#it's given me so much Energy for Making Things

[tuttle-did-it]

I've spent almost 40 years giving her many, many chances. She could have been completely removed from the majority of episodes and they would barely change.

Yes, that's a general failure of TNG in particular, but especially for Troi. Nearly every one of her storylines revolved around with whom she was fucking. The show never took her seriously, the show never allowed her to turn into anyone more than that, and that's is a terrible thing.

But they had many similar storylines for Tasha and Crusher, cos sexist writers. But I cared about Tasha. I was devastated when Tasha died. I cared about Beverly. Beverly was the primary reason I continued to watch the show. Gates and Denise managed to imbue their roles with something more. Something beyond the sexist stories and four words they were allowed to say. Because, frankly, I think they were far better actors than Marina. All three women had way too many moments where they were over-sexualised. They all deserved so much more. But Beverly and Tasha managed to move beyond that, for me. Because of Gates and Denise. And Troi never did.

There are a handful of episodes where Troi is significant-- that don't include her in lingerie. Where her existence matters to the story and I vaguely care if she is in the story. Maybe one or two where I cared if she was in the room. But for the most part, I couldn't have cared less if they killed her character off when they killed Tasha. In fact, I probably would have been happy about it. And almost nothing would change except a very cringy romance with Worf that never should have happened.

As far as I'm concerned, Troi was a cringy character who only *started* to get a personality was when she was forced into a Starfleet uniform by Jericho and started to have any ambition or... anything of value to offer. Yes, it helped that she was less sexualised in these episodes, but at least she started to do... something. Something besides saying 'well what do you think?' And 'how did that make you feel?' And telling the captain that a screaming person in the view-screen was 'angry.' So glad we have a betazoid. Thanks. Could have never known the screaming alien was angry or the Romulans were untrustworthy.

After nearly 40 years of watching ad nausea, I just couldn't get the energy to care about her. And I still cannot. I have rewatched TNG dozens and dozens of times. I've tried to like her. I've tried. I've tried to care about her. But more times than not, I honestly wish she was not in the show. I think the majority of the episodes would have been better without her there.

I have nothing against Marina, and I think she did as much as she could with the nothing she was given. But I don't think she was a strong enough actress to layer the character with more the way Gates and Denise did. The way Michelle Forbes did for Ro Laren. Or hell-- even the way Diana Muldaur did for Pulaski. You know, I knew more about Pulaski, And liked her 10x more in her single season than I ever cared about Troi in her 7 years plus movies plus Picard. Same with Ro. The vast majority of the time Troi was on screen, I wished it was any other character because she was almost as annoying her mother. If I could have traded to keep Ro and get rid of Troi, I wouldn't even think twice. Or Pulaski to drop Troi.

I'm glad you like Troi. Keep liking Troi. We can all agree all the women on the show deserved so much more. I am glad she has defenders, and I'm glad she has people who see her value. But I'm never going to come around on her. I'm never going to care if she is there. There are episodes where I dislike her less. And even a few where I don't care if she is there. But I cannot think of a single episode where I enjoyed her, was glad her she was there, or felt anything for her character more than annoyance or just downright dislike. And's especially if her life was in peril, not a single episode where I cared or hoped she would survive.

Again-- I am glad she has defenders, and I'm glad you enjoy her. Yay! Honestly, I really do-- not being sarcastic. But after dozens of rewatched-- maybe hundreds-- I just cannot care about her.

Oh-- PS- Picard made me hate her so much more. In fact, it made me hate all of them so much that I never want to watch TNG again. But I was apoplectic when they fridged Ro Laren. As in, I can never forgive them. Troi? Couldn't have cared less if they'd killed her.

star trek characters will literally go through the most life changing traumatic multidimensional extrasensory eldritch hell torture imaginable and then they're fine and the next episode they gotta deal with a guy who is bald

[cannedbabs]

Rbti rewrite post :] (was gonna be more but I’ve had an eventful day.. will say later ofc)

Closeup of KCB, some more evolution of lore, and my day below cut!

((If I had the choice to redo this bug piece it would be to turn off his glowy eyes. Plot reasons. Also sorry I only ever post sketches, I fear if I do more it’ll sap my energy to get content out at ALL so))

I will say the plot has been wavering a LOT! I’ve been talking with some of my irl friends (all of them have lovely story writing or creative backgrounds which is amazing) and so it’s being patched significantly. Still not 100% finished, that’s why I haven’t made an entire lore post yet!! There’s a lot of loose ends and placement that needs to be figured out. But I feel like it’s only appropriate to state some at least :] you guys have given me amazing feedback and showed interest and I can’t thank you enough!

The “big bad” has been juggled around. I do like BEV, her motives are a little grey and need to be strung together accurately and cohesively. I also don’t want a twist villain, as much as that’s amazing I am not trying to rewrite WIR. Turbo in himself is a “big bad”, always will be, he’s the worst of the worst and completely irredeemable, that’s why the writing is so hard. “How do you put in a big bad that has to contest with one of the worst characters of all time?”

My answer is to make BEV solely target Turbo, and in turn it’s a domino effect for everyone, but then that makes this rewrite a little more Turbo centric than I wanted ((granted it IS because of my bias, but even then I realize he is NOT the main character of the previous movie))

These are out loud thoughts tho!! Def the story is gonna take a route where it’s more Ralph vs(?) Vanellope, where they realize their goals don’t really align but are trying to keep it from the other person (kinda like RBTI actually! But not as ‘drama needs to get in the way to actually make an issue’). Ralph is gonna be taking BEV’s side and Vanellope will be taking Turbo’s side, at least that’s the concept for now!

Talking about my day will be super short. Basically I showed my friend group (who doesn’t have the turbo autism I do, but Turbo has become such a referenced joke in my group. Instead of saying ‘this is my hyperfixation’ we say ‘This is my turbo’) the entire 2hr analysis video (thank you Randomalistic :]) and they loved it! Sat through it all front to back!! And I’m having a sleep over w them tomorrow and having a DnD session yippee!! But that’s the only reason why I’m posting this and not accumulating more for a bigger post.

I AM planning on working on ref sheets and even stuff like a ref sheet for their chat bubbles since they’re all different :] idk this became a super long ramble post idk have some funny WIR-related Jack box things my friend group made you earned it

[romanarose]

X-men working in a chain restaurant AU

I will place the x-men in positions just based on my experience in Olive Garden. I also worked in a small family owned restaurant and it was very different but picture a chain restaurant type like Olive garden, Chili's, Applebee's etc.

General manager: Charles, of course. But he's not very actively a part of the day to day. He's the kind of manager who will hide in his office all day being absolutly no help during a rush. However if you're sick or family emergency he'll move things around so you can go home, and his office door is always open to talk. Not the best manager but a good guy so you stick around.

Assistant GM: Not really a thing in OG land but I struggled where to put her. Jean does a lot of the hard stuff Charles won't, like writing up, or HR meetings. She also does all the ordering because Scott messed it up ONE TIME and they didn't have ketchup for a week.. Her and Scott are divorced in this, due to the all around cheating happening. She cheated on Scott, Scott cheated on her. It was a great time. Bobby said it was like his parents were divorcing. Now, Jean is the only smart person here who ISNT sleeping with anyone else. ESO bc the only other person she would be interested in is 💯 RAN THROUGH!!! (Logan)

FOH: Front of house.

FOH manager: Scott.

