#it was just a genuine conversation about this aspect of our lives
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While I find the explanation of the Jewish view of conversion interesting, and am glad to have had it explained, because it is genuinely new information to me, I would like to correct a slight misunderstanding of the Christian view of conversion for the sake of your comparison. (Jewish by ethnicity, Christian by faith speaking)
While Christian conversion does have an aspect of what you called a "bargain" (believe in Jesus and br saved from eternal Hell), there is more to it than that, and no one who converts to Christianity would see it as simply a bargain. In fact, if anyone who claimed to be a Christian saw it as simply a bargain, I'd doubt the genuineness of their Christianity. Being a Christian is about more than just holding a certain set of beliefs. The Christian scriptures say that even the demons believe in God, and shutter. We believe that God wants a personal relationship with us, and that converting is entering into that relationship. We believe God literally adopts us as His sons and daughters when we become Christians. But also that converting to Christianity involves recognizing Him as Lord and King over our lives, and submitting ourselves to obey Him.
What you call a bargain is part of it. We believe that all humans have broken God's laws and are deserving of punishment, but that God loved us enough to take on flesh and live the perfect sinless life we could never live and die the death we deserve so that if we trust Him, and trust what He did for us, we will be saved. But even then, it's not about giving mental assent to the idea of what He did, it's about trusting Him. And being saved is more about spending eternity with our heavenly Father than about not spending it in Hell.
We also believe that this conversion is something every Christian has to do, not just those coming from other religions. We believe you can't be born a Christian, and even if raised in a Christian household must choose to become a Christian at some point to actually be one. I know this wasn't an aspect that was brought up earlier, but I do think it's another interesting difference in the views on conversion.
Sorry this reblog wound up being so long, I'm not good at explaining things concisely, and I'm really tired so brevity is even more difficult. In summary, the Christian view of conversion is more about entering a personal relationship with God than about a bargain, but that relationship does come with eternal salvation of the soul, which is why we have such an emphasis on prosthelatizing. I hope this has actually been a helpful addition to the conversation and not just my inane ramblings at 2 am
My favorite, and I mean FAVORITE teaching of Judaism is that proselytizing is wrong. It’s the one Christians have the hardest time understanding. That even though Judaism is an incredible part of my life, that it’s an incredible community to be apart of, that I could not care less about wether or not they choose to become apart of it. That conversion is possible, and converts are a welcome part of our community and no less Jewish than anyone else, but at the same time we do not seek out people to convert. In addition, conversion is a very serious decision, and the conversion process is lengthy and difficult.
It’s because while I love being Jewish, and I love my community, I do not think that Jewishness is required to live a happy and productive life. I know that it is not right for everyone. I know that for most, the conversion process is not something they view as worth the time and effort. And that is okay. No one HAS to be Jewish. No one should EVER be coerced, manipulated, or forced into conversion.
If someone chooses to convert, it is because THAT PERSON wanted to. They saw something of value in the teachings and community. I think that means so much more than “convert or you’re going to burn for eternity because you are a bad person.”
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this post is about an irl man so if you're here for self shipping stuff only then you can just scroll past this <3<3<3
tell me how i'm supposed to be normal when me and irl crush were together last night and spent hours having the most intimate and vulnerable conversation about sex that i've ever had. tell me how i'm supposed to be normal when he's asking me questions about me and my sexuality and he's reminding me that i don't have to share anything i don't want to share, that i can tell him if he's asking too much or sharing too much or i just don't want to talk about it anymore. tell me how i'm supposed to be normal when he's confessing to me his deepest darkest desires. tell me how i'm supposed to be normal when he's giving me a safe place to share my own in return, not even giving me a chance to feel embarrassed or shameful but meeting me with nothing but curiosity and support. tell me how i'm supposed to be normal when i tell him that i like praise, that i want affection and sweetness and that i wouldn't mind being called a good girl and he responds with "well olivia, you are a good girl :)"
#after hours#live#this is just like#the place where i feel comfiest posting abt this kind of thing#you know <3#anyway!#ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING MEEEEE#i was like “you can NOT say that to me” and we burst into laughter#also like#i've talked to men about sex before#but it always felt like they had different motives#it was their way of making a move and taking the relationship there#this was... not that.#we weren't touching or kissing. he wasn't trying to make a move#it was just a genuine conversation about this aspect of our lives#we talk about everything. we talk about work. friends. family. mental health. now we talk about sex. and it's all safe#he was asking such thoughtful questions#he was making me feel so safe and comfortable#like we were laughing because it was so personal and foreign to us to talk about#but it wasn't really that awkward?#i don't know how to EXPLAIN IT#but like. wow wow wow i have never had that kind of an experience with someone before#ESP A MAN
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YOU LOOK GREAT - N. MOLDENHAUER
paring: Nick Moldenhauer x fem! reader
word count: 6.6k
requested? yes - "Sorry for borrowing your clothes" "Dont be. You look great in them" w/ nick moldenhauer
warnings: use of y/n. change of povs. 1st to third
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As I stepped onto the University of Michigan campus, I was filled with excitement and nerves. College was a whole new world, and I was eager to dive into everything it had to offer. Little did I know, one of the most impactful aspects of my college experience would be meeting Nick Moldenhauer.
Nick and I met during freshman orientation. He was a towering figure, with a friendly smile and an easygoing demeanor that instantly put me at ease. We were both assigned to the same dormitory, and as luck would have it, our rooms were just a few doors apart.
"Hey there," he greeted with a casual wave, his voice carrying a hint of Midwestern warmth. "You must be Y/N, right? I heard we're practically neighbors."
"Yeah, that's me," I replied, trying to match his easygoing tone. "It's nice to meet you, Nick. Looks like we lucked out with our dorm assignments."
Nick chuckled, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Definitely. Who knows, maybe we'll end up being the best of friends."
Little did I know, his words would ring true in the months to come. As we settled into our respective rooms, the proximity of our living quarters made it easy for us to strike up conversations whenever we crossed paths in the hallway or kitchen.
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One evening, as I struggled to navigate the maze of laundry machines in the basement, I bumped into Nick sorting through a pile of clothes.
"Need a hand?" he asked, flashing me a reassuring smile.
I nodded gratefully, relieved to have some company in the otherwise deserted laundry room. As we waited for our loads to finish, we chatted about everything from our hometowns to our favorite sports teams, discovering shared interests and mutual acquaintances along the way.
At first, our interactions were limited to passing hellos in the hallway or brief chats in the communal kitchen. But as the weeks went by, we found ourselves gravitating towards each other more and more.
I vividly remember one chilly October evening when Nick and I found ourselves studying in the common area of our dormitory. With textbooks spread out on the table between us and the soft glow of overhead lights casting a warm ambiance, we delved into a deep conversation about our respective majors.
"So, what made you decide to major in sociology?" Nick asked, genuine curiosity coloring his voice as he flipped through the pages of my textbook.
I shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I've always been fascinated by human behavior and societal dynamics. Plus, I figured it would give me a better understanding of the world around me."
Nick nodded thoughtfully, his blue eyes reflecting the flickering light of the nearby fireplace. "That's cool. I never would've guessed you were interested in that stuff. I always pegged you as more of a science person."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Believe it or not, I actually considered majoring in biology at one point. But sociology just felt like the right fit for me."
Our conversation meandered from topic to topic, spanning everything from our favorite books and movies to our most embarrassing childhood memories. With each passing day, I found myself drawn to Nick's infectious energy and genuine kindness, his presence becoming a source of comfort and joy in the whirlwind of college life.
Before I knew it, our interactions had transitioned from sporadic encounters to regular hangouts. Whether it was grabbing lunch between classes or meeting up for late-night study sessions in the library, Nick and I were practically inseparable.
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One chilly evening, with the soft glow of the library's reading lamps casting a warm ambiance, Nick and I found ourselves huddled together at a secluded study table, surrounded by towering stacks of textbooks and piles of lecture notes. The gentle hum of students whispering and keyboards tapping provided the perfect backdrop for our intense study session.
As I struggled to make sense of the dense sociological theories sprawled across my textbook, I couldn't help but steal glances at Nick, who was engrossed in his own set of notes, his brow furrowed in concentration. His tousled hair caught the dim light just right, casting shadows across his chiseled features, and I couldn't deny the flutter of excitement that stirred within me.
"So, what do you think about this concept?" Nick's voice broke through my reverie, pulling me back to the task at hand.
I blinked, trying to focus on the page in front of me. "Um, sorry, could you repeat that?" I stammered, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks.
Nick chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I asked what you thought about this concept. You seem pretty lost in thought over there."
I bit my lip, trying to come up with a coherent response. "Honestly, I'm not sure. It's a bit abstract for my liking."
Nick nodded in understanding, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. "Yeah, I get that. Sometimes these theories can feel a bit...out there."
His playful tone sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but meet his gaze head-on, the air between us suddenly charged with tension. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though we were the only two people in the world, lost in our own little bubble of shared laughter and lingering glances.
As the hours slipped by and the library grew quiet around us, I found myself drawn to Nick in a way I couldn't quite explain. Maybe it was the late hour or the adrenaline of exam season, but something about the way he looked at me made my heart race and my palms grow clammy with anticipation.
And as we packed up our belongings and made our way out into the cool night air, I couldn't shake the feeling that our study session had been about so much more than just academic pursuits.
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The anticipation buzzed in the air as I made my way to the University of Michigan hockey arena, the excitement palpable with each step I took. It was game day, and as I navigated through the throngs of enthusiastic fans decked out in maize and blue, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for my friend Nick and the rest of the Wolverines team.
As I settled into my seat, the energy of the crowd enveloped me, filling me with a sense of exhilaration unlike anything I had ever experienced. The stadium lights illuminated the ice rink below, casting a mesmerizing glow over the gleaming surface, and I found myself holding my breath in anticipation of the game to come.
And then, as if on cue, the players burst onto the ice, their skates slicing through the frozen surface with effortless grace. Among them was Nick, clad in his signature jersey and helmet, his eyes focused and determined as he prepared to face off against the opposing team.
I couldn't tear my gaze away as the game unfolded before me, each play more thrilling than the last. From bone-rattling body checks to lightning-fast slap shots, the action was relentless, keeping me on the edge of my seat with every twist and turn.
And through it all, Nick was a force to be reckoned with, his skill and athleticism shining brightly as he darted across the ice, deftly maneuvering the puck with precision and finesse. With each pass and shot, he seemed to defy gravity, his movements fluid and effortless as he propelled the puck towards the opposing team's goal.
As the game reached its climax, with the score tied and the tension mounting, I found myself cheering louder than ever, my heart pounding in time with the thunderous roar of the crowd. And when Nick scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the game, sending the arena into a frenzy of cheers and applause, I couldn't help but leap to my feet in sheer elation.
Amidst the jubilant celebrations that followed, I made my way down to the ice, eager to congratulate Nick on his stellar performance. And as he skated over to greet me, his face flushed with exertion and his eyes shining with excitement, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for my friend and all that he had accomplished.
"Great game, Nick!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my enthusiasm as I wrapped him in a tight hug.
Nick grinned, his breath coming in short gasps as he returned the embrace. "Thanks, Y/N," he replied, his voice hoarse with emotion. “I’m glad you came.”
Nick's gratitude washed over me like a warm wave, filling me with a sense of contentment that I hadn't realized I was searching for. His words echoed in my mind, each syllable imbued with a depth of emotion that tugged at my heartstrings in the most unexpected way.
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I pulled back slightly to meet Nick's gaze. "Of course, Nick," I replied, my own voice filled with genuine affection. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. You played amazing out there."
Nick's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with appreciation. "Thanks, Y/N," he said, his voice soft and sincere. "Having you here means a lot to me. It's like having my own personal cheering section."
I laughed, the sound bubbling up from deep within me. "Well, consider me your number one fan," I declared, playfully nudging him with my elbow. "I'll be here cheering you on every step of the way."
As we stood there, basking in the afterglow of the game and the warmth of each other's company, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between us. There was a newfound closeness, an unspoken bond that seemed to transcend the confines of friendship and venture into uncharted territory.
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I fumbled through my pockets, panic rising in my chest as I realized that my dorm key was nowhere to be found. With a sinking feeling, I recalled setting it down on the coffee table in my friend's dorm room across campus earlier that evening. It was already late at night, and the thought of trekking all the way back across campus to retrieve it was daunting, to say the least.
"Shit," I yelled, frustration boiling over as I glanced at my watch, the hands ticking closer and closer to midnight. How could I have been so careless?
Just then, I heard footsteps approaching from down the hall, and before I knew it, Nick appeared in the doorway, concern etched across his features.
"Y/N, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with worry as he took in my distressed expression.
I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair in frustration. "I forgot my dorm key at Sarah's place across campus," I admitted, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks. "And now it's too late to go back and get it."
