-it toys. His man boobs visibly transmute from fat to muscle, perking up and then growing into a strong chest like that of the man on the cover of the book. Inside the sleeves of his dress shirt, his arms thicken into a pair of round vascular biceps while his legs below do the same. A tan, like oil spreading over water seeps across his body until his exposed muscles really looked like sculpture bronze turned to life. The few hairs that had looked sloppy before now lent his body a rugged masculinity.

Bridget looks at her boyfriend with a new lust. Her hands start to roam his abs and chest but Dan, still on his phone, only bats them away. 

Man-child indeed, a man in the body, a child in the face and the personality. I divert my attention back to the flipping pages looking for words I could use to fix that. The book is reaching the end, and the main character, assistant to the billionaire, has finally seduced her boss in a very steamy scene. High-class writing it is not, but at least it gives me plenty to work with.

“I ran my hand down his sharp square jaw.” 

I throw the words at him. The shape of his face shifts to be more masculine.

“He looked at me through squinted sexy amber eyes.”

His eyes shift from a pale blue to an amber so rich it almost looked red. He finally looks up from his phone and deep into Bridget's eyes. She returns the stare with a smile. 

“He brought my hand up to his cheek, I felt each bristle of his short sharp stubble.”

Dan moves Bridget's fingers up to his face which is now covered in a sexy two days' worth of growth.

“Then he kissed me with his soft sensual lips hard enough to make me weak in the knees.”

The words flow off the page and into him. His lips grow pillowy and pink and interlocked with Bridget’s. He wraps his muscular arms around her, keeping her steady as she collapses into him. 

“I warp my fingers into his jet-black quaffed hair as I prepare for him to take me.”

His hair gains a stylish cut and is dark as pitch, body hair and stubble do the same. Bridget greedily runs her hand through his new dark dew.

“He smelled like sports deodorant, woody cologne, and sex. I wanted nothing more than this man to take me.”

The bookstore fills with his scent. I am surprised to find myself turned on by the whole thing. I have reached the end of the book, the final page.

“It was then that I learned the billionaire's secret.”

This was the good stuff. I leech the words off the page and send them to Dan, or rather now, Dane.

“His secret wasn’t that he was hot, or rich, or could make any girl swoon.”

Their kiss intensifies. Dane started to undo Bridget's blouse.

“No, the billionaire's secret was.”

Suddenly Dane pulls away.

“The billionaire was gay.”

“Sorry Bridget,” Dane says taking a few steps back and looking at her with sudden realization. “I don’t think I can do this.” 

His eyes wander over to lock onto mine, rich amber orbs seeming to really take me in. He winks. “You thought, I think that could work. What are you doing after this?” He asks smoothly “Want to go get coffee in Paris on my jet? My treat.”

[fatehbaz]

[A]nti-homeless laws [...] rooted in European anti-vagrancy laws were adapted across parts of the Japanese empire [...] at the turn of the 20th century. [...] [C]riminalising ideas transferred from anti-vagrancy statutes into [contemporary] welfare systems. [...] [W]elfare and border control systems - substantively shaped by imperial aversions to racialised ideas of uncivilised vagrants - mutually served as a transnational legal architecture [...] [leading to] [t]oday's modern divides between homeless persons, migrants, and refugees [...].

---

By the Boer Wars (1880���1902), Euro-American powers and settler-colonial governments professed anxieties about White degeneration and the so-called “Yellow Peril” alongside other existential threats to White supremacy [...]. Japan [...] validated the creation of transnational racial hierarchies as it sought to elevate its own global standing [...]. [O]ne key legal instrument for achieving such racialised orders was the vagrancy concept, rooted in vagrancy laws that originated in Europe and proliferated globally through imperial-colonial conquest [...].

[A]nti-vagrancy regulation [...] shaped public thinking around homelessness [...]. Such laws were applied as a “criminal making device” (Kimber 2013:544) and "catch-all detention rationale" (Agee 2018:1659) targeting persons deemed threats for their supposedly transgressive or "wayward interiority" (Nicolazzo 2014:339) measured against raced, gendered, ableist, and classed norms [...]. Through the mid-20th century, vagrancy laws were aggressively used to control migration [and] encourage labour [...]. As vagrancy laws fell out of favour, [...] a "vagrancy concept" nonetheless thrived in welfare systems that similarly meted out punishment for ostensible vagrant-like qualities [...], [which] helps explain why particular discourses about the mobile poor have persisted to date [...].

---

During high imperialism (1870–1914), European, American, and Japanese empires expanded rapidly, aided by technologies like steam and electricity. The Boer Wars and Japan's ascent to Great Power status each profoundly influenced trans-imperial dynamics, hardening Euro-American concerns regarding a perceived deterioration of the White race. [...] Through the 1870s [...] the [Japanese] government introduced modern police forces and a centralised koseki register to monitor spatial movement. The koseki register, which recorded geographic origins, also served as a tool for marking racialised groups including Ainu, Burakumin, Chinese, [...] and Korean subjects across Japan's empire [...]. The 1880 Penal Code contained Japan's first anti-vagrancy statute, based on French models [...]. Tokyo's Governor Matsuda, known for introducing geographic segregation of the rich and poor, expressed concern around 1882 for kichinyado (daily lodgings), which he identified as “den[s] for people without fixed employment or [koseki] registration” [...].

Attention to “vagrant foreigners” (furō-gaikokujin) emerged in Japanese media and politics in the mid-1890s. It stemmed directly from contemporary British debates over immigration restrictions targeting predominantly Jewish “destitute aliens” [...].

The 1896 Landing Regulation for Qing Nationals barred entry of “people without fixed employment” and “Chinese labourers” [...], justified as essential "for maintaining public peace and morals" in legal documents [...]. Notably, prohibitions against Chinese labourers were repeatedly modified at the British consulate's behest through 1899 to ensure more workers for [the British-affiliated plantation] tea industry. [...]

---

Simultaneously, new welfaristic measures emerged alongside such punitive anti-vagrancy statutes. [...] Such border control regulations were eventually standardised in Japan's first immigration law, the 1918 Foreigners’ Entry Order. [...] This turn towards instituting racialised territorial boundaries should be understood in light of empire's concurrent welfarist turn [...]. Japanese administration established a quasi-carceral workhouse system in 1906 [in colonized territory of East Asia] [...] which sentenced [...] vagrants to years in workhouses. This law still treated vagrancy as illegal, but touted its remedy of compulsory labour as welfaristic. [...] This welfarist tum led to a proliferation of state-run programmes [...] connecting [lower classes] to employment. Therein, the vagrancy concept became operative in sorting between subjects deemed deserving, or undeserving, of aid. Effectively, surveillance practices in welfare systems mobilised the vagrancy concept to, firstly, justify supportive assistance and labour protections centring able-bodied, and especially married, Japanese men deemed “willing to work” and, secondly, withhold protections from racialised persons for their perceived waywardness [...] as contemporaneous Burakumin, Korean, and Ainu movements frequently protested [...]. [D]uring the American occupation (1945–1952), not only were anti-vagrancy statutes reinstituted in Japan's 1948 Minor Offences Act, but [...] the 1946 Livelihood Protection Act (Article 2) excluded “people unwilling to work or lazy” from social insurance coverage [...].

