#i had to put this one somewhere

[rae-lune]

someone got her wedding photos back

[shehzadi]

so israel simultaneously bombed: an ambulance convoy going to the rafah egypt-palestine border that was transporting the most severely injured, the main entrance to al-shifa hospital, the vicinity of al-quds hospital and the indonesian hospital. in doing so, they’ve martyred at least dozens of people, with the numbers still climbing, only to then bomb the osama bin zaid UNRWA school barely an hour later, and the scenes coming out of there are literally those of children blown to pieces. they are unrecognisable as humans. may Allah accept them all as martyrs. and if that wasn’t enough, al-shifa, which is now completely overwhelmed with martyrs’ bodies and even more injured people than before since it’s sheltering and treating those from 1. the ambulance bombing and 2. the entrance bombing, is now totally blacked out. no more light or electricity.

while all this was happening in ghazzah, israeli settlers, aided by the israeli military, were/have been continuously forcing palestinians from their land in the west bank by burning their land and shooting palestinians.

this is only what has happened today (03.11.23) in a period of about 2-3 hours. remember, this has been the last 75 years for palestinians.

[oshiawaseni]

Gonna write some meta about ch 431

After inferring Izuku could be by his side if he wanted to, and him indirectly telling Izuku he’s the standard he holds everyone to going unnoticed… it seems to me like Kacchan is releasing Izuku… for now. “If everyone is special then no one is special”… this kinda ties into what Shigaraki said to Katsuki for me. I get the impression that Kacchan believes in his core, that Izuku treats everyone special and Shigaraki had mistaken CYH for “extra special treatment” when, in Katsuki’s mind, loving and protective is really just how Izuku is to everyone.

The dig back at Kacchan for not thinking higher of himself or not noticing “obvious things” (Izuku’s feelings) is pretty sussy and very open to interpretation. It feels like they’re both not risking anything to explore the possibility for more. They’re mirroring each other’s hesitation.

This dynamic is basically inferred later, when Katsuki comments “peaceful idiots” at Kaminari and Jirou who are not taking a leap of faith to start a relationship themselves. “Lame losers” doesn’t really capture the nuance of Katsuki’s feelings towards himself and Izuku. Heiwa boke… two idiots not reflecting upon their obvious feelings for one another - all to keep a harmonious relationship describe bkdk to a T.

He’s projecting. Him and Izuku are also peaceful idiots with their dynamic too. So that’s why Katsuki let Izuku go. I’m sure a big part of him yearned for Izuku. Yearned he would turn around and not go to Ochaco. And that he’d realise Katsuki’s deepest feelings he holds tightly to his chest.

But Izuku won’t know who he is unless he fully experiences life and his feelings and what everyone and everything means to him. He needs context to understand who Ochaco and Katsuki really are to him. So Katsuki is showing a great maturity letting Izuku go. Also… Something something, if they come back again, they’re yours forever.

So my take away from all this is “They may be right for each other but that doesn’t mean they’re right for each other now” and these two peaceful idiots will surely get it together someday. Especially if Katsuki goes to those communication classes and they learn to understand each other better. 🤭

(Again, to me that’s Izuku wishing he could understand Kacchan’s subtleties and indirect way of talking better. They both have always sucked at truly understanding each other’s feelings for each other and finding a point of connection to act on those feelings.)

Kacchan is self aware of all of this. He has Izuku on a pedestal and feels he’s in an unrequited love. And since his apology, he has left the ball in Izuku’s court. It has to be Izuku to grow, to decide who he wants and who he wants to be. And Katsuki is okay with the cards falling where they may. And this, my friends… is unconditional love and why I loved this ship so much to begin with. He will always love Izuku and respect his choices and allow Izuku space for his internal growth. He’s a beautiful soul.

And in all that talk of destiny earlier, lies a certain knowing for us, that what is meant to be for them, will be. Bkdk for me is an inevitability and I think sensei did a good job to convey this to those who understand this immeasurable love and string of fate that runs between them. Bkdk have always existed in the realm of the unspoken, one just needs to open their heart to what’s really being said and implied underneath the surface. 🧡💚

[canisalbus]

So i remember an ask mentioning your mortal enemy, Felis Atra and their cats, and i thought it'd be fun to draw what Felis Atra's version of your italian dogs would be.

I think they would be called Butter Knife and Flamengo! Butter Knife is not his real name, it's an nickname given by his peers because of how harmless he is. I choose Flamengo because that's the name of Vasco's rival football team here in Brazil, so i thought that was the perfect name :)

Cat Machete was slightly inspired by the Oriental Shorthair cat because of their long noses and thin head shape.

Cat Vasco was inspired by the Scottish Fold cat, because FLOPPY EARS. I gave Flamengo longer ears and orange fur to make him more like his look-alike.

The last doodle is a reference to this ask (https://canisalbus.tumblr.com/post/728923918314946560/me-i-am-machete-ear-fan-number-1-those-ears) and contains the tumblr ask stand-in dog, whose cat version was inspired by the American Curl cat! They have round ears that are slightly floppy outwards.