Nick frowned sympathetically, his brow furrowing in thought. "That sucks," he said, his voice tinged with empathy. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
I shook my head, feeling a pang of guilt for inconveniencing him. "I don't want to bother you, Nick," I replied, my voice tinged with regret. "It's my own fault for being so forgetful."
But Nick simply waved off my protests, his expression determined. "Nonsense," he declared, his eyes sparkling with determination."I'm not letting you wander around campus alone in the middle of the night. Besides, my dorm is just down the hall. You can crash on my couch for the night."
I blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his unexpected offer. "Are you sure?" I asked, feeling a rush of gratitude wash over me.
Nick nodded, a reassuring smile gracing his lips. "Absolutely," he replied, his voice warm and sincere. "Consider it a sleepover. We'll watch some cheesy movies, raid the vending machine for snacks, and before you know it, morning will be here and you can go get your key."
His words filled me with a sense of relief, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for my friend and his unwavering kindness. "Thank you, Nick," I said, my voice soft with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you."
Nick grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You don't have to thank me," he replied, his tone gentle. "That's what friends are for, right?"
"Right," I echoed softly, my voice tinged with gratitude. But beneath the surface, I couldn't help but feel a subtle shift in the air, a flutter of something unfamiliar stirring in the depths of my heart.
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As the movie played in the background, the dim light casting a cozy glow over Nick's dorm room, I couldn't help but notice the oversized hoodie I was wearing. It was soft and warm, the fabric carrying a faint scent of Nick's cologne that enveloped me like a comforting embrace.
"Hey, you're wearing my clothes," Nick remarked with a playful grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he gestured towards the hoodie I had borrowed.
I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my cheeks as I glanced down at myself, suddenly self-conscious under his scrutiny. "Sorry for borrowing your clothes," I murmured, feeling a pang of guilt for invading his personal space.
But Nick simply waved off my apology, his expression warm and reassuring. "Don't be," he replied, his voice gentle. "You look great in them."
His words caught me off guard, sending a rush of warmth flooding through me. In that moment, bathed in the soft glow of the TV and surrounded by the comforting scent of Nick's cologne, I couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness that went beyond mere friendship.
And as we settled back into the couch, our shoulders brushing against each other in the intimate space, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between us, something unspoken and electric that lingered in the air like static electricity.
As the movie wound down and the credits rolled, Nick stretched his arms above his head, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "Well, I think it's about time I hit the hay," he said, glancing at the clock on the wall. "Got an early practice tomorrow."
I nodded in understanding, the warmth of the hoodie he lent me providing a sense of comfort as I curled up on the couch. "Yeah, I should probably get some sleep too," I replied, stifling a yawn.
Nick bid me goodnight with a gentle smile before disappearing into his bedroom, leaving me alone in the dimly lit living room. I closed my eyes, hoping to drift off into a peaceful slumber, but as the minutes ticked by, sleep eluded me.
Suddenly, a shiver ran down my spine as a vivid nightmare gripped my subconscious, sending me tumbling into a world of darkness and fear. I jolted awake, my heart pounding in my chest as I struggled to catch my breath, the remnants of the nightmare still haunting me.
Without hesitation, I sprang from the couch and made my way to Nick's bedroom, my pulse racing with a mixture of fear and desperation. I knocked softly on the door, my voice trembling as I called out his name.
"Nick?" I whispered, my hand hovering uncertainly over the doorknob. "Can I come in?"
The door creaked open, revealing Nick's concerned expression as he peered at me from the darkness of his room. "Y/N, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I recounted the terrifying nightmare that had shaken me to the core. Without hesitation, Nick pulled me into his embrace, his arms wrapping around me in a comforting cocoon of warmth and safety.
"It's okay, Y/N," he murmured, his voice soothing and reassuring. "You're safe now. I'm here."
And as we settled into his bed, our bodies pressed close together in the darkness, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me
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As I blinked away the remnants of sleep, the warmth of the bed enveloping me in its comforting embrace, I couldn't shake the feeling of confusion that lingered in the air. Where was I? And why did everything feel so... different?
As I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, it dawned on me—I was in Nick's bed. Memories of the night before flooded back, the nightmare that had shaken me awake, and Nick's comforting presence as he held me close, soothing away my fears.
But as I looked around the room, I realized that I was alone. Nick was nowhere to be seen, leaving me feeling a pang of disappointment and confusion. Had it all been a dream?
Without hesitation, I reached for my phone, my fingers trembling as I typed out a quick message to my friends, recounting the events of the night before and the unsettling feeling of waking up alone in Nick's bed.
But as I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up, the sound of the front door opening caught my attention, sending a rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. Was it Nick? And if so, where had he been all morning?
My heart pounded in my chest as I approached the doorway, the anticipation almost overwhelming. And then, as I stepped into the living room, my eyes widened in surprise at the sight before me.
There, standing in the doorway with a sheepish grin on his face, was Nick. He was clad in a rumpled t-shirt and sweatpants, his hair tousled from sleep and a guilty look in his eyes.
"Hey, Y/N," he greeted, his voice tinged with nervousness. "I, uh, didn't mean to leave you alone this morning. I had to run out for a bit, but I'm back now."
I blinked in confusion, unsure of how to respond to his sudden reappearance. "Oh," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "That's okay. I, uh, was just... surprised to wake up alone."
Nick's expression softened, a hint of regret flickering across his features. "I'm sorry," he said, his tone sincere. "I should've let you know where I was going. I just went to get your key.”
As Nick's words washed over me, a wave of relief flooded my senses. The tension that had been coiling in my chest loosened, replaced by a sense of gratitude for his thoughtfulness and consideration.
"You went to get my key?" I repeated, my voice tinged with disbelief. "But... why?"
Nick shrugged sheepishly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I know how much you hate running across campus alone, especially at night," he admitted, his tone earnest. "And after everything that happened last night, I just wanted to make sure you didn't have to go through that again."
His words struck a chord deep within me, stirring a swell of emotion that threatened to overwhelm me. Here was Nick, going out of his way to ensure my safety and well-being, even after a night that had undoubtedly left him exhausted and drained.
"Thank you, Nick," I said, my voice soft with emotion. "I... I don't know what to say."
Nick smiled, his eyes lighting up with genuine warmth. "You don't have to say anything," he replied, his tone gentle. "Just knowing that you're safe is enough for me."
Feeling Nick's arms wrap around me, pulling me into a warm embrace, I couldn't help but let out a shaky sigh of relief. His presence was like a comforting anchor in the midst of uncertainty, grounding me and soothing away the lingering traces of fear and doubt.
For a moment, we stood there, locked in a tight embrace, our bodies pressed close together as if seeking solace in each other's warmth. And as I buried my face in Nick's shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne, I felt a sense of peace settle over me like a soft blanket.
"Thank you, Nick," I murmured, my voice muffled against his chest. "For everything."
Nick squeezed me tighter, his grip firm and reassuring. "Anytime, Y/N," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear. "I'll always be here for you."
And in that moment, surrounded by the gentle rhythm of Nick's heartbeat and the warmth of his embrace, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, as long as I had Nick by my side, I would never have to face them alone. With him, I felt safe, cherished, and utterly, unquestionably loved.
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The euphoria of victory pulsed through the air as Nick and his teammates celebrated their triumph on the ice. The cheers of the crowd still echoed in his ears as he made his way through the bustling streets of campus, the adrenaline of the game fueling his every step.
But amidst the jubilant celebrations and congratulatory pats on the back, Nick couldn't shake the feeling of restlessness that gnawed at his insides. Despite the victory, despite the adulation of the fans and the pride of his teammates, there was a sense of emptiness that lingered beneath the surface—a void that seemed impossible to fill.
So, without giving it a second thought, Nick found himself wandering aimlessly through the familiar streets of campus, the cool night air washing over him like a balm for his weary soul. With each step, he felt the weight of the world lifting from his shoulders, replaced by a sense of freedom and exhilaration unlike anything he had ever experienced.
And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, Nick found himself standing before Y/N's doorstep, his heart pounding in his chest as he hesitated for just a moment before reaching out to knock.
The sound of his knuckles rapping against the wood echoed through the stillness of the night, sending a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. What was he doing here? What had possessed him to seek out Y/N in the dead of night, with no explanation and no plan?
But before he could second-guess himself any further, the door swung open, revealing Y/N's surprised expression as she took in the sight of him standing on her doorstep, breathless and disheveled from the night's festivities.
"Nick?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock. "What are you doing here?"
Nick's throat felt dry as he struggled to find the right words, his mind racing a mile a minute as he searched for an explanation. "I... I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I needed to see you."
Y/N's expression softened, a hint of concern flickering across her features. "Are you okay?" she asked, reaching out to gently touch his arm.
Nick nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I think so," he replied, his voice steadier now. "I just... I wanted to be with you."
As Y/N ushered Nick inside, a surge of tension crackled in the air between them, palpable and electric. There was a raw vulnerability in the way Nick looked at her, his gaze searching hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.
"Thanks," Nick muttered, his voice husky with emotion as he stumbled into the warmth of Y/N's apartment. "I appreciate it."
Y/N nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she guided him to the couch, his movements unsteady and uncertain. She couldn't help but notice the way his hand lingered against hers, the heat of his touch searing her skin even through the fabric of her clothes.
As she settled Nick onto the couch, a flood of conflicting emotions washed over Y/N—concern for his well-being, frustration at his reckless behavior, and a simmering undercurrent of something more, something she couldn't quite put into words.
"Here," she murmured, her voice soft as she handed him a bucket in case he needed it. "You should probably drink some water and try to get some rest."
Nick nodded gratefully, his gaze lingering on Y/N's face for a moment longer than necessary. "Thanks, Y/N," he said, his voice hoarse with gratitude. "You're too good to me."
Y/N forced a smile, her heart twisting with a mixture of longing and regret. "It's no problem," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just... try not to make a habit of it, okay?"
Y/N's heart clenched as she watched Nick settle onto the couch, his features softened by the haze of alcohol. She wanted to reach out, to erase the troubled lines from his forehead, but she held herself back, the tension between them too thick to ignore.
"Goodnight, Nick," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mixture of concern and hesitation. "Call out if you need anything, okay?"
Nick nodded, his eyes heavy with exhaustion as he mumbled a barely coherent reply. And with a heavy heart, Y/N turned away, retreating to the solitude of her bedroom, where she could grapple with the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume her.
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But just as she was drifting off to sleep, a loud retching sound shattered the silence of the night, sending a jolt of panic coursing through her veins. With a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, Y/N bolted upright, her heart hammering in her chest as she rushed to Nick's side.
"Nick, are you okay?" she asked, her voice trembling with worry as she knelt beside him on the couch.
Nick groaned, his face pale and clammy as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "I... I think I puked," he admitted, his voice thick with shame.
Y/N's heart went out to him, her own discomfort forgotten in the face of his distress. "It's okay," she reassured him, her voice soft and soothing. "Let's get you cleaned up."
Together, they worked in silence, Y/N fetching cleaning supplies while Nick slumped against the cushions, his face drawn with exhaustion and embarrassment. And as they scrubbed away the evidence of his indiscretion, a quiet understanding passed between them, unspoken but palpable.
"I'm sorry," Nick whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of running water. "I didn't mean to..."
Y/N placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch a silent reassurance that he was not alone. "It's okay," she replied, her voice filled with compassion. "We all make mistakes. What's important is that you're okay."
As Y/N finished cleaning up the mess, she turned to Nick, her expression soft with concern. "Nick, do you want to take a shower?" she asked gently, her voice filled with compassion. "I can go grab you some fresh clothes while you clean up."
Nick nodded weakly, gratitude shining in his eyes as he met her gaze. "That... that would be great," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
With a reassuring smile, Y/N helped Nick to his feet and guided him towards the bathroom, her hand a steady anchor against his trembling frame. She couldn't help but feel a surge of sympathy for him, his vulnerability tugging at her heartstrings in a way she couldn't quite explain.
"Here, I'll go grab you some clothes," she said, her voice gentle as she squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Just take your time in the shower, okay? I'll be right back."
*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*
As Y/N slipped into Nick's dorm room, the air felt charged with anticipation, her heart pounding in her chest with a mixture of nerves and excitement. She had come here with a singular purpose—to retrieve some clothes for Nick—but as she stepped inside, her gaze fell upon something unexpected.
There, sitting on Nick's desk, was a small velvet box, its lid slightly ajar to reveal the glint of polished metal within. Curiosity piqued, Y/N approached the desk, her fingers trembling as she reached out to lift the lid.
And then, as she gazed upon the delicate piece of jewelry nestled within the box, her breath caught in her throat. It was a dahlia pendant, its petals crafted from shimmering silver and adorned with tiny sparkling diamonds. It was exquisite, a breathtaking work of art that seemed to shimmer and dance in the dim light of the room.