He's really running most of the show. He's training new hires, doing the schedule, for FOH AND BOH because he doesn't trust anyone else. He's running your food. He's up at the host stand figuring out big parties and if a guest has a problem he's handling it. He's also gonna be protective of his staff. OFC he's a kiss ass even if he thinks the guest is being dumb but if a guest is rude to his servers or inappropriate with a host, he's not tolerating it. Is he sleeping with Emma and still trying to get Jean back? Yes. Leave my son alone.

Bussers:

Wade: Wade was hired as a server but found he was uhhhhhh bad at it (just like me fr) he talked to much to EVERYONE, couldn't stay focused, easily distracted. Wade switched to bussing which they found worked way better. He still can chat and talk while he works, talks up some guests, and instead of needing to focus he is able to thrive in a job that requires you to do many small tasks. His high energy and ADHD works in his favor. He'll still occasionally serve in a pinch.

Alex: Alex busses AND hosts. Hosting he's the only guy, so he's stuck being the men's room bathroom checks every hour. Alex and Wade get in trouble sometimes for talking to each other, but generally a good worker. Alex gets along with almost everyone. technically he shouldn't be working at this branch considering he's a managers brother, but Charles doesn't follow rules.

Servers/ToGo:

Kurt!: Kurt is one of the best servers they have! He's quick (although they had to tell him to stop teleporting because he kept crashing into servers running around. he still does it when safe). He frequently has to be shoed away from the host stand where he's flirting with host or the window where he's flirting with line cooks. Not his fault he's got the rizz. He's got good tips though. He frequently get put in the bar tables because tipsy people LOVE the guy. Kurt is also known to make out in dry storage with whoever at any given time. The village whore. No one can resist the lil guy in his too-tight uniform. He's slept with almost everyone in this place, and yet no one hates him and they come back for more. Does ToGo too, but he's a server trainer so his schedule is pretty full.

Pietro: Lets be honest, he's the best server they have. Fast, handsome. He can dash around without crashing into anyone like Kurt (and sometimes kitty) and with more time saved, the more time he has to charm tables. He's frequently given big parties for this reason. There are sometime issues with him and other people because he is cocky, but not a bad guy. Just sometimes hard to work with. If he has an issue with a table, he WILL tell them they are wrong. Scott has had to smooth thing over once or twice. Will NOT do ToGo because he has to work with too many people. Will not train bc it’s a pay cut: he makes too much serving.

Kitty: Walking through walls helps a lot, although she has been known to walk into dry storage to find Kurt humping someone's leg against a box of garlic salt. Oops. Anyway Kitty is one of the less bubbly or talkative servers but she's charismatic, people like her. Kitty is also cross trained for ToGo, and frequently just walks though walls to take food to cars so she doesn't run into guests (and doesn't feel obligated to hold the door for them). Sometimes Kitty will host for more hours, mostly because Emma wants her to.

Ororo: Ororo is mostly ToGo, but if it's slow she'll take a few tables. Ororo is a service pro, which means she had authority and responsibilities and thank god for that because without her, Scott would simply fall apart. Ororo keeps the ToGo room organized and luckily manages any beef the girls have because god knows while Scott is good at managing people, if faced with 3 arguing 20 year old women he will have a break down.

Hosts:

Emma: Emma works the lunch shift, M-F ONLY. Do not call her on weekends or nights, she will not pick up. Emma does her job, goes home. She's the lead, which means minimal working with costumers and she has a LOT of control over the floor and she WILL tell Scott to fuck off if he tries to hover over her screen, and she has and will again dragged Kurt away from the host stand. However, Emma is extremely competent at her job and very, very protective of the young hosts. You will go months thinking she doesn't like you, only to find her stepping between you and an angry woman who came in with 20 people and no call ahead who is mad she can't get sat right away.

Jubilee: Jubilee is the seater, always. She's gonna take you to your table and chat with you the whole time. Hell, if you seem interested she'll chat with you when she's pre-bussing other tables even! (Emma sent her onto the floor. She was talking too much.). Jubilee is one of the few people who will get people giving compliments about her to the managers that ISNT a server. Scott keeps trying to get her to try server, but Jubilee is happy where she is.

BOH: Back of house

BOH Manager: Remy

Remy has done a little of everything. Again, like Wade, he was hired as a server and did good considering his charm but started learning more and more BOH stuff to get more hours. Eventually he worked his way up and now manages the back. He is the only one who can cool Logan's anger issues, and although he can't actually experiment with food bc it's a chain, he likes to make food for the staff on slower days. No one is going home hungry on his watch. It's an open secret Remy and Rogue are dating, but because he's a manager they technically can't... But Charles looks the other way because they are cute, and frankly, he can't lose a manager and one of his best staff.

Rogue: Jack of all trades. She can do host, dish, line, prep, to go, serve. Only thing is she refuses to bus because she did it for a little bit once to "help out" and got stuck bussing for 2 months. Never again. If Remy is on line she can frequently be found chatting with him through the window, eating fries. Remy will "Mess up" toasted ravioli for her to munch on too. Most people like her because she's friendly and competent but if you piss her off you'll regret it. Logan. Could be a service or culinary pro but she doesn’t want to be a trainer; she gets annoyed fast.

Line cooks

John: John has burnt many dishes trying to cook it faster. He's been there 3 years and still thinks this time will be different. John is flirting with every server that comes to the window, and Bobby about smacks him when he flirts with Kitty, who just wants a side of marinara for table 3. He doesn’t realize they only flirt back bc they want munchies or their food faster. Fire comes in very handy when they need to bring the boiler temp up or light a burner that isn't working. he's the only one without healing powers that doesn't have burn marks.

Bobby: When John flirted with Kitty, he re-froze the chicken he was cooking. Bobby is someone new servers might be a little hesitant with because he is straight up. "Well, why didn't you ring it in like that in the first place?" "They can't get three small sides of Alfredo, Kurt, they just have to buy the boat appetizer." but everyone warms up to him because he's not rude when he says it, just straight forward. Bobby is a culinary pro, which means he's not a manager but he has authority and responsibility, which he does well with.

Sean: Sean does most things BOH, but dish is his preferred area. However, he is a certified trainer so he's often stuck everywhere training the new people. He's patient, more patient than Logan but more focused than Remy. He's a bit of a dad around the place, always asking the younger kids if they've eaten yet, and unlike Remy or John it's not because he's trying to sleep with them. He's just nice. Sometimes he brings cookies or something from walmart. Quieter, people don't know him very well, but friendly enough. he might have a little alcohol in his drinks.

Prep/bread/soup/backup/dish, the rest of BOH stuff that isn't line

Warren: After getting his wings burned TWICE (once was his fault, another time because john was being stupid), Warren moved away from the line, further back. He'll do prep and dish mostly now. He's a bit of a pain, very much "I am the only person at this place that knows how to get things done right" and "this place would fall apart without me." but he's kinda right. Still, if you fuck up or are falling behind, he's gonna step in and help you. More than once a crying Kitty has come to the back saying she forgot to ring in food, and Warren will step onto the line to make it up real fast.

Logan: You thought he'd be a line cook, didn't you? Well. he tried. He made too many servers cry, and got put in the back. Now Logan is ONLY prep. It's fine because if he cuts a finger or burns himself, he heals fast. Logan, despite being scary to most people at start. has a soft spot for the younger ones. When Scott caught Rogue with a full steak dinner that Remy made her, Logan was quick to defend. "What is the charge? Eating a meal? Succulent Chinese meal?" type energy. Scott dropped it. Logan will huff and puff about having to anything that is literally his job and has growled once or twice, but if YOU are mean to one of his favorites, it'll be hell.