---

Imperial expansion relied on not only claiming new markets and territories, but also using borders as places for negotiating legal powers and personhood [...]. Japan [...] integrated Euro-American ideas and practices attached to extraterritorial governance, like exceptionalism and legal immunity, into its legal systems. [...] (Importantly, because supportive systems [welfare], like punitive ones, were racialised to differentially regulate mobilities according to racial-ethic hierarchies, they were not universally beneficial to all eligible subjects.) [...]

At the turn of the century, imperialism and industrial capitalism had co-produced new transnational mobilities [which induced mass movements of poor and newly displaced people seeking income] [...]. These mobilities - unlike those celebrated in imperial travel writing - conflicted with racist imaginaries of who should possess freedom of movement, thereby triggering racialised concerns over vagrancy [...]. In both Euro-American and Japanese contexts, [...] racialised “lawless” Others (readily associated with vagrancy) were treated as threats to “public order” and “public peace and morals”. [...] Early 20th century discourse about vagrants, undesirable aliens, and “vagrant foreigners” [...] produced [...] "new categories of [illegal] people" [...] that cast particular people outside of systems of state aid and protection. [...] [P]ractices of illegalisation impress upon people, “the constant threat of removal, of being coercively forced out and physically removed [...] … an expulsion from life and living itself”.

---

All text above by: Rayna Rusenko. "The Vagrancy Concept, Border Control, and Legal Architectures of Human In/Security". Antipode [A Radical Journal of Geography] Volume 56, Issue 2, pages 628-650. First published 24 October 2023. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Text within brackets added by me for clarity. Presented here for criticism, teaching, commentary purposes.]

[inkmonster21]

Sing for Me

12. The Wasted World

Cooper Howard × Fem!Reader / The Ghoul × Fem!Reader

She's a singer the nation adores. He's the actor everyone respects. What happens when these two get entangled in a heated affair? Passion, regret, rage, and even murder will commence. From before the bombs drop to the vast wasteland, these two souls live for one another.

Previous Chapter

Series Masterlist

Tagged: @fallout-girl219 @harmfulb1tch @themadhattersqueen @one-of-thewalkingdead

The synthetic bot of (Y/n) sits inside a run-down house on sand, confused and alone. The sparks misfire in her brain shooting different emotions and memories. They play like pictures, like a silent movie in flashes. Two different lives collide. After a while, she sits against the wall silently, her server still shorting out, but no idea what to do or how to fix it.

For two days she sat there. Could she die? Maybe. She was begging God to take her from this torture. Alone and confused. No purpose or quality of life. What was the point? Was she being punished?

"Hey." A sharp poke at my stomach woke me up. I stand within seconds looking at the figure. A young boy stands with his knife high. "Are... Are you hurt?" I nod slowly, my head and limbs twitching, small sparks coming from my neck. He holds his hands up showing innocence. "I can help, My older brother used to work on Snyths."

I back away, twisting and twitching. “Synth?” The boy looks at me with sadness in his eyes. “I can help you.” I reluctantly take a seat in hopes of the best, but expecting the worst. To my surprise, the young boy was able to fix the problem. "Just a fuse." He mumbles as he reaches in and replaces the damaged fuse. “Your memory storage is full too. We can find someone to help with that.”

I look at him as he backs away, "That should help." I look at my limbs, moving to test my mobility. "What's your name, kid?" "Connor."

“Well, Connor, you came into the story at the perfect time. Just as the plot demanded.”

~

At that exact moment, where was Cooper Howard? He was being buried by Dom Pedro. Buried alive for the next 30 years tortured by the memory of her. Why had he lived this long? He hoped it was a sign of her existence somewhere. When she breathed, he did as well.

~

Wilzig trembles in the heat. Reaction from his missing foot and the cyanide he just took. “People will come after you. I have a contact, a friend if you will. She will help you. She’s good-hearted, and she’s strong. Show her my head, and she will help you.” Lucy shakes her head in doubt as she watches the doctor's light leave his eyes. She stiffens up, clouding her thoughts as she grabs the saw. “Okie dokie.”

~

“Uh, Miss?” I turn around looking at the ghoul in charge of guarding my door, in fact not by the damn door. I cross my arms with furrowed brows, “why the fuck are you not at the front?” His thumbs twiddle. Poor kid, couldn’t have been more than 17. “I- I’m sorry I just, there’s a girl here, she’s asking for you.” “And you know I only take visitors AFTER the show is done.” He shakes his head, “No, see she’s not a fan. She’s asking for- “

A polite, gentle voice peeps from behind the teenager. “(y/n) (l/n).” My blood runs cold hearing my name, my real birth name. “I need to speak with you immediately, please.” I stare at the girl with wide eyes, full of confusion and shock. A blue suit lined with gold, and big hopeful eyes. A fucking Vault Dweller. “Leave us.” I snap and the kid quickly pushes her in and shuts the door. I grab my knife from my table, stalking up to her slowly. I smile as I flip her hair, and trace her cheeks. “Pretty,” I mumble as I circle her. She rocks on her feet, fear brewing in her. “Now,” I settle myself in front of her face, pushing the knife into the skin of her throat, “how the fuck do you know my name?”

She stuttered at first, raising her hands to show her innocence. “My name is Lucy MacLean. I’m looking for my dad. The Doctor, Wilzig, told me you would help. Please, you’re my only hope.” I watch her eyes as she speaks, reading her emotions to ring true. MacLean… well I guess there is a god, and he just so happens to be giving me a gift.

I slowly remove the dagger from her smooth, pale, skin. I laugh lightly as I turn to the door, opening it just a crack. I look at Conor who stands outside. “I’m going to be a few. Hold them over for me.” He nods without a second glance.

I turn back to Lucy with a smile. “Lucy, huh?” She nods, “Yes ma’am.” I scoff at that term. I may be over 200 years old but shit! That term makes it real. “Don’t call me, ma’am.” “Uh, okay, (y/n), then.” I raise my finger, shaking my head, “Nope, you can’t call me that either.“ Lucy tosses her hands slightly. “Then what can I call you?” I stare at the reflection in the cracked mirror. “Nothing right now, because I’m just not too sure about you, Lucy. Not a lot of people know my name. Have to make sure you're a good one.” “PLEASE! He said you could help me!” I stare at her, seeing the frustration in her eyes. I glare at her, “I don’t like your fucking tone, Lucy.” I turn back to the mirror, batting my lashes and straightening my hair. A knock sounds before Conor’s voice rings through the old wooden door, “They’re getting impatient.”

“I’m coming! Goddamn it. Never slows down.” I motion at Lucy. “Come with me.” She follows me through the door and down the narrow hall leaning to the stage. I push her down to sit in a chair, "Sit here, don't move, and most of all, enjoy the show." I turn to Conor, "Don't let her out of your sight." He nods and leans against the wall silently watching Lucy. Lucy looks up to meet his gaze with a shy smile. "Hi there." Conor just stares blankly.

The music starts and I show one leg through the curtain, letting the show begin. I step out, the makeshift stage light illuminating my frame in the old dress. The crowd loves me, they always have, and always will.

Lucy claps as I exit the stage and step behind the curtain. The roar of applause and cheers makes me smile. "That was amazing!" Lucy stands with a smile. "I never expected to see anything like this up here. You’re phenomenal!” I walk past her, and she follows behind me. "And you never will anywhere else. Unless you travel to Goodneighbor. They tried to replace me with some washup. She’s no good.” “How long have you been out here?” “30 years.”

