#so you get half baked analyses of it

[ziptie-bouquet]

All the people coping by saying the ending is underwhelming because life is underwhelming... In my opinion the whole theme of accepting life is underwhelming got completely erased as soon as they brought in magical characters in Fionna and Cake's world. I can't put into words how infuriating it is to see the characters' main conflicts being resolved by literally magically giving them what they want. For a theme that's supposed to be realistic about acceptance and growth it completely falls flat. Having Fionna say she wants to die in her completely normal world while Cake is Godzilla and is fighting an immortal guy is what's truly disappointing, not the overall theme of life being dull sometimes. There was definitely a set up to make Fionna and Cake's world less dull simply by having Simon heal while they were still in his head. That somehow this energy of enjoying the life around you could have been given to Fionna and Cake when Simon experiences it without any magic being involved. I don't want to write a fanfic but I do agree that this ending was just not it. The show isn't bad it just didn't handle its own themes the best.

[rrat-king]

And what if I tell you my Fight, Flight, Fawn theory for the Appleboys reuniting with Kristen. What then? Going by your age gaps of 2, 4, 8 because they're canon adjacent and the idea of the Applebees having a playpen when three out of four kids were 14, 12 and 10 is too funny. Assuming a reunion between Kris and the younger two happens post her birthday so it's 17, 13 and 9 respectively. Buckys is analysing his actual response we saw from 14 year old him. When I say leave in reference to Kristen, know that I know it wasn't her choice (Mac and Donna when I fucking get you)

Bucky got the Fawn response. I'll be real, when I began theorising that an Applebees brother would feature I thought "Oh god here comes the angst. There will be resentment, Mac and Donna have undoubtedly been talking shit for two years. But we see him and he's happy. He missed her. He hugs her. He wants to hang out. And yeah that probably stems from the fact you'll naturally miss your sibling and the fact he probably had to take the oldest sibling mantle. But he barely even commented on her life and friends (aside from the half baked comment about her living in sin and side eyeing Fig). I was expecting more problematic behaviours to be honest. The theory is he entered full people pleasing mode, desperately tampering down any complicated feelings because he NEEDS to make himself a good brother that Kristen will want to stay for this time (of course not realising Kristen will stay the best she can no matter if he kicks and screams)

Bricker got Fight. Was like 10 when Kris left, and I say this with love, in the absolute throes of puberty. I don't know what it is but this kid just gives me angry vibes, maybe it's the middle child. Very Nico DiAngelo "He looked too young to be so angry". When you're a kid, especially in that horrific period of 10-13 you go to the easy solution which is being mad, and you go to the easy target which is the one who "started" this huge upheaval (read Kristen). To a lesser extent, Bucky, for trying to play big brother (Bricker doesn't even realise this but the anger mostly came from a subconscious desire to preserve Kristen's place in the family for if she comes back).

(Bonus: Once they have a very good conversation and Bricker is reassured Kristen never did stop thinking about and loving him he will cry three years worth of pent up tears and beg her not to leave again)

Cork got Flight. He was only 6 when she left, its been 3 years of experiences (little man went from first grade to third in that time its a Lot). Kristen has physically changed a lot since they last saw each other. All this to say, he takes a minute to recognise this older person who's eyes are all wet at the sight of him. Some part of his brain blocked out memories of her because the way she was just gone one day was so scary to his little brain. When it does register who she is, Cork becomes completely unlike himself and gets shy. He makes Bucky stand close by because all he knows is that 1. This is a heathen who rebuked Helio's light 2. This is Krissy, back after what felt like forever and 3. She's so cool looking and why would someone this cool ever want to talk to him.

(Bonus: She played it off but Kristen's heart did break seeing Cork, the little boy she raised, take a minute to work out who she is, when she never forgot him. Not to quote Taylor but very "And I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe")

god yeah kristen having partially raised cork only for him not to know who she is anymore/barely recognize her haunts me so much. bucky as a people pleaser is such a good read especially as he is forced into kristen's role as head of the siblings I just. yeah. also angry bricker is so important to me. he got left behind! he's not ok with that and he's gonna be angry. god I just. applebees kids make me crazy this is such a good read.

[reve-writes]

—pastries; nanami kento.

ʚ nanami kento x reader | jujutsu kaisen | 1,6k words. ʚ nanami is your colleague who brings you pastries everyday. he has put in his two weeks notice and he wants to confess before he quits his job. ʚ fluff. ʚ a/n this is so corny. i started this when i was obsessed with workplace romance, then i forgot about it for a while and FINALLY finished it today.

D-14.

You hate your job.

You think everyone in the company may share the same sentiment, but you all have to work still. Every morning, before 8 a.m., you arrive and settle into your cubicle. On your desk, lay a list of phone numbers you're supposed to call and another list of stocks you're supposed to analyse by the end of the day.