As Y/N's eyes fell upon the exquisite dahlia pendant nestled within the box, her breath caught in her throat. The pendant glimmered in the dim light of the room, its delicate petals crafted from shimmering silver and adorned with tiny sparkling diamonds. It was a breathtaking work of art, a testament to Nick's thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
But as quickly as her eyes had landed on the pendant, Y/N felt a pang of guilt wash over her. She had never intended to stumble upon such a personal and intimate gift, and the realization that she had inadvertently invaded Nick's privacy filled her with a sense of unease.
With trembling hands, Y/N carefully closed the lid of the box, her heart heavy with regret. She had no right to pry into Nick's personal affairs, no right to intrude upon the sanctity of his space. And as she turned to leave the room, her mind filled with conflicting emotions, she vowed to keep the discovery to herself, to respect Nick's privacy and his right to keep his secrets.
Y/N reentered the room, her heart still fluttering with the weight of what she had discovered, yet determined to maintain a facade of normalcy. "I got your clothes," she announced softly, holding out the bundle she had retrieved from Nick's closet.
Nick looked up, a grateful smile spreading across his face as he accepted the clothes from her outstretched hand. "Thanks, Y/N," he murmured, his voice hoarse with gratitude.
Y/N returned his smile, though her mind was still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. She couldn't help but steal a glance at the closed box on Nick's desk, the image of the dahlia pendant etched into her memory.
But she quickly pushed aside her curiosity, focusing instead on the task at hand—helping Nick get cleaned up and settled for the night. With practiced ease, she guided him towards the bathroom once more, offering him a reassuring smile as she left him to his privacy.
*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*
As Y/N entered the living room, her steps cautious and tentative, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at her insides. Nick was still there, slumbering peacefully on the couch, his features softened by the light of the morning sun.
With a heavy sigh, Y/N approached him, her heart aching with a mixture of concern and affection. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for leaving him alone on the couch all night, but the events of the previous evening had left her emotionally drained and uncertain of how to proceed.
"Nick?" she murmured softly, reaching out to gently shake his shoulder. "Are you awake?"
Nick stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he blinked up at her in confusion. "Y/N?" he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. "What time is it?"
Y/N checked her phone, noting the time with a furrowed brow. "It's almost noon," she replied, her voice tinged with concern. "You've been asleep for hours."
Nick groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he sat up on the couch. "Sorry," he muttered, his voice sheepish. "I must have passed out."
Y/N shook her head, offering him a reassuring smile. "It's okay," she said, her tone gentle. "You needed the rest."
Nick nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thanks, Y/N," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "For everything."
Y/N returned his smile, her heart swelling with warmth at the sight of him. "Anytime, Nick," she replied, her voice soft. "Anytime."
As Nick rubbed the sleep from his eyes, Y/N couldn't help but notice the fatigue etched into his features. "You look exhausted," she remarked, her concern deepening. "Did you sleep okay?"
Nick nodded, though there was a hint of hesitation in his response. "Yeah, I guess so," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I just... I've been feeling a bit off lately."
Y/N's brow furrowed with worry as she took in Nick's weary demeanor. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Nick hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering away before meeting hers once more. "It's just... everything feels so overwhelming sometimes," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like I'm constantly struggling to keep up, to meet everyone's expectations. And... I don't know, I guess I'm just tired of pretending like I have it all together when I really don't."
Y/N's heart ached at the raw vulnerability in Nick's words, the weight of his struggles evident in every syllable. Without hesitation, she wrapped him in a comforting embrace, holding him close as if to shield him from the world's harsh realities.
"You don't have to pretend with me, Nick," she murmured, her voice soft with understanding. "You can be yourself, flaws and all. I'll still be here for you, no matter what."
Nick's shoulders sagged with relief as he leaned into her embrace, the weight of his burdens momentarily lifted in the warmth of her presence. "Thank you, Y/N," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Y/N held him tighter, her own heart swelling with affection for the man who had unwittingly stolen it.
*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*
As Y/N made her way to the arena, her heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. It was the biggest game of the season—a chance for Nick and his teammates to prove themselves before the playoffs—and she was determined to be there to show her support.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, the air crackling with energy as the crowd roared with excitement. Y/N couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as she watched Nick take to the ice, his determination evident in every stride.
As the game unfolded, Y/N found herself on the edge of her seat, her heart pounding in time with each pass and shot. The tension in the air was palpable, each moment filled with the promise of victory or the threat of defeat.
And then, in the final moments of the game, with the score tied and the clock ticking down, Nick seized his opportunity. With a burst of speed and skill, he maneuvered past the opposing defense, his stick connecting with the puck in a perfect shot that sailed past the goalie and into the back of the net.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game and a hard-fought victory for Nick and his teammates. Y/N couldn't contain her excitement as she joined in the celebration, her heart soaring with pride for the man she had come to care for so deeply.
As the players made their way off the ice, Y/N caught sight of Nick making his way towards her, a triumphant smile on his face. He pulled her into a tight embrace, his joy infectious as he spun her around in a whirl of excitement.
"We did it, Y/N," he exclaimed, his voice filled with elation. "We won!"
Y/N laughed, her own happiness bubbling over as she returned Nick's embrace. "I knew you could do it," she replied, her voice filled with pride. "I'm so proud of you, Nick."
Nick's smile widened at her words, his eyes shining with gratitude and affection. "Thanks, Y/N," he replied, his voice tinged with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Y/N's heart skipped a beat at his words, her smile widening as she gazed up at him. There was a warmth in Nick's eyes, a tenderness that spoke volumes without him having to say a word. In that moment, she felt closer to him than ever before, their bond strengthened by the shared experience of victory and celebration.
As the crowd began to thin out and the arena emptied, Nick turned to Y/N with a serious expression, a hint of nervousness flickering in his eyes. "Y/N, there's something I want to talk to you about," he said, his voice low with intensity. "Something important."
Y/N's curiosity was piqued, her pulse quickening with anticipation. "What is it?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Nick glanced around the nearly empty arena, his expression serious. "Can we talk after I get out of the locker room?" he asked, his voice tinged with urgency. "It's... it's something I've been wanting to say for a while now."
Y/N nodded, a sense of excitement tingling in her veins. "Of course," she replied, her heart pounding with anticipation.
*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*
As Y/N waited outside the locker room, her anticipation grew with each passing moment. She couldn't shake the feeling of nervous excitement that coursed through her veins, her heart pounding in her chest as she wondered what Nick wanted to tell her.
Finally, the door swung open, and Nick emerged from the locker room, his expression serious yet determined. Without a word, he gestured for Y/N to follow him, leading her to a quiet corner of the arena away from prying eyes and curious onlookers.
Once they were alone, Nick turned to face Y/N, his gaze searching hers with a mixture of apprehension and longing. "Y/N," he began, his voice soft but filled with emotion. "There's something I need to tell you. Something I should have said a long time ago."
Y/N's heart skipped a beat at the seriousness in Nick's tone, her pulse quickening with anticipation. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nick took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers as he spoke. "I love you, Y/N," he confessed, his voice raw with emotion. "I've loved you for as long as I can remember, and I can't imagine my life without you."
Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes as she took in Nick's words, her heart overflowing with emotion. She had waited so long to hear him say those three simple words, and now that he had, she felt like she was floating on air.
"Oh Nick," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I love you too."
Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace as she buried her face in his chest. In that moment, surrounded by the quiet of the empty arena and the warmth of Nick's embrace, Y/N felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
And then, as they stood there together in the quiet of the arena, Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. With trembling hands, he opened it to reveal the dahlia pendant, its delicate petals gleaming in the dim light.
"I want you to have this," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "As a reminder of my love for you, and everything we've been through together."
Tears streamed down Y/N's cheeks as she reached out to take the pendant, her fingers trembling with emotion. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.
Nick smiled, a tender expression on his face as he gently fastened the pendant around Y/N's neck. "Just like you," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
I got a little too carried away when writing this. oh well, who doesnt love moldy
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How To Play The Revolution
So: I do not like the idea of TTRPGs making formal mechanics designed to incentivise ethical play.
But, to be honest, I do not like the idea of any single game pushing any particular formal mechanics about ethical play at all.
So here I am, trying to think through the reasons why, and proposing a solution. (Sort of. A procedure, really.)
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Assumptions:
1.
Some genres of game resist ethical play. A grand strategy game dehumanises people into census data. The fun of a shooter is violence. This is truest in videogames, but applies to tabletop games also.
Games can question their own ethics, to an extent. Terra Nil is an anti-city-builder. But it is a management game at heart, so may elide critiques of "efficiency = virtue".
Not all games should try to design for ethical play. I believe games that incentivise "bad" behaviour have a lot to teach us about those behaviours, if you approach them with eyes open.
2.
The systems that currently govern our real lives are terrible: oligarchy, profit motive; patriarchy, nation-states, ethno-centrisms. They fuel our problems: class and sectarian strife, destruction of climate and people, spiritual desertification.
They are so total that the aspiration to ethical behaviour is subsumed by their logics. See: social enterprise; corpos and occupying forces flying rainbow flags; etc.
Nowadays, when I hear "ethical", I don't hear "we remember to be decent". I hear "we must work to be better". Good ethics is radical transformation.
3.
If a videogame shooter crosses a line for you, your only real response is to stop playing. This is true for other mechanically-bounded games, like CCGs or boardgames.
In TTRPGs, players have the innate capability to act as their own referees. (even in GM-ed games adjudications are / should be by consensus.) If you don't like certain aspects of a game, you could avoid it---but also you could change it.
Only in TTRPGs can you ditch basic rules of the game and keep playing.
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So:
D&D's rules are an engine for accumulation: more levels, more power, more stuff, more numbers going up.
If you build a subsystem in D&D for egalitarian action, but have to quantify it in ways legible to the game's other mechanical parts---what does that mean? Is your radical aspiration feeding into / providing cover for the game's underlying logics of accumulation?
At the very least it feels unsatisfactory---"non-representative of what critique / revolution entails as a rupture," to quote Marcia, in conversations we've been having around this subject, over on Discord.
How do we imagine and represent rupture, to the extent that the word "revolution" evokes?
My proposal: we rupture the game.
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How To Play The Revolution
Over the course of play, your player-characters have decided to begin a revolution:
An armed struggle against an invader; overturning a feudal hierarchy; a community-wide decision to abandon the silver standard.
So:
Toss out your rule book and sheets.
And then:
Keep playing.
You already know who your characters are: how they prefer to act; what they are capable of; how well they might do at certain tasks; what their context is. You and your group are quite capable of improv-ing what happens next.
Of course, this might be unsatisfactory; you are here to play a TTRPG, after all. Structures are fun. Therefore:
Decide what the rules of your game will be, going forward.
Which rules you want to keep. Which you want to discard. Jury-rig different bits from different games. Shoe-horn a tarot deck into a map-making game---play that. Be as comprehensive or as freeform as you like. Patchwork and house-rule the mechanics of your new reality.
The god designer will not lead you to the revolution. You broke the tyranny of their design. You will lead yourself. You, as a group, together. The revolution is DIY.
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Notes:
This is mostly a thought experiment into a personal obsession. I am genuinely tempted to write a ruleset just so I can stick the above bit into it as a codified procedure.
I am tickled to imagine how the way this works may mirror the ways revolutions have played out in history.
A group might already have alternative ruleset in mind, that they want to replace the old ruleset with wholesale. A vanguard for their preferred system.
Things could happen piecemeal, progressively. Abandon fiat currency and a game's equipment price list. Adopt pacifism and replace the combat system with an alternative resolution mechanic. As contradictions pile up, do you continue, or revert?
Discover that the shift is too uncomfortable, too unpredictable, and default back to more familiar rules. The old order reacting, reasserting itself.
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I keep returning to this damn idea, of players crossing thresholds between rulesets through the course of play. The Revolution is a rupture of ethical reality like Faerie or the Zone is a rupture in geography.
But writing all this down is primarily spurred by this post from Sofinho talking about his game PARIAH and the idea that "switching games/systems mid-session" is an opportunity to explore different lives and ethics:
Granted this is not an original conceit (I'm not claiming to have done anything not already explored by Plato or Zhuangzi) but I think it's a fun possibility to present to your players: dropping into a parallel nightmare realm where their characters can lead different lives and chase different goals.
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Jay Dragon tells me she is already exploring this idea in a new game, Seven Part Pact:
"the game mechanics are downright oppressive but also present the capacity to sunder them utterly, so the only way to behave ethically is to reject the rules of the game and build something new."
VINDICATION! If other designers are also thinking along these lines this means the idea isn't dumb and I'm not alone!