As we enter the small dressing room again Conor closes the door behind him. I sit on my stool as Conor moves my hair away from my neck. Lucy watches in curiosity, eyes wide as she sees the small opening at the base of my neck. "You're not… human."

"Good insight, Lucy MacLean. You are correct. I’m what you’ll come to learn is called a synth. Synthetic humanoid. No blood running through my body, just wires.” As I’m closed up I roll my shoulders back. “I still have a beating heart and a working brain. Call me special. They were the only two organs they thought were worth a shit.” Lucy looks at me with sorrow, "Who would have done this to you?" I smirk at her, oh the perfect world she lives in. "Wouldn't you like to know, Vaultie."

I go behind my privacy shade and change out of the performance dress. "So, tell me why, Wilzig gave me up to some random girl." "He told me you could help find my dad. He said you were good-hearted." I roll my eyes at her words. Dumbass Wilzig, he knew exactly how to get my ass in trouble. "Well, he might've been exaggerating a little." I exit the privacy shade, clad in my new attire. “So where’s Wilzig now?” Lucy bites her lip and pulls a large lump from her bag. She opens the cloth to reveal Wilzig’s decapitated head. “Oh, wow.” I pick up his head and press behind his ear, feeling the electric bead. “Well, what do you know? You’ve got some kick to you, don’t you, Lucy?” As I inspected the head, Lucy looked at my photos on the wall. The small memories I was able to escape with. The belongings from my home the stole meant to tease me.

"Is this your husband?" She asks pointing to one picture in particular. A faded photograph of Cooper and I huddled by a Christmas tree the day we got engaged. My eyes begin to water, I force my emotions down. "Enough snooping around my shit. Go in that cabinet over there and fill this bag up with food, water, and those boxes. After that, you can take a shower, and get some sleep." I toss a brown bag her way. "Why?" I stare at her in disbelief. "Because we're going to be hitting the road in the morning to find your dad."

Lucy jumps over to me, bringing me into her arms in a tight embrace. "Thank you! Thank you so much! I knew he was telling the truth about you. I could feel it." I pat her back awkwardly. "Okay, you're welcome. That's enough touching." I push past her and plop myself on the couch watching as Lucy rushes around gathering supplies, with a dopey smile on her face. I look to my left, seeing the old faded photo, a smile ghosting my lips as I remember the good days.

~

My eyes open and raise my head. The lights dimly lit the room. Conor stands behind me, giving the proper maintenance to my server. Lucy lays on the couch dozing lightly. “You’re really going to help her?” Conor asks in a hushed voice. “I was supposed to travel with Wilzig. Technically still am.” “She’s a MacLean.” “Yep, I’ve got that fact noted.” “What will you do?” Conor slips my jacket on before dismissing himself to pack his own bag. I grab my shotgun, placing it over my shoulder. “I’m going to gut that mother fucker, and string him up with his intestine.” I move over to Lucy, kicking her leg lightly, “Rise and shine, sleepyhead.”

Lucy wiped her eyes and sat up. I could tell she was energetic and excited. Almost makes me sick. “Let’s get going. Sun will be kissing the horizon soon.” Lucy swings her backpack behind her and smiles, “Okie dokie.”

Conor trails behind me, silently. Lucy furrows her brows, “I thought it was just me and you.” “He goes with me everywhere. No exceptions.”

Lucy smiles, “Oh, that’s nice to know marriage is still valued out here.” I look back at Conor and I begin to laugh. “Oh, shit. No, he’s not my husband. I am NEVER getting married again.” “Did he die?” I stare at her, hatred ready to spill. I could kill her, but that wouldn’t feel nearly as good. I shake my head, “Nope. That demon still slithering around somewhere.” Lucy stays silent until she begins another round of conversation. Friendly fucking vault dwellers. “I’d really like to be able to call you something.” Lucy pushes. I ponder on the subject. “If you have to, you can call me Melody.” It wasn’t a cover. I truly didn’t feel like (y/n) (l/n) anymore. It was easier to be known as Melody the Wasteland star in that little town. Being known as (y/n) meant remembering him daily. I could only handle the late hours of the night filled with tears.

[noforkingclue]

The Body in the Library (Sherlock Holmes x reader)

Summary: when you fid a body in the library there's only one person you know to call. Such a shame that the two of you cannot get on.

Author's note: well, why not? A returning hyperfixation is still a hyperfixation.

It was when the mobile rang for the fifth time that John finally lost it. He slammed down his paper and marched over to Sherlock’s mobile. On the first ring, Sherlock had glanced at it and practically threw it across the room. It was only by chance that it happened to land on the spare chair and Sherlock had abruptly left soon after. That hadn’t stopped the mystery caller though.

“Hell-“

“Holmes,” a voice barked down the line, “why the fuck did it take you so long to answer your phone. There’s a body in my flat and I’d thought you’d like to see it before I call the police.”

“Err… a body.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then the person said.

“Who are you?”

“I think I should be asking you that.”

“You picked up a phone that doesn’t belong to you. Did you steal it?”

“Of course not!”

It was at this moment that the front door slammed shut and John heard familiar footsteps running up the stairs. He was going to hang up but the person on the other end of line was describing a very brutal murder and he found himself unable to. When Sherlock flung open the door the two of them stared awkwardly at each other.

“Hello?” the person said again, “are you still there? I mean, there is a dead body in my flat and it’s hard to get blood out of hardwood floors. Well, at least from what I understand.”

*

“So,” you glanced over at John, “How do you know Sherlock.”

You grinned at him as you filled up the kettle and put it on the boil. You hopped onto your countertop and said,

“Cuppa?”

“You also seemed to be very calm about this.”

You paused for a moment before saying slowly,

“Where is Holmes?”

“Still in your living room.”

“Then he can’t hear us,” you said, “the truth is I’m freaking the fuck out about this. I mean, there’s a body in my flat. How often does that happen?”

“You’ll be surprised.”

“I’m just keeping up appearances in front of Sheer Luck. You know him. You can imagine how insufferably smug he’d be to see me that unsettled.”

John’s lips twitched at the nickname. He folded his arms and you swung your legs back and forth as the two of you waited in agonising silence for the kettle to boil. Eventually you shattered it by saying,

“So, was it Afghanistan or Iraq?”

John looked up at you sharply and you couldn’t help but laugh. You hopped off the counter and put some tea in the strainer and continued,

“Don’t worry, I already know. I not like them.”

“How you know?” John asked, exasperated

The kettle boiled and you poured the water into the two waiting mugs.

“If I was pretentious I would say that it’s the way you stand,” you said, “how you remained standing despite me offering you a seat. Your clothes, old but good quality. Clearly you value practicality over style. Blah, blah, blah. However, I am not like that. You want to know the truth?”

“Yes!”

“I googled you.”

You handed John his mug and at that moment Sherlock burst into your kitchen. You rolled your eyes at him and he took John’s mug from him.

“That’s not for you.” You snapped

Sherlock ignored you and took a sip. You clicked your tongue and handed John your mug. He tried to offer it back but you shook your head.

“So, what do you think of my little problem.” You asked

“Is that what you call it.” Said John

You shrugged and turned your attention back to Sherlock. He remain silent, taking a sip of tea, before saying,

“It’s… curious.”

“High praise,” you said with a smile, “I’m glad you said that. Although it shouldn’t be too hard to solve.”

You grinned at John’s shocked reaction and Sherlock’s raised eyebrow. You turned your back on them as you filled your own mug with water.