“Nanami,” you greet the blond man as he walks to the cubicle next to yours. He places his things down on his desk with his usual graceful poise, completely the opposite of your haphazard item dumping.

He greets you back, placing a powdered donut on your desk. He says that he visits a bakery daily. He gets you different baked goods every day, but he always gets himself the same one.

“Thank you!” You open the packaging excitedly, taking a big bite of the sweet goodness. With the half-chewed donut in your mouth, you spoke. “Oh! I forgot. This is for you.”

You hand over a cup of coffee to him over the thin wall separating your cubicles. He takes it gratefully, but still makes a point to say, “You don't have to get me anything.”

“I tell you the same thing and you always bring me something anyway.” You roll your eyes, taking a sip out of your coffee and a bite out of your powdered donut. You let out a satisfied hum. “So, so good.”

“I'm quitting.”

You stop chewing, your head turning slowly to look at him. You have to roll your office chair slightly backward to look at him, meanwhile he's typing away on his computer without a care. You huff, letting out an exaggerated and drawn-out “What?”

“I've already given my two-weeks notice,” he mumbles, fiddling with the straps of his wristwatch. “I am quitting this job.”

You're silent for a moment. “You found a new job?”

He nods stiffly, indicating that he doesn't really want to talk about it. You take another bite of your donut thoughtfully.

“Where?”

He splutters as he sips his coffee. “It's at a, uh, my old school.”

You frown. Nanami Kento is the only thing you look forward to at your job. He's the only person you've managed to befriend. The quiet man is a great listener to your complaints. He doesn't hesitate to complain along with you, too.

When he quits, then it's going to be quite a loss for you. You don't hang out with him much after work anyway. Only during after-hours when everyone's gone home and you take an extra hour or two to work. He usually does, too. You think it's because he's a hardworking person. Honestly, he starts taking extra work hours because he sees you do it.

“Ah, well, good luck, Nanami,” you say, pulling your chair towards your desk again. You hide your frown behind the cubicle wall between the two of you. “I'll miss your pastries.”

He doesn't know where it comes from, but the word spills out of his mouth swiftly. “I can keep bringing them to you.”

Your eyes widen. “No, no, no. You don't need to. Just focus on your new job! At least one of us gets out, right?”

He clears his throat. “Right.”

D-10 of Nanami quitting.

He arrives earlier than you do, which isn't a rare occurrence, but it still surprises you when you see the tops of his combed blond hair peeking out of the cubicle. On your desk is a box of milky filling puff pastries with a perfect golden-brown outer shell that makes your mouth water.

“Oh?” The noise leaves your mouth accidentally, quickly. You're surprised at the sight of a jar of chocolate truffles, topped with a white ribbon and a tag. The tag reads From Kento. “You got me truffles, too? You spoil me, Nanami.”

You walk over to his cubicle, setting his usual coffee on his desk. He looks strangely more timid than he usually does, flipping through his notebook absentmindedly. He watches you through his peripherals.

“Kento,” he says. “You can call me Kento.”

You see his hand clenching the edge of the notebook so hard the paper crinkles. You raise an eyebrow, but make no comment towards it. “Okay, Kento. Thank you. For the truffles.”

The grip relaxes. “Of course.”

D-7.

It's late, three hours past your supposed time to get off work. All of your colleagues have gone home except for Nanami—Kento. The office is dim, save for your small desk lamp and monitor light shining on you as you type away. The keys on your keyboard makes loud clicking sounds when your fingers move across them.

“I think I'm done for the day,” you groan, stretching your hand and back as you lean back on your chair. “What about you, Kento?”

Nanami finds the corner of his lips raise slightly whenever you call him by his name—an intimate thing he rarely lets anyone have the privilege of. “Me, too.”

You start throwing your things into your bag.

His hand grabs your wrist suddenly. You stop your movements. “Do you have plans after this?”

You're too fixated on his hand on your skin to form any coherent thoughts. He coughs, dropping his hand when he notices you've been staring at it. He mutters a small apology.

“No, I do not,” you answer, chuckling nervously.

“Do you want to grab dinner together?”

Your brows furrow. “Really?”

You never see him outside of the office. A part of you leaps at the thought that he's asking you to go for dinner together.

“If you want to. My treat,” Kento says. “You can choose a place.”

You're already listing a couple—a ramen restaurant ten minutes away from the office, a barbecue place near your house or an all-you-can-eat buffet slightly far from here.

He chooses the farthest one and says he'll drive. He just wants to spend a little more time with you.

D-3.

“Make yourself at home,” Kento says, pushing the door to his flat open. He picks up his shoes after taking them off, placing them on the shoe rack by the door. You do as well. “Would you like anything to drink?”

Your face is warm from the beer drinking the two of you have done. Ever since that night when you went for dinner together, he's always offering to go out together after work.

