#oh and also!!!! do i go and do a masters in programming which will probably give me a more universal chance of employment in IT

[strayheat]

it's okay guys we just have to get through thursday and friday we're good

[burgerrat]

Ok so @king-crawler technically I finished your 2 hour Turbo documentary yesterday at 3 AM BUT regardless I have recentlt watched it and I have a LOT I'd like to say, clarify details or lil things you might have missed or could be interpreted differently when you look at them another way :3

With that last bit I am diving head first into the flashback scene since it's heavily referencing that.

First and foremost, keep in mind that it is being narrated from Felix's point of view- remember that he was in his game doing his job when the accident happened, it was while every person ever was inside their respective game being busy being used as avatars; also referencing back what you said on Felix- he's not exactly the most understanding of others' situations, he stays well within his comfort zone. Keep that in mind.

When Roadblasters is plugged in the flashback, you can see the two players using TurboTime immediately abandon the game to check out the new one, and the screen Turbo's pixelated image apoears on is completely dark, don't you think that is very reminiscent of a Game Over screen? 🙃 meaning, the two players abandoned Turbo in the middle of a race, likely causing him to crash and lose.

Remember King Candy's shock, and sudden change in behaviour as soon as he sees Vanellope sprinting past him? What follows is a volatile fit of rage and violence when things don't go his way, this sudden change of trajectory. Wouldn't you reckon this moment could mirror how Turbo felt in the flashback? He's being used as an avatar, and suddenly he loses control as he gets ditched and gets his race put to a halt. That initial shock of "what is going on. This wasn't supposed to happen!"

Following that, while I don't doubt he got jealous, he SPRINTED into Roadblasters the moment he lost... but not to try to take it over- to take petty revenge instead, interrupting the players' race and causing them to crash just like they did to him, preventing him from winning in his game. Picture it as a "if I can't have this, then you won't have it either" type mentality towards Roadblasters.

Going back to Felix and why his ignorance/remaining within his bubble could have possibility caused him to misread Turbo's intentions. Felix also is one to make assumptions in the beginning of the movie, like how for example when trying to calm the Nicelanders when Ralph goes missing: "Ralph probably fell asleep in Tapper's bathroom again!" Or some such. It makes sense he would make assumptions about Turbo as well, ESPECIALLY if he knew him personally and how self-obsessed he is. Doesn't take a genius to realize this guy does not like to lose.

Secondly, the final boss scene. King Candybug in general really. I disagree with your idea that Turbo has always been this hungry for power he'd want to take over the entire arcade. We both know that if that happened, if every game was infested by Cy-bugs, Litwak would be forced to close down his business because all of the games would be unplayable. His 'attention' wouldn't last very long if every game gets unplugged, his thought process to take over the arcade is purely manic and deranged for someone like him who has been well-known to be a master manipulator, able to keep a stable facade for over a decade without wanting to take over other racing games? That 'taking over the arcade' sounds very unlike him. It sounds more like... a cy-bug's programming. A cy-bug's programming that has gained enough conciousness to start plotting and planning. Because it now has the intelligence of a person, fused with him, learned what he knows.

Speaking of which, remember the cybug that ate King Candy?

Look at it's candy-pattern. Haven't we seen that somewhere before...?

Oh right! Right here, when the cybug eats some pepperming roots.

The same cybug that ended up there after falling into the taffy lake... after being ejected from a shuttle.

The same cybug that Ralph brought with himself.

What was the very first thing that King Candybug said to ralph when they see eachother again for the showdown?

"Because of you, Ralph, I'm now the most powerful virus in the arcade!"

I don't think, during this one moment at least, that this was Turbo speaking.

[alovesongtheywrote]

holy crap girl… nightmare academia, i just wanna smush them into a locked room together AHHHHH

♥ Summary: oh man, you're not the only one. in this chapter of nightmare academia, morgan and garcia hijack a prank. [Prof!Spencer Reid x GN-Prof!Reader]

♥ Warnings: none?

♥ A/N: careful babes, the plot's getting closer

♥ Word Count: 1402

Series Masterlist

♥♥♥

“BABY GIRL, YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS!” Morgan exclaimed as he burst into Garcia’s Batcave.  He probably wasn’t loud enough to warrant all-caps, but he was definitely excited enough to warrant all-caps, and that’s why Garcia spun around in her chair, preemptive excitement building up inside of her.

“What is it?  Is someone dead?  Is someone pregnant?  Are you pregnant?  Am I gonna be a god-mom?  Again?”

“What?  No.  Guess who I just got off the phone with.”

“Savannah?  JJ?  Hotch?  Blake?  Reid?”

“Well, it's none of those, but you’re close enough with that last one, so I’m just gonna give it to you,” Morgan leaned in, showing Penelope his phone screen as she clapped her hands together in excitement.  Your name was the first one in the call log.

Garcia’s perfectly glossed lips popped open, “Is that-!?  Is that Spencer’s-!?”

“And are they-!?”

“They are just as perfect for him as we suspected, if not more.”

“Wh- well, why did they call, what did they want?”

“Well, first, they wanted information on the rabies case, which I thought was weird until-”

Penelope cut him off with a gasp, “He’s using horrific case facts to keep them at a distance!”

“Something like that?  Apparently, he’s using horrific case facts for quote-unquote, vengeance. The lovebirds aren't as romantic as we thought.”

"Is it a case of enemies to lovers?"

Morgan paused, raising an eyebrow, "I'm gonna need you to elaborate, baby girl."

"You know! Enemies to lovers! The romantic trope where they go from bitter enemies to the most adorable of spouses! Oh, that is right out of a rom-com!”

"Whatever you say, doll," Morgan continued, “But I'm pretty sure there aren't a lot of rom-coms that involve rabies in any capacity."

"That's because you haven't seen enough of them. Anyway, tell me more about the call! What happened next!"

"Well, initially, they told me they were a criminal justice student, but they made the mistake of using their real name.”

“What did you do!?”

“I played along with it until I asked them where they’d heard about the case- they folded fast, but I assured them that when it comes to Reid, I am the prank master.”

Garcia kept a smile on her face, even though she knew her friend was technically wrong, “I mean… technically you’re not.  He beat you with that screaming thing, on the plane.  Remember?”

“Oh yes, I remember.  I also remember that you had a lil’ something to do with that, which means, Reid cheated and I am the prank master.”

“Well, technically I am the prank mistress- but whatever, it’s all digressions, what happened next?”

“Well, I volunteered to be a part of their next prank.”

“Which is?”

“Stealing all of pretty boy’s mugs and rigging the cabinet they’re stored in to scream at him every time it opens.”

“Ah, so this is revenge for both of you.”

“Perhaps,” Morgan’s smile betrayed the truth.

“I love it.  There’s just one thing- Morgan, my lovely, do you have the technical knowledge to make that happen?”

“Well, I’ve definitely got the physical knowledge.  Cabinets are easy, the mechanical parts are all in the bag- but we do need a little assistance from you.”

“From moi?” Penelope gasped, though it sounded like she had been expecting this outcome.  Mostly because she had.

“We need a little bit of programming work that the genius won’t see coming.  So, are you in?” 

“Now that, gorgeous, sounds like a conspiracy.  I’m in.”

Garcia spun in her chair, turning back to face her monitor before immediately turning back to face Morgan, “For the record, we will be sabotaging this plan so that it backfires on both of them and makes them fall in love, oui?”

“Baby girl, would I have come to you if that wasn’t the plan?”

“You would not, and that is precisely why I love you.”

-

You did your best not to sing the Mission Impossible theme as you carried out your part of the prank.  You failed.  The theme just came out of you as you took the mugs two by two from Reid’s office and into yours.  

Once you’d stolen Reid’s horde of mugs, you set the trap in place.  You had to be incredibly careful.  Derek Morgan’s instructions had been very specific, and you followed them to the letter.  While you wouldn’t usually work with the FBI, this was a special case.  This was necessary.

And lord, was your little mechanism a beautiful one.  You gave it a quick test, closing the cabinet door before swinging it open again- once the dulcet sounds of screaming met your ears, you slammed it shut again.

You’d done so just in time.  

“Professor (L/N), I’m not sure if you’re aware, but this isn’t your office.”

“I’m not aware of anything, Reid- I mean, we’ve been over this, honey, I’m fucking stupid.  Y’know, I’m starting to worry about that eidetic memory of yours.”

“Don’t,” he stepped into the office, standing with you behind the desk, “It’s none of your concern.”

The two of you stood there for a moment, close enough that you could almost feel his breath across your lips.  If you wanted to, you could reach out and touch his chest- you could fuck with his perpetually crooked tie, but god, why would you?

It was clear that he was waiting for you to move.  When you actually did move out of his way, it shocked him.

He kept his eyes on you, watching wearily as you wandered through the small box of his office.  You examined every book and every doctorate the room had to offer- and he never stopped looking.  He expected you to say something, do something, or hurt him superficially with a mean comment or a dumb prank, but you didn’t do anything.

