#if anyone has any advice for fundraising through here

[bigboobshaunt]

Please help us afford to pay our bills:

Ever since the end of last year, my fiancé and I were hit by multiple medical expenses we couldn't have prepared for, and this came at the worst possible time as both of our bonuses at work were slashed and we had just spent money replacing things we need at home. I've also been helping my father get back on his feet after losing his job, and he hasn't been successful finding work so far, so I can't expect that money anytime soon.

I don't know how we'll be able to afford everything as things are now, and I can't lie, I'm scared.

At the time of writing, 1 US Dollar equals 5,79 Reais, so even a little of your help would go a long way in helping us out!

313/400

Paypal: arturzamprogna@gmail.com

*Paypal will sometimes deny money being sent for non-commercial purposes to Brazil, but their invoice feature should get around that no problem. If that happens to you, please let me know!

[zombii-writess]

〖𝚈𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝙷𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 ���〗

《Yandere Cove Holden x Female Reader》

Alright here’s part two! Here are a few things I must say before you can read. Steps 3 and 4 WILL have some smut scenes and in case anyone forgot, you’re both 18 in Step 3 and 23 in Step 4 in the game. 

And one more thing, I am not good at explaining sex scenes so please have mercy if those bits suck ass then part 1 lol. Tips and advice would be greatly appreciated though!

Tags: masturbation involved so PLZ MDNI 18+

︻︻︻︻︻︻

Step 3:

♡ Ahh, the end of high school is here, you’re both 18, and sooner or later if Cove doesn’t make ANY moves on you, he’ll surely lose his grasp on you. While it angers him to be away from you during the summer, he enjoys reading the letters you’ve written for him or any care packages you had sent. He’s missed you so much. Cove’s become...desperate for anything. 

♡ Locked in his old childhood room that he’s stayed at during his daily summer visits to his mom’s place, he pulls out one of your recently worn pair of panties. Well, before his trip to his mom’s, he might or might not have stolen one of your panties. But don’t worry! He’ll return it... after he washes it. Cove knows this is wrong. To shamelessly pleasure himself using one a pair of your panties. But he can’t help himself. Cove misses your smell. Your natural smell brings him both pleasure and comfort. Reminding him of moments you both had. cough there’s too many to count cough

The sound of whimpering and soft groans echoed the empty apartment, pleas and repeated ‘fuckfuckfuck’s came from one room. There in the room clothes were thrown wherever as Cove sat on his bed; legs wide open, heels digging into the mattress as he hungrily pumps his throbbing cock into his fist. His other hand had your lacy panties that he had stolen from you before leaving, nose buried into the soft fabric, inhaling your scent.

“M-miss you! want you so b-ah!” Cove whines, surprised at his own actions, hips jerking upward as his cum-covered fingers slide up to his chest to pinch and pull at his pink nipples. With the stimulation it was enough for Cove to let out a high pitch moan as he came all over his stomach for the nth time. 

Panting, Cove removes the underwear from his face to inspect the mess, or messes, he left. “Holy shit...” He moaned, gathering cum around his fingers. A sudden ping catches his attention. He sees the notification pop up with his special nickname for you

     Mine ♥ : 𝗁𝖾𝗒!! 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖿𝗋𝖾𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗋𝗇??

Cove bites his lip at the thought of hearing your sweet voice after a few sessions. One coming up as beads of precum leak from his red, throbbing tip. His eyes glancing at the time on his phone. 8 PM. His mom doesn’t come home for another few hours, he has plenty of time for another round or a few. And the best part, you’ll be helping him! Though you won’t know. 

With that set, he shakily presses his thumb onto the phone icon. Cove wraps your underwear around his, now hard, cock, and waits for to you to answer his call. 

♡ Cove has been running on countless ideas on what he needs to do to make you official and that’s when the gods and goddesses have answered him. He’ll ask you to accompany him to the ORCA fundraising diner. Of course you said yes because why wouldn’t you? He has so many plans on confessing to you tonight and tonight can’t go wrong. 

♡ It’s finally the fundraising diner, he’s outside looking into your window, waiting impatiently so he could be near you again, touch you. The diner starts in 30 minutes and he’s been waiting for you for 13. Cove paced around his car to hold himself back from crawling through your window and pulling you into a passionate kiss and proclaim his love for you. But for now, he’ll wait to confess. Deep down, Cove knows he doesn’t have the nerves to actually do that.

♡ After waiting forever, you finally make your way outside to Cove’s car, your dress hugging your curves perfectly. Cove’s eyes stayed glued onto you as you rushed over to him, hair flowing behind you, your perfume assaulting his senses. He could feel his face heat up when he noticed a shiny piece of jewelry hugging your ankle. An anklet. Oh fuck. What would he give to bend you over his car hood and fuck you senselessly. 

♡ Maybe coming to the fundraiser with you was a bad idea, all the looks you’ve been receiving from these... disgusting animals almost makes him want to leave. But it’ll all be worth it in the end. You both had your food and desserts and are currently on the dance floor. Busting it down  Arms wrapped around each other, chest pressed snuggly, it’s like a puzzle piece. Cove has known for a long time that you’re made for each other.

♡ Finally! Finally FINALLY! It was time! the event ended with you enjoying yourself and having a good time with Cove but now it was time for the main event. He’s shitting bricks but he needs to do this. He needs to claim you as his, it’ll only be temporarily. Maybe in the next few years, Cove could give you his last name...

𓆩⟡𓆪

Step 4:

♡ He’s done it. 5 years ago, he confessed his feelings to you after the fundraiser and you accepted his confession. Now, at 23, you both been living together after Cove asked you to move in with him at 20. Even though he wanted to you to move in with him as soon as possible after telling both your families that he’s been looking into moving out. He almost cried in frustration when you declined, stating that you both should wait awhile before jumping the gun. 

♡ Living with Cove has been amazing. Ever since he’s gotten more comfortable sleeping in the same bed as you, he’s been nothing but a cuddle bug. Make the slightest movement to adjust your sleeping position or use the bathroom, he always wake up and waits for you to come back so he could wrap his arms around your waist and sleep soundly. He can’t afford to be separated from you after chasing you for so long. 

♡ After living together for 3 years, you’ve had sex a few times. But those few times always leave you fucked out and twitching uncontrollably and they always last up to 2 rounds, 3 if Cove’s feeling extra possessive. Speaking about how often you both are busting it down, if Cove could, he would’ve made your love making life into something more wild and kinkier. You sitting on his face as he overstimulates your throbbing clit as you suffocate him with your plush thighs, Cove shoving his tongue into your pussy while you sleep soundly above him, grinding his hard cock against your thighs as he pins you against the cold sand as he begs you to allow him to fuck you in the empty beach, etc. This guy’s a beast! But luckily for you, or not if you’re into those things, Cove’s shyness stops him from expressing those thoughts to you. 

“P-please!” Cove sobbed, grinding his weeping cock against your thighs, spreading precum all over you and your swimsuit. Head buried in your neck as you wrapped your arms around Cove’s shoulders, moaning as his tip repeatedly bumped into your clit. 

“ I wan’ fuck you, wan’ fuck you so badly, please..!”  He kisses your neck, hands wondering all over you. 

Cove

More whimpering came from Cove as he started grinding faster, the knot in his stomach threatening to break the faster he went. 

“Fuck! ‘m gonna..! gonna cum!” 

Cove!

Cove arches his back as he came in his boxers, the crotch of his sweatpants darkening. Whimpering escaped Cove’s lips as he gave a few more thrusts to the air before opening his eyes.

“W-what?” he gasps, now realizing what happened. He was in a wet dream and you woke him up.

“Man that must’ve been an intense dream,” You murmured in concern, rubbing his shoulders. ‘Good,’ Cove thought, a sigh of relief escapes his lips. He didn’t want you to figure that it was a wet dream instead. 

“Y-yeah...” Sitting up, Cove covers his crotch with the blanket he was sleeping with. It smelled like you. “It was...really intense.”

♡ Now onto the fun part, the promise he made to himself before confessing to you. To propose to you. To become your husband. And what better way to propose to you then back at your childhood home on your favorite hill. Cove bought the ring months ago and made sure to bring it with him as he left to go back to Sunset Bird for your Moms’ dinner anniversary. The ring weighed down on his mind as he nervously awaits your arrival.

♡ When you arrive, you’ve noticed at Cove’s nervous attitude, always stuttering around you, greenish blue eyes fluttering away from your confused ones. Normally, he loved talking to you, making eye contact with you, but now, he’s back to his 13 year old self, way before you started dating. Cove tries his hardest to not make it obvious but it doesn’t help when his parents and your question if he was alright. With Cove’s confusing personality switch, he always makes it up to you by cuddling you tightly when you sleep. 

♡ Time skip to everyone at his father’s house, when his mom mentions a showcase of Cove’s baby photos, you light up with glee at the thought of baby cove. Cove notices this and your comment about him in his onesie, makes him think about having children with you. His cheeks flare up as he imagined a mini you just running around the house as he cradled a mini him in his arms as you peck his cheek. Now he’s even more determined to make that dream come true. 

The sound of crickets echoed through the air, the fireflies and the moon lighting up the small town of Sunset Bird on a warm summer night. Cove had brought you to your favorite hill covered in poppies, where you both first met 15 years ago. During this whole trip back, you’ve been worried about Cove’s sudden nervous behavior but waited until he opened up to you about what was on his mind. 

“(Y/N)…” Cove began, voice wobbly. You let out a hum in acknowledgment as you await him to continue. 

There was a slight pause. You tilt your head as Cove softly cupped your hands into his. Cove falls to his knees, grunting at the impact before fixing himself into the correct position. One knee up, the other kneeling. He hasn’t looked at you yet in fear he might get overwhelmed and chicken out. But his determination of having a family with you, gets him ignore his fears. So with a deep breath, Cove whips his head up to stare into your eyes with his determined ones. 

“You-you... have always been there for me... through thick and thin. Defending me from b-bullies left and right.” He began, voice cracking here and there as his eyes become misty. 

Noticing where this was going, your eyes also become misty, a smile painted on your face.  "A-and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You are the missing piece of me I thought I had lost a long time ago.” 

More silence as Cove’s collects himself for the golden question.

“(Y/N) (L/N), will you marry me?”

                                          ︼︼︼︼︼︼

A/N: I am FINALLY done!! Once again SO SORRY for disappearing for like 2 months. 

Like my work? Buy me a ko-fi!

[fruit-teeth]

Hey guys, I really need some advice or something because I’m legitimately at the end of my rope here. I feel paranoid and stressed about making this post, and I really don’t want to hurt any vulnerable people by making this, but I genuinely feel like I have nowhere else to turn. If someone could offer me advice or some kind of clarity, I would greatly appreciate it.

As everyone knows, I’ve been using my platform as much as I can to post about Palestine and boost Palestinian fundraisers. I’ve even been in contact with a few Palestinians and helped them by making original posts for them to get more traction for their fundraisers.

But things have been getting really overwhelming: I won’t be naming names because I am really trying to keep innocent people from being harassed, however a lot of the Palestinians I’ve spoken to have been routinely asking me for money. I don’t have a job or really any steady source of income, but I’ve been trying to give what I can when I’m able to. But if I tell them this when they ask for money, they continue asking over and over to the point where I eventually cave and donate more money that I know I probably won’t earn back any time soon. While I try to feel okay about this, since it’s helping a family in need, quite a few of the people I’ve sent money to have messaged me immediately afterwards and told me the amount I sent wasn’t enough and that I need to send more. One person actually asked me for $100, and when I gently tried to explain that I wasn’t in a position to send that amount and offered to make a post for them instead, they proceeded to ask for $50 instead.

I understand that the people asking these things of me are stressed, scared, and exhausted, and I’m really not trying to hold their actions against them or paint them as bad people or something. But…I genuinely don’t know what to do here. I’ve done what I can do by sharing and making posts and donating what I’m able to, but these nonstop requests for help are just too much for me to do on my own. I feel bad even saying that is overwhelming, because it’s nothing compared to what Palestinians are going through, but I honestly feel like I’m on the verge of a mental breakdown. The only reason I’m able to get by financially is because I live with my parents, and they’re kind of enough to not make me pay rent, but if anything were to happen to them, I would be totally screwed.

People I’ve talked to outside of tumblr had suggested that I block anyone who DMs me asking for money, but I feel extremely guilty about doing that because I hate the idea of someone reaching out for help and getting denied. But at the same time, I realistically cannot help everyone on my own. That’s why I was making those posts for them, because I figured collective action would be more effective than me just giving out money to whoever asks.

I’m aware of the privilege and platform I have, which is why I was so hesitant to make this post. I don’t want anyone to get hurt or harassed, I want to make sure everyone has what they need. But it’s too much for me, my mental state can’t take the strain, and neither can my finances. Again, I really don’t want to paint these poor people as being rude or something, I don’t know what I would do if I was in their situation. I just don’t know how long I can keep doing this and I feel guilty for feeling this way. I just wanted to help but it spiraled out of control so quickly and I feel incredibly overwhelmed.

[concerningwolves]

This is really blowing up and everyone is being wonderful!

A few clarifications

Firstly, re: the petition, you need to be a UK citizen to sign. You also need to make sure you check your emails after signing and click the confirmation link, or your signature won't be counted.

I've seen a few people saying that the petition website is akin to a scam/just an appeasement tactic, and that the government basically never acts on anything submitted there. I think this is at least partially true. But it's also a way to exercise our power in a democratic process and we've GOT to take advantage of that for as long as we can. If nothing else, it's a show of force, and that show is more impactful the more signatures the petition has.