“Although if I didn’t know who already done it, it would be a lot harder to solve.” You said

It was at that moment that you heard banging on your front door.

“And that would be the police.”

Sherlock gave you an affronted look and said,

“You called them? Then what was the point of wasting my time with this.”

“I gave you the heads up,” you said with a shrug, “not my fault you chose to ignore my calls. Maybe you could answer the door? I’m sure Anderson will be there and I’m also sure that he’ll be so pleased to see you.”

At your smug look Sherlock turned on his heel and marched towards your front door. Whether it was to get away from you or to rub it in the faces of Scotland Yard that he was here first, you didn’t know. Still, now he was out of your space you could finally relax.

“You two really don’t get on.” Said John

“Does he get on with anyone?”

“I do.”

“You seem to be the exception.”

“And what did you mean, you already knew who did it.”

“Ah that,” you laughed and sat down, “well you see John, I recognise this murder.”

“You… recognise it?”

“Yeah.”

You leant across your table and shifted some books. When you found the one you were looking for you tossed it over to him.

“I’m an author,” you said, “mystery which is part of the reason why we don’t get on.”

“Death is on the Cards,” said John, “yeah, I’ve heard of this.”

“Body found in the library of a mystery author’s home,” you said, “head smashed in with a candlestick. If I’ve seen the similarities then so has Holmes.”

“Still doesn’t explain how you know who did it.”

“Oh that’s easy. The person who committed the murder was the detective who inspected the crime scene.”

[howlsofbloodhounds]

So this is part 2 of this post, if yall wanna give it a read for context.

In this post, I’ll be talking about how Color’s physical disability of having only one eye would influence how he interacts with his special interests in photography and travel.

As well as how his PTSD, autism, chronic fatigue, and separation anxiety from Killer could also affect things.

With one eye, Color might have reduced depth perception, which could make it challenging to gauge distances accurately. He might rely more on autofocus features, practice to enhance his spatial awareness, or use techniques like focus stacking for precise shots.

He might prefer using cameras with electronic viewfinders (EVF) or live view screens rather than optical viewfinders, which could be more challenging to use with one eye. Adjusting camera settings and composing shots via a larger display would be easier.

He might develop unique framing and composition techniques, leveraging his perspective creatively. Color could take extra time to ensure his shots are well-composed, possibly using grid overlays or other aids to help with alignment.

Customizing camera gear to suit his needs, such as using tripods, stabilizers, or remote controls, to help steady the camera and compose shots more comfortably.

He might spend additional time in post-processing to correct any minor misalignments or issues that arise from the reduced depth perception during the shooting process.

For travel, navigating unfamiliar places might require more caution, especially in crowded or complex environments. He might use mobility aids, rely on GPS and mapping apps, or travel with companions to ensure safety.

Color could engage in meticulous planning to minimize unexpected challenges, such as researching accessible routes, accommodations, and transportation options.

Color might use his experiences and perspective to connect with others, sharing how his disability influences his travel and photography, fostering understanding and empathy.

Developing strategies to cope with the physical demands of travel, such as pacing himself, taking regular breaks, and prioritizing destinations or activities that are less physically demanding.

His unique perspective could inspire him to create compelling stories or advocacy pieces about accessibility in travel and photography, raising awareness and inspiring others with disabilities.

Embracing his distinct view of the world, his photography could offer unique perspectives that stand out, turning his perceived limitation into an artistic advantage.

He might become involved in communities focused on accessible travel and photography, sharing tips, experiences, and inspiring others with similar challenges.

Autism and chronic fatigue would likely significantly impact Color’s ability to engage with his special interests in photography and travel.

In photography, chronic fatigue would necessitate careful energy management. Color might plan shorter, more focused photography sessions and prioritize rest to avoid burnout.

Streamlining his workflow, from setting up equipment to post-processing, to conserve energy. This could include using presets in editing software or organizing his gear for easy access.

He could chose photography locations that are easily accessible and require minimal physical exertion. He might also prefer locations close to home or base to reduce travel time and energy expenditure.

He would likely use ightweight equipment to reduce physical strain, possibly investing in high-quality but compact cameras and lenses. He might also use monopods or lightweight tripods for additional support.

Autism can come with sensory sensitivities. Color might choose quieter, less crowded locations for photography and use noise-canceling headphones or other tools to manage sensory overload.

With travel, he’d have to pace himself. Planning travel with built-in downtime to rest and recharge. He might avoid overly ambitious itineraries and allow for flexible scheduling to accommodate his energy levels.

He’d probably chose ccommodations that are comfortable, quiet, and accessible, ensuring he has a safe space to retreat to when needed.

He’d prefer modes of transportation that offer comfort and minimal stress, such as direct flights, train travel, or driving. He might also opt for private or semi-private tours to control the pace and environment.

Keeping up with healthcare needs, including regular check-ups, medication management, and any necessary accommodations. He might also carry a travel health kit tailored to his specific needs.

He’d combine photography with travel in a way that maximizes enjoyment and minimizes strain. For example, he might focus on travel photography during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) when conditions are optimal, and the rest of the day can be used for rest.

Creating content that reflects his experiences with autism and chronic fatigue, such as blogs, vlogs, or social media posts. This can help raise awareness and provide valuable insights to others with similar challenges.

Engaging with communities of autistic travelers and photographers to share experiences, tips, and support. This can provide a sense of camaraderie and practical advice tailored to his needs.

Establishing routines that provide predictability and reduce stress. This might include having a consistent photography and travel routine, preparing for trips well in advance, and creating checklists.

Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques to manage stress and sensory overload. This can help maintain focus and calm, particularly in challenging environments.

Utilizing assistive technologies, such as apps for energy tracking, sensory-friendly gear, or digital tools that aid in planning and organization.

Color’s PTSD from solitary confinement and isolation in the Void, combined with his separation anxiety towards Killer, can create a complex situation that both challenges and shapes his engagement in traveling and photography.

Color’s need to stay on the move due to PTSD makes traveling appealing, as it provides a sense of freedom and escape from confinement. However, this constant movement could also become exhausting and anxiety-inducing if it lacks purpose or stability.

His separation anxiety towards Killer might lead him to seek Killer’s company while traveling. Traveling with Killer could provide a sense of security and reduce his anxiety, but it also means his travel plans would need to align with Killer’s availability and willingness to join him.

Color might need to carefully plan his travels to ensure he has safe and familiar places to stay, reducing the unpredictability that could trigger his PTSD. Having a structured itinerary could help him feel more in control and less anxious.

Traveling to new and unfamiliar places might sometimes trigger memories of his isolation, especially if he encounters situations that remind him of the Void. He would need to find a balance between exploring new places and ensuring his mental well-being.

Photography could serve as a therapeutic outlet, allowing Color to process and express his emotions through capturing images. It might help him make sense of his experiences and provide a way to externalize his trauma.

Color might be drawn to photographing subjects that reflect his internal state or provide a sense of solace. He could focus on themes like freedom, movement, and connection, finding meaning and healing in his work.

Having Killer around while engaging in photography could provide comfort and reduce his anxiety. Killer might even become a frequent subject in Color’s photos, symbolizing their bond and mutual support.

Color might need to develop strategies to manage his anxiety while photographing, such as taking breaks, grounding exercises, or having a trusted companion like Killer present. This would help him stay focused and engaged in his special interest.