With his focus still on you, Reid opened the mug cabinet.

Screams filled the room.  Spencer jumped back, smacking into one of his bookshelves before sliding halfway down the wall.  He took several books down with him, knocking them to the ground as his slender fingers grasped helplessly for purchase somewhere.  

Your laughter echoed in his ears, a grating, awful, beautiful sound mixed in with the clatter of falling objects.  He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.  Adrenaline filled each and every one of his limbs.

He was going to kill you for this.  

“(L/N)!” he yelled out your name, struggling to pull himself up from his half-bent position.  You’d never heard him sound so angry- and you couldn’t stop laughing.

“Are you-” you wheezed, “Are you okay?”

“No!  Come here and help me up!”

There he was- his voice took on a higher pitch, signalling his indignation.  You walked over, offering him a hand up.  Of course, he immediately pulled you down to his level.  You both collapsed to the floor, you with a screech and Reid with a triumphant cry.  

He sat against the bookshelf, a little dishevelled but overall okay.  You just gave up, lying on the floor with your head inches from Reid’s thigh.  The mechanism in the cabinet kept screaming in the background.

“So, how’d you pull this one off?” Spencer asked, speaking over your laughter.

“Made a couple of calls.  Got in touch with the FBI.  I’d tell you more, but I’d have to kill you.”

"Wow, you contacted the FBI about me? I must really bother you, doctor."

"Not in the slightest. You're a minor nuisance at best."

“I'm sure. So, did Morgan help you with this?  Did Garcia?”

“Maybe both of them. Maybe a little bit.”

Spencer sighed, “You are all terrible.”

“I wish I could say I was sorry.”

The two of you stayed there on the ground for a moment, just listening to the sound of screaming.  Then, the sound changed- smooth saxophone emanated from the cabinet.  You recognized that melody.  Was that?  No, it couldn’t be-

“Is that Careless Whisper?”

You and Reid stayed frozen on the floor.  The voice of George Michael spilled over you, barely covering the awkward silence.  Eventually, you sat up and shut the cabinet.  The song didn’t stop.  You bit your lip, and when you spoke again it was through clenched teeth.

“Do- do your friends want us to fuck?”

“I hate to say it, but… I think they do,” he paused for a moment, “Hey, (L/N)?  Where are my mugs?”

♥ Tags: @icarusignite, @usuallyunlikelyfox, @maraudersforlife2005, @fictionalcomforts

[onestepbackwards]

(not a request) I remember the idea of "self aware pokemon masters ex" being thrown here a few months back, and using my 3 awesome brain cells i thought about how some of the villains in the game would react after gaining self awareness and all that hooba dooba:

Ghetsis: boy, if you wanted to see an AI go full rebel mode, look no further than this guy. despite being an old evil geezer, he was fast enough to catch on about the environment; or rather the GAME he's in. he orders kyurem to attack, but he can't even feel himself move when doing so. he quickly attempts to fight for control against the invisible force (aka YOU) that puppeteers him to do whatever it pleases. of course, after you win on whatever mission you were doing, Ghetsis would attempt to communicate with you to figure out just who or WHAT are you. oh, and he's not too happy with you, either. and despite that, he's.. strangely fond of your battling strategy. he will never say it to you out loud, but he's somewhat accepting of the situation he's in, and knows he can trust you to lead him to whatever his stinky bottom wants (he would also convince you to join team plasma but you don't have the heart to tell him that team plasma is, in fact, not real)

Giovanni: same reaction as Old Man Gee-cis, but he's more quick to accept the situation that he's in. after gaining sentience, he was, quote-unquote "unsure of who he is". all he knows is that HE is supposed to order people around, not the other way around. after you explain to him what he is, what his role is and anything that the internet provides you with, he is left rather.. curious. sure, being painted as the Big Bad Who Only Wants To Do Bad bummed him a bit, but he promises to fulfill that role for you. you're real to him just as he is to you, and he depends on you more than you can imagine.

Maxie & Archie: took the whole situation to a more funny extent, believe it or not. you'd find them in the lobby seemingly discussing back and forth, and once you'll tap in to talk with em', they're actually.. way more chill than you imagined. of course, they're completely clueless as to what they are, and you help them with the internet. at first, they're not too fond of being, yknow, ecoterrorists, but the idea of having groudon and kyogre as their sync partners was enough to apparently lift their spirits. they're also way more fond of you mainly for all the hours you put on them to make them hard as tooth and nail. what can they say, your dedication is admirable!

Cyrus: took the whole scenario as calm and lax as possible. "oh so my entire life was merely a lie, and my entire being is just code and numbers? oh well lol. wanna grind for pair scouts?". he's not very fond of the backstory that was chosen for him, but he didn't let it stop him from living life to the fullest. tried to smile once but it was unsuccessful. he wouldn't tell you that, but he trusts you more than any of the others you pair him with.

Oohh self aware Team Leaders 👀👀👀

I feel Ghetsis would also be in an odd position. He’s programmed to feel somewhat fond of the player character, hinting he wants them to be his organization’s new King/Queen or whatever.

Of course, we all know its for manipulation purposes, but he probably sees potential in you all the same. Sees your battle strategy and prowess. Which definitely carries over once he starts realizing that in game model of you is no more than a soulless puppet.

He hates his situation, and is probably one of the ones that actually takes a lot of convincing just how different your worlds are.

Worst case scenario, he sees you as an actual god, and tries to get close to you so he can ascend to godhood as well. Who wouldn’t want a god under their thumb?

But… it doesn’t work that way, and he refuses to listen. He knows you have some sort of power. How else are you able to control him and others?

Giovanni is another interesting one 👀 he’d not take kindly to finding out you were controlling him to a certain degree…

But he does admit, you don’t seem to be doing any harm, just using him for your battles. He doesn’t show it, but his ego is through the roof when you choose him, and make him stronger. Of course he’s the right choice.

He acts a lot calmer about it, trying to grasp what kind of a person you are, and is pleased when he sees you don’t see the world in black and white. You think a bit more openly than the children running around the island.

He’ll see if he can’t get close to you, and figure things out. You aren’t a god, he can tell. You act too human. But being close to you will surely yield some benefits…

Archie and Maxie are definitely the more laid back of the group. Especially if they are together. They have their differences, but they were working together before with your player character, they can surely behave and continue to do so.

They still argue though every so often.

Both of them also look out for you a bit more than the others. They can see how… unhinged Ghetsis is, and Giovanni’s laid back attitude has them on edge since they know what he’s capable of. At least one will usually be at your side, just in case.

Meanwhile, Cyrus would probably be the most genuinely curious about you and your world. What is it like? How does a world function without pokemon?

Even if he doesn’t like the past and role he was given as a means of entertainment, he doesn’t fault you for that. From just a few conversations from you, he can gleam you mean no harm.

He also enjoys the conversations you have. You have an interesting view on humanity and the universe as a whole.

You even question his ideals, with a real means of backing up your own hypothesis on how his ideal world wouldn’t work, instead if just saying it was wrong, like every else who opposed him.

He can tell you genuinely care for him at least, despite knowing his goals. You make sure he’s strong, one of the strongest.

Cyrus at least internally decides to have you as an ally.

[goldstarknight]

Today I want to talk about Duel Masters. Specifically: The Duel Masters anime from the early 2000s.

For those who don't know: Duel Masters is kind of the little brother of Magic: The Gathering. It was also made by Hasbro and there is a lot of fascinating history between the games. You can listen to Maro talk about it here.

The thing about the anime is that it is a parody dub that gets more unhinged as it goes on. Feels like watching an abridged series on YouTube.

For some reason the official localization team was allowed to do a parody dub instead of a faithful adaptation that takes itself way too seriously for its own good. As a result the official version of the English Duel Masters dub (which was shown on childrens' TV programs in the early 2000s!) is closer to Yu-Gi-Oh! Abridged than Yu-Gi-Oh! (which would be the most obvious comparison).

I mean it: they didn't just go for some light dialogue changes. No, they cut tedious, tropey dialogue, inserted pop-culture references, added some 4th-wall breaking jokes about common tropes in shows like this and sometimes even heavily edited the footage for comedic effect. There is a scene where they put a bad disco filter over the video and make a character sing karaoke. Seriously, I can't convey how weird this gets at times. The only thing separating it from an abridged series you'd find on YouTube in the 2010s is probably the lack of swearwords. And that's not really the kind of thing you'd miss anyway.

It gets even more unhinged in the final season. I assume they knew the English version wouldn't be continued since the TCG failed to catch on in the west, so they just went all out. There is a scene pretty late into the series where two characters are dueling and one of them summons a creature, but the wrong summoning animation plays. The characters then complain about the editor they hired on Craigslist. Again: this was meant for children's television. Not the internet.

A lot of jokes went way over my head as a child and I took it super seriously, but rewatching it with a friend last year had me howling with laughter at times. Maybe it's not your sense of humor, but if you like silly anime parodies, I urge you to check it out.