Final notes: I know cardinal clothes don't come in vibrant blue, but i was ADAMANT on switching Machete's and Vasco's clothing color patterns. I would draw the rest of Butter Knife's and Flamengo's clothes, but i suck at designing cool outfits.

Speaking of outfits, for Machete's iconic void outfit, i figured it would be fun to make it more baggy for Butter Knife, in contrast to Machete's, that looks very tight-fitted. I think it's cute, it kinda looks like a sweater. Also i can't imagine a Machete doppelganger without high heels boots, so those HAD to stay.

Oh, and just to be clear, i'm not like, claiming ownership of these guys or anything. I just thought it would be a fun exercise. Hope you like them!! I love your art and your characters.

.

[taffywabbit]

"why not just make your own website?"

with the announcement of cohost's death and amidst all the other tumultuous shit currently going on with social media as a concept (i am AMAZED twitter has survived this long given the circumstances), one suggestion that i've been hearing a lot is "we should just go back to the good old days of personal websites. let's all just make neocities pages!!"

(this is gonna be a long one sorry)

and like. idk! it's certainly something i've considered, i think it would be a fun thing to have, but it also feels like the equivalent of "capitalism sucks so let's all just run off into the woods and live in a cabin outside of society" to me. like it would be nice, it would be fun, but it doesn't ultimately solve the actual problems that are present with the modern internet, it just evades them. more importantly in my case and many others, it does not really help people who rely on the modern internet and the connections they're able to make there for their income. sure i can make a website and host my art and blog posts there, but who's going to see it? i can't build a consistent audience and make a living off of random passersby who peek at my website once, say "huh, neat!" and MAYBE add it to an RSS feed or whatever if they really like it. there's minimal potential for meeting and impressing new people outside my existing circles if i don't ALSO still have some manner of social media platform to promote the website on.

a lot of the "solutions" i see people proposing for the slow, painful decline of social media as a user experience keep coming back to old-fashioned, more isolated/insular systems. we miss forums, we miss personal webpages, we miss newsletters, etc etc. but like... those things were ideal in the "old web" because the old web was more about sharing hobbies and interests with whoever happened to pass by and check them out, and even just USING the internet was a niche hobby in and of itself for a lot of people. if you wanna be kinda cynical about it (and not unjustifiably so), web 2.0 is much more blatantly business-oriented, and its algorithms and carefully crafted UX's are primarily meant to funnel you towards viewing ads and spending money on products. looking at it that way, it sure does suck and Everything Was Better Before! but the modern web is ALSO more powerful than anything before it for just like. connecting people. spreading information and news. showing your art/music/writing/thoughts/etc to strangers who never knew you existed an hour ago. putting the tools to reach out to someone and tell them you think they're cool right there on the same website where their art is hosted, just a comment or a message away.

if you're able to avoid patterns of engagement-bait and obsessing over follower counts as a measure of self-worth (a big "if", i realize, but i view it like installing an adblocker - it's just kind of a basic prerequisite for modern internet safety and survival), a lot of these systems can genuinely be really positive and life-changing in ways that were simply not possible 20 years ago! almost all of my current closest friends are people I met through sharing our art on platforms like Twitter who were complete strangers at the time. all of the art clients that regularly pay my bills and support my work came from places like that too! the "social" part of "social media" is really what makes it ultimately worth keeping around in any form, and makes the pursuit of a Good social media platform still valuable.

there's a lot to love about the old web - its aesthetics, simplicity and freedom for personal expression - but every time someone says "just delete your socials and make a personal website" i am forced to confront the fact that i could never do what i currently do or be the person i am on the old web. if i was stuck hanging out in my own little space and only ever interacting with people who openly and loudly share my interests, i couldn't support myself with art full-time, i probably would never have met the kind and quiet strangers who are now my best friends and have made me who i am, and i'd just generally get a lot less insight into the vast range of experiences and perspectives that exist outside of my own. my life would be on a fundamentally different trajectory in countless ways without the advent of web 2.0.

and that's not to say "well twitter and facebook and tumblr all suck but you kinda still have to hand it to them" cuz you don't, obviously. they're corporations, and their job is to take the personalities and thoughts and art of the people who use their products and try to scrunch it all into something uninform and marketable that generates profit and pleases their shareholders. but like, you CAN still make a good thing out of them! these websites are tools just as much as geocities or myspace or IRC used to be. and the one thing these newer tools are pretty much all REALLY good at is discoverability. if you're just a hobbyist at the things you wanna share on the internet, then you likely don't have a lot of use for those tools, and perhaps you WOULD genuinely be happier just keeping a personal blog site or hanging out in private groupchats or sticking to specialized federated Mastodon instances or whatever. it just isn't feasible for me, and there are a LOT of people in my same situation. my entire industry of online freelance artists barely existed 20 years ago, and the web culture of that era is largely incompatible with my continued survival in the mid-2020s. i would LOVE to run off and live in the woods in concept, but all my survival skills are adapted for city living and i would just eat the wrong berry and die out there. i want- i NEED people to try and improve the spaces we're in, and support better forms of social media (like what cohost was trying and largely succeeding to do!) instead of just complaining that it all sucks, everything was better when we were kids, and digging ourselves little holes to hide in. much like all the other problems and frustrations and systemic issues of the world we live in, the modern web isn't going to go away if you just ignore it, so we may as well try to make it better for everyone.

anyways tl;dr i probably WILL make a neocities at some point. it could be fun, even if it doesn't help my career stability or whatever. but i do also need ALL THE SOCIAL PLATFORMS I USE FOR MY JOB TO STOP EXPLODING PRETTY PLEASE, and failing that, some actual half-decent alternatives that aren't going to fizzle out in a month would also be great thanks ✌

[turtleblogatlast]

“Hey, Hueso.”

