#i got to meet them last time i was in toronto and they're so cute. scott and i had a genuine bonding moment over how much we both love cats

[magentagalaxies]

i should go to sleep but my cat is lying at the end of my bed purring because she loves spending time near me and i want to be awake for this moment

[thelastonewastaken]

Unsocial Media

The first social media platform I joined was hi5. It was a cute little platform where you could change the skins of your profile page to any colour or template. Most of my friends from high secondary school also joined at the same time (I guess that's why I signed up, peer pressure being what it is) and it was good to view people's profiles and leave funny, little comments.

A year or so later, everyone moved over to Facebook. It was pretty much the same idea, but since I went to university soon after I also started connecting with people that saw in class or in school. The fundamental idea of these platforms was that you could connect with anyone and build a network of people with shared interests. I posted a lot on Facebook then, posts that I see now when I get memory notifications. I even wrote a few poems on Facebook Notes.

Mid-way through university, in late 2010 or early 2011, I joined Twitter. Twitter was really fun. It used to be that you tweeted into the ether and sometimes you got a sign that the ether heard you. I met a lot of people on Twitter, made friends and blocked a lot more. At some point though, I think Twitter became a little mean. People formed cliques and every tweet became some kind of argument. You could say "X makes me feel good" and someone would reply "So you're saying Y is trash?" No sir, those are different points. I started tweeting less and less until Meta released Threads and I mostly moved there.

Instagram is peak social media. If I could give up social media, I think I'll quit Instagram last. Originally, I used it to post photos I thought were funny or photos from trips I went on, but then I started to explore amateur photography more. With Stories, I started to engage with more people and actually gained a lot of friends on the platform (of course, I've blocked people too).

My problem with the current state of social media (and this includes LinkedIn) is that it is now a marketplace. On one side, you have creators of content, who work quite hard at generating (and 'adapting') photo, video, and/or text content for the enjoyment of the other side, the consumers of content. These platforms have developed complex algorithms to make the distinction between both sides appear latent, while encouraging creators to post more content and consumers to scroll more.

As I write this, I realize that I will probably post this online so I'm obviously consumed by this system too.

This system has benefited a lot of people. Creating content now provides sufficient income for many people, and brands employ creators in selling their goods to more people. Consumers now know of brands and influencers that address their needs more directly than they would know using other media platforms. The main negative of this system is that creators have to post engaging content very frequently, which tend to be incendiary and typically post about subjects within their niche.

This might sound weird, but when I follow people on social media I expect to see different sides of them. Like, you talked about a book you read yesterday but you're talking about car exhaust pipes today. That's range, human beings are supposed to have range. Don't talk about personal finance everyday, dawg.

For people who simply want to connect with others, it's become quite hard to do so. I would not have met my wife without social media or the last friend I hung out with in Toronto. And that's quite sad. Now when I follow new people, I take their follower count into consideration because if they have a large following they're less likely to engage with new people.

Where does that leave me? I don't know. I'm just a guy who likes to meet new people without leaving my house.

[shawnpetermuffins]

Another Night In

A/n: this is my first smut, so keep that in mind. This is also unedited, but enjoy.

Summary: You and Shawn were just gonna have a night in with the boys. How did it turn into scary movies and... strip uno???

Warning: smut (oral, female receiving)

***

“You okay with the boys coming over tonight?”

“Of course! Why on earth would you ask me that?”

“Well, I know you’re here to see me, and-”

“Hey, just because I’m here for the week doesn’t mean you can’t still hang out with your friends. Hell, you could go out and I’d stay here if you wanted me to.”

“But that’s not fair to you. You don’t know your way around Toronto and-”

“I never said I was going to leave. I’d probably read or watch a movie or something. You don’t have to entertain me all the time.”

He nodded, “okay. Well, we’re probably just gonna watch a movie or something. But, are you sure? Because I feel bad. You leave in a couple days.”

