#i was initially gonna update the date to being this year but. i think it being a 2000s year was fitting

[lesliemeyers]

y'know thats pretty goth

[brongusthearcanist]

I think everyone has been a little nervous about the release dates for the next cosmere books because there's supposed to be a little bit of a drought. Stormlight 6 won't be seen until the end of the 2020s and mistborn is supposed to be written all at once which makes the initial release date farther away. But after this new secret project was revealed I think it's clear that we aren't going to have a drought. Sanderson somehow spat out a whole new extra novel while revising the 4 secret projects and finishing and revising stormlight 5, which truly seems impossible to me especially when you keep up with his YouTube updates. This isn't going to stop, Sanderson has a legitimate problem at this point, and I am perfectly happy to exploit this for the sake of my escapism. He's not gonna stop, I almost guarantee we will get 2 more secret projects while era 3 is being written. I just don't think Sanderson is capable of releasing less than 2 books a year. It is against his nature, you can't ask a storm to stop blowing, and I guess you can't ask Sanderson to slow down his writing. At this point it is becoming obvious that he has an incredible amount of anxiety attached to the idea that he won't be able to write all the stories he wants, and rather than processing this as a midlife crisis, he has decided to make this an ongoing crisis to conquer. I honestly think he keeps a blank page over his desk to taunt him while he plays video games into writing more. Y'all saw that blank page speech and thought it was cute, it was a manifesto. Sanderson intends to use all the paper in existence. One day he will disappear in a staples warehouse, leaving no trace but several drafts written on the bales of blank paper. But he didn't title or number them, and for the next 16 years we will try to assemble them into 16 separate books, but all along it was actually 1 giant book and we put it in the wrong order.

[catboybiologist]

Slightly late monthly journal!

First off, the spreadsheet has been updated:

Nothing too drastic here, especially compared to my initial growth spurt. But still… there’s so much, yet so little to talk about.

I’ve been on spiro for a longer time now, and recently increased my estradiol dose. Note that my levels check was before the increased dose- the dates aren’t completely coordinated (they are on my private spreadsheet for my own personal tracking, don’t worry). It’s looking pretty good. Testosterone is well within target levels. E is about the same, which is much lower than I would like it. My endo says that 100-200 is “minimally acceptable”, and wants to shoot even higher than that. That’s comforting, in a way- I’m the slightest bit frustrated that some changes aren’t happening too quickly, but that gives a very distinct avenue for improvement. Ultimately, I’m gonna switch to injection monotherapy, probably around the same time I start prog. So the big change is decreased T. What has that done to me?

First off, the hard measurements. There’s really no surprises here. I’m losing weight, which tracks with my general diet and an increase in exercise levels. It seems to be happening faster than normal, though. Which, is pretty easily explainable by a new variable in the equation: adderall. I started adderall in the middle of the month. I’ve used it sparingly, but everyone I know that takes it told me that weight loss is pretty much unavoidable. I’m certainly still above any point where my weight would be worrying, but I’m gonna have to keep an eye on it. Especially if I want fat tits. As for how the weight loss is happening, I’m very happy with what’s going on. My bust and hip measurements are holding steady, while my waist and underbust are still slightly going down. 

I do know that there’s another source of weight loss, however: muscle mass. With the increase in exercise level has come an increase in exertion for the same results, which has made me slightly dismayed. This is the main HRT effect that I was a little scared of. But honestly, I really only care about the muscle that helps me hike and swim- and if I maintain that better, I think it won’t be too much of an issue. I was never some pariah of physical condition, so I think with training I can even improve my hiking stamina. That’ll be very necessary with my future backpacking plans.

The main thing that I’m REALLY happy about is that, if I squint, I think I can slowly start to see the first hints of facial changes start to come in. They’re subtle, of course. A weird one is that my nose is literally straighter. Y’all don’t see it, but the reason I still shield my face (despite being easily identifiable at this point if you saw me irl and knew this account) is mostly insecurity about my nose and chin. My nose actually physically curves to my right when viewed from the front, and in general, is a huge, classic Roman nose. Looking at head on progress pictures, its actually starting to straighten out. I thought I was imagining things, but I checked in with a couple friends before and after pictures of several years on HRT, and yeah- their noses are different, usually smaller and more symmetrical. Saying that this is a huge relief to me would be an understatement. Additionally, I was insecure about my boxy jawline, but for some reason, it seems to work as a femme feature of my face now- I think slight cheek restructuring helps frame it better. Still not so sure how the chin is gonna turn out. But hey- I started HRT thinking that I would for sure need FFS to pass, but now, I'm far less concerned. I'll at least give it two years.

I’ve also gotten a lot of interesting comments. Several labmates and family members that don’t know I’m transitioning have remarked that my skin looks healthier, and I look younger. I’ve also had noticeable mental health improvement, so I think most people think I’m on some kind of self improvement kick. I mentioned skin care as part of that. We’ll see how long the excuse holds- probably a while, as the changes are so, so subtle at the moment. But shit, I’m only three months in. I’m thrilled.

There’s still no getting rid of my beard shadow. Even though the growth rate of my facial hair has noticeably decreased, the thickness of the basal hairs will always add shading to my face. When I started HRT, I thought it wouldn’t bother me that much until I was ready to socially transition- but tbh, it’s starting to look glaring to me. I’m looking into starting laser sometime in January, and hopefully that’ll help.

Which brings me to the emotional changes. Holy FUCK what a month its been. I’m not gonna expose all of my dirty laundry. But, a mixture of some long term anxieties and a few particular events led to a classic mid-20s “what the fuck am I doing with my life” crisis. One of those long term anxieties was a thought I’m sure many of y’all are familiar with: “I started HRT. Now what? How the fuck am I going to socially transition?”

For a couple days, I was very seriously considering quitting grad school and academia. I’m past that. Tragically, I love science a little too much. I do, however, need a break. I talked to my advisor about taking a hiatus, and he’s fully supportive of the idea. And conveniently, that also provides me with a clean way to simply disappear, and come back as a woman. A nice little break to allow me to socially transition.

But anyways. Here’s my big point here: if I went through something similar pre-HRT, I would’ve reacted completely differently. I would’ve shoved those thoughts deep and let them simmer as a general, background malaise that I would just stew in and suffer. Now? I cried. A lot. Actual fucking tears. I went through a few days of sharp sadness, and then actually fucking processed those emotions. What the fuck? That’s new. It’s insane. I wouldn’t have had the emotional capacity to that before. 

I’m elated. It’s wonderful. It’s a more than welcome change.

But yeah. Steady as she goes. Progress is a little stalled, but both me and my provider are adamant about getting that E up. And I’m still making slow progress as it is.

Very quick NSFW notes after this button.

The final note: sexual function. With the low T… yup, my downstairs functionality has decreased. My ejaculate is clear, and often happens without being fully erect. That said… there’s no way in hell that I would ever trade getting that back for what I have now. My libido is still comes in waves, and is crazy when it comes. The feelings I get from intimate situations now are incredible beyond belief. 

[thelanor-s-astame]

Hollow Knight Resurrected really helped me get out of a massive writing slump when it started releasing, and has since been a huge boost of inspiration for the past couple of years. This series has been nothing but a lot of fun to watch, and I've enjoyed it alongside your analyses as well (especially the Ori ones, those are a riot).

That being said, which episode would you say you're the most proud of script-wise? And how long did you initially plan HKR to be early on? Did anything deviate from your initial ideas?