THATS IT

I wanna keep doing HC's for this AU lol i had so much fun!!!!

Drop asks in my inbox about them!!! Scenarios or people or whatever

also, as always, anyone writing a fic or hc's or making art of this au are totally welcome just give me a tag and i'll share it!!!!

[just-a-carrot]

I'm not really in the mood to make a festive Happy New Year's post. So instead I'll just say... we made it. I made it. You made it. The year is over and we're still here. And that is enough.

It's no real secret by this point but 2024 has been one of the worst years of my life. From constant anxiety and panic attacks over job stability in the spring, to losing two family members, to the depressive spiral I entered after finishing OW, to the second spiral in the fall just when I thought maybe I was finally doing a bit better and everything came crashing back down, my mental health has been worse than it's ever been. And I've spent a lot more nights than I'd like to admit wishing I wouldn't wake up in the morning. (And downed a lot more sleeping pills than I'd like to admit because it's the only OTC thing I can get to mildly decrease my anxiety and help numb me a bit LOL)

I just want... this year to be over. Even though I have no hope for 2025 either and mostly just feel anxious and hopeless about it. But I will continue trying. Continuing grappling for the bits of joy that can keep me going. And maybe I finally will get a little bit of calm and peace. Who can say. I guess we'll see what 2025 decides to bring. I just really want to feel a bit better finally. And I hope that 2025 might take pity on me and allow me some mental respite.

2024 did have its moments of joy. Despite it sending me into the spiral, I am ofc glad that I finished OW finally this year. I consider it one of my greatest accomplishments. And I still can't believe that I put 3 whole years of work into this thing and just how much of my soul went into it. Even if my depression keeps trying to convince me that it (and me) are worthless.

I feel like I grew a lot in my art over the year. Trying new and more complex things. Getting better at composition and poses. Which led into my starting Broomtail, which gave me really the first renewed spark of creative joy since releasing the finale and actually made me excited to work on something again.

Speaking of joy amidst melancholy, DD2 was released this year, and it became the one thing that could keep me going at times. It brought me so much joy and inspiration when nothing else would. And it still holds my heart captive in its grip. From all the DD2 art I did, to the O2A2 game, to my silly tragic music video, to a very self-indulgent fanfic, it gave me so much creative energy, and I want to do more art for it in 2025 too! (And I'm still waiting for that DLC, Capcom...) I can't think of another game ever that's had this much of a hold on me before. Though I do attribute much of that to the fact that in my head it's mostly an OW AU since I could make Iggy and Genzou and play out their tragic love story and it was so beautiful and Genzou was so so sweet and cute GUH. Yeah... that helped a lot.

I think my main goal for 2025 is just to keep trying. To keep surviving. To keep trying to find hope and joy where I can. To believe that I can feel better and things can be better. Even when it's hard. And that hopefully... hopefully I will be able to find some peace in there finally.

I do have various projects I'd like to work on too. Like finishing the remaster, continuing Broomtail, maybe working on another game later on. But I'd rather just think of those as things I'd like to do for myself and because they bring me joy, rather than as any kind of goal or pressure. Especially since I never want to make any promises given the instability of my mental health.

I'm just so tired always. And I hate feeling scared and worthless all the time. I hate feeling trapped. Even if I know it's my own life choices and debilitating fear of change that has led to a lot of this. So it's my own fault in the end. But I hope I can find some solace. And I hope you can, too. I hope 2025 will be a kind year to everyone. And even if it's not, that we can find some joy and hope to help us through it.

Sorry this felt a bit morose LOL I guess I wanted to just take this opportunity to reflect back on the year a bit for some catharsis. I shall now sleep for 24 hours to recover from my flight hahaha.

if you saw this post a day ago for a few seconds i'm sorry -- i was working on it in my drafts and must have accidentally clicked post instead of save(??) somehow(???) idk but it posted and i panicked and deleted it and then had to rewrite it from scratch LOL

[doodlewizardry]

ooohhhh long long post!!!! [this is @doodlejoltik's main btw for any of the people I tagged that might not recognise it]

@pillowbugs aww thanks ! i didn't realise/remember that your blog was new at the time :O that's awesome to hear! it's fun seeing your art and writing!

i cannot possibly mention everyone cool that i know on this site but I'll try for a few at least. again in no particular order

@beastkonohaworld BK!!! you've been a great person to work with and an even greater friend :D chemmet is one of the highlights of my merch collection too. here's to another great year!

@protagpigeon KAIT! :D collabs shenanigans silliness you name it, if it's comedic we can do it XD immensely enjoyed all the time we've spent together, may there be endless more fun times to be had

@reestallized hey reestal! fellow Rei fan :D love your art and ideas loads, they're always so great to see !!! especially your traditional art it's something you do that is very cool :O same with the colour palette challenges

@cheesecake801 cheese it's quite possibly your fault that I enjoy volkner so much. it's contagious you spread it to everyone XDDD love the warm colours you use in your art and all the Character Thoughts you have, they're so wonderful <3

@skitter-kitter aka. one of the Lear fans ever. it's Definitely your fault i like Lear so much i blame you entirely /lh thank you for the fun times vibing about writing in DMs together, the community you've organised for us Lear fans, and generally being Very Cool <3

@ursamajorgamma we only met this past year, but it's been a delight knowing you! VC shenanigans beloved all our conversations have been so interesting and/or fun. epic Lear art and other paintings too :OO

@defoozor thank you for the cool art talk and other conversations, the awesome concepts you've made (Lear_Gem and Arc Suit Consequences are iconic) and also the VC fun hehe

@davepeta neppy you're always down for fun and silliness and you appreciate a good Bit! cool writing too, and art, and it's just awesome to hang out with you on chat.

@choochooboss Jun thank you for everything you've done for the community and being an AWESOME person to know! I've gushed many a time about how much i love pokemagma so I won't repeat myself but suffice to say it's one of the best things I've ever been part of. and to borrow from BK: U CUTE also!

@turtwisp we've only been talking regularly pretty recently, but you are very cool :3 love your barries !!!

@grubbin22 you are so nice and so sweet i've very much enjoyed the time we've spent together!!! and I've always admired your art so it's awesome to make your acquaintance

@monvallaria our acquaintance has been short so far but I'm absolutely loving it!!! you're a delight! love all your little doodles with hearts everywhere and much hilarity it's wonderful <3 <3 <3 here's to more fun together

@antihibikase it was super fun to talk and hang out productively, plus it's nice to see you around. i hope 2025 is a good year for you <3

@ultipoter yippee ulti! i love your art so much... such a recognisable and distinct artstyle with some traditional and anime influences that is Very Tasty. awesome character thoughts like that one Volo comic that popped off, hilarious Bits (Volo Cola, our incredibly stupid venn diagram /affectionate) and one of the guys of all time (holds up Jirou like a lil plushie). it's always a delight when you're around! I'm very happy to know you

@scraggscribbs hey scraggs, hope you've been well! i appreciate all the support and amazing comments you've given me on my fics <3 and you make such AMAZING manga with such interesting characterisation, I'm in awe! enjoy all our conversations very much and would love to catch up again :D

@hwpn-gurire I really appreciate all the comments and positive energy you bring to the pokemas community! you uplift everyone and always have a kind word :) plus your art is fantastic - thanks for teaching me that lil trick about offset colour, it's a really fun effect to use!