I shook my head, “No sir. You are not going to think about that. Just think about the fact that I am here now, and I want you to spend some quality time with your friends.”

“Hey, y/n! You gonna join us?” Brian called from his seat on the couch. I was in the kitchen with Shawn, helping him with the drinks and popcorn. I told him that I was probably just gonna retreat to his room so they could have their space. He reluctantly said that was okay.

“She won’t watch it, Bri. I tried getting her to stay. She’s not about it.” 

“What are y’all watching?” I asked, setting the popcorn in Shawn’s lap and resting my hands on his shoulders. He looked up at me and puckered his lips, begging for a kiss. I leaned down and pecked his lips softly. 

“Thank you,” he mouthed.

“Conjuring,” Matt finally answered.

“Yeah,” I shook my head, “Absolutely not. I’m not about that life.”

And yet, here I am, stuffed between my boyfriend and his best friend "watching" the Conjuring. My hands are covering my face and they're both trying to pull them away. They succeed just in time for me to see quite possibly the scariest thing I've ever seen in my life and I screamed, jumping from my seat. "Nope. Not today, Satan." I said, shaking my head, my eyes shut tight.

Laughing, Shawn pulled me into his lap and kissed my forehead. "You're fine."

I clung to his shirt, my head buried in his neck. "I hate you so much. I'm breaking up with you. This is the worst thing in the world. We're done."

The boys were laughing, at my outburst or the fact that Shawn was now stammering like an idiot at the mere mention of breaking up, I don't know. "Let the girl go, Shawn. She looks like she's about to cry." Ian chuckled.

"I am crying!" I mumbled into his shirt, patting at my under eyes.

"Oh, lovie!" He reached for my face and wiped at my fallen tears with his thumb. I whimpered softly and fell into his touch, but a scream emitted from the screen and I flinched. "Nope. Nope. Nope. That's it. I'm out." This time he let me go.

I was alone for all of about twenty minutes before Shawn knocked on the bedroom door even though it was open, all the lights on as I sat on his bed, laptop in front of me. I paused the video and looked up at him. "Yes?"

"You okay?" He entered the room and sat in front of me on the corner of the bed.

I nodded. "I'm okay." I put my laptop on the nightstand.

"I'm sorry we made you watch that."

"It's okay, bubs."

He reached for my hand. "Are we okay? You weren't serious about breaking up, right? His voice was low, seeming scared of my answer. My free hand found the nape of his neck, and pulled him to my lips. "We are definitely okay. I'm not letting you get rid of me that easily."

"He relaxed against my lips and kissed me again. "Thank god." Minutes passed and we were still pressed against each other. He had me laid out before him, his knees separating my thighs. I hummed against his mouth and his tongue soon found mine, and I found salvation in the taste of him.

"Oh gross!"

We pulled away instantly and I tried to cover up my embarrassed laugh. "Go away, Ian." Shawn grumbled, running his hands over his face.

"You could t wait until we left to have at each other?" He laughed, leaning against the door frame.

"Did you need something?" Shawn asked, completely irritated.

"The boys and I just wanted to know if you were down to go eat. Unless you've got other plans for that." He smirked and I felt my cheeks grow hot; I laughed despite myself.

"Shawn?"

"It's up to you, hon." He took my hand that was resting my lap and played with my fingers.

I rolled my eyes at his answer. "Sure," I answered Ian. "We'll meet you?"

He nodded. "I'll text you where we're going."

When I heard the door close, I went over to my suitcase and rummaged through it to find a shirt. "Why don't you just wear what you have on?" Shawn asked, pushing his hair out of his face.

I looked down at my too big shirt and leggings. "I look frumpy." I found the sweater I was looking for and smiled. I still felt his eyes on me when I started to lift my shirt from my chest. "Turn around," I whined.

"Y/n! I have seen you naked plenty of times. You're just changing your clothes." He said, but turned around anyway while I slipped into a pair of black jeans and my sweater.