“Water, please,” you whine, dropping yourself into the cushions of his couch. His flat ia extremely tidy. Something you've expected before you even walk through the door. Even his desk at the office is organised to the smallest details. It makes sense that his home is, too. “I'm sorry. It's incredibly stupid of me to leave my keys.”

He says that it's okay.

You are so clumsy and it always results in some funny stories to tell your friends. Today, it's not so funny when you realise that you've left your house keys at the office. After dinner, you tried to go back into the office, but it's already locked.

So, you're effectively locked out of your own house.

Kento is a nice person. He's always been. That's why he brings you pastries and takes you out for dinner. That's why he offers his place as a place to stay.

He hands you a glass of water that you dawn quickly. “Thank you.”

“Don't mention it,” he says. “I can give you some clothes if you want to clean up.”

You nod without thinking.

It isn't until you come out, clad in his sweatshirt and shorts that you think you've made a mistake. Your heart is beating out of your chest. This seems too domestic for a couple of co-workers, doesn't it?

His brown eyes stare at you. He can't help it. He almost says it right there and then. I like you. He clears his throat and swallows the words right back. He doesn't like that this feels like a schoolgirl crush.

“I'll take the couch,” he offers.

You shake your head. “No way. You're kind enough to let me stay. I'll sleep on the couch, Kento.”

“My conscience won't let me sleep soundly if I let you sleep out here,” he argues.

It's a bit of back and forth, before you finally relent. He asks if you want to watch a movie. You say yes. He sits next to you on the couch as an action movie plays.

You start to dread the day he quits more. Once he quits, you'll drift apart, because that's how friendships always work. In close proximity where you see each other everyday, it's easy to become close friends. Once you put in distance, that's when you start to only text each other on birthdays.

“This movie is horrible.” You chuckle at the shaky camerawork—too shaky for you to make out anything.

He grins slightly. “You said I could pick.”

“I thought your taste in movies was better.”

“Too late. You're stuck with this now.“

You roll your eyes. “Am I?”

Before you can even think about it, you're leaning over his lap to get to the remote. He sits stiffly as your hand presses against his thigh to support your body weight as you grab the remote of the TV. He grabs your hand, pulling it back from the remote. You turn to look at him.

He's way too close.

“You smell nice,” you say. He does. Your mind is blank as you watch his eyes dart down to your mouth. Subconsciously, you lick your lips.

Breathlessly, he asks, “Can I — Can I kiss you?”

You nod, pressing your lips towards him. His hand slides up your arm to hold your neck. Yours are intertwined at the back of his head, pushing him closer to you.

“I like you,” he says, kissing you again. “I've liked you for a while.”

You're smiling into his kisses. “Me too.”

[ ]

[thethreeeyed-raven]

I humbly submit this request, as I was on character ai and started playing with this prompt, but the damn ai is...so bad at story aspects or...boundaries xD.

If you're cool with doing it, could you perhaps do something with morpheus having been trying to follow the advice of his sister death, I randomly pops into the waking world to try and...socialize with humans. Where he knocks into y/n, who profusely apologizes and offers him a cup of coffee.

She leads him to her bakery that she owns and works at. Letting him sit wherever he wants, she grabs him hsi coffee of choice before starting to bake a new treat, not really following a recipe, but the smell attracts the endlesses attention. He requests some treats and y/n offers him to try out these that they're making. And when they're finally done morpheus's face just melts with delight. And every night he keeps coming back enjoying her baking and voice.

ITS COMPLETELY COOL IF YOU DONT WANNA, PLEASE HYDRATE AND REST

the bakery

navigation | warnings : none? | a/n : i did change it a little bit, and i didn’t add the last part, i could make a part 2 for the last bit, pls lmk if that’s something you want, enjoy! | dream of the endless playlist | tags : @knight-of-flowerss , @lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom

The dream lord was bored.

He was hardly ever bored, except when he was trapped in that fish bowl for one hundred years...

Once again, Morpheus was sat pondering about what he could do. It was when he remembered his sister, Death's advice.

"So go out there and find a new one."

The 'new one' which she was talking about was a 'game'.

Dream liked to play games. And now it was over, he needed to find a new one.

The time was half past nine at night when you were walking down the street with a mountain of boxes in your arms.

The boxes were far too large for you to see over the top of them.

As you continued your walk, you didn't notice the man that was walking the opposite way in front of you.

It seems neither did he as his gaze was fixed to the floor before there was a loud crash.

You groaned as you looked at all of the spread boxes of pastry samples and then you fixed your attention on the man knelt in front of you.

Forgetting about the boxes, your stare was fixed on the elegant creature in front of you.

It owned soft, pale skin, with eyes that held all of the universes and galaxies within its twinkling irises.

It owned delicate, blood red lips, and dark, midnight black, unkept hair.

The creature was a man, but his aura was other-worldly, as was his graceful beauty.