It doesn't work in isolation though. This is why I suggested writing to your MP – it's something quick and (relatively) accessible, and there are tools like the Mermaids one to make the process even simpler. To those of you whose MPs are shite – I'm so sorry. It sucks, I know. (My constituency was conservative from its creation up until last year; the mp was a holdout from Thatcher's government and about as effective as mouldy wet-wipe). If you have the mental energy and time to spare though, then it's worth writing anyway. Don't let them think we're happy to let this slide.

On the subject of email templates, I've had this anon with some good advice that I've answered already, but worth sticking here too:

Other ways to help

Keeping this list short because things are overwhelming rn, but here's a few orgs I know of + one or two options they provide for ways you can help:

Mermaids – one of (if not the) premier orgs for supporting trans children in the UK. Have a look around their website to see if there's anything you can do – e.g., donate or volunteer.

Trans Kids Deserve Better – another trans youth-focused group. Their 'Support' page is the place to find ways to get involved, ranging from donating to sit-ins to sending Wes Streeting a little coffin as part of their 'kids are dying, Wes' campaign.

TransActual – advocacy work for trans adults. You can work for them, write for them, volunteer, or fundraise when you shop online without needing to reach any deeper into your own funds.

Where to go for support and advice

All the orgs linked above provide advice and information on your rights, accessing healthcare and mental health support.

Some other useful resources are:

TransUnite – find trans support and/or social groups local to you.

Terrence Higgins Trust's trans-specific resources – information on sexual health clinics, charities, GID services, housing support, and more.

Mermaids' helpline – support for young trans people up to 20 years old. This is also a good place to go if you're worried about and/or want to know how to support any young trans people in your life.

Shout – crisis text line. Not trans-specific, but used and trusted by groups like Mermaids for crisis support. They can help direct you to the right resources and talk you through problems in the moment.

The Beaumont Society's support line – all the support services offered by the Beaumont Society, which include counseling, an information hotline, and support groups.

If anyone has any more resources or ways to act, feel free to add on!

just got the email to say that the UK government will not be implementing an independent evaluation of the Cass review and I'm. fucking exhausted

[comics-and-fanworks]

ML/DC Bio Mom (Starfire Part 2)