Hueso sighs.

Moving his gaze to his left, he sees Leo casually leaning up against the wall next to him. The turtle isn’t looking at him, instead he seems to be staring at nothing at all. Strange, but not necessarily unheard of from him.

“We’re closed, Pepino.” Hueso states, moving a little away to continue closing down his restaurant-

“Can any portal be portal-jacked?”

Hueso pauses.

It’s a simple enough question, one that Hueso’s fairly certain he’s given an equally simple - if not a bit harsh - answer to. Granted, it was more in regard to the likelihood of bad portals being jacked rather than any at all, so maybe now that Leo has admittedly become much more competent with his portals, he’s just worried it’ll happen again.

The invasion certainly made the boy more…cautious. Quieter, too.

“Well…” Hueso runs a bony hand down his face, “From what I know, the possibility always exists, Pepino. However, it is far, far more unlikely to be portal-jacked when the portal is made by a master, rather than some reckless amateur.”

Leo nods his head, almost vacantly. If Hueso wasn’t paying so much attention he may have missed the way Leo seemed to look a little sick. Despite himself, concern builds within him.

“So-“ Leo starts, his voice soft in a worrisome way before he clears it, “So…if the portal was just- really strong, it could still be jacked if made by a beginner?”

Hueso watches closely even as he nods in answer, “Sí. Your own portals are strong, no?”

Leo shakes his head, “No, like- imagine a portal way stronger than mine ever were. Something huge and stuff. More, uh. More locked up dimensions and time, less…just space.”

“Hm.” Hueso frowns, considering the strange question. “Well, in truth I have yet to come across many portals on that level, but there’s nothing to say that it’s not possible-“ The smallest furrow of Leo’s brow makes Hueso hurry to add, “-ah, but there’s also nothing that says it is possible.”

“So…it could happen? It’s not a definitive “no”?” Leo asks, the smallest of shakes present in his tone.

Hueso puts a hand on Leo’s shoulder. “No lo sé, Pepino. I haven’t come across such portals enough to give a good answer to you.”

Something in him hurts a bit when Leo visibly plasters on a grin. “Ah, man. Well- Gracias, Hueso, this was just a stupid thing to get all hung up on anyway.”

Hueso looks closer at this annoying, insufferable, horribly quiet and reserved boy. He sees the dark circles peaking, barely visible thanks to the mask. He sees the scars of healed injuries never to be forgotten displayed all across the boy’s body. He sees the look in Leo’s eyes, a depression and worry that is…hard to look at, in someone so young.

He sees all of this in Leo, and as much as he sometimes wishes to deny it, he cares enough about him to gently ask. “Are you okay, Pepino?”

“Oh- yeah, yeah, don’t worry, Hueso, I’m not about to whine to you again or anything.” Leo laughs, backing away out of Hueso’s reach. “It’s just a little question, just something that’s been bothering me, y’know? Wanted to ask an expert.”

“Pepino-“ Hueso starts, not quite sure what to say. The words “you can come to me whenever you need to” are true, and yet he can’t bring himself to say them before Leo already is swinging a katana.

In the light of his blue portal, Leo sends Hueso his signature, manufactured grin. “Thanks for listening, Hueso!”

And then he’s gone. Just like that. Standing tall and confident with not a shred of that worry and reservation and fear left behind. It was the look of a soldier heading off to a battle he knew was terrifying, but one he also knew he needed to keep a brave face for.

It would have been a commendable look, if not for the fact Leo was heading home.

Hueso stares at the residual sparks of the portal for just a moment longer before moving to continue closing. Next time, because there will always be a next time, Hueso will have a fresh pizza waiting.

And, hopefully, a bit of that insufferable turtle he knows so well comes back to grab a slice.

[boviform]

I do think that this pic of AJ really captures a certain feeling

[thresholdbb]

I have a gripe about the Star Trek mugs...

Picard's teacup is a delicate, fragile little thing held by a strip of plastic and a dream. That thin glass will break if you look at it sideways. And where do they put that ridiculous tiny cup? On the Enterprise, which is always being dragged into conflict

The DS9 raktajino mugs are hefty, wide-based things that are meant to not tip over. They're called no-spill mugs. They have a foam piece on the bottom so they don't slip. They're incredibly sturdy – meant for ships and traveling! Where do they put them? At the station, which is arguably the most stable place they could be cause DS9 rarely gets knocked about.