Absolutely love hearing this! I'm real glad I could make something that could inspire someone else's writing! Like, it's shocking to me! And I'm sorry for the lack of updates. My entire life kinda imploded last year and I've been trying to put it back together. But I do intend to finish this thing (I've also been learning how to animate in blender which is a huuuuuge door opener that kind of allows me to do literally anything, including a few scenes that I just had no idea how I was gonna do.) So as far as script-wise, Absolutely gotta be the Grimm special. A lot of the episodes have Charlie just walking around and most of those bits are just jokes that came to my brain while either playing to get the footage, or while I'm looking at it on a timeline. Whereas most of the dialogue bits are the ones I write. The Grimm Special, is mostly dialogue. So that *entire thing* was script, which I hadn't done before, and on top of that it was enough script to fill almost 90 minutes! There's also just a lot going on, particularly w/regaurd to generational differences and how each of the Troupe deals with Grimms Plan and how it absolutely isn't going to pan out. And it changed pretty quickly from early on just because I didn't have a hellova lot of initial ideas. Like the first time charlie mentions getting to "The Bottom" is in like the 3rd episode. I didn't think to give the boy a goal until halfway through editing that one lmao. Most everything else has gone according to plan. Biggest surprise was actually the Grimm episode because until a month before I made it I had no fuckin' clue what to do with Grimm and His Boys until I remembered a throwaway line I gave to cloth about the "Iridescent Neo-streetfighting movement" (A play on the Italian Neo-realist movement. Because all of the fighting history is just simplified film history I put new words on top of And was like "You know, I could just take that and make that Grimms Circus act... But if that's the case... well so after that the big thing the Italian Film Industry got into was Spagetti Westerns, and then a little later Giallo so... Oh fuck Rodeos and Giallo is just The Weird Bloody Fighting Grimm Does for An Audience" And went from there. But aside from that there hasn't honestly been a tone of deviation from the original ideas I'd set in place since episode 3. Mostly I've just added bits and pieces here and there. Exept for maybe a lot of Hornet's stuff. This was meant to be a quick, few episode series as a prelude to the Silksong Videos i was Bound to have been finished with by now lmaaaaaaao Some stuff in particular was this idea that Hornets deal is that she can essentially See the internal song of someone, and that was going to be, like, a huge combat thing. Similar to how Charlie keeps changing his name, Hornet would keep trying to find a different song. Bringing back the My Body Is A Cage meme, and eventually having it switch to Swimmers by Zero 7 as she realizes she found her home and is ready to move on from Hallownest. I was going to make the Silksong videos the First Series Like This I did. But it's taking it's time and so am I so I s'pose I can't complain. Swear I'm the only human being on the planet who wipes a little sweat off my brow every time we *don't* get a release date. It's like "OH THERE'S STILL TIME FOR ME TO FINISH MY THING!"

[phoenixyfriend]

❤ for the ships ask game :) chewku please!

Or, alternatively, rexani/rexanidala if you've been pursued far enough by the former. Thank you! Love your writing, it always makes my day when you update on AO3, and the snippets of aus here are always so fun and well constructed!

Send me a ღ and I’ll fill this out about a ship

This ask meme is from a year ago. Please don't send new prompts.

Gonna do this for Rexanidala

Who’s the first to wake up in the morning: Rex, like clockwork.

Who’s the one to make breakfast: Usually Padme, but they all take turns, I think.

Who’s the one to serve the other breakfast in bed: They would all do it, but I think Anakin would be the most excited to do it, then Rex. Padme does it casually but the boys... the boys are really into it.

Who would suggest a quickie in the morning before work: Anakin, sometimes Padme. Canon tells us they are horny idiots. (It's okay, we love them. They can be smart when they're not being led around by the hormones.) Meanwhile Rex is just like. Why are you guys like this. Date night is literally today. Just wait a few hours? We're gonna be late to work? Come on.

Who suggests they both ditch work to lay around all day: Like the above, Anakin, sometimes Padme. They both judge the other when they do it, too. Rex is so tired of them being like this. The war is over, you guys, we are not on a deadline!

Who chooses the movies: They cycle through. Anakin's got a thing for old romances, like Shakespearean stuff or full-on operas. Padme's into more modern musicals and romcoms. Rex is willing to try just about anything, but usually picks mysteries or action adventure or something when it's his turn, just to mix things up from the romances the other two pick. (That said, he keeps the horror and thrillers for movie nights with the 501st.)

Who initiates kissing during the moving, thus distracting the other from the movie all together: Padme, I think. Anakin may be on Team Horny, but he's also the kind to get really invested in whatever he's watching, while Rex isn't very 'spontaneous kisses during another activity' unless there's a big shift (e.g. kissing during a spar isn't expected, but if you grapple your way into your lips being an inch apart, it' snot abnormal to just do a quick peck).

Who orders lunch: Rex. Anakin tends to hyperfocus on whatever he's doing, and Padme's often busy in meetings or on calls. Rex is more than happy to pick something up and swing by for a throuple's lunch.

Who steals food from the other’s plate without asking: Mostly Anakin, but nobody's immune to this urge.

Who curls up next to the other and falls asleep due to a full tummy: Still on team 'Padme likes kittenplay, put her in a collar and pet her.' Anakin and Padme are both prone to this. Rex is just happy to have people treating him like a pillow, it makes him feel loved.

Who distracts the other from trying to work at home: ...again, this is just canon for Anakin, and even a little bit for Padme. They drag each other down. If they try to do it to Rex, he suffers through it. (After a few incidents, though, Cody or another clone takes them aside and tells them to knock it off, because Rex still isn't entirely comfortable telling them to stop bothering him while he's working, just out of habit from the war when Anakin would bug him while on shift, and if they keep doing it, Rex might call off the relationship before he tries just telling them to stop.)

Who asks to go get ice cream like a five year old: Mostly Anakin, but the other two are willing to stoop to this level.

Who takes pictures of their partner eating ice cream: Padme.

Who makes a sexual joke about the dripping ice cream on their partner’s face: Rex is more than eager to whip out "I was in the army for several years" levels of dirty joke to see if he can get Padme to blush. (Anakin, despite also spending three years in the army, is very easy to make blush. No challenge there.)

Who cooks dinner: Padme likes making breads and other baked goods, but Anakin's a stovetop guy (fried foods, soups, etc). Rex is learning new recipes here and there, and has decided he's really into foods that can be made in a casserole dish, like musaka and pilav.

Who cleans up the kitchen afterwards: Whoever didn't cook... unless they're at Padme's place (which they usually are), where cleaning droids take care of it.

Who stays up until 2 reading: They're all prone to this. Rex is the most consistent about getting to bed, but Anakin (hyperfocus, time blindness) and Padme (overdeveloped sense of responsibility and 'just one more thing' about work) are both liable to stay up waaaaay too late.

Who stares at their partner while their sleeping: Anakin. Sometimes Padme.

Who kisses their partner while they sleep: All of them, but it's usually the boys.

[agentplutonium]

Another old fic of mine that I'm gonna share here as well cause I love it so much. As usual, if you prefer the AO3 format, you can read it on AO3 here.

2.6K, Rated T, Milo/Sweetheart, (Not) First Dates, Fluff, Coffee Shops, the typical fluffy Milo/Sweetheart content I usually make :)

and just so I don't take up an unreasonable amount of space on your dashboard, the fic will start under the cut <3

It’s been weeks.

Weeks of texting back and forth, giving updates, and constantly being reminded that Milo existed. Every time they got a message, they hoped it was him. Every notification they got they perked up, only to be let down when they saw something else. And between updates, Milo was initiating small talk. Asking how their day went, and if they had something to eat today. Asking if they’ve been taking the breaks that they needed— “proper breaks, where you don’t do work in another room saying you’re on break”— and if they’ve been getting sleep. Milo always had their best interest in mind, and it was infuriating. 

Well.

It’s not like it’s infuriating, just- inconvenient? They just wanted some answers and targeted Milo because one he was on the ground that day, and two his dad did work for the department (they’re still kinda upset that one backfired on them, they were certain that would be a point of pride for him). To say the least, that did not work for them, and now they were roped into giving him updates on the case. With him so involved it’s dangerous for him, and yet he was always the one that checked up on them.

It wasn’t even like they couldn’t take care of themselves! They’ve worked for the department for a few years now, and they knew the kind of situations they could get into. Though, they did have to admit that Milo’s reminders did help sometimes. They just get so focused on what they were doing, and simple things like that slip their mind. And, so what if Milo’s little ‘did you eat today’ messages made them realize that they were hungry? Again, it’s not like they weren’t taking care of themselves. They do eat, thank you very much. It’s just more of a routine thing. They really only had time to eat after work, and most of those were make-ahead meals. But at least they were eating! That’s what’s important here.

So, yeah, meeting Milo Greer was inconvenient for them.

And it was ruining their god-damn life.

It would have been fine if thoughts about him only happened during work. Which makes sense, since they were strictly involved with him because of a case. However, this guy was permeating their everyday thoughts. They wake up, they wonder if Milo is awake too. They’re making breakfast, and they think about how Milo always seems to know when to message them about if they ate. Hell, they started eating a proper breakfast because of Milo, and his rants about how ‘no wonder they’re so tired in the day, with no proper meals until 7 PM and an ungodly sleep schedule.’ They’re on their way home from work and they wonder if Milo is at a gig, or maybe in the den, or even at home with that cat of his. It seems they can’t get away from thinking about him, and how thoughtful he is, and how they so wanted to kiss that stupid cocky mouth of his-

Hold on.

Did they just think that?

Sneaks gave a sharp huff, dropping the spoon they were using to stir their coffee into the sink harsher than they meant to. They can’t just think things like that. That was definitely crossing boundaries. This was a work thing. Nothing else. 