The mutual separation anxiety between Color and Killer could strengthen their bond, as they rely on each other for emotional support. This bond could provide Color with the stability he needs to engage in his interests.

Color would need to balance his need for movement and exploration with Killer’s needs and limitations. They might develop a mutual understanding and compromise, ensuring both their well-being while pursuing their interests.

Color might prefer traveling to places where he can easily find comfort and familiarity, such as visiting friends or known locations. This reduces the stress of the unknown and helps him stay grounded.

Establishing routines or rituals while traveling and photographing can provide a sense of stability. For example, always starting the day with a specific activity or having regular check-ins with Killer can help Color manage his anxiety.

They might have frequent phone calls if Killer ever can’t join Color on his travels, at particular times of the day.

I can see Color sticking to this routine at the exact time and getting anxious and worried if Killer doesn’t call or pick up, which is likely to happen at some point simply because he has memory issues and sticking to routine is hard for him. But Color, at least for a bit, is likely to assume the worse.

Color might also keep a photograph of him and all his friends close by on his person. (I also like to think that Delta made his camera, he keeps some of Beta’s drawings with him, and also he’s memorized the recipe for Epic’s chocolate cookies.)

If he and Killer have already had their wedding by this point, he’d likely keep his ring close and near. Perhaps kissing it before bed, and fidgeting with it becomes a new comforting stim.

Over time, engaging in his special interests despite his PTSD and anxiety can help Color build resilience. Each successful trip or photography session can boost his confidence and reinforce his ability to cope with challenges.

Color might find deeper meaning in his travels and photography by using them as tools for healing and connection. Documenting his journey and sharing it with others can create a sense of purpose and community.

[movanchi]

Discover True Freedom: Exploring the Benefits of Truly Wireless Earbuds

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, staying connected while on the go is essential. Whether you're commuting to work, hitting the gym, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, having reliable audio companions can enhance your experience and elevate your mood. Enter truly wireless earbuds, the epitome of freedom and convenience in the realm of personal audio devices. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the myriad benefits of truly wireless earbuds, highlighting why they're more than just a trendy accessory but a necessity for those seeking seamless connectivity and immersive audio experiences.

Discover True Freedom: Exploring the Benefits of Truly Wireless Earbuds

Unparalleled Mobility

Say goodbye to tangled wires and cumbersome cables. Truly wireless earbuds offer unparalleled mobility, allowing you to move freely without being tethered to your device. Whether you're jogging in the park or dancing to your favorite tunes, these earbuds provide unrestricted movement, enhancing your overall listening experience.

Immersive Audio Quality

Experience music like never before with truly wireless earbuds. Equipped with advanced audio technologies, these earbuds deliver crisp highs, deep lows, and immersive soundscapes that transport you to another realm. Whether you're a music enthusiast, podcast lover, or audiobook aficionado, you'll appreciate the superior audio quality that truly wireless earbuds offer.

Sleek and Stylish Design

Designed for both form and function, truly wireless earbuds boast a sleek and stylish design that complements any lifestyle. Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a bold statement piece, there's a pair of earbuds to suit your taste. With their compact size and ergonomic fit, these earbuds are the epitome of modern sophistication.

Enhanced Comfort and Fit

Bid farewell to discomfort and ear fatigue with truly wireless earbuds. Engineered for maximum comfort, these earbuds feature ergonomic designs that conform to the shape of your ears, ensuring a secure and snug fit. Whether you're wearing them for a quick phone call or an extended listening session, you'll forget they're even there.

Seamless Connectivity

Stay connected wherever you go with truly wireless earbuds. Featuring advanced Bluetooth technology, these earbuds seamlessly pair with your devices, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free audio streaming and hands-free calling. Whether you're switching between devices or taking calls on the go, you can count on reliable connectivity every time.

Long-lasting Battery Life

Enjoy hours of uninterrupted listening with the long-lasting battery life of truly wireless earbuds. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite TV series or embarking on a cross-country road trip, these earbuds keep pace with your active lifestyle, providing hours of entertainment on a single charge.

Water and Sweat Resistance

Conquer your workouts with confidence thanks to the water and sweat-resistant design of truly wireless earbuds. Whether you're hitting the gym or braving the elements, these earbuds are built to withstand the rigors of your active lifestyle, ensuring uninterrupted performance when you need it most.

Intuitive Touch Controls

Take control of your audio experience with intuitive touch controls. Whether you're adjusting the volume, skipping tracks, or activating voice assistants, these earbuds put the power at your fingertips, allowing for effortless control without missing a beat.

Noise Cancellation Technology

Immerse yourself in your music with active noise cancellation technology. Whether you're traveling on a noisy train or working in a bustling cafe, these earbuds block out unwanted distractions, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your audio experience.

Enhanced Call Quality

Stay connected with crystal-clear call quality. With built-in microphones and advanced noise reduction technology, truly wireless earbuds ensure that your voice is heard loud and clear, even in noisy environments. Whether you're taking conference calls or catching up with friends, you'll appreciate the clarity and reliability of these earbuds.

Universal Compatibility

Enjoy seamless connectivity with a wide range of devices. Whether you're using an iPhone, Android, or other Bluetooth-enabled device, truly wireless earbuds offer universal compatibility, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite audio content anytime, anywhere.

Customizable Fit

Achieve the perfect fit with customizable ear tips. Whether you have small, medium, or large ears, these earbuds come with a variety of ear tips to suit your unique anatomy, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for all-day wear.

Convenient Charging Case

Keep your earbuds charged and protected with a convenient charging case. Whether you're at home or on the go, these cases provide a portable power source for your earbuds, ensuring that they're always ready when you are.

Enhanced Durability

Built to withstand the demands of everyday use, truly wireless earbuds are engineered for durability and longevity. Whether you're braving the elements or pushing the limits of your workouts, these earbuds are up to the task, ensuring reliable performance day in and day out.

FAQs

Are truly wireless earbuds suitable for sports and fitness activities?

Yes, truly wireless earbuds are ideal for sports and fitness activities due to their lightweight, sweat-resistant design and secure fit, allowing you to focus on your workout without any distractions.

Can I use truly wireless earbuds with multiple devices?

Absolutely! Truly wireless earbuds offer universal compatibility, allowing you to pair them with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more.

How long does the battery last on truly wireless earbuds?

The battery life of truly wireless earbuds varies depending on the model and usage. However, most earbuds offer several hours of playback time on a single charge, with the charging case providing additional power for extended listening sessions.

Do truly wireless earbuds support noise cancellation?

Yes, many truly wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation technology, which helps to block out ambient noise and enhance your listening experience, especially in noisy environments.

Are truly wireless earbuds comfortable to wear for long periods?

Yes, truly wireless earbuds are designed for comfort, with ergonomic designs and customizable ear tips that ensure a secure and comfortable fit, even during extended wear.

Can I use truly wireless earbuds for making phone calls?

Absolutely! Many truly wireless earbuds come equipped with built-in microphones and advanced noise reduction technology, ensuring crystal-clear call quality, even in noisy environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, truly wireless earbuds offer a myriad of benefits that cater to the needs of modern consumers. From unparalleled mobility and immersive audio quality to sleek design and advanced features, these earbuds redefine the way we experience personal audio. Whether you're an audiophile, fitness enthusiast, or tech-savvy individual, truly wireless earbuds provide

[wonnieaura]

10 ways to look good on a budget 💸

before we begin. I just wanna thank y’all for 650 followers 🤍🤍 love y’all so much

Shop at thrift stores and yard sales: Thrift stores offer a wide range of clothes, accessories and even furniture at reduced prices. While you may not always find brand-new items, there is typically a good selection of high-quality items at great prices. Many thrift stores also offer regular discounts or sale days, so it pays to check back frequently for new items and deals. Yard sales are another great place to find bargain items. While they're typically seasonal and require more effort in digging through piles of items, yard sales often offer the most affordable prices.