"You're good, bubba." He turned back to me, smiling. "What?" I ran my hands roughly through my hair to get rid of the tangles, and he walked over to me, resting his hands on my hips.

"Nothing, I just... really love when you call me that." I hummed in acknowledgement and my fingers found purchase in his hair. "I don't think I could fall for you anymore," he said softly. "My beautiful cherry blossom. With your cute little fake eyelashes and what not."

I furrowed my brows at him. "I'm not wearing fake lashes. It's just mascara."

"What?" He took my face in his hands, looking at me intensely. "My god, you really are just that beautiful." He shook his head. "Wow, I really hit the jackpot with you."

---

"So, what are the rules? I've never played strip uno before." We were all sat on the floor of Shawn's living room, the boys all with a beer in front of them, but I stuck with water, not really in the mood to drink. Shawn handed me the uno cards and I shook them out of the box, starting to shuffle them.

"0 and 5 are the only regular cards that you take clothes off with," Brian explained. "Skip means you miss your turn, but still have to get rid of an article of clothing. Color change means you get to pick which item everyone takes off. And I'm assuming we'll go clockwise, so if you get a draw two, Matt has to draw two cards and put two clothing items back on. Same goes for a draw four. Reverse, the person that went before you - Shawn, in your case - has to take something off. The rest of the game is just like normal. The one with the most clothes of wins."

"You sure about this, hon?" Shawn asked me , surely skeptical.

"What?" I kissed the underside of his jaw. "Nervous about them seeing me naked?" I started dealing out cards to everyone, not really looking for him to respond, but seeing his face turn red from the corner of my eye. "Brian, you want to go first?" I asked, it was his idea after all. I flipped over the top card from the deck and placed it in the middle of the coffee table where everyone could see it. I scooted farther away from my boyfriend so he couldn't see my cards and he frowned, bringing a large hand to my thigh and squeezing gently. "Such a baby," I muttered to myself. We went around the table twice before anyone lost an article of clothing, and much to Shawn's dismay, it was me.

"Matt, I swear to god, I'm gonna kill you." He scowled, looking his friend dead in the eye, seriously furious about Matt's decision to put down a reverse. I just shook my head and put my cards face down on the table before ridding myself of my shirt. I placed it behind me on the couch and looked up only to find the guys gaping at me. Shawn cleared his throat when he noticed and their eyes all quickly reverted back to the cards in their hands. I placed a five down and nudged Shawn's shoulder. He wasn't paying attention to the game though, his eyes, like his friends'eyes just seconds before were trained on my breasts, not that I was at all surprised. "Eyes are up here," I lifted his chin. "It's your turn."

He looked down at the deck, blinking a few times. "Sorry." He placed a card down, but I shook my head.

"You're forgetting something, rockstar."

"I am, eh?"

I lifted my card. "I put down a five. Off with the shirt, Mendes." When he didn't move, I let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine, I'll help." I reached for the hem of his shirt, but he swatted my hands away.

"I got it." He handed the shirt to me and I squinted at him in confusion. He just shrugged, "You're gonna end up in it later anyway," he said in explanation.

I shrugged and nodded, knowing just how right he was, and the boys all stifled their laughter at the very slight innuendo. A few more times around and I'm in my bra and panties, Shawn is in his boxers and socks, Ian in just his boxers, and the other still have everything on but their shirts.

"I swear, Brian. She better not lose anymore clothes or I'm gonna kick your ass." Shawn threatened and I hit his chest.

"Stop it!" I turned my attention to Brian. "He's kidding."

"Like hell I am. This," he pulled me into his lap and I was a giggling mess. "Is mine." His lips connected with my bare shoulder. "Matt," he nodded in his direction. "Your turn." Matt put down another reverse and I felt Shawn tense up behind me. He breathed out his nose and Matt let out a rushed 'I'm sorry, it was literally my last card.' I watched Shawn chug the rest of his beer and I put my cards down, reaching for the clasp of my bra. "Please, baby, dont." He begged, eyes closed.