Far as I'm concerned, Janeway's the only one doing practical space mugs correctly. Come on, a metal travel mug that's as strong as her coffee is black? Takes a beating through 70,000 light years of bridge shakes fighting off the Borg and the Hirogen and still holds a hot drink? Now that's a space mug

[fictionadventurer]

I keep thinking about Lewis' review of The Hobbit, because he claimed that the main thing contemporary reviewers compared it to was Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Was fantasy in that poor of a state that Alice was the closest thing they could think of? Comparing that chaotic fever dream to Tolkien's intricately crafted world? Lewis does specify that the comparison is that both books are by an "Oxford professor at play", but they're otherwise so different that putting the two in the same category baffles me.

[wyvernity]

sss day my favorite national holiday WOOOOHHHH

bonus

[uniiiquehecrt]

Voice actors are NOT the same as actors.

It takes a specific kind of skill-set and training to be able to warp and meld the voice. It takes a certain kind of talent and dedication to hone that talent into the ability to meld the voice and invoke emotion with one's voice alone. Actors are used to using their voice secondarily to their body language and their facial expressions. It's all mirrored back on camera. They do have nuance. But it's a different kind of nuance and a different kind of training to produce that nuance.

Voice actors might get their likeness transposed on their character's design, and maybe their mannerisms might seep into the character's animation. But when it's all said and done: their presence is in their voice. They are bringing a character to life, showing that emotion in their voice, trying to keep a specific accent, drawl, pitch, tone in that voice and keep it consistent for their recording sessions.

The voice actor is like a classically trained musician who can play first chair in a competitive, world-renown orchestra. The actor (who fills the voice actor's role) is like a moot who played violin in beginner and intermediate high school orchestra and thinks they can get into Juilliard with that 2-4 years of experience.

This doesn't mean that the HS orchestra moot can't play. They can even be really good at it. Maybe they won competitions and sat first chair. But they are not in the same league as the person who's been training their whole lives and lives and breathes to hone their craft using the instrument and all of the training they've ever acquired to perfect it. They are not meant for the same roles. They are not in the same caliber. You do not hire the HS equivalent when you want to play complex music in a competitive orchestra.

Actors are not the same as voice actors.

And furthermore, actors - especially big name actors - taking the roles of animated characters for big budget films or TV pilots makes no sense anyways when - at least in the case of TV pilots - there's not a point to hiring a big budget actors anyways. That money could be used elsewhere (like paying your animators), and the talent that is brought onto the screen for X character could then be hired on to voice said character no recasting required.

I wouldn't say voice acting as a profession is in danger exactly, but it's certainly being disrespected and overlooked for celebrity clout, and this has ALWAYS been an issue. Shoot, even Robin Williams knew that much - which is why he tried so hard not to be used as a marketing chess piece for Aladdin and got royally pissed off when it happened anyways. People shouldn't go to any movie (but especially not animated films) because "oh famous actor is in it". People should go because it's a good movie and the voice acting is good.

People who honest to god think that voice actors are replaceable because "oh well anyone can voice act" or "I like xyz celebrity so naturally it'll be good" ... Honestly I just wish you'd reassess your priorities because you're missing the point and are part of the problem.

Voice Actors ≠ Actors.

[whereismyhat5678]

HOLY. SHIT.

I don’t even wanna separate these?? TAKE THE WHOLE SHEET I’M SO PROUD OF IT WHAT????

I was playing around with expressions and OMG, I think I unlocked something???

It was mostly from yesterday’s post, I liked the way I drew Pizza Head so I decided to try drawing him again (since it’s been a while) AND GOD I LOVE THESE‼️‼️‼️ Seriously started out rough but then I just kind rolled with it! I like it! I like it a lot‼️ 😆😆

Also since I drew Brick yesterday as well, I decided to change the way I draw him, just a bit 🤏

Today was so fun AAAHHH!!!! 💞💞💞💞💞💞

[delusionalbitchinthehouse]

Swiss hurt/comfort because I love him. So, so much. Featuring Dew being the absolute best.

It's a peculiar feeling, being the only multi ghoul in the Ministry. Sure, there are some who come close, like three-elemental hybrid Aurora, but Swiss remains, to this day, the only ghoul to detain control of all five elements. Well. "Control" might be a strong word.

He is good with fire, has always been drawn to this element specifically. Quickly started hanging out with the fire ghoul bunch after his summoning, feeling like he might fit in best with them. He is good, yes, but no more than that. Good. Average good. Nothing like the effortless and precise mastery of the element displayed by the fire ghouls.

Air comes relatively easily to Swiss. He has Cumulus and Cirrus to thank for that. Summoned at the same time as them, he remains very close to the girls, and spent countless afternoon practicing with them, learning how to weave breezes and gusts of wind, earning countless praises and kisses whenever he made progress. Still, Swiss has none of the girls' grace or range when it comes to manipulating their common element.

Surprisingly, he is quite good with quintessence as well. Quintessence, this mysterious, elusive element that's known to be so hard to control, somehow doesn't give Swiss as much troubles as he'd expected. In Aether's opinion, it might be that Swiss is so very curious of people, his mind craving connection, which would encourage the spark of quintessence within his grasp. But of course, because there always is a "but", Swiss is far from fully in control of it. He would never try what Aether successfully does to calm pain, soothe nerves or various other things.