Wear what you have: The majority of our wardrobes are full of items we rarely wear or have only worn once or twice. Instead of buying new, look through your closet and see what you already have that you may not have worn in a while. Consider creating new outfits with the items you already have, mixing and matching to create a new style. This not only saves money, it reduces waste and helps you make the most of what you already have.

Buy timeless staples: Building a wardrobe of high-quality, versatile items can help you look good on a budget. Look for classic, simple pieces like a white t-shirt, a well-cut pair of jeans, or a classic black dress. Investing in quality items that will last will save you money in the long run, as you'll be wearing them for years to come.

Take care of your clothes: How you treat your clothes can determine how long they last. Always follow the care instructions on the label, and don't be afraid to hand-wash items if necessary. You can help reduce any damage by investing in a good de-piller, and avoiding the dryer whenever possible.

Accessorize: Accessories can elevate any outfit, transforming what was once a simple look into a stylish one. Look for pieces you can mix and match, like a neutral handbag or a set of simple gold studs. Accessories are a great way to add interest to an outfit without breaking the bank.

Shop sales and clearance racks: The end of season sales can be a great way to find bargain items. Look for items that are on sale or marked down, especially at the end of a season when stores are trying to make room for new merchandise. Look in the bargain bins as well. You never know what gem you may find hiding in plain sight.

Join loyalty programs or use coupons: Loyalty programs are a great way to get discounts and earn rewards for your purchases. Look for loyalty programs in your favorite stores, and take advantage of any special offers. Many stores also offer mobile apps with digital coupons, which can save you money on specific items.

Shop for beauty products in drugstores: Drugstores often carry popular beauty brands at more affordable prices compared to department stores or high-end makeup counters. Look for affordable skincare and hair products that cater to your specific needs, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from the staff.

Be confident: The most important thing is to always have confidence in yourself. Standing tall, taking care of your appearance, and being proud of who you are can enhance your beauty and make you look your best, even if you're wearing budget-friendly clothes. Take pride in who you are, and don't let others' expectations bring you down.

Have fun with fashion: Fashion should be fun, not stress-inducing. Mix and match your clothes to create your own unique style, and don't be afraid to experiment with new outfits. Experimenting with different styles can help you find what works best for you, and make fashion more enjoyable as well.

Remember, looking good on a budget can be challenging, but it's all about being creative and making the most of what you already have. With these tips and a positive attitude, you'll be sure to look your best without breaking the bank.

[beef-fajitas]

i just finished watching the ninjago pilot (which somehow, id never watched before??) and as i was watching it, i put down my fav parts and my reactions :3

its a pretty long post if youre on mobile so ill put everything under the cut

"its called four weapons, not for browsing. either buy something, or go peddle your insults somewhere else" KAI.

ONE OF THE SKELETON HEADS POPPING OFF ITS BODY AND THEN BITING KAIS ANKLES IM DYING

random small detail i noticed, the shop has a landline? i wonder if it still works and if so, who they would even call-

"ouaugh. so failed." master wu is kais biggest hater rn and im loving it

HELP KAI USING HIS TOOTHBRUSH TO FIGHT OF THE REST OF THE NINJA IS SO FUNNY

ummm the way cole interrupts jay trashing kai when they all finally talk? and kai sassing him back??

"wait a minute. im still black" cole 😭

wu: jay is blue, master of lightning jay: heh, thats not all im the master of. i do a little inventing, i dabble in model building, touch of cooking, a little poetry. cole: more like mouth of lightning

kai letting out like a little laugh when wu announces cole?? and then "nice to meet ya, kid. i got your back. and for the record, there aint nothing in this world im afraid of." jhisdiaugivdsahiojoi they make me soooo ibogyuvfwBIQORYBEGFHIUirgyhiiobpyfuhogiuybpty 😔👉🏳️‍🌈

jay: gasp we're saving a girl? 😳 is she hot? 😏 cole: jayy 😒 jay: i- i just wanna know w-what we're getting ourselves into… 😟 does she like blue? 🤨 kai: back. off. 😡 wu: 🧍‍♂️

cole being the front of the horse carriage theyre all pulling??? symbolic who 🤭

"do not use the weapon. for its power-" "yeah yeah yeah, its too much for us mortals. alright guys, lets chop sockey this lemonade stand"

the random skeleton. grunting? groaning? ambience 😭

"ohahahahaoh! i found something!" "ughh thats another rock, you bonehead!" "but its shaped like a donut! i wonder if it tastes like one…" random skeletons u will always b so funny to me ⭐️

OMG AT THE TIMESTAMP 17:28 JAY WHISPERS TO KAI BUT IDK IF THE SOUND QUALITY IS JUST SHIT OR WHATEVER, BUT IT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE JAYS REGULAR VA. IT LWKY SOUNDS DEMONIC

"hey before you race off again, you need to remember. we're a team." "yeah, whatever" kai honey, cole is trying his best. pls reciprocate just a little bit. :(

coles little whimper when he comes face to face samukai 😭😭

jay making sound effects as hes fighting all the skeletons <333

omg jay is the first to figure out spinjitzu aaaaa!! i always wondered abt that ngl

oh. oh thats interesting. we get a look inside jays tornado. whats interesting is that hes moving at his normal speed (maybe a tiny bit slower? not rlly noticeable tho) but all the skeletons around him are basically turtle slow/not really moving at all. but hes also holding a conversation at normal speed with the ninja outside of his tornado? and theyre not even doing spinjitzu? ugh sjhjqhyturw;qkjkhtvgiulqbor i NEED to know how that works right NEEEOOOWWWW

"i sense you do not stand a chance 😏🤨" zane that was so smooth??? and for what??? 😍

cole flexing and saying "ha, guess they dont want another serving of these babies" while the camera pans to jay and kai just. absolutely hating on him. plasma being hater bfs is SO canon 😘

"no, kai, sensei told us not to!" "then you better keep your mouth shut." kai that was so rude wtf 😟 for once its not actually jays fault my dude

kai and cole high fiving after getting out of there :3

"i told you not to use the scythe!" "he did it-" "i warned him not to, sensei-" jay and cole both stepping away from kai and pointing at him 😭

____________

IN CONCLUSION: kai is a dickhead, jay is a fuckboy, zane has weirdo rizz, and cole is perfect <3 (/hj cole is actually the mom friend)

[collectionmak]

SCREENMOOVE - SİLVER

Screenmoove: Your Source for B-Tech AV Mounts

Screenmoove is your premier destination for B-Tech AV mounts, offering a wide range of high-quality mounting solutions for your audiovisual needs. Whether you're setting up a home theater, conference room, or retail display, Screenmoove has the perfect mount to help you achieve your vision.

B-Tech is renowned for its innovative AV mounting solutions, known for their durability, versatility, and ease of installation. With a commitment to quality and innovation, B-Tech ensures that their mounts are built to last and provide the best possible viewing experience.