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( Images:
https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/developer-diary/victoria-3-dev-diary-23-fronts-and-generals.1497106/
https://www.thestranger.com/race/2017/04/05/25059127/if-you-give-a-cop-a-pepsi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WarGames
https://nobonzo.com/
https://pangroksulap.com/about/ )
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I know the writing in Milgram has issues with ableism itself, it's by no means perfect, but as a system who struggled deeply with a persecutor who I felt ruined my life without my control, I have genuinely never resonated with a fictional system until I came across Mikoto. People in this fandom have got to be more mature when discussing Mikoto, and understand that his writing is not going to cater to everyone, or make sense to everyone (all systems are different after all). If you don't like it or don't agree, that's okay, but please don't be an asshole to the people who find genuine representation and comfort in him. Especially don't say anything if you are not a system yourself, this is not your conversation.
The fact that Yamanaka choose to depict Mikoto's character so viscerally violent and uncomfortable is one of my favorite parts. Because this disorder is not pretty, it's not fun, it's not trendy: it's incredibly scary to live with at first and it can genuinely destroy and end people's lives. I don't want to see it depicted in a romanticizable or pretty way that's easy to swallow. Because I know that's what people really want, because this fandom is so obsessed with shipping. Yes, it sucks that Mikoto is another "murderer with DID" trope, but his writing is more nuanced than just that. So please be respectful in the way you talk about his system, system yourself or not, because some aspects of his character are real things that real people have genuinely lived through. 👍
At the end of the day, he isn't real and you shouldn't treat him as if he is, but the systems out there reading your posts are real and we remember the way you speak about our disorder.
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CW: suicide, commitment, psychosis
My sibling is someone who unequivocally says being committed saved their life and was not inherently traumatic outside of the extremely traumatic mental health crisis that led to it. (However, our local psych ER/psych inpatient is probably one of the better ones and does not use any kind of restraints or force medication. They seem to have an okay track record explaining what the pills are and asking if the person can try them, which I get can still be coercive in some cases, but worked well with my sibling. Also, I was visiting them as much as I could every day, which they found really helpful, and I could keep my eye out for any issues.)
My sibling (~30) had a severe psychotic episode that doesn't quite fit any current DSM diagnosis. They went 0 to 100 from no suicidal ideation to actively attempting suicide in front of me due to delusions about being hunted by supernatural entities who would torture them. They finally could not sleep for days, and therefore I could not go to sleep because they'd try to kill themself. They were not dangerous to me intentionally, but one or both of us could have been hurt by me trying to take a weapon from them. They could not think at all outside of panic and delusions and had no short term memory, so they describe themself as having been incapable of understanding their condition. They weren't able to engage with any social interventions, because how would you have the time or bandwidth if you were living in terror of demons about to torture you and couldn't remember conversations from an hour ago?
They went to the hospital voluntarily after being stopped from attempting, but then they were committed because of aforementioned memory issues when they shortly informed the doctors they had to leave and kill themself. In a moment of lucidity, they were glad to be there, but they just couldn't stay lucid from moment to moment. Trying to get outpatient help in the weeks all this was escalating had been fruitless, with a lot of dismissive assholes, but these particular inpatient docs actually cared and asked how they were doing and figured out a dose of antipsychotics that made it all just... stop like a switch had been flipped.
Once they weren't operating under the terrifying delusions, they 100% did not want to die and were so relieved I stopped them and got help from others when it was becoming too dangerous to us both for me to intervene alone. I get that this kind of crisis is really different from living with chronic suicidal ideation or depression, which is something I personally deal with on a low level, but it was a genuine, terrifying situation where someone's expressed wishes were the opposite of what they wanted when they could understand their situation more fully.
I am allowed to share this, but if this is somehow not on anon, please delete it. Stigma about psychosis is REAL.
Yo this is super helpful, thank you for sharing. One of the trickier aspects of upholding disabled people's autonomy and taking a harm reductionist approach to suicide and self-harm is the fact that people in a state of psychosis may temporarily want something they would otherwise never want.
Though with some experience working through it with a caring and informed support network, it is possible to stand in for the person's stated desires and help them get through the period of lacking lucidity -- and of course psychosis can become a lot less destabilizing with time. i know someone who relies on a close friend to help ground them when they're having delusions and hallucinations -- a quick phone call is now enough to convince them they don't need to kill themselves, but that's after years of getting used to having psychotic states.
glad you and your sibling found solutions and made it through this okay.
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okay fine, Murder at homecoming, YOU WIN
so i finally finished MaH after putting off continuing past chapter 1 since like...february and, i almost used this book as a diamond mine cause i preemptively was like "this looks lame 😒"
... i came, i laughed, i gasped, i yelled, i cried and i left... then i CAME BACK BECAUSE HOLY MOTHER OF REPLAY-ABILITY BATMAN🥲
but no this book hits right where it needed too. I know one of the biggest upsets people have with MaH is A) the villain being guessable and B) not solving Perdita's disappearance and sorta C/ B.2) it being a standalone. and imo for A, that's up to you to feel that way. imo cause choices is a visual form of content, it's kinda hard to have genuinely surprising "twist" villains cause the visuals already clue you into who done-did it unless they pull the twist straight out they ass(i feel this way about movies and shows too. the only way surprises genuinely get me is in books or podcasts, so non visual entertainment)
and B/C, i actually think NOT solving perdita's story AND making it a standalone was actually very mature of PB (first and possibly last time i'll ever say that in this day and age 💀). it's possible they might've made it their next teen drama series if they had the budget. But unfortunately it's honestly realistic. unfortunately a lot of women go missing and rarely do they get found alive and in a short amount of time (esp if you have as a bipoc mc/ perdita). it's an extremely tragic cookie crumble that unfortunately a lot of mysteries in our lives often take us our entire lives to solve and a lot of them we'll never solve in our lifetime. it's a great paradox / parallel to gabbie's death. it took us all of say 4/5 months (cause in the US, most schools go on winter break in late December) to solve with justice being fairly swift, fair, and harsh but unfortunately a lot of victims don't get their day for a long while, if ever. it's a healthy ying and yang of enjoying fictional justice but it being unrealistic with acknowledging the devastation of losing real victims while acknowledging those lost and their unsung stories that we should never completely give up on their days to come. (ofc however, i hc that perdita is still alive and uncovered corruption in the city and knew that making her family deal with legal repercussions would make their lives more difficult and be ostracized by the elites of Beachwood, so she just left and changed her identity. i like to think she did it also cause MC deserved to have a normal teenhood and not be ousted for her actions)
also i love the open and candid conversations around the treatment of queer children, bipoc mistreatment , misogyny, sa and grief. idk why but the ability to choose if you'd experienced homophobia/ transphobia based on your pronouns and who you've romanced, and tyler talking about thinking he was straight before meeting us (i had a masc body) idk why but i like that touch. i feel like PB kinda grazes over the aspect of being queer / trans and the concept of love, coming out, and society acceptance when your same sex romancing/ nonbinary so it's real shocking when they actually..idk address that thing😭. it's nice to have characters acknowledging their sexuality rather then just be automatically playersexual and everyone around them is just immediately accepting/ suddenly bigotry just seems to evaporate for mc's life/ society
also also, WE CAN BE POLY AND LIKE ITS CALLED POLY AND EVERYONE IS HAPPY AND THE LI WE DON'T CHOOSE AREN'T FORCED ONTO US/ GIVEN AS A OPTION
smaller things: i like the heavy usage of sound effects, idk why but i do. i like the flashbacks into mc's and perdita's relationship, the mix of free and paid clues that are non linear, STEVIE (yes she needs her own category)
overall: 9.2/10. i really like this book, it's going on my personal shelf next to the likes of crimes of passion (minus proposal...), Queen B, big sky country, blood bound, immortal desires 1, and with every heartbeat for my good book shelf
#PLS give MaH the fandom she DESERVES#pixelberry#choices#choices stories we play#playchoices#choices stories you play#murder at homecoming
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My Top 10 Sulemio moments
It's been a whole week now since our girls' story ended but the brain rot remains, so I'm listing out my favourite Sulemio moments from the show.
List is going under the read more because it is long and has many images.
Number 10 is this small conversation from Episode 9 between Suletta and Shaddiq. The reason I love this so much is that it’s the first time that Suletta really takes pride in the fact that she’s Miorine’s groom. A lot of people are of the belief that Suletta first starts really developing romantic feelings for Miorine after Episode 7, and I think this scene really highlights that change in Suletta’s feelings.
The other noteworthy thing here is that it really illustrates the difference between Suletta and most of the other people in Miorine’s life which is that she actually trusts Miorine to make her own decisions.
Number 9 is the late-night conversation between Suletta and Miorine in Episode 4. I love this scene not just because it’s the first time where they really start to learn more about each other, but also because it does set up the parts of their character that would cause problems for them later. Suletta is proud to carry the expectations of Mercury because she loves the idea that she can be useful to them, whereas Miorine thinks it’s an unfair burden to carry. It’s a nice set-up for the later drama to come when these two aspects of their personalities clash.
And this is something that I really love about Suletta and Miorine’s relationship. When there is friction between them, it always comes from a place that is true to the characters rather than the drama coming from forced “misunderstandings.”
Also, there’s only one bed in Miorine’s living area and Suletta certainly wasn’t leaving to go back to whether she slept before she joined up with Earth House that late at night. They 100% shared that bed.
Speaking of friction between the two characters, here’s Number 8 on the list, the Greenhouse conversation from Episode 16.
I find Miorine’s desperation in this scene to be really heartbreaking, she’s looking for any sign, no matter how small, that Suletta might go against Prospera’s wishes if the circumstances were right, but Suletta’s still in too deep at this point. The fact that Miorine is visibly hurt by the conversation here says so much, considering how far she’s previously gone to maintain her composure. Even during the big emotional moment in Episode 11, she doesn’t want Suletta to see her cry, but here she genuinely breaks emotionally and can’t hold it in at all when Suletta admits that she would kill for her mother.
Number 7 is Suletta reaching Permet Score 5 and it’s a moment I love for more or less the same reason I love the previous scene, any scene where a normally stoic character really shows how much they care is an incredible scene in my opinion.
And of course, everything leading up that is excellent too. Miorine choosing to trust Suletta’s decision to pilot the Calibarn despite the very real dangers, even pushing to activate higher levels of Permet when the others were hesitating is a perfect display of Miorine’s faith in Suletta, and a perfect turnaround from her earlier, misguided attempt to protect Suletta from the Gundam’s Curse.
At Number 6 we have the moment that this show left me with permanent emotional scars.
Miorine forcing herself to abandon Suletta for “her own good” was always going to be heartbreaking, but they really twisted the knife by having Suletta fantasize about their perfect wedding while Miorine’s fingers hovered over the trigger. And then on top of all that, they just had to go and play the damn Happy Birthday song AND have Miorine tossing back cool-san! Like, they really stuck the boot in there.
Like, when I was re-watching the show, I have to admit I found it genuinely difficult to re-watch this scene again and that’s how you know it was really well done. Suletta begging for another chance while her entire life crumbles around her haunts me.
Show of hands, how many people started watching the show because of this exact scene? Cause seeing people talk about this moment was definitely what got me to watch the first episode.
Don’t think I have to elaborate too much on how good this scene is or what it means for their relationship, but I will say that Suletta’s reaction when she finds out she’s engaged is probably still my favourite Suletta face.
Also, Miorine completely sidestepping the potential “but we’re both girls tho?” drama by talking about how common gay marriage is was perfection.
More shows should have that amount of courage.
Number 4 is the happy ending. After everything these two went through over the course of the show and also some of the dumb stuff that was said about their relationship by real people, seeing them end the show married, in love and living their best lives was unbelievably cathartic.
Also, extra bonus points for having Suletta end the show disabled and not having it treated as an awful tragedy that mars the happy ending or having it be something that she can just overcome with sufficient willpower.
While I would have loved to have seen the wedding on-screen, the fact that we ended the show with married sapphic women in as big a franchise as Gundam is already pretty incredible.
Wedding OVA when tho?
At Number 3 we have Suletta and Miorine using healthy communication for the first time!
As I said earlier, one of the things I love about the relationship between Suletta and Miorine is that any drama between them is true to their characters, Suletta is insecure in her relationships and needs to feel “needed” to feel safety in those relationships and Miorine is cold and closed off emotionally since her upbringing makes it hard for her to trust. As such both of them have trouble communicating exactly how they feel.
That being said, in order to be truly great, conflict and drama needs to be followed up with by a satisfying resolution. And in terms of providing a satisfying resolution to all that drama, they absolutely knocked it out of the park in this scene. Miorine explaining to Suletta how much her life has been changed for the better since they met, actively working to accommodate Suletta’s desire to feel useful and asking to be together forever. Like everything here was exactly what it needed to be.
Also, as well-done as the emotions were here, it would be remiss of me not to mention the goofy looney tunes style chase scene that proceeded it was also brilliant.
The number 2 spot on the list goes to the formation of Gund-Arm inc.