Finally, you came to your senses, muttering apologies as you scampered to collect the fallen boxes. Morpheus analysed you carefully, you seemed like a normal person, but something about you was pulling him in.

"You needn't apologise." His deep, raspy voice stirred something inside of you.

"I...no, really, I should" You paused, before letting out an awkward laugh. "I should've got someone to help me with these."

The both of you rose to your feet. "Perhaps, I could help you." Dream seemed hesitant, but Death's words kept playing in his head.

"Really? Thank you so much!"

He grabbed the top box that was blocking your vision, and your eyes met.

It felt like the world stopped, and you could finally get a good look at them. As you both gazed, you took notice of the ring of cold blue, and the stars that shined inside.

Morpheus stopped to get another good look at you too. He liked the way you looked at him, like you had never seen something like him before. You probably haven't.

Your eyes widened when you realised you'd been caught. "I-It's this way."

"I'm really sorry for wasting your time..." You looked at him expectantly.

"Morpheus."

Strange, you thought.

"Morpheus." You smiled before feeling around your pockets for your house keys. You grabbed onto them before reaching back into your pocket.

"I have a bakery just down the road, if you'd like to visit one day." You handed him the pale blue card. "I could bake you something, as a thanks for helping me."

The silence was loud as Dream just held the card, looking at it. This kindness was new to him, you were just a stranger.

Why were you being so nice?

"Maybe."

Giving him a small nod, you unlocked the door and went inside, placing the boxes in the hallway. "Thank you again!"

Interesting, thought Morpheus.

[little-miss-dilf-lover]

I’d love to see a fluffy one with Matt Murdock and f!massage therapy reader: after a really stressful week of work at the office and court, the reader offers Matt a full body massage and uses sandalwood massage oil for sensitive skin.

hii, I love this sm! I was originally writing this as if he was a client but I re-read your ask and hope I now got it right. thank you for requesting, hope you like it💌 @shermerclassclown

sandalwood

Matt Murdock x f reader

wc || 0.6k

warnings || none just fluff

a/n || I had a dream about Matt last night and don’t think ive recovered today. also sorry it’s been so long since a Matt fic, I haven’t had many in my inbox

masterlist + rules

taglist

You have been in the kitchen all afternoon preparing for tonight’s dinner, just now finishing up on the final touches for Matt’s surprise meal. He’s been having a somewhat difficult week at work, so you wanted to treat him with something you knew he needed and something he’d desperately appreciate.

Hearing the front door latch open, you dart over to the hallway to greet him with a smile lit huge. “Hi, handsome.”

“Hi.” He replies sweetly, placing his stick on the hook with a slight soft sigh.

“You okay?” You ask, concerned as you watched him wince with each movement.

“Yeah, just a bit of back pain— nothing serious.” Smiling as kissed you. “Is that?—“

Softly chuckling in response. “Yeah.”

“I’ve been craving it, you always make it so well.”

“I must’ve heard your brain.” Smiling as you made your way back over to the unattended pot. Checking the time on your phone. “It needs to bake, it’ll probably be ready in about… forty, forty-five minutes. Which means I have enough time to give you a massage.” Sincerely looking over at him as you placed the dish in the oven.

“No-no it’s okay.” Hiding an uncomfortable expression as he twists his torso.

“Yeah, I don’t think so. Go strip, I’ll get the table ready… do it.” Tone stern and loving as you ushered him along. “I’ll prep up over here, okay?” Making directional movement to the empty space by the stairs.

As a massage therapist and girlfriend, it felt like your duty to always make sure his muscles were loose and relaxed. However, sometimes that was slightly difficult with his line of work and nightly activities, but that never seemed to faze you. You loved to massage Matt, it gave you a sense of comfort knowing that he wasn’t physically hurting.

Matt returns to the living area in a towel draped around his lower half. Giving him a playful whistle, you guide him onto your travel massage table. “Is that ylang-ylang?” Grinning as settles his face between the gap.

You smile, adjusting the volume of the new-age instrumental. “Good nose… now you gotta be honest with me, okay? What hurts?” Speaking softly as you analysed him.

He wryly chuckles. “…everything.”

Offering him an emphatic smile, you pull out his most favoured oil. Pouring a small amount of sandalwood in your palm, you rub them together and stroke firm but gentle pressure up his back. Working delicately around his sore spots as you rub your palms over his tender muscles. Smiling to yourself when you hear him sigh in relief.

Focusing on his tense shoulders, loosening the tension as you pull out the knots, working carefully as to not hurt him. Shifting weight as you now move over to his pained upper arms, gently working out the ache from the numerous punches he’s been throwing all week.

You wanted to give Matt a full body massage, just like he deserved. Treating him with tender love and care as you worked out all the stresses from this week, carefully rubbing any and every pained area.

After you had finished, you gave him a quick wipe down to remove the stickiness of the oil, this was something you did meticulously as you knew Matt was often easily irritated by the uncomfortable residual feeling. Helping him sit up, you give him a loving hair ruffle and tender kiss.