At Screenmoove, we understand that every installation is unique, which is why we offer a diverse selection of B-Tech AV Mounts to suit various applications. From wall mounts and ceiling mounts to floor stands and mobile carts, we have the perfect solution for your AV setup.

Our team of experts is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and helping you find the right mount for your needs. Whether you're a homeowner, AV professional, or business owner, Screenmoove is committed to helping you find the perfect B-Tech AV mount for your project.

Visit Screenmoove today to explore our selection of B-Tech AV mounts and take your audiovisual setup to the next level.

[bentosandbox]

Ambience Synesthesia tutorial blog

rambled this out because I didn't have inflight wifi otw home and the turbulence was too crazy to draw

Buying the ticket

erm so they only dropped the tickets like slightly less than a month before lol kinda insane

The concert tickets were sold on Damai so you need a CN number or know/pay someone with one who'd buy it for you which is what I did by recommendation (A tier 1280 + 400 'service fee' [apparently it would have been cheaper if they only helped you half way or something but i wasnt gonna risk running into a payment hiccup so]) Iirc they sold it in two batches but I don't remember the ratio split between first and second wave…

I got a ticket for 5/5's afternoon show (so the second last performance), I DID meet an oomf who said they managed to snag a ticket for themselves on their own (without a Professional Ticket Snatcher) so its not too impossible to attain on your own I think??? (I didn't get a CN number until like 2 days before I flew back home soo)

Professional Ticket what?? Uhhh apparently there's a whole industry/scene for this you look for listings on xianyu/taobao etc for people to buy on your behalf, you have to give them your real name and identification number (so for foreigners it'd be your passport number) for verification purposes during entry so yknow yea

getting there

You could cab directly to the venue but my friend signed us up for the free shuttle bus (they had freebies last year but not this time) and before we boarded they gave us like free water and bread (apparently free raincoats too on rainy days) which was nice of them but also insane because. the venue doesn't allow you to bring food/drinks in so a lot of people were leaving A LOT of unopened bottles near the gate and I saw a venue staff just throwing them all into the bin (HOPEFULLY JUST TO CARRY THEM AWAY IN ONE GO AND NOT FOR STRAIGHT DISPOSAL….) They drop you off near the venue but you don't go in directly, there's a 'Doctor break room' where most people are seated waiting to be ushered in batches into the venue, but also a lot of people standing around on one side of the room swapping/offering merch

merch swap

ive been told this is a very concert culture thing but i feel like its kind of different because a lot of these are so high quality ike…you could sell them at Artist Alleys but here they are just distributing for free if you have a E2 60 blorbo lmao or whatever (there seems to be a tiny…? minority that prints official art but most of them seem to be handdrawn/made)

i was too unprepared for this lol i did exchange some of my old stickers (missed out on a collapsal plastic fan bc my brain lagged when the guy asked me and i went to my auto 'sorry i dont have any merch' response' :( regretted this bc the room got a little hot from the amount of people in there and i was wearing like 3 layers with that fan on my mind)

from people watching a lot of trades are arranged beforehand on weibo/other sites unless you're willing to yell WHO WANTS TO TRADEEE/anyone wants freebies (a lot of people were also wearing 'Feel Free to Swap Merch/Ask for Freebies' tags) which i was definitely not brave enough to do lol… met up with an oomf i got to know from last dec when i attended an arknights only and they gave me some birbs and charms (bottom of post), there was someone who got a free LGD zine and charm from me bc i posted on wb that id give a free copy to anyone with a Mod 3 swire/swummer LMFAO

I had 2 more people to meet but, uhhh so I bought an esim for mobile data and it would intermittently lose signal here and there which was a little annoying when getting coffee but it just died entirely when i reached the venue and it was kind of Dire because i was waiting for one more friend who was coming over from the fes and i couldn't contact them lmao. told the friend i came with to go in first because I thought if my food got confiscated at least my oomf could see it beforehand LOL

waited outside in a light drizzle for an hour trying to trouble shoot my data to no avail and ended up borrowing a staff's wifi hotspot to get my entry qr code (I actually bought a second data roaming plan on my local sim but i quite stupidly did not check the country coverage and only learned later that night that 'Asia' doesn't cover China kuxiao) she was so nice i was (bow emoji) so sorry to trouble you im a stupid gaijin and she was like no its ok enjoy shanghai!! pien

spent a good 30min next to this board praying for data to no avail

the show

erm anyway because of that clownery above i more or less missed the first piece (the one w the goated hoho) but at least i wasnt the guy next to me who went for a bathroom break right before starset came up

The live singing this year was definitely an improvement I think… I can't really remember the setlist off the top of my head but I'm sure someone else has already listed it out, there were a couple of new pieces that weren't related to the concert groups like a Babel/Kazdel?? one sung in Latin, a Victoria…? one (in victorian ofc) also an Amiya (? just remembering by the visuals they used lol) one in Japanese

ohh yeah so almost every track would start with like a faction logo transitioning in from 3d to 2d which was cool but also amusing because it was honestly bringing quite the 'I will Make Your Company Logo Into 3D Fiverr' vibes

Since I missed the first piece idk if any of The Dreamer(s) got 3D models but The Pilgrim(s why are they all singular) had Kaltsit playing on that piano (there was also a replica of that piano on stage the white one complete with 'Arknights' text on it lmao) and Siege being cool running around in 3D (and ofc Eureka during her denpa number) it was very cool but man... its a pity the other characters in the group just get their live2d png during the beginning and effectively get sidelined lool compared to say Phenomenal Agents idk if i like this tradeoff but that eureka bit was so good sheesh #NOVAFIVE⭐ULTRALIVESWEEP

The other stuff was really great too looking at you Lone Trail medley…!!!!! I might be wrong but I... assume... you're encouraged to karaoke bc they always show the lyrics on screen… I couldn't even hear myself anyway but it was very fun singing songs you can't get on joysound/etc with a whole crowd going at it too (even if most of them would only sing 1-2 lines of the chorus)

Mary Clare did Radiant (they had the lyrics scrolling on the sides very cool) and iirc the Throne group's song...? Radiant was so fun live

Starset did Monster > Telescope and when the latter ended they were like Bye! and we(?) started yelling ENCORE--awkwardly because idk how they do it here (I was half expecting it to be JP style 'an-call-roo' but a bunch of us just yelled en-core en-core here and there until they returned to perform Infected) speaking of yelling.. between every piece when they had to switch sets people would just yell memes or skill names (like Dage's) to pass the time or sth i barely caught half of whatever they were memeing about

did i forget to mention anything else uhhh originium rock turntable for Guide Ahead's boss theme/Dossoles Lobby and they had IS4 medley live throat singing very cool also the dancers they got for silbenherze's boss theme good stuff...

iirc after starset was like a behind the scenes video of how HG prepared for AS and a recorded lowlight video saying some stuff that i forgot LOL just some thank you message basically. 9.5/10 bc no missy/shu EP live

i just realised i forgot to display all the merch from the A tier ticket but w/e. light stick photo ft. merch swaps/gifts from friends and strangers 🥹 (the iffy lenticular card was literally dropped into my bag by an iffy coser (wearing the LT outfit..?!) while waiting for the cab LMAO)

[arcandoria]

OC Deep Dive

tagged by @baldursghaik!

I considered doing a DA OC but reading Thyneron's made me think of trouble worm daughter so we going with Nathrae instead.