@claitea you have Many character thoughts that we are in agreement on / make me Think. really great stuff, thank you for appreciating my insane tag rambling on your posts LOL frequently pointing like yeah YOU GET IT! your art is great too with many :O comics that live in my brain rent free 👍

@kobandan you've listened to me a lot over this past year, thank you for that <3 your art is awesome, especially love your submas series with all their different pokemon. seeing those less popular combinations get the spotlight is great!

@smashwolfen originator of UPDOG my beloved snorlax.... thank you for the Very Epic name and continuing to stay subscribed to my silly Updog Newsletter XD I promise to continue the saga! also love your art, so much good PLA <33333 the Volo sketch page I remember quite well, phenomenal stuff hahahaha

@raikouswish rei-membering all the good times we've had this year 😁 i always have so much pun talking to you! here's to staying f-rei-nds in times to come >:3

@shibearts U CUTE !!!! love your designs and OCs they are super epic and you always hit me with the nostalgia blast. you've inspired me with your character design! geographyverse collab sometime this year surely

@submastrain it's been awesome collaborating with you! your rendering and colours make my brain light up they're so good :O

and many MANY more people that I've had the pleasure of talking to or reblogging posts back and forth with or drawing with - I'm sorry I can't mention you all!! appreciate all of you, whether we're mutuals or you're just following me along on this ride - both here and with my pokeposting :3

happy new year!

@jumpy-buggy-33 @ollie-arts67 @ashmeertheimp @k4izershasfreakycanon @cyrophobia

[And all my moots becuz I'm supposed to be helping out during party 😋]

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Finer Things 4

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as non/dubcon, age gap, cheating, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your mom surprises you with a visit but has a lot more in store than you could ever imagine.

Characters: Tony Stark

Note: my first day back to work but I get to work from home.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. Thanks to everyone who reads this one and thank you for all your energy.<3

Love you all like Tony loves himself. Take care. 💖

Your phone buzzes on your textbook. It’s early. You don’t know why you’re awake, or studying for that matter, but here you are. Do you not know or are you in denial? 

Last night was strange. All of it. The dinner, the hotel, the drive home. It was all unexpected but you can easily predict the incoming phone call before you check the display. The same restlessness that stirred in you all night intensifies as you answer your mother. 

“Hi,” you squeak. 

She groans. You frown. “Sweetie,” she mumbles, “I feel awful.” 

“Mom, are you okay?” 

“No, my head is pounding. I’m not going to make the train home,” she grumbles. “I need coffee.” 

You tap your finger on the back of your phone. There’s a single-serve in her room. You saw it when you put her in the bed. 

“Do they have room service?” You suggest. 

“It’s so expensive, sweetie,” she whines. You know what she wants but you really shouldn’t give it to her. She is your mom, though. Your phone gives a short vibration but stops. 

“Uh, one sec,” you pull the phone back. ‘Call Incoming’. You shake your head. Probably some sort of robo scam. “Did you have any water?” 

“I can’t,” she snivels. “I can’t get out of bed, sweetie. Uh, I feel so horrid. Can’t you come and take care of your mommy?” 

You look at the ceiling. You really hate when she does that voice. She makes herself sound like a child. 

“I’ll bring my books,” you resign. “Might take me a while--” 

“You know, I called him. Tony. He won’t answer. He must’ve already left town.” She sighs weakly. “I’m so alone, sweetie.” 

“Mom, I’m leaving now. I have to get off the phone,” you say before your agitation grows. “Love you.” 

“Oh, I love you too. More than anything,” she purrs. 

You hang up. You do love her. She’s your mom but you don’t love the way she acts sometimes. Or that she puts so much on you. Every mood swing, every omen of bad luck, everything is your mess to clean up. Since you moved to campus, it dawns on your more and more, your mom has been more a roommate than a parent. 

You get up and pack up your books. You pull on a pair of soft track pants with fleece lining and a loose long-sleeve tee. You tuck your feet into your Ugg style boots and bundle up in your downy coat.  

As you scoop up your phone, it lights up with another call. You’re surprised it isn’t your mother begging you to bring her a latte instead of the hotel tripe. It’s not her but you’ll still get her a latte. You dismiss the private caller. 

You head out, bus pass and apathy well in hand. You get off a stop away from your mother’s hotel and find the cafe from the map app. You order her a pistachio cream and a plain americano for yourself. The hot cups underline the crisp frigidity in the air as you emerge. 

As you knock on your mother’s door, you hear her whine from inside. “Come in.” 

“I can’t, locked,” you call back. 

She sobs dramatically and you listen to her uneven footfalls. She opens the door, slumped forward as she exaggerates her hangover. You hold out the latte. 

“Oh, sweetie. You are a blessing,” she takes it and greedily slurps. “Mmm, oh, espresso, my darling friend.” 

She scurries away and the door shuts behind you. You hang your coat and leave your boots at the door. You pace around with your coffee as she goes back to the bed and hides her bare legs under the duvet. 

“So, you got home safely.” 

“Yeah,” you shrug and peek out the window. “You got advil? For your head?” 

“Of course,” she touches her forehead. “I can’t believe I forgot about my new meds. They mellow me out but oof, they make me so forgetful.” 

You nod. You’re not so sure it’s just the meds. She’s always been flighty. The unpaid credit card statements are evidence enough. 

“It’s so nice, though. An extra day in town to spend together! That’s so sweet,” she preens and grabs the remote from the bedside table. She aims it at the television and it blares on loudly. The reality show crowd jeers as the host reads from a cue card. 

“Mind if I study?” You ask. 

“No, I’m just going to be watching this trash,” she giggles. “Oh, this is a delightful latte.” 

“Right,” you go to the table and unpack your bag. 

You do your best to ignore the television. It’s so loud. She always cranks it so high. You highlight and copy over key points. Your coffee goes cold before you finish it. You choke down the dregs and stretch your fingers. 

“Gotta hit the bathroom.” 

“Sure, sweetie. Ooh, how about breakfast?” She offers. 

“I could eat,” you say as you cross the room. You have to keep yourself from reminding her of her own words; it’s so expensive. 

You close yourself in the bathroom and take your time. You would rather be in your dorm, even if it would be just as loud. Gabourey no doubt has big plans for the weekend. 

You come out. The TV blares and your mother sits cradling her phone. You go to the table and sit with a yawn. “Anything look good?” You ask. 

“So... how’d you get home last night?” She asks abruptly, popping her head up. Her expression is dangerous. 

You squint, “Mr. Stark drove me--” 

“Mr. Stark?” She clucks. “Oh, all the way back to your dorm? As he left me here all alone?” 

“Well, uh, yeah. I wanted to stay but--” 

“But what?” She snips and turns her phone around, showing the image on her phone. You put your glasses back on to see it clearly. You almost forgot about the photographer last night. “Looks like you had lots of fun together.” 

You blink as if she slapped you. Is she accusing you of something? 

“He just drove me to my dorm,” you say in confusion. 

“Oh, uh huh, yeah, I see that,” she sniffs. “I just... I’m wondering,” she sucks her teeth rudely, “why he’s not answering my messages or my calls, but then up pops this? Such lovely photos of you two.” 

“I’m... I’m not sure what’s going on.” 

“I’m not stupid. I mean, when I realised who he is, I knew it wasn’t going to be a big thing. Maybe a few nights but, sweetie, I didn’t raise you to be a slut,” she spits. 

You flinch again and your jaw drops, “what?! Mom, he gave me a ride back to my dorm. You can ask my roommates, I got there like fifteen minutes after we left here--” 

“I could ask and they’d lie to me just like you.” 