When it comes to water...well. Swiss can, with a lot of focus, fuck around with weak currents, direct some droplets to splash someone in the face, or even, thanks to Rain's patient efforts, developpe small gills which allow him to breath semi-decently underneath the surface of the lake, but that's about it. Swiss, as much as he sometimes wishes he could, will never slink through the currents with the water ghouls' elegancy, silent and blending in so very well with their element.

Which leaves earth. Ah, earth. Swiss can feel it, the thrumming under his skin whenever he's surrounded by the element, in the forest guarding the Ministry's grounds or even Primo's beautiful rose garden. Yet Swiss can barely access to that power keeping itself just out of grasp, almost as if it was taunting him. No amount of time spent in the greenhouses helping Mountain, listening to his advice or copying his careful gestures can change that. But Swiss knows it's there, can feel it, and, on rare occasions, has his suspicions confirmed when flowers sprouts around his horns after being subjected to especially intense emotions.

So that is what Swiss is. Jack of all trades, master of none. And it gets to him, sometimes. He knows, realistically speaking, that people like him. That the Clergy sees him as a blessing, the Siblings are irresistibly drawn to him, that the ghouls are all over him. And yet, sometimes, he cannot help but feel like an outsider, a freak, something that shouldn't be, or at least shouldn't be that way.

It's often Dew who notices first when Swiss starts spiralling that way. Everyone always underestimates how perceptive and attentive to others the fire ghoul is, but Swiss has been on the receiving end of his quiet comfort enough times to know Dew cares, a lot. And somehow, when Swiss is overwhelmed by the objectively speaking irrationnal feeling of not belonging, Dew always manages to reassure him.

Maybe it's because the fire ghoul remembers his water days, when he struggled to connect with his element and felt like a disappointment, even with Mist always fiercely supporting him and expressing her pride in what Dew grew to become. In any case, he always find the words to appease Swiss, or, when words aren't what he needs, what to do to make him feel better.

A hand slipping in Swiss', an arm slung around his shoulders. A press of forehead against his, a cheeky kiss at the corner of his mouth. Sometimes, understanding that all Swiss needs is to be smothered with affection, Dew simply throws himself at the multi ghoul and wrestles him onto his back with surprising strenght before calling for a cuddle pile.

It's harder to feel like an outsider when your packmates are all purring and making happy noises on top of you.

[biscuitscheesebiscuits]

Reading physical copies of The Queen's Thief series for the first time and realizing that the maps in them are inconsistent???

[honey-floret]

(CW// Transphobia, Bullying, Noncon)

Log X11042555a Journal of Dr. Beatrice "Honey" Lewis

A woman in a pink and white dress appears on screen. Her silver and brown hair falling around her shoulders, and her well fitting Squarish glasses frame her face nicely. With how the screen bobs she looks to be walking somewhere

Hi, I guess, this is Honey Lewis and I don't know what I'm doing here. Yesterday was a disaster. The coffee date with Cybil felt like it was going so well until my outburst. I mean finding out that you've been fucked with over the last year just feels horrible when you find out. But, when I confronted Cybil she didn't even try to hide it. She was just so straight forward and it felt like I was just put in my place. I couldn't even speak back to her.

And now I'm headed over to her Hab unit on her invitation to see Alma. I mean I don't have to do this.... but as upset as I am at Cybil I can't blame Alma. She didn't do anything and I'm positive that Cybil told her I was to be coming over today. I don't know her that well, but I feel like it would break her little floret heart if I didn't show up.

I really don't know what to expect today. I haven't really interacted with any florets since the Affini took over. I've only really seen them walking around, collared and leashed, blissful looks in their eyes. Even my limited experience with Alma doesn't really tell me much. Like what's expected out of me? Like are we just going to chat? Or...? I have no idea. To be honest tho there's a part of me that's really excited.

I've decided to keep my datapad on in my pocket to record this I guess date? As part of my journaling. I'm almost at Cybil and Alma's. One second I gotta knock on their door.

Knock knock. Somewhere inside the Hab an artificial voice said "You got a visitor cuties!" The door opened and the towering form of Cybilpedium Acaule, Second Bloom fills the doorway. Her pink flowers rustled gently in the breeze.

"Aren't you looking cute today Honey? Alma was just telling me how excited she was for your little play date. Isn't that right Alma?"

The small form of the floret appeared between Cybils legs. Her blue eyes twinkling with slightly blown out pupils, her red bob of hair bouncing up and down. Honey hadn't noticed this before but one of her legs appeared synthetic. An amalgamation of robotics and vines.

"Oh yes yes yes Miss Cybil! Oh oh!!! Hello hi!! Hi Honey!! I'm just so... so! Overjoyed to see you again! I see you're wearing the dress I suggested! Can... can l... can I hug?"

The excited floret bounded up to Honey gave her a big hug. Honey's arms were frozen in mid air, she wasn't sure whether to be shocked or to wrap her arms around Alma.

"Umm, uh hello Alma. I, umm, sure I guess"

"Aren't you two just the most adorable? Getting along so well! But Alma, we shouldn't just leave Honey on the front step."