-> Phobias and other fears: Prior to the events of BG3 Nat was considerably chill on the phobia and fear area, but the tadpole and the looming threat of mind control installs a profound dread on her and loss of control and shots to fear number one. She's an orphan, an outlaw and a runaway, the only thing she fully possesses is herself, and to finally have that threatened is... yeah.

-> Pet peeves: Nathrae abhors complainers. People who constantly find a reason to lament and moan (about anything and everything) or are overly nitpicky just REALLY annoy her. Also really hates being interrupted or spoken over, she will walk away from a conversation if she keeps getting interrupted.

-> 3 things you can always find in their bedroom: Nat doesn't have a bedroom or anything akin to a house until like... farther post-BG3. So I'm going with things you can always find in her possession - her adamantine lockpick kit, a sketchbook and hygiene items (mainly for haircare, she can find body soap anywhere but she is strict with her hair upkeep).

-> First thing they notice in a person: How they fit the people around, and their general body language. Nat is on the "guarded" end of the spectrum so before she even notices any physical qualities, she's trying to have an idea if they fit in with the place, and if they seem tense, nervous or comfortable.

-> On a scale of 1-10, how high is their pain tolerance? Six to seven. That threshold is definitely passed during BG3 but as a drow and ex-Lolth sworn she's grown quite accustomed to pain.

-> Do they go into fight or flight mode when under pressure? Really situational, but Nat is generally on flight mode because she'd rather go for self-preservation than going on offensive right away. She will fight back if she's backed into a corner though.

-> Do they come from a big family/are they a family person? Nathrae is an orphan, and was "raised" in the community on the Braeryn in Menzoberranzan, which still didn't provide her any adoptive family. She doesn't really consider herself a family person after being on her own for so long.

-> What animal represents them best? Foxes. They're opportunistic predators rather than fully dedicated hunters, but they're also extremely adaptable and can do well in whatever environment they're in. Symbolic-wise, foxes are associated with cunning, playfulness and resilience, and that also matches Nat perfectly.

-> What is a smell they dislike? Heavily sweet or sugary scents, safe for the smell of sussur blooms (she tolerates it because she likes the flower). She also doesn't like the smell of surface leather after being used to drowcraft armor for so long, but again, she endures it because oh well.

-> Have they broken any bones? As a thief she's had her share of broken bones, though nothing major that would rend a full limb useless. Nat relies a lot on her ability to be as functionally mobile as possible, so she's careful.

-> How would a stranger likely describe them? Overall, Nat intentionally aims to be as ordinary as possible. Being a drow definitely gets in the way specially on the surface, and if she doesn't have her head covered people are likely to refer her hair color (as it stands out compared to the typically light-haired drow). The scarring on the left side of her face is also a potential physical descriptor. But other than that, a stranger won't have much behavior-wise to describe her. She blends in quite nicely.

-> Are they a night owl or morning bird? Night owl. As a drow, pre-tadpole she couldn't even reliably stay in the sun, and as a thief it's not like the light would do her any favors. BG3 is the most active she's been during daylight in her life.

-> What is a flavor they hate and a flavor they love? There's nothing she hates to the point of not eating because food is food and she doesn't have room to be fussy, but Nat doesn't really favor bland/delicate food and isn't too fond of sweets. She has a thing for wine though, and good wine at that. But generally speaking she loves trying alcohol of all sorts and recipes.

-> Do they have any hobbies? Drawing! Nat likes to pick up charcoal or any other medium that can stain paper and just do observation drawing. Her sketchbooks are mostly filled with botanical illustrations though, normally accompanied of alchemical notes of said plant.

-> Boom, surprise birthday party! How do they react to surprises? Any person who truly knows her would not throw a surprise birthday party, so it'd definitely be coming from someone that would just have her walk right back out and fucking disappear. Don't surprise Nat at best she will walk out on you at worst you'll get stabbed.

-> Do they like to wear jewelry? Yes! Though she limits how much she wears at a time and avoids wearing rings (they get in the way of having quiet and quick lil' paws), she does like earrings, necklaces and other accessories she can add to her clothing, notably silver.

-> Do they have messy handwriting? Nat has decent handwriting, simple and legible to anyone who can speak the language she's writing in. The Lolth priestess were really stern on being able to read reports and she was strongly forced conditioned to write neatly.

-> What are the two emotions they feel the most? Before BG3, uneasiness and loneliness, though she'd never admit the latter. Nat's always lived with suspicion of other people (possibly wanting to take advantage of her), but deep down craving connection to someone she can trust and let her guard down a bit.

-> Do they have a fabric? You'd think leather, but it's actually linen, specially expertly crafted. Her "guilty" fabrics though are satin (chiffon more specifically) and wool, but she only really indulges in owning/wearing clothing with these when she sort of settles down.

-> What kind of accent do they have? More eloquent and well-spoken than you'd expect for someone with her background, but still not quite hitting the super well read mark. She's learned how to talk to nobles in her line of work, but hasn't invested too much time honing it. When speaking drow, she has very little of the lyrical undertone often associated with how the noble houses talk, and lands firmly on the Drowic heard out in the Stenchstreet with borrowed words from other races.

I have a feeling this does very little to show her as anything to what I've often said: a feral street cat who deep down enjoys scritches fmsdlkkgm But- there she is!

Tagging, no pressure: @camelliagwerm @pinkyjulien @nokstella @lordcaptains @bardic-inspo

and @togepies!

[thatstonedwriter]

Quality Time With...

Loona

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Content; Romantic relationships, affection, physicality, gender neutral reader, fluff, swearing

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Spending time with Loona would include...

Lots of back and forth teasing. If you're not into that kind of thing, instead y'all will end up dishing about the people you both don't like. (loona probably complains about Moxxie a lot of the time)

Taking night walks (through the relatively safer areas of hell). Loona is confident in her ability to fight off anyone who bothers y'all. I would imagine Blitzø probably texts her a lot to check in with you both. Just in case

Couch time!! Y'all absolutely hog the couch for movie marathons, show binging, cuddling and listening to music. I've mentioned this before, but Blitzø may occasionally join you for movie marathons to bond with you both! However, if you want space, you'll move to Loona's room (or your place).

Heading to the parties Vortex invites y'all to! Whenever you go to a social gathering, you may have to act as a social buffer for Loona. If you're also introverted or don't like parties, at least you and Loona can stand in a corner together and people watch/enjoy the party ambiance. If you'r more extroverted, Loona follows you around the party. It's that meme of the introvert hiding behind the extrovert yk what I mean?

Rooftop stargazing!! Rooftop stargazing!!! Bring your drinks, blankets, and snacks because y'all will be up there a while. Also be aware Loona will smoke her cigarettes, but won't pressure you to take drags or anything. She's also careful to blow the smoke away from you so you're not inhaling it. You could stay up there for hours. It becomes a regular thing to meet each other on the roof after a long day, because at least once the day is over, you can bask in the night together.

I wouldn't be surprised if Loona was into mobile games. It's a way to tune out the daily bullshit. So maybe, y'all can play together! Whether it's having a joint account, or Loona invites you so you can trade materials or battle to see who has stronger characters. Also trying to beat each other's high scores. You're the only person Loona can be competitive with, without feeling threatened or belittled.

Quality time with Loona is surprisingly relaxing and lowkey. There's an intimate kind of understanding that makes her feel the safest she's ever been. Loona hopes she can make you feel the same.