When we meet Miorine she is very upfront that her one and only goal is to escape the Benerit Group and go to Earth. Although she passes up on the chance to escape from Earth to save Suletta in Episode 2, she’s still pretty clear about what her ultimate goal is. Although it goes unsaid for several episodes after this, this is the moment that Miorine decides that keeping Suletta safe is more important than making it to Earth by willingly tying herself to a Benerit Group company just to keep Suletta and Aerial safe. Even bowing before her father and begging for his help, probably the last thing that Miorine ever wanted to do, in order to make sure her plan worked. If this scene doesn’t illustrate just how much Miorine was in love with Suletta even at this early stage of the story, I don’t know what will.
In addition to the scene just being completely incredible in every way, the other reason it ends up so high on this list is because this scene marks a pretty clear turning point in Suletta’s feelings for Miorine. I think most people now, generally agree that this scene is probably where Suletta starts falling for Miorine for real, and after rewatching the show I think that idea comes across very clearly. From this point onward, Suletta clearly takes a lot more pride in her title of Groom, she’s a lot more openly affectionate towards Miorine, and also a lot more concerned about how Miorine perceives their relationship.
So yeah, awesome scene, huge turning point in their relationship, Number 2 spot.
And finally, we reach my number one favourite Sulemio scene, their reunion in Episode 22.
Just take everything that I said about the scene from Episode 11 and multiply it by 10. Suletta reappearing in Miorine’s darkest hour to remind her to keep moving forward was everything I needed after a rough couple of episodes for Miorine.
Also, the whole scene is just a perfect show of how Suletta developed over the course of the show. Suletta starts the show shy, insecure in her relationships, not particularly confident in her words, and following orders rather than working toward her own goals.
Here, Suletta is able to speak with complete confidence about how Miorine changed her life, about the things that she’s done wrong and the things she wants do better, and about her desires for the future.
Of all the scenes in this show, this is the one that had me tearing up the most, and for that, it absolutely deserves the number 1 spot on my list.
Also, that handholding. Hoo boy, that is the most emotionally intimate handholding I’ve seen in my life.
So yeah, that's my list of my favourite Sulemio moments. If your favourite scene wasn't one of the ones that made my list, then tell me about what made you love that scene so much because I love this show, and I love these characters and I will read anything about them.
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Your trusty sidekick!
Stray kids as your brother!
Hyung line, Maknae line
Stray kids masterlist
Your insights and reactions make these posts come alive. Love reblogs, comments, and all the good vibes welcome ✨
Han
Brother Han is the cutest and most caring brother you could ever meet. His warm smile is always present, radiating joy and comfort wherever he goes. He's the type of person who can talk endlessly, his mind brimming with ideas and thoughts that he loves to share. Conversations with him are never dull, as he brings a constant stream of interesting topics and lively discussions. Whenever he needs advice or an opinion, you're the first person he turns to, valuing your thoughts above all others. Han is also the perfect companion for a good gossip session. He’s always down to chat about anything and everything, making him an excellent confidant. His ability to listen attentively and engage deeply in conversations makes him not only a great brother but also a true friend. Whether you need to vent, share a secret, or simply enjoy a pleasant conversation, Han is always there, ready to listen and support you. On the other hand, you are his safe haven; he feels incredibly comfortable and trusts you deeply, just as you do with him more than anyone else on Earth. Indeed, he is the best brother.
He would pick you up wherever you’re going without hesitation, never showing any irritation, no matter how busy he is, because ensuring your safety is his priority. He’d patiently wait for you to arrive, and when you finally showed up, he’d greet you with a warm smile and a playful tease, "What's up? What took you so long, huh? I've had time to grow a bread waiting for you" He’d help you with your bag, effortlessly taking the weight off your shoulders, and ask with genuine interest, "How was it? Did everyone treat you well? If anyone treats you badly, I'll give them a face punch" He said with a grin. His concern for your well-being is always evident, making you feel valued and cared for. As you start to walk together, he’d flash another smile and say, "You must be starving, since your stomach is always hungry. How about we go to our favorite restaurant?" His thoughtful gesture of suggesting a meal at your favorite spot shows how much he knows and cares about you, always making sure you're comfortable and happy. His ability to combine care with a bit of humor makes every moment with him enjoyable and heartwarming.
Felix
Brother Felix is the sweetest brother ever. He spends a lot of time with you and is incredibly understanding. The bond you share is incredibly close; you know each other inside out, like reading an open book. He shares what he likes, and you do the same, resulting in both of you having similar interests because you are always so connected. Felix never hesitates to share every aspect of his life with you. He loves to text you just to share random thoughts, indulge in a bit of gossip, or check on how you're doing. His messages can range from the mundane to the deeply personal, but they always show how much he cares. Whether he's talking about his day, a new hobby he's picked up, or just something that made him laugh, he includes you in every part of his life. He's the kind of brother who genuinely misses you when you're not around. His affection is palpable, and he’s always eager to greet you with a warm hug when he finally sees you again. Felix’s hugs are like a comforting embrace that makes you feel cherished and loved.
Felix had been eagerly waiting for you, almost counting every minute until you returned from your business trip. Each day felt like an eternity without you around. When you finally opened the door, he greeted you with a wide grin and immediately enveloped you in a tight hug. "Finally," he said with palpable relief. "I swear, games aren't fun without you. I miss our game time together," he added with a chuckle, his eyes shining with happiness. He gently took your bags from you, his touch filled with care. "Are you tired? You look like you're about to collapse and go into hibernation," he teased, concern lacing his voice as he noticed the fatigue etched on your face. Watching as you threw yourself onto the bed, he chuckled softly. "Sleep then," he suggested warmly. "I'll get you something to eat later." With a tender smile, he covered you with a blanket, tucking it around you to ensure you were comfortable. As he stood by your side, his eyes softened, filled with affection. "I've missed you so much," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "Rest now. I'll be here when you wake up."
Seungmin
Having Seungmin as your brother means he will always be your number one judge, and his facial expressions never lie. He consistently tells you the truth, ensuring that you are the first to know if anything is wrong, shielding you from outside criticism in his unique way. His protective nature is subtle yet unwavering, always looking out for you without needing to vocalize it. He remembers every little thing you do and everything you want, a testament to how deeply he cares. Growing up together has forged a bond where he instinctively understands and supports you, making you feel secure and cherished. Even without words, his actions speak volumes about his love and commitment as your brother. Indeed, he is the embodiment of the perfect sibling, always there for you through thick and thin. He hates to admit it, but you have a soft spot in his heart—something he will never confess. Whenever you give him anything, he maintains a flat expression, yet every tiny little gift becomes his treasure, cherished long after you've forgotten about it yourself.
Going out with Seungmin and walking through a crowded place somehow makes you anxious, but you keep it to yourself. A few minutes later, Seungmin pulls you close, his eyes scanning the area for your favorite cake shop. "Stay close," he says, his tone protective yet light. "I told you today isn’t a good day for cake. When will you learn to listen to your brother?" He gives you a sassy look that only he can pull off. "Sit there and wait for me; I'll order for us," he continues, pointing to a small table in the corner. He guides you to the seat so you don’t have to stand in line, showing his thoughtfulness in every action. As you head towards the seat, he gives you a quick smile and a gentle pat on the head. "I'll be in line; text me if there's anything you want to talk about." he reassures you with a soft voice. His words and actions make you feel safe and understood, knowing that he’s always looking out for you. His presence is a comforting reminder that, despite the crowd and your anxiety, you are never alone. He’s not just your brother; he’s your guardian, your confidant, and your best friend.
Jeongin
Brother Jeongin loves to play around. He teases you endlessly, always coming up with new jokes and antics. His silly grin is a constant fixture, and he delights in disrupting your peaceful moments just to get a reaction. Despite these playful interruptions, his charm and warmth make him undeniably adorable. One of his favorite ways to annoy you is by stealing your food. It's not just about raiding the fridge when you're not looking—Jeongin will boldly take your food right in front of you and eat it in one bite, relishing your exasperated reaction. Yet, for all his teasing and food thievery, there's a special bond between you. You are the only person in the world with whom he would willingly share his food. Out of all the people he knows, no one else can touch his food—except you. Perhaps it's his unique way of expressing love and affection; who knows? He calls out to you without any real reason, just wanting to annoy you. He bursts into your room, disturbing your nap with his loud voice, and then leaves without even bothering to close the door. It’s just him being his usual, playful self.
One peaceful morning at home, you’re focused on your laptop, typing away for work. The house is quiet, and you’re deep in concentration when he calls out from the kitchen, "Hey, busy?" Without looking up, you respond with a hum, signaling that you’re indeed occupied. A few minutes later, he opens your door slightly and peeks inside, "Still busy?" You hum again, not breaking your focus. But he’s persistent. Moments later, he enters your room and sits beside you on your bed. "Come on, stop working," he says, nudging you gently. "What is it?" You look at him and groan, "It's important, I swear," he insists, reaching over to take your laptop away. He saves your work and then shuts the laptop down, despite your protests. You give him a skeptical look, clearly annoyed but also curious. "Okay, what’s so important?" you ask, bracing yourself for his answer. He meets your eyes, holding a serious expression for a few moments. Just when you start to think he might actually have something urgent to say, his face breaks into a wide grin. "Let's play a game together. I'm bored," he announces with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
#kpop#stray kids changbin#stray kids hyunjin#stray kids jeongin#stray kids seungmin#stray kids bang chan#stray kids felix#stray kids lee know#stray kids han#stray kids au#stray kids fluff#stray kids imagines#stray kids masterlist#stray kids reaction#stray kids#skz chan#skz scenarios#skz fanfic#skz imagines#skz hyunjin#skz han#skz changbin#minho skz#skz jeongin#skz seungmin#skz felix#skz fluff#skz reactions#skz masterlist#skz
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matt with super shy reader and he loves introducing her as his and his gf because he knows it flusters her
as socially awkward girl myself, this was perfect. but now that ive finished writing it I have realised I might not have accurately wrote this to your request. the reader is accurate, it’s just Matt. if it’s not how you envisioned, I won’t be offended if you send in another request- and I’ll redo it:)) but thank you for requesting and hope you like it💌
meeting Matt’s friends (matt x f reader)
wc || <1k
warnings || none
masterlist + rules
taglist
For the last week you had been dreading this day, plans were arranged to have a get-together dinner at Matt’s apartment. You’ve been to his place many times, so that wasn’t the scary part, the scary part was today you’d finally be meeting the important people in Matt’s life. You had met Foggy briefly a couple of times, so you felt a little more confident in that aspect, but today you’d also be meeting Karen and Frank. You’ve been hounding Matt relentlessly, trying to gather as many details as possible without making it weird, you wanted to feel prepared because unfortunately, your brain had a tendency to turn blank when you spoke to new people.
They could be here any moment and you felt nerves bubble in your stomach, you wanted to be sick. What if they don’t like you? How should you speak? How should you sit? Should you shake their hands or hug them?
You knew you’d be fine, it was just the thought of meeting and talking to new people.
You were in the kitchen just finishing up the last touches on dinner as Matt set the table, hearing the door knock made your heart fall to your stomach. He flashes you a quick smile before getting the door. Listening to the incoherent conversation, you flatten over the front of your clothes to meet your guest.
“Where’s Marci?” Matt asks sounding concerned.
“Sorry I forgot to tell you, she’s at home- she’s not well.”
Feeling some relief when you see Foggy. You were glad it was him first, it was a way to warm you up.
“Hi.” You quietly greet as you walked towards him.
“Hey, how’ve you been?” Foggy asks sweetly.
“I’ve been good- thank you. How are you?”
“Yeah I’m good thank you, had a busy week.”
For a moment you had forgotten you were in a conversation and your mind blanked.
“He’s been taking lead on that case we’re doing.” Matt says, almost saving you and giving you more material to make conversation with.
“From what I hear, it’s a really gory case.” You say to Foggy.
“It is… our client is the husband and the way he describes the incident is just horrific. I could never imagine being in that situation.”
“Is it true about what they say? About the wife?” You ask him, genuinely intrigued.
“You can’t tell anyone I said this… but I think so. There are tonnes of documentation.” Foggy replies almost secretively. Both taking a seat on the sofa as you chatted, telling him your theories.
In the corner of your eye, you could see Matt smile at you both, listening to the way your heart calmed and how you felt more comfortable as the conversation progressed. Matt leaves you and Foggy to get the door, to welcome Frank and Karen.
The three of them walk into the living room to greet you and Foggy.
“This is my girlfriend.” Matt grins widely gesturing towards you.
“Hi.” You say, forcing a friendly smile. You felt so flustered.
“Hey.” Karen said warmly as she walked over to hug you. “Nice to finally meet you.”
“And you.” You sweetly reply, smiling at her.
“Hey, kid.” Frank roughly says, politely double kissing your cheeks.
“Hi, good to meet you.”
By what Matt told you about Karen, you knew that you’d instantly like her, it was just Frank that intimidated you, but you know he means well.