Nothing. Else.

… Okay, so what if they indulged in his flirting just a bit? It was a tactic to keep him talking to them in the beginning, and now it was just a thing that they do. Surely that didn’t mean anything. It couldn’t because, again, this was a work thing.

Their phone buzzed on the counter, and Sneaks was scooping it up within seconds, coffee in their other hand. Their lips tilted up into a small smile when they saw the name on their phone.

Milo: Good morning, Sweetheart

They typed back their response without thinking.

How’d you know I’d even be awake?

Milo: You’re always up before seven

Sneaks rolled their eyes. Of course he’d pick that up.

What do you want, Greer?

Milo: Can I not say good morning to you now?

Usually, there’s an ulterior motive

Milo: Okay, fair. I just wanted to know if you ate breakfast yet.

Sweetheart sighed, once again rolling their eyes, but this time it was accompanied by their grin widening. It was like clockwork recently. 

Yes. but shouldn’t you be worrying about yourself, Greer?

 Milo: ah, don’t worry about me. But that offer for lunch still stands.

Right. They forgot about that, really. It was something offered in passing about a week ago, and every couple of days Milo would bring it up again. They weren’t sure of the connotations behind said lunch. Was it Milo just doing something nice for them, or something more? Did they want something more? Were there any feelings at all, or was it just close proximity that made them more inclined to lunch with him? If they stopped talking for a few weeks, would their answer change? Were they just thinking about him so much and entertaining this because he texts them literally every day?

A few minutes go by and Sneaks realized that they haven’t responded to Milo yet. They turn their phone back on to send a quick reply of:

We’ll see, Greer.

They put their phone away and finished getting ready for work.

They hadn’t thought about Milo or the p[otential lunch date for the entire morning. Well… for most of the morning, at least.

They had gotten a new lead on the shade case, and spent hours making sure that it was viable before they made plans to go investigate it that afternoon. But, as it got closer to lunchtime, their mind kept drifting back to the message from Milo earlier that morning. It wouldn’t hurt to have a lunch date with him. They would just have to be sure that he knew that it was strictly a business thing. An update meeting of sorts. And nothing else. Plus, they could use a proper meal before they headed out today. 

They checked the time. It was almost eleven, which was a little late to schedule a lunch meeting, but they texted him an invite to a cafe nearby the office for one. The response was immediate, agreeing to the plans and promising to be there. Sneaks gave another small smile at the eagerness Milo was expressing. He always tried to act so suavely and yet they saw right through him when they offered to meet up. He was like an eager puppy, which was something they’d never say to his face. They felt like that would almost be an insult to a shifter like him.

When it got closer to one, they got ready to go out. They locked up their office after making sure they had everything, walking to the elevator. They patted the secretaries desk on their way by, getting their attention.

“I’m headed out to lunch,” Sneaks said, “if you really need me I do have my cell on me, but try not to bother me, ‘kay?’

The secretary raised an eyebrow, giving a playful smirk. “Who are you and what did you do with Sneaks, huh? Going out for lunch, saying not to contact you, this is really out of character.”

Sneaks rolled their eyes. “I’ll see you in an hour.”

“Okay, but you’re telling me all about this date when you get back!” The secretary called after them.

“It’s not a date,” Sneaks called back as the elevator closed.

The secretary only laughed, but it was cut off.

The walk was a short one, and it might have been easier to drive but Sneaks liked being outside. Milo was waiting just outside the cafe when they arrived, which they found odd but it wasn’t something unexpected.

“Hopefully I didn’t make you wait too long,” they commented when they were close enough. 

Milo looked up at them, smiling already. He typed out something quick on his phone before sliding it into his pocket and turning toward them. “Nah, not too long. Besides, I would have waited hours just to see you, Sweetheart.”

Sneaks rolled their eyes, ignoring the flutter that sent through their chest. “Let’s go inside. I only have an hour.”

It turns out that Milo had never been to this cafe, which Sneaks was prepared for. They did suggest a few things for him, and he actually took them up on one of the sandwiches that they mentioned. They were giddy about that fact, not only because it was something that they suggested, but because this shop's sandwiches were all so good. 

Sneaks had paid, and the only reason they got away with it was them saying ‘I invited you here, I get to pay.’ Though it was still a bit of a squabble because Milo insisted that they should at least split it since he came up with the idea at first. Sneaks still won, however.

Milo offered to bring over the food if they took the drinks and found a spot for them to sit. Sneaks weren’t allowed to say no, so they did as suggested with only a little fuss. The shop wasn’t very busy, but their favourite spot by the window was open so they wanted to nab it before it was gone. 

It didn’t take long for the sandwiches to come out, it never did, and soon Milo was joining them at their table with an easy-going smile.

“So, I have to ask,” Milo said as they both settled with their food, “what made you change your mind about coming out with me today?”

“Well, it was mainly to update you on the very few new things I got for the case.”

Milo shook his head. “That’s not gonna fly, sorry Sweetheart.”

Sneaks almost choked on their mouthful as they processed his words. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I don’t want to talk about work things right now,” Milo said. “I want to talk to you. The real you, not investigator you.” “You saying I have a facade going, Greer?” Milo shrugged. “Well, no. But there is a difference. Even in your texts.”

Sneaks never saw it that way. They also weren’t used to people turning down work conversations during work hours. “Okay?”

Milo shrugs again, looking at his sandwich so he didn’t have to make eye contact anymore. “So, yeah. Take a break. Don’t think about work for a while. Just… talk to me.”

Sneaks couldn’t help their chest growing warm at the words. It was just so… considerate. So much of Milo did this to them, it wasn’t fair. Everything he does is just so in tune with them it was crazy. “What do you want to talk about?” They offered.

Milo thought for a second, pursing his lips as he did so. Sweetheart looked away before Milo caught them staring, taking a bite of their sandwich. “What do you do for hobbies? Like, outside of work, in your spare time.”

Sneaks had to think about that one for a few moments. Work was such a big part of their life, that they really didn't have time for much else. Though they did like to read in their spare time. The rare hour or so they have between everything that they can sit down and read a chapter or two of a book. So, that’s what they talked about. They prattled on about a few of their favourite books, being encouraged by the questions that Milo was asking.

The conversation flowed easily enough. Switching from one person to the next, always being connected by a similar thought. Milo talked about how he would go on hikes for fun to get his mind off of work, which reminded Sneaks of the trips they took as a kid, which lead to Milo telling them about how he got one of his scars, on and on. Sneaks were the most at ease they have been in a long time. All because Milo just wanted to talk.

Lots of things were easy around Milo. Conversations, silences, and time spent together. Sharing fears, hopes, and dreams. Milo could ask them anything and they’d give it to him so willingly. It was easy to forget that the only reason they ever met him was because of work.

Their phone going off ruined that facade very quickly.

“Shit,” Sneaks muttered as they turned off the alarm. “I’m sorry, I lost track of time. I have to go.” “That’s fine,” Milo said. “I knew you only had so much time. Maybe I can walk back with you?” “I don’t want to keep you any longer.”

Milo gave them a reassuring smile, “Don’t worry about it. I have the day off today, and have nothing better to do.”

Sneaks knew they should say no. They really, really should, but they already had lunch with the man so… what’s five more minutes?

“Alright, Greer.”

They turned to pick up their bag, but not before they saw Milo break out into an uncontrollable grin. They tried to suppress the butterflies that cropped up in their stomach at the sight. They really had to get that under control.

Milo stepped in front of them to open the door, to which they gave a kind smile. Though, when they both got on the sidewalk, Milo made sure to be on the side closest to the road. Sneaks couldn’t help but wonder if it was intentional, but something was telling them it wasn’t. After his comments of being ‘the protector type’ and all, they had a feeling it was just instinct. The action didn’t go unappreciated, and Sneaks didn’t mind it this time when usually they did.

Milo kept the conversation going with ease as they walked down the road to Sneaks’ office. Though, Sneaks thought they saw his face fall a bit when they slowed to a stop in front of the main doors. 

“I can see why you suggested that cafe,” Milo said with a slight chuckle.

“Yep,” Sneaks responded, popping the ‘p’ gently. “It was really fun though, Milo. We should hang out more often.” “Next time I’m paying,” Milo said, grinning.

Sneaks shook their head, an exasperated grin on their face. “Sure, whatever you say, Milo.” They did not comment on how the prospect of ‘next time’ made them feel.

He let them go after that, saying goodbye with a small wave. Sneaks stood there for a few moments before turning themself and heading inside. In the elevator, their watch buzzed, and they pulled out their phone to check the notification.