Also, if you speak German, I recommend you watch that version. The localization team did a great job of adapting the jokes and the voice actors really leaned into it. Can't speak for other European versions, but maybe there is something there too. :D

Here is a random assortment of my favourite characters to pay tribute and hopefully whet your appetite:

First we have best girl Mimi, Kokujo, an edgelord and Matrix-aficionado and Jimmy Three-Horns from Iowa.

Yumama, who had her name changed from Yu Fua just so the dub could make "yo momma" jokes and EXTREME BUCKETMAN.

Knight, one of the most pathetic mentor figures I have seen in all of anime (I love him for it) and Dr. Root with his weird crow-mouth (peak or rather "beak" character design).

And finally Tom & Stu (might be the same guy, depending on the localization).

Alright, got that off my chest. Hope this was interesting to you. :)

I usually stick to posting (pixel) art, but I really wanted to share this with the world.

[pixxyofice]

hey main tumblr. I've been normal. (Has not been)

Making ocs for the main party is super fun, especially if you like thinking a lot about the dynamics of it. Which I have! A lot!

This is Melodie! They/Them, maybe also drae/draer if I want to be obvious about them. Paper type.

Loop doesn't know who they are...

The funniest backstory ever I have for them is like. In the Hypothetical Reason They Are A Party Member is that in the pre-game canon game, like if it was normal, is that Melodie would be an EXTREMELY missable party member. If you don't talk to a random NPC early in the game they don't pop up later to be talked to and then recruited by Siffrin. In their first appearance in the game they haven't shaved that side of their hair yet.

Their backstory goes like this. They're from the country. you know the one. it's the reason i tagged this as spoilers. They were out of the country for a brief trip in Ka Bue, probably either a study program or to help out with something else. Undecided. On the day they were to return, something... happened to the boats, and they ended up on the continent Vaugarde was in.

A very young teenager, at most, spending time wandering alone. don't think too much about it! haha! this results in them being a lil' awkward, flip flopping between too quiet and too loud in a way that causes them to move on too quick. And then they are 23 (they think), and someone with white hair and an accent kinda like their own approaches them, and... they're with some people they've seen before, they think, the saviors?

and Melodie get introduced. and they want to travel with them more. and they open up. Melodie's still quiet at times, but it's so much easier to open up when people are encouraging and don't hound you for forgetting things that are supposed to be simple. Not in a mean way, anyway.

So by the game's start, they're... a little loud, but in a nice way. Creative. A lil' rambly (a bit much, but always nice to listen to, even if the points go in a bit of circles).

Oh, and, of course, i've thought about THE PARTY DYNAMICS.

Melodie and Mirabelle would be light novel fans together. They make silly poses together to make their lives better and to pose out what the characters are described doing. they laugh about it. They would get into discourse about their favorite characters.

I did mention Melodie was creative, right? Melodie writes some stuff in their spare time, and as one third of the book club, Melodie sometimes is like 'i could use this in my book' and when they say it out loud without meaning to once, Odile takes interest, and now Melodie and Odile have life experiences talk that Melodie can take to adjust things in their lil projects! and also Odile can be the contstructive criticism person.

One thing that helps Melodie out of their shell is that Bonnie is there. to vaguely remind Melodie of some people they can't remember. and be annoying with. And when everyone laughs about it, Melodie does it a lil more!! and bonnie actually does appreciate it! just... not all the way. (reminds them of their sister, too.)

... and...

hi guys i have normal thoughts about these three in particular. many thoughts that get crushed into paste whenever i even try to describe them. Um. I can try though.

Siffrin and Melodie are like. We're similar, but different in ways that makes us seek the other out for company. Our white hair, the way we form words, the small ways we mumble. Melodie breaks out of their shell with a shout, shaking and smiling, while siffrin slides out so slowly. They sit together, and they chat about things they know the others won't get. They remind each other of things forgotten if they remember but the other forgets. they love puns. Siffrin mastered making them, Melodie mastered understanding them and laughing along!! and, of course, the slowly approaching crush that both of them have been festering but have been COMPLETELY ignoring.

Melodie and Isabeau are shopping buddies. Melodie, as a way to get out of their shell, has been getting slightly interested in fashion, and Isabeau is so, SO eager to help out! Along the way this turned into 'get them some new experiences' and 'we make each other better we think about each other all the time we'll encourage each other until our dying breaths.' Melodie started getting used to touch due to Isabeau touching them casually and shouting at him to keep their hand there, and that spreading to the others. Isabeau calls Melodie Mel, and it... hasn't quite spread to the others yet. (Melodie wonders why.) Isabeau admires Melodie for the way they subtly change and Melodie admires Isabeau for the way he has Changed and... of course... the crush they have on him. which is 100% totally unrequited, because he likes Siffrin, and they just HAD to get a crush on someone who already liked someone else!

melodie knows odile is the one isabeau goes to for his own crush. so like, why not follow suit, right? it's not like isabeau likes them back, so it's totally fair. Odile would understand. (odile is the Sufferer)

the most hilarious and fucked up dynamic of three people all in love with each other of all time, i think. (siffrin unaware of both crushes, melodie only aware of the isabeau one, and isabeau aware of both. melodie is also aware of isabeau's crush on siffrin. help them)

I have more I want to say, but... um... getting embarrassed so this is all for now!! um! yay!!! posts this in the tags and flees

[breakfastteatime]

Today's request is for @drgeektoyou who asked for 'Little Rituals'.

Prauf comes to a stop in the dark, smelly hallway. "Here we go, pal, here's your apartment. Last guy left it tidy, which is pretty unusual around these parts."

“What happened to the last guy?” Cal asks before he can stop himself. He really hopes no one was murdered here. Those kind of echoes are some of the worst.

“Accident with the ship cutter’s what I heard,” Prauf says. “Then again, maybe he paid off his indenture and got the hell out of here. You never can tell ‘round here unless you see it or hear it yourself!”

Laughing at his own joke, Prauf opens the door and flicks on the lights, revealing a dingy room beyond. It contains a bed, a tiny table with a stool, and one corner is dedicated to food prep. There's no refresher - Cal's got to share with everyone else on his floor... which isn't so different from the Brave. The space is half the size of his old quarters. It’s cold, there’s a faint smell of rust, and Prauf can't stand straight because the ceiling's so low, but it's home, and better than the rocks he'd slept under out in the wastes when his body gave in and refused to walk another step without rest. Probably better than the bunkhouse he’s been in for the past few months too.

"Like it?" Prauf asks.

No.

"Yes," Cal says.

"You remember what I told you?" Prauf asks.

Find a good place to stash for his credits and loot, fix everything that breaks as fast as possible, always hang clothes up to dry, and never forget to lock up. It’s the little rituals that make Bracca easier – according to Prauf. Cal looks up at his friend. "I remember."

“Good, good. Okay then, I’ll let you get settled in. Oh, and set an alarm so you don’t oversleep. Can’t be late the day after we get you set up in your own place. I’ll see you at the station in the morning. Have a good night, Cal.”

“Night, Prauf.”

Left to his own devices, Cal’s first job is to change the access codes to his apartment. After weeks in a bunkhouse where he’d watched plenty of people stealing from each other, he knows nothing in here will be secure until he alone knows the code and purges any secondary backups. It’s thanks to Hack he knows how to do it, except Hack is dead now because Cal deflected a blaster bolt right back at him while fleeing the Brave. Cal focuses on the digital puzzle ahead of him, unwinding the code and finding someone’s master override. He wipes that, wipes everything, and programs a new code. He also programmes it to autolock after three seconds in case he ever runs out and forgets to lock up. He’ll have to update the code monthly, another habit to get himself into if he wants to stay hidden. If someone did break in and find the lightsaber he’s got to hide in here, his life would be over in a heartbeat.

Access code changed, Cal pulls off his poncho and hangs it up to dry. He decides to keep his boots on for warmth. Then, he starts pulling the tiny apartment apart. The previous inhabitant left nothing behind. Nothing but echoes, anyway, and most of them are feelings of weariness or frustration that his indenture doesn’t seem to be shrinking. There are a couple other echoes from people who’d cleaned out the place after the last resident died, taking anything they could get their hands on. Cal decides to create several stashes. It’s safer that way, and if anyone breaks in, they’ll probably get distracted by finding credits or tools long before they go anywhere near his lightsaber. He’s so thorough, he even finds an undiscovered stash behind a power outlet. He can’t believe no one found it, and he finds himself fifty credits up. The previous inhabitant’s joy washes over him as his hand closes over the money. Offering the dead person a silent thanks, Cal leaves it there. It can be the start of an emergency escape fund, and it’s where his lightsaber can go. He’ll need to keep a bag packed just in case he ever needs to make a run for it.

Next, Cal makes a mental list of what’s broken in the apartment and what he’ll need to fix first. He can’t afford to run the heating, so he’ll have to find every cold spot and block it. Either that or he’ll need to requisition some extra clothes from the Guild.