You and Karen take a seat at the table to resume your conversation while the guys plate up dinner.
They serve the dishes and you all tuck in. Matt reassuringly squeezes your thigh, his gesture telling you that you did a good job.
Dinner talk flowed easily as Foggy cracked a few jokes at the start. It helped lighten the mood and allowed you to relax and enjoy yourself. Frank had made a couple of jabs at Matt's expense, which warranted him a few scolding glances from Karen. Everything just seemed to work and you felt silly for feeling so flustered earlier. Matt has some really great friends and you actually couldn’t wait to meet them again.
#matt murdock#matthew murdock#matt murdock fem!reader#matt murdock x reader#matt murdock x you#matthew murdock x reader#matthew murdock x you#matt murdock fanfic#daredevil
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Only Friends Episode 4 - Emergency Contact
Where very much needed conversations between most of the casts are done. And the water becomes murkier with even more messy connections and entangled characters. This is me again just trying to process what I saw and keeping my thoughts straight before the next episode
Mew and Ray
Well, we learn more about Ray and why he is fixated with Mew. I feel like he has put Mew up in this pedestal of a perfect man/friend. Ray seems to have an obsessive personality and he has the need to be taken care of, which Mew has done so far as his closest friend, bar from one aspect - the one as a lover, and now with Top in the picture, he feels neglected somehow. It doesn’t help his poor self-esteem or his lonely soul.
Khaotung as usual nailed it with his opening performance of someone who was (may still be?) suicidal, using prescription pills and alcohol to numb his sorrows and loneliness. Mew being his emergency contact because he truly has nobody in his corner - no other close friends (maybe Chuem? certainly not Boston), an absent father and a dead mom (who we also learn probably don’t love him when she was alive, and Ray blaming himself for her death 🥲). And so, when Mew saved Ray that night, fiercely reminding him “I’ll always be in your corner. I love you, all our friends love you”, I don’t blame Ray for ditching Sand that night (he could have explain and handle it better but Ray as we now know is a disaster muffin 😫).
In some way, Ray is immature. He loves wholeheartedly but also selfishly, which in turn means he sometimes makes questionable decisions. Like him kissing Mew without consent? - a big 🚫🙅🏾♀️.
And I’m glad Mew called him out for it. It was a needed scene. Khao and Book handled the scene impeccably (both the aftermath and Ray’s subsequent sincere apology to Mew in the latter apartment). Similarly, I’m glad Mew made it clear to Ray while he will always think Ray as his dearest friend, that’s all they will ever be - yes it’s heartbreaking for Ray, but it’s a step for Ray to hopefully move forward, although I doubt he will be able to forget Mew as his first love/crush quickly, and my worry is as the episodes progresses and we see RaySand blossoming while TopMew in crisis - Mew calling Ray for help, the latter may again drop Sand (unintentionally or not) like a hot coal 🙃….
Ray and Sand
Which brings us to my bias couple 😅….Sand was absolutely in his rights to ignore Ray’s messages after being ditch like that on the night. He has enough self-awareness about his burgeoning feelings for Ray but knows Ray is not ready for it (he may not know about Mew (yet),but Ray’s immaturity and selfish nature means Sand is wary to start anything deeper).
But well, we all know Ray is a persistent gremlin and he is a sweet charmer when he wants to be. Paired that with his effective puppy eyes (gawd…I think we have seen it in effect 3-4 times now!!!), and Sand fold each time (I don’t blame you sir! 😂)
My favourite scenes from this episode (which I’m sure hold true for most SandRay bias) will have to be the guitar 🎸 shop and music record store scenes. The whole conversation between Sand and Ray in the guitar shop was 👌👌👌- Sand making it clear he is uncomfortable with Ray throwing money around, bluntly saying friendship and love cannot be bought and Sand advising Ray should be mindful of other people’s feelings. But we are again reminded how low Ray’s self-esteem is that he asked Sand to yell at him as a “burden to the society”, thinking it will make Sand forgive him. And when Sand does the opposite, I think there is a genuine surprise from Ray, which brought upon the soft scene of which we see Ray admits he cares about Sand feelings, wanting to make amend…
And then we penned to the music store scene where further much needed conversation between these 2 happen - that whole conversation about fav band and music was 🫶. As a metaphor of Ray being stuck and living the past, never taking the opportunity to embrace the future or open up to his present (with Sand again gently but firmly pointing it to him).
Plus the whole scene of them listening to the music record, sneaking glances at each other and their fingers gradually drifting closer while eventually intertwining 🥰🥰🥰(First killed it with his yearning and soft eyes in this episode, and Khao’s genuine smile light up his whole face - I’m a goner for these 2 🫠)
We finished this episode with Ray now focusing all his energy in wooing Sand (do I think it means he has forgotten Mew as his first love?Not really, and I think that will be a contentious matter once Sand finds out, and I still think Ray alcoholism +/- drug habits will also rear its ugly head soon. Because as we can see, Ray has no interest at present to change or confront his trauma. For now, he is using Sand as a substitute (if I can put it this way? To run away from his problem and loneliness). But I have faith these 2 will hopefully come out relatively unscathed 🤞
Mew and Top
Sigh…these 2 are so sweet together with Top always so attentive towards Mew. And I do feel he genuinely likes Mew. And Mew likes Top (he said it himself to Ray, Top is the first person his heart beat faster for). But urghhhh, Top’s lies are piling up. Not only did he betray Mew with Boston (and yes he regret it, but he didn’t come clean about the incident, even after finding out MewRay had done nothing more than 1 kiss TWO years ago). He also lied about Beam and his drug habits until Mew pressed it out of him. And yeah, I wasn’t a fan of the whole Top saying he wants a reward if he gave up his drug habits, suggestively indicating to Mew what he truly wanted was the sexual relationship he desired and up until recently being denied. And even when Mew said “no penetration”, he sneakily then volunteer another tidbit about his ex, trying to persuade Mew not to worry about the past.
You know, Mew’s list of what he thinks make a good partner/BF - I don’t think Top filled any of it (he doesn’t get along will ALL of Mew’s friend - Ray being the prime example and Mew knows this, he can see the tension and snide comments whenever these 2 interacts, he doesn’t respect Mew and he had lied countless of times 😩😣).
But I guess, love is blind and Mew may think he can change Top’s behaviour? (Kudos to Force and Book though, their actings were also amazing to watch! Can’t believe a sweetie like Force acting so arrogantly on screen that it made me want to throw my remote to the TV👌)
Top and Boston
Which then comes to Top and his strenuous relationship with Boston. If anything, I’m at least glad Top expressed his regret about his lapse of judgment - having that ill-advised encounter with Boston. And I’m so glad he finally confronted Boston in the lift, putting a stop on Boston frankly disgusting behaviour (isn’t it twice now he sexually harassed Top? Once in the shower cubicle when he said No as well). No means No and Boston doesn’t seem to have learn his lesson (which frankly worries me about his other sexual conquests, are they all consensus??? And now we learn his father is into politics, so a scandal of any sorts by Boston will be a disaster; plus him taking pictures/videos without consent, like what he did with RayMew and using it to spin a web of lies on Top - yeah this guy is a massive red flag 🚩)
Boston and Nick
Another big sigh from me. Nick is now realising how much of an asshole Boston can be, but I guess Boston has never really hid his intention. He has bluntly told Nick that he is not looking for a relationship - at most, FWB and I don’t think he promise exclusivity as well. Boston is promiscous and proud of it - his friends know it, and even Sand as an outsider has heard of his reputation.
But what I’m truly devastated for Nick is that how manipulative Boston can be. He knows how to twist words and sweet talk to placate Nick (not that Nick is trying hard to go against him because he loves Boston even if everyone of us here can agree he deserves better 😣). Boston gives false sense of hope to Nick, in order to basically have someone at his back to fulfill his sexual needs. Does that mean Boston stop his other “relationship?” I don’t think so, in fact, I won’t be surprised if he had other sexual partners (other than Nick) going on at the same time.
We can also agree Nick is not truly innocent in all of this mess - his obsessive love for Boston is spiraling out of control and bringing the worst in him. Him bugging Boston’s car? (A big 🙅🏾♀️), and then snooping on Boston’s phone (also not good behaviour). Plus, him listening to the sound of TopBoston going at it in his room (yeah..that’s a worrying sign 😫)…
(Again kudos to Neo and Mark, they played their roles 🫡🫡🫡 that I’m cursing everytime Boston opened his mouth and shaking my head whenever these 2 are on screen 😅)
Nick and Top
Which brings to the scene of Nick confronting Top, asking Top to stop meeting Boston. And when Top clarified and say, it has always been Boston who did the chasing despite Top being uninterested, well…you can see Nick face fell.
And Top giving some advice on how Nick should be careful with Boston as he is truly a piece of work (well, it’s warranted but it’s like the pot calling kettle black, yeah?)
However, I think it’s truly sad (and quite ominous) when Nick calmly say he knows how nasty Boston can be, because he is nasty too (is that a foreshadow that Nick will seek revenge and destroy Boston’s future? esp now we know Boston dislikes getting his pictures taken with Nick for the fear of the scandal ruining his dad’s political aspiration??)
Top and Sand
It’s alluded in previous episodes that these 2 had a connection. And now we know, Top seduced (Is that the right word for it?) Sand’s ex. Sand is obviously still bitter about it but I’m thinking if your ex dump you for someone like Top, Sand is better off without him (just saying 💁♀️). But I am curious if the ex will come crawling back to Sand and cause havoc in SandRay newly blossoming relationship??? Or even to TopMew? - Esp with Top finally informing Mew about Boeing (seriously what’s with Thai’s nickname??? I snorted when Top said this out loud), an ex who gave him the plane model, which Top reassure Mew is no longer of consequence (if he is not that important, why did Top keep the plane? I might be wrong but I do think Boeing is the ex of both Sand and Ray??)
Sand and Nick
Ahhhhh, finally with all the headaches and mess from the rest of the characters, I’m glad to see some friendly, brotherhood like relationship between at least 2 of the characters 🥹🥹🥹🥹
I love their easy banter and the way they tease each other about their crushes (although said crushes are essentially disastrous in different ways). In a way, both Sand and Nick are also lonely individuals (or at the very least, we don’t see much outside of Sand/Nick working in their respective jobs and uni (presumably). So, having a genuine friendship that is not complicated - 🙌 I am super glad for them!!!
(Also, I’m still petitioning for Sand at some stage to go all protective bear on Nick and use the baseball bat that we saw in the pilot trailer to destroy Boston +/- Top’s car(s)?)
03/09/2023
(This episode was I think a pivotal one, where we are starting to see everyone’s motivation and character development - be it good or bad…as usual, I can’t wait for the next episode…is it Saturday yet?)
#only friends the series#episode 4#khaotung thanawat#first kanaphan#firstkhao#firstkhaotung#sandray#force jiratchapong#book kasidet#mark pakin#Neo trai#just me gathering my thoughts and trying to put it in a coherent manner so that i can keep it straight for next episode!!
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And so, as they say— FOR THE BOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 👀 ✨ 🥰 🤔 💞 ⚔️ 🙂 This is such a sweet ask game and you gave the greenlight to do this so of *course* I'm taking that opportunity to throw ALL OF THESE EMOJI AT YOU mwahahaha think fast, Mail!
Sparrow, I’m going to be frank with you. You seem like the type of person who melts at even the smallest compliment, so I genuinely fear if you’ll be able to survive some of the nice things I have to say about you 😂😂😂 But I appreciate your boldness! CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!!
👀 Share the story of how we first met, or how you first heard of me
I actually remember this one pretty well. Ari came into the TP server one day and she was so excited because someone had gifted her a fluffy TP Zelink fanfic. And that fic, of course, was yours. And I read it. And I loved it. And I think I gushed about it in the comments a bit and you probably replied back (I admittedly don’t remember any of what was said between us lmao). And then later we got to meet more through Discord and I kept reading more of your works too, and since we share so many similar interests it seems that we just naturally became friends haha.
✨ Tell me which of my works (fic or art) is your favorite!
This is an easy one. My favorite fic of yours is “Alighting the Darkness”. Not only is it really sweet, and heartwarming, and fluffy, but it also just feels so poetic. To see all the little ways that Link brings light into Zelda’s otherwise dreary life. That is one of the things I love most about Zelink and you executed it flawlessly. Oh, and of course, this is the same fic mentioned in the previous answer, so it’s also the reason we met! So surely it deservers a little love for that too 😂
🥰 Say one nice thing about me
Sparrow, you are just genuinely so fun to be around. Our conversations are always so pleasant, and I especially love whenever you share your thoughts or analyses or your passion with others. Much like Link in your story (will I ever be able to answer one of these questions without referencing that story???), I feel that you bring light into the lives of everyone you meet 😌
🤔 What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of me?
The first thing I want to say is poetry! Because I feel that you have such a keen eye for identifying poetry in the things you’re passionate about, and I know that you’ve done it numerous times for the Legend of Zelda series. All of your works always feel like they have a poetic aspect to them as well, which is probably why I’m so awed by most of them lol. The second answer I want to give is “Gatekeeper fangirl”. If you know, you know 😂😂😂
💞 Guess who my favorite iteration of Zelink is
Hmm…I’m really not too sure on this one. I want to say it’s a tossup between OOT and TP…You’ve written a lot of TP Zelink stories so I’m going to take a wild guess and lock in TP Zelink as my final answer!
⚔️ Guess my favorite Zelda game
Another one that I’m really not too sure about lol. Again, I’m feeling that OOT and TP both hold special places in your heart. And again, I’m going to go with my gut and say that your favorite is probably Twilight Princess! You’ll have to let me know if I’m close or not haha.
🙂 Just wish me a nice day :D
Sparrow, I hope you have a wonderful day. I think that you’re a wonderful person and I wish you all the best 🙏 Thanks for the asks and for always being your kind and awesome self! :)
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hi maggie !! i really really really love IW and just wanted to ask how you got inspired to write a gojo x reader fic from reading one day? you’ve also convinced me to buy the book and now i’m patiently (not really) waiting for it to arrive.
also i find it kinda funny that gojo became a huge comfort character of mine because of IW, like if i never read it, i wouldn’t have been THAT attached to him.
i hope you’re feeling better, make sure to rest lots !!
HUZZAH!!!! My plan is a success. The ‘One Day’ + Gojo conversion has begun! But jokes. The inspiration for IW is such an interesting question.
Funnily enough, I kind of approached the ‘One Day’/IW/jjk inspiration the opposite way: I watched season 1 of JK and kept thinking about the bare bones of a story idea, or, at that point, a vague, self-indulgent self-insert of a love interest for Gojo: a girl who couldn’t touch people, hands behind her back, wearing black gloves. I couldn't tell you why I thought of that, but I just thought it was cool as fuck. I had this badass mental image of this cool asf woman removing her gloves with a powerful flourish in the climax of a sick anime battle sequence. Idk, man. And then, when I started taking myself more seriously, I figured that because I love childhood-friends-to-lovers, I decided she’d be Gojo’s childhood friend.
But I wanted to explore that childhood first: I think the main reason most people don't like friends-to-lovers is because most authors don't put in the time to establish the characters as friends first. Why should a reader care about the protagonist/childhood-friend-love-interest's relationship when all they've been given is a blithe attempt at exposition in which the protagonist tells (not shows) the reader that 'yes we've been friends for so long and we really care about each other so yippee root for our relationship!'? I knew that friends-to-lovers works best when there is so much time spent to flesh out the 'friends' relationship first, and that I wanted to show that, preferably chronologically, and not just rely on flashbacks that are just a general pet peeve of mine (they're so difficult to do right, I can go on about it for donkeys).
That's why I came up with using 'One Day' as an inspiration: I wanted to go through years of these characters' lives--genuine decades--and use a chronological narrative, without doing crazy time jumps, and still being able to focus in on the day-to-day, moment-to-moment aspect of a relationship, to really foster that intimacy I wanted to convey. And, so: boom! The 'A concept shamelessly stolen from 'One Day' by David Nicholls' tag was born.
You've got me thinking more about how 'One Day' has influenced IW. Give me a second and I'll write it up fully.
(And thank you! I’m on the mend. Sending out thoughts n prayers to Alexander Fleming, my absolute g, antibiotics are fire 🔥)
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Deadlines
FitPac fanfic, fashion au. Fit has a project he needs done and he has just the place to get it done. He’s keeping it very professional with the floor manager.
Character: Fit, Pac, Mike, minor Bagi, mentions Missa, Madagio, and Lullah
I originally wrote this for Hideduo week, but got busy. It’s based off aspects of my job because I thought I could write something quick enough if I knew the subject well and I was wrong. Wasn’t going to post it, but I re-read it today and liked it.
Fit takes a moment to himself in the elevator to just breathe for these precious few seconds because as soon as he is on the correct floor it is back on the grind.
He’d just spent the last two hours sourcing zippers because one of the ones they’d ordered custom broke when it was being sewn in the day before but the jacket needed to be shipped today in order for it to be in London in time for the red carpet. His usual place only had one zipper with black, plastic teeth in stock so he had to go shop-to-shop in the fashion district until he found something good. Thank fuck Pac can cut the zipper and chage out the pull for him. Speaking of.
Fit walks out of the elevator and walks into Atelier Jorge. Pac is on his sewing machine still working on the dress, which would hopefully be done today. Fit would have to fly it there himself if it wasn’t and he’d prefer not to spend half a day on a flight just to handover the garment to the stylist team.
“Oi Pac!” Fit says rushing into the factory. Pac looks up from his work and smiles at him and Fit feels a bit more eager to be there.
“Oi Fit!” He says, lifting a hand from where he’s skillfully sewing a line of stitches to wave at him.
“Brought you a gift,” Fit says, holding the zippers up and then placing them in Pac’s hand, their fingers brushing slightly.
“Oh Fit, you shouldn’t have. This is too precious you know?” Pac say with fake seriousness, dramatically putting a hand on his chest. Fit snickers at his joke and Pac laughs with him.
“What can I say? I live to serve,” Fit jokes but turns to the task at hand, “I was able to find 15.5 cm so we won’t need you to shorten them like we thought.“
“Oh thank God,” Pac responds more sincerely.
“Yeah, so we save some time there, but we still need to put our custom pull on the zippers, but you can do that, right?”
“Yes! Absolutely! It will take, eh, maybe 10 minutes.”
“That’s incredible Pac!” Fit says genuinely, feeling relief at having one less step to worry about.
“It’s not that incredible,” Pac says in that doubtful way of his that Fit has never understood. He sews the highest quality and manages all the other sewers and fixes all the machines. He’s so blindingly talented that there is no way anyone doesn’t see it.
“Really Pac, you are saving us so much time and money. Most places don’t offer this. I’d have to get it done at a zipper supplier. Really, you’re too good to me.” Fit smiles down at him.
“Thank you Fit,” Pac says with a shy smile. Fit feels warmed by him accepting his praise and putting any weight behind Fit’s opinion.
“Stop flirting and get back to work!” A familiar voice says behind them, “we have a deadline, you know?”
Bagi smiles at Fit as Pac bristles.
“We are not flirting! We are talking like professionals”
“Yeah, we’re just having a professional conversation,” Fit assures her because they were only talking as colleagues.
“Uh huh,” Bagi says with amusement though Fit doesn't know why, “Well. Can you talk professionally and work? We don’t have a lot of time.”
“Yes, Bagi. Of course, sorry,” Pac says, going back to sewing.
“I’ll get out of your hair. Sorry to distract your floor manager and best sewer Bagi.”
“It was only a moment so it was okay. I just did not want him to be distracted too long. You two can do that after the deadline,” the owner of Atelier Jorge says and Fit feels his face turning red, which is extra embarrassing for a bald man
“Do you want to see the dress so far? It’s nearly done.”
Fit did not, but his boss would want photos, even if it’s best practice to not take pictures until it’s fully done. It should be fine since they already fit the muslin sample weeks ago and Madagio was happy with it then.
“Yes please,” Fit says taking out his phone to text his boss that he was taking pictures.
Pac stops sewing and snips the thread before handing the dress to Bagi. Pac then gets up and moves to the small work bench area with the zippers. Fit is tempted to stay and watch him work, but his job comes first.
He follows Bagi to a door and after she finishes knocking they walk into a small office with a large window and a large drafting table.
Mike is hunched over the table, measuring a circle with a ruler, turning it in a precise measurement. No doubt working on their next job. Mike is a brilliant patternmaker so it could be anything from a maxi dress to a tailored coat.
“Oi Mike, Fit is back and wants to see the dress.”
Mike looks up from his work, frowning and sneering at being interrupted but that quickly changes when he sees the dress.
“Oh, yes! Fit, it's amazing. You’re gonna love it,” Mike says, taking the dress from Bagi and putting it on the form. They didn’t have a child’s form so it didn’t fit at the waist correctly and did not zip close at the shoulders, but the overall look was easy to see. They’d already made the dress to the measurements of their client and when Lullah came in for her muslin fitting she was completely delighted from the experience and the dress.
It did look amazing. The skirt was completely purple organza ruffles with sleeveless embroidered tulle on the bodice. It was elegant and fun and his niece was going to love it, but he had to make sure his boss, who was paying for it, also loved it.
“It looks really good,” Fit says while taking pictures of the front and back and sending them to Madagio, “I want to take a picture of it with the jacket on.”
Bagi, smiling, leaves the room to go get it. When she leaves Madagio texts him back.
Wow!
Let me see it with the jacket
“The boss likes it,” Fit tells Mike with a relieved grin, not conveying the second part because it’s already handled.
“Good. He did not give us a lot to work with, you know?” Mike says with understandable irritation considering that Madagio didn’t have almost any experience in this and Mike ended up practically designing everything because of that, but that’s why he hired Fit as a production manager since he did everything else.
“We usually do T-shirts and sweatpants and hoodies, not all this.”
Pac walks in instead of Bagi, but he’s holding the jacket so he figures that Bagi must have gotten busy with something else. Besides, he's always happy to see Pac.
“Bagi asked me to bring the jacket,” he says to the room and Fit walks up to take it.
“I’ll take that. Thank you Pac.” He pauses to smile at him and Pac smiles back and it’s always such a nice smile to look at that everything else falls away for a moment. Fit realizes that he’s staring and clears his throat and awkwardly says, “uh, yeah thanks”
He misses Pac’s embarrassed look when he forces his eyes away but he does not miss Mike’s snigger.
Fit puts the child size jacket on the form and takes a picture, front and back, of the jacket. It was the most important piece since it tied the two looks together and has the most visible branding for this pet project Madagio gave Fit. It’s a leather jacket embroidered with flowers with their new high luxury brand “Stranger in Paradise” embroidered on the back collar. It looks incredible. Fit immediately gets a text from his boss.
Beautiful!
This will definitely sell
Good job Fit
Tell the team thank you
Send me pics of suit when ready
Fit smiles at the response. When he got this job at Vacuus, a hearing aid brand, he’d basically been hired to make merch. They made colorful, art printed cases and designs for hearing aids that were popular with children and the fashionable set so they updated their merch along with updates in their hearing aid designs. The job had its own problems but it was consistent and Fit was good at it. The opportunity with the current project came up when his ex-brother-in-law, Missa, needed a red carpet look for himself and his date, his daughter Lullah. He’d told Missa about this atelier that could make him whatever he wanted, but when Fit mentioned it to Madagio his boss saw it as an opportunity to expand their clothing line with a few luxury pieces and said he’d like Vacuus to be involved. Lullah already wore Vacuus hearing aids and Missa was relieved to work with Fit so they’d said yes. Luxury was not at all like everything else he was doing before for Vacuus, but he still had his connections and experience from working for Wasteland and nothing can be worse than working for his previous company.
“So Fit, what do you think? It’s pretty, yeah?”
Fit looks up from his phone to Pac.
“Yeah the boss likes it a lot!”
Pac’s smile falters and Fit scrambles to think about what he said that caused that until Mike speaks up.
“He wants to know what you think of it Fit, not your dumb boss. He wants you to say ‘ah Pac you’re so talented! I want to stick my-“ but Mike gets cut off by Pac covering his mouth with his hand. If looks could kill a tragedy would have happened. Fit just smiles at their antics. Those two are just like this.
“I think it’s beautiful. I can’t thank you enough. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without either of you. This project will change everything for me. For the better!” Fit adds, meaning every word, “I’m lucky to have such talented friends. Thank you Mike. Thank you Pac.”
They both seem stunned silent for a moment, Pac’s hand still over Mike’s mouth, but only a moment.
“Mmmmm hmmm hee,” Mike says under Pac’s hand but slaps it away with a chuckle, “you’re welcome Fit. You’re very easy to work with. It would be good to get more jobs from you.”
“If all goes well, you will be seeing a lot more of me.” Fit smiles. If they get sales after the red carpet Fit’s whole job will change and he’ll need all the help he can get.
“Ooh Fit, that would be amazing. We would like to see you here a lot more,” Pac says with an admiring look that makes Fit’s heart beat faster. He has to remind his stupid heart to stay professional. Pac is a friend but also a colleague.
“I would like to see more of you,” he settles on what he hopes sounds more neutral to them than it does to Fit. Not just that he likes spending more time with Pac. Just in case it comes off weird he adds, “If this luxury line does well I’m getting a promotion! More money for Ramón’s college fund!”
“Oh Fit! Speaking of Ramón, I’m making a present for him, if that’s okay. I’ve been too busy with the dress and jacket and the suit, but you know very well what I’m working on, right? You don’t need me to tell you what we’re making for you. But anyways I made one for Richas and-“
“One for Richas? Only if counting has changed. He spoils him, Fit,” Mike says with a conspiratorial stage whisper.