Milo: I do still want that update. Meet me at my apartment tonight?

Sure, Milo. I’ll let you know when I’m headed over. Shouldn’t be too much later than 7.

They ignored the secretary's looks as they passed to head to their office once more, planning on finishing up a few requests to go out investigating tonight. They won’t receive approval in time, but that still wasn’t going to stop them.

Tonight they might get some actual headway into the case. Finally.

Their phone buzzed in their hand again as they closed the office door, and they smiled at the message they saw.

Milo: I’ll see you tonight then, Sweetheart

Despite the grumbling they did at first, Sneaks was starting to grow fond of the nickname.

Milo was inconvenient, sure, but he was an inconvenience that Sneaks was willing to work with. An inconvenience that they wanted to get to know more. An inconvenience that they were catching feelings for.

And they were gonna let this inconvenience ruin their life.

[wegonbealright-09]

I just saw a hit tweet on army tw saying jk WILL win a grammy, it was like a statement not even a wish and idk if I should laugh or cry at them being so sure of how this guy's career is going to develop.

Like... bts has been nominated at the grammys for three consecutive years and everytime they were nominated armys reaction was like "lets celebrate now since we already know they not gonna win". they used to pretend just being happy with a nom cause they knew that no matter how big the group was they would never overcome that xenophobic jury.

Now they're acting like out of nowhere that guy's music, that doesnt match the quality of the worst bts song, will suddenly win. somebody on the comments say it'll be possible thanks to his new connections and they got mad but you ask them to give a serious argument and suddenly they forget how to write.

It is so annoying seeing how the entire fandom knows what is going on behind the scene but whoever dares to say it out loud gets crucified

I actually answered this but my Pc decided to update.

the fandom is well aware of what's going on they know it they just don't want to admit it the minute you talk about it you're a solo. They labelled me one until I initially became one because I can't deal with two faced people. They know what's going on they just have pride, they see nothing wrong with it because they enjoy the results so they can brag in fandom wars. till this date armies still see no difference between LC's promotions and seven's even if they kinda admit they always have a but.

As for JK getting that grammy, BTS for me would literally be over. He'd be basically shitting on the groups name if he won that award and went on stage and made a speech alike he deserved it. I don't even think the boys themselves would be happy or entirely happy about it. because imagine him getting a grammy because he's got western connections where as BTS were snubbed and embarrassed by the show again and again knowing very well they deserved it more than anyone but they didn't get the award because of their ethnicity. To me that would be the day BTS would be finally over because there would be no going back from that.

damn this got me thinking hard because it is damn possible with scooter

[kylesvariouslistsandstuff]

'Tis now February...

Disney stills plans, per their latest release schedule update, to release a Walt Disney Animation Studios movie on Thanksgiving week later this year...

I also happen to know that at least one person has started animating on this movie, as of this past month or so...

So, I think... Yeah... We probably still are getting a WDAS movie in November of this year... Even though it's February, and they still haven't told us - officially - what this movie even is. Usually, we know these things in at least a year in advance. The extreme end of this is DreamWorks' hasty rollout of their RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN. Where they said *nothing* about the movie's existence until 3 1/2 months before release. The movie itself, the poster, and the trailer. All in one go. Unfortunately, it wasn't a 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE situation, the movie lost a lot of money for DreamWorks and is one of their lowest-earning movies period.

I don't think WDAS will cut it *that* close, but I suspect we should hear something pretty soon? The company as a whole doesn't have a mainline movie out until THE FIRST OMEN in April, so they have time to at least tell us what's up? They're running a little late on at least announcing that this movie *exists*. I mean, the lot of us know it does because that's how these things work, but the public doesn't. We only know that a cluster of movies that are being directed by Suzi Yoonessi, Josie Trinidad, and Marc Smith have been in the works for years. So in a way, the next one has been announced? But not really? Typically, we get some kind of confirmation on a movie that fills the slot... About a year in advance. For example, WISH was announced in September 2022, and the movie was released this past November.

Regardless of how poorly STRANGE WORLD and WISH performed, the latter critically... I was initially under the impression that WDAS was going to have one of those "what should we be doing?" episodes whenever a string of movies fail at the box office, *or* if morale is low. A new movie wasn't announced, so I figured... Yeah, they might skip this year and re-evaluate their movie slate?

After all, Mark Henn recently called it quits and remarked that he - once one of the remaining 2D animators at the studio - wasn't doing anything "meaningful" in his final years there as a full-time animator. He's sticking around, somewhat, for a short film that producer Clark Spencer is a champion of... But that's about it. So many other people have departed either during current CCO Jennifer Lee's leadership, or during John Lasseter's leadership... Couple that with the last two movies not doing great, and that's not really a good look for this 100-year-old studio. And usually studios stop and evaluate when stuff happens. Sometimes it just means making different movies, other times it's more drastic and it unfairly affects the staff... But usually, something happens.

Luckily, a ZOOTOPIA sequel and a few more FROZEN flicks are there as a safety net, and I wouldn't put it past them to announce more sequels (ENCANTO seems likelier, and MOANA as well, given how well that movie regularly does on streaming Top 10s year by year)... but originals will always be important at these studios. Even the studios that are criticized for making too many sequels (like Illumination) still need a new franchise to launch.

But... Yeah, it seems like everyone's staying the course? There have been swirling talks throughout fan circles, as per usual, with what will happen. "Does Jennifer Lee get fired?" "Do they delay the 2024 movie into 2025 and retool it?" "Is there a change in direction in what kind of movies they make?"

It doesn't seem to be? I get the sense that, whether this untitled fantasy movie is in good shape or not, it's coming. They're just gonna make it and meet the release date, apparently.

I mean, look at STRANGE WORLD. Director Don Hall pitched the film in early 2017 and development started thereafter, but in around mid-2019, he got yanked off of the movie to take over RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON. Which they finished around late 2020/early 2021, and it came out in March of that year... Meaning that once Don was done with RAYA, he had about a year and a half to return to STRANGE WORLD and get it ready for a 2022 theatrical release. Which he did. And for some observers, myself included, the movie was maybe a few drafts away from being better. The finished film feels very undercooked in its character work and worldbuilding, but that's just me speculating.

After all, remember how Pixar turned TOY STORY 2 completely around with less than a year to go? Turned out fantastic, despite the stress and the rushing. FROZEN was literally rewritten top to bottom within its release year! And people loved that movie, it made a billion and became a worldwide phenomenon! Sometimes the end product miraculously works on audiences, sometimes it doesn't. Maybe it doesn't matter, because to some 6-year-old out there, STRANGE WORLD rocked their world. It probably would've been one of my favorite movies at age 8, that's for sure. And it'll be a favorite of theirs once they're in college or something, it'll be a case of "This SLAPPED! Why did it flop 20 years ago???"

So, it looks like the movie is happening. I have heard from the trenches that the 2024 slot went to a fantasy tale set in the Middle East, presumably from director Suzi Yoonessi, who is of Iranian descent. Jennifer Lee stated in late 2019 that Yoonessi was directing a feature film for the studio, so if this is hers... They had five years to get this story together. Good sign, right? Should make that release date just fine, then!

The execution of it is what matters in the end, and looking at WISH's poor scores and blah legs domestically, it appears that this is WDAS' problem. WISH took about five years to come together, so there was plenty of time. What went wrong? This currently-untitled 2024 movie could've had all the time in the world to come together as a strong piece of storytelling and appeal to audiences, *but* if you execute it in a way that turns moviegoers away? You've got a problem. And when I read from some of the filmmakers/staffers that the studio brass regularly test screens early versions of these movies for toddlers, and then they cut lots of potentially good stuff that could've really worked because little Jimmy got scared? Couple that with so many talents leaving the place over the last few years? I kinda think that's the problem.

While FROZEN II, which suffered a lot of cuts and dumbing down because of test screenings, went and made over $1.4b worldwide... WISH lost a lot of money, yet it's still looking to become the studio's highest-earning movie since FROZEN II. Some four years ago... Possibly set to outgross the much-more beloved ENCANTO (which probably also suffered from needless focus group nonsense), a Delta/Omicron-era release which currently sits at $256m worldwide.

The studio is undoubtedly in a weird spot right now from my outsider perspective, and they appear to be meeting this one-a-year quota still. Curiously, some of Pixar's staff is to be laid off this year, staff that were involved with Disney+ projects like DUG DAYS and WIN OR LOSE. Disney Animation recently opened a Vancouver unit meant for Disney+ shows, like the upcoming MOANA series. IWAJU, which is a month away, was outsourced to Canadian house Cinesite. "WDAS Vancouver" still operating for now, despite the company reducing their focus on making stuff for Disney+. It would suck to see them close down just a few years after being set up, much like what happened to Pixar Canada over a decade ago.