The Affinis vines wrapped around the embraced humans and brought them inside. The sensation sent butterflies through Honey. She lost herself for a second and allowed herself to focus on the feeling of being held by both Alma and Cybil. For a brief moment she never wanted it to end. Her focus eventually turned to her new surroundings.

The air inside the Hab unit felt warmer and almost tingly on Honeys skin compared to the colder air outside. The sensation actually reminded her a lot of the party. Looking around at her surroundings, it became clear to Honey that Cybil's hab unit was huge. Everything from the couches, to the chairs and the light fixtures were made for someone a lot taller than Honey was. There were artefacts from a hundred different cultures spread across the unit on shelves, in display cases, hanging on the walls. Honey suddenly felt herself feeling very small. After a short walk the humans were deposited on a affini sized couch.

"Now then, I know how excited you both must be to get to know one another. Before I leave I want to make sure you know, Alma, that Honey is still pretty shy and she doesn't know that much about our way of life. And Honey....," the Affini grins that wicked smile of hers, showing off her rows of sharp needle-like teeth, "If you so decide you like being here.. well, I won't finish that sentence. I'll be taking my leave now. I'll be in my office down the hall if you need me, you have fun cuties!"

With that Honey and Alma were left alone. Honey awkwardly fidgeting with her dress. Alma excitedly flapping her arms. Alma excitedly said,

"So so so!! What would you like to do?"

"I mean umm, I was invited over here I guess with the intention that I learn more about you? So probably talk about how it is being Cybil's floret?" Honey said as she kept fidgeting with her dress not making eye contact with Alma.

"I mean we cannnn, but like this is a playdate we should play! We can play all sorts of games or or we can do like sleepover stuff!"

"Sleepover?! I thought I was only supposed to stay for the afternoon!"

"Silly!! Sleepover stuff is when like we build pillow forts or or paint each others nails, give each other makeovers, we could board games! I know Mistress has some around here somewhere. We could even play truth or dare!"

"I haven't really ever painted my nails or anything like that..."

"You haven't?! Then we should totally do that! I can go to the atomic compiler in the kitchen and totally get us the supplies!" With that Alma bounded off the couch and ran out of sight, leaving Honey alone in the living room with her thoughts. The girl seemed just so happy in her situation. But she couldn't help but think just how drugged up Alma might be. She knew that Florets were given all sorts of drugs to control their behaviour, how their personalities seemingly changed since becoming pets to the affini. She wondered just who Alma was before she became this excitable puppy of a human being. She wasn't allowed to dwell on these thoughts for too long, because Alma came running back in with a tray of nail care accessories and a monumental amount of nail polish colours.

"Okay so becaus you never done this before I'll paint your nail first okay? You just tell me what colours you want and I'll get right to it!" Alma said proudly.

There truly were polishes of every shade and texture imaginable. Blue matte polishes, red glossy, green metallic the colours seemed endless. Honey was a little bit overwhelmed with choice. "I think umm, something simple should be okay. I guess why not a pink glossy to match my dress?"

"That's a super excellent idea! I can definitely do that for you!" Alma said with a huge smile on her face, "but first! Since you've never done this before, and uhh looking at your nails, I think I gotta do a little work cleaning them up!"

"What's wrong with my nails?!"

"Just that they're all uneven and it's obvious you've never truly cared for them before."

"Hey rude!" Honey pushed Alma lightly, or at least what she thought was lightly and they both ended up toppling all over one another. Honey on top looking down at Alma's face. Before now she hadn't truly noticed just how beautiful Alma was. How clear her skin was, how it glowed and sparkled underneath the natural light pouring in from the Hab units large windows. Alma just laid there underneath her smiling.

"Sooo, I thought you wanted to paint your nails?" She said slyly, "I mean we can do this too if you want. It's okay if you want to. I really do just love cuddles and snuggles and kisses."

Honey's face turned as bright red as a poppy, "hey ummm, yea nails umm. Yes we should very much do my nails yes." With that she quickly removed herself from her position above Alma.

"You sureeeee?!!!"

"Yes I'm absolutely sure I want to get my nails done"

"Okayyyyy... if you're absolutely sure." Alma got up and readjusted herself, "I'll need you to give me one of your hands. Which one doesn't really matter since we're painting both. As I was saying before you jumped on top of me, I need to shape your nails. This won't hurt a bit but it will take a little while."

With that Alma offered out her hand for Honey to place hers in. With some trepidation, Honey reached out and gave her hand to Alma. Alma's hands were so soft as they held Honey's and began to slowly shape her fingernails.

"See is that so bad? Your nails are going to look super awesome by the end of this!" Alma said as she focused on her work.

"I guess, I guess so. Alma can I ask you a question? Like a question about you and Cybil?"

"Of course! I love answering questions about my Mistress! What would you like to know?"

"How... how did you two meet? Like what were you like before you became a floret?"

"I mean that's a tough question. I don't actually remember that much about my life before Miss Cybil." Alma cocked her head thoughtfully.

"I mean you don't have to answer it if it makes you feel uncomfortable."