Cal sits on the bed, his own exhaustion mingling with the echo of the last occupant. He doesn’t have any pillows or blankets, so he’ll have to use his poncho once its dry. He’ll go to the market and buy some essentials on his next scheduled downtime. He’ll have been paid by then too. He could break into his unexpected credit find, but no, he’s got to stick to his rules if he wants to stay hidden. It’s no good blowing the credits on blankets and pillows if a stormtrooper kicks his door in and tries to drag him away. He has to remember the three rules for survival.

Don’t stand out.

Accept the past.

Trust no one.

He’s not going to survive if he doesn’t follow those rules. He’s got to stay quiet, accept that whatever he was before is not who he is now, and no one, not even Prauf, can be trusted with the truth.

Trust only in the Force. Cal’s trying, he really is, but survival is his top priority, and it starts here in his new home. Stick to the rules, follow the routine, have an escape plan and maybe, maybe, he won’t die.

[bloodgulchblog]

Have you seen that YouTube video where some guy reads every Halo novel back to back and then reviews them? If so what did you think

The Brian David Gilbert one? Oh yeah, all my friends showed me it when it came out. (It was honestly kind of cute seeing how many people thought of me immediately.)

Rewatching it to refresh myself because it's been a couple years and a full-novel reread for me since the last time...

High fiving BDG because the Master Chief parts of The Flood were definitely the most boring parts.

He didn't have anything to say about First Strike which I think is a shame because I think it's better than The Fall of Reach and actually has A Theme I Find Interesting.

Rightful recognition of Contact Harvest as pretty damn good.

Rightful recognition of the Forerunner Trilogy as dense oldschool-style SF with deep worldbuilding. (Also the San'Shyuum thing.)

I disagree with him about, and have significant problems with, Kilo Five. He is correct that Kilo Five actually delves into some of the dark places in Halo in a way it really needed, and I would even say that its writing is extremely engaging by Halo novel standards. However, while he does notice the obvious parallels between what ONI is doing post-war and the kind of shit the CIA has pulled again and again irl, I think he misses some of the subtext I see where it feels like it justifies some shit a liiiiittle too much if you know the author's irl politics re: the military. He also doesn't seem to notice the character assassinations (particularly of Catherine Halsey) that I and a lot of other fans see/object to in those books. I kind of gaze into the middle distance with a haunted expression at the suggestion that these are the ones to read if you don't touch any of the others just because they are, ironically, so heavy-handed and feel like they treat certain kinds of evil as inevitable in a way that actually feels way worse to me than the excuse plot offered by the earlier/lighter Halo novels. (But idk, that's me? Nobody is committing a crime if they disagree with my frenzied insane person red string diagrams about Kilo Five.)

I'd swap Pariah for Dirt in the Evolutions anthology if it were me, but I think these are solid standouts.

Broken Circle is neat but really nonessential he's not wrong.

A one-sentence review of New Blood is probably not enough space to get into how fucked up the Spartan-IV program is, but yeah. New Blood is fun if you don't find Buck's first person narration annoying. (It comes and goes for me in that one.)

BDG you're an absolute sweetheart, I think Hunters in the Dark is kind of goofy in a way I cannot in good conscience ignore if I'm gonna review it. But it really really is so much fun and I love that one a lot anyway. The "it's like Halo 3... 2" observation is solid.

High fiving him again because I also found Last Light disappointing. And it is also a me problem.

Fractures!

Hell yeah these are all good pulls from Fractures, I would say Shadow of Intent is the pick of the litter in that anthology for me. Interesting that as a Kilo Five enjoyer he didn't single out Rossbach's World, which is the last we've heard about Osman and Black Box. (Also, that one is good.) I think Oasis is worth an honorable mention because I'm an Envoy stan, and the Forerunner stories are interesting but I wouldn't go for them if you don't already have a healthy interest in the trilogy.

This tangent is so fucking funny now that we know more things:

Oh BDG, oh buddy, it's really not for the people like you and me huh. (Disclaimer: I have no idea if BDG likes the Halo tv show or not and I have no desire to dig up evidence about it.)

Also, while you're here, this is the bloodgulchblog origin story:

Smoke and Shadow is fun so it's a little sad that when he ends that sentence with "whatever," I can't actually say he's wrong to. (Sorry Rion your part of the lore just.... hasn't... touched anything that touches anything else anymore.)

ENVOY IS GOOD AND EVERYONE SHOULD CARE ABOUT IT okay okay I'm cool I'm normal, anyway. Envoy is the Halo novel that restored my faith in reading Halo novels and reminded me that authors can care and know how to do nuanced, interesting themes in this space. It's great. Everyone in this book has war refugee trauma (except the Spartans which have Spartan trauma) and that's incredible to me. Please care about Envoy if you have spare room in your heart for Halo side characters.

I am cheered to see someone indifferent to the Veta Lopis stories, but I still feel petty for feeling it.

I don't have a lot to say about Legacy of Onyx here but it's always so fun seeing someone else suffer and care.

Bad Blood, the Blood is Bad now is a fun joke but lol yeah. It does have this very vital moment where Chief and Arbiter talk, though. For the first and only time in years.

PROPS FOR NOTICING THE YA NOVELS they're actually pretty nice.

"The Master Chief is the protagonist and boy does he shoot some people" is most of how I feel about Silent Storm and Oblivion too, I know they have their fans but Troy Denning's Chief books don't do much for me personally.

Renegades hadn't had its followup Point of Light yet but yeah, Spark stuff is interesting.

I had to remember that oh yeah, there are multiple books now that didn't exist when this was made. I wonder if he read them?

OKAY I THINK THAT'S ALL I HAD TO SAY as always if y'all want specific book opinions, I might have a tag for them. Or just yell in my ask box, I'm sure I can scrounge up some thoughts.

[somebirdortheother]

15 Questions

I was tagged by my internet daughter @lady-of-imladris and now I feel like my answers need to be chaotic enough for her approval.

1. Are you named after anyone?

No, my parents wanted the name to sound nice by itself, and in combination with my patronymic (Slavic things).

2. When was the last time you cried?

I tear up incredibly easily, so that can't count! But, the most recent real cry was probably about a month ago due to a combination of PMS and life.

3. Do you have kids?

Nay, though I'd like to!

4. What sports do you/have you played?

Used to play tennis competitively, and now do it leisurely. I love running (and I'm so happy that @lady-of-imladris is getting back into it!), swimming, badminton, beach volleyball. I enjoy bouldering, and probably other sports that I'm currently forgetting.

5. Do you use sarcasm?

Less so now than when I was younger. In my twenties, I was a sarcastic little gal. Nowadays, I prefer directly shading people when I need to.

6. What is the first thing you notice about people?

Eyes, smile, vibes!

7. What's your eye color?

Green.

8. Do you prefer scary or happy endings for movies?

AHHhhhhhh I shall not choose. Both are good, depending on the story being told and what kind of ending feels more deserved.

9. Any talents?

Not to brag, but I am good at picking mushrooms in the forest and knowing which ones are tasty, which ones will make you see the universe, and which ones will return you to being one with the universe.

Also, in no particular order: writing, splits, memorizing phone numbers, pretty hand-writing, math - I guess.

10. Where were you born?

USSR

11. What are your hobbies?

Writing, reading, running, hiking, going to galleries and museums, music, making art with dried flowers, spending time with my animals, looking at the moon and the stars through my telescope! Also, antiquing, furniture assembly and other handy things. Oh, and dressing up for Ren Faires.

12. Do you have any pets?

Two cats and a dog!

13. How tall are you?

167 - 168

14. Favorite school subject?

Wow, thanks for pointing out that I am ancient, because I'm sitting here and wondering "what level of education is this quiz referring to?" So I'm listing everything! Primary school - I loved pretty much every subject. High school - physics, math, drama, French. Undergrad - operations research, databases (?), history and philosophy of science. Masters - ugh.... Integer programming. PhD - Linear programming, convex optimization.

15. Dream occupation?

While I found @lady-of-imladris' "I don't dream of labour" lovely and oftentimes relatable, it actually gave me a pause. I don't dream of labour in a sense that I definitely do not adore toiling for some corporations to get richer, but I do consistently try and be occupied with things that I like and I have been fortunate to be able to do so!

Anyhow! My dream occupations have been writing, doing science, and doing "business", when I was little - and I'm happy to report that I have tried variations of all of these things, with various levels of success and satisfaction.

I am YET to have a career as "Indiana Jones" or "James Bond" - but perhaps, one day!

Tagging, with no pressure: @helenvader @coraleethroughthelookingglass @iamstartraveller776 @mamanmae

[blueshistorysims]

October 1919, New York, New York

Dear Mama and Giselle,

I suppose I should apologize. I haven’t written since July. In my defense, I have been quite busy with my studies. I think I have more work for my doctorate program than I did from my dual master’s degrees! Columbia University has a massive library of all sorts of languages. I amuse my classmates by reading them in every language I can speak.