So yeah... We'll learn soon, I believe, what's going on here. Speculation is always rampant when it comes to animation, and just the movies in general. You know, I came across a website that hasn't been updated since the mid-2000s. A site run by some dedicated animation fan, who collected pretty much all the major news articles on movies that were new at the time of the blog's operation: Stuff from FINDING NEMO to MADAGASCAR to BROTHER BEAR to ROBOTS... I spent quite some time reading through all of it, as I was becoming internet-aware at the time. And by looking at what was cited and sourced, this is all nothing new. There was so much speculation with all of those now-classic movies, and a lot of it was UTTER BULLSHIT. Like how FINDING NEMO was really gearing up to be Pixar's first flop, and it ended up being - for a period - the highest-grossing animated movie ever and an Oscar winner.

And I'm sure whatever is being cooked up about Untitled WDAS 2024 and many other productions today is also UTTER BULLSHIT. Hearing from the trenches is one thing, but there's lots of made up stuff, and there's probably some of it floating around now.

Anyways, all I know is, WDAS does this focus group thing with their movies, and people are leaving... But other than that, it appears that the new movie is still coming out this year. But things always change, so we shall see...

[atrial-ofhorror-if]

Hey, y'all! It's that time of the month again~~ Time for a monthly update!! 

I want to start this off with checking in on you guys. How's everyone doing? The year just started but it just feels like time is moving so fast already. I hope that this year will be much kinder to us all than it has been 🙏🏿🙏🏿 last year really tried to knock my dome top off, but I'm still here, so thats something. Let's all do our best, and kick or at least bruise the universes ass!

Clerical Updates

I have some changes that I'm planning for the Itch.io page, guys 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿First thing first, I want to change the game's title screen. I had initially made it in Canva with the aid of a friend from work, but as I continue to work through the game, I feel like there could be a much more fitting image. However, your girl isn't a graphic designer, so I want to commission someone to make a header or some shit.

Then I want to add a game starting page into the actual demo. I’ve looked at some examples from other IF writers who have made one, but I think my code is wrong (as it usually is), so I’m pacing back and forth trying to figure out exactly how and what I’m doing wrong. stay tuned for the shenanigans, cause I bet its something super simple 🙃🙃

I've been slowing down in writing. I typically write in my Google docs app on my phone, it's easier than opening my laptop, but the app has been having hella issues. I think it's because of the document size, so it's been significantly slowing down my writing time. I've been looking into alternative apps, so if anyone has recommendations, let me know. 

Game Progress

 I am officially at 60k+ words!!  

To be well (Alex’s Route): 49%

Search and Destroy (Mark's Route): <1%

Interlude (Intermission): 4%

So far, I have three big scenes left to write in Alex’s route. 

North Wing. Nuff said.

Convergent: not to be confused with divergence

Isekai? Isekai. 

Once I've written those scenes out, the rest will be smooth sailing. I just have ends to tie up and scenes to flesh out before I can finally push it into editing. I might do some of the fleshing out during editing to make it easier on myself (and to give myself a break), but I am just trying to go with the flow.

Once I push the game into editing, I'll take a break before I start on Mark's route. I'm still dealing with fatigue from Miss Rona despite having the same progress I had before I got sick but it just feels... weird. Like your girl is trapped in a slumber or something and I can't get out, but now I'm being anecdotal.

Back onto topic.

I want to talk about Mark's route for a moment. Because it truly is the bane of my existence, and I'm DREADING having to write it. I have three possible ways of how I want to deal with it:

Write the damn thing out, and stop bitching. Not ideal

Don't write it and be great 😤😤😤 most ideal

Release Alex's route once done with editing and worry about Mark at a later date. also not ideal cause then I have to come back to it! 🥴🤧😭

So, the last option is something I'm looking at real disrespectfully. Partially because I'm probably going to have to rewrite some of the subplots because when I plotted the outline for the entire episode, I had a precise idea of what was to occur. But Alex's route completely shifted from what was supposed to be there into something that I don't even recognize. Which isn't a bad thing, just… an inconvenience 🥴🥴

Therefore a lot of things that were supposed to happen just didn't. Which, again, isn't a bad thing. It just means that I need to reign the plot in again. I could finesse a lot of the content to make it flow, BUT that will take me some time.

So, in short... I still don't know what I'm gonna do!! 😭😭 but I probably will end up writing Mark's route cause I don't want to end up shorting you guys on content just cause I'm feeling lazy.

This episode has a LOT of variety in it. Like, I'm not even bullshitting. I'm aiming to make it so that you guys can replay it as often as you desire and still find new things you would have missed. (To make up for the fact that episode 2 probably won't be released until next year if we're being honest 🥴🥴)

The interlude isn't even something I'm thinking about at the moment. Partially because I'm trying to push through Episode 1, get done with Alex's Route and start on Mark's. A portion of it will still be in the update, but I'm debating if its going to be even smaller than what I intended it to be. Possibly? But again, I'm not so much of a planner as much as I am a 'go with the flow'er.

I'm hoping to drop pieces of the interlude this year until it's whole, instead of just writing the entire thing, cause I swear I'm not doing this shit again, lol 🤣🤣. Either way, I will keep you guys updated if anything changes.

I think that's it? If you guys have any questions, you know what to do. And if you need anything, let me know! I'm semi-available (not really) on the weekdays so I'll try to answer any asks as quickly as I can. But either way, love y'all 🤎🤎

[misslisamiray]

Time for the other thing I promised (and sorry it's a day late): An update on the Rick and Morty fanfic I'm writing! With bonus pic of the pretty space-themed binder it resides in. Also, from this post on, said fic will be referred to by its actual title.

Current page count: 80!!! (Which is so much longer than I expected this fic to get, but I am not complaining.) Status: Not done yet, but I'm entering the final stretch. I've given up on setting a goal date for when it's going to be finished, but I feel like I can now safely say SOON. Also, until the full fic is up on Ao3 & ff, you'll now be getting excerpts every Thursday!

Summary: Rick has a nasty cold... which he initially tries to pass off as an alien virus that can mimic any illness. Morty does his best to take care of him, and Rick (of course) makes things so, so much more difficult for both of them than they need to be. No one is surprised.

Meanwhile, Beth and Summer are out of the house, and Jerry is searching in the attic for the 90's anime VHS he's sure will help him figure out EXACTLY what to do (keep in mind he's the only one who still believes Rick's alien virus story). 😅

And now, without further ado, excerpt & dumbass title reveal below the cut!

Excerpt from Down With the Rickness by MissLisaMiray

"That's more like it. Okay, Rick. Here you go." Morty sighed. He carefully filled the medicine's accompanying measuring cup to the top line and tried to hand it to Rick.

"I don't want it." Rick grumbled, waving it away.

"Seriously?! Why not?" Morty asked, exasperated.

"It looks gross. I'm too stuffed up to tell, but it probably smells gross, too. And I know it's gonna taste like shit. So no, I don't want it." Rick explained, stubbornly turning his head. Morty barely held back a scream.

"Are you kidding me?! I thought it was gonna be something about this stuff being inferior to anything you'd make, so you were like, insulted by it. But it's just that? Of course it's gonna taste bad. Doesn't all medicine? Just swallow it quick and get it over with." He held the cup in front of Rick, who shook his head and continued refusing to take it.

"Of course this would be the one thing in the whole damn universe you won't drink. Rick, come on! It's for your own good. Stop acting like a 4 year old and take it!" Morty argued, climbing onto the bed and shoving the small cup in front of Rick's face. Rick opened his mouth to argue further, which Morty took advantage of by quickly pouring the medicine in before the old man could react.

Furious, the second he'd swallowed it down, Rick began sputtering, "Ugh, that's even worse than I thought it would be! Cough! Cough! What the hell, Morty?! Not cool! You can't force strange liquids down people's throats like that!"

"You think I enjoyed any part of that?! And don't be so dramatic - alI I did was make you take some cold medicine. Also, there's no way that's the most disgusting thing you've ever swallowed." Morty pointed out.

"Well, if nothing else, I can't argue that part. Still, that shit is foul. Yuck." Rick complained, still looking disgusted. He grabbed his flask and took a swig to wash away the taste. Morty considered saying something about that not being a great idea, but quickly decided it was a losing battle he wasn't interested in.