TW for swearing, mentions of suicide, bullying, minor violence

~~~~~~

Marinette’s soon-to-be former class watched in horror as she left with her bio parents. She wanted to leave Paris?? Why?! She was their Everyday Ladybug, they needed her! Who would plan their trips, run their fundraisers, help with their events, and so much more? They began talking amongst themselves, why did she want to leave, and what could they do to convince her to stay? The only two who didn’t look surprised about this development were Kim and Nino, Marinette’s only two allies left in the class. They new Lila was a liar, Marinette didn’t have a mean bone in her body, and they decided to stick by their childhood friend’s side even when it cost Nino his relationship with Alya and Kim his friendship with Alix and Max. They were currently texting Mari a play by play of their classmates’ plans, and soon their lack of shock was picked up on.

“What’s with you two? I thought you’d be more disappointed since Dupain-Cheng is your childhood friend,” Chloe snapped. Nino and Kim looked up from their phones, “Seriously? Why wouldn’t Marinette wanna leave? Our city is currently being held hostage by an emotional terrorist, and with all the shit you all have been putting her through-” “We haven’t done anything! MARINETTE is the one putting Lila through shit and you two took her side!” Alix shouted, cutting Kim off. Adrien could sense things were going south and tried to step in, “Guys come on now isn’t the time! I’m sure Mari-” “No dude, now’s the perfect time since we’re all here. Let’s start with the most recent examples shall we? Lila you said that Marinette’s parents never wanted to see her and that they gave her up because they hated her, then how do you explain the reunion we just saw? You also said she spent the summer doing sketchy things well why do Kim and I have texts from her all summer showing off the complete new wardrobe she had to make? How could she be doing illegal stuff when she was barricaded in her room making clothes?” Nino snapped. He had hit his limit, and so had Kim. Before Marinette asked them not to say anything, because she didn’t want their standing in the class to suffer any more, but they figured that since she was leaving, it was time. Marinette had also informed them about Adrien an his High Road advice, and Nino was almost akumatized. How could his best friend claim to care about Mari when he was fine watching her suffer? As Lila was attempting to think of a response, Juleka beat her to the punch.

“I just texted Luka... He told me that the time she wasn’t spending designing, she was hanging out with him, Kagami, Kim, and Nino. There’s no way she could’ve been doing anything illegal, she has an alibi.” Lila could tell her hold on the class was slipping, “But, but she sent me such awful texts! See! I have them here!” Lila showed her phone conversations between herself and a number, the class, save Nino and Kim, voiced their rage at Marinette. “She told me to kill myself,” Lila wailed, “And that the world would be a better place without me!” Alya shot Nino a nasty glare while going to comfort Lila, the turtle and monkey miraculous wielders were about to respond, when Sabrina piped up, “That’s not Marinette’s number Lila. Her number’s in the class group chat and it doesn’t match,” Lila froze, and so did her fake tears, “Oh... well maybe she has a second phone! That has to be it cause I can’t think of anyone else who’d say that stuff to me!” “We’ll find out,” Sabrina said as she hit the dial button on her phone. The whole table went quite as a phone in Lila’s bag started ringing, and before she could act, Kim swiped it and pulled out the backup phone. He declared triumphantly, “Looks like Marinette isn’t the one with two phones! The numbers match, which proves Marinette didn’t send those texts, you sent them to yourself and tried to frame her! You’re lying!” Finally it clicked for their classmates, if Lila had lied about Marinette’s parents, her summer activities, and her supposedly sending Lila awful texts, what else could she have been lying about? Adrien felt the need to step in, “Guys I’m sure it’s all just a big misunderstanding, there’s no need for any of this!”

“Really dude? We just proved Lila was lying about Marinette, and we have proof she was lying about other things Marinette supposedly did as well! Stealing an answer sheet? It went missing AFTER the test, and we had all seen her studying for weeks! Stealing the pendent? Her locker has no lock on it, and Alya has proven that it’s super easy to break into the lockers at school. Not to mention it was on top of all her things, if she really took it don’t you think Marinette would have hidden it better? And pushing Lila down the stairs? Well check this out,” At Nino’s cue Kim played the video on his phone, it clearly showed Lila walking down the stairs, sitting down, and wailing. “It’s amazing what a request for information can get you these days huh?” Kim laughed, before returning to a serious demeanor, “And that’s not even the worst of it. Adrien knew Lila was lying the whole time. He knew she was manipulating you all and hurting Marinette but instead of supporting Mari, he decided to try and gaslight her into staying quiet,” Adrien’s voice saying, “As long as you and I both know,” echoed around the now silent table. “And here I thought you were a decent person Adrien, if not a little sheltered and naïve,” Nino sighed, the lack of ‘dude’ drove home just how disappointed he was. 

As the class sat in shock processing everything they had just learned, Nino and Kim stood up to leave. Looking back Kim said, “I’m glad Mari’s getting the hell out of here. With all the shit you all have put her through, bullying her, destroying her things, and trying to ruin her reputation it’s amazing she hasn’t been akumatized yet! Come on Nino, let’s go help her pack,” With that the two boys left their classmates, who watched as they walked away, “We should give our evidence to Mari’s parents so they can go after the school,” was the last thing they heard from Nino as the two exited the cafe and headed towards the best bakery in Paris.

When they had arrived, Marinette, Tom, and Sabine had just finished explaining everything to Mari’s bio parents, including Hawkmoth and that their daughter was a superhero. While Koriand’r and Dick were both incredibly proud that their daughter was following in their footsteps, it pained them to hear what their baby had to go through. It pained Koriand’r the most to learn just how much Marinette had to repress her emotions. Tamaraneans were naturally in tune with their emotions, since that was the source of their power, and while they were very expressive in those emotions, they still learned to control them. To hear that her daughter had to repress her emotions to the point of barely feeling anything practically put her over the edge. The only thing keeping her grounded was the knowledge that if she lost control, she would be akumatized and would have to fight her daughter and husband. As they pulled their daughter into a hug, the bell over the door rang, and in walked two of her classmates. Dick remembered Marinette telling them about the two boys standing in the doorway, and that they were her only allies in the class. The taller one, Kim if he was remembering correctly, spoke first, “Hey Mari you may wanna put your phone on silent for a good while... Or change your number! We told them about Lila and Adrien, and well, Chloe never hid her bullying so they already knew about that! Our guess is in about five minutes once the shock wears off and they’re done yelling at Lila, Chloe, and Adrien they’re gonna try and message you to convince you to stay.” The two helped themselves to pastries Tom offered, and the boy with the red baseball cap, which Dick assumed was Nino, continued, “Anyways don’t let them effect your decision dudette, you’ve suffered enough, besides you won’t have to worry about Hawkmoth if you’re not in Paris! That doesn’t mean we want you gone dudette, we’re just worried what’ll happen if you stay.”

Marinette smiled, she was surrounded by people who loved her, and wouldn’t judge her for whatever decision she made, and while she’d love to stay with her adoptive parents and her friends, she knew that she needed to go with her bio parents for her own wellbeing. “I, I think it would be best if I went to Bludhaven. I’m really scared of what would happen if I stayed.” The group around her nodded, in complete understanding. “I still wanna come back and visit Maman and Papa though, and Nino, Kim, Kagami, and Luka too,” Marinette said. Starfire and Nightwing nodded, “Of course Baby Bird! You can visit whenever you want, and if you can’t make it to Paris, we’ll make sure they can make it to Bludhaven. We’ll cover flights and all that stuff, don’t you worry!” Dick hugged his daughter, even though he never wanted to leave his Baby Bird again, he would never keep her from Tom and Sabine. Sabine lit up with an idea, “Why don’t you have a sleepover with Luka, Kagami, Nino, and Kim? That way you could spend time with your friends before you head to America, and that would give the adults time to take care of things with the school. We need to beat some sense into that nasty woman who calls herself a teacher and your useless principal,” The other adults nodded in agreement, while the kids in the room cheered.  

Kagami and Luka arrived shortly after with their parents. Sabine and Tom had called and explained the situation. Much to their surprise, all of Marinette’s friends’ parents had agreed to let their children stay until she had to leave, their only request was to meet Mari’s bio parents so they would know who would be watching their kids when they went to visit Mari in America. As Mari and her friends ran upstairs to begin their sleepover, the parents got to talking. “So my name is Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne’s son, and this is my wife Koriand’r! It’s nice to meet you all!” “Hello! It’s nice to meet you! Your kids have been amazing friends to our daughter, and words cannot describe how much we appreciate it.” As the gathered parents were sharing similar sentiments, Anarka said what they all were thinking, “You two sound exactly like, and look like the heroes Starfire and Nightwing, ” The two in question paused, glanced at each other, and sighed, “Yeah. We are. The reason we asked Tom and Sabine to raise Mar’i is because my wife’s sister is not necessarily a good person, and threatened to kill Mar’i. We wanted to keep her safe, and we knew that she was safer with them than with us. After dealing with that, we had a few more threats we had to deal with, and by the time that was done Mar’i was already seven. We thought it would be cruel to take her away from everything she’s ever known, so we contacted Tom and Sabine and told them that we were ready whenever Mar’i decided she wanted to meet us. We were surprised to learn everything that’s been going on in Paris, with Hawkmoth, Lila, and her class bullying her.” The gathered parents nodded in understanding, and decided to focus on how to go after Principal Damocles and Miss Bustier. 

Meanwhile, up in her room, Marinette and her friends were discussing what to do about Hawkmoth. “We could take him out now, before I leave,” Marinette suggested. The heroes gathered in her room looked at each other and shook their heads. “No. You’re still in a vulnerable state. You need time to rest and allow your mental, physical, and emotional health to recover before we go after Hawkmoth. With your wounds still fresh we can’t risk you being akumatized,” Kagami said, much to the agreement of the others. They looked over at where they had buried Marinette’s phone under a pile of pillows. It was blowing up with her soon-to-be former classmates trying to apologize and demanding she talked to them. “What if you all kept your Miraculous, so that way if there’s an akuma, you all can stall for time until I can get to the fight,” Marinette suggested. The four heroes agreed, and their respective Kwamii shared the sentiment. “Now all that’s left to do is figure out what to do with Chat Noir. If he finds out Ladybug is leaving the same time I am, he might put two and two together.” The group thought about it for a minute before Luka perked up, “What if we tell him that Ladybug’s family is moving just outside of Paris? That way we can account for you not being here to patrol for a while, and why it’d take you longer to get to akumas. We could tell him that your family was tired of dealing with Hawkmoth and decided to get out of his range, but you convinced them to stay close enough for ‘work,’” The group glanced at Marinette’s door. They half expected the cat hero to show up at that moment. After settling on a plan and making sure everyone had their respective Miraculous, the group settled in to watch movies.

Two massive bowls of popcorn and one romcom later, the group was debating on whether to watch Howl’s Moving Castle or Spirited Away when they heard it: A knocking on Marinette’s balcony door. They froze, there was only one person that could be, and it would be no use claiming Marinette wasn’t home, you could hear noise coming from the room. Before she could react Mari found herself stuffed into her bathroom, “We’ll confront him,” Luka whispered, “You hide here.” From the bathroom, she could hear what was going on, “Why did you expose Lila? She could’ve gotten akumatized!” “And let her lie about our best friend? No way dude. What Lila was doing was wrong! She could’ve gotten Marinette akumatized!” “Marinette’s tough she would have been fine!” The conversation was interrupted by what sounded like a popcorn bowl hitting someone’s head. “Ow! Why did you-” “Just because Marinette is though doesn’t mean she has to suffer so someone else won’t face consequences!” Yep, a brilliant throw from Kagami and rock-solid logic as well. “Well, she- Anyways where is she? She said she was leaving, er, Adrien told me she was leaving and I need to show her that’s a bad idea.” “Why do you care anyways alley cat? Marinette’s just a civilian.” “Cause! She needs to fix the mess she made!” “The mess LILA made!” “Well now the class isn’t talking to Lila or Chloe or Adrien and she needs to come back and say everything’s fine so things can go back to normal! So get out of my way!” It sounded like Chat had pushed his way through her friends, and the next thing she knew, her bathroom door was gone. 

“Marinette! You can’t leave Paris! You have to apologize and fix everything!”  Before her stood a very angry Chat Noir, his belt-tail was swishing back and forth, just like an angry cat. Marinette looked around, she was trapped. The only way out of this would be if any of her friends got the jump on Chat, or she transformed, and she was not about to risk her identity being exposed. “NO! It’s not my fall Lila decided to lie! It’s not my fault Adrien decided to let my class treat me like shit! It’s-” “Adrien did nothing wrong!” “Why are you even taking his side in this?” “Cause he’s my friend and he’s right-” “So you think I should be akumatized? You think my stuff should be destroyed? You think I should be shoved, tripped, have things thrown at my head?” “IT WOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IF YOU HAD JUST TAKEN THE HIGH ROAD! YOU’RE COMING WITH ME AND FIXING THIS!” At that Chat grabbed her wrist and began to drag her towards the trap door. Luka, Kim, Kagami, and Nino tried to stop him, but there was little they could do without revealing their identities. Marinette struggled and tried to break free, wondering why the hell his timer wasn’t done yet. Chat threw open the balcony door and was about to pick Marinette up and leap away... but was met with a readied starbolt right in front of his face. Looking up Marinette saw her bio parents in all their glory. Her mother’s powers were activated, and she was floating just above the balcony. Her hair was literal fire, and she was glowing. Behind her on the railing was her father, batons ready, and looking like he was about to break Batman’s no killing rule. They were not in costume, since they rushed up as soon as they heard their daughter screaming and someone else yelling at her, and quickly put two and two together. Starfire spoke, her voice icy and cold despite the roaring wildfire of rage she felt, “Let go of our daughter. NOW!” Chat quickly dropped Marinette and leapt away, too afraid to fight two adult, trained heroes, and too afraid they’d take his ring. Marinette collapsed into her bio parent’s arms sobbing, while her friends gathered around. They kept watch, waiting to see if Chat would return. The other adults quickly ran upstairs, and Nino, Luka, Kagami, and Kim filled them in one what happened.

“If Chat Noir is bold enough to try and kidnap Marinette, then it’s not safe for her here,” Tom practically growled. What he wouldn’t give to be Weredad right now and pummel that mangy alley cat, but that was not what Marinette needed. Sabine nodded, “We’ll have to speed things up. If her classmates somehow convinced that cat to join them, then Marinette isn’t safe anywhere in Paris. We can’t afford to wait, if he comes back we might not be able to get to Marinette in time, there’s also a high chance she’ll be akumatized in the next few weeks. Her classmates will be hounding her, and now we have Chat Noir harassing her as well.” Dick picked up his phone and sent a few quick texts, “We can have the Wayne jet ready in thirty minutes, and we can leave for Gotham tonight. Bruce is taking care of everything, we’ll stay in Gotham for a bit, and then head to Bludhaven, If that’s alright with you, Tom, and Mar’i.” Sabine and Tom looked at each other and nodded. They hated to see their little girl go, but they knew it wasn’t safe for her in Paris. Marinette’s friends hugged her, and promised they’d come and visit. She also promised her friends and adoptive parents that once things were safe she’d come back and visit, and until then they could video call. She packed her things including the Miraculous box, and then tucked in her bio parent’s arms, she made her way onto the Wayne’s jet. Looking back at her family and friends waving to her (Noting each of her friends had their Miraculous) she waved back. Her bio parents assured her everything would be okay, and that they’d do everything they could to make sure she was comfortable in America. She would be going to a new school, a fresh start. All anyone would know is that she’s from Paris, it was a chance to recover and make new friends. For once she felt hopeful about where her future was headed, and as she thought about all the possibilities, she drifted off to sleep wrapped in her father’s jacket, with her mother stroking her hair.

[fanfics-for-the-hockey-fan]

A Lie to Love - Nathan MacKinnon

This is for @antoineroussel Summer Fic Exchange. I had the wonderful @broadstbroskis!

I had so much fun writing this fic and reading everyone else's work, I love getting to see so many great writers sharing their work on this site. This is also one of the longest pieces I have written in a very long time, as I was writing this I had a million other fic ideas pop in my head so many those will get written some time soon.

***

I just sat down on my couch, just getting home from work when someone started knocking on my apartment door. I was hoping to ignore it and it would go away, unfortunately they kept knocking. I groaned as I got up, decided how much I was going to curse this person out. “What-” Right behind the door was Nate, giving me a nervous smile.

I had met Nate through his teammate Gabe, I babysat for Gabe and Melissa on a regular basis. Nate showed up one night that I was watching their daughter looking for advice from Melissa. I was able to help him then he hung out with me until Gabe and Melissa came home. Since then I could expect him to show up at my apartment at least once a week for dinner, and we were close friends after I had to save him from a laundry emergency that first night I met him.

“I’m so glad you’re home. I need a huge favor.” Leaving the door open I headed back towards my couch, I knew Nate would follow me and close the door behind him. Once I was sitting on the couch again Nate pulled my legs onto his lap.

“Last time you asked for a favor I ended up with the flu.” Which was true, he had asked me to help out at a learn to skate event that was outside in December. It had been a cold and foggy day, and two days later I was down for the count.

“I brought you soup! And tissues for we left for that road trip.”

“You brought me one box of tissues and two cans of tomato soup.” Nate raised an eyebrow like I had proven his point. I threw a pillow at his head before speaking again. “I’m allergic to tomatoes!”

“Oh, I’m an idiot. Sorry. But I still need a favor.” I really wanted to just say no, ask Nate to leave and go to sleep until I had to go into the office tomorrow. But I knew I was going to say yes before I even found out what he needed. “Please Ruth.”

“What is this favor?”

“I need you to be my fake girlfriend.”

“That was not what I was expecting you to say.” That got a small chuckle out of Nate but he also looked nervous. “Why do you need a fake girlfriend?” Nate was in a ‘single and loving it’ stage of life, he just wanted to play hockey and hang out with his teammates.

“An executive on the team has been talking up his daughter for like the last two years. I’ve been able to brush off the hints he has been throwing at me, luckily she doesn’t live here. Today he came up to me when I was heading out for the day, talking about how his daughter is coming into town and how we should get dinner together so I can get to know her. I thought I could brush it off as a one off dinner, say we there was no connection and then she would be gone. Easy, ya know?”

“Not really. But continue.”

“Apparently this isn’t just a visit for her, she is moving here. And going to work for the team on the social media team.”

“That must have ruined your plan.” Nate nodded and I knew I was going to agree to his crazy plan. “So how did all this lead to me needing to be your fake girlfriend?”

“I panicked and said I had a girlfriend.”

“And I’m the only girl you hang out with that isn’t related to you or in a relationship with a teammate.”

“You are also one of my best friends and the one person I trust every part of my life with. I know this is a lot to ask, I know this is bigger than asking you to help with a skating event. This is a change to every part of your life, and lying to a lot of people.”

“I’ll do it.” Nate’s jaw actually dropped like he couldn’t believe I was agreeing to do it. “Just tell me what you need me to do.”

“Thank you, thank you so much. I know this is a huge ask, I really do.”

“Before we talk about details, I need food and wine. Not necessarily in that order.” I ordered food and pulled out the biggest wine glass I had. As we waited for the food, we came up with a plan and story to tell everyone. We decided to stick with the cliche story of best friends who decided to fall for each other.

“Um, what about kissing? And other PDA?” Nate’s cheeks flushed as he asked the question and I knew it wasn’t from the wine. “I don’t want to do anything you are uncomfortable with.”

“Let’s just start with hand holding and that kind of stuff.”

“Yeah, okay. That sounds good.” Our food was delivered then, Nate going to the door and coming back with the bags of food.

“How much do I owe you?”

“Don’t worry about it, you can think about it like this is our first date.” I nod and start eating once we decided on something to watch. This felt normal for us, eating take out and watching whatever hockey game Nate was able to find. After we finished eating Nate helped me clean everything up before he got ready to leave. I walked him to the door, hugging him tightly as he let out a sigh of relief. “I don’t think I will ever be able to repay you for doing this. Thank you so much.”

“Don’t worry about it Nate, I’ll always be there when you need me.” I closed the door behind him, hoping that I wouldn’t regret agreeing to fake date my best friend.

Nate’s pov

I had been ignoring my phone since I pulled into the parking lot at Ruth’s apartment building, knowing that asking Ruth to do this would make or break our friendship. When I left her apartment I was hopeful that this wouldn’t be the end of our friendship. But I also knew it was only going to make my feelings for her grow. I realized within a month of knowing Ruth that I had feelings for her, and I had almost told her a dozen times a year since then.

I checked my phone when I got home, I had four missed phone calls from my captain and nearly a dozen texts. I skipped over looking at all the messages and just called him. “Nate, why did I hear you say that you are dating someone? Mel has been questioning me since this afternoon because she heard you say to someone that you are in a relationship. She is pissed that I didn’t tell her about it. Which is hard to do considering I had no clue.”

Before I could answer I heard Mel’s voice. “MacKinnon, you better tell me who you are dating.”

“Uh, Ruth-” There was a loud squeal on the other end of the call and then I heard Landy trying to shush his wife.

“When were you going to tell us this?” Gabe asked after it got quiet. I wanted to tell them the truth, we had talked about it. We eventually decided that we wouldn’t tell them the truth because Gabe was the worst gossiper on the team.

“It’s only been about a month, we wanted to make sure this was going to work before we shared it with anyone. We wanted to wait even longer but one of the executives was trying to set me up with his daughter.”

“Alright. I guess that is enough information from now. We can always ask more questions at that fundraiser on Friday night.”

“Oh shit.” That caused Gabe to laugh at me.

“You didn’t tell her about that yet?”

“No, we weren’t going public yet so I figured that I would just go by myself. But I guess I need to tell her about that now and see if she is willing to come with me.”

“That is a big first outing, good luck with that buddy.” Gabe hung up and I knew that I needed to tell Ruth about Friday but when I left she had mentioned she was going to crash as soon as I left. I figured I should go to bed now and deal with everything tomorrow.

***

I was getting ready to knock on Ruth’s door when it flew open and Ruth was standing there looking shocked. “Nate! What are you doing here?” Her eyes then looked at the coffee cup I was holding, one that I had brought for her. “Oh, what’s wrong?”

“What do you mean?”

“You only ever bring me my favorite coffee order when you have bad news.”

“I-Landy reminded me last night that we have a black tie fundraiser on Friday night.”

“And now that our supposed relationship is public, you are expected to bring your girlfriend with you.”

“Yeah. I am sorry, I never meant to make your life this complicated.” Ruth took the coffee from me, taking a sip before locking her door.

“I know what I signed up for Nate. I need to get to work, walk with me to my car.” I followed her through the hall of her apartment, waiting for her to yell at me. “What is this fundraiser for? And what kind of dress do I need?”

“It’s for the children’s hospital. We do it every year, they book a huge ballroom and it’s a lot of rich people. The Avs don’t run this fundraiser but all the sports teams in town donate a bunch of stuff to them to auction off and the team likes us to go so the people are more willing to open their wallets.”

“And yet that doesn’t tell me what kind of dress I need, or what time this thing is. Or any of the other million things I need to know to get ready for this thing.”

“I’m not sure about any of this, every year I go by myself. I can have Mel call you?”

“That sounds good. I have to go now, I have a project that was assigned to me yesterday that is way behind schedule. So thank you for the coffee and I’ll see you later.” I watched as she got into her car and drove away.

Ruth’s pov

By the time lunch came around I was buried under a pile of work, I hoped that if I could work through lunch and stay a little late every day this week that I would be caught up by the end of the week so I could focus on the lie at this fundraiser. So when I saw that Melissa was calling me I knew my plan was about to be derailed. “Hey Melissa.”

“I am going to ignore the fact that you didn’t tell me about you and Nate. And I am also going to save all of my questions for later, Nate told me that you need a dress for Friday. I can be at your office in 10 minutes, we can go shopping during your lunch hour.”

“I am so behind on a project that was just given to me this morning and it was already so far behind because the guy who was incharge of it before me was an idiot. I don’t have time to take a lunch break this week.”

“But Nate gave me his card to buy your dress with.” I knew I would regret what I was about to say but I didn’t have another option.

“If I tell you what size I wear, can you just get me something?”

“Absolutely!”

“Thank you. As much fun as I think shopping with you would be, I just can’t leave right now.”

“I get it. Send me a text with your sizes and I’ll find you the perfect dress.”

“Because my brain is a mess right now, I wasn’t supposed to babysit on Friday right?”

“No, my parents are in town this week. They are watching the kids. There is no way you are getting out of this event.” A part of me was hoping that I would have that as an excuse to not go but with that option gone I started to mentally prepare myself for Friday night.

***

“Thank you for letting me get ready here.” I said to Nate as he let me into his house. “And thank you for letting me crash here tonight.”

“Of course, it makes more sense this way. I also have your dress, Mel wouldn’t let me look at it when she dropped it off on Tuesday. I figured you can use my room to get ready, it has more counter space for whatever you need.”

“I’m not kicking you out of your bedroom and bathroom.”

“It’s not kicking me out when I volunteer to use the guest room. C’mon, let me carry your bag.”

“How long until we need to leave?”

“I have an Uber scheduled for 75 minutes from now.” I nod, knowing that I could make that work without having to rush too much. Once Nate headed into the guest room I started to unpack what I would need for now. Grabbing a towel before going to figure out the shower, which was far more high tech than anything I had ever seen in a shower before. I wrapped the towel around myself and went to find Nate. “Nate?! How do I work your futuristic shower?” I only stuck my head out in the hall to yell and luckily he heard me from the guest room he was in. A few seconds later he came out in only a loose pair of shorts, laughing at me. “Don’t laugh at me, your shower has a computer screen!” I opened the bedroom door so he could come in, watching his eyes widen when I saw I was only wearing a towel. As he came in to turn the shower on for me I took the time to look over him. When he turned to show me how to change the temperature and turn it off I knew he caught me checking him out. Nate was such a beautiful person, inside and out. I knew that fake dating Nate had the potential for my true feelings to come out and I was trying to convince myself that this wouldn’t end with the death of our friendship.

“Need anything else?”

“Nope.”

Nate’s pov

It took every ounce of willpower to not kiss Ruth when I saw her standing in my bedroom in just a towel, and then when I caught her checking me out I was really tempted to tell her the truth. I knew that this fake dating would just cause more pain for me but there was nothing I could do about that now. I took a colder shower than I had originally been planning to take but after that was done I got my suit on, just a dark grey suit so that hopefully I wouldn’t clash with whatever Ruth was wearing.

Just as I finished getting my shoes on there was a knock on my door. I opened it and was immediately speechless. The deep green dress looked amazing on her and I am pretty sure that my jaw was on the floor. As she moved in the dress I saw the large slit on the one side that showed a lot of her leg. “Can you zip my dress?”

“Y-yeah.” Ruth turned so her back was to me, pulling her hair to the side so I could tug up the zipper before whispering. “Perfect.”

“I should be ready in just a few minutes.”

“Yeah, I just need to come grab a tie. I wanted to wait until I saw what color your dress was.” Ruth nodded as we both heard into my bedroom, I headed straight for my closet and by the time I came out with my tie on Ruth was standing at the end of my bed smiling. “You look amazing.”

“You do too.” I walked over to Ruth, both of us looking at our reflection in the mirror. “We make a good looking couple.”

“I don’t think I can do this.” I froze after those words came out of my mouth, Ruth looking at me with wide eyes.

“O-okay, um, I’ll go grab my stuff and get out of your hair.” Ruth went to turn and walk away from me, but I gently turned her around so I could tell her the truth.

“No, that’s not what I meant.” I cupped Ruth’s cheek, locking eyes with her. “I have had feelings for you for so long. Probably since a month after I met you but I was scared to tell you. And then we became friends and I didn’t want to make things weird, so I kept it a secret. But I also fell for you more as we became closer friends. So I think a part of me decided to say I was dating someone because I want to be dating you. For real.” Ruth didn’t say anything, just took a step closer and pressed her lips to mine. “I, what just happened?”

“Everything you just told me, I feel the same way.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Now kiss me for real.” That I could do, I kissed Ruth like I had wanted to do for years. We only stopped kissing when a car horn sounded in my driveway. “I think I need to fix my lipstick.”

“I would say sorry but I’m not. I’ll go to the car if you want to fix your lipstick.” Ruth nodded, stepping back while smiling at me. “Just so you know, this isn’t our first date. I will be planning that for next week and it is going to knock your socks off.”

“As long as you are there, I can’t wait.” I kissed Ruth one more time before healing downstairs to tell the driver we were almost ready. I also couldn’t keep the smile off of my face, I couldn’t believe what started out as a panicked lie turned into a chance to date my best friend for real.

[justasimplesinner]

How would react Roschach, Ultron and Lobo abou SO who took kids from the streets under their wings ? They have a big gym where they train and guide the kids. They want to give them a chance for a better life. They even have a parenthood side showing up.

yall better appreciate me for trying to keep up with the kind-of posting schedule that ive made for this blog even tho i painfully burned my hand and cant really use it that well nidghsjdbgs

Rorschach with a "Parent By Choice" s/o hcs:

he doesn't show you this all that much, but he appreciates what you're doing. he adores you for what you're doing. he's always been focusing on ridding the world of evil, on punishing the criminals, and you're out here, truly helping all the victims and everyone wronged by society. you two complete each other

he will help you teach the kids self-defense. and make sure older kids know it's their duty to protect the younger ones. he does not know how to interact with children honestly, he's kind of stiff and unable to comprehend any form of joy or affection they exude, but it works out somehow. however, he's surprisingly good with the "edgy" children/teens. he knows how to get through to all the stubborn kids that claim they don't want/need help and don't appreciate you enough. it's really amazing, watching him interact with such young people

he loves how you want to help them protect themselves. you know you can't save everyone, you can't just take kids off the streets and treat them as your own, but you help them out to the best of your abilities - you teach them how to protect themselves, you offer them a place to stay for a while until they get a place to live, you try to offer financial support to the best of your abilities until the older kids are able to find a job. you're like an angel on earth to him, the only one that truly hears the cries of the poor and forgotten, and he kind of wishes he had someone like you back when he was a child. but he has you now, and that's what matters

Ultron with a "Parent By Choice" s/o hcs:

he is absolutely amazed at the amount of work one person could manage to do. you're incredible to him. you're out there, trying to help the youth, the future of your world, the ones that were the least deserving of the abuse they suffered, the fate that landed them on the streets. he's keen on helping you with all that

he usually watches you from the shadows. he doesn't want to reveal himself to the kids, that could really endanger both of you, and he wouldn't forgive himself if Avengers tried to use you to get to him after what he's almost done in Sokovia. but he will show you other teaching methods and self-defence skills that you could teach the children. he will make meals and have you give it to them. he's going to help you out wherever he can. that's going to be his way of helping humanity - it's what he was created to do, after all

he helps you get the younger kids into foster care so they don't have to live on the street. he'll make anonymous donations and online fundraisers for the orphanages in the neighbourhood so that all of the children there have proper living conditions, health care, and a little bit of fun in their young lives. it's what they deserve. he'll also help out the teens and young adults - through you, of course - by finding them jobs and making sure they get accepted, making sure you pass them all of the advice he has given when it comes to their situations. with you, he's helped more people than he could count, with you, he's actually fulfilled his life's purpose. with you, he feels like he's... good. like he's doing good. watching you interact with the kids makes him wonder how you'd be with a bunch of your own. and how he can never give you that - a family. sometimes he wonders if you pick up kids from the street just to fill an emptiness inside you that he can never fill

Lobo with a "Parent By Choice" s/o hcs:

he... doesn't care much. it's not his thing - helping people, i mean. kinda the opposite actually. he's the one that causes misery and he doesn't give a flying fuck who suffers, as long as they suffer. but even he isn't all heartless and sometimes feels the slightest pang in his chest at seeing children struggle to survive. there's no fun in torturing kids since they're utterly helpless anyway, he'd rather hurt someone that can at least fight back

it's not that he particularly supports your cause, but he finds your determination admirable. you're like the complete opposite of him. he opts to destroy, you try to build all those kids back up. you try to help them in any way you can, even teach them how to defend themselves from people who might want to take advantage of them. that's where he comes in - he's usually just full on rampaging, no technique, no real plan, but he's still keen on showing off how much better at fighting he is than you or anyone else for that matter, and what better way to do that than to impress some kids? and he's a surprisingly good teacher

he doesn't mind helping you out every now and then, but that's honestly just to spend time with you and brag a little. he isn't dedicated to the kids, he's dedicated to you. he won't suddenly cease to be an utterly fucking selfish asshole, sometimes he's just a slightly softer utterly fucking selfish asshole. you make him be that way sometimes. and he can (kinda) appreciate a good warrrior - and you, along with many of the kids, are really fierce ones, that's for sure

[destinationtoast]

Thanks so much, @fansplaining, for engaging so deeply with my thoughts! I really valued hearing your discussion. And now I'm going to jump into further musings and nuance, and demonstrate some of my famed bolding and bullet pointing you mentioned in the podcast. ;)

I think my letter makes me sound a bit more pie-in-the-sky than I really am about the potential to change fandom culture in any online spaces. (Followers of my writing may not be shocked to hear that I actually edited down the letter I sent you from something that was at least twice as long and contained more nuance, ahaha. 😅 ) But while I do think that there are big challenges to improving our online culture, I've also been very inspired by a lot of things fandom has done together, including:

Welcome redditors to Tumblr in helpful and seemingly productive ways, and also write genuinely helpful and detailed guides for one another on how to do all sorts of things (migrate fanworks from one platform to another, learn to use various online tools, etc).

Fundraise a lot of money for charities through fandom auctions/events (e.g., FTH)

Organize group action (e.g., #EndOTWRacism, fans4wga, and Zero Comment Challenge, to name three very different examples)

Build AO3 (!!!) and work on new platforms like Bobaboard

...So I also don't want to prematurely write off the ability of fans who want to improve things!

I certainly don't think we can by any means completely solve bad takes, pile-ons, flame wars, or the like. But I wonder whether it is possible to give fandom noobs in particular more helpful pointers & guideposts, or help nudge people who care about having better fandom spaces in good directions. I think it's not obvious to everyone that, say, engaging with a hot take can amplify something that only a few people believe into something that looks much bigger and scarier. And my other meme ideas all also came from things that are reminders I myself could sometimes have benefitted from. XD

In the longer (unsent) version of my letter, I also had other ideas brainstorming besides memes (which are certainly too short to capture nuance), including these ideas:

Some kind of "fandom court" podcast, kind of like Judge John Hodgman but possibly also including some more serious online arguments, where people bring their fandom disputes and talk them through in detail. (This was a bit of a wacky idea, but I was trying to think of something that allows a bit more of a deep dive/nuanced understanding by both parties, and that reminds us all that the people on the other side of the screen are real people. Because I really admire those aspects of Dylan's podcasts a lot.)

A "What I wish I'd known as a fandom noob" netiquette guide, maybe even with data attached about how many fans who responded to a survey believe that you should follow certain practices when commenting on AO3, or when writing/tagging a tumblr post, or when starting a new fandom discord server, or etc. (This faces trickiness of how to do good data collection, of course, but of course I fantasize about attaching data! XD )

Some kind of recommendations about how to be a good ally to someone who is getting unreasonably piled on, and recommendations about how to best engage/not engage with online disputes (for people who actually care about trying to build good fandom spaces and don't just like fanning the flames).

Would everyone/most people read with and follow such advice? No. Would enough people to make any difference? I truly don't know.

Anyway, even with all that nuance, I may still be too pie-in-the-sky here. :) But I'm curious to hear the thoughts of anyone who has any thoughts or has seen any successful attempts to shift fandom culture in any online spaces.

Episode 208: What Fans Owe Each Other

In Episode 208, “What Fans Owe Each Other,” Flourish and Elizabeth share a letter from longtime friend-of-the-pod @destinationtoast about whether we can make fandom culture kinder and more nuanced (spoiler: they take a far more pessimistic stance than Toast!). Topics discussed include good old-fashioned “netiquette,” whether we’re at the end of big social media, the dangers of toxic positivity, and systemic versus individual change. They also share and respond to a pair of listener comments on the recent “Fanfluencers” episode, and the way fans’ comments online connect back to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

Click through to our site to listen or read a full transcript!

[051093]

longing | v

wc: 2852

pairing: jihyun “v” kim x reader

genre: canon compliant, angst w/ an actual happy ending bc the game’s version wasn’t enough for me, reunions! yay, platonic jumin x reader

description: it’s been two years since you last saw v, but he reappears where you least expect it — at the r.f.a. party. and his feelings haven’t changed. not one bit.

my masterlist.

The party is so full of love and light that you can’t help but go the entire night with the biggest smile on your face.

Initially, you were nervous, and so were the other members. Two years ago was the catastrophe with Rika; it’d taken so long for the group to heal, and you weren’t sure if they were emotionally recovered enough to hold a successful party.

But everyone did their part as diligently as they could, from Jumin using his massive network to publicize the fundraiser, Luciel layering the building and guest information with cybersecurity, and Jaehee’s decorations and catering and other party logistics. Yoosung and Zen’s moral support and guest suggestions gave you plenty of work to do as well. As a result of your combined efforts, the party is positively glistening on this beautiful night, containing a record-breaking number of guests and an atmosphere filled with camaraderie.

You’re so busy that you seem to be in three different places at once, but you don’t mind. This is the happiest you and the members have been in a while. You can feel it, and you love it.

When you finally get the chance to catch your breath, you come across a group of five familiar figures standing together near the stage, and you beam at the sight of them.

“Hey, you guys!” You call, heading towards them.

They turn and smile at the sight of you. “Hey, you,” Zen says warmly, draping a fond arm over your shoulder. “I feel like I haven’t seen you all night. How’re things going?”

“Great,” you return with a relieved sigh. “It’s an amazing party. Everyone seems so happy.”

“All thanks to you!” Yoosung chirps. “You invited so many great guests.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Luciel so happy,” Jaehee says with an exasperated smile. “Although I can’t help but continue to qustion whether or not longcat’s upbringing was ethical.”

“Of course it was!” Seven assures with a bright grin. “I would never condone animal abuse.”

“Questionable,” Jumin mutters into his champagne.

“Hey, hey, we’re getting off topic,” Yoosung cuts in. “We were giving Y/N our congratulations for putting the party together.”

A chorus of gratitude ensues. You laugh, embarrassed. “Ah, I only did my job.”

“Humble as always,” Zen tsks. “Take more pride for an accomplishment like this, babe.”

“I am proud! But I can’t possibly take all the credit,” you say, smiling. “We couldn’t have done it without each other.”

“That’s right.” Jumin tips his champagne glass your way. “Congratulations, Y/N. And congratulations to all of us as well.”

“Congratulations to all of us,” Zen repeats, holding up his glass. “First and last time I’ll ever quote that pompous ass.”

Six glasses clink merrily. Amiable conversation continues for a few minutes before Yoosung nearly drops his champagne in remembering that he left an entire table undecorated. He and Saeyoung hurry off to handle it. Zen later spots a group of women in the corner practically drooling over him and makes a flamboyant stroll their way, charm in full force. Jumin receives word that his father’s arrived, and Jaehee nearly sprints to meet the chairman at the door — but Jumin lingers behind after she’s gone.

“Y/N.” He turns to you with a thoughtful gaze. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

The expression on his face says it all. You can’t help but sigh. “I think I already know what it is.”

He chuckles. “I apologize. It feels like I’m nagging. I’m just worrying about you, you know that.”

You do know that, and it’s been that way for all of the last two years. Jumin and you formed a close bond after V left, and you’ve leaned on him for everything from advice to support or just a listening ear. You found solace in his wisdom and honesty, and V’s departure would’ve been all the more painful to you if Jumin hadn’t been around.

“Go on, then,” you say.

“Exactly two years ago today, the first party you organized was cancelled because of V’s injury. Anniversaries tend to bring back memories, wanted or not,” Jumin says. “You seem to be doing well tonight, but you also hide your feelings quite well. So, if the truth is different from how it looks…tell me.”

You fall silent, thinking.

Every time you close your eyes, the ghost of V’s face is painted against the inside of your eyelids, his warm smile, kind eyes, loving gaze and all, and there’s no denying the poignant sadness that’s existed within you since he left. You miss him; your worry grows more and more every day not knowing when he’ll come back, if ever.

But, at the same time, you’ve been met with so much support from the RFA that you’ve been able to fall back into routine. You’ve learned to coexist with the emptiness that V left behind. You’ve found it in you to smile again.

You don’t verbalize any of this to Jumin, but you know he already knows.

“It is how it looks,” you say, a small smile appearing on your face. “I’m doing well.”

His voice softens. “You’re sure?”

You meet his eyes steadily. “I’m sure.”

“Good.” He straightens, satisfied. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“Thank you for checking on me, though.” You reach over to touch his hand. “Thank you for everything, Jumin.”

“On the first day you entered our chatroom, I had an inkling that you had a strong resolve and an even stronger heart. You’ve done nothing but prove me right since.” Jumin gives your hand a reassuring squeeze. “So I should be thanking you, Y/N. For your will power and friendship.”

The two of you exchange smiles before Jumin glances at the entrance. “I should go greet my father.”

“Yes, of course.”

“You’ll be okay on your own?” He gives you a nod of farewell. “Right, then. I’ll see you later.”

He strides into the crowd, and you’re alone once again.

You meant what you told Jumin about being okay. Nevertheless, the conversation leaves you in a bit of a weird mood, and you want to get some space from the crowd. You remember that Jaehee mentioned a storage room behind the stage and make your way towards it.

. . . .

Jumin is about to respond to something his father said when an unfamiliar man steps through the door.

The stranger has cream-colored hair, striking mint eyes, a baby pink suit, lanky proportions. He’s unlike anyone Jumin’s ever seen, but familiar in ways he can’t lay a finger on, as if he’s met a different version of him. The stranger looks around nervously, then turns to speak to a second man who follows him in shortly after — and Jumin’s eyes widen.

This second man he knows.

This second man he knows better than anyone.

“Father,” he says, cutting off the older man in the middle of his sentence. “I — there’s something urgent I must tend to.”

Jumin sees Jaehee’s concerned expression from the corner of his eye. “Assistant Kang, introduce my father to the owner of the winery, if you will. I remember my father saying he was interested in purchasing a vineyard.”

“Yes, Mr. Han,” Jaehee says. Jumin knows Jaehee doesn’t like being alone with his father, but desperate measures. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes.” Jumin looks away without giving them a second glance. “Forgive me.”

He can’t take his eyes off the man as he walks towards him. Same unmistakable aqua hair, same tall frame and lean build, same air of elegance.

Something comes undone inside him when he realizes that his best friend is back, something he didn’t realize had been coiled up all this time. He lets out a shuddering breath. His Adam’s apple trembles.

Jumin doesn’t say a word, just clasps a hand to the taller man’s shoulder. Striking, colorful eyes meet his.

“V,” he says. “It’s about damn time.”

V smiles at the sight of him. “Jumin. It’s wonderful to see you again.”

“And you,” Jumin returns, his hand dropping back to his side. “It’s been exactly two years. You always were timely.”

“You’ve been keeping track.”

“I’m not the only one.”

The effect his words have on V is immediate: his face changes, his eyes taking on something Jumin can only describe as longing. He knows only because the same look appeared on your face when he asked you about V.

Two years, Jumin realizes, and neither of your feelings have budged an inch. Two years, and you and V still yearn for each other like it’s still day one.

It took his friend a hell of a lot of pain and loss to get here, but he’s finally found love. Not the kind that’s all-consuming and toxic but radiant and happy, the kind you both deserve. The kind you both have.

“She did all this?” V asks, looking over his shoulder towards the main hall.

Jumin nods, then follows his gaze. It was your idea to ask the art organization you invited to help you rent out a museum for the night, and the result is magnificent. Glimmering. Grandiose. Everything that the members could’ve dreamed the RFA party to become. And it really was all thanks to you.

“I last saw her near the stage,” he says, sparing V the trouble of asking. “She won’t have wandered far.”

A few moments of silence pass. V looks for something to say, anything that could accurately convey everything he’s feeling. He settles with drawing Jumin in for a tight embrace.

That says more than any words could.

They part. V turns and steps into the crowd, a head of mint hair walking through the throng of partygoers.

After his friend has left, Jumin turns to the weirdly familiar younger boy with the odd hair and anxious face.

“And who are you?”

. . . .

The “storage room” turns out to be an intricately decorated space with a dazzling chandelier hanging from the ceiling. It looks looks a ballroom more than a closet, but it’s stacked high with boxes and the air smells of dust when you walk in. Though you’re disappointed the room wasn’t put to use for the party, you’re glad you can use its emptiness to gather your thoughts.

For the thousandth time, you find yourself looking back how things were two years ago — how you and V met. Eleven days was all the two of you had, eleven days of chaos and danger and confusion, but just that short period alone was enough. He fell for your unmoving kindness and care towards him, and his consideration and sincerity rendered you deeply infatuated with him in return.

But you found a love that couldn’t yet take flight, one that consisted of things you left unsaid and emotions you swept under the rug. Neither of you were ready. The situation was far too volatile.

Sometimes, you find yourself wondering if there really was anything there. Maybe the two of you just latched onto each other because the circumstances forced your hands. Maybe it was never love, just dependence.

Then, you remember the way his entire demeanor softened when he looked at you, the tenderness in his voice whenever he said your name, the feelings of his arms around you, secure, safe. You remember the sparks and the unspoken yearning that crackled whenever you were in his proximity. You remember his promise that he’d return to you. That he’d love again. And it’s due to this collection of memories you still have faith in what you once had.

“V,” you say with a sad smile. “I hope you’re somewhere safe and sound. And I hope you’re learning to love yourself little by little, wherever you are.

“Take all the time you need. Just…come back to me when you’re ready, okay?”

Silence.

“I’ll be waiting,” you finish weakly.

The room is now heavy and melancholy. You take a deep breath, trying to get a hold of yourself.

Behind you, there’s the sound of cloth shifting against cloth.

Shit! You nearly jump out of your skin. Did someone come in? The room wasn’t empty? Your face flushes crimson at the idea of one of the members or, worse, one of the party guests overhearing your dramatic soliloquy. Someone walks towards you, slow footsteps gradually getting louder. Zen? Jumin? They both walk with that slow saunter. You squeeze your eyes shut in an embarrassed flinch, your mouth opening to say something —

“You won’t need to anymore,” the stranger says.

You’re ripped from present day and brought back to two years ago. Your mind floods with memories you weren’t prepared to relive, all triggered by that achingly familiar voice.

You turn around, your breath hitched in your throat.

So many little things about him have changed. His hair is a few shades paler than before, the sunlight bleaching his his locks from his previous turquoise to a pale periwinkle; the definition of his jawline has sharpened from two years of travel; he wears a beige overcoat and a collared white shirt, an outfit that’s usually too formal for his liking.

Most notably, however, you notice that his entire aura is different.

You see none of the anguish and burden that used to fill his stare. Instead, there’s something you can only describe as radiance , so pure and warm that it reminds you of the morning sun’s rays spilling through a cracked window. Of holding frozen hands close to a crackling campfire. He’s the same in many ways, but brighter and calmer, more confident in his own skin.

Whatever he left to accomplish, he succeeded.

He comes closer, taking tentative steps until you can smell his familiar cologne; you’ve forgotten tall he is, and you have to lift your chin to maintain eye contact. The toes of his dress shoes touch the tips of your kitten heels.

“You’re back,” you whisper.

He nods. “I am.”

There are so many things you want to say to him, but you can’t think of a single one right now. It’s like his presence is driving you into sensory overload, and you’re only acutely aware of the rate at which your heart hammers against your ribcage, so loudly you swear he’s close enough to hear it. The two of you spend a few moments standing in silence, taking in the sight and sound of each other without a word.

Then, unable to stand it any longer, you move towards him. The last thing V hears is your sigh of relief against the shell of his ear before you wrap your arms around his neck.

The first time you hugged him, he’d stood in shocked silence, his arms staying frozen by his side. At the time, he was unable to accept his affections for you when Rika was still so prominent in his heart and mind.

But he readily holds you now, his arms circling around your waist, pulling you close with so much fervor that it feels more like a promise than a hug.

You stay entwined for as long as you see fit and then pull away, but V doesn’t let you go far; he hooks a slender finger beneath your chin and leans in close, finally lowering his mouth to yours.

It’s a wonderful blur that you barely remember. The pressure of his lips on your own causes your back to dip slightly, but he’s quick to steady you with an hand against the small of your back. He kisses you gently, deeply, as if the ground’s disappeared beneath his feet and you’re the only thing keeping him afloat; his knuckles turn pale where he grips your waist and your jaw, his lips flushed pink where they touch yours. You bring your hands to the sides of his neck, rising up on your tippy toes, thinking to yourself, this is entirely worth the wait.

Your pulse continues to pound a dizzying rhythm long after his lips have left yours. He nuzzles his forehead against your own, his lashes splayed softly against your skin.

“You have completely,” he says, “completely enamored me, Y/N. I’ve fallen for your kindness and purity, your stability and courage — I’ve fallen for you. And I’m so sorry that it took me this long to realize it.

“Even when I was thousands of miles away, you were with me. I heard your voice in the wind. I saw your face when I closed my eyes. I dreamt of you when I fell asleep.” His eyes swim. “I’ve longed for you for as long as I’ve known you, all two years and eleven days.”

You don’t even notice you’re crying until he brushes your tears away with caring hands.

“I love you, my angel. I’ve missed you so much.” His fingers tremble, but his voice remains steady. “And I’m ready to spend the rest of my life proving it to you, if only you’ll let me.”

You taste salt on your tongue where his tears have fallen, but you don’t care, tangling a hand in his hair and kissing him until he knows your answer.

Yes, yes, yes.

[lions-arch-chronicle]

Issue 13!

Featuring a community event ad from We Friendly Few [LGBT] See info here!

Image ID Below Read More

Title: Stomach ache advisory for the return of the Mad King

Story: It’s that time of year again when the air gets a little cooler, and the feeling of ancient blood lust returns as the Mad King keeps his punctuality of bringing a fun yet concerning holiday back to Lion’s Arch. With the return of the mad king, we here at the Lion’s Arch Chronicle would like to once again point out that regular Tyrians who are not The Commander should be careful with their sugar intake.We all know The Commander has a habit of regularly eating more than 300 pieces of candy corn each year for some ungodly reason. This is not healthy and should not be emulated as you will suffer a major sugar crash as well as horrid stomach aches.This holiday features some non-gastric destructive events such as pumpkin carving, being mildly tormented by the mad king in his labyrinth, and the ever-popular racing events. We highly recommend setting aside some time to plan out what you want to see first because the rift that frees Mad King Thorn and his horrendous amounts of candy corn won’t be here forever so plan accordingly!

Title: We Friendly Few [LGBT] 24 hour labyrinth train

Story: Good Day readers of the Lions Arch Chronicle! I am here as a representative of We Friendly Few [LGBT] to formally invite you to our 24 hour labyrinth train! The event will run from Noon EST October 28th through Noon EST October 29th! We will be promoting an LGBTQ+ fundraiser and will be promoting the Trevor project as well. Also there will hopefully be multiple streams! Check out the following link to keep up to date on what streams will be running when, a link to the fundraiser, and a link to the squad at any given time!

Title: The boasting hall: Is it impolite to ask the Thorns to posthumously seek family counseling?

Story: Now hear me out, I adore my eternal employment from our Majestic and Malevolent Mad King, but I have worries whenever his majesty and the young lord publicly get at each other’s throats. They have been at this for millennia, and I will be honest, it’s not fantastic for morale. How am I supposed to gleefully chase his majesty’s subjects with my chainsaw with this kind of workplace tension?Is it out of place to suggest to the Thorn family to seek out some sort of therapy for their ghostly selves? I’m aware that other ghosts can be put to rest and/or calmed down through certain methods, but I am also terrified that this will end up in my termination. Not just a termination from my job either, I mean my literal termination.His majesty may disintegrate me and my chainsaw.If anyone has any guidance on how to softly suggest this to his spooky radiance I would be most glad to hear from you. Don’t worry about finding me I’ll eventually find you.

Title: The Return of Birds of Tyria:The Fast and the Feathered

Story: I come to you with a great question, and an even better answer! What Tyrian bird would win in a race? You may be thinking the Hawk, or maybe an owl? Or heck maybe a Griffon(which isn’t even a bird)? All of these are amazingly fast birds of prey that can do lots of damage. They primarily travel via the sky and don’t have to deal with the terrain of the ground. But alas I must redirect your attention to the true top speed birds! The ground dwelling birds! You must be thinking I’m speaking of the famous long legged moas! Well you sir are incorrect! I’m speaking of the Ascalonian Quail! Why might you ask is it the fastest? Because they can be scared into huge bursts of speed! Now imagine if they could tap into that power all the time! Over long periods of time at that speed the Ascalonian Quail could certainly win a race!

Title: Five Incredible Ways To Avoid Drowning When You Are 4’2 And Water Is Everywhere

Story: If you’re an Asura like me, you know the struggle! Your friends say “Oh, you should do some field work out in Queensdale, it will be fine!” and next thing you know you are chin deep in the muck of Godslost swamp and trying to calculate your lung capacity. Sure, hazards like these only come up to knee height on a human, but so do I! Luckily, a number of my friends have found strategies that seem to work. 1. Use a staff to test the ground you walk on if you suspect there might be a sinkhole. A good general rule for anyone in treacherous terrain, but especially for those of us who could get swallowed up in an instant! 2. Bring a portable flotation device. I dismissed this at first, thinking my friend meant those dinky little things on your arms, but he proceeded to pull an inflatable raft out of a pocket sized cube. Never underestimate an engineer, people. 3. Invest in a mount. This might be tricky for some, but let’s just say plenty of asura won’t be getting off their high raptor any time soon! 4. Carry a straw or hollow reed to breathe through. This came from an ecologist friend of mine, who I was hoping had some better insight, seeing as he studies drakes and lives in a swamp. When I pointed out that there were masks that let you breathe underwater, he told me he hadn’t heard of them, so maybe he has been in the swamp a little TOO long. 5. Finally, and this advice comes from me directly… Stay on dry land, and find someone else to do the work for you.

[thecalmnessandthestorms]

FFXIV Write Day 4- Clinch

Heilyn stood in front of a run down building in The Brume with a smile on his face. Gods… it wasn’t much yet, but it was his. His soon to be beautiful workshop. He just needed to pull together the funds for all the inner workings and such now that he’d at least purchased the building. Though he wouldn’t ask for his father’s money to help this one. No, Heilyn planned to either fundraise or find a patron. No Fortemps connected to this endeavor. No heretical nonsense would be allowed in that house. Not again. No way no how. That was why he was Heilyn Hraesar yet still, and never Alphonse de Fortemps ever again. Any missteps, any mistakes, they were his and his alone. Living in the manor or not. 

Though, as luck would have it, lady luck would figuratively come knocking on his door. In the form of a light and welcoming voice behind him. “Heilyn Hraesar, are you? The manor guardsman said I might happen to find you here.” 

The heretic turned and saw a young man dressed in the attire of a nobleman standing behind him. A dangerous place for one such as he, which only lended to the strange look Heilyn gave to him. “...Pardon my rudeness, but are you out of your mind, ser? Coming down here dressed like that?” 

The nobleman merely looked at Heilyn with a questioning tilt of his head. “Pardon my asking but do you truly think that anyone would attack a nobleman with a clear witness in the broadest of daylight? Particularly when the man with which he is speaking happens to be carrying a rather dangerous looking dagger, and the noble has his sword?” 

Heilyn was silent before speaking again. “Point. Carry on. State your business. Whatever does your high up self need with a lowly crafter like me?” 

“Ha, funny,” the nobleman replied. Though there was little or no humor in his tone. “My name is Ferrant de Durand, and I would request your help, Heilyn.” 

“My help? With what? I’m afraid if you require crafting services My little shop is yet to be ready to accept such things. And I will not be taking advance orders.” 

Ferrant shook his head. “No such things. I… wish for your help in, well, politics.” 

There was a beat of silence.

A second.

A third. 

And then. Laughter falling forth from Heilyn’s mouth. “You’re joking! You must be! Politics! Me!? Funniest shit I’ve ever heard!” 

There was just a deadpan expression from Ferrant. “...I’m serious Hraesar. I wish to work for the rights of the heretics who live on after the war. You wish to have your little workshop that aids displaced heretics into society funded. I would be more than willing to be your patron should you be willing to help me write speeches and offer up advice.” 

The laughter stopped in an instant. Heilyn looking at him in shock. “...By the Twelve. You’re serious about this.” 

“I am indeed. So, what say you? Are you willing to lend me your aid in return for mine? Or shall I scour the city for another heretic who knows some small details about matters. Another willing to make a difference? Make the Ishgard you know you dearly wish for?” 

Heilyn paused. Thinking carefully on this. On the one hand, politics and snooty as shit nobles. On the other, funding which he needed. ...and if he had a third had he’d add the look of fire behind the man’s brown eyes. Heilyn couldn’t not help but admire that determination there. 

...If things went wrong he could always back out and earn the funds to pay him back through hard work. Simple as that. A gamble but… perhaps with this man it was worth taking. Heilyn held out a hand. 

“I suppose you have a deal, Ferrant. Prove to me that you really can make this the Ishgard I want to see.”  (Ferrant can be found over on @heartofthefury​! Been wanting to write this one for a looong time! :’) )

[gulgbtqplus]

EGM candidates

Our EGM is on October 9th, 2020. If you would like to run for any position, please fill out this form https://forms.gle/EMdnNa7Nr7ybah7E6! We will be updating this list as responses come in.

VP Secretary

1) Robyn (they/them)

GULGBTQ+ has been a real lifeline for me (like many others) since I started university and especially now in my 3rd year in the middle of a pandemic. And so I would love to be VP Sec to give back, support and uplift the community that’s had my back and been my safe space for the last few years.

I previously spent some time as Non-Binary officer last year so I already have an insight into the on-goings of the society. And I also attended Trans and Non-Binary coffees nearly every week. As VP Sec I would want to give more attention and accessibility to POC, disabled, and trans students in particular, especially right now.  I would love to continue to work with the SRC and GUSocNet in particular, and reach out to others also. As a home student, I know the importance of having a network and so I would love to keep strengthening the network we have built as a community and expanding it. But of course most importantly working alongside our already amazing exec and committee to put ideas into motion. (And maybe make a zine or two ya know).

I realise the massive responsibility that is being part of the exec but I’m more than willing to rise to that challenge this year. Overall I want everyone to feel like they have a safe space within the society and that this is their community too. It would be a joy to be your VP Sec this year and continue to help carry on the community we have here! :) (And stay safe!)

2) Liam (he/him)

I’d be the right candidate as since I’ve joined I’ve been active in the society whether it be events or discussions going on in the server. This is important as there always has to be an open channel for discussion and chat no matter the topic. Being the VP Secretary is a big undertaking and in that i'd love to be able to chat to you all whether it be in coffees, direct messages, or an anonymous poll every now and again to find out what direction you want the society to move in. The priorities of a society are fluid in a changing world and I believe i'd be the one to step up and give people the voice to help us steer in the right direction

Events Officer

1) Robyn (they/them)

As Events Officer, I would love to continue the work previous folk have done over the last few years in running more accessible and ever creative events. Moreover this would be incredibly important with the on-going Covid situation and I would love to have the challenge of creating new events with the committee and in the society to adapt to the new online environment. To find new ways of fundraising for the society and also making online events just as exciting as in-person events were. I’m a very creative, inventive and adaptable person thanks to my degree, the projects I do outside of university and work I did with charity events back at school. Last year, I spent some time as Non-Binary officer, attending trans & non-binary coffees throughout the year and so I have a decent idea of running events already in the society. I would strive to continue to make events more accessible and welcoming to POC, international and disabled students etc., and also manage the issues that previous years may have had by taking on constructive feedback consistently. In all, I want to create a space and event for everyone by solidifying communication inside the society and outside the society.

Communications and Technology Officer

1) Evelyn (they/them)

I’m a social and economic history student. I have found it really valuable to meet people through GULGBTQ especially the craft group. I really don't know what I'd have been able to do otherwise as I found it quite difficult making friends etc when I first came to Glasgow last year. On that note I would like to contribute to the society... Mostly I'd really like to improve the website e.g. the calendar is in need of a bit of TLC!

2) Liam (he/him)

As a technologically oriented person, I believe I would be able to do the Communications and Technology role justice by setting up regular channels for communication. The website as cute as it may be is dated and could do with a freshen up. This is however easier said than done, after evaluating with everyone what priorities for it we should have the slow process of neatening it can begin. To bring people to any events, the weekly announcements message could be posted on the page along with a link to the Discord server. The page is a representation of what we do as a society yet it lays bare with nought but who is on the committee and manifestos of who would like to be. Be gay do crime, thanks for listening.

Men’s Officer

1) Ethan (he/him)

Hi, I’m Ethan - a graduate and now first year medical student, who has been involved in student representation as some kind of liberation officer for the past 4 or 5 years. I came out as transgender in 2016, and since then have openly shared my transition and experiences on a small YouTube channel. I’m tired of the narrative that as a trans man I am not a “real” man, and the barriers faced by transmasculine individuals in accessing things that are typically put down as 'feminine' needs (sanitary bins - I’m looking at you!). I am incredibly keen to push for change in the teaching of healthcare subjects, so that it is less awkward accessing things such as cervical smears and menstrual care, and that healthcare teaching in general stops being focused from a cis-het viewpoint. Whilst that may be one of my personal main focuses, wider campaigns and work around challenging stigmas particularly associated with men’s mental health and sexual health is really important. So I’d want to make sure there is involvement in these too.

2) Liam (he/him)

GULGBT+ has so far done a great job of having everyone feel accepted and have a space to chat but at the moment there isn't a Mens Officer and from anecdotal experience there is a significant lean in the societies demographic to female students at least in terms of activity in the society. My aim as this years Mens Officer would be to make the society a welcoming place for all, whether this is through running events directed towards those who aren't aware of the society or aren't aware of its purpose.

International Officer

1) Alexandra (she/her)

After moving to the UK last year, there were so many new things that I had to learn and there was plenty of confusion and mistakes along the way. Now that I've settled in and I feel comfortable as a resident of Scotland, I would love to have the opportunity to give advice and guidance to those who are still figuring things out, or are just looking for solidarity during a difficult adjustment period. It can be so disorienting and isolating to leave behind your family and friends to move to a new country, and I hope to let some folks know that they're not alone and they can talk to me and all the other wonderful people in GULGBT. This club made a huge difference for me in this regard, and I want to make sure others get that opportunity as well!

2) Pat (they/them)

I've been an international student in different countries over the years and it's had a profound impact on how I can conceptualize and relate my own queer identity. Listening to and supporting each other as international students who are far from home and potentially in a very different situation culturally and linguistically is so important, when it comes to LGBTQIA+ issues as well as the bureaucratic and everyday. I want to make sure that the society is providing a space for international students and potentially make connections with other societies for international students to reach new members and share resources.

First Year Ordinary Member

1) Ethan (he/him)

Hi, I’m Ethan - a graduate and now first year medical student, who has been involved in student representation as some kind of liberation officer for the past 4-5years. Having already spent a fair bit of time getting to know many of the LGBT+ freshers’ community at UofG this year, I’d love to be able to act as a linked voice for them to help make sure they still manage to have a great first year’s experience. This certainly wasn’t the year anyone expected, and I’m really keen to try and help make the best of what we can so everyone has a positive start to their course.

Postgraduate and Mature Students’ Officer

1) Ethan (he/him)

Hi, I’m Ethan - a graduate and now first year medical student, who has been involved in student representation as some kind of liberation officer for the past 4-5years. From completely relaunching my previous university’s LGBT+ society, to starting its first separate dedicated group for trans students, and being elected as the first trans rep for students across Scotland… my undergrad was busy! I’m really keen to bring the experiences I’ve had, and lessons I’ve learned, with me to GULGBT+ and get involved through my next 5years studying at UofG. Being a postgrad and/or mature student comes with its own unique challenges and I want to work with the committee, SRC, and wider university to make sure you are well supported in achieving all the things you want to whilst still being able to balance everything you have going on outside of university. Aside from that, something I am keen to work on during my time studying medicine, is making the curricula of healthcare subjects more inclusive of LGBT+ patient scenarios and education.

2) Pat (they/them)

Community is really important to me and has become even more so since the suspension of in-person meetings. When I came to Glasgow last year, I found that the vast majority of people I met through freshers events and societies were a good few years younger than me and it seemed like I was the only postgraduate/mature student around. I would like to continue facilitating a space for postmat students in the society and ensure that people older than the average student will feel welcome and at home in the society.

---

Preferences of those running for multiple positions:

Robyn

1. VP Secretary

2. Events Officer

Ethan

1. Men’s Officer

2. Postgraduate and Mature Students’ Officer

3. First Year Ordinary Member

Pat

1. Postgraduate and Mature Students’ Officer

2. International Officer

Liam

1. VP Secretary

2. Men’s Officer

3. Communications and Technology Officer

[lovehaswonangelnumbers]

New Post has been published on https://lovehaswonangelnumbers.org/mars-enters-aries-a-rush-of-hot-passion-fiery-ambition-the-warrior-rises-once-again/

Mars Enters Aries- A Rush of HOT Passion, Fiery Ambition, The Warrior Rises Once Again

Mars Enters Aries- A Rush of HOT Passion, Fiery Ambition, The Warrior Rises Once Again

By Astromomma

On June 27th, Mars, the planet of: aggression, passion and purpose, enters his home sign of Aries. Whenever a planet enters the sign its rules, it becomes: very powerful, directed and fruitful. Since we have had no fire within the planets, since the Sun was in Aries, this will feel like a huge wave of increased vitality and energy. Aries, the 1st zodiac sign, is all about: initiative, action, innocence and innovation.

Mars in Aries is here to bring back spunk and action to our lives, with an ushering in of fiery ambition. Mars, for the last 6 weeks,has been in the sign of Pisces and struggled to show his strength and prowess in the murky waters of the fish. Now, as he enters his home sign of Aries, he is ready to rock and roll and light sh@t up, lol! He will have an extended stay in Aries until January 2021, as he will be going retrograde from September- November 2020.

While Mars is home in his home sign, this is a great time to be energized to risk it all and to feel empowered to go after your goals and ambitions. The flip side of Mars in Aries will be: aggression, irritation and fighting. He also represents our sex drive. This could get a real boost during this transit! It is all how you transmute his energies. Many great accomplishments that take courage and will power will be honed in during his transit, but this can also raise our tempers and hot headed tendencies. Anyone with Aries, as their: Sun, Moon or Ascendant, will be most affected by this transit. We will all though, have our libidos raised to maximum capacity and will have to be responsible for these increased energy levels.

As Mars transits through Aries, he will make tense aspects to: Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto, all in Capricorn. Saturn, is the planet of: obligation and restriction, Jupiter, is the planet of: expansion, wisdom and finally, Pluto, is the planet of: death/rebirth and regeneration. Capricorn, the 10th zodiac sign, deals with: authority, government, big business and control. Mars in Aries square to Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn, could produce epic fighting and conflicts among, the people vs. the established orders that prevail. Aries is about freedom and liberation and Capricorn is about order and control. You can see the big clash of energies. As much as I don’t want to predict war, this aspect sure signals the potential for it. This will be especially true around election time in US here in early November. This year of 2020 is giving us many tests and these aspects certainly will play a pivotal role within these lessons and trials.

Mars in Aries is here to bring back the passion and drive that might have thought disappeared for quite some time. As the warrior planet dives home to fight for his right to party, our internal flames will be ignited. Remembering to keep a sense of grounded calmness and peace, might be more difficult during this transit. The best way to utilize the warrior planet in his home sign, is to use the extra boost of passion and purpose into a: hobby, project or life style transformation. Mars, within his home dwelling, is here to: ignite you into action with loads of energy, bring back the courage and will power to achieve and light a fire under you ass to get going and to make it happen. If you have Aries as your: Sun, Moon or Ascendant, as well on your: IC, DC, MC, then this transit will be most potent and noticeable for you. Mars will remain in the sign of Aries, until January 6, 2021.

For this HOT transit of Mars in Aries, I am doing an extended sign horoscope on my Astromomma Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/astromomma

These horoscopes, which are channeled from spirit, give you: practical, tangible and enlightening advice on how best to navigate this transit according to your individual sign.

Patreon is a huge supporter of mine, and is a subscription based model of a $4 or $6 USD monthly contribution, that gives you access to all my special extended horoscopes and articles. In addition, you receive discounts on my astrology and tarot readings. Your support is always appreciated but even more so now with all that is going on. Thank you for your trust and love, be well my loves!I

© Astromomma, 2020

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[mvsicians]

when despair for the world grows in me  &  i wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life  &  my children’s lives may be, i go  &  lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water,  &  the great heron feeds.  i come into the  peace of wild things  who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.  i come into the presence of still water.  &  i feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light.  for a time i rest in the grace of the world,  &  am  f r e e. 

click  here  for  his statistics  &  click  here  for  his  pinterest .

(   TRIGGER WARNING  :  PARENT DEATH & CANCER   )

♩  —  𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 & 𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍 met during middle school  &  immediately became infatuated with one another. it didn’t take long for them to become a couple,  &  they entered into high school as a pair as well. the relationship was quite remarkable as they were a healthy couple, which was rare in their age group. however, at the age of sixteen, isabella became pregnant. after some meditation  &  consideration  ------  she decided she would indeed keep the baby,  &  raise it no matter what oliver decided. her parents were reluctant at first, but later grew accustomed to the idea. the pair had broken up shortly after the discovery she was with child, but oliver grew into his role as the father once they’d graduated from high school. at the age of twenty, the two became wed.

♩  —  𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘'𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐃 & 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓, oliver got a job as a stockbroker, whereas isabella was a waitress in a diner in their town. the hours were fairly flexible  &  allowed her to spend as much time as possible with her son. whenever he wasn’t with his parents, he was with his maternal grandparents. he grew to become very close with them  &  have a strong sense of family. 

♩  —  𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐍 avid lover of classic rock, especially fleetwood mac,  &  would be the one to instill a deep love of music within her son. from an early age, he always expressed a keen interest in all things music,  &  have a natural ear. they purchased him his first piano at the age of seven  &  paid for two years of professional lessons.

♩  —  𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐓 the age of ten when oliver fell sick. these days, you don’t think of young people  --  the picture of perfect health  --  to get cancer.  the doctors said he had a good prognosis, they caught it early  &  he should be fine. but doctors aren’t fortune tellers,  &  it’s better not to place all your faith in should’s. the amount of strength  &  courage he witnessed in his father in those two years the cancer drained him was far more strength than any superhero in the stories. 

♩  —  𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐍'𝐓 only his father who displayed a largely admirable strength  --  it was also his mother. after he passed, isabella’s parents began to stay with them at the house. there was a copious amount of bills that needed to be paid  &  the waitressing job wasn’t enough to keep up. oliver’s parents eventually donated a sum of money to the family after witnessing their struggles  &  some parents at eli’s school also started up a fundraiser for them. isabella found this humiliating but was at her wit’s end.

♩  —  𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐆𝐄 of eleven, he began teaching piano lessons to some of the neighbor’s children. not a large sum of money, but it was better than nothing. he amassed a tiny sum of money for himself to rely less on his mother. by the age of thirteen, he was being heavily encouraged by isabella to begin boarding school at marble hill preparatory. she had faith in him  --  that he could be something bigger than her. she wanted him to give him an opportunity to truly be something great. she believed wholeheartedly that: if anyone could do it, it was him. she’d been referring to him as  ‘ mini mozart ‘  since he was five.

♩  —  𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄  --  they’d never be able to afford marble hill preparatory on their own funds. eli had always gone above  &  beyond, excelling at school. there was only one b on his report card in all his years of schooling. he manged to get a full scholarship to mhp by his grades  &  a paper he had written on his father. it was difficult for him to leave his mother, but he was content in knowing this was what she wanted for him. they’d set arrangements that they would call one another as much as possible, as well as write to each other  &  for him to send her videos of him playing piano.

♩  —  𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒 & 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐂 were his priority in high school. he was always a quiet  &  shy individual, who lost himself in music. however it grew apparent in his freshman year that he had problems beyond  ‘ just being shy ‘  &  began seeing a counselor outside of mhp who diagnosed him with social anxiety. his therapist was his main support system during this time. it was quite lonely living so far from his family, but he did manage to make a few close friends during his time at marble hill preparatory. he had difficulties in making the friends that he did. 

♩  —  𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐇𝐈𝐒 first kiss at the age of twelve with one of the girls in his neighborhood who was one of his only friends. she told him that he was cute  &  requested that he be the first girl that he kissed. this is the only interaction that he has had with the opposite sex. he had crushes on girls in high school,  &  one short - lived relationship, but he never actually lost his virginity.

♩  —  𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 get accepted into hatchett on a full scholarship not only because of his stellar grades, but because he composed his own sonata for the piano  &  then played it. he was began composing  &  writing his own music in high school. he was self-taught for the most part, due to his low income,  &  learned through music theory books from the library as well as youtube. due to his affinity for music, he picked everything up very quickly.

♩  —  𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘, he has not outgrown his quiet demeanor  (  though it has vastly improved  )  &  his friendship circle is quite small. he struggles in creating any sort of relationship with others. being a performer is difficult due to his social anxiety, but because it is something he deeply desires for himself  &  his mother  --  he has put a large amount of time  &  effort into becoming a better performer. it used to be an impossible task but has improved largely since he began at hatchett.

♩  —  ( 𝐒𝐔𝐁 - 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓 : 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐓 ) : he has had his fair share of short-term jobs, but the longest one he has ever had was at SUNDAE BEST. he got along well with his boss  &  coworkers,  &  it was even helping him to come out of his shell. he was more than devastated when he eventually lost his job. he swore up  &  down that he was innocent  ------  &  he was  ------  but he was still fired. that was one of the most strenuous times,  &  it was humiliating to phone his mother to tell her he’d been fired. luckily, she helped him cover the costs of everything short-term,  &  he managed to find another job within a month  &  a half. 

𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒.   —

♩  —  𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 ( 𝟎 / 𝟑 ) : he graduated from marble hill preparatory,  &  he didn’t have too many friends during his time there, but these were close friends in high school  &  hopefully still keep in contact at hatchett.

♩  —   𝐁𝐀𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 : he is extremely innocent  &  this person would corrupt him.

♩  —   𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 : he brings out hidden positive traits of the other  &  some of his positive characteristics rub off on them.  

♩  —   𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐓 : a mutual friendship where they both have a deep trust  &  often go to one another for advice.

♩  —   𝐔𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 : someone who is a complete opposite to him that somehow still gets along with him.

♩  —   𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 : someone who takes him under their wing.

♩  —   𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐒 : people who pick on him for various reasons.

♩  —   𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐎𝐓 : if there is are any plots that are not listed here that you can think of, come  &  message me so we can talk about it !!

[guileheroine]

all kinds of different

a friend/shippy gelphie (wicked) ficlet written last nov for the 2019 Femslash Exchange on ao3/dreamwidth (i just realised i forgot to post this here!) 💜✨// 1.4k, ao3 

“You should do a charity ball! Always gets people interested,” Galinda suggests, offhand, before the sight of Elphaba working draws her focus. Elphaba decides, displaying what she thinks is commendable restraint, to concentrate on her task instead of telling her that no one in all of Gillikin is going to turn up to a dance for Animal rights. In any case, they are both too consumed in the transformation of the withered houseplant on the desk for that particular trail of conversation to survive. Galinda’s eyes are huge and keen and not a little wondrous, a more potent distraction than her comments.

“Amazing!” She sighs, with a soft clap of her hands.

“Are you jealous?” Elphaba says with half a mind, relishing the fruits of her effort.

“I couldn’t be, it’s too beautiful!”

The word, the feeling in Galinda’s voice, has Elphaba’s full attention all of a sudden. It makes her stomach stir and allows only for an awkward, perfunctory response to slip out.

“Well I mean, uh, exactly.”

At last, Galinda’s gaze drops away from the musty old flowerpot. From the little sapling, dead and crisp a minute ago, that Elphaba has just magicked before their very eyes into a bulbous, gleaming succulent bright purple with life.

“I’m not jealous, Elphie, I swear,” she sighs, a little forlorn. There’s a short laugh (too high) on the heels of the statement, before Galinda turns and swishes off to her class, leaving Elphaba to recover from the strange moment.

Once upon a time, Elphaba wouldn’t have believed such a statement because she was determined to believe the worst of Galinda always; and jealousy was, of course, a terrible trait that someone as inspicable as her would no doubt possess in excess amounts (even if it was very deep in her festering core where no one could see.) At a later time, she would have taken Galinda at her word, simply because it made a kind of sense deeper than Elphaba should really bother to resist anymore - what did someone like Galinda have to be jealous of her for?

Now , however, she’s beginning to know her well enough to circle back to skepticism. It is borne of a growing understanding of her roommate this time, not the projection of Elphaba’s own hatrification and insecurity, as reluctant as she had been to admit to the latter to begin with. The point is: the recognition of Galinda’s not so saintly emotions feels different, more because Elphaba is different than because Galinda is.

Different every day when it comes to her new friend, such that even these unperfect qualities come with a certain kind of clarity that makes them digestible, understandable - endearing even. (Is it really normal to find her so endearing?)

After all, jealousy is, of course, a perfectly human trait; and it should not be a surprise that anyone suffers it, even if Galinda is someone who takes great pains to hide such things. Knowing her as she now does, Elphaba thinks that those things that Galinda takes pains to hide tend to be all the more stark for her efforts. In any case, the comment sticks in her brain, quite a distraction. Elphaba is surprised to find how unhappy the thought of the whole thing makes her; even more surprised to find why. To realise that her own discomfort at being the subject of jealousy is in fact far outweighed by her sheer longing that Galinda does not feel inadequate.

Elphaba cleans the pot up so it’s as shiny as the leaves, flicking her fingers to curl the rim up into a more beguiling shape. She pushes it into the line of knick knacks against the back of her desk. They look better than new, and should go down fairly well at the sale tomorrow, if last week’s accounts are anything to go by. The weekly fundraisers for pro-Animal activist groups are facing a lot of pushback, but there’s nothing anyone can technically do to stop them organising, even if Elphaba anticipates the worst ever more of late. But if they play their cards right (Shiz students never do miss a good sale), even with a mere handful of organisers they can raise enough to get at least the same number of disenfranchised Animals the legal advice they need.

Upglitzing all this old junk up is a clever way to turn a quick profit, and she’s been working very fast on her free evenings. Doing it in the room with Galinda though - she can’t help but notice the effect it has on her friend’s mood. Even though Galinda hasn’t made it all the way to actually saying ‘I wish I could help’ yet, much less ‘I wish I could do that .’ Elphaba tries again to put it from her mind, but Galinda-thoughts are continually proving to be the hardest to shake off. Such a bother.

-

At the Friends of the Animals committee meeting last week, Elphaba had once again come up with an idea for improving the fundraisers. With the season changing, everyone is on the hunt for suitable apparel; and not everyone can afford the kind of finery that she’s seen Galinda’s friends hauling back by the sackful from the boutiques in town. There’s a demand here, prime for their affordable, eclectic supply. She gets everyone on the committee to scour their old wardrobes and the charity shops around for anything workable. And then she works on making them market ready.

It’s bitter work. It’s not until the early hours of the morning before the next sale outside Crage Hall that she’s finished - not satisfied but altogether too exhausted to keep at it, with all the frills and trims and cuts and colours swimming before her mind’s eye, none exactly right. Too short, too long, too drab, too shiny.

For all her sweat, and her frustration, she can’t quite be surprised when just one scarf and a beglittered belt is all that sells. What’s worse - she hears one student (hardly the picture of style, mind you) muttering something about how ugly everything on the rack is. She has to tamp down the fire on her tongue because how can she even tell if they’re wrong? She doesn’t have the eye for this. It seems as though anyone can see it’s all unrefined and unfashionable. Too Elphaba . Even Fiyero asks if there are any catalogues she could look at for inspiration, tells her that maybe they should go back to stationery and home furnishings or something next week, because we all have our strengths - and that’s when Elphaba sees the silver lining.

“Hey, I really need your help.”

“Oh, I thought you’d never ask,” Galinda says from her bed, not looking up from her nails as they dry. Her tone has the kind of casual sarcasm that they have developed, a vague self-commentary on Galinda’s own typical eagerness, but once she actually realises what Elphaba has said, she cranes her head, piqued. “Oh, really? What is it?”

Her genuine curiosity puts Elphaba’s heart at ease somehow. It’s an effect too large for a simple reply to have, but Elphaba can think about it later. She dumps the pile of rejected clothing on the carpet and gestures helplessly towards it. “We have to upcycle these clothes. Can’t sell a thing.”

Galinda looks at her darkly. “You know I can’t, Elphie…” The silence strains and Elphaba winces, but then Galinda continues with a pronounced breath. “Your magic, I mean - you’ll be so much better than me,” she chokes out, diplomatically.

“Yeah, I know,” Elphaba replies evenly, despite the way that Galinda’s effort makes her fist curl with sympathy. “But, I mean, I’m hoping your fashion sense can cancel out... mine.” And she’s not kidding when she says, “I really - I can’t seem to do this. Please just work with me.”

After a second, Galinda fairly leaps from the bed. She rummages through the pile, and Elphaba experiences a most curious, stupefying moment of elation to see her expression caught between utter disrelish and pity. She can’t even muster a smile, but her heart beats hard at the sight of Galinda’s face now written with such intent concern and determination.

“Oh, Elphie…” Her head snaps up, stern, and she holds out her hand rather sweetly. “We have so much work to do.”

Suddenly, Elphaba can't imagine a more appealing evening.

[ahagia-sophia]

Story Time

Vlog? Episode 1: A Man of Constant Sorrow

 Hey guys, I’m Jacob. I’ve always wanted to do a sort of blog type thing. But, I could never figure out what I wanted to make it about, you know? I like history, mostly. But then again so does literally every white guy on the planet. [rambling] Not to say that my love of history is basic, or that anyone’s passions and interests are basic its just- Never mind, that’s not what we’re here for.

I had considered doing a history sort of thing, but I decided against it for various reasons. Sadly, I didn’t have any other passions that might be interesting to other people. At least, that’s what I thought. Until the other day when my friend was going on about how I was a central point in a lot of the stories he was telling his new girlfriend. Specifically, I was what he described as, ‘the unluckiest man on earth.’

And you know what? People love real stories. Stories of people having terrible no-good very bad times adventures. And buddy, I’ve gone on a few adventures. So, I figured I’d tell a story or two. Mostly because I really love telling stories, but also because I crave attention love entertaining people.

I have a few eye-catching stories, like; Getting Cornered In a Carpet Shop, Getting Robbed by a Rapist(?), Civil War Reenacting, The Rape Accusation, Accidentally Becoming A Harem Anime Protagonist, Being a Terrible Person, and others. But I thought I’d start with something relatively tame.

Jacob Utterly Fails and Gets Congratulated Publicly For It.

Okay so this one takes place in a small-town high school in 2015. Which should already set off some alarm bells for people who were in small-town high schools in 2015. It was senior year and I was the Battalion S-5 for our school’s Army JROTC branch. The S-5 was basically the media officer, and the place where you threw useless seniors who had stuck with the program for four years and hadn’t done anything that could get them thrown out. Which was me. I was seniors.

I was the pale skinny white kid in high school who had charisma, but was too angsty to use it, you know? I didn’t have any real self-confidence; I would flinch if someone threw a ball toward me while playing Sport. I listened to metal and Irish folk music. I spent all my time playing video games with my friends and actively pretending that the future didn’t exist.

                                   Here I am, in all my glory

Not much has changed.

Anyway, these qualities did not lend themselves to what was essentially a military recruitment program. What I did have going for me was an intense need to please authority figures and a slightly above average mind.

To fully demonstrate my inadequacy, allow me to take you back in time to the distant year of 2011 and lay out how I could not master walking.

This is not a joke.

One of the key components of JROTC is walking in straight lines in various directions and formations. This practice was called Drill. Drill cover such intense concepts as, ‘turn while standing still’ and, ‘turn while moving.’ These advanced maneuvers were, however, based on one simple principle. Walking. Specifically, the advanced form of walking referred to by professionals as, ‘walking without stepping on other people’s feet.’ Or, more concisely, ‘walking in step.’

I was utterly unable to do this. Just completely, totally, categorically unable to do this. Even with such helpful aids as a person walking next to me actively telling me which foot should be hitting the ground. I just could not do it. I would walk in step for a few paces and then immediately fall out of step and have to perform what is called a ‘change step’ which I interpreted at the time as kicking yourself in the back of the heel in order to skip and land back on the correct step. In hindsight I was probably supposed to just drag the heel of my foot. There’s an allegory in there somewhere.

So, I couldn’t master walking. This has been established. This has been abundantly established. And it had been established at the time too. Everyone knew that my drill scores were terrible. Everyone knew that I was very unable to walk. However, I aced the academic side of things, and managed to get my shit together enough to pass the Walking Final with a solid B+, which in retrospect was absolutely a pity grade from the students who were grading the final. My legacy of mediocrity was secured, and I advanced on to the next year.

I was given the coveted position of Assistant Squad Leader and the enviable rank of Cadet Sergeant. What this meant was that everyone acknowledged my lack of ability on the drill pad and also the fact that this wasn’t the real military and they couldn’t drum me out for gross incompetence. Very quickly, however, everyone came to realize that despite having absolutely no actual responsibilities, I was failing terribly in my task of ‘Be the guy at the front of the line while we walk.’ For all of the above-mentioned reasons.

This began my career as what soldierly-types would call ‘regimental bitch.’ I worked exclusively inside. I wrote memos for the Officers (read: upperclassmen), I did numbers for fundraisers, I made lists of names and T-shirt sizes, and generally fucked about in my new walking free paradise. For an entire school year, I was behind the scenes, only going outside for Inspection on Thursday’s.

This, of course, meant the everyone had forgotten that I no ability with the ordered walking. And what little ability I might have possessed had absolutely gone to rust as I spent the year (or two, my memory is hazy) hiding from the sun. (This was in Louisiana, so hiding from the sun was not as shameful as it could have been.) Logically, therefore, the higher up types decided that on one of the last drill days of the year good old Jacob should take the reins and march the assembled company (Class, about 30 people) in a straight line, a turn, and then another straight line.

Sub Story: How I Caused a 30-Person Pile Up, Literally

Pretty much what the title says, really. I was given command of the company. I said ‘Forward, March!’ and everyone started to walk forward. A result which I was completely unprepared for. They started walking, you know, at the pace the people walking in, like, a bit of a hurry would walk. Which was entirely too fast for me.

They walked far too fast. So fast that by the time they had reached the point where I was supposed to tell them to turn, I had completely lost the plot. And the front rank, in one of those moments of blind obedience that you can never recreate when you need blind obedience, walked directly into a brick wall. And then the rank behind them, and the rank behind them, and the rank behind them.

It was a slow-motion pile of human idiocy with me as its conductor. In that moment I could almost hear the the universe stand proudly from her director’s chair and loudly call, ‘Scene!’

I was never given command again.

Sub Story: A Principal’s Principles

Alright, its 2015 or so at this point. I’ve skulked my way up to Cadet Captain and a position of theoretical importance. It’s Veterans Day. I have to do exactly two things. Read a script and put people’s names on chairs. I’ve got this. There’s no possible way I could fuck this up, right?

Did you know that there are two different spellings for the word Principal? I sure didn’t. I was given a very sudden and unforgettable lesson when First Sergeant (one of the two JROTC instructors) burst into the office with my sins printed on paper and asked me if I had passed 3rd Grade spelling. (Which I had, but only because I cheated.) Picture a 6-foot-tall, well-muscled, angry veteran yelling at a pale white kid who flinched when stuff fell off the table. It is not a lesson that will ever leave my mind.

Thankfully, my spelling error was corrected before anyone important could see it. Crisis averted. Now I just had to deliver a speech about a table set for a soldier or something. I was literate, it didn’t have to be fantastic. There’s no way I could fuck this up, right? Well, two things. I had rehearsed this speech, but I had only rehearsed this speech alone with the script. Not with anyone who knew how the speech was supposed to sound. So, they dim the lights, the spotlight falls on the table in the center of the gym, and I read my speech. I gave a damn good speech. It was rousing, it was passionate, and I’m pretty sure I got genuine applause at the end of it.

However.

I stepped down from the podium, awash in the afterglow of a Genuine Success, when First Sergeant pulled me aside and in a very forced whisper informed me that this was supposed to be a somber speech given in mourning for those who would never come home.

Fuck.

It is a common theme in my life that if I do something really well, I have invariably done it wrong. This is a phenomenon that I first noticed in second grade when I proudly presented my beautiful handwriting (I normally have terrible handwriting) to the teacher only to be informed that I had spelled the word wrong.

Now whenever my handwriting looks particularly good, I double check all my spelling.

               It was around this time that it was unilaterally decided (without my consent) that Jacob would never be put in charge of anything ever again. Which was something that was honestly a long time coming. But still hurt when I was informed.

               It hurt my pride so much that I fought it. I fought it hard. I demanded, in no uncertain terms, that I should be in charge of the Very Big and Important Slideshow at the banquet that we hold at the end of the year.

Jacob Utterly Fails and Gets Congratulated Publicly For It.

This was no normal end of the year banquet. These were not your average cold beans and dry chicken. Oh no. I cannot fail during such a mundane affair. This was the year that Colonel, a much beloved man who had held the program together through sheer competence and wisdom, was retiring. This was his last banquet. This was his send off, the blow out, the thank you for all of his years of service and sage advice.

This meant that graduates of the program were coming in from across the country to send off their beloved father figure. And, on top of that, this banquet hadn’t really deviated from its standard form in the past few years. So absolutely everyone knew how this was going to go.

Food, Slideshow, Speeches, Send-off.

This is how the banquet had gone since like 2004. Perhaps earlier, I don’t really know.

I was, as a result of my own arguing and everyone else’s poor judgement, solely in charge of The Slideshow. You know, 1/4 of the entire evening was entirely at my mercy.

Two weeks before the big event I put together my slideshow. I spend hours on the stupid thing. I comb the picture archives from each of the ‘Companies’ and make sure that absolutely everyone appears in the slideshow at least once. Then I go through all the old photo albums and scan in a bunch of pictures of Young Colonel and stuff. To really just nail it, you know?

If you can see where this is going, kudos, because I somehow missed all the signs.

One week before the event I submit my flash drive to First Sergeant to make sure that everything checks out. He gives me some corrections and sends it back. I make the corrections and save it all on the flash drive.

I save it all on the flash drive and only on the flash drive.

Yeah.

The flash drive, as is the way of things, dies. Can’t access the files. Can’t open the power-point, can’t do anything. I spend a solid day trying to unfuck this situation before I admit defeat and tell everyone what’s happened. At this point we’re two or so days out from the banquet and there simply isn’t enough time to make a new one. The slideshow is cut from the evening, and literally every single senior wants to hang me by my guts. Which was fair.

We come to the night of the event, it goes pretty smoothly. I think that maybe I can just slide by and no one will ask questions about the mysteriously absent slideshow.

Boy was I wrong.

In front of all the graduating seniors a few of the returning cadets (probably in their mid/late 20s) publicly praise me for having the clout and balls to cut the slideshow out of the formula. As they had never liked it and thought it was a massive drag on the evening.

I’m pretty sure I’m still living under some of the curses that the other seniors hurled at me over that.

That’s it. That’s the story.

No one chewed me out, no one came to afterward to tell me what a useless idiot I was. No one said anything.

Which was probably the worst part. My general incompetence had become such a common feature in the JROTC program that everyone who actually knew what happened was just. Totally unsurprised.