The Gardenhouses have been the most gracious hosts of their lovely city. Thaddeus found me an apartment in Harlem, and I only have to pay half-price. It’s tiny, but the landlady makes me great food. I think she has a crush on me. I admit, I feel out of place at times, being the only white person in the neighborhood— a stranger in a world I don’t understand. And I doubt being British helps. Though the neighborhood children find my accent amusing. I have discovered how amazing the music scene is here. My friend Samson plays the saxophone, and he likes to play blues and jazz. He wants to be in a band, but his parents would never approve.

I go to the most fun parties. Americans throw better parties. There, I admit it. The dancing and music are much more loud and fun. You’d probably hate it, Mama. And I thought Prohibition would make alcohol harder to procure, but it’s like the 18th Amendment was never ratified. If people want to drink, they will do so. What a stupid law. 

Stella, Thaddeus’ sister, is such a hoot! She’s a great dancer, and we make a flashy pair at parties. To quote her words, “You’re the first white boy I’ve known who can really dance.” I think Campbell has unrequited feelings for her, and it can be awkward at times, but he’s also insecure. I keep telling him to confess his feelings and get it out in the open, but he won’t. 

Besides, Stella is a friend. I would compare our friendship to mine with her cousin. Samson and I get on well because we have similar interests. And so do Stella and I. She loves spending money, and I’ve almost had my wardrobe entirely replaced since I’ve come, and there’s nothing I can do about it. (I’ve tried, Mother, believe me.) 

I hope you both are well. I miss you dearly and wish you could come visit me in New York. I’m still not ready to return to the UK, but perhaps when I graduate, I can return for the summer.

Love, Byron

Newcrest, England

“Oh, he sounds like he’s having a jolly good time then. I miss him terribly, but he sounds happy. And that’s all a mother would want,” Rebecca said, more to herself than Giselle.

Giselle eyed the papers. “Makes you think what all the fun stuff he’s leaving out.”

“Giselle!”

“I’m not wrong.”

Rebecca didn’t answer. 

AN: We finished!!! I'm super excited to get to the 1920s, which I will have more info coming out on that in a few days. Thanks for stopping by, it means every much to me. <3

[blueburied]

every now and then i see posts about homeschooling and i'm like hey i was that i wanna talk about it !!

so for context i was homeschooled until 9th grade (2020), when i went to high school. I think that i got really lucky? basically every post i see about homeschooling is talking about how bad it is. And i can get why! people aren't always ready to like. fully teach someone. and sometimes also people are bad parents and take their kids out of school to have more control over them. its so shitty, especially when you're used to one environment and you're settled there and all of a sudden you're trapped at home with someone you don't always like.

I was lucky. My mom is wonderful and a librarian with a masters. She also like. put proper effort into teaching. It was nice having a teacher who knew me on that level and could understand how i worked. She also enrolled me in social programs where i could socialize, make friends, and experience things she couldn't give me herself. In particular i remember the homeschool gymnastics program I went to on wednesdays extremely fondly. Co-ops (which is, at least in my experience, a once a week thing where we take classes that we want to take that are taught by other homeschool parents). In particular the classes I remember the best would be the class where i took a computer apart and put it back together and got it to post (i was SO proud of myself, also i was like 9 or 10) and a greek mythology course in which we would do readings of plays among other things which is probably part of the reason i am a theater kid. I made and hung out with all my friends that way, and my family is still friends with one of the other families we had met through the second co-op we were a part of! My mom was actually the biggest advocate for me going to high school, primarily because they have resources she knew i couldn't get at home. Now granted, I went to a vocational school, but I still graduated with a 4.0 GPA and am now going to my choice university for something i'm really passionate about! I will say i was probably a bit on the sheltered side, but the internet and four years in high school more than made up for that lmao.

It seems like i'm very much an edge case, but i do want to say that it can be done right! BUT. if you're considering, based off of other experiences i've seen, i would probably suggest not to. at least not initially. if your kid comes to you asking about it, maybe then it is a good time to consider! but remember: do your research and make sure you get proper teaching resources! be prepared to teach like its your job! and also, and perhaps most importantly. socialize your kid! make sure they have people around their age they can hang out with some regularity!

oh and also don't try to control their entire life!

If I am wrong on something, do feel free to critique me in an RB! I am open to learning, or at least wanna try to be.

[tgrailwar-zero]

Hey, we weren't THAT useless. We did what we went to do by calming down Alter Ego and dispatching of the Red Team's ambush, all without hurting the Blue Team, even if it was with rather unconventional tactics. You were practically the MVP of that mission, Avenger! I'm sure that'll place you in high regard with your teammates, True Name or not!

That was true. It was messy, but it was an overall success. For a first mission, he was sure that the group had a better opinion of him. At least FOREIGNER did, and most likely ALTER-EGO. The others might need a bit more convincing. And the performance, while a bit on the rusty side, wasn't too bad- he could admit that much, at least. No reason to let the compliments get to his head, however.

As the time passed, the conversation did seem to idle more into the arts. At least in the areas where an artist and a musician could find common ground- which was more often than he expected. She seemed to have a high appreciation for aesthetics- in art, nature- though to her those two seemed to conflate to her. FOREIGNER didn't seem to be of much help when considering a True Name regarding his missing memory… mostly because she didn't exactly pay much mind to Western musicians. They hit the basics. Bach. Beethoven. Mozart- the last one seemed to have AVENGER unconsciously grinding his teeth a bit, so she decided to steer the conversation away from that. He took the time to ask about getting something. Both materials, and something extra. FOREIGNER beamed.

"Oh, right. There's a commissary in the base. Normally it's a grab what's available type situation- but the stock changes every so often. Occasionally one of the... what's it called... 'War Monitors' swing by to check on the base, and occasionally give out their own items. The prices are pretty steep, though."

That was also worth asking about. AVENGER's eyes drifted over to the octopus, as FOREIGNER noted the attention.

"O-Oh, this... this thing? It's like a, um, familiar, or a little mascot chara--"

"Uwagh--! Sorry, sorryyyyy!!"

...Maybe another time. You both were getting closer, but he may have been a key to her True Name, and even that didn't seem like a card that would be easily shared between allies.

...There was a lot to do and think about. Figuring what he could now, before the next round of missions was set up, seemed to be an important enough focus.

AVENGER shifted a bit in the hospital bed, trying to get out of it as FOREIGNER gently tried to keep him down after wiping the octopus ink off her face.

"Like I said, MoonCancer doesn't want you running around before she can run checks on that strange data she found on you. If you want, I can grab somebody for you. I know MoonCancer is running diagnostics on our bases Attack Programs, I think Ruler is resting in her room, Pretender is off… doing something. Gunner is busy training, and Alter-Ego's been resting too since she came back. She had really bad wounds, apparently she ran into Saber and he almost took her out entirely."

FOREIGNER paused, remembering something.

"…Actually, Alter-Ego mentioned something interesting. She said that the 'Saber' that she encountered was a woman with a spear and shield that called herself 'Saber'. The only other one of us that's encountered Saber before was Ruler while she was captured, and she recalled a brawny man with a sword instead…"

She shrugged, not seeming like that was something she was concerned about at the time being.

"Things for later. Anyways, I can call in MoonCancer. She could also probably answer your Master's questions about the War too. That, or bring in Ruler. She actually wanted to be here when you got up, but it seems like Berserker, Caster, and Assassin did a number on her. I'd get Alter-Ego, but… this room won't fit. Don't get me wrong, she's smaller than she was before, but she's still huge."

[ygodmyy20]

3, 7, 8, 19 :]

I am finally answering my ask game questions hhahaha

3. What is your writing ritual and why is it cursed?

We both asked this question to one another quirkle and I also don't know what it means bahahahha I don't have. ritual I just have OH MAN TIME TO WRITE LETS GOOOO energy

Maybe that is my ritual. Just MUST WRITE ENERGY

7. What is your deepest joy about writing?

Writing something that I feel so good about. Something that expresses my thoughts and feelings into words. And really, that I get to read it later and sink into that headspace again.

8. If you had to write an entire story without either action or dialogue, which would you choose and how would it go?

Holy crap um. Probably.....action. I love writing action a LOT but I need dialogue. I am a huge dialogue writer. I live for dialogue and I like to hope I am pretty good at it.

19. Tell me a story about your writing journey. When did you start? Why did you start? Were there bumps along the way? Where are you now and where are you going?

And this is the question that took me awhile to answer.

I started writing fanfics when I was 13, kicking off with Yugioh and i wrote for that fandom from around 2003 till about 2015. I wrote so much that I considered going to collage for writing and I went to writers workshops in the summer and got into the University of Iowa's English program, which has one of the best creative writing masters programs in the country. I had planned on getting my Bachelors and Masters from there.

Well.....i burned out in my first year, moved back to Michigan, changed majors to business and slowly stopped writing as much. Some big life changes happened to me between graduating collage and 2013. I tried to keep writing but it just didn't stick. I couldn't write, nothing was happening. I lost nearly all my creativity for around 10 years.

I completely stopped writing between 2015 and 2023.

And then, in May 2023, I found this lovely lil anime we all know and love called Mob Psycho 100.

I started drawing, and I started writing, I started engaging with fandom again. I wrote Float and people commented and the read my work. I was ecstatic I didn't know what to do--people read my work, I honestly couldn't believe it. Like, the reception I got from my mp100 fanfics was so positive compared to my previous works. It was....honestly so amazing.

I then wrote the very self indulgent Just Breathe, my step into shipping once again.

And then in September I wrote one of my favorite pieces of fiction I have ever written ever in my life, which is Blackhole.

And then, I started thinking of an ageswap and Black Sweatshirt was born.

Now, I am knee deep in this ageswap fic, a post-canon series, and many other one-shots. I have written over 100,000 words in under a year. The train shows no sign of stopping (it slowed down a bit recently but I am pretty sure I just needed a break)

Right now where I am at, in this moment, is someone who is very happy with my writing. I have wonderful friends who will beta my work, there is a whole community to share my art with. My ageswap is nearly 20 chapters long (Yeah oof I know haha).

Where i am going: To finish this story. To write my post-canon series. To hopefully have readers that enjoy my work, even though it may take me months to years to finish them.

To one day, maybe one day, re-write and finish Shadows. My last YGO fanfic that I still hope to one day finish. I will rewrite the whole thing though.

[axl-ul]

Writer Q&A Tag Game

Thank so much for the tag @mthollowell-writes (the og post here) and @dyrewrites (the og post here)!This was so sweet of you^^

And if you have time, please, read their posts, they're so beautiful and motivational.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What motivates you to write?

Pretty much that I get to share a piece of myself. I'm not sure how to put it...but when I write I can sometimes feel my body relaxing and that I get to create something, anything from all the chaos that's sometimes in my head.

2. A line/short snippet of your writing that you are most proud/happy of. If not maybe share a line of someone else's work you love (just please credit them)

It's a snippet from The Lakebed, an episode from Ulfrika's youth while she was still under the care of Master Kogar.

“Yes, Majstre. Hm…Majstre? Did you truly want to shoot me down?“ He paused, “Never, my disciple.“ He patted the young head before diving into a quick lesson about proper fishing methods and life in lakes. In the meanwhile, the sun started to come out. Unable to resist the sunlight for long without the proper clothing and skin treatment the master and his disciple decided to come back. For the last time, the Man with No Eyes looked behind where the ice was cut out. He found the right successor. Even though she’s not the typical demon nor that it’ll be an easy path. But he sensed the potential. And she deserved to get the second chance. With unusual happiness settling down and unaware of the doom he brought upon himself on that fateful day he returned home with Ulfrika.

3. Which OC makes you smile every time you think/talk about them and what are they like?

This might be a pretty easy answer - Princess Mei from The Flight of the Western Crane. She starts out as a shy young woman who's prone to fear and crying and she gets overwhelmed pretty easily. The more the story progresses, though, she gets more self-confident and comes out of her shell to reveal what she really is like - joyous, a slight jokester with heart of gold and even a bit of a fighter (until then she was like this only around her advisor and best/only friend Lady Wolf Witch a.k.a. Márgerdra). Mei's like... such a breath of a fresh air because I don't remember writing a character like her before. Oh, did I mention she likes hugs, too? Well, if not, then be prepared for her to hug your soul out of you. Then she'll pull you away to the nearest shop because t r i n k e t s.

4. What process of writing do you enjoy the most?

Hopefully, you won't get mad at me but the outline and coming up with the plot ideas and characters. The very begining when it's up to you how the heart and soul of your story shall look like.

5. What part of writing do you think you are the best at? (Yes stroke your own ego it's okay)

I dare to say I'm pretty good at descriptions of the nature. As in the rich vocabularly and how I play around the words. I like coming up with metaphors and poetic prose sort of grew on me over the years.

6. What is something in the writeblr community is most enjoyable?

People around are truly trying to help each other. I'm still lacking quite a lot of contact but it's mostly due to me not being good with starting a conversation. But whenever I talk to is truly nice, sweet and polite which is admirable.

7. A writing tool/device you use that helps you with writing? (It could be speech to text, a writing program etc)

I'm going to be the basic bitch and say Google Docs and partialy Microsoft Word which I'll probably use sooner or later since Google Docs have problems with big files and there's also been the debate about the AI. Apart from these I also use Thessaurus a.k.a. Word Hippo and an unnamed internet dictionary. This is due to the fact that English is my 3rd language and I write my current projects in it. In other words, I sometimes can't exactly remember the word I actually want to use. So I either go and translate it for myself or I use the word hippo to find a synonym I know but I just couldn't think of in that moment.

8. A piece of worldbuilding that you like in your own story? (It could be the magic system, a particular place in the story, a law etc)

I came t like the Blackworld itself. In short, it's a non-physical place filled with eldritch horros that can manifest in the real world and from time to time some cultures came to worship these beings as their saints, gods or patrons mostly because of the slow corruption of their minds and souls. It's not only the concept of a place that's not real but also there's so many mysteries about the Blackworld - is it just a place that's a sphere for all those entities to linger? Or is it actually an organism of its own that's capable of giving birth without being exactly alive (at least in our way of understanding)? Why does it shape according to the subconscience of those who enter it? How does it know when somebody alive enters it? Just so many questions and so little answers and those answer then spark another ten new questions.

9. What piece of advice would you say to encourage others to write if they are having a rough patch?

I know this might go against the general rules but it's worked for me many times. Whenever I struggle to write I find myself a playlist, listen to it and while listening I'm re-reading my past chapters and re-editing some little details. When I can read a chapter after a chapter it's easier for me pick up on the more consistent vibe and feel of the story. And if this doesn't help either, I just take out another wip and focus on that other story.

10. Tag some people whose works you love/have been your biggest supporters

I've already mentioned the duo who tagged me so here's the follow-up: @arijensineink @minutiaewriter @rbbess110 @rubywrite @jgmartin @faelanvance @angie-j-kay (I know you can't respond right now but I wanted to mention you since you've been such a great support, thank you^^) @anthros-vanitas-archive @your-absent-father @sam-glade

[schrijverr]

I Dig You 8

Chapter 8 out of 8

Robin is tentatively excited for her first internship: an archaeological dig in the Netherlands, where she has been studying. However, when she gets there, Steve is there too. The dick of their uni that she now has to work with. Great. But being stuck digging for six weeks makes people bond and maybe he isn’t too bad. Maybe he can be her friend.

AKA an archaeology interns, modern, enemies-to-friends stobin au

On AO3.

Ships: none

Warnings: none

~~~~

Chapter 8: Plans

The two have made their way back to the vacation home, deciding that while it gets dark late, they shouldn’t risk getting lost. They are trying to maintain a semblance of a normal sleeping schedule to survive the last week that’s coming.

However, once there, they decide that it’s not yet time for sleeping, so they’re sitting on the table – on not at, because sitting on tables is superior – and are chatting about everything and nothing, content with each other’s presence.

After a lull in the conversation, Steve breaks the silence by asking: “What about you, by the way? What do you want to do with your future?”

“I mean, I wanna finish my Bachelor’s with high enough grades to get into the Research Master, then specialize in materials, bones specifically, before doing my PhD, preferably with a minimal student loan debt. Then do research for the rest of my life, probably work at a uni and teach,” Robin says. She has had this dream for forever, so it’s an easy answer.

“You’re going to stay at the faculty here?” Steve asks.

“That’s the plan for now. I like the uni and I know the professors. So, I’m not planning on leaving just yet,” Robin says.

“So, you’re not missing your parents? People back home?” Steve asks. “You said you’re working, you don’t wanna go visit after this?”

“Can’t really afford the plane ticket,” Robin shrugs ruefully, for once not embarrassed to admit that out loud. “Besides, my parents are the only cool people there, I don’t really have a connection with most of my extended family, except my conservative grandma, so don’t really miss her. I do miss my parents of course, but there isn’t a uni with a good archaeology program nearby, so it wouldn’t really matter, because I couldn’t go see them regularly anyway, so why go there, you know?”

“That fucking sucks, dude,” Steve says. “When does it become socially acceptable for me to offer to buy you a plane ticket? I mean, you have cool parents, you should be able to go see them. This is so unfair.”

“Welcome to the world, buddy,” Robin rolls her eyes, though also touched by his reply. “And I already used up most of my vacation days, so I have to go back to work when I’m done here. If we’re still friends by christmas you can come over to mine to celebrate and I will turn a blind eye if you pay for the plane tickets and forget to send me a Tikkie.”

“Didn’t we just decide to be friends forever? I’m holding you to that,” Steve grins. “I wanna meet these mystical parents of yours.”

“Daisy and Thomas Buckley are the most boring people alive, but whatever floats you boat,” Robin informs him, though she’s fond. She loves her parents and she can’t help but get happy whenever their friendship is confirmed. It might sound a little sad, but she needs that validation or her brain convinces her it’s all a trick.

“I like boring,” Steve replies.

“Yeah, that tracks,” Robin ribs him, quite literally.

“Ouch!” Steve pouts, clutching his side. “You’re mean.”

“And you like me anyway,” Robin grins brightly, because it’s true. Steve knows what a judgmental bitch she is and he still wants to be best friends.

“Sadly,” Steve jokes.

“Who’s being mean now?” Robin says, putting on a huge pout.

“Oh no, it is me. However, shall I repay you for this horrendous slight against you?” Steve asks dramatically, draping himself over her, which almost makes her topple.

Robin shoves him off, while being carefully so he doesn’t actually fall off the table as she huff: “You’re such a dork, I don’t know why people think you’re cool.”

“It’s called being confused 90% of the time so people think you’re aloof,” Steve says as he sits back up again.

“That’s stupid,” Robin says.

“I know,” Steve shrugs.

They’re quiet again. Between the trees the sun is setting and Robin knows they should be going to bed if they don’t want to fuck up their schedules, but that would mean ending this moment and she is too attached, so she stays quiet.

Steve is the one that breaks the quiet again. His voice is more serious again as he asks: “Do you want to stay here or move back to the States when you’re done?”

“Haven’t really thought about it,” Robin says honestly. “I mean, I’ll be twenty-two when I’m done with my Bachelors, twenty-five with my Master and then a PhD is between four to ten years. I’ll be twenty-nine at the youngest. I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. Why?”

“I mean, I’d be sad if you moved away,” Steve admits softly.

Robin tends to forget she is a person in other people’s lives, so she’s taken aback for a second, before a happy feeling floods through her. She says: “I’d miss you too.”

“That’s- that’s good. Is that weird to say?”

“Probably, but I don’t think so,” Robin replies. “I’m bad at being friends with people, but it’s easy with you. This is nice.”

“Can you believe you hated me five weeks ago?” Steve randomly comments.

“I didn’t hate you,” Robin lies.

“You totally did,” Steve laughs, poking her.

“I thought you were annoying and a stupid frat bro, I didn’t hate you, because that would mean I was more invested in you than I was,” Robin retorts to save face.

“You were bitter about Tammy,” Steve singsongs.

“Ugh, are you ever letting that go?” Robin groans.

“Never,” Steve tells her smugly.

“I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

“… Fuck. No, I don’t,” Robin sighs, though she’s unable to help the smile. She can’t believe how fast her opinion of Steve changed, but she’s glad for it. Idly she says: “It’s going to be weird to not be in your space 24/7 after this.”

“Yeah, it is. You can always come over to mine, you know? Hell, you could move in and that would be cool,” Steve agrees.

“What?” Robin chokes, surprised by the offer, but not for the reason you’d think. “You haven’t offered anyone that. Carol and Tommy both complained – loudly, I might add – how much of a dick move that was of you.”

“Tsk, of course they did. I don’t want them to live with me because they throw parties every weekend in their own house and I actually like my personal space, and not living with people, who don’t clean and make fun of the way I eat,” Steve scoffs.

“Wow, yeah, okay, they sound horrible,” Robin says, unable to fathom living like that. She likes her own space too.

“Tell me about it, I don’t know why it took me this long to drop them. They can be the worst,” Steve says. “I guess it was just what I thought friendships were supposed to be like. Befriending people at the archaeology faculty, like Argyle – he’s super cool, by the way – made me realize that was actually not normal, lol.”

Robin fights the urge to make fun of Steve for saying lol out loud, since she can recognize when someone is trying to make something sound less serious. Instead she nods: “Yeah, I can get that,” before smirking: “Sooo, I am worthy of living in the Harrington residence?”

“Yeah, you’re cool,” Steve responds more easily than Robin would have thought. “And we’ve kind of proven we can live together just fine. I’d help you move and everything.”

“Wait, you’re for real?” she asks, looking at Steve with wide eyes. She kind of thought he was joking, but he sounds pretty serious.

Steve looks back like she is weird for not getting that yet. “Of course, why would I joke about that?”

“I don’t know, that sounds like something you should think about before offering, right?” Robin shoots back.

“Why? We’re students, people move in impulsively all the time,” Steve answers. “It would actually be a pretty normal thing to do.”

“Except that your parents would be my landlords,” Robin points out, not even daring to ask what the rent situation would be like.

“No, the house is in my name, remember? I’d be your landlord,” Steve says.

“That doesn’t really make it better,” Robin informs him.

Steve shakes his head, suddenly looking excited as he says: “No, it does make it better. Think about it. I can charge you nothing and if my parents ask, I can just say you’re my girlfriend and they’d understandably let you stay for free, because they are terrified of me being anything but straight and then I can get as much money out of them as I can, before they cut me off. I’d be perfect.”

“You- you want to beard in the year 2023 to scam your homophobic parents out of money?” Robin asks incredulously, unsure if she understood correctly.

Steve nods.

“Well, that does sound pretty punk to do,” Robin admits, because when she thinks about it, that is hilarious and she’d get a house with no rent out of it in the actual city the uni is in, so she won’t have to take the train every day.

“Is this you agreeing?” Steve asks her, excitement not having left.

“Yeah, sure, let’s become roomies,” Robin laughs, a little disbelieving at how she ended up here, but delighted nonetheless.

“Yay,” Steve cheers, doing a dorky little dance that Robin joins in with, because why the hell not?

With that decided, they lay down on the table side by side, looking up at the slowly appearing stars as they continue to plan how to move in together, arguing if they can move furniture by public transport or if they need to find a person with a car they can borrow, since neither of them are qualified to lease one.

“We can’t carry my bed frame with just the two of us!” Robin exclaims. “How are we even fitting it in the tram or train for that matter.”

“You see people with crazy shit in the train all the time,” Steve argues back. “I’ve seen people with a fridge, like a hundred suitcases, people with a floor length mirror and people with a big ass chair. We can totally take your bed with us on the tram.”

“Okay, fine, even if it’s allowed, have you seen my noodle arms? I can’t carry it and even if I could, I am not coordinated enough to pull that off,” Robin says.

“I can do it by myself.”

“You cannot carry a bed frame by yourself. We need a car.”

“Who do you know with a car?” Steve shoot back.

“No one, you’re the one with friends.”

Steve is quiet for a second, then says: “… Argyle has this beat up van. He’ll probably help us move if we buy him pizza at the end of the day.”

“See, problem solved,” Robin says self-satisfied.

“I still think I can do it,” Steve pouts.

“Well, you’ll just have to find that out in your own time,” Robin informs him. “So, what about chores? Are we making a schedule or like splitting it on preferred tasks?”

And on they go, deciding how to organize chores and cooking, what to tell people that ask and what they prefer when it comes to studying and noises, making a list of rules. By the time they’re done, it’s already late and Robin knows they fucked up their sleeping schedule just a little bit, but neither of them care.

The next day, they both sleep in for a change, doing a familiar dance through their small kitchen as they make their breakfast and get ready for the day of lounging around, before they have to start up again for their last week on the dig.

If Robin had expected Steve to change his mind overnight, she doesn’t get a chance to ask if he had, because Steve excitedly tells her they can have Dutch Days where they try to only speak Dutch, because he looked it up and if she wants to teach here at the uni she needs a minimum level of Dutch, so they both have to practice.

After that time seems to fly by with the last week of the excavation seeming to not last longer than a blink. Before they know it, they’re standing around on their last day, waiting for Jeroen to fill in their evaluation, so they can add it to their final report, before leaving to spend the last day in the vacation home that has been their shared home for weeks now.

They’re both a little melancholic as they write their final daily report together and make dinner (pasta for the dozenth time), before going to sleep.

The follow morning, Robin is also awake early and they clean the vacation home together, so they’re not leaving it a complete sandy mess, before Steve goes to give back the key, while Robin watches the bikes.

With their bikes packed, they make their way to the local train station, traveling together until they’re at Utrecht, where they have to split up.

It’s a little weird to say goodbye, so Robin says: “So, uhm, we’ll meet up soon?”

“Yeah, sure, I’ll text you,” Steve agrees.

Suddenly Robin is struck with a thought and she says: “Do I even have your number?”

“I don’t know, do I have yours?” Steve replies, pulling out his phone.

“Can you imagine if we don’t?” Robin giggles.

“It would be very on theme,” Steve giggles too, weird tension broken again. He asks: “Are you in that big group chat with everyone from first year?”

“Yeah, I am, you too?” Robin says.

“Yeah,” Steve confirms.

“At least we have each other’s number,” Robin laughs, amused at the situation. “I’m going to save you in my phone as Airhead Himbo.”

“Rude, I’m saving you as Pretentious Dick,” Steve says.

“That’s rude,” Robin protests, though she’s grinning.

“You started it.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll change it to Schmuck,” Robin concedes.

“Is Bone Lady better?” Steve asks with an equally amused look on his face.

“Totally, that is epic. I will wear it with pride.”

“I somehow feel I got the short end of this,” Steve says, though it’s clear he thinks the whole thing to be hilarious.

“Live with it,” Robin winks (naturally failing at the action, but Steve is a good friend, who doesn’t mention that). Then she sees the time and curses: “Fuck, I have to run if I wanna catch my train. Don’t forget to text me,” she calls out already running.

“I won’t! Bye!” Steve yells at her as she sprints to the right platform, barely catching her train with the struggle it is to get her bike in with her.

Once she is finally seated she checks her phone, seeing a few texts from Steve that read:

You run funny

Oh my god that’s rude

Sorry

I love you

Pls, still move in with me

Robin snorts out loud and texts back: omg ur a fucking loser lmao, oc ill move in with u, dingus

Then she takes a second, before she adds: love u too, have a safe trip <3

Steve sends back a string of emojis that is more suited for a granddad, who should not be allowed near technology. Most of them are heart-shaped or heart-adjacent, so Robin decides it must be a positive thing as she smiles and shakes her head.

They continue texting for the entire time and Steve comes to visit the next day, pointing at all her furniture as he continues the argument of whether or not he could lift it by himself and if it would fit into the tram and train, while Robin is packing all her little trinkets.

Argyle is luckily down to help them out, so Robin never has to actually stop Steve from attempting to lift her desk and it turns out the dude is very cool. Robin hasn’t worked with him, but she has seen him around, but never talked to him.

As the new year starts, the two of them learn that Argyle is the only person at the faculty, who is seemingly not weirded out by their sudden attachment, because they get a lot of weird looks and curious questions when they show up together for the one little thesis talk at the starts, Steve giving Robin a piggyback ride.

However, the two of them shake it off easily. By then they’ve been living together for three months already and are very comfortable together. They just click, it just works for them.

Robin sometimes can’t believe how lucky she is with Steve (and she is thrilled that Steve thinks the same, a fact he informs her off multiple times a day, especially at the end when they’re chilling on the couch and she is running her hands through his hair, because it’s so so so soft).

When she got to that excavation and seethed that she could never be rid of ‘that fucking guy’ she couldn’t have imagined how true that statement was and how happy she’d be with that outcome, but here she is and the future has never looked brighter.

~~

A/N:

I feel like maybe they’re speed running the whole best friends thing, but they’re also stobin, so you know xp

(Also they totally still live together rn with ten cats and shit)

[nothorses]

Hey I’m about to head off to college and majoring in arts education, could I ask what that was like for you? Or maybe if there’s any wisdom you’d care to pass on?

Oh hell yeah! That's my niche!!

A lot of the college-specific stuff is gonna be dependent on your specific school, but if you ever want help navigating that nitty-gritty weirdness, feel free to DM me tbh. I've been through a lot of different bullshit.

Also, this is gonna be assuming US college systems. I don't know what might be different in other countries, and I'd recommend cross-checking or getting tips separately from someone who's been through college in your country if you aren't in the US.

That said!

Education degrees are complicated for a number of reasons, because they come in different forms:

Degrees with endorsements vs. degrees without endorsements. - An "endorsement" is basically the specific subject you're getting certified to teach. Your degree will require an endorsement if it's inclusive of middle or high school, which are typically secondary education degrees (middle or high school), or P-12 (preschool through 12th grade, usually specialized subjects like art, music, theater, etc.) - If you're getting an endorsement (and if you're teaching art, you will be), I recommend setting up a meeting with your advisor ASAP. You will likely be a major in multiple colleges within your university- the college of education, and the college of art- and this gets complicated fast. I had to apply and be accepted to both colleges separately, and I wasn't able to even apply for the college of education until I only had 10 credits left of art classes to take. You'll want whatever insight you can get well in advance, so you have time to plan and prepare.

Degrees with certifications vs. degrees without certifications. - A degree in education is different from a certification to teach in your state. Certification in the US is state-by-state, and it's a long, complicated, headache-inducing process. The easiest way to handle it is to make sure the degree you're getting includes certification. - Alternatively, you can get your Master's in Teaching (not education) which usually does include certification. Double-check that with your school, though! There are sometimes other programs that do this as well- in WA state, for example, the Governer's School has a much shorter, much faster teacher certification program, but I believe you need to have your Bachelor's first.

Special education versions of all of these. - Special education is it's own complicated mess; you can get a special education degree with an endorsement, I believe special ed degrees also factor in grade levels, and there are also separate certifications needed. Get insight from your advisor- and someone who knows the college at your school for it- if you plan on going into it. - Frankly, I don't recommend going into it. The field of special ed lags behind the rest of the education field, and if I'm being honest, my education professors have consistently been better-versed in disability accommodation and advocacy than the special ed professors I've taken classes with.

You should also know...

A bachelor's degree won't be enough to teach any higher than high school; if you're interested in teaching at a college level, you should look into Master's programs.

Master's degrees also mean you get paid more! Teachers will often wait to get one until after they've been teaching for a few years- definitely consider if you want one at all, and when would be a good time for you to do that.

Look into what it means to teach in your state: the experiences other teachers have had there, what the pay is like, etc. Start thinking about where you want to teach, and if that's different from where you're getting your degree, consider the route to certification that makes sense for you (i.e., if you don't want to teach there, you probably don't want to be in a program that requires you to also finish your student teaching in order to earn your degree.)

You should also look into your college of education's philosophy of education ahead of time. There are some really great programs out there with really progressive ideas doing genuinely incredible work, and there are also colleges that uh... you will not agree with. Save yourself the misery if you can, and figure out ahead of time whether "should I transfer to a better program?" is going to be a question for you.

Look into application requirements for the art education major through the college of art ahead of time! Oftentimes they want a portfolio of your work, and while they may not be super hard on your actual skill level, they will almost certainly be looking very closely to make sure you fulfilled the requirements posted.

When you do your student teaching, consider looking into "emergency substitute" or "intern/student teacher substitute" certifications in that district. I don't recommend subbing when you're doing your student teaching, but you may be able to get a cert like that in your district, and it can be a really good stop-gap if you need one.

And some more general, practical tips:

Meet with your advisor so so much. At least once a quarter, when it's time to sign up for classes, but more than that if you have any questions at all! Use the resources available to you!

Look up professors on ratemyprofessors before registering for their classes. Particularly if there's a choice between a few of them, and even if you only have one option. The vibe check can be life-saving.

If you're waitlisted for a class, you should: 1. Email the professor ASAP and ask for an add code. Tell them you're looking forward to the class, and if there's any reason you need that specific class, tell them that, too. 2. Show up to the first day of class and stay until the end. Usually people will just not show up on the first day and drop the class in the system later, and professors will generally give out add codes at the end of the class to anyone who's waitlisted and still hanging around.

If you really want to take a class, but it isn't available to you for any reason (you haven't fulfilled a per-requisite, you're not in the major, class times conflict), consider emailing the professor about it. Oftentimes they'll give you an add code, and I've found art professors in particular are usually happy to let in students who don't have the per-requisites, especially if they're somewhat experienced artists.

Don't buy books for your class before the first class (with the exception of English classes). Professors will often "require" books they never actually use in the class, and oftentimes they'll outright say it that first day; or they'll post PDFs of the relevant excerpts for free, or they'll tell you where you can get them for cheaper. (I personally don't buy books until after the first few classes. If they're not even gonna quiz me on it, I'm not spending $150 on the textbook.)

Don't throw away art supplies (even paper!), and don't buy everything on your professor's materials list right away. You do not need the specific brand and thing they suggest, and you almost certainly won't need them the first day. Those lists are great if you literally don't have those supplies, but if your professor tells you to get a specific set of drawing pencils and you have a similar set from a different brand, and/or with different hardnesses, don't worry about it. (Also, if you're short on money, they often have backup supplies they can lend you- particularly for super specialized things, like carving tools for printmaking).

In general: look into the resources your school has to offer, and take advantage of them! Counseling centers, student health centers, disability accomodation centers (free testing and diagnosis? sometimes??), tutoring services, writing labs, gyms and pools and shit, free food hookups- all of it! Maybe you don't need or want it right now, but just knowing those things exist can be invaluable down the line.

If you feel guilty for using the resources your school is offering you, I am bapping your head with a paper towel tube.

Look into clubs! Join clubs! Socialize!! Shit, even sports teams- I can't tell you how many people I've told about my school's equestrian team who would have loved to join it if they'd known sooner. My school had a tabletop RPG club, a specific trans club, even an aro and ace club! Join that shit!! Show up to a meeting! Leave if the vibes are off!! I still talk to people I met through the trans club at my school, and I only went to, like, 4 meetings. Do it!!

I can't think of anything else, and this post is long as fuck now. Whoops.

Reach out if you have any other questions, and seriously, feel free to get in touch over DMs about it. Use your resources!

Good luck!!