"No, no, I had a feeling you'd want to know it's just hard to remember. Miss Cybil took away most of my memories. My life before now wasn't exactly the best. Or so I gathered from what memories remain. Let me see if I can pull up anything in the old noggin for you."

"I'm sorry... you don't have to."

"Please it's okay! I want to, for you. Let's see, I remember always just being different than everyone around me, I never really knowing why. For years I was picked on by different people, starting when I was a kiddo. Like I was never accepted by like the other boys. Hey don't look at me like that, Mistress told me you're the same as me."

Honey didn't even realize that she had a shocked expression on her face, she hadn't even realized that Alma was trans like herself. She just.. this must have been the effect of those Class G xenodrugs that Ashli tried to get her to take all that time ago. Fuck, in retrospect she should have taken that offer. "Sorry I wasn't! Umm...."

"Silly girl, it's okay! Now where was I. Oh yes, I just was never accepted by the other boys and a lot of people just avoided me because I was that weird kid. In adulthood it just looked like lack of jobs in the corporate sector, and lack of support. I eventually figured out I had ADHD and autism, as well as you can see teehee."

"The only place I was able to get any employment was as a grunt in the Cosmic Navy. They told me that I had a good head for numbers and assigned me to be a logistics officer. It wasn't a horrible job. Got me away from most of the fighting. And no one bothered me about the trans thing because I was the one making sure they were fed and supplied." Alma giggled as she remembered that part of her story.

"I was stationed on a space station somewhere near Jupiter. All I had to do was just order and then later distribute supplies to the different warships that docked. It was mostly easy going until war erupted with the Compact. Fewer and fewer vessels docked, bringing fewer and fewer supplies. Tensions grew as food, fuel and ammunition dwindled. As more and more Terran warships were lost with all hands. It eventually...," Alma's face scrunched in concentration, "Sorry I don't remember this part of my story. All I remember is that during that part I don't remember is that one of the Affini's ships made contact with the station. At this point I forget what happened, I can just assume that it was chaos as Cosmic Navy personnel tried to escape in that vessels were docked. Oh could you give me your other hand please?" Honey swapped her hands, and Alma went to work shaping her other hand.

"To go back I don't remember why I wasn't aboard one of them, but I just remember Cybil, or at least I was told it was Cybil, standing over me, picking me up and clutching me tight in her vines. That's about it. I've been Cybils floret ever since."

Honey didn't know what to think. Alma's past was both what she expected and also not. "And you were okay just being her floret?"

"Well, I think the past me wasn't at first. She thought she was a prisoner of war! She was scared, and in her fright she was just petrified by her situation. Even thought she was being treated with love and compassion. For example, I don't remember losing this leg," she lightly tapped her right leg, "but I know Cybil replaced it with an even better one!"

"That's quite the story Alma." Said Honey with some admiration in her voice.

"Well, it's all true, at least I believe it is. And besides didn't you have a wardship yourself? Mistress told me."

"I mean, I guess? It was a wellness check and I was looked after by an affini named Ashli for a couple of months."

"Oh! One second time to start cleaning up your cuticles" Alma brought out a device and started pressing it against the base of each one of Honey's nails. "I know Ashli! She's really nice isn't she?"

"Umm, I mean yes I guess. She was kinda annoying to be honest; always telling me what to do and when to do it." Grumbled Honey.

"I mean that's just how an Affini shows you they care! I'm sure she cared a lot about you and wanted to make sure you were all comfy and safe! I have no idea how you were before you met Ashli, but I'm sure she helped you gain confidence enough to be independent again."

Honey sat with that thought for a little as Alma worked on her nails, humming along to herself. Eventually Alma got started on applying a base coat. Honey eventually broke the silence.

"I guess, you're right. That Ashli did just care about me. She was really nice and kind, even if she did mess with my head a bit. Like it was really nice just... having her there with me all the time. It was months since I had any real interaction with anyone at that point. I really did just turn inwards..."

"But now you're here! With me! And we're having a wonderful time don't you think?" Alma said with a huge smile on her face.

"I mean yes, I suppose I wouldn't have done this two years ago. Two years ago I was still teaching classes, doing research and going home, avoiding people as much as I could."

"While I never taught, you kinda sound like how I was Honey. Just existing in space. Not really living."

Honey sighs, "Ah fuck you're right."

"Hey language! Mistress told me not to use the fuck word. Oh no I said it!" gasped Alma!

"Hahah you did say it! You said the fuck word!!" Honey teased, "I wonder what happens when I get you to say it even more?"

"Mistress will be so upset! Oh dirt, oh roots!" Alma holds her hands to her face, all red from embarrassment.

"Say it again! Say fuck!"

"No! I won't do it!"

"C'mon! It's not like Cybil will know!"

"Oh yes she will! I'm sure she's plotting some devious punishment right now!" With that Alma went still for a moment, and she began to giggle uncontrollably. "Mistressss, mistress please!!! I didn't say... say... say it on... on purpose! Honey bullied me!"

"Umm, what's happening?"

"Miss... miss.. Mistress! Can... can... can pun...punish me remotely! I told you she'd know!" Alma couldn't stop squirming and giggling knocking over some of the nail polish containers onto the couch.