[mahi-does-some-art]

For your Servamp Game Show AU, did you ever make a post explaining the plot? I saw the ones regarding the premise and thought they were very interesting. Have an excellent day!

HI HELLO YES I WOULD LOVE TO TALK ABOUT IT!! I'm just gonna go over the premise again because its been a couple of years since I talked about it.

The "Game", which I still have not come up with any clever name for, is this show where contestants are picked from public polls to participate in what is essentially running around Japan for as long as they can without getting caught for money, love and/or jobs. There are two sides to this game: The people who run and evade the advances of the others (Runners) and the people who are chasing them, who can be people looking for date or recruit the people running (Hunters. Someone help me come up with better names please).

Basically, the longer the people running away stays not caught by any individual or corp, the more money they'll get when they either do get caught or the 6 month season of the show concludes and they win. The "Runners" each get a card they can buy hotel rooms in, food, necessities, ect but they can be disqualified for purchasing unnecessary items they intend to keep like luxuries and a specially made device they wear on their person that acts as both a safety tracking device and a means for "capture" by anyone they're running from. The fingerprints of the "Hunters" are put in a database the device recognizes and if a Hunter manages to hold their finger on it for long enough, the Runner is captured and they go back to the show's HQ to collect prize and work out what they want.

They also get issued phones so they can make video updates that the show's production team put up online and eventually string together on TV episodes for the general public to enjoy. Think of it like "The Most Dangerous Game" just no hit-men and it's aired to the world.

Now that that's out of the way, the plot is that the initial entering period of the show's contestant poll, the school quartet thought it'd be funny to enter themselves into the poll for shits and giggles minus Sakuya for Reasons. They don't think any of them would get picked and it was more a "I bet you won't!" dare while having lunch at a cafe they like one day.

And none of them were expecting for Mahiru's profile to get boosted to the top qualifiers because a bunch of people on the internet decided to troll by pushing up some random kid as a joke. Until it wasn't a joke anymore.

They get worried and Mahiru debates completely opting out before having the idea that maybe, if he gets far enough and gets enough money from it, his Uncle wouldn't have to work so much to provide for him and he could take a break and Mahiru could return the favor of being adopted by him. So with the encouragement of two of his friend and against the advice of one, Mahiru participates.

Everything goes well for a while and he ends up being decently loved by the audience but, as we all know, Mahiru's luck in these aus go out of the window and stay out thanks to his stubborness and overwhelming want to help people. He meets Kuro, another runner who he somehow manages to team up with and together Mahiru finds out that this Game is more twisted on the inside than meets any public eye.

I... Haven't really thought about this au for a good while so I have no idea what'll actually happen but I will take any ideas if y'all have any. It's an excuse to get all of the characters running around and also for Mahiru to get way more popular than he ever wanted to be.

[waynes-multiverse]

Multiverse News: Week 2

Greetings, fellow travelers! It’s your favorite hot mess speaking! 🖖

I already knew chances of me doing this weekly were slim, but I’ll be giving these Sunday updates as much as I can! Work was a little crazy the past two weeks, I already miss my vacation days, and my hopes of having an easier next week got crushed on Friday. Naturally, I didn’t have a lot of time to write and read the last two weeks, but I’ll share all the series I’m currently reading and the few WIPs I’ve worked since the last update 😊

I’ve also reached 800 followers (even after blocking a million porn bots 🤣), so THANK YOU so much for stumbling onto this blog and indulging in my little stories. I love and appreciate all of you more than you can ever imagine 😭🖤🖤🖤

I initially wanted to celebrate by opening requests, so I can thank you properly by writing some storylines you want, but since work is crazy and I’m behind on literally everything, I don’t think it’s a good idea for now. Hopefully, things will clear up soon and we can do something fun to celebrate this milestone together 🥳🥂

Currently reading 🤓

A Supernatural Journey by @eevvvaa​ Dean Winchester x OFC, Sam Winchester x OFC Author’s summary: After an unplanned event in their road trip, Emily and Eva crossed paths with two brothers. One thing leading to another, the two best friends found themselves in what seems to be a supernatural journey…

Green is My Favorite Color by @dean-winchester-is-a-warrior​ Dean Winchester x OFC Author’s summary: Dean has been her hero from childhood, can she ever get him to be more?

Limelight by @talesmaniac89​ CEO!Dean Winchester x Journalist!Reader Author’s summary: The workaholic and media shy CEO of Winchester Inc, Dean Winchester, is forced to try online dating by his friends. What will happen when he swipes right on (Y/N), who is working on a series on online dating for her magazine?

Nightingale by @trektraveler​ Jensen Ackles x Reader Author’s summary: Jensen Ackles seemed to have it all. A hit television series fifteen years running, a budding music career and a stunning wife. To the casual observer, his life was perfect. But it was a façade. No more real than the supernatural world created on a soundstage. That day on the lake had started with uncertainty, but when he pulled you from the water everything became clear. The truth was, he’d been the one drowning.

That Simple by @avanatural​ Beau Arlen x Reader Author’s summary: Beau goes to Y/N, a new friend of his, for some dating advice. Is the charming new sheriff gonna get the date that he’s hoping for?

Mind Games by @avanatural​ Soldier Boy x Reader Author’s Summary: Set in 1984. It’s that time of the year – the supes are having the time of their lives at the Herogasm festival. Soldier Boy seems to have taken a special interest in Y/N, a fellow superhero.

Finished reading 💚

A Rose for the Snake by @all-alone-he-turns-to-stone​ Dean Winchester x Reader Author’s summary: Since he discovered the club, Dean’s been going at least once a week. Being a dom is something nice, it makes him feel powerful and in control. But is it really what he likes? Or is it the domme assigned to teach him the basics that tells him what to do?

Surrender Part 1 & Part 2 by @b3autyfuldisast3r​ Jensen Ackles x Reader Author’s summary: Reader is a PA on the set of Big Sky and falls in love with Jensen - who is married. Will she give in to her feelings and destroy a relationship or hide them and risk destroying herself?

Stoking the Flame by @dean-winchester-is-a-warrior​ Beau Arlen x Jenny Hoyt Author’s summary: Jenny and Beau have been ignoring the spark between them for a long time. How much longer can they continue?

GO CHECK OUT ALL THESE AMAZING STORIES AND AUTHORS IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY! 🖤

Series Updates:

DBM: Currently reworking chapter 2. It was too funny and casual. Dean needs to be more broken and devastated. I’m going for that full heartbreak here. Tears, sobs – you shouldn’t be able to function when I’m done with this chapter. You’re welcome.

PH: Finished part 19 and realized it’s the longest of the series yet. Currently, it’s at 5.8k. I already tried to think of scenes to cut and while there are some I could live without plotwise, they’re hilarious and I don’t want to erase those laughs. So, should I split it into two parts instead or can we live with this? Let me know! I’m also halfway through part 20. It’s intense and pretty much follows an episode of the show, which I always found important, so I didn’t want to change too much about it, not even the dialogue. I hope I’m doing it justice in the end ☺️

��️ PS: In case you missed it, Part 11 posted yesterday and Parts 12-16 follow this week! Get ready! It’s a pretty wild batch! 🤪

Upcoming One-Shots:

Labyrinth: Started writing it this week for a request (the Wendigo hunt). Currently 1.7k words in. The beginning is a bit creepy because Wendigos were always the monsters that freaked me out the most (because they remind me of the horror movie The Descent and that one always scares me to death.) But Dean’s close to saving her and then there’s all the fluff you could possibly get 🥰

Mercilessly: Giving it the finishing touches. Was initially planning to post it on Dean’s bday, but my work schedule won’t allow me to finish it in time. My muse is also in a fluff mood apparently and not up for evil scheming. I’m as surprised as you are, guys...

[abba-enthusiast]

Am I (65F) the asshole for refusing to pay for the wedding of son Tony (fake name 29M) and his fiancé Carl (19M) after we paid for the wedding of his younger brother Milo (22M) and his wife Julie (21F) last year. Last year when my younger son Milo got married, my soon-to-be ex husband and I paid $10,000 toward his wedding. He and his wife Julie had been dating since the end of freshman year of high school and we've known her family for even longer; they practically grew up together! And while I would never try to intentionally push my son's toward a specific partner, I'm glad her chose her. Their relationship is as healthy as can be and they're extremely compatible. Everything was going fine until 5 months ago when my older son Tony came to us asking us to contribute $10,000 to his wedding. We were taken aback as we had previously been unaware that he had a partner. We knew he was gay so his partner being male wasn't a shock; but what was a shock was the age of his partner. We initially told him we needed to hold off on deciding one way or another until we met his partner. We were introduced to Carl for the first time 6 weeks ago and it turns out that not only is he 10 years younger than my son, but they've been 'dating' 🤮 off and on for 4 years (keep in mind this would've meant that this guy was 15 and my son was 25)! When his father and I learned of this situation we immediately shut down any hope he had of us funding or taking any part in his wedding. When he asked why we both told him it was disgusting what he was doing and that he's lucky we didn't report him for this (he was also his fiancés English teacher).  I'm conflicted on if I'm handling this right.

My family is torn over this; some people think I'm the asshole for giving my son's unequal treatment due to their choice of partners while others think I'm not the asshole for standing my ground.

Edit 1: this has really blown up. So I wanted to add some things to clarify.

1. Yes Milo got another girl pregnant 2 months ago. His wife doesn't know yet, she's sterile due to childhood illness so this could be our only chance to have a biological grandchild.

2. Tony claims he and Carl haven't had sex yet and are waiting for the wedding night but I don't know if I believe them

3. Carl is a trans man (read: he used to be female) and his birth name is Carly.

Edit 2: gonna say this one last time

I DIDNT KNOW IT WAS OFFENSIVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE TRANS PEOPLE'S BIRTH NAMES!!!!!!!

Edit 3: one more thing about Tony

1. He and Carl have apparently both accused each other of domestic violence in the past.

Edit 4: OKAY LAST UPDATE AND THEN I'M MUTING NOTIFICATIONS ON THIS ACCOUNT.

I have not given anyone permission to share this story on other social media. Please stop putting it on tiktok, Instagram, and especially not Facebook. If you do this I'll sue! Also just to let everyone know; Julie got expelled from her school (a community college 🤮) and arrested and is facing time in prison time for harassing and cyberstalking this girl my son got pregnant.

Edit 5: both my son's and each of their partners have seen this post and both relationships have broken up. I hope you're all happy with destroying a healthy marriage of two soul mates because you care more about the ethics of monogamy than you do about carrying on a rare bloodline!

And I'm like yeah ESH. You're not an asshole in the way that I expected but you're still very much the asshole and probably an asshole in your everyday life from the sound of it. You're not the only one though. I'm pretty sure everyone here is an asshole except for maybe Carl. Tony for dating his own underage student (regardless of whether the relationship has been consummated or not). Milo for cheating on his own so called "soulmate". Julie for attacking a girl who her husband had impregnated instead of going after him; I'm not able to tell from this post but for all we know this other woman had no clue that he was married.

….. NTA i guess. But like. Barely.

(NTA for refusing to pay, everything else is. Yikes)

[hintless]

first week of 2023 update: thinking i dont have the energy to make a 2022 wrapped and now, im trying to look back at what the past year has brought me and im realizing, things didn’t really went as I had planned? but:

▪︎ we have a baby 👶🏻 on the way!

im gonna be honest: having a baby on our first year wasn’t the initial plan. to me, it’s a huge responsibility financially and physically because you have to be available and mentally aware all time and i thought i still wasn’t ready for that. our plan for 2022 is to enjoy our time together and travel given that we weren’t able to do that for the 11 long years we dated because I have extremely strict parents who were very much concerned about us having our time alone. i was only 16 when joshua and i met so I understand where they’re coming from but they didn’t ease up until im 27 😂 so we just complied. until May of 2022, after already being married for few months and after my Zambales trip with friends, we got curious and tried some baby-making ways we read on blogs. the next thing I know, I was already pregnant! although it wasn’t what we planned at all, the fact that we didn’t struggle on this aspect is a huge deal for us (!!) because we know a lot of married couple who finds it hard to conceive

ᵐʸ ᵐᵒᵐ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵐʸ ˢᶦˢᵗᵉʳ ʷʰᵉʳᵉ ᵗʰᵉ ᶠᶦʳˢᵗ ᵖᵉᵒᵖˡᵉ ᵗᵒ ᵏⁿᵒʷ ᵇᵉᶜᵃᵘˢᵉ ᵗʰᵉʸ ʷᵉʳᵉ ˢᵗᵃʸᶦⁿᵍ ʷᶦᵗʰ ᵘˢ ᵗʰᵉ ⁿᶦᵍʰᵗ ᶦ ᵗᵒᵒᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ᵗᵉˢᵗ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵗʰᵉʸ ˡᵒᵒᵏ ᵖʳᵉᵗᵗʸ ᵉˣᶜᶦᵗᵉᵈ ᵗᵒ ᵐᵉ ˡᵒˡ

▪︎ our little space now's looking more homey than when the year started

we got married on November of 2021, started living together in a small condo-like space by totally revamping an apartment rental to our liking; a space their family had already owned because we didn’t want to rent and we feel like paying a rent for years just equates to revamping the whole unit in a different layout. revamping took a lot of our money from the tiles we used, to ventilation, etc. so on our first month, we moved into an empty space with an old bed from when Joshua was still a binata, a small fridge passed on to us by his elder brother who moved out and a semi-working fan.

ᵒⁿ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵃᵐᵉ ᵐᵒⁿᵗʰ ᵒᵘʳ ᵈᵒᵍ ᴺᵃⁿᵃ ʰᵃᵈ ᵗᵒ ᵘⁿᵈᵉʳᵍᵒ ᵃ ˢᵘʳᵍᵉʳʸ ˢᵒ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ᵏᶦⁿᵈᵃ ˢʷᶦᵗᶜʰᵉᵈ ᵒᵘʳ ᵖʳᶦᵒʳᶦᵗᶦᵉˢ

▪︎ we've survived our 1st year being married

Joshua and I dated for 11 years but there’s still a lot I learned when we started living together. the first months were fun but also chaotic because we both had to adjust to each others norms

▪︎ and lastly, we only have 7 months left credit dues to pay

from the wedding, to putting up together a small space of our own, to now, preparing for our little flo, the expenses were no joke as someone who resides in the Philippines. we have saved up an amount for the wedding but later on learned we will be needing more so we had to take up a loan and use some credit to finish our home project before we move in. this is probably the first time im in debt. i had no experience handling an entire household money before because before all these, i used to live with my parents and have never tried living alone. also, im quite festive and i like to celebrate wins but we really had to simplify few events and stick to a plain lifestyle by the end of the year to hit our saving goals. so it's a 🤝 for me to be able to survive this year financially while at the same time, being extra for our coming baby

ᵒᵘʳ ᵈᵉᶜᵉᵐᵇᵉʳ ²⁵ ˢᶜᵉⁿᵉ ⁹ᵃᵐ ᵃⁿᵈ ˢᵗᶦˡˡ ˢˡᵉᵉᵖᶦⁿᵍ

pangalawang pasko namin, december 2022, sa mahigit isang taong pagsasama sa isang bahay. tahimik, malamig at naghihintay ng batang malinggit na aming lalaruin sa huling dalawang buwan ng pagbubuntis ko

ang labas ng bahay, walang aborloloy o kahit anong palatandaang naghanda kami para sa pasko. sa loob, mayroon lamang maaabutang maliit na christmas tree na may kaunting regalo sa mga inaanak na tila nagsasabing, “ito lang muna” dahil hindi man lamang ang mga ito umukupa ng malaking espasyo

some more 2022 photos to remind me i had a blast:

this year has been nothing but lovely to me. rough phases surely ensued and days can be tricky sometimes, but overall, id like to say beyond blessed

hoping for more for everyone of us this year 2023!

[a-student-out-of-time]

Review Anon's outline for 2023

Hello people and welcome to 2023! We are now in our 4th year of this blog and my 3rd year being here, crazy to think it’s been this long, eh? Seeing as it’s the start of the new year, I thought this would be a good time to discuss what my plans right now are for this year regarding my projects.

The first thing is of course when All Eyes on Me finishes, to do a review on that. I thought long and hard how I was gonna tackle this arc, as this was a rather unique challenge for me, not just because it’s a musical arc. You will see what I’m talking about when the arc finishes and I do my reviews on. But rest assured that despite what I was thinking at the start of this arc, I am NOT skipping a review of this arc.

Speaking of All Eyes on Me, let’s address the elephant in the room; The Nijiue Spoof Arc. What’s happening to it and have I cancelled it? Short answer: No, it’s not cancelled. The long answer is that I’ve already thought about how the arc was gonna unfold, but I was concerned that All Eyes on Me was gonna lean too similar to it, so accusations of plagiarism would run rampant. Therefore, I was holding ground to make sure my idea was different enough. And good news everyone, it is! Obviously, the siblings are COMPLETELY different in the Spoof Arc but even Ayato and Emina are quite different in the Spoof Arc then they are in All Eyes on Me. But even when All Eyes on Me is finished and I do my review on it, I WON’T jump straight into doing the Spoof Arc right away. That’s because I have something else that I promised people I would do after All Eyes on Me Arc Review, but once I done and published THAT then I will work to finish the Spoof Arc and its release date will be 1st April 2023! The reason I’m doing it straight after the second thing is last year; I ran into the double whammy issue of creator’s block and various other projects cropping up around that time, so this year I want to nip that issue in the bud. It also means if I’m in the middle of doing it and suddenly either the Banker Arc or whatever arc we are on finishes, I’m not caught off guard.

So, what IS this second thing that comes after the All Eyes on Me Arc Review but before the Nijiue Spoof Arc? Why it’s my 3rd character analysis; Chiaki Nanami! This is gonna be a fairly big analysis as Chiaki is the deuteragonist of this blog so there’s a LOT of material to cover, even more then with Hibiki and Nikei before her. Since I knew All Eyes on Me was gonna be a major arc for Chiaki, I wanted that Arc to finish before I do Chiaki’s analysis.

Once Chiaki’s analysis is done and dusted, the final character analysis I want to get done before Season 2 finishes is Kyoji’s. Now the question is, when do I do his? Initially I was thinking of doing it for the Despair Strikes Back Arc but I have a horrid feeling it’s gonna be the Season 2 Finale Arc, and I already got a TON on my plate when that happens (Obvious Review for the Final arc, Season 3 predictions, the BIG CHUNGUS Season 2 Retrospective and updating all character analysis to include all Season 2 content) Thankfully there IS a upcoming arc which Kyoji is gonna have a major role in which I feel confident that releasing his character analysis for; Dianthus Memory. AKA the Tsumugi Downfall Arc. Once V3 is erased from the timeline and I do my review on it, Kyoji’s character analysis will come out then. The Mod might try and say wait until Season 2 finishes but if I do, it will never get done.

So, TL; DR version, here is the release schedule coming up.

All Eyes on Me Arc Review: Literally be the first thing I do this year.

(And chances are this will be on the larger side of my arc word count. How ironic that the arc which debates Sayaka in a prominent way gets a lengthy review. At least none of my standalone works have reached the word count of the Sayaka Thesis…yet.)

ASOOT Chiaki Character Analysis: Will be released after All Eyes on Me Arc Review

(Regarding the Banker Arc, obviously the Chiaki Analysis will be released beforehand but if it takes too long and the Banker Arc finishes before its released, the Character Analysis will take priority)

Nijiue Spoof Arc: Restart writing it once ASOOT Chiaki Character Analysis is released, scheduled release to 1st April 2023.

(Since ideally all writing for this would be done February-March time, it will be released on 1st April regardless what is going on that time.)

ASOOT Kyoji Character Analysis: Will be released after Dianthus Memory Arc Review

(I will LITERALLY only change this if Despair Strikes Back is NOT the Season 2 Finale. Kyoji is probably the worst of all the characters to schedule when his analysis should come out in this regard)

[REDACTED]: Will be released during Season 2, but not when anything else is going on.

(And what’s this? Something I’ve been quietly working on for a while…which is gonna be temporary not worked on since I have other pressing projects but if I find myself with downtime, like I’ve finished writing the Nijiue Spoof Arc but we aren’t in Dianthus Memory, or I’ve done the Kyoji Analysis already, I will be working on this. And trust me guys…you are gonna LOVE this.)

And of course, reviews will come out when said arcs finish. You know the drill. That’s all from me, just to give you guys an update on what to expect for this year though this more like a Q1 report then anything. Either way see you around! - Review Anon

//I look forward to seeing all these works in the coming year ^^

[gold-andgranite]

sweet disaster // the notes + the prologue

hey y’all! ever since finding the tgm community here on tumblr earlier this summer I’ve had a little idea floating around I just couldn’t let go of. after incubating said idea (read: storyboarding and note taking/ visualizing scenes as I’m driving/ having hot girl backyard time/ while washing dishes/ as I am folding laundry/ etc. etc. etc.), I got a first little prologue-y type chapter written up! I have a vague idea of where this fic is headed but I’m allowing myself the creative freedom to not have anything super nailed down yet, and instead just letting this little world evolve however it will. we will find out together! I have missed writing lately, and even though most of my writing over the years has been either academic or free verse poetry, I’m excited to give prose a try! 

a bit of housekeeping: I wrote this initial bit as a second person pov but with a named character (we are JJ). it’s what felt the most comfortable to write, but if it really weirds all y’all out, I’d be willing to accept that constructive criticism and switch to a different pov. I want us to feel immersed, but if it gets clunky (especially with, perhaps, pov changes later on) then I’m willing to change the pov, and that would include tweaking this chapter as well post-posting. 

as far as warnings go? each chapter will have chapter-specific warnings, as needed, but overall this story will touch on mental health issues, a bit of angst, some smut down the road, language, military inaccuracies, etc. basically the usual warnings for most fics on here -- like I said, I will update those warnings for each chapter as they arise. we’re starting off super mellow with just a slight language warning for this teaser trailer appetizer thing. 

okay! I think that about does it for now! I’m really excited to go on this journey with y’all!

-- goldi 

“JJ, come ON! You have nothing else going on today! You’re taking a day off from working out, you went grocery shopping yesterday, and I know you’re not working later today, either.” She ticks the reasons off on her fingers before throwing a particular withering look your way, dropping her chin to really send the point home. You inhale sharply, lowering the coffee mug from your lips, counterpoints halfway off your tongue, already feeling the words in your mouth – but, well, fuck. As your best friend, roommate, and coworker – you didn’t have counterpoints. And she knew it, fighting her smile at first, being a good sport about it, but you both knew her eyes were twinkling with excitement.

“Okay. Okay.” You put your hands up in surrender, laughing now, as she squeals and rushes forward to throw her arms around you.

“Yay! Yay! Emi said yes, too! I promise, J, it’s gonna be fun. We’ll have fun! It’s something different! And . . .” she smirks, really going heavy on the whole “devil in the angel’s eyes” thing. “I wanna go support our troops, you know?”

At that, you roll your eyes. “Really, Kennedy? This still?”

“YES.” She held your shoulders in her hands, staring directly into your soul. “JJ. My last date was a fuckin’ trainwreck. I can’t do it anymore! I don’t wanna keep sifting through shitty profiles on my phone only to get a go on a lukewarm-at-best, somebody-sedate-me at worst date!!” She’s graduated to shaking your shoulders, a quarter laughing but three quarters serious. Parker, the most recent online dating disaster, was a pretty bad date for her, you knew that – beginning with when he honked and texted “here” to come pick Kennedy up. She hates that shit – you all do, of course. The group chat went feral over that one. 

“I know, Ken. I’m sorry. I’ll go, okay? I’ll be your wingwoman, if you need. I just – I really don’t want you to get hurt, okay? You’ve had your fair share of shitbags, and –”

“JJ, god, I’m not looking for anything serious! This is an attempt at streamlined efficiency more than anything else,” she giggles. “I just wanna go spend my afternoon looking confused at an air show, take in the beauty of the United States military machine” – cue eye roll – “flirt with as many men as possible, and see how many numbers I can get. We’ll be like those women in the USO in the forties! It’s really your patriotic duty, J.”

“My patriotic duty?? USO? Jesus, Ken –” you break off, fully cackling now, coffee set down on the counter a safe distance from where you’re gripping the counter bent over laughing. “Should we bring little American flags to hand out, too?”

That catches her off guard. “I mean . . . I think I’m covered on the tiny flag front . . .” The mischief glints in her eyes over a knowing smile, a language in which only best friends are fluent.

“KENNEDY!” You gasp, pretending to be scandalized. Your best friend could kill a man without laying a single finger on him, you know this, but her penchant for flair still caught you off guard at times. “You are NOT wearing your stars and stripes undies to this air show! I thought you were just getting phone numbers!” 

Kennedy sighs, planting her hands on her hips. “Ohh, but I am, J. I am.” She passes by you, patting your back. “We leave in an hour! Emi is meeting us there!” she sings as she glides down the hallway. “It’s gonna be fuuuuuuuun! You’re gonna have fun, JJ!!”

You turn back to your coffee, threading your fingers through the handle, shaking your head at Kennedy’s antics. You knew she was right; if all you did today was watch your best friend flirt with men in uniform, narrating the encounters documentary-style with Emi, then it’d be worth it. 

Memorable, at the very least.