“I’ll go finish up dinner, you go wash or do whatever you need to.” Smiling earnestly as you packed away your oils and lotions.

He stands upright and rolls his shoulders, visibly relaxed as he grins at you. “Thank you, sweetheart, I feel so much better.”

“Of course. Anytime.” Kissing his cheek sweetly. “Dinner will be ready in five.”

@mattymurdock1021 @ch3rries-n-cream @ashlynhasmanyhyperfixations @idontknowwhattohaveasmyuser @redecoratestan @kpopgirlbtssvt @scarletsloveletter @princess-pebbles-things @messymissy @schneeflocky

[lovejosephquinn]

‘Here is your weapon. I have one too. Loser cooks dinner. Good luck. X’

I’d die. My dream. Perfect. Write it girlie, I’m in your walls 😘

Finding the piece of paper as soon as you walked through the door was absolutely the correct thing to do. Joe had put it in the first place he knew you would go to, the bowl next to the front door where you put your keys. You read the note thoroughly, closing your eyes for a moment and taking a breath with a small smirk attached to your mouth. You loved the chaos, especially after a crappy day like yours had just been; he without a doubt made it all better.

'Here is your weapon.' an arrow pointed swiftly next to the bowl at a red nerf gun which you had pretty sure he had stolen from his little cousin.

'I have one too.' Maybe he had actually gone out and bought these specifically for this little stunt he was pulling.

'Loser cooks dinner. Good luck. x'

You took a sharp breath this time, releasing the paper from your finger tips as it fell to the floor, bracing yourself and grabbing a hold of the nerf gun before slipping off your shoes. He knew you would already be home as you shut the front door pretty loudly in your mood; so he already had the advantage. Bastard.

You analysed the room, looking at every knuck and cranny, every space which Joe could be hiding to jump out at you at any second. You moved through the hallway and slowly peaked into the kitchen. He wasn't there.

You walked up the stairs, getting half way before you heard a creak of the wooden floorboards coming from the living room. Busted! You moved like it was an army drill, like your life depended on it, stopping to immediate attention in the centre of the lounge area.

Joe bellowed out in a rough mafia boss accent, trying his best to put on the act to make this fight more believable. "Welcome home, I've been expecting you." All of a sudden, he jumped out from behind the sofa, aiming fire with his nerf gun, hearing your bundle of squeals of excited nerves making him laugh out wickedly. You ran through into the dining room, crouching down behind the table before lifting up your weapon into the air and pushing in the trigger button wherever you thought best to fire it.

"You're not getting me that easy." Joe had practically army crawled up behind you, placing the nerf gun to your head. "Any last words, my darling girl?"

"What do you want for dinner?" You huffed out in defeat before Joe put the toy to the floor and wrapped his arms around your chest, giving you a brief squeeze followed by the most outrageously sweet giggle.

"Don't worry." He kissed the back of your head sweetly. "It's round two after to see who sorts out dessert." You swerved your head around to look at him.

"You're on Quinn."

You didn't know it, but Joe had his fingers crossed tightly behind his back, he had already got freshly baked cookies waiting for you hidden in a cupboard.

[katy-133]

Whose Skeleton Is Who? (TF2 Comic #7 Preview)

Regarding the issue 7 preview for the Team Fortress 2 comic, I know I joked a while ago that we as a fandom are trying to figure out which skeleton is which merc like we're reading and analysing that one page from The Castle of Fear by Patrick Burston all over again, but I wanted to take a moment to actually go through each skeleton and tell you the observations I've made, since I've noticed others' interpretations have sometimes been different, which I think is very interesting as someone who likes to compare art interpretations for fun.

Team Fortress 2 pays attention to art principles like colour theory, strong silhouettes, and invoking art history, and that also includes the comics, not just the games, and invites you to draw parallels between things.

So without further ado...

Miss Pauling ^

The preview script we get to read notes that the first skeleton we see (before the wide shot) is Miss Pauling's skeleton, which is in a crawling pose. It's meant to parallel a pose she does with a group of other vultures in an earlier part of the comic:

(Image: Comic issue 6, The Naked and the Dead)

Script transcript of the image below:

PANEL 2 We pull back to reveal a SKELETON, half-baked from years of wind-blown sand. The skeleton looks like it was crawling AWAY from something. It lifts a single skeleton hand out to nothing. VULTURES lurk. Let's try as best we can to mirror the position of the body and vultures from the opening of Issue #6, so it's clear we're insinuating this is MISS PAULING.

(Image: Script preview by writer Jay Pinkerton)

Additionally, her skeleton has two vultures above it, squabbling at each other (I assume over who gets to eat the skeleton marrow), which parallels Redmond and Blutard (the owners of RED and BLU, respectively) fighting each other over land and Miss Pauling "playing both sides" by pretending to only work for one of them.