“I-I-I--” you sputter. “Wow. I can’t believe you think—when have I ever--” your adrenaline is pumping. Your own mother is jealous? Because some stupid paparazzi photos. 

“It’s here. It’s pasted all over. ‘Mystery girl with Stark’.” She taps her screen then tosses away the phone, ���Urgh! Why won’t he answer me? Hm?” She looks at you with fiery eyes. “Because then he’d have to lie. That’s the only explanation.” 

Your eyes tinge hotly. You don’t get it. Your mom has her tantrums. She’s never been very immature, but your emotional punching bag, you’re not her competition. She’s always used you to make herself look and feel better. 

“I wouldn’t do that,” you stand up. “You should know that... mom.” 

She scoffs, “oh, you wouldn’t? Not after last night? All your little smiles? That tiny little voice you put on? Oh and that picture you got together? He’ll forget you too.” 

“I didn’t do anything--” 

“That doesn’t work on me,” she snaps. “Get out of my room before you make this headache any worse.” 

You stare at her. She rolls her eyes and scowls. She swipes up the phone and turns away from you. She taps her finger all over then puts it to her ear. 

“Danica, you won’t believe...” 

You don’t know what to do. You’re stunned. She’s your mom, she’s flawed sure but this is a bit much. You just turn and close your textbook and stack it beneath your notebook. You don’t say a word as she closes herself in the bathroom and sobs into her phone. 

She’ll get over it. It’s like that time she thought you stole her Dior lip stain. You don’t even use lip stain, but she was adamant. She didn’t talk to you for a week. Not until she found it in the bottom of her purse. 

You go to the door and wait a moment. She doesn’t come out. You put on your coat and your boots and leave. This is... absurd. 

Your phone buzzes as you stand in the elevator alone. That could be her but now you’re kind of mad. If she doesn’t want to talk to you, then she can do just that. You’re hurt that she would think you’re that kind of person. Although it does make you want to laugh that anyone would think you could get a man like Tony Stark, or a man at all. 

You come outside and your breath clouds round you, adding to the fuzziness of the world. You realise then that you’re crying. It’s probably just the stress of school. You know this is stupid, that it’s just another of your mom’s episodes. 

You mop away your tears and find the bus stop. You silence your phone. You wish the damn scammers would take a hint. You’re half-frozen by the time the weekend route arrives. 

You get off at the campus gates and walk the rest of the way. As you approach the front door, a whistle cuts through the air. You ignore it as you unlock the door. It’s only your name that stops you. You keep a hold of the handle and peer over your shoulder. 

“There you are. I’ve been calling,” Tony approaches in a long jacket and luxurious scarf. His hands are covered by leather gloves that creak as he rubs them together.  

“You have?” You frown. “Well, you should call my mom.” 

“Joyce? She didn’t answer,” he crosses his arms and pushes his shoulders up. “Getting cold out, huh? Think it’s going to snow soon.” 

“She didn’t? But she...” 

“You been crying, sweetheart, or you just cold?” He interrupts. 

You shake your head, “no.” You lie. “I’m just... my mom’s... hungover. She probably missed the call.” 

“Probably, huh?” He tucks his hands under his arms and chatters. “So, you going to invite me in out of the cold?” 

You stare at him. The tip of his nose is red. You should really just be honest. 

“Sure but I have to study so...” 

“I can stay out of your way, baby,” he winks. “Just wanna get the feeling back in my face.” 

“Alright,” you accept and unlock the door a second time. 

He catches it behind you and follows you inside. As you climb the stairs, you rein in your reeling mind. You stop at the top and turn to him. 

“Tony,” you murmur. 

“What is it, sweetheart?” He peels his gloves off. 

“I saw the pictures.” 

“Pictures?” He arches a brow. 

“They’re online. That guy with the camera put them on the internet,” you explain. 

He chuckles, “yeah, they always do that.” 

You stare at him. He just thinks it’s funny. 

“You can’t stay long, okay? I have a lot of work to do.” 

“Oh my, alright. Got it,” he raises his hands. “Kinda like it when you boss me around.” 

“I’m not... bossing you around. I just... I’ll be busy. You’ll get bored.” 

“Of you? Doubt it.” 

You sigh and spin away. You open your dorm and he enters behind you. You point him down the hall away from the chatter in the kitchen. As you unlock your room, you hear a squeal. 

“Ahhh, it’s him!” Racquel screeches, “Gab, get over here. I told you so.” 

You cringe and look over at your roommates. You drop your keys and groan. You pick them up as Tony turns to them. 

“Girls,” he greets cheerfully. “How ya doin’?” 

“I can’t believe it,” Virgie peeks around. Shouldn’t she be napping? 

“Everybody calm down, it’s just me, the world famous billionaire,” he snickers. 

“This is awesome,” Racquel says. “We were just opening the vodka, want a drink?” 

“At 11am?” He checks his watch, “sounds like a good start to the day.” 

He strolls forward and you star after him. Well, he’s not your problem anymore. You bend to pick up your keys. 

“Hey, sweetheart, coming?” He stops by the kitchen door and looks back. “Seems like you could use a drink or two.” 

[danwhobrowses]

Critical Role C3 Ep 118 - Initial Thoughts

Well guys I maaaade it

It's 8am (well 9 now) and frosty in England and I had like, 1 hour light snoozing, I'm currently basking in the delusional energy being sleep deprived sustains until the inevitable crash but for now, an episode happened!

First of 2025, first I could watch in full thanks to PTO and willpower, shivering with nerves all day so let's cover the thoughts I remember at least (was staying as still as possible to avoid making noise for the others sleeping, so couldn't do the clickety clacks - and as you can tell by my use of 'clickety clacks' that my verbage may be as loopy as a rollercoaster at times)

Spoilers for the episode

Adorable abnormally named animals that looked more like a pupper and a gerbil, Bandit was true to his name

Oh geez more fucking monologuing, even Sam had the cup thing for it XD

Remember that fanart of Laudna, Orym and Ashton kicking Liliana after verbally dressing her down? Well that but this time with Ludinus, loved the pressing

Got some mini Ludie backstory and it was 'my family died as collateral in the Calamity', it's so hilariously basic at this point he deserved every bit of Ashton's 'get the fuck over it'

Part of me also couldn't help but think of Istho, the reluctant to die Paladin of the Lawbearer imprisoned at the Bloody Bridge literally a year ago, they had the same mantra

Would've been cooler to get a bit more Lawbearer sauce before in this campaign but fairs enough

Fearne just wants to give everyone cupcakes and candy and treats being the vessel of the God Eater like winning the lottery and I love her for it

It's not lost on me as an Ashton fan that Ludie never asked them what they wanted. There's a gist yes of controlling your own fate but still, got a lil' under your skin didn't they?

Chet no, don't try to open the cascade of sigils!

HA! Poofed out of his second monologue

Braius don't call him, you're gonna call him aren't you?

FUCKING LYING WHORE CHEATER BITCH Azzy, how's the family?

Brennan is untouchable but Matt's Fucking Lying Whore Cheater Bitch Azzy M still gives me the feeling of 'you know all the right things to say but I can still hear your manipulation'

Family, Braius, is right here! I get he's been around longer but first it's 'chase away and I'll remain' now it's 'don't let it out', mixed messages

I probably would've laughed to death if Ludie got distracted by the toy, though I do wish it was an Intuit Charge

RAVENOUS VOID OFF THE FUCKING BAT?? I was literally looking at that spell a few days ago

The aoe and save was so fucking high too, and I could've sworn Ashton can't be moved in Titan form, and resists all but Force Damage

Oh shit the neck! The neck comes back around!

God the cast rolled so badly for so long, and he kept saving and using his resistance

Not the neck ladies, the body, da body!

PATE I LOVE YOU

Pate noooo!

IRAAAAAAA I LOVE YOU!

MISTERRRRRR! I LOVE YOU!!

ASHTOOOOOOOON I LOVE YOU! That is my motherfucking barbarian tank killing the concentration

OH MY FUCKING DAYS POWER WORD STUN IMOGEN I FUCKING LOVE YOU!

I was counting the damage, once you knew it was below 150 all it needed was the math

Bless Ashley for wanting to go big but couldn't because of aoe

It had to be Orym, IT HAD TO BE ORYM, how's that for resolve?

Ira laughing in Ludie's face was cathartic too

'I don't want to hurt anyone, or kill anyone' - SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE ASHTON HATERS IN THE BACK!

We were so fucking close though, so close to the 'we can't absorb it but it can't stay here' point, we could've had an option C like sending it to a Demiplane

Surprised me how much Laudna pushed for pro-Predathos, given Imogen's reluctance, and Orym just unable to argue it because it's been argued to death

Oh god is he not dead? Fuckery duck, Laudna you have that ghost tracking thing right?

'What did you do to me, I used to be fun' - you still are you just have mushrooms planned with Fearne for after

Imogen you talked a lot about being free to decide your fate and now you're literally walking towards what 'fate' planned out for you

We are LITERALLY approaching what Ludinus wants to do

Child's voice is a nope, like an absolute nope

Like a 'Guys did we not learn from the Dominox?' nope

Because GUYS DID WE NOT LEARN FROM THE DOMINOX??

Orym insight checked a God Eater, got a whisper, stepped between it and the Ruidusborns, and that was not a red flag??

The collective 'ohhhh' though

Like, I get hearing it out, trying to see if we've simply been misinformed, but the proof is kinda in the pudding and it is dessert time

It knocked Chet into a wall for opposing, that's a nope

Hey Matt don't you think the Primordials partly responsible for this cage would have some resonance with it since we're getting clips of Tengar and Orym's Wildmother vision for all to see?

Imogen and Fearne NO

Predathos the nice hot faun lady told you to wait

Fearne YES but IMOGEN NO!

Fearne Yes! ...right? Answer the question cliffhanger! RIGHT?

I mean she heard her, that's something, are we gonna have to give Imogen her first death in the campaign? Can that staff factor in at all?

Definitely peeved that Imogen went and pulled a Frodo right at the last moment, but like the One Ring in Mount Doom she is being lulled by Predathos muddying her instincts, so I can kinda see why she thought it the kindest option, also le drama I suppose, Laura Bailey had to put her own third wedding one-shot in jeopardy

I have to be at work next week and there's a likelihood that the worst ending happens and Ludinus didn't get his ancient elf ass handed to him permanently ;_; so the stage is different, the health and spell slots are lower, but the fear is the same and I can't stay up for it

Contrary to others though I do still want a happy ending, the Hells aren't bad or evil for what they were attempting; the intentions was still good it was just not right. Someone else would've come, if not Ludinus then someone else with the same plan, but this is why we should've discussed alternatives earlier, this is why a united goal is important and why the Arch Heart fucking up the plan with his visit rubbed me the wrong way

At least now the Hells are gonna be on the same page with Predathos, it's about saving your people - so, save your people

[sativaonsaturn]

moon sign lingo

how do the moons communicate their emotions? (also keep in mind this is affected by sun, mercury and mars as well)

aries moon: as you’d expect, direct and honest; true representation of mars’ energy. you’ll never have to guess how aries is feeling. i always tell ppl to reference the Greek god Ares, god of war. aries in this placement creates an impatient and excited energy, so whatever they’re feeling kinda needs to be acted on immediately. they’re not very big on time and place, but sometimes this can be to their advantage. this energy makes them great leaders and willingness to work things out as they are happening is a huge plus.

taurus moon: not very loud but blunt with their opinions. taurus wants you to know how they feel and that they’re unwavering in whatever that is. of course tend to be quite stubborn and have a fixed view of emotions as a whole. they are very sure about how the feel on any given topic. when it comes to discussing how they’re feeling, taurus has already decided their standpoint and nothing you say will change that. taurus brings a stable energy to moon and therefore they tend not to experience much of a flux in emotions unless afflicted or have a mercury w/ opposing energy (ex: scorpio or sagittarius mercury).

gemini moon: quite a logical placement (mercury), but is more patient with themselves than aquarius. don’t get me wrong, gemini still desperately wants to get through the emotions and onto the fun! if it’s something light, you won’t even have to ask what’s bothering them 😂 however, often when their emotions are too heavy, they might say that they’re numb or avoid answering a “how are you?” & when they do finally talk, the feelings tend come out raw and uncut all at once. regarding others’ feelings, gemini tends to go around the mushy parts and get straight to making you feel better, as they’re great friends.

cancer moon: very connected to their emotions. have a tendency to be moody and express their emotions quite freely. they definitely wear their hearts on their sleeves but also protective of their hearts. it’s really not hard to guess how they’re feeling even if they don’t say it. when cancer is upset, their body language and tone tell everything; even their mannerisms change w/ their feelings. ofc very affectionate and understanding ppl, one of the best moon signs to confide in.

libra moon: often in a very subtle way at first. libras like to keep balance as we know, so if they feel their emotions may rock the boat, they’re not likely to say much at all. they will sometimes overlook their own strong emotions if they deem them “unnecessary” or it’s simply the “wrong time”. may be people pleasers as well. tend to use laughter/ humor to cope and might seem like they’re not taking things seriously. sometimes we don’t hear how libra feels until they boil over, much like libra mars.

virgo moon: critical and intellectual beings. they understand the world and the people around them by putting things in boxes. virgo needs logic in order to make sense of things (mercury) and it only makes sense that they would do this with emotions. so when they express how they're feeling, it's quite direct and matter of fact. like other earth moons, they prefer to intellectualize their feelings before expressing them. hate to say this (cause everyone says it), but it's important that virgo ease up a bit and validate their own quirks/ feelings and in turn, they will also not be too critical of others. they really want to lead others to "the light" in a sense and that's okay! they just need to find the right balance between pure logic and raw emotion.

leo moon: leo’s emotions tend to pour out of them; you will always know how they feel. these moons can be particularly sensitive and protective of their egos. as much as i adore leo suns, leo in this placement have such a hard time developing emotionally. as leo is the 5th house (of pleasure) and therefore tend to be quite child-like in their approach with emotions as a whole. and undeveloped leo moons can make those around them feel like they’re walking on eggshells. i’d say that leo suns want to be loved, leo moons need it. if developed you may find an enthusiastic leader, but checks and balances are essential as they’re inclined to emotional decision making.

scorpio moon: super tactical and observant. these people are a vault that only they have the key to. scorpio is so profound when they sort through the emotions of themselves and others. however, it’s not often that you’ll hear everything that they’re feeling. scorpio waits til what they think is just the right moment and not a second before. the only placement that may change this is the mars; scorpio mars and moon may make someone only reveal their strong emotions during moments of anger. scorpio moons also read the room quite well so if you’re feeling down, they already know.

sagittarius moon: i actually did a separate post for this one because it’s such an interesting placement. sag is a flame that you simply cannot put out 😭 they feel everything in such extremes and they wake up on ready every day. they cry loudly from their hearts, scream from their bellies and laugh like they might never laugh again. there is never a question about how sag feels because they can’t wait to tell you. if they are inconvenienced or offended, you’ll hear about it until it’s fixed. they are of course very empathetic as well, they wanna make everyone feels good. my little brother has this placement and if i look even a little sad he won’t leave me alone until i smile.

capricorn moon: as saturn would have it, they’re like steel when it comes to emotions. saturn often brings hardships to learn lessons before achieving greatness. so many cap moons experience things that make them tougher, often making it hard for them to create space for their emotions. when they do express their feelings, it may come out in a way that seems robotic, if at all. capricorn struggles to be there for themselves, let alone allow others to. capricorn needs to first release the fear they hold surrounding their own emotions before expressing them.

aquarius moon: another very logical approach to emotions, especially their own. prefer not to discuss how they’re feeling (if at all) until they have gotten to the bottom of things. they’re the type to intellectualize their feelings, sometimes to a fault. if you happen to catch one in their process, you may hear a lot of “why do i feel like this?” also, if you ask aquarius how they’re feeling before they’re done processing, they are likely to tell you they’re fine or that they’re not feeling anything at all. very empathetic people though! just not in the same way as water signs; if they feel you deserve what you’re going through they will not feel bad 😂 they might even tell you that you deserve it!

pisces moon: truly representative of neptune's energy. pisces in general prefers to avoid uncomfortable situations and in this case: feelings. we often teeter between ignoring emotions as a whole and being engulfed by them. so when we do express our feelings, it's either very cryptic or a sort of word vomit. undeveloped pisces moons will often either put the emotions of others before their own or behave as if only their emotions matter/ exist. we also tend to be empaths in every sense of the word. personally, when my loved ones hurt I can literally feel it. also tend to have prophetic dreams and even know what someone will say before they say it. but keep in mind, this is only if pisces is evolved! otherwise pisces may be aimless and lost, not trusting in themselves and disconnected from virtually everything.

sativaonsaturn 🍃🪐

[thelindenpapers]

See, you know it's an OC that will stick with you when they wind up requiring their own AUs to explore options. ^^; ....

To continue on her original track tho:

Ms. Carayiinedahtt Clover Violet Birchthorn, Post-Academy:

∆ Mind 20 (+1), Maneuver 20, Magic 12 (+1), Matter 4 (+3), Magnetism 4, Mettle 4 (+1), Mark 8, Melee 10

∆ Motive: Creation.

[Creating things for herself. Creating things for others. Creating things WITH others.

With the intention to self-express, to help others express, to pursue improvement of skill, and to make life better in general.]

∆ An aside: (You know, it occurs to me that, the way that Evan's roughness and intensity when he is angered doesn't phase Clover, is totally natural, given what her uncle is like. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Her uncle isn't evil.

He wasn't ever cruel to her or to her mother….in fact, most of the time he was ever around, he was boisterous. Enthusiastic. Loud. Even, jolly.

…Yet her uncle was a biker, and simply was NOT one to mince words, or actions. 😅 Ever, At all.

ESPECIALLY if someone pissed him off.

So, it's a habit Clover both recognizes; and, at very rare times, shares… tho her style of that energy is usually in a huffier, more indignant way.

As long as that energy is aimed at the right people (i.e., those trying to do harm), it doesn't bug her….

Guess that's one reason why she would feel kinship with Evan in the first place. )

Anyway...

∆ 🤯 During these past 3 years, Clover has shot UP.

As if, before finding magic and people other than her mother who cared even a little, she stayed small in a bid to hide.

Now, Clover's a foot taller, broad, and round bellied… she's turned into a big, beautiful, bear of a woman….

A poised, well-dressed sort of bear. 😤👏🏾✨

Someone akin to these women:

By which I mean that she wears her big, beautiful, bearness exceedingly well. n_n

∆ Main Outfit these days: a handmade, full-skirted, pale sunshine-yellow vintage fit-and-flare sleeveless dress, with ruching that wraps to one cloth-buttoned side, resulting in a v-neck shape that shows off her cleavage…

And of course it has pockets! :3 With delicate embroidered silver flourishes at the pocket openings.

~ Her cloud of soft, gorgeous black afro has grown out twice its size. 😳✨☁️

She'll do her hair up in a veritable sculpture of braids or twists on special occasions…but daily? She'll usually free-form it with small clusters of flowers at the temples, pull it up into a giant puff to adorn with pretty hairclips, or, sweep it backwards with a width of artfully-arranged headscarves, on most days. All depending on mood, time constraints, and the look she's going for.

~ Clover has hung up her uncle's motorcycle jacket on the living room wall, and gotten her own: cropped and properly hemmed and belted, with a handsewn assortment of patches on the back.

It has a crow-sized, quilt-lined leather pouch sewn onto the upper arm, that her feral crow-familiar, Antares(Ann), can crawl into and ride or nap in.

~ Set of leather rings.

~ Steel-toe construction boots embellished with various strips of leather

~ Not much make-up on (she never did manage to learn the finer points 😅), but her lips are usually painted two different colors.

~ One leaf-y, script "embroidery" tattoo on her right forearm says, 'On the Clock'. The other on her left forearm says, 'Off the Clock'.

~ If she has a big backpack or tote with her these days, it usually has a kind of leather holster or strap sewn onto it for her book. There's entirely too much to do, to constantly have it in her arms anymore!

∆ Clover graduates, but doesn't stick around Gowpenny after all.

The library is still dear to her…but staying would make her feel like she's standing still, now that she's grown.

( I think she would have wanted to ask Evan to come home with her, but she kind of gets the feeling he wouldn't. )

So she returns home with Antares.

∆ Ms. Birchthorn starts a tailoring/clothes-designing business on Etsy. With the help of her magic, it grows and expands into her 'company', "Birchtree Offerings".

(Doesn't matter if the clients are homeless or rich, whatever: Clothing, boxes, accessories, are always presented with an accompanying foil card with the Birchtree logo, saying, "May these garments serve you well. We hope that you remember that you are worth every stitch.")

~ She accepts all kinds of work, but she specializes in clothes for fat folks, and in adaptive clothing. Usually all made-to-measure, even if it's not a one-off piece.

~ She also does pro bono work for people who simply can't afford it.

~ Ms. Birchthorn eventually rents out a workspace with about 20 workers: 2 techies, 2 administrators, 1 people person, 1 receptionist, 2 shipping, 12 seamsters, whom she treats EXTREMELY well.

She designs the bulk of the main, continuing designs, and then does her special one-offs.

The seamsters mainly do cut and pin of the main designs, and then have their own projects.

As far as her own work and her share of main assembly -- with magic acting as her second and third pair of disembodied hands -- the sewing, embroidering, and detailing flies right by!

~ Each seamster is given their own page on the website, and, if there is a design that they exclusively made, it is featured on their page to credit and highlight their work.

Each piece that is their design has an additional little label with their name on it (Birchtree Offerings: Dakari. Birchtree Offerings: Magdalena. Birchtree Offerings: Chanchal. Birchtree Offerings: Layne, Etc.)

~ …. Clover's. Not great. At being around people. ^^;

She's not a coach, like Jammer. Or magnetic and sparkling, like Sam is. Or as responsive as K…

But, they DO all relate unequivocally on things that count for their work: their social/political values, their passion and sense of fun and exploration in clothes making, their dedication to improving service, and their dedication to providing that service to everyone, rather than to a privileged few.

So, while they're not besties with her, they do all get along quite well, get really excited on collabs, and rejoice on their well-earned wins!

A very results-oriented group who can trust in each other and in their intentions, and who believe in each other's own unique sense of presentation and style, who get hyped up over many of the same things….

It seems plenty enough.

∆ Ms. Birchthorn remains aloof to the rest of world.

Still written-word centered, Clover releases statements and blog posts through her website occasionally, but eschews the spotlight: highlighting above all else the designs, the materials, the careful practices and sourcing, the services being offered, and the initiatives to reach more of those in need.

∆ …It goes well and good until magic starts falling apart.

Any new slowness Clover writes off to others as the onset of mild early-onset arthritis…

But she's made a good enough start, and has saved up enough that she's able to more or less sustain current levels of production, without much in the way of excess profits…

She lives frugally, takes it easy on the intake of orders, and doesn't re-hire to replace the three seamsters who start their own businesses or move elsewhere. ^^; .-. (She doesn't have much choice else, if she wants to keep the level of benefits and pay as they are, and yet not cut corners.)

∆ As usual bullying the bullies: Clover does NO work for anyone she thinks doesn't deserve it.

Ms. Birchthorn is (otherwise) insistent that "fashion is for everyone" and that tearing someone down for their personal style is nonsense.

There's room for it all!

Speed-walking by with a basket of pins carrying a GORGEOUS three piece Nigerian-punk-fusion formal suit in colors she absolutely would not have chosen for herself, "I don't go about 'yukking people's yum': I create yum. Now, hold out your arm."

∆ Current priority orders being worked on:

3 IMMACULATE business suits to send to a homeless shelter, pro bono

1 incredible haute couture birthday dress, extremely expensive

10 beautiful bridesmaid's dresses, moderately-priced, going to somewhere in Australia

1 vintage dress with petticoats and custom-decorated shoes for Carolynna, an elderly woman from her writing workshop: a gift

8 identical black stealth outfits w/masks for a black bloc group in Brooklyn, pro bono

1 beautiful, futuristic-looking wedding dress with hidden snaps to help accommodate the (astronomy-fixated) bride's disability, going to somewhere in Montana, pro bono

1 impressive, Victorian-style men's suit with corset, very expensive, to an elderly tailor from her online workshop, named Enzo, somewhere in Brazil: he refused it as a gift, he's paid for it plus a sizeable tip

∆ If called upon by The Misfits, Clover's happy to help.

She arrives at the island on her broom, riding side-saddle: large handmade leather rectangle tote on one shoulder along with Antares; umbrella in hand, keeping off the rain.

∆ *Slogging through physical therapy*

∆ *Figure I'll try Misfits and Magic from the beginning, see what the fuss is all about*

∆ Ohh yay, with Lou Wilsooon!!! 🥳😃

∆ *As usual, an OC shows up* Carayiinedahtt (Ka-rai-EE-neh-daht) Clover Violet Birchthorn: Brains 20, Flight 12, Grit 10, Brawn 8, Charm 6, Fight 4

∆ Just say "Clover". Or "Violet". It hardly matters.

∆ 16. She/Her/Hers. Chubby, short, brown-skinned, big-eyed, perpetually-frowning, victorian-esque aura'ed, mostly silent little freak

∆ Constantly clutching a gigantic hardcover book to her chest and staring over top of it

∆ Big fluffy black Afro kept neatly back with a strip of pale-green brocade fabric.

Wearing vintage-esque, handmade, pale-green fit&flare dress, her missing biker uncle's beat-up black leather retro motorcycle jacket, black steel toe construction boots, and a big emerald green backpack

∆ This is basically that feral AF kid who walks blindingly fast down the hallways, never talks to anyone, and refuses to use her locker ever -- she just carries everything no matter how fucking heavy wtf

∆ *Best friend/Mom took sick with a type of illness-induced dementia when she was 10, and was put in a home....Uncle is nice enough, but he's in and out of the apartment unpredictably, never know when or if he's gonna be around*

∆ *tended only to interact with elderly people on writing workshop or seamstressing/tailoring forums*

∆ *Forged uncle's signature on wizarding school application*

∆ She came for the books.

She really only cares about books, she gave up on people a loooonnnnggggg time ago ...but boy, if the library here is how she dreams it might be?....SHE WILL NEVER LEAVE

∆ ZERO compunction telling the trio, "Go away, you suck. 😬😐" ....impatient because, ultimately, they're wasting her reading time and precious seconds of her attention span on being mean for no reason. Dolts. If you're going to waste time at least be friendly or interesting or helpful or fun or else what's the damned point?

∆ *intense, rude crow familiar with one wandering eye who side-eyes everyone just as much as she does*

∆ *glad about the sorting*

∆ *Does giggle with child-like delight at the sapient cauldron and is in deeply respectful awe of the nature teacher*

∆ Me: "Huh. Okay. ...Well I guess she'll get along with Jammer the most? He's the most encouraging among them....or maybe she'll see Sam Black as a big sister? ....🤔 At any rate, those two will probably be the ones to pry her out of that welded-closed shell...."

∆ NOPE.

∆ *watch her eyes get even bigger and sparkly whenever Evan talks knowledge/trivia*

∆ *watch her face cycle through indignant anger and sadness at Evan's struggles*

∆ *starts shadowing behind him and glaring at anyone who looks at him sideways, FIERCELY protective*

∆ *finally hugs Evan, clingy -- like a little kid with a trusted parent in uncertain company*

∆ *sees Dream get kinda' jealous*

∆ *Shadows and gets really close to Dream and looks up and points and goes, "🤨That's my big brother. He's really tall...Did you want to be his girlfriend?🤔 He knows a LOT of stuff; and he seems like he's at least TRYING, which most people don't even bother to do...I can give you some space.", just staring unblinking with her big victorian-orphan eyes*

∆ *I choke on my coffee 💀💀💀*

<3 frfrfr

[ilovedthestars]

New ficlet! My take on the missing scene where Amena makes Murderbot's hair fluffy :') (i made it sad by accident)

[faaun]

procrastination is starting to have its consequences finally

[jojo-the-puppy]

i think im officially done trying to keep in touch with people who dont try ever

[look-at-the-stars-tonight]

the amount of effort that goes into figuring out what to cook and eat every day is RIDICULOUS. i used to think people were so weird and boring for eating the same thing every single day but it truly does make life so much easier

[justajsworkshop]

realizing how i've bought into the false idols that (a) failure is possible and (b) things have to be difficult before they get easier. i expect resistance, so i can overcome it and feel triumphant because i perceived overcoming a degree of difficulty as necessary for satisfaction. but i'm now seeing how this is a self-made middle man that i don't actually need??

failure is only possible because i gave it authority to be possible. delay is only possible because i gave it authority to be possible. difficulty, challenge, struggle, etc. are only possible because i gave them authority to be possible, and now i can revoke that authority because i dont need/want these experiences for myself anymore.

wow. i am so mighty!

[brainrot-stitch]

Oh great heavens

[stuck-in-the-ghost-zone]

i want to compile a list of horror media that people need to watch before they call genloss groundbreaking incredible material. like yall are soooo so deeply entrenched in copium toting this thing around like its the best piece of horror media in the world when like. theres no horror. there has literally been no horror. how are we watching the same thing. go watch gemini home entertainment or marble hornets or daisy brown or unedited footage of a bear or this house has people in it and then come back to me. dont fucking talk to me until youve consumed some horror media thats actually good first!!!!!!!!