"Its just a game, Shawn."

He groaned and lifted me from his lap. "I need another beer. Anyone else?" He asked, pushing himself up from the floor. Everyone shook their heads. When he came back to see me braless, covering myself with my arms, he let out a low 'my God' and hurriedly sat me back in his lap, wrapping his arms around my chest, covering me a hell of a lit better than I was doing. "Did you already go?" He asked, pressing his lips covered the side of my neck and I nodded. He set his card down and was followed by Ian putting down a reverse. He laughed, "Thank god!" He pulled a sock off and slammed a draw two on the table. "Put some clothes back on, baby girl! Boys, close your eyes," he said and they did. He took the opportunity to hand me back my bra and I clasped it around myself. "I'm sorry," he said lowly, handing me his shirt. "I had to."

---

I was throwing out the left behind beer bottles when Shawn came behind me and wrapped his arms tightly around my waist. "You're beautiful." He mumbled into my hair, kissing the side of my neck. I bit my lip and placed my hands over his. I was still in only his shirt and my underwear. "I didn't like the way the boys were looking at you all night." He said, slipping his hands under the top. "They were all over you." His teeth sunk into the shell of my ear and I let out a tiny moan. "Can't have that. You're my baby."

"Little jealous, are we?" I lifted my hand to play with the curls on the nape of his neck, pressing his face deeper into my skin. He only grunted his answer.

"I'm the only one that gets to look at you like that." He turned me around in his arms and lifted me up, placing me on the cold counter. I let out a soft squeal. He cupped my breasts over my bra, "the only one that gets to touch you like this. The only one that gets to see you uncontained and mumbling incoherent nothings into my ear as I ram steadily into you." His fingers slipped into the waistband of my panties, teasing my already sensitive area. "The only one that gets to watch you feel the most intense pleasure you've ever felt in your life." A single finger slipped inside me as he slid my panties to the side and I gasped, he took the opportunity to add another finger and connect our lips, his tongue soon battling with mine for dominance.

I soon became a moaning mess, not knowing what to pay attention to, the hand that was kneading my breast, or the hand between my legs that was doing way too good a job of teasing me. "Shawn," I let out a strangled moan as he continued to pump his fingers in and out of me. He added a third finger and I slumped against him. "Oh god," I bit into his bare shoulder, reveling in the sensation of his fingers painting me in feeling. His mouth soon swallowed my his name from my lips, as his pace became teasingly slow. I whimpered, "faster. Please." I begged. He sped back up only for a second and I came undone all over his fingers.

He let out a gentle hum and pulled out of me. I watched with lust filled eyes as he brought his fingers to his mouth and groaned, seeing him lick me from his skin. "So good," he grasped before getting on his knees and spreading my legs wider, his head burying itself between my thighs, licking and sucking me clean. The noises emitting from him were dirty and only made me want him even more. He pulled back a minute later, chin wet, and he pulled me from the counter. I held onto his shoulders to support myself on my wobbly legs. He rubbed his chin with his thumb and held it it against my mouth, begging me to taste myself. I moaned around his calloused skin and his eyes fluttered shut. I let out a loud 'pop'when I let go of his thumb. I looked down and frowned at how seriously hard he was for me.

"Let me take care of you now," I reached for his boxers, but he shook his head.

"No, honey. I'm not done with you yet." I bit the inside of my cheek and he continued to speak. "I want you to cum so many times tonight that the only way you're getting out of bed tomorrow is if I carry you."

"Shawn," I gasped.

He quickly picked me up, bridal style, and I laughed into his shoulder. "Bedroom," he growled into my neck. "Now."

***

A/n: well that was something. I hope you enjoyed reading it because I enjoyed writing it. Feedback is always encouraged! Thank you!