“Me?” Pac immediately turns to Mike, “You let him have a chocolate fountain in his room! I don’t want to hear about spoiling our son from you!”
Fit just watches amused. These two are like a comedy act together. Their son Richas is a lot like them. Fit has met five of Richas parents, but he knows there’s at least one more, and he’s sure that between all of them he’s plenty spoiled. He doesn’t say that though.
“So you made something for Ramón?” Fit interjects between their domestic spat.
“Oh, yes! Yes, it’s not ready and I want to keep it a surprise if that’s okay.”
“Yeah, I’m sure if it’s fine for Richas then it’s okay for my boy. I trust you Pac.”
Pac seems pleased with his words and that makes Fit feel like a giant. Making Pac happy feels like a high and he’s only too happy to continue doing it. In the confines of professionalism of course.
“Thank you Fit,” Pac says a little in awe, “I should be finished in a couple days. When is he coming here with you again?”
Ramón has been staying with his twin, Dapper, adopted separately but Fit and Dapper’s dad found each other and have made sure to set up time for them to be together.
“He’s away for another week. I have him staying with family while I’m busy with this job.”
“Perfect! I miss seeing him. He always likes to show me all the little things he makes. He’s so cute”
Fit just smiles to that, enjoying the praise to his beautiful baby boy.
“I’m sure he’ll love it. He thinks you’re great.”
“He does?”
“Mmmhmm,” he hums in the affirmative. He doesn’t mention his cheeky little son asking if Pac will be his new dad. It has been a little lonely with him away and after today he won’t have this deadline to take up his time and a full week without his son at home.
“Would you, uh, would either of you want to do something next week? Outside of work? We haven’t hung out in a long time and Ramón isn’t back for a week.”
“I’ve got Richas next week, but we’re going to the zoo on Wednesday if you want to come along,” Mike offers and Fit nods.
“That would be fun. It’s been so long since I’ve been to a zoo. Is Richas as crazy about birds as you?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Mike lies to his face.
“I mean the 10 birds you were fostering for half a year. How many do you even have now?”
“Oh you hate saving the lives of birds. You’re jealous that they have feathers and you’re bald. I see how it is,” Mike says, suspiciously not answering him, “Can you believe him Pac?”
“How could you Fit?”
“I just prefer them grilled,” Fit jokes, enjoying the banter, “but I’m in for going to the zoo. What about you, Pac.”
“Oh, yes!”
“You know since I’m watching Richas, Pac’s schedule is empty. He will be sitting at his apartment alone all week.”
“Oh, uh Pac, would you like to do something? Besides the zoo that is. Not that we can’t do the zoo again or something if you really wanted to.” Fit rambles, to his own embarrassment.
”Oh, yeah, we could hang out or something. We can even go to the zoo again if you want! Yeah, just the two of us hanging out. Just two bros. Haha!”
”Yeah, we can go to the zoo again. Or maybe we can go to that Bakery Etoiles is so crazy about, “The Dungeon” but in French.”
”Isn’t it “Le Dungeon”? Actually I don’t know what it is in French either,” Pac laughs nervously, “Ignore me. But I would love to go with you to the dungeon bakery sometime next week Fit.”
”Cool, it’s a date,” Fit says and only processes a second too late what he said, “I didn’t mean it like that! It’s an expression, an expression.”
”It had better be a date. It’s the only reason I haven’t told you all to get back to work,” Bagi’s voice suddenly interrupts them. Pac and Mike both actually jump at her voice. Fit is grateful for the distraction from him wanting to fall into a hole from embarrassment.
”Right, sorry Bagi. I’ll get to work finishing the dress. I already gave Batista working on the jacket to put the new zippers in.”
”Good, good. Now go stop getting distracted by your boyfriend.”
”Bagi!”
”Go Pac.”
Pac Grabs the dress and heads back out to the sewing area of the floor. Mike has already moved back to his drafting table without a word, pretending that Bagi’s intervention hadn’t been needed. Bagi smirks in amusement at them before turning her gaze to Fit.
”I’m surprised it’s you of all people who is distracting them.”
”Why? I’ve known to be distracting by many people.”
”Because if these clothes don’t ship on time you are the one who will have to answer to your boss and your family. Two kinds of people you never want to let down.”
“Fair enough,” Fit grimaces, because he really can’t afford to lose this job and he’d hate to disappoint Missa but especially, Lullah. Then Phil would never forgive him. There’s a chance that if this doesn’t ship then Fit loses his job, gets deported, disappoints his family, and loses one of his most reliable friends, “ you make a good point.”
Bagi smiles amusingly at him and makes her exit, presumably to get back to her job doing what it takes to run this place.
It’ll all work out. He has faith in these people to get everything done in time. Bagi is good at her job and Pac is exceptionally good at running his floor, speaking nothing of his own skill as a sewer.
Fit smiles to himself.
And he has a not-date with Pac to look forward to once this is all done. Not bad at all.
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You know, I never really talk about the specifics as to why I’m so cautious about fandom and what I get involved in on here. And also as a result why I’m often really scared to interact with people. But I was recently talking about my experience with a friend and doing a lot of unpacking with myself. And as tough as it is, I think I want to share, in case it might help someone.
CW: threats of death and sexual assault, unwanted romantic/sexual advances, suicide, toxic relationships
I will try to make this as concise as possible but no promises lol
It was around 2014. I was about 19/20. I had recently started being more active in a fandom that will remain unnamed. This fandom was by far the biggest one I’ve ever been a part of, but not a big super fandom, like Superwholock or Marvel or whatever was big at the time. And this piece of media was everything to me. I kept up with new content religiously. I went to conventions. I cosplayed. I have beloved memories with irl friends attached to it. It brought me such genuine joy, and there’s a part of me that’s sad it’s been so poisoned for me that I can’t look at anything related to it anymore.
I was just starting to dip my toe into the online fandom aspect of things, and I was looking for people to follow. I saw someone make a post about my favorite character, and I agreed with the take so hard, it was as if I wrote it myself. So I followed instantly. Not long after, that blog followed me back, and sent me a DM. We’re gonna call him G.
G introduced himself and asked me if I followed him because I read his fanfic. I didn’t even know he wrote fanfic. Turns out G was a WAY bigger deal in the online fandom than I realized. He had written what was, at the time, the longest running piece of fanfiction for this fandom. He was what some might consider a “Big Name Fan”. I was so shocked that someone that big wanted to follow me, a tiny blog who was better known for posting about musical theater before getting into this fandom.
We talked about my favorite character for a while, and then started talking in the DMs more regularly after that. I was so excited that I was making a friend within this fandom. And someone so well known! It was crazy! I did read his fanfic, it definitely wasn’t for me, not my cup of tea, but that was fine! I didn’t need to tell him that, that would be rude! So I lied, and told him I loved it. I also told him I loved one of his favorite ships, even though I was pretty eh on it, didn’t care one way or the other. But I couldn’t hurt his feelings! This was a new friend!
That was mistake number one, but also maybe what ended up saving me.
After a while, our conversations turned a little more personal, talking about our lives outside of fandom. That’s when things started getting weird. G seemed like he maybe wanted something more than friendship. I was pretty clear that I was in a serious relationship at the time and not available (which was true, that relationship is now my wonderful husband) and he would back off a bit. But soon he was back on it again, reblogging my selfies with strings of heart eye emojis, sending me ask game responses straight up telling me that he thought I was hot and he had a crush on me, basically pushing things as far as he could without crossing a line.
Never once did I consider unfollowing him, or blocking him though. Because after we became friends I started to see that G was not afraid of calling people out. He had enough sway that he could turn a large swath of people against someone if he talked shit in a post. And honestly, he was ruthless. If I turned him down outright, or stopped talking to him, that could be me he went after next. Thats when I became absolutely terrified of upsetting him. So I kept putting up with his advances, kept praising his fanfic I didn’t like, kept talking all about this ship he loved, kept listening to him talk shit about people who didn’t agree with his opinions, kept talking to him like we were buddies. But I was scared.
It wasn’t until much much later down the line that realized I was essentially in a controlling and abusive relationship with this guy. The fact that it was platonic and not romantic (at least on my end) clouded that for me in the moment. My life revolved around online fandom, the drama, the discourse, and making sure my opinions lined up with his so he wouldn’t get mad at me.
That’s how it went until shit eventually hit the fan. I was gone for a while and I couldn’t get online for a week or so. I remember worrying that he was gonna get mad that I wasn’t answering him. So when I got the chance to go online again I went to check. And G was gone. Account deactivated. I was so confused, so I went digging in the fandom tag.
Turns out G had been exposed for sending very detailed and personal death and rape threats to people who didn’t agree with him. People who didn’t ship his favorite ship. People who didn’t like his fanfic. He had been sending these threats the entire time I knew him.
I have never felt such retroactive fear in my entire life. I was one of the people who didn’t agree with him on everything. I didn’t ship his favorite ship. I didn’t like his fanfic. I just lied and said I did to placate him. If he was sending such detailed and personal death and rape threats to total strangers on the Internet, I cannot imagine what he might have done had he found out I also didn’t agree with him. Someone he thought was his friend. Someone he was obviously romantically and sexually attracted to.
And I realized that just because he deactivated his account, that didn’t mean he was gone. He could very easily make another account. He could find me again.
That filled me with such dread that I quit tumblr. I left this website and fandom entirely.
The next year was what I consider one of the worst of my entire life mentally. Not all of it was because of this, but I think this experience, plus a lot of things about fandom/tumblr culture in general at the time were definitely the one jenga block I pulled that knocked the whole tower down. I ended up trying to take my own life that year. Fortunately that didn’t happen and I got help that I desperately needed.
I debated coming back to tumblr for a long time. I was gone from online fandom for 8 years. And I missed it. It wasn’t all bad. I missed the joy it was capable of bringing me. So now that I’m nearly 30, I decided to come back so I could join the Redacted community, because it had become such an intense hyperfixation. I figured I had grown, and I knew how to set boundaries and control my time online now. And for the most part I have. There are for sure still times where I see things within this community that trigger old feelings, and sometimes I wonder if coming back was a mistake. But for the most part I’m really proud of myself for coming back and making the experience of being part of a fandom a positive one again.
If you feel like fandom is becoming a place that is hurting you, PLEASE. Set boundaries. Take control of your time online. Nothing and nobody in any fandom is more important than taking care of yourself and your mental health. It may seem so incredibly important but at the end of the day? It’s only tumblr. There is a great big world out there and this is a teeny tiny slice of it. Don’t let that tiny slice ruin everything else, ok? If I can help one single person by sharing this, it will have been worth it.
#this is a lot#I haven’t ever really put it all down in words before#feel free to share this#the whole reason I wanted to talk about this is to maybe help someone#if I can help one person it would be worth it#marisa speaks
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happy one month anniversary, rock bottom! 💜 we are technically a few days days late but better late than never, right? the last month with you guys has been more than we could have hoped for. everyone has been so kind and we are so lucky that so many of you have decided to make our group home for your muses. we just wanted to drop in to touch base on a few things moving forward to ensure the environment we've created together in our first month lingers throughout the rest of our time together.
we haven't noticed any issues so far with certain people receiving less attention or interaction on the dash than others and this is something we consider a major plus. it takes very little effort to make sure no text posts, selfies, or plot calls on the dash go without interaction. you guys have genuinely been incredible about this from what we've been able to see, so please make sure to keep this momentum going as the group grows. if you're someone who feels left out or like they aren't getting a ton of interaction, please don't hesitate to reach out to us and we can come up with some ideas to help you feel more integrated within the group.
just a few days ago, we held our first banned list discussion and vote in our discord server. the server is where most, if not all, of our banned list conversations will be happening, so if being involved and having your voice heard on matters like the banned list is important to you as a member of rock bottom and you're currently not in the server, please consider joining! if you'd like the link to the server, you can go ahead and reply to this post and we'll send it over to you as soon as we possibly can.
our halloween event is right around the corner and we're so excited for that! if you don't know what we're talking about, you can read all of the details in this post and this post. alongside that, we'll also be announcing our first member-hosted event soon! that will be happening closer to the end of the month, but we are equally excited to continue to bring the group together with these events. we are currently discussing the gig portion of the halloween event, so if you'd like your musician muse to be involved in that aspect, please reply to this post as well. we want as many of you involved as possible, but we understand some of you are sticking to your muse's real life touring/work schedule, so we don't want to step on any toes while we put together show lineups.
finally, please do us a huge favor and pop into your sideblogs to make sure that your muses' first and last name is listed clearly in the description or the title. it'll make our lives considerably easier when updating the clickbites blog.
thank you guys, again, for hanging with us for one whole month. we're so excited to see where the rest of the year takes us!
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