"That's.... kinda hot... I mean what?"

Alma's giggling fit continued for a couple more minutes until she was finally able to compose herself enough to be able to talk again. "Phew that was good. Did I hear you say that was hot when I was all giggling?"

"Umm no totally not! I just was wondering how she did that."

"Well, it's due to my implant," Alma touched the back of neck, "Mistress said all florets get one. You'd get one too if you decide to be here forever with me! It fills me up with xenodruggies and makes me feel all warm and happy! Helps put bad thoughts out of my head!"

"Umm," Honey thought that did sound appealing, but she was an independent! She didn't want to give up her freedom! "That doesn't sound horrible but I'd pass I think."

"I mean, I'd like it if you stayed here forever with me..."

"You're a wonderful girl Alma. But I just don't wanna give up my independence." Honey said as she crawled across the couch and patted Alma's shoulder.

"Well, okay I guess. We should finish up painting your nails. And... would you like to play a game with me after?"

"What kind of game?"

"Oh it's a fun one! I'd love to play truth or dare with you!"

"Isn't that a kids game?"

"No it's totally a game for mature Sophonts only!"

"If you say so," Honey weighed the choice in her head, she could use this game to understand more of why Alma enjoyed being a floret. But she could also be made to tell her actual feelings... it was probably worth the risk. "Okay Alma I'll play with you."

"Hurray! Now let me just finish up here and we'll get to the game! I'll be quick!" She furiously put on each and every coat needed to finish Honeys nails. In the end they looked spectacular, just shimmering an beautiful pink against her skin. Alma quickly grabbed all of the polishes and bounded off the couch to decompile them. She returned just as fast. "Okie okie! Umm you should ask me truth or dare first! I'm ready!"

"Okay well, truth or dare."

"Truth!! Ask me anything!"

"What do you like about being a floret?"

"Being a floret is simply the best! I get attention and love all the time! I don't have to worry about work or stress! I can just be a puppy if I want to be! Miss Cybil loves it when I'm a puppy for her! Okie my turn! Truth or dare!"

"Dare"

"Okayyy I dare you to finish what you started when you pushed me down! I want you to push me down again and kiss me!!"

"Umm I have no choice then if it's a dare right?"

"Absolutely no choice! You agreed to play! You gotta kiss me."

Honey crawled across the couch towards Alma on her hands and knees, with each step Alma moved backwards until she hit the backrest. Her body shivering with anticipation. Honey leaned over the florets small body and placed her arms on her shoulders and leaned in for a kiss. She quickly pecked Alma's cheek. "There done!"

"That's a not a kiss Honey! Let me show you!" And Honey was knocked back on her butt and Alma was quickly on top of her. Straddling her waist, Alma grabbed the sides of Honeys face and drew her in. Her warm breath hot against Honey's lips. She drew her in for a passionate kiss. Her lips soft and subtle, tasting of the most delicious strawberries sent tingles down Honey's spine and all across her body. Honey couldn't help but wrap her arms around Alma's body and hold her, as the floret's tongue playfully teased against Honeys mouth. Honey let out an involuntary moan as in all of this excitment Alma moved her hand off of Honey's face and on to her breast. Softly groping her as they made out.

Before they could go any further Cybil walked into the room.

"Now aren't you two just the more adorable pair of cuties I've ever seen!"

Alma wagged her butt on Honeys crotch in excitement of seeing her mistress. Honey let out a loud moan and tried to quickly catch her mouth.

"Oh my aren't you excited Honey? I just came to see how you too were doing. It seems like you're getting along nicely!"

"Yes! We are Mistress!! I'm having ever so much fun with Honey! We're playing truth or dare!" Alma replied.

"Oh truth or dare eh? Do you mind if I join in? I do love this little game of yours."

"Of course Mistress. It was supposed to be Honeys turn again but since you're here... why don't you go next!"

"Hmm I think I'll ask Honey a question. Truth or dare Honey?"

Honey coming down from the make out session wasn't quite sure what was going on. She said in a haze. "Uhhh, dare."

Cybil grinned devilishly,

"I think I'm going to dare you to keep kissing my sweet little Alma, however I get to give you both some class A's to sweeten the experience. Remember you cannot back out of a dare."

Before Honey had a chance to object, Alma pinned her down with a kiss. Cybil's vine made its way to the couple and in an instance pricked Honey on shoulder. In that moment a strangely familiar feeling took a hold of her. Every touch, every kiss from Alma felt like it was a fire warming her very soul. Intense waves of pleasure wracked her body as Alma grinded against her. Her tongue against Honeys was so unbelievably sweet she just had to get more and more. She started moving her body in time with Alma's. Every motion brought her closer and closer to just releasing. Releasing everything, her inhibitions, her feelings, letting go of her freedom. She never wanted to let this moment end.

-End Recording-

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[fisheito]

hello... please consider... yakumo in:

the classic traditional style qipaos

the modernised and modified ones

bonus: modified hanfu

he would look wonderful wouldn't he? all the more delectable and sashimiable?

ahaha...ahah...AHAHHAH.AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH