#just do a google sheets and have us sign up for a time if you really don't care | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

aces-and-angels · 8 months ago

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seeing the influx of gfm campaigns on your dash may be overwhelming- the purpose of this post is to help others navigate through the many gfm links that are circulating here on this site- esp. those that find their way directly to you via your inbox. this advice is specific to tumblr- i cannot speak on other platforms (instagram, twitter, etc.) though some things i say may be applicable

disclaimer: i do not vet/verify any campaigns myself. i simply want people who are willing to engage with these types of posts to do so in a safe manner

read more below:

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what to do if you get a message from an account claiming to be 🇵🇸 in your inbox:

-> step 1: do not immediately dismiss it as spam

to quote one of nabulsi's posts:

"... you cannot generalise with Gazans if their tumblr blog is only a few days or a few hours old.

Gazans on tumblr are making accounts for the express purpose of spreading their fundraisers because it is spreading amongst Gazans that tumblr is a safe place to do so.

They could often be making multiple blogs and even remaking after staff flags them as spam. But don't blanket assume that Gazans are scammers if they're on a new tumblr blog with no pfp or content.

I agree that until a fundraiser is vetted you shouldn't reblog it in case it is someone dishonest taking advantage of the circumstances in Gaza. But you cannot do the opposite and immediately assume they're a scammer. I'm seeing people harass Gazans sometimes who genuinely are people who just don't know how to use tumblr and are falsely raising red flags because of it." (read full post here)

to sum it up: don't hit 'report' right away- marinate a lil and put on a detective hat

-> step 2: background check

the following are accounts that are known to vet/verify gfm campaigns here on tumblr. note- this is not a comprehensive list:

el-shab-hussein

nabulsi

90-ghost* (edit 8/4: recently announced that ahmed will no longer be vetting/verifying new campaigns)

ibtisams* (only has done it on situational basis; is not currently vetting new campaigns- read post here)

rubashabansblog (has been promoting other palestinians who lost their tumblr accounts; currently living under occupation)

heba-20 (unsure if heba takes request to vet others personally but is a reliable source for finding legitimate campaigns)

northgazaupdates

fairuzfan (says they are less active on tumblr these days/not currently vetting new campaigns but is a reliable source)

i recommend giving these individuals a follow if you haven't already as they provide far more information regarding all things 🇵🇸. they've all put in a lot of work to make the process i'm sharing with y'all as simple as possible. also please be respectful if you try reaching out to any of them. they are likely getting a high volume of asks and may not be able to respond to you quickly

important note: it has been recently announced that nabulsi + el-shab-hussein have stopped vetting new accounts for the time being and are only focusing on campaigns that have already been vetted. read their full statement here and here

to start- check out the person's account. this can be a hit or miss depending on how new the account is. however- you may notice that the person in question has stated that they have been vetted:

good signs so far- but better to be safe than sorry. next thing to do is search the username of the person who messaged you on tumblr. it's likely if you got a message like the one pictured above, others may have received one as well and did the digging for you:

if you can't find a clear answer with tumblr's illustrious search bar/want to confirm someone's claim that the campaign in question was already verified, the next thing to do is check one of the following:

el-shab-hussein's pinned post

el-shab-hussein/nabulsi's google sheet

imo, this process is far easier to do while on a laptop/desktop vs. mobile app. ctrl+f is your friend in this scenario as is the ability to click through multiple tabs. for el-shab-hussein's pinned post, i click through the multiple lists and see if any names match. in ruba's case, she was found under List of fundraisers for my direct contacts from Ghazzah & Sudan:

and for the google sheet- her campaign is no. 90 on the list:

tip: to narrow down your search even further- ctrl+f the title of the person's gfm campaign that they've linked on their tumblr account:

-> step 3: share your findings + follow that account

if everything checks out- ✨share le campaign✨ provide the link to it in your response to the ask + where it was verified. make it easier for the next person who gets a message to figure out that the gfm is real

following 🍉accounts is esp. important since the forces that be are keen on suppressing them at every turn. the more eyes on these accounts- the easier it'll be to determine the legitimacy of any new accounts they may need to make

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okay, but... scams 😬:

-> step 1: seek a master

people can be assholes- and anyone trying to make a profit off of an ongoing genocide can eat glass

anyways- the following are accounts that are known to identify scam posts on tumblr (again, not a comprehensive list. these are just the one's ive seen/most familiar with):

mangocheesecakes

kyra45

kyra45's pinned post contains a plethora of resources to help determine if a post/message is a scam- and not just in regards to 🇵🇸- key goes in on many types of scams. please refer to their guides (and be sure that you are reading the most recent version of key's posts)

-> step 2: if you see sumn, say sumn

we're human and sometimes things slip our radar. so if you ever see someone on here sharing a known scam, do 'em a solid and let them know about it regardless if you are mutuals or not

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final/misc. thoughts:

it's good practice to double check a campaign's verification with these tools for yourself regardless of how legitimate it looks. note that checking for a gfm's verification is not the same as verifying them. that work should be left to qualified individuals with experience in doing so. this is why it's bad to attempt things you are not qualified to tackle also- i think it's important to remember that transferring 💵 from a gfm campaign to those in need requires a lot of pieces to be perfectly set in place. if you see 🇵🇸 blogs linking alt. methods of raising funds (ex. p*ypal/k*fi) the reason could be that their gfms were frozen/suspended for a myriad of reasons. as always- check credible sources if you are unsure about a campaign you may come across notice how the spreadsheet provided here has over 100+ campaigns listed. generating a list that extensive requires hard work that is undoubtedly both physically and mentally straining to the individuals who are involved in making it. i've seen some accounts myself that have had to announce that they can no longer continue to vet campaigns because it has taken that much of a toll on their wellbeing. do not let their efforts go wasted

other resources:

some other places/grassroot organizations where you can find vetted campaigns:

operation olive branch (oob)

gazafunds

operation poppy flower (now also linked in oob's sheet)

operation watermelon

project watermelon

strawberry seeds collective

ottawa4palestine

camps breakerz crew

gofund(water)me(lons)

flowersfromfalasteen

#not choices #save #resources #🍉

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ikemenlibrary · 1 year ago

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Now announcing.... 'My Ikémen Valentine' Gift Exchange!

A sweet and spicy holiday to celebrate with your true love

The fifth installment in the Ikémen Gift Exchanges hosted by @ikemenlibrary. This one’s a bit different, as it’s not for a specific fandom, but instead, a romantic holiday!

This is open to all of the current Ikémen games released in English servers!

Main Info:

Event: Gift Exchange

Fandom(s): Ikemen Vampire, Ikemen Sengoku, Ikemen Prince, Ikemen Revolution

Creation time: January 19 - February 16 Gift sharing: February 17-18

You can sign up for the exchange here

The deadline to submit your submission to join the exchange will be due on January 12.

You will have a month to create a Valentine’s gift for your recipient and an Ikémen character that they have given to you out of their list.

If you're interested in joining, please make sure to get your answers completed and sent in before January 12. You can edit your sign up form after it’s been submitted, but please make sure to let me (the host) know if you’ve done that, as I do not get notified when that happens and I want to make sure everyone’s happy with up to date information. Once the deadline passes, I will turn off the link to edit or submit so if you have any problems after then, please contact me directly.

Once I get everyone’s information organized and sorted, I will be reaching out to everyone individually on January 19 to let you know who you’ve been assigned to create for, as well as any extra information to share at that point in time.

When your application has been accepted for the gift exchange, I will reach out with a link to join the Discord server (if you aren’t already in it from previous exchanges).**

Please let me know if you have any questions! I can be reached via Tumblr DM or if you have my Discord from previous exchanges, you may find me there as well <3

Disclaimer: **Please note before signing up that I do have a Discord server that I encourage everyone to join. We’d love for all the participants (myself included!) to get to know one another, work together, and potentially help each other out within the event. We also have some fun bots to play with!

If using Discord is something you are absolutely not comfortable with, please message me before you send in an application so I am aware that you will not be joining and can mark it down on my end for organization purposes. (If I’ve spoken to you about this before, just specify in the sign up sheet, there’s no reason to need to reach out again!)

Below the cut, there is a new update to the rules I’ve previously had in place. This is also reflected in the sign up sheet. Please let me know if you have any questions!**

Can’t wait to see you all soon!

**I just wanted to give a quick update on the rules, as I have changed a few things slightly this time around.

The minimum word requirement for fanfiction updated from 800 to 850 words

The fan art requirement has been updated from being lined with a colored drawing, to also require a background as well (this can be a solid color, or scenery, or whatever you decide. The background just cannot be white (of course, special cases may occur and I will leave it up to the artists stylistic choice))

This time around, you cannot select specific characters from a list who you aren’t interested in creating for. That would be too messy with 4 fandoms. Instead, you will get more options of characters to create based on your choices you fill out on the sign up form

You must be ready to share progress during the halfway check in point via Google Drive/Docs if you are a fanfiction creator. If you do not have access to using one of these, please send me whatever you have during the check in, and I will copy it into my Google Drive. This is so if there becomes a time where you lose your progress on something other than Google, there will still be a copy existing, even if it doesn’t completely reflect your current progress.

This will all be reiterated in the information key you will be given at the time assignments go out, so don’t worry about remembering this for the time being

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americasass81 · 7 months ago

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Not Your Kinda Love

Warnings 18+ for the following:- Implied Stalking, Threatening Behavior, Non-consensual Sex, Dubious Consent, Implied Smut {m/f, oral f receiving), Implied Use of Sex Toys, Implied DBSM Dynamic, Use of Pet Names. Seriously do not read if any of this upsets you, the warnings are there for a reason. Feedback is welcomed and any mistakes are my own.

By proceeding you are acknowledging that you are over 18 and are consenting to the content below the cut.

Synopsis:- It might not have been your kinda love, but perhaps in the end it would be just what both of you needed.

Author’s Note 1:- Written for @caplanbuckybarnes Titles For Caplan Writing Challenge. Thank you for hosting this fun challenge Caplan. I really enjoyed creating this piece.

Author’s Note 2:- As usual all images have been found through google search.

Pairing:- dark!Loki Laufeyson X Female Reader

Total word count:- 4,134

Turning over in bed and reaching for the body beside you, you couldn't believe you were here ... again. What was it about him that kept drawing you back night after night, heartache after heartache? You knew he was never going to change given who he was. Hell, he had all but proven as much that first night you had ended up beneath the sheets together. And yet the more time you spent with him, letting him do the things he did, the more your heart still held out hope. Still had room for the possibility that if you continued to give enough of yourself, he would hold you the way you now held him as your mind wandered back to when and how this fucked up situation first began.

Exactly three months previously and thank god the party was winding down. Of course you loved being Tony Stark's personal secretary and knew any number of women that would kill for the job you now held and the opportunities it presented, but damn that man if he didn't take the 'personal' part of your job title far beyond the scope of what you had signed up for. Calls at all hours of the day and night for stupid little things whenever a thought popped into his head as if he didn't have an array of virtual assistants capable of recording a quick email. Work AND home things that Pepper insisted were not all your responsibility, which Tony continued to ignore to both her annoyance and yours. And of course, there was the organizing of all those Stark parties.

Dressed up to the nines for every holiday event along with any other frivolous occasion the master of ceremonies decided was worth celebrating. And you just had to be in attendance. After all, not only were you a highly valued member of staff, but as Tony liked to remind you every chance he got, someone as wonderful as you deserved to have men and women falling over themselves to wine and dine you as they tried to prove themselves worthy of claiming your heart and where better to meet such individuals. As if he'd actually stop pestering you long enough to give these potential suitors the opportunity to even talk to you.

No, picking up your latest drink from the bar now and taking a sip while looking at your watch, you promised yourself once the liquid ran out you were heading home. Sure some of the women here had seemed interesting and hell having spent quite a bit of time in Stephen Strange's company you could certainly see the appeal where he was concerned. But something wasn't right. Maybe all your years working now as Tony's assistant had heightened your sense for trouble but you just couldn't get comfortable. Then again maybe it was the trouble that followed the Avengers through no fault of their own that had you so on edge or maybe it was the eyes you felt tracking you all night yet never seemed to be there when you tried to zero in on them.

Yes, it was most definitely them you should have paid more attention to.

Raising your glass to your lips again to take another sip and just as you and the liquid kissed, all hell broke loose ... in a manner. Shutting off the music and taking command of the sound system, Tony Stark’s trusted A.I. F.R.I.D.A.Y. clearly informed all those present that a minor emergency had occurred in the compound that required part of it to be locked down. This meant of course that everyone, yourself included, was now expected to take up residence in an available room in the accommodation wing since all the main exits had been sealed.

So as you now downed the rest of your drink before heading off to find a bed for the night, you couldn't help but sigh at this inevitable turn of events while simultaneously grumbling at your lack of a family and the easy out that came with it. After all, those people with kids had it all you now thought as you calmly passed some worried party goers making their way along the corridors or stopping for directions despite the fact that people were only permitted to head in one direction. No, those lucky sods had shown up, enjoyed a few hours break and then headed back home at a reasonable hour under the guise of having been away from their little ones for far too long. Hell it was even rumored on many occasions that Tony forked out for the childcare costs of those that attended these little shindigs. Talk about having your cake, frosting and getting to eat it you thought.

Setting this aggravation aside and finally reaching the accommodation wing, you now let go of these jealous musings long enough however to claim the first open door you came across, stepped inside and closed it behind you before you realized none of it really mattered where you were concerned. Here or at home, being the first or the last to leave, you worked too hard and too long to ever land a partner willing to slot themselves into your lifestyle and even if you did, Tony would probably still find some stupid reason to have you hanging around.

No, this was the job you ended up doing and there was nothing you could do about it other than quit … and even that hadn’t worked.

Sighing deeply now as you locked the door and began removing your dress and heels, the fabric pooling at your feet made you wish your resolve had been stronger. So much stronger. After all, was this not the reward the great Tony Stark had bestowed upon you the last time you had typed up your resignation letter and left it on his desk. That and of course a fabulous week at a top of the range spa and the promise that he would also scale back his unreasonable demands on your personal time.

Yeah like that had materialized. Two days back at work and all was as it was before. He just couldn't manage without you it seemed.

Walking towards the bed now and slipping under the covers feeling totally exhausted, you were just about to close your eyes and leave Tony Stark and the rest of the compound to do whatever it was they were doing when a noise alerted you that sleep was not your destination just yet. Sitting up in bed mindful now of all that might be going on within this private space, you thought about calling out to F.R.I.D.A.Y. but then thought better of it. After all, the eyes you thought were on you all night never materialized and for all you knew F.R.I.D.A.Y. was busy elsewhere dealing with whatever problem had landed you and the other guests in your current locations to begin with.

Then again, there was also the real possibility that it was simply the night's drinks playing tricks on your mind. After all, now that you thought about it, you couldn't accurately remember how many you had actually consumed and thanks to you organizing this blessed event, it had been one long week that saw you burning the candle at both ends and now found you beyond exhausted.

No, listening intently now a bit longer and hearing nothing, you reassured yourself the situation had simply heightened your senses while your imagination flew off to the land of make believe. You were safe and everything was fine. Holding onto this thought then, laying down on the bed again and closing your eyes to the world around you, sleep came to embrace you once more before it was cruelly snatched away again however ... you had most definitely heard something this time. You were sure of it.

Cursing yourself now that you had not worn anything under your dress, but smart enough to know that you couldn't fight off a possible intruder with a massive sheet wrapped around your body, you climbed out of bed and called out for F.R.I.D.A.Y. as loud as you were willing to under the circumstances, but wasn't surprised when no answer was received. It seemed you were on your own. Listening out once more now but again hearing nothing, you slowly opened the bedroom door next and looking around the living area was a bit relieved at least to see that you seemed to be alone.

Now you just had to prove it.

Walking quietly over the threshold then from one room into the other you didn't need the missing dress or the altered lock on the main door however to tell you that something wasn't right. You felt it in the chill surrounding you that had nothing whatsoever to do with your thoroughly naked form. No, you were most definitely not alone.

Placing one foot carefully now in front of the other while picking up a heavy glass ashtray from the nearest side table you passed, it still surprised you when you made it to the other side of the room without incident. Reaching up to examine the locking mechanism then and confirming that it was indeed open now, your hand moving down to catch the handle and pull the door open raised a whole different set of questions however as the door held firm.

Placing the ashtray on the nearest surface now and using both hands this time to pull the door with as much strength as you possessed, you finally had to admit defeat and accept that perhaps exhaustion had at last caught up with you and had now reached the level of paranoia however. For certain facts proved your theory wrong. The door for example, despite your best efforts, remained closed. The room, both of them in fact, remained to the naked eye completely devoid of humans except for yourself. And there was definitely no other sound other than that of your racing heart. Even if there were other minor inconsistencies.

Okay so your dress no longer occupied a circle of the floor by your shoes, but walking back to the bedroom then, its shimmering fabric resting now across the back of the couch brought your feet to a total and shocking stop. Had you put it there? Reaching out to touch it, it didn't align with any memory you had, but then again you were the only one here. Perhaps your memory was the altered factor in this situation. It's not like this hadn't happened before where you and copious amounts of alcohol were concerned. So picking up the dress and this time taking it back to the bedroom with you, you now closed and locked this door too and placed the garment on the only chair in the room before telling yourself this whole experience was all in your head. Now if only you could convince your eyes of that exact same fact. For their experience told a totally different story.

Turning now to face the bed, its soft sheets and embracing comfort should have been waiting to welcome you back once more, but it seemed you weren't truly alone after all. Stretched out before you now, every bit as naked as yourself, Loki, the god of mischief, was unashamedly ogling you like a predatory animal ready to pounce and devour you whole. And it wasn't a pleasant thought.

But it wasn't your only thought either.

Running back to the door now and finding it every bit as stuck as the main door you had just assured yourself was perfectly fine, you now screamed out for F.R.I.D.A.Y. but quickly realized you were on your own when a chuckle behind you reached your ears and two strong hands rested now upon your trembling shoulders. You were cut off from the outside world it seemed.

Turning back around to face your captor now, for that's exactly what he was, you knew you stood no chance of fighting him off however and since running was clearly out of the question, it seemed logic, reason and conversation was now your only avenue to head off whatever sick and twisted scheme Thor's diabolical brother had concocted with you at its center. So removing his hands from your shoulders then and walking towards the foot of the bed, you sat down and let out another deep and exhausted sigh before finally speaking the words that forced you to acknowledge his very real presence. "Loki, what the hell are you doing in my room naked and why am I unable to leave?"

Moving towards you now but stopping abruptly however when you stared him down with an exasperated expression, he held up his hands in surrender and walked instead towards the chair that now held your dress. Picking it up then and dumping it on the floor as you had earlier in the night, he then sat down in a manner that left his whole being on display for anyone to witness. Which explained why your eyes remained laser focused on his face instead. You wanted answers and you were going to get them. So, with a calm breath, you asked once more what he was up to and waited for his answer. One you absolutely did not like.

"Well pet," he started, as his fingers skimmed lazily along his thigh, "we're on lockdown remember. I needed a bed, you're all alone, so I didn't think you'd mind sharing. After all, that bed is big enough for two and I promise not to bite,” he finished with a devilish look that told you all you needed to know.

‘Unless you ask me to,’ your mind now heard, though those particular words never actually left his lips. They didn't need to. Loki was a trickster after all. Hell he was THE trickster. If a bed was all he wanted there had to be a vacant one somewhere in this whole compound and his answer only covered why he was here in your room. There was still the question of why you couldn't leave, not to mention why his naked form was occupying your bed when the couch in the living room would surely do him just fine. No, he was definitely up to something and you were determined to find out what that was despite your fear associated with any answer he provided. So you soldiered on and reminded him again of the second part of your question. And of course he had an answer for that too.

"Come on pet, we do not know what this emergency is or what terrible beast my dimwitted brother and his band of buffoons may have tempted into this building," he stated now as he rose from his seat and walked towards you before continuing, "no, my conscience could not allow any harm to come to one such as you. Best to make sure you are utterly protected," he now finished as he stood before you, reached out his hand to take hold of your chin and run his fingers along your cheek as you imagined they had on his thigh just moments ago.

Leaning into his touch now as if he was somehow working his magic on you, you may very well have fallen for his charms if the memory of the party had not suddenly presented itself front and center in your mind however. The eyes you swore were following you all night but could never find ... "it was you," you suddenly blurted out as you broke free from his hand and now scurried up along the bed putting as much distance as possible between the two of you in the process. "You were watching me all night. You planned this?" and though these revelations all came out as a question, you knew. Even without a word passing his lying lips, the truth could not be denied.

This was all his doing somehow.

Standing before you now as a wicked smirk graced his features, you didn't need his following actions to know that you were screwed. If you were being honest with yourself, you knew it the minute the main door of the apartment wouldn't open. You knew it when you found him lying on your bed. You were what he wanted, but he wasn't about to have his way. Getting ready to move from the bed and at least attempt to fight him off this time, it seemed he still had the upper hand however as magic tendrils coiled around your arms and held you firmly to the bed frame before he spoke again.

"Now pet before you think about doing something stupid, allow me to paint you a picture so you are fully informed of all that your future actions will entail," and with that a series of images flashed along the wall off to your right in a show of horror that would keep you awake for many nights to come. Walking from room to room, muttering words you knew you'd never understand over each peaceful party goer he came across, you didn't need his explanation to know their fate now lay in your hands.

But then again Loki wouldn't be Loki if he didn't love to talk, so he stuck the knife in and told you anyway. Told you that if you should refuse him now or any time here after, one, more or perhaps all of those assembled before you would meet a horrible and untimely death. Tell his bumbling brother, your boss or anyone remotely associated with the Avengers, law enforcement or earth's governments and again, you knew the consequences. Try to warn any of these innocent people in any way and it wouldn't end with their lives. Their families? Their friends? Hell tragedies could so easily befall entire neighborhoods these days without anyone ever knowing why.

Best to do as you were told it seemed. But could you really do that? Could you really just give in and give this madman what he wanted?

Lingering on this question while gazing once more now as the images wound down to end on one of Shona, a temp you knew that worked for Natasha Romanoff, your blood ran cold and a tear escaped your eyes as the reality of your predicament truly settled in your heart. He really had left you with no way out. These people were innocent after all. They could not be harmed because of you. And it was because of you you suddenly realized as a totally different image all your own crystallized into being before your very eyes and superseded all of those that Loki had created.

Falling farther into memory's flow now of a night before you had started working for Tony Stark, your life had almost been cut short by a drunk on a motorcycle but for the intervention of a mysterious stranger clad in green and gold armor. Pulling you out of harm's way and making sure that not a single hair was out of place, he had offered to see you home safely … and how had you shown your appreciation? You'd walked away and never thought of him again. You'd never spoken to him, never danced with him whenever your paths crossed at any event both of you attended. Hell you hadn't even stood up for him and protested that he wasn't himself when the attack on New York had marked him as public enemy number one.

No, you had simply gone on with your life like nothing had happened and forgotten all about him as everyone else had his entire life. And now you wondered why he was seeking retribution.

Had you only just said thank you or accepted one of his many dance offers. Had you badgered Thor into realizing just how far Loki had strayed from the boy he had played with as a child. But no, you had treated him worse than dirt and now your fate was sealed. Yours and countless others. So who was the real monster here then? The god who had been cast aside for doing something any decent person would have done or you, who may now be responsible for many, many deaths as a result of thinking only of yourself?

Pulling against your bindings again as you still refused to accept defeat, Loki laying down beside you and muttering some nonsense as a redhead began writhing on the wall before you suddenly forced the reality of your new situation upon you however in a way his words never really could. You were all at his mercy. Sitting back on the bed then and asking him to stop, you exhaled a sigh of relief at his immediate compliance ... at least until he made his true intentions known.

Situating himself between your legs as his fingers and lips now mapped out every mound and hollow of your glorious body, his tongue and shaft reaching places no one ever had before left you completely lost as to what was so wrong with what was going on. And that was long before the orgasms started. The orgasms that shook your body, stole your breath and made you realize your life as you knew it would never be the same. For there was no backing out of this arrangement even if Loki reversed whatever spell he had placed upon the party guests. You couldn't give this up.

Sure the god of mischief had forced himself upon you by threatening innocent people, but damn him if he didn't make it worth your while. Positions and toys you never knew of. Pleasure that bordered on pain. A tongue ... oh a tongue that could do so much more than spew filthy words that turned you on and disgusted you in equal measure. And how could you even forget what his godly equipment was capable of. A human phallus could never compete with his impressive erections, though many had tried. No, as each night after your initial encounter became a new adventure in what depraved sex act your body could tolerate, even him disappearing in the morning without so much as a kiss on the forehead or a kind word could not it seemed protect your all too human heart.

You had started falling in love with him to the point where very little else mattered. Work for example now became nothing more than a means of wasting away the day until night fell and your dark prince appeared once more to take you apart as you screamed his name for all the nine realms to hear. Sure you still worked just as diligently and no one close to you ever suspected what night time brought your way, but beneath the sheets, in Loki's arms, someone else it seemed had taken your place.

Someone who loved to be dominated. Who loved to be spanked, marked and pushed to new heights of pleasure over and over and over again at the whims of her dark lover. Who loved ice it seemed far more than heat. And who, no matter how many mornings her god pushed her arms aside and reminded her she was nothing more than a warm place to stick his cock, was only all too happy to provide whatever small comfort his body was willing to accept when he finally agreed her frail human form couldn't handle any more.

Which brought you back full circle now to him sleeping in your arms while your left leg rested across those muscular thighs that proved every bit as skillful at getting you off as the impressive length currently recovering from yet another night of pounding your pussy apart. Pulling your body closer to his then as your mind finally accepted what you allowed him to do to you, you now prepared to join him in sleep as your dreams replayed him fucking you to pieces and then putting you back together into this new being that longed to have him acknowledge your growing feelings for him while also admitting that perhaps he too had fallen victim to love's influence.

Admitting that such a thing was most likely doomed to failure given who he was, his arm unconsciously moving up to encircle your waist brought a glimmer of hope you desperately clung to however when his muttered confession told you that his spell had been removed weeks ago. Bolstered by this new information, the path ahead looked very different now however as your bodies rested together until your carnal desires called out to each other once more and this new dance took both of you to higher plains of euphoria all over again.

#TitlesForCaplan #dark!loki #dark!loki x reader

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kata-sans · 6 months ago

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Raising Stripe

Chapter 23

Tweek was rushing to finish packing the diaper bag. It's normally a quick job but Stripe had cling to him as soon as he noticed Tweek preparing to leave the house. To avoid dealing with a fussy baby, Tweek was forced to carry Stripe while gathering supplies single handedly.

Finally done, Tweek looked at the clock and freaked out. He had fifteen minutes to get to the bus stop before he missed his ride. Tweek wasted no time hoisting the bag on his shoulder and leaving the house. He sprinted to the bus stop three blocks away from the house and barely managed to catch the bus.

Tweek slumped in his seat revealed to have made it on time. He looked down at the baby sitting on his lap. Stripe was content playing with Tweek's fingers. Tweek smiled glad to see the baby was easily entertained.

Tweek looked out the window watching for their stop. When he saw the street he was looking for he made his way off the bus. He walked a few blocks down before finding the building he was looking for and reaching for the door. Inside he made a beeline for the open elevator and selected the third floor.

Stripe watched in awe as the door closed by itself. Suddenly the floor seemed to shake a little and Stripe felt something funny in his tummy. He gripped his Mama's shirt tightly in fright. Tweek laughed and gently reassured Stripe that he was safe. It was a weird feeling to be a source of comfort but Tweek loved it.

When the door opened, Tweek walked out into the hallway. He walked past three doors before opening and walking into the fourth door. Inside was a familiar waiting room and Tweek made his way towards the reception desk.

“Good morning, please sign in. Do you have an appointment?” The receptionist asked as she handed Tweek a pen and sheet on a clipboard.

“Yes, we're here to see Dr. Daniels.” Tweek answered while signing his name on the sheet.

“Alright, please fill out these forms and bring them back to me. The nurse will call you when it's your turn.” She said as she pointed to the empty seats in the room.

Tweek placed Stripe on the floor by his feet. He pulled out some toys from his bag to entertain the baby while he filled out paperwork. The forms mostly consisted of medical history which Tweek struggled with due to Stripe's unique circumstances.

“Argh! What am I supposed to write down for birth weight?” Tweek groaned to himself. He pulled out his phone and quickly googled: average weight for newborn. He continued to answer as much as he could and looked up the rest.

Five minutes after turning in the paperwork, a nurse called out to them. They made their way through the door and into the exam room to take measurements. Stripe was weighed and measured with satisfactory results. Tweek was relieved to hear his baby was growing healthy.

Nichole finally came into the room. “Hi guys! So good to see you. Especially you, Stripe. You look much better.” She exclaimed while tickling the baby.

Stripe was extremely ticklish and couldn't contain his laughter. Nichole scooped him out of Tweek's arms and placed him on the exam table. “Oh you are just the cutest!” She cooed before looking at Tweek. “Have you had any trouble with solid foods?”

Tweek shook his head, “No, he's ravenous during dinner.”

Stripe began to whine and stretched his arms out to Tweek. The blonde parent quickly grabbed the baby's hand hoping to appease his clinginess. Nichole raised her eyebrow.

“Is he normally clingy?” She asked.

“Not really. He's still upset with me about leaving him with Tolkein last night.” Tweek sighed dejectedly.

“Tolkein? I didn't know he worked as a babysitter.” Nichole said in surprise.

“No, it was just a favor to us. We had an anniversary dinner last night and Craig asked him to babysit. He did a great job at it too.” Tweek confessed.

Nichole’s eyes shone with admiration. “Wow, I didn't know he was good with kids.”

Tweek smirked as an idea popped into his head. “ You know…he is single right now. Maybe it's a great time for you two to get back together.” Nichole blushed and Tweek took it as a sign to continue playing wingman. “You guys only broke up to go to different colleges…now you both are working your dream jobs and are in the same town. I would love to have a cool aunt for Stripe.”

“OMG Tweek! Stop that! It's been years. He's probably moved on and forgotten about me.” She said playfully punching Tweek's arm.

“Hmmm…his lock screen seems to disagree.” Tweek teased.

“Huh?”

“He hasn't changed his lock screen since our Senior Prom.” Tweek confessed.

Nichole was shocked by the revelation but decided she would have to think about it later. She wordlessly turned back the baby currently gripping Tweek's hand like a lifeline. She finished her normal routine check ups fairly quickly. Finally she ordered Tweek to strip the baby’s legs.

“Ok this is everyone's least favorite part. I would prefer you hold him on your lap for this.” She said as she instructed Tweek on how to hold Stripe.

Stripe was a little put off by his Mama's tight hug. He couldn't move his arms and legs. He felt something cold and wet rub against his thigh. Suddenly he shrieked as something sharp poked his leg. Stripe cried as he unsuccessfully tried to break free. He felt a second poke and he was set free.

Tweek quickly switched to comforting mode when Nichole was done with the vaccinations. He hated seeing his baby cry in pain. Tweek rubbed the bandaids on Stripe's leg trying to make him feel better.

Stripe's leg didn't hurt anymore but he was still upset about the shot. He wanted to give that doctor a piece of his mind. With a harsh jerk, Stripe turned to look at the doctor and flipped her off or at least he tried. Tweek and Nichole could still see the intent behind Stripe's index finger.

Tweek and Nichole were flabbergasted albeit for different reasons.“STRIPE! I a-am so sorry Nichole. He doesn't know what that means!” Tweek apologized as he covered Stripe's hand.

Nichole burst into laughter, “That's Craig's kid alright!”

Ch22

Ch24

#craig x tweek #sp tweek #tweek tweak #craig tucker #sp craig #sp stripe #raising stripe #sp nichole

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gettingfrilly · 1 year ago

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Make up your Ed

I truly cannot look at this anymore but I don't want it languishing away in my google docs forever with no feedback. It can stand as a complete fic as is, but I do have plans to make it longer. Once I actually finish it, and edit it properly, I'll upload it to ao3 with an explicit rating. But for now, it's rated T, and only here on tumblr. All characters are 18 years old.

The plastic folding step stool creaks under his feet, a sure sign that it's either getting too old, or Eddy's getting too fat. He quickly decides the problem is the former theory as he grabs the see-through makeup case off the top shelf lining the walls of his closet, hidden behind a box of comic books. Careful with his cargo, he takes a slow step off of his stool, then saunters back into his bedroom and places the case on his nightstand. The plastic is smooth and cool under his hands as he thumbs open the latches, lifting the lid and running his fingers along the chunky, rougher, opaque plastic bordering the edges of the box. He painted the edges black himself when he first bought it using the money he got for his 15th birthday. The lines are painstakingly clean despite how much his hands had been trembling at the time.

There's more plastic inside, clear dividers creating organized compartments for his assortment of cosmetics, the collection a result of years of careful selection. Brushes and blenders, pallets and powders, dispensers, sprays, tubes, and polish create an array of colors, glass and plastic containers glinting amber under the glow of his lava lamp. Sucking on his tongue in consideration, he starts to pluck items from each section, putting together a color palette that suits the task at hand.

"Thank you for doing this."

Eddy turns to face the source of the soft voice, Double D sitting in the center of his circular bed, knees drawn to his chest as he pulls and snaps the elastic in the hem of his knee high sock, repeating the motion in intervals as he gazes down at Eddy's bed sheets. It's the first time he's spoken since entering his bedroom.

It was with that same soft voice he had asked Eddy on their walk home from school if he'd be willing to do Double D's makeup. The crunch of freshly fallen snow underneath their boots made Eddy unsure if he had heard him right over the noise.

"You want me to do your makeup?"

"Yes, if it's no bother. If it is a bother, then that's fine, it was just a thought."

"You, as in you, Double D, want me, as in me, Eddy, to do your makeup, as in putting sticky and powdery and wet stuff on your face using the same brushes and sponges I use on my own face?" Eddy repeated himself, pointing at Double D and himself in turn before gesturing at their faces.

Double D had huffed through his nose at him, already red-from-the-cold cheeks growing redder as he glared at the path ahead. "Like I said, if it's a bother-"

He cut himself off with a squeak as Eddy grabbed his hand and started jogging home, a wide grin splitting his chapped lips. Ed wished them luck before he was out of earshot, waving them off with his usual goofy smile.

He had ranted at Double D the whole way home, recounting tales of his exploits during the handful of times he drove up to Buffalo for a Saturday night of clubbing and drag, enjoying what the queer scene there had to offer. Stories were interspersed with boasts about his styling skills and the amount of eyes he caught and attention he drew, promising Double D that he’d turn him into a standout masterpiece that any queen would envy. The more he went on, however, the quieter Double D had become, until he had stopped talking completely and kept his eyes glued to the ground.The shift in mood didn’t go unnoticed by Eddy, who slowed his pace and started cracking jokes in an attempt to lighten the mood. Double D paid only minimal attention to him, and by the time they got to Eddy’s room, Eddy found himself sour and uneasy, wondering what the hell could be going on with him.

"No prob, Bob." He grabs Double D’s wrist and pulls his arm closer, flipping it over to reveal the paler side underneath. "Just make sure to use your math skills after to figure out how much money you owe me based on how much makeup I use."

That earns him a dry, withering look.

"Jeez, relax. Can't you take a joke?" He asks as he starts applying swatches of different foundations, watching the tendons in Double D's arm flex under the wet makeup sponge.

"As if I had no reason to believe you might have been serious."

"Oh lighten up." Eddy retorts, starting to bristle under Double D's prickly responses. "You're the one who asked me to do this, ya know—and here you are acting like you're about to go under the knife."

Double D has enough humility to look away sheepishly, averting his gaze and worrying at his lip. "...I know. I'm sorry, Eddy. I should be more grateful."

"Or just a little less bitchy." Double D looks back at Eddy to glare at him, but his expression softens when he sees the small smile on Eddy's face, only teasing him.

"I'll do my utmost."

"Good." Eddy says in response both to Double D and to finding a foundation that matches, putting the rest away as he grabs the makeup he selected and dumps it on the bed. The makeup rolls over the comforter as Eddy's weight creates dips in the mattress, crawling the oversized expanse of it until he's on his knees in front of Double D. He takes Double D's face in his hand, still cool from the face wash and moisturizer he used in Eddy's bathroom. Using one of his cleaner sponges, he starts applying primer, careful not to get any in Double D's exposed hairline. His sparse, dark hairs are held back by Eddy's makeup stained cloth headband, giving him a rare look at the full shape of Double D's face.

"Why do you wanna wear makeup?" Eddy finally voices the question that's been in the back of his mind since his excitement diminished.

"Well, why not?" Double D answers his question with his own question. "You wear makeup sometimes."

"I meant why all of the sudden."

"All of a sudden, Eddy." Double D corrects him while trying not to move his face too much.

"All of these nuts in your mouth." He mutters, hands unfortunately too busy for him to emphasize the point by grabbing his own crotch.

"Eddy, please."

"Just answer the question, Sockhead."

Double D pouts and is quickly scolded by Eddy into keeping his face still. "Just a whim, I suppose. Am I not allowed a whim now and again?"

"I just wouldn't exactly describe you as whimsical."

"Well. We all have our moments."

A silence follows the exchange, Eddy far from satisfied by Double D's answer. He's too distracted by contouring Double D's weird head to interrogate him further, though, too used to working with his own square shaped face. Thankfully for him, it's not too hard to get answers from someone who typically doesn't know how to shut the fuck up.

"Did you ever think you might be a woman?"

"Huh?" Eddy pauses at the sudden question, backing away from Double D's face, applicator hovering in midair.

Double D puckers his lips as if he tastes something sour, pulling the elastic of his sock further away from his shin before letting it snap back. "I mean... with your long standing fascination with clothing, hair products, and fragrances, and then dresses and makeup more recently. Didn't it ever cross your mind?"

He frowns at Double D's simplification of gender, though he understands what he means. Thinking to himself quietly, he goes back to shaping Double D's chin, taking a moment before answering. "Sort of, I guess. Briefly."

"Really?" He asks, voice tinged with hope.

"Yeah, back when I was still having my big ol' gay crisis. Pretty sure sexuality and gender crises go hand in hand. I mean, I liked boys, and I wasn't supposed to because I'm a boy. Makes you question shit."

"Just how much were you questioning?"

Eddy waves his free hand noncommittally before capping the applicator and reaching for the foundation he selected. "Eh. Enough to make me sweat over it for a bit. I kept asking myself which would be worse: being a gay man, or being a woman?"

"Oh." Double D says with a wince.

"Yeah, oh." Eddy agrees with his distasteful cringing.

"Do you still question yourself?" Double D hedges.

"Nah. Eventually figured I didn't want to be a chick, I just wanted to have a boyfriend. I hadn't fully realized there was a difference."

"But you still wear makeup and dresses."

Eddy shrugs. "Yeah, 'cause it's fun."

Double D raises the brow Eddy just shaped. "How so?"

"It's like... a joke, kinda." He answers after chewing on the question for a moment. "It's what people expect from a gay man. So fine, I'll do it. And I'll be smokin' hot and have fun with it. Hopefully make people really uncomfortable along the way, 'cause fuck 'em.” He punctuates his statement by popping open a tube of concealer. “That, and I spent my whole childhood being terrified over being masculine enough. It's a relief, knowing drag doesn't make me any less butch when I'm not in drag."

Double D hums. "Yes, I suppose even when you're in drag or just makeup, I wouldn't exactly describe you as feminine."

"Me neither. Is that what this is about, then?" Eddy asks, gesturing at the makeup on his bed and on Double D's face, starting to get the picture of what’s been making Double D so fidgety.

"Oh, me? No, I- well... perhaps. I don't know, it's all so confusing, Eddy.” He has to pause in his makeup application while Double D’s face goes through a wide range of expressions, Eddy huffing in frustration before forcing himself to be patient and listen.

“It's something I've been teased about my whole life, to the point where I'm starting to feel there's something about me other people know that I don't.” Double D admits, face settling on a small frown and wrinkled brow. “While I can admit I've always been a tad feminine-"

"Who says you're feminine?"

"Oh, come on, Eddy."

"I'm serious, Dee. What, 'cause you don't like sports? You spend more time reading than tossing a ball around? You're into bugs and nature and organic food?" He starts waving the concealer wand around like a conductor’s baton, jabbing it in Double D’s direction with each question asked.

Double D gives him a flat look, unmoved by his impassioned gesturing. "Eddy, you have accused me of being a sissy time and time again for those very same supposedly nonsensical reasons."

Eddy crosses his arms, careful to not get any concealer on his shirt. "Yeah, when I was a kid. I'm a different man now." He bristles, offended by Double D’s implication that he’s still some bigoted preteen.

"We're still kids, Eddy." Double D’s voice is almost too quiet to hear, as if he’s admitting something shameful.

"Speak for yourself."

Silence falls again, and Eddy takes the opportunity to get back to work. His mind wanders as he goes through the practiced motions of putting on makeup, going off of muscle memory as he tries to figure out just why Double D is being so cagey about this. He’ll never forget how casually Double D came out to him and Ed, only in eighth grade when he told them one sleepover that he was ‘fairly certain I’m bisexual.’ Buttery popcorn had fallen right out of Eddy’s hand and onto Ed’s sticky basement floor, feeling like someone just put his head through a brick wall, ears ringing from the non existent head wound and leaving him too unfocused to pay attention to the questions Ed asked in response. He continued to perform his best impression of a gobsmacked cartoon character until Double D had called out his name in the same tone he uses when he thinks Eddy is about to do or say something stupid. It took him a couple more seconds to recover before he was able to mutter out a ‘whatever floats your boat, Sockhead,’ quickly changing the topic of conversation afterward.

He didn’t sleep a wink that night—just lay awake staring at the glow in the dark stars him and Double D had put all over Ed’s ceiling two birthdays ago, trying to figure out how the hell someone could admit to something like that so easily. Wasn’t Double D terrified? Wasn’t he disgusted? Didn’t he hate himself? And why in the name of Christ and fuck and shit was part of him goddamn happy about this?

It had taken two more years for Eddy to be able to even say he’s gay out loud to himself, never mind to anyone else. When he did eventually come out to the other Eds, it was after a night of nervous binge eating, hours of trying to ramp himself up to it only to stuff his open maw with more junk food instead of letting the words come out. Eventually, Double D had suggested bedtime, and stabbed through the heart with panic as if he’d never get a chance again, Eddy stood, ready to spill his guts out—only to run for the bathroom to puke them out instead. Ed and Double D followed him close behind, and he whispered his confession into the porcelain, sniffling wetly and getting a lungful of vomit smell as he watched his tears drop into the mess below. He was a pathetic disaster, Ed’s attempts to soothe him with a bedtime story going ignored as he hyperfocused on the feeling of Double D’s cool hand running up and down his back. They went on their first date two weeks later.

So now he’s totally thrown off, the ill-fitting shoe on the other foot as he discusses gender identity casually while Double D works at picking a hole into his sock and looks anywhere but at Eddy. Double D never seemed to be insecure about his masculinity before, at least, as far as Eddy knows. If anything, Eddy had been insecure enough for the both of them, frequently pushing Double D to lift or run or take up boxing, anything to up his man cred. Double D had always been resistant, stating each time that his abilities simply lie elsewhere. Had he been self conscious about it all this time and Eddy just never picked up on it?

"Perhaps I was speaking only for myself. I fear you're far more mature than I am, Eddy."

Eddy leans back, startled not just by Double D talking after such a long silence, but by the content of his sentence, too. "Hold up.” He makes a show of digging his pinky into his own ear before tilting his head and slapping the side of it as if he’s trying to get something to fall out the other end. “I know I didn't hear that right. I've never heard you say I'm more ANYTHING than you. Other than loud or rude or messy or other negative shit."

"Well it's the truth!” It’s the loudest Double D has spoken tonight, his hands thrown up into the air dramatically. “I've been left behind in the proverbial dust, Eddy. You and Ed are so sure of who you are. Even you, who used to be the most insecure, awkward, and desperate for inclusion out of the three of us."

"Gee, thanks." Eddy replies, voice dry as the desert and hollow as Ed’s head.

"And now you're able to just... be!” Double D continues, ignoring his own accidental insult towards Eddy. “Without worrying about what others expect or want from you. The only reason you remain in the closet locally is to avoid consequences at home. But with yourself, or in the city, you're so genuine, so unashamed. Yet the older I get, the more unsure of myself I become, as if puberty somehow made me immature. I have no idea who I truly am. I'm rather jealous of you, Eddy." Double D’s excitement peters out as he goes on, slumping forward in defeat as his hands return to his knees.

“Oh. I get it.” And he does, finally. This isn’t just a gender crisis, it’s a growing up crisis, which is much more on track for Double D’s neuroses. Whether he becomes a woman or not, he’s still not gonna be a ‘boy’ anymore.

“Get what?”

“Shut up and listen, because I got something to say and also because I need you to not move your face for a while. I’ll try to put this in words your weirdo crazy bananas brain can understand.”

Double D follows Eddy’s instructions, tightly pressing his lips together and freezing his face into an impressive stock-stillness.

Eddy nods his approval, capping the concealer before grabbing a brush to start blending. “Okay, so. It’s like… we’re just molecules. I said don’t move your face!” Eddy scolds Double D for his poorly repressed grin, apparently finding Eddy’s attempt at using scientific jargon just so goddamn funny. “I know what a fucking molecule is, ya know. I’m not that shit at school.”

“Anyway,” he continues once Double D wipes the smirk off his face, “we’re molecules and atoms and junk. I don’t know who I truly am because there is no ‘who I truly am.’ You could break me apart into the smallest possible pieces looking for it and all you’d find is a bunch of loosely connected random shit.” He grabs a smaller brush to blend in the nooks and crannies of his face. “I never tried to look for who I am. I just spent my life trying to be someone everyone liked, which is impossible, and wanting to be something impossible just made me miserable and mean and shitty. I couldn’t be a complete person.”

Double D opens his mouth like he wants to protest, brows drawn in concern, but Eddy raises his hand to silence him. “It’s in the past. Then there was the whole running away fiasco, and then puberty hit me like a sack of bricks and life was already hard e-fucking-nough, so I tried to dial it back, just be someone that most people will like. That shrunk down to some people, then to just the other kids in the neighborhood, and one day I asked myself, well shit, why not be someone I like? I’ve never liked myself before. Should probably give it a shot.”

“Oh, Eddy.” Double D won’t be silenced this time, grabbing Eddy’s free hand and squeezing it tightly as he gives him his usual concerned mother face. Eddy sighs through his nose and squeezes his hand back, running his thumb in the junction between Double D’s thumb and pointer finger.

“Like I said, it’s in the past.” He slips his hand out of Double D’s and carefully applies lip liner while holding his chin. “All I’m saying is you gotta stop spending so much time up here,” he taps Double D’s forehead, “and try spending a little more time in here,” he finishes, placing his hand over Double D’s chest.

Double D looks down before glancing back up with a smirk. “In my udder?”

Eddy rolls his eyes at the callback, taking his hand back to get to finishing up. “Yeah, your udder. That’s where you’ll find the person you want to be.”

“So you’re a gay man because you wanted to be a gay man?” He asks flatly.

“Well. No. Okay, so, some of it is probably generic.”

“Genetic.”

“Whatever. The bulk of it, though? How we act, what labels we choose, what clothes we wear, whether we wear makeup or not—that’s all from exposure and desire. We’re all just cobbled together, Dee.”

“Is it really that simple?” Double D asks, sounding equal parts hopeful and doubtful.

Eddy shakes his head. “Nope. Having a true self you could look for under a microscope is what would be simple. Real life’s a lot more complicated than that.”

Double D widens his eyes, breath catching softly in his throat as he stares Eddy down. Eddy narrows his eyes back at him, unsure if he should feel complimented or offended by Double D’s reaction.

“Eddy… since when did you become so wise?”

Offended, then. “Since when did you only give me compliments that were backhanded? Just kidding, you’ve always done that. Now for real, hold still and shut up. Lemme do your eyes.”

Double D complies, trying his best to keep his wincing to a minimum as Eddy pokes and prods his lids. As long as he doesn’t start mumbling about pink eye, Eddy can put up with the occasional fidgeting. Once the eyes are done, all that’s left is the lipstick, and Eddy purposefully takes his time with it, Double’s D’s chin clutched between his fingers as his eyes slip shut, a soft blush glowing through the layers of makeup. Fuck, he’d kiss him it wouldn’t mess up his work.

“Okay, done.” He gropes around his night stand until he finds his gold painted hand mirror, shoving it in Double D’s direction. “Go ahead and lay on the praise for my incredible skills.”

Double D takes a deep breath before lifting the mirror and opening his eyes, face freezing at what he finds. Silent seconds slowly tick by as Eddy waits for any sort of appraisal, positive or otherwise, arms crossed and finger tapping against his arm.

“... I look like my mother.”

Eddy’s wince is automatic and unstoppable. “Mmrh. But, like, a hot version of your mom, right?”

“Eddy, my mother is-” Thankfully for Double D, for Eddy, for the reader, for the author, and for the universe at large, he cuts himself off before finishing that sentence. “And it’s so conservative.”

Eddy shrugs. “Yeah, well. You don’t usually go for gaudy.” He had picked a color palette he’d never pick for himself, all natural colors that would mix well with Double D’s skin tone, highlighting his innate beauty and giving his face a more feminine shape without making him look like he was about to start lip syncing to Shania Twain. The only splash of color he gave him was the lipstick, a deep cherry red and one of Eddy’s favorites.

“I don’t. You put so much thought into this, Eddy.” He murmurs, the content of his sentence not at all matching his dismayed tone.

“You hate it.”

“No, it’s not that. You did an exceedingly good job, your high skill is abundantly obvious, and I am still very grateful.” He quickly explains, still staring at himself in the mirror. “It’s just… I didn’t expect… I thought-” he takes a deep breath and sighs, putting the mirror down. “I feel the same.”

Eddy takes a deep breath through his nose and purses his lips, readying himself to be an ‘empathetic listener’ as Double D often describes it. At least he doesn’t have to put on the fake empathy face for him like he does for other people. “Okay. How did you think you would feel?”

“Different.” Double D gives the obvious answer, and Eddy has to hold himself back from saying ‘no shit.’ He waits instead, keeping his face neutral and his eyes on Double D as he fiddles with his blanket, twisting his fingers into the fabric.

“I don’t know. Anything, really. Elated, horrified, enlightened, disgusted, at peace, unease. Anything would have been better than still just feeling confused.” Double D starts to clutch his own arms as he talks, fingers digging into the fabric of his winter cardigan. “I still don’t know who I want to be.”

“What, you thought it would happen overnight? I’d share my ‘wisdom’ with you and your big brain would just work out the rest?” He puts scare quotes around wisdom, withholding the impatient huff he wants to give. “Shit takes time, Sockhead. It took me years of self loathing and fear to get to where I am.

Double D looks less than thrilled by the prospect. “Uh. But who knows, might not be that bad for you. You’ll figure something out eventually. You always do, Dee.”

“I do, don’t I.” He gives Eddy a small smile, only slightly forced as he takes his hands in his own. “Thank you, Eddy. You’ve been very sweet to me tonight.”

“‘M always sweet.”

“Of course you are.” He leans in to give Eddy a peck on the corner of his mouth, a chaste and innocent gesture, but when they part Double D stares at Eddy’s mouth for a worrying amount of time.

“Huh? Oh.” Eddy finally figures out what he’s staring at. Double D always opposes messiness. “Yeah, I didn’t use any lipstick sealer. Figured you’d be taking it off right after, so-”

He’s cut off by a far less chaste kiss, Double D sealing his lips against Eddy’s before he starts shifting against them, hands flying up to grab Eddy’s shoulders in a bruising grip. Eddy can do nothing but flounder, his surprised exclamation muffled against Double D’s mouth. Seeing as there’s absolutely no reason not to, he surrenders himself, arms snaking around Double D’s smaller frame, pulling him closer until their bodies are flush against each other, putting up zero resistance when Double D pushes down to the mattress. Glass and plastic makeup containers tumble and clink against each other as their shifting weight creates new divots in the mattress, followed by the soft hush of something smooth sliding over Eddy’s silk sheets, landing on the carpet below with a dull thud.

‘Hope my mirror didn’t just break. Glass is a bitch to get out of shag carpeting.’ That’s all the brain resources he has available for the integrity of his cheap mirror right now, the rest of it occupied by the overwhelming presence and persistence of Double D, hands grabbing and squishing the usual suspects, i.e. Eddy’s stomach, thighs, and love handles. Shortly after Double D’s hands start to rove, his lips start to travel, too, across Eddy’s jaw, cheek, then neck, pulling back a little bit each time to gaze down dazedly at the gory red trail he’s left in his wake. Eddy lets him, making no moves to take control of the situation, just breathing heavily beneath Double D’s ministrations.

Eventually, Double D slows to a stop, sitting up with his knees on either side of Eddy’s stomach as he lightly traces the path of kiss marks decorating Eddy’s heated face. His eyes are unfocused, lids hooded, body loose and face relaxed, not at all the ball of nerves he’d been since their walk home.

“I still don’t know who I want to be.” He admits softly, giving Eddy one last kiss on the cheek before he lays on top of him and nuzzles into the side of his spacious neck. “But I know who I want to be with.”

Eddy wraps his arms around him again, tilting his head to the side to brush a kiss of his own against Double D’s ear, an always hypersensitive part of his body. It brings him close enough to be drawn in by the allure of Double D’s hypoallergenic laundry detergent and natural deodorant, shoving his nose in his shirt and huffing fumes that can really only be described as smelling ‘clean.’ He embraces and is embraced in return, wanting and wanted, loving and loved.

“And I already have you, Eddy.”

#ed edd n eddy #eene #eddeddy #gettingfrillywrites

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dunmeshbigbang · 7 months ago

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What’s a Big Bang? It’s a fandom event where authors and artists are paired up to create a work together. This specific event is technically a ‘Mini’ Bang as written works are only required to be 10,000 words long, at minimum. They can be longer. Does the art need to be drawn? Nope! Art of all varieties and mediums is allowed, so long as it’s finished. Do you want to write some sheet music? Do that! Want to craft a tea blend based on the vibes of the story? Do that! Want to write a few recipes and channel your inner monster chef? Do that! Art is art! How does it work? On July 14th, a google form will be posted for you to fill out. Please fill it out once for EACH entry you plan on doing. (So if you plan on doing two stories, fill it out as an author twice. If you plan on doing a story and an art, fill it out once as an artist and once as an author.) Then, our authors will begin to craft their stories as well as their summaries. Before August 9th, authors will update staff with a progress report and their summaries. On August 9th, summaries will be posted for artists to look through. On August 12th, artists will be able to send in an email with their TOP 5 choices. Groups will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis until everyone is assigned to a group. From there, artists and authors will update the staff as per the dates listed via email. Prior to December 8th, staff will reach out to discuss post dates. From December 8th until all stories are posted, one story will be posted per day. What goes in the summary? The summary should include what rating your story will be, what ships will be included (if any. Gen fics are totally welcome!), and a typical story summary like you’d post on AO3. Please also include the language! You don’t need to include a title, just a basic summary. Where is all this happening? All official communication will happen via our email. We may post to tumblr/twitter/reddit for general updates and information sharing. Where will it be posted? That’s up to you! We will have a collection started on AO3 that you are welcome to add your story to. Please just make sure it is posted somewhere public so the staff team can properly advertise it when you do post! Does the art need to just be inspired by the story or should it be more related? The more related the better! You are making art FOR the story. Can I make more than one? You are allowed to officially sign up for four groups, two as an author and two as an artist. You are welcome to do more than one piece of art for a single fic though and you are welcome to write as long of a fic as you can finish in the time frame. Please do not spread yourself too thin! Can I co-write/co-art with someone? Yep! Just sign up together using a single form. Can I be anonymous? Sure, I suppose? You’ll need to be able to communicate with your group and you’ll need to send emails to the staff team but you don’t need to directly link your own private social media. Just give us some way to credit you on your hard work! Does my work need to be finished? Yes. Can it be part of a larger story? Yes but no? It should be a full fledged work of art on its own. And it must be fully finished by the post date. This means all chapters. What if I can’t finish on time? Please let us know ASAP so we can work something out with you. We will either give you an extension or reassign your group to another group. Life happens! We get it!

#delicious in dungeon #dungeon meshi #dmbb24

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calware · 1 year ago

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Every other question for the artist ask sheet, but u pick odds or evens

😳 yikes! ok lol

8. What's an old project idea that you've lost interest in

back in early 2022 where i wanted to make fake-neon signs of the beta kids. i ended up doing john and rose (i don't like how rose turned out) but i never got around to doing the other two. this idea was inspired by this post btw

12. Easiest part of body to draw

the nose :) i used to hate drawing noses but now i find it fun. i tend to draw the same nose a lot though 😭

(i promise i can draw other noses, i just happen to not draw them as often)

16. Something you are good at but don't really have fun doing

hands, as long as i find the right reference... which i usually don't bother doing

18. An estimate of how much art supplies you've broken

i focus on digital art 99% of the time and i am SUPER careful with all of my electronics, so i don't think i've broken anything i use to make illustrations except for wearing down one pen nib..... however. i took a jewelry making class one time in middle school and i broke. SO. MANY. SAWBLADES. THE TINY BRITTLE ONES.... i broke so many that my friends teased me about it and we made a graveyard for all the broken saws.

22. What physical exercises do you do before drawing, if any

none. i do hand stretches if they start to cramp up though. if i draw too long my thumb will spasm (which is probably not good) and i will massage it whenever that happens

24. Do your references include stock images

sometimes, and it's usually because my first source for references is just a quick google search

26. What's a piece that got a wildly different interpretation from what you intended

i don't think i've had any WILDLY different interpretations... but one of my vriska drawings HAS gotten two analyses on the symbolism that i put in on complete accident

28. Any art events you have participated in the past (like zines)

i was part of

a secret santa for a homestuck server in 2020

jade week in 2020

rosemary month both in 2020 and 2021

@queerjaneweek this year

@hsanthologies' trickster treats zine last year

and i'm going to be in another zine this year that will be released soon :)

#ask #Anonymous #ask game

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laurafaritos · 10 days ago

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Hello, Goodbye & Everything In-Between

At 28, shouldn't I have life figured out by now?

Instead, I’m Googling how to fold fitted sheets and wondering why my houseplants look like they’re staging a coup. Somewhere between the expectations of “adulting” and the reality of this, I’ve realized something important: none of us really know what we’re doing. And you know what? Maybe that's the beauty of it.

This year feels like a party where some guests are just arriving, others are finally heading home, and a few linger awkwardly in the doorway, unsure if they’re staying or leaving. It’s the perfect metaphor for my life right now: a little chaotic, a little bittersweet, but filled with possibilities I’m excited to share.

This is why I’ve decided to reflect on the year ahead, the things I’m welcoming into my life, the things I’m parting ways with, and the things I’m picking back up after years of letting go.

This post is for the AuDHD creative girlies who want 2025 to be the year they pursue their creative career goals while managing their neurodivergence in practical and sustainable ways.

Hello, AuDHD.

Six months ago, I received the late-diagnosis label that explains everything while raising even more questions.

Suddenly, all the years of self-doubt and confusion make sense, you know? I’m still getting to know this side of myself, but for now, we’re on speaking terms. I’m trying to show myself grace, but it’s hard.

It’s the friend who shows up unannounced, dumps a bag of emotional luggage on your doorstep, and says, “Hey, girl! Remember me? You’ve known me forever, but here’s my real name.”

And the kicker? Everyone around me kind of knew I was “different.” What do you mean, I showed signs of autism throughout childhood, and NO ONE thought to get me assessed? What do you mean, you had suspicions I was on the spectrum but assumed I knew about it?

Hello, Harvard.

If you told younger me that “Harvard” and “my life” would ever collide, I’d have laughed so hard I’d spill my coffee. Growing up in Brazil, Harvard was untouchable—a name whispered like it belonged to a mythical land where smart people in blazers made impossible decisions.

And yet, here I am, climbing Mount Digital Marketing Strategy. Every module takes me thrice as long because English isn’t my first language and my brain LOVES detours. But guess what? I’m climbing anyway. Slowly, steadily, and determined to prove to myself that this immigrant, neurodivergent girl belongs here.

The best part? I finally have a blog to share this journey. If you’ve ever wanted to see how an AuDHD girl turns Harvard lessons into creative wins, stay tuned.

Hello, Manuscripts.

Over the holidays, I wrote my first book. ME! A writer! Who knew?

It’s a gothic horror anthology, packed with eight stories that poured out of me like a long-forgotten floodgate opening. It reminded me of how much I love storytelling—and it ignited something unstoppable.

That’s why I’m naming 2025 “The Year of Manuscripts.” These stories, from fiction to non-fiction, have been waiting patiently in my head, and now, they’re coming to life.

Goodbye, Day Jobs.

They’ve served their purpose. They’ve kept the lights on. They’ve taught me resilience. But it’s time to let go.

I’m finally making the leap to freelancing full-time. It’s terrifying and thrilling—like standing at the edge of a cliff with wings you’re not sure will work. Will I fly or fall? Maybe both, but I’m ready to find out.

Goodbye, Imposter Syndrome.

Okay, maybe this isn’t a “goodbye” so much as a “see you less often.” Imposter syndrome is like that ex who won’t stop texting, always hoping I’ll second-guess myself. But I’m done letting it dictate my choices.

This past decade taught me that I don’t fit neatly into any box, and that’s okay. I am who I am. I talk about what I love. I follow paths that feel authentic, not prescribed. And knowing that? It’s enough to quiet those doubts when they start creeping in.

Hi, Works-In-Progress.

Hiiii podcast, miss you!!! You’ve been sitting patiently in my “to-do” pile, waiting for me to stop overthinking every little detail. I know we’ll get back on track soon, and when we do, I promise to bring the kind of energy that makes people laugh, cry, and hit replay.

Hiii live shows, miss you too!!! Booking you was easy; selling tickets has been a whole different beast. Marketing feels like an alien language I used to know but have somehow forgotten. But I’m not giving up on you—I just need to find the right approach, the right audience, the right way to say, “you don’t want to miss this.”

Life, as I’m learning, is less like a party and more like a play. Some characters are written into your story forever, while others exit stage left, their roles complete. The set changes, the lights dim, and new acts begin before you’ve had a chance to catch your breath.

But that’s the beauty of it—each scene, each soliloquy, each stumble across the stage adds something to the story. This year, I’m not worried about perfect performances. I’m just trying to embrace the role I’m playing, make my lines count, and trust that the best scenes are still ahead.

Here’s to the hellos, the goodbyes, and everything in between.

What are you saying hello or goodbye to this year?

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an-aroaces-harem · 1 month ago

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Ellis Twilight Chapter 11

DISCLAIMER: I just deepl and google translated my way through this because I wanted to know what’s going on, so there are definitely mistakes but I believe I managed the general gist of the story. Anyway, it’s just a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes. Ikemen Villains belongs to Cybird.

Another note: I know Ikemen Villains is set in victorian London, but I will use the japanese suffixes because I prefer them.

—I didnʼt have any more nightmares until I woke up the next morning.

Kate: “Thank you very much.”

I expressed my gratitude in sign language to the maid who helped me change my clothes.

(Iʼm glad Ellis-kun taught me this.)

All of the servants at Crown Castle were deaf.

I heard from Ellis-kun that they were really careful not to let anyone come into contact with life-threatening information.

Considering the position I inadvertently found myself in, it was understandable that they narrowed down their employees.

Maid: “Youʼre welcome, but please be careful as youʼre injured.”

Maid: “Kate-sama used to bathe and dress herself.”

Maid: Please let me help more from now on.”

The maid smiled brightly and spoke with her hands.

Still smiling, she left the room with a basket containing my nightgown and sheets.

(My leg is still swollen … as expected.)

When I moved, pain shot through me, and I winced involuntarily.

Just then, there was a knock on the door that had just been closed—

Ellis: Morning, Kate-san.

It was Ellis-kun who came in.

Kate: Ellis-kun! Good morning. Yesterday—

Remembering when I tried to say “Iʼm sorry”, I was told that “apologizing is prohibited.”

Kate: … Thank you for everything.

Ellis: Youʼre welcome. Did the spell work?

–flashback–

Ellis: … Do you want to do a good dream spell?

–flashback end–

My forehead, touched by Ellis-kunʼs lips yesterday, felt slightly warm.

(It felt like the anxiety that had turned my chest gray was replaced with a warm color.)

I felt not just like that, but …

I pretended not to notice, but the words turned out to be true. I gently put away the feelings I had in my heart.

Kate: Yes, perfectly! Thanks to you, I slept soundly.

Ellis: Good.

(Ellis-kun also seems to be doing better than yesterday.)

I was relieved to see that some of the dangerous atmosphere had faded because of the anxiety I saw last night.

Ellis: Okay, letʼs go.

Kate: Go? … Going where? A-and how?

When I looked down, I saw Ellis-kun grabbing something unfamiliar with both hands.

Ellis: Secret weapon.

The light shining through the glass arch cast brightly colored shadows on the ground.

This was Leadenhall Market, the oldest market in London.

Ellis: I said Iʼd bring the food to you, but since the weatherʼs so nice, I thought itʼd be a good idea to eat outside.

Ellis: Itʼs about time to go to a restaurant and eat something delicious. Also … howʼs the ride?

Kate: Itʼs so … What can I say, this is …

Ellis-kunʼs “secret weapon” slides through the market with me on it.

It was a vehicle I had never seen before, like a chair with wheels.

Kate: Itʼs so easy, I feel like Iʼm cheating …

Ellis: Fufu … Kate-san, youʼre serious.

I heard his laughter from behind as he pressed the “secret weapon” forward and I turned around.

Kate: Ellis-kun, youʼll understand once you try it it yourself.

Despite my accusatory gaze, Ellis-kun smiled.

Ellis: Well, I guess Iʼll give you a push when you feel better.

Kate: You said that, didnʼt you? Itʼs a promise.

Ellis: Yeah, promise.

Ellis-kun was smiling happily as he pushed his “secret weapon”, a wheelchair, through the market.

Although this vehicle wasnʼt very popular yet …

Apparently, this device was in development as a means of transportation for injured or elderly people.

Kate: How were you able to get such a rare item in such short notice?

Ellis: I made it.

Kate: You did!?

(A chair that is larger than a regular chair, and even more complex with the wheels on it?)

When I blinked, Ellis-kun raised his head and smiled warmly.

Ellis: I … did a lot of research a long time ago, so I remember how to do it.

It was comfortable and plush, and the wheels spun smoothly.

It was so comfortable that I was convinced it was made for selling.

Kate: Even after all the research, why? Was someone hurt?

Ellis: Hm? … Oh, yeah.

Ellis-kun normally told me a lot when I asked him something, but for some reason, he stammered a little—

Ellis: …

As he fell silent, I looked up, worried.

But from this angle, looking up from below, I couldnʼt see his expression clearly.

(What does Ellis-kun look like now …?)

Ellis-kun didnʼt seem to even notice my gaze.

(Normally, he would notice me right away, and make eye contact with me …)

He was staring blankly in front of me, and he looked different than usual.

(… Maybe it was a painful memory.)

The anxious face I saw last night, as if it was him being in pain—it suddenly flashed through my mind.

(I shouldnʼt have asked this so casually.)

He made me smile more than anyone else, so it was frustrating that I didnʼt know how to make him smile.

I stopped pressing further and returned my gaze to the front, feeling the vibrations of the wheels hitting the ground.

—Suddenly, I realized.

(Itʼs amazing …)

(How can he navigate a wheelchair through a town so crowded with people without bumping into each other or making sudden changes in direction?)

The wheelchair was running through the market, slipping through the space like magic.

Kate: … Ellis-kun is so kind, even when heʼs deep in thought.

Ellis: … Eh?

Kate: No swaying, no shaking, and you make sure I donʼt get hurt on stairs.

Kate: I can feel it from every movement of the chair just by sitting on it.

Ellis: …

When he look at me in surprise, I smiled and looked forward again.

(Ah … I really am in trouble.)

I should have known from the way Ellis-kun looked at me during our picnic that it wasnʼt like that.

(Itʼs hard not to like someone like this.)

I firmly swallowed down the feelings that were falling slightly deep in my heart, knowing that they would shatter before they come to fruition.

Right now, I just wanted Ellis-kun to laugh.

Thatʼs why—

Kate: Iʼm still feeling a little sorry for myself.

Kate: Iʼm so happy to be taken care of like this!

I rested my back against the wheelchair as much as I could, closed my eyes and surrendered myself.

Kate: Itʼs really fun to go out with Ellis-kun.

(To respond to Ellis-kunʼs kindness in wishing me happiness …)

(Itʼs probably best to convey all the happiness I feel.)

Ellis-kunʼs smiled returned, as if that feeling was conveyed to him.

Ellis: … Hm.

Ellis: Iʼm happy to go out with you, too.

He peeked at me from behind, and when I raised my gaze a little, his curly bangs swayed.

Ellis: After we finish eating, letʼs go for a walk.

Kate: But Ellis-kun, what about your job?

Kate: I mean, come to think of it, donʼt you still have to be with Jude-san?

According to the schedule I wrote down in my notebook, I was sure that he would be working as usual today.

Ellis: Iʼll be taking a break from my job as an assistant to the president for a while.

Ellis: Isnʼt that bothering Ellis-kun …?

Ellis: Not at all. Because I wanted to do that too.

Ellis: Jude said I should take care of you, too.

Kate: Eh!? Jude-san said something like this …?

Ellis: Yeah. Jude was there when you got hurt, too.

Ellis: Perhaps lending me to you is Judeʼs way of taking responsibility.

Indeed, from the very beginning, Jude-san said “Yer the one who got me into this, so blame yerself.”

Thatʼs what he said to Ellis-kun.

In the sense of “not making loans” …

He had somehow come to understand that his president, who was an obsessive sadist, was very loyal.

Thatʼs why he agreed with the statement that he should take care of me.

(The kidnapping case has been solved, and I donʼt have any work or missions for a while.)

(I will rest time with Ellis-kun until my injury heals …)

(—Somehow, thatʼs …)

Ellis: Itʼs like a vacation for the two of us.

Kate: …!

His lips were close to my ear from behind and I jumped on the wheelchair.

Kate: Ah, there you go again.

Ellis: I thought you were thinking the same thing but … am I wrong?

Ellis-kun laughed happily and tilted his head slightly.

Kate: … You got me.

Ellis: Fufu, I knew it.

(I canʼt believe this isnʼt coming from like or love …)

(Ellis-kun is … trouble.)

As we looked at each other, the sunʼs rays shone brightly.

Ellis: Maybe I should think of it as just a vacation and enjoy it together.

Ellis: Is there somewhere you wanna go after dinner?

(I think it would be nice to go somewhere I havenʼt been with Ellis-kun yet …)

Kate: Hmm … I canʼt think of anything.

Ellis: Then, letʼs go as far as we can.

Streaks of light wrapped around Ellis-kun, like a stairway to the sky.

Kate: How far?

Ellis: Yeah. Itʼs so much fun, it blows away my gloomy thoughts.

After having a late lunch at a nice restaurant, we just walked aimlessly.

Window shopping, green sparkling parks …

Passing by the riverbanks where boats come and go, tall buildings on the sidelines, and many other scenic views …

I was so engrossed, that we arrived at the outskirts of London before I knew it.

I didnʼt want to stop moving on.

Ellis: We reached the top.

Kate: Wow …!

There, as far as the eye could see, it was a meadow filled with bright flowers.

I took a deep breath and inhaled the sweet scent of flowers and the warmth of the sun as it began to set.

Ellis: And?

Kate: I feel so good …!

Ellis: Yeah, me too.

When I glanced at him, Ellis-kun smiled mischievously—

He made a big turn with the secret weapon.

Kate: Wah!

Kate: Ah, maybe you were … teasing me just now?

Ellis: … You found out?

Ellis: Kate-san was so cute when she was having fun, so I couldnʼt help but tease her a bit.

(Ah …)

(… He makes this kind of face, too.)

I felt like I was seeing that expression for the first time. My heart was hammering loudly in my chest, unable to control it.

(I wonder if Ellis-kun is actually a mischievous person.)

“Ellis-kunʼs emotions and desires are secrets”—I remembered the words I heard from Roger-san.

I felt like the lid of that secret box had shifted just a little and I was able to peek inside.

(I want to see more. But … I also feel a little scared.)

After all, if I found another part of Ellis-kun and fell in love with him any more … Iʼd be in trouble.

Ellis: Sorry, were you scared?

Kate: No! Because Ellis-kun is piloting it.

Ellis: …

Kate: Just as Ellis-kun said, all my dark feelings were blown away.

Ellis: I see … thatʼs good.

As I stared blankly at the scenery for a while, the sun, burning like a ball of fire, set over the silhouette-like cityscape.

(What a beautiful twilight …)

I wished we could look at this view forever, but every time I blinked, the sky changed to the color of the night.

Kate: … But I have to go home soon.

(The day went by so quickly.)

Peaceful, calm and happy times seemed to melt away into the night.

(I feel a bit lonely …)

Ellis: Itʼs okay if you donʼt go home.

Kate: Huh …?

⤷ next chapter

#resa translates something for once?#ikemen villains #ikevil #ikemen villains ellis #ikevil ellis #ellis twilight

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huurrefanfictionreadinglog · 7 months ago

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Do you want to test new version of fanfiction reading log before anyone else?

If the answer to that question is yes, please send a message! It is getting ready really fast and I'm just doing last of the fixes and trying to figure out visual things. However, since I read only one fandom and don't notice everything, I could have use for a beta tester, who would use it week or two and then tell me how does it work (mostly if there's any problems). The file is Google Sheets, so I would require that you use it on Google Drive, and you would use it mostly to track fanfics in AO3 so someone else can try out my cool automatic for that.

If you have used the previous version, it is pretty easy to copy+paste one column at a time, although most of the information you can pick up automatically from AO3 links (minus author(s) and summary, after hours of fighting with those I still haven't figured out how to work with them) as long as they are not locked to only signed in users.

I talk about the update more in this post and about the fanfiction reading log overall you can find from the pinned post.

#ao3 #ao3 fanfic #archive of our own #fanfic #fanfiction #fanfiction tracker #reading log

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stray-crow · 5 months ago

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hi!! thought i'd direct my ask here since it's writing related -> how did you set up the google sheets to set and track word goals?? i opened up a sheets but it's a bit intimidating ;;

i'm guessing you do Insert>function>??? one of those? but idk which

there are a lot of different ways!! some basics to know:

the main functions i may use here are =SUM, =AVERAGE, =COUNTIF then follow the formula outline

more frequently i stick = in the formula box then select cells (or tab you want then its cells) with my mouse (a quicker way than typing cell or tab names)

but you can also limit cells usage by editing formulas directly in the cell you want to see the = in (like, you can have a cell with "=2+2" or a cell with "=A1+A2" with the numbers in them. both cells will have the same total calculated by the = but the formula bar will look different). Data Managers™️ recommend keep everything visible in cells, but we aint publishing this so do what you want

i also use cell formatting as % or date or whatever for less formula writing (% for example, i otherwise gotta do whatever math is needed for calculating that when i can just do the basics then ask it to do the rest AND it adds a % sign for me)

now let me go from least to most complicated set-up at start:

1. Total at Bottom

i got this settup to track multiple people at once, but you can keep the record column as Day 1, Day 2, etc and change the name columns to be months. Formulas:

row 33 Total Written =SUM(B2:B32) (alter the letter and number depending on column and days in month)

row 34 Goal (month) [free write #]

row 35 Progress (%) =B33/B34 , aka =[Total Written cell/Goal (month cell] format as %

row 36 Days Planning =COUNTIF(B2:B32, "planning") (or whatever specific word you want)

you can also have a year total somewhere, which you can see examples of how to in the last method

2. Weekly Goal

there's more manual in this so far which makes it easier to setup, harder to keep up on. columns week, dates, and words written are write-in (the last which i may =#+#+# throughout), but formulas:

column c words to go =1400-D31, aka =[word count goal]-[relevant "words written" cell]. conditional formatting (which i may swap the colors):

column e success is a drop-down menu which i forget how to create every time... look up "how to create drop-down menu in [spreadsheet program of choice]". i manually select the success based on vibes: earned, endeavored, exceeded, and resting

3. Detailed Year

there are two tabs here with more initial setup but less to manage later. they read from each other (what the ! does in a formula). starting with the daily data tab:

column date is formatted for calendar

column type is formatted with a drop-down menu, which the thought is to later make a pivot table counting the frequency of write, edit, edit+write, and daydreaming.

column word count is a manual input with conditional formatting

then the year tracking tab:

the free write-in columns are month, daily goal, and reflection. the column success is a drop-down i manually select at end. everything else has formulas:

column c month goal =[daily goal cell]*[# days of that month]

column d % of month will look like =(COUNTIF('2024 count'!C246:C275, ">0"))/30 , aka (COUNTIF('[name of daily data tab]'![relevant cell range from tab],">0"))/[days of month] formatted as %

column e daily ave is =AVERAGE(('[name of daily data tab]'![relevant cell range])

column f total count is =SUM('[name of daily data tab]'![relevant cell range]

column g goal progress is =[total count cell]/[month goal cell] formatted as %

the total row at the bottom goes like

daily goal =AVERAGE([above cells])

month goal =SUM([above cells])

% of month =AVERAGE([above cells])

daily ave =AVERAGE([above cells])

total count =SUM([above cells])

goal progress =AVERAGE([above cells])

yea that's about it

#i struggle with math so much that i took what i learned in my college classes on spreadsheets and sprinted alxlshckx #an organized calculator just for me that i can have it automatically color code?? Yes Pls #word count progress #asks #the weekly goal one is still a wip. hence why it's clunkier

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oneefin · 3 months ago

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ec puzzle hunt 2

ecph2 write-up time! spoilers a-plenty - avert your eyes if you care, keep reading if you dare

for those out of the loop: the enchanted castle puzzle hunt, or ecph2, or ecph2024, was a very hard, decently long puzzle hunt featuring 45 puzzles at or near the difficulty of mit mystery hunt. i solved this with my group of friends on huh?, but we merged with a subteam of the mathemagicians for extra firepower (and to see what solving with them was like!). this turned out to be a very good decision

i thoroughly enjoyed this hunt and thought the puzzles were all written very elegantly, although some of them are definitely not for the faint of heart. there was enough tough, grindy, deduction-y, research-y stuff in the hunt for me to say that it's not really small team material, at least at my skill/knowledge level - so i'm glad we tag teamed for this.

what puzzles did i do/like?

anyway, let's talk specifics! here's the list puzzles that i personally made a major contribution to:

artifacts (game id + what to do)

oil and water (logic + extraction)

choose your own permutation (black box behavior)

sauce code (figuring out everything)

dichotomous key (fitting things into the second key)

musical numbers (logic)

ziggurats (coding the whole solution)

no clue matchmaker (first two extractions)

solution: meta bingo (4/5 of the subpuzzles)

music of the spheres (grunt work)

take me home, country roads (logic)

the escape artist (routes for both parts)

the tower meta (mapping + what to do)

chanel (solving for the variables)

quentin (finding the real solution)

escape the castle (this was just a big team effort at the end)

and the puzzles that i specifically admired for how stupidly hard they looked were:

a very long integer (lots of tough steps, esp for the second round)

the library meta (really tricky mechanic for the second round)

musical numbers (really difficult-to-track number theory logic)

on-site only - sorry! (astronomy knowledge check)

take me home, country roads (geoguessr knowledge check)

piece by piece (insane modern tetris logic)

THE BEAST (insane cursed scrabble logic)

there's plenty else i could name for other reasons, but let's just stick with that!

some images from the journey

rainy's taskmaster submission for "transform a work of art in the great hall in the most unexpected manner":

while thinking about the armoury meta, i spent 15 minutes creating a joke while a teammate was availlessly trying to get my attention in vc:

niv made the prisms for duality, which imo look way better than the prisms on the solution page for this puzzle

on piece by piece, david had an incredulity moment from having never seen a t-spin before

we heard teams found lots of ways to map out the tower meta, which took place in hyperbolic geometry, on google sheets - niv and i decided to tackle this by taking an image of the geometry and drawing arrows showing in what direction all the puzzles were. no spreadsheet necessary! this worked great for us

my miscellaneous solving stories

on the armoury navigation, right when we unlocked the ability to submit lists of states, the first thing i randomly tried (for no reason in particular) was sending in all-white followed by all-black in front of the sign that said 0, 63. this serendipitously turned out to be the exact thing you needed to do to solve it. you cannot imagine how i felt upon realizing that after doing it

another thing that happened: i cranked out the work for the first part of the escape artist, but i was having trouble parsing our extracted phrase FOES S WAS B-WARDS. i thought about it for like a full day and then it dawned on me while i was in the shower what this was actually supposed to say and what the second step was. i finished showering asap and we cranked out the second part before i had to leave for work that morning

THE BEAST was luny's biggest win during the hunt. we found some of the part-two answers (most notably STRYCHNINE) fairly early into solving, and we were having a hard time believing that there was a second, less good answer also hiding in there somewhere. we were eventually convinced after figuring out the hidden pawn promotion mechanic, which i can only describe as a monumental team aha effort given that we didn't have the armoury meta solved at the time! it looked like:

luny notices that every board has a p

...and that the p can be removed and the board still works

i notice that STRYCHNINE would work if there was an extra b on the board

i suggest changing the p to one of b/n/q/r, like in chess

david sees that the b spot is vertically above the p

david takes the p on each board, promotes it to the top, and starts finding working alternate solutions

we profit

okay, now about that final meta

this solving story is long enough to get its own header!

i think a lot of teams didn't notice that the answers to the metas in each round could be applied to their corresponding ghost puzzle until they solved everything and unlocked the hunt finale. so there were teams who were stuck on the last puzzle for a while because they essentially had to solve five brand new puzzles to get five brand new answers. we had the fortune to see this early!

for our team, we didn't crack any of the ghosts until quite late in the hunt - so we have a 106 hour solve time on chanel, and a 133 hour solve time on trelawney. the first ghost we managed to solve legit was midway through the fifth round, when we finally took down quentin. immediately after we solved it, david was thinking about all the state and element abbreviations we saw, and made a connection

we didn't know what to do with it yet, but it was obvious that this was related. the other two meta answers we had at the time, ENLIGHTEN ME and LIBRARIAN GETS ZIP, would obviously work for re-interpreting chanel and trelawney specifically - even if we didn't know how to solve those yet.

our first moment of actually getting both solves was on THE BEAST, where as i previously described, we found something that worked (crazily!) as the secret mechanic. we worked out what both answers would be, and we made sure to enter the second one first to see what would happen. sure enough:

unlocking the final puzzle requires all 5 metas and all 5 ghosts solved. the last of these to fall was the tower meta, and by the time we did this, we already had four of the alternate ghost answers written in our sheet - the only one we didn't know was ☄, for which we had just gotten the answer MAXED IT OUT. so we knew that we had a decent shot of completing this meta extremely quickly - we just had to speedrun the alternate ☄ solve, and then figure out what to do next.

luckily, niv knew exactly what to do with this answer, and the final meta we unlocked after locking in all 5 ghosts was straightforward for us. we ended up finishing the whole thing in just over 30 minutes, and when the hunt ended, that was the fastest solve time for the finale!

so we're all pretty happy with how that went, even though the ordinary answers for the ghosts took us such a long time :)

#puzzle #puzzle hunt #ec puzzle hunt #the mathemagicians

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