Scout ^

The skeleton is in a running pose, representing Scout being characterised as the faster runner. The skeleton also has a brown shoe, similar to a pair Scout wears in Expiration Date to impress Miss Pauling.

(Right image, above: TF2 Official Wiki, Argyle Ace)

Soldier ^

The skeleton has the right arm up, similar to Soldier's pose when he's carrying his rocket launcher.

(Right image, above: TF2 Official Wiki, Soldier)

Pyro ^

The skeleton with the missing hip bones (or are hidden in some way by the sand and tree branches). In anatomy, the hip bones are one of the easiest ways to identify the sex of an adult skeleton (owing to the width of the hips being different if there is a birth canal). Pyro is gender ambiguous. The legs are also crossed, which is seen as more feminine body language when a person is sitting. This matches Pyro's body language, since Pyro's canonically done foot popping (a term coined by The Princess Diaries) which is associated with women film stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

(Image: The Jungle Inferno Update, Day 3)

Demoman ^

The vulture is pecking out the left eye socket of the skeleton, which is the eye socket that Demoman got cursed upon by reading the Bombinomicon. This creates a kinda visual parallel to Prometheus from Greek myth being cursed to have a bird of prey (an eagle) feast upon him as punishment for giving the forbidden knowledge of fire to humanity.

(Image: Bombinomicon comic)

The left leg is also missing at the knee, or majorly separated from the rest of the body, and Demoman can have a peg leg on his left side in the game:

(Image, above: Weapon Demonstration: Bootlegger, video by OfficialTF2Wiki)

Heavy ^

The skeleton with the largest ribcage, fitting Heavy's body silhouette. The skeleton also dwarfs the skeleton to the right of it, which invokes Heavy's size compared to the other mercs (he's the tallest merc in a lineup).

Engineer ^

The shortest skeleton. Note that the forearms are either missing or hidden in the sand, which invokes the image of Engineer being an amputee (missing his right arm at the forearm) and being the shortest merc when they're all A-posing. The skeleton is also wearing boots, which Engineer wears.

(Image: Reddit post titled, anyone else surprised that Scout isn't the shortest Merc? by Ok-Mastodon2016)

Medic ^

The tall skeleton that has the vulture with its beak poised over the skeleton's heart. Medic surgically removed and replaced each of their hearts, which allows them to be Ubercharged.

(Image: Meet the Medic video by Valve)

Sniper ^

The skeleton with its back lifted up by a stone, creating a visual focus towards it. The vulture is standing over the skeleton, as if it had been pecking at the skeleton's back. This could parallel being backstabbed, and I'm deducing the skeleton as Sniper's because his class is designed to counter Spy, who is the class who does backstabs. This skeleton also has brown shoes, which could be Spy's, but could also be Sniper's if he wears shoes instead of (what I had assumed before were) boots. Another vulture watches over the scene, perched on a higher ledge of rock and focused on that skeleton. Similar to how Sniper likes to climb up trees and higher ground to have a vantage point to scope areas.

Spy ^

The skeleton with a hole through the skull. This looks like a bullet wound from a headshot by a Sniper (again, Sniper and Spy are counter classes to each other).

I know this scene could be a bait and switch and that these aren't the mercs. I actually assume that's what the context is--otherwise, it'd be a pretty upsetting comic! But I think it's neat that the writers and artists went out of their way to make each skeleton characterised like this. The attention to detail is amazing, even in just this one page preview!

[1moreff-creator]

Happy birthday to Min Jeung, the Ultimate Student!

As you may have noticed by my blog name and pfp, I relate to this girl more than what is probably considered healthy. I wanted to show appreciation by talking about her a bit in a half-baked character analysis, and explaining why I find her so amazing!

-Despite being the Ultimate Student, and by her own admission having dedicated her entire life to her talent, she isn't just a souless studying machine. She still makes time to participate in various school clubs and even has a procrastination problem. She is outright offended when Xander insinuates she must have no friends because of her talent. In this, she just like me fr.

-Despite excelling in academics, she has grown to dislike and resent the education system for the seemingly endless amount of information it forces its students to memorize without actually learning anything of value. In this, she just like me fr. Additionally, this fuels her surprisingly interesting dynamic with Xander, one which I may have to cover in another post. Wouldn't want you getting distracted from my post about the birthday girl with thoughts of the pretty British boy.

-Her studious nature has developed into an unrelenting curiosity for the most random shit you can imagine. One of her favorite pastimes is, after all, browsing W*******a articles. Because of this, her knowledge seems to know no rhyme or reason, as she is both perfectly capable of explaining the entire process of baking a cake down to the molecular level, while also not knowing anything about milk beyond how good it tastes. Yes, this is mostly based on that one joke, but in case you can't tell, there's not much info we have to analyse her character with and I'm also sort of projecting really hard. In this, she just like me fr.

-One of these peculiar curiosities are insects and other critters. She decorates cookies with centipedes, collects insects, and her character profile states she likes tarantulas (not an insect, but you know). I chose to believe this means she is a Ghost & Pals fan, and yes that's me projecting again. I, too, am obssessed with funky little animals, so in this, she just like me fr.

-She dislikes children. Based.

-She is kind and patient and maybe a little gay, helping Unnamed Classmate study for a test they are clearly not ready for. Although she can get exasperated by the other's laizzes faire approach to studying, she still puts up with it for her friend. In this, she just like me fr.

-She suffers from pretty bad impostor syndrome, not considering herself on the same level as other Ultimates because of the way she was accepted in. She seems comfortable hanging out with them, but deep down doesn't believe she deserves it. In this, she... isn't like me fr, thankfully. Dodged that trauma.

-Her impostor syndrome is only exacerbated by the fact she doesn't believe she was the highest scoring of the Ultimate Contest for Eminent Students, just the one that best fit the ideal of "Ultimate Student". She sees that as a badge of shame, as she considers herself neither the smartest nor the most knowledgeable from those who took the test. Especially if her secret is the one about poisoning the competition, as many believe. This highlights the needless competitiveness of the school system, where even the students doing well can sometimes feel insufficient or dissapointed if they are not the absolute top of their class, or they don't perform perfectly at every opportunity. ...she just like me fr-

-She feels uncertain of her future, as being the Ultimate Student does not seem to guarantee any kind of future success, nor does it help her narrow down what she wants to do in the future. This is a great representation of a common fear and worry of top students, who worry having so much of their life be defined by their excellence in academics will mean they won't know what to do with themselves once they stop studying. Well, I say it's common, but maybe it's just Min and I, because in this she just like me fr. I assure you, I am fine.

-She didn't mean to kill Xander. How tragic, for someone whose entire life was defined by the pressure to never make a mistake, to never fail and especially not fail that Contest for Eminent Students, who was promised a bright future if she only gave up her present and her past to a souless system that does not truly care about her; to have that future ripped out from her, just because of one mistake. She only wanted to save Teruko...

-Fukc Danganronap asdkanej I wil why did this happen why she was so great and smart and I loved her and fuak's sake why why why. She's the first killer death that hurt me the most, by far, and her hug with Teruko actually fucking destroyed me aaaaahhhh-

-I love DRDT so much, and thank it for being able to live up to its name and giving me the despair I crave. Although Min's death made me sad, it made me sad in the good way, and I thoroughly enjoyed her character as long as she lasted. She may be the best written first chapter death I've ever seen! :D

Now please let Veronika live past chapter 3-

Anyways, thanks for reading, and happy birthday to Min Jeung! I will go cry now.

Bonus: Here's just a few songs that remind me of her. You may not be able to tell, but I like Vocaloid.

+Abnormality Dancin' Girl by Guchiry

+Lost One's Weeping by Neru

+Aishite by Kikuo

+Entomologists by Ghost & Pals

+Star of the Show by Ghost & Pals

+Pathological Facade by Ghost & Pals

+Appetite of a People-Pleaser by, guess who, Ghost & Pals

+Marionette by KIRA

+Meltdown by iroha(sasaki)

And of course,

+Happy Birthday!

[krikeymate]

Fictober 2023: Day 4: “Do you even know what this means?” - Sam isn't as alone as she thinks she is. Featuring Mindy. Fandom: Scream Rating: T Warnings: None.

➖

Sam frowns at her laptop screen, confused. It doesn’t make any sense. Why are there so many branches on this tree? Eugh, she knew doing this genetics thing was a mistake. The last thing she should be doing is putting her DNA out there for anyone to trace back to her. All it takes is one more vindictive cop and then…

Curse Tara’s heartbreakingly effective sad expression. She’s mastered the disappointed “oh, okay then” too. Sam may have taught her sister how to use all her skills to her advantage, but that didn’t mean she should get to use them against her!

Little shit.

 “I don’t know what I’m looking at,” she declares, leaning back on the couch with a sigh.

Tara abandons her phone to lean over and tilt the laptop toward her.  Sam watches as her sister’s face goes from exasperated – a common expression when Sam tries to interact with technology – to confused.

She almost regrets speaking up when Tara begins to frown. Sam hates seeing her frown. The “this doesn’t make any sense” she mutters under her breath is more than a little vindicating at least.

Tara slides the computer into her own lap to analyse the screen. Unfortunately, her appropriation of the device does not go unnoticed by Mindy, who was supposed to be cleaning up the mess she had made in their kitchen.

If Sam catches anyone doing another 4am baking session in a house they don’t even live in, they’re gonna catch her hands instead. Or a knife, as someone recently – almost fatally – learnt for herself.

“Come on now,” Mindy jeers, “how hard can it be?”

Mindy of course, being the one who convinced Tara, who convinced Sam, that they should send off their very private DNA to this big and famous ancestry company. Oh it’ll be interesting, she said. You’ll get to see where you come from, she said. You'll be able to connect with anyone else in your family tree who’s done it too, she said. As if that one was something appealing.

Unfortunately, Tara’s whispered confession of wanting to know whether their father had another family out there was damning to Sam’s ability to say no. Having basically grown up without any family other than each other, Tara’s desires were all too understandable.

But Sam will get her own back on Mindy for suggesting this, mark her words.

“Are you discovering that your mom isn’t actually your mom? Cause that would make so much sense to be honest, ‘cause I’ve said it before, that lady far too white to be birthing two Latinas like yourselves.”

Tara’s eyes dart from the screen to meet Sam’s as they share a look they’ve come to master over the past year. Disbelief, amusement, a silently screamed are they serious? passing between them.

Mindy doesn’t notice it.

“I mean, how do two basically white people end up making Sam? Answer me that!” she continues, leaning her arms against the back of the couch. “Heck, I bet the only Mexican in your mom was your da-“

“OH MY GOD MINDY!” “WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?”

“What, am I wrong?”

Sam groans into her hands while Tara, who has years of experience learning to overcome Mindy’s colourfully unfiltered mouth, silently holds the laptop up for her to see.

There’s a moment of silence as Mindy takes in the information, before she claps her hands excitedly.

“Do you even know what this means?” she exclaims, bouncing on her feet, both hands slapping down on the couch.

Mindy doesn’t wait for a response before she barrels ahead, unable to keep it in for even a second longer.

“It means ho~o~oly shit Sam, your dad was a slut!”

Sam wishes she never had to hear those words. She wishes she’d never done the stupid swab test.

She snatches the laptop back and slams the lid shut without even a second glance at the contents.

It was hard enough to learn that Tara was her half-sister. The knowledge that she has 12 other half-siblings out there burns in the back of her throat.

She has a family; she doesn’t need more.

What was she thinking.

[esotl]

Performance - Chapter 11 (Part 20)

Writer: Akira

Season: Spring

Characters: Hokuto, Wataru

Translation Directory

It's known as a tragedy, and yet, I can't agree with that assessment.

Location: Inside a Train

Wataru: In actuality... I've never once come across one, a person who declares "I want to be like Hibiki Wataru!"

Which is to say, I am indeed still half-baked.

Hokuto: That's because you're out of the norm... No-one can even dream of being like you.

The more I come to know you, the more I feel that distance, too.

Wataru: Eh~ even though I'm close enough for you to touch? Please do your best, Hokuto-kun!

When I first saw you, I was a bit inspired.

"Aah, he's imitating my hairstyle," I thought... "Perhaps he wants to become like me."

Remembering the previous conversation, I held an interest in you...

Your mother must have predicted that, and tied your hair in a braid.

That's why I said she's discerning.

Her preparation is flawless, she knows all about a performer's weak points. Because if you're faced with someone imitating you, there's no way you could be unhappy.

Though, with just a few minutes of talking to you, I could tell you had no interest in me at all...

You only think of yourself, don't you?

Hokuto: Should I not? I don't have time to think about other things right now, and aren't I the one who thinks of myself the most?

There's no-one who thinks of me, of Hidaka Hokuto, so... I'm the one who has to consider me, to produce me.

Wataru: Right. That's the natural and correct answer, people don't really think about others often.

Though I personally don't have much interest in myself~ that seems to be rather unusual.

I'm always thinking about the characters in works of art, and the people surrounding them.

"Hibiki Wataru" is the means by which, the point of contact for interacting with those kinds of lovely things.

Hokuto: You're pretty distorted, aren't you... Are all "geniuses" like that?

Wataru: What do you think? Geniuses, no, all people are slightly different from each other.

You can't analyse all of humanity on an individual level using inflexible interpretations or common consensus.

That's why. You, who is captivated by such things, is rather laughable.

Hokuto: Hmph... I feel like I'm being made fun of by a clown.

Wataru: What a fitting phrase! Ahaha, chatting like this is fun...☆

Hokuto: Isn't this is strangely conceptual for a "chat"?

Wataru: Perhaps it is, by common consensus' standards! You're still restraining yourself, is your braid a chain or something, Hokuto-kun?

Be more flexible!

Relatedly... I just so happen to have tickets for a play being held at a theatre near the next stop!

Would you care to join me?

It's a rather intriguing stage, quite avant-garde... perhaps your sense of values will change upon seeing it!

Hokuto: I refuse. School is starting soon, I shouldn't skip.

Wataru: Isn't it fine every now and then? Let's be bad boys together~♪

Even if you do as your parents say like a good boy, it's not like you'll be rewarded for it, will you?

Hokuto: Don't interpret me like a character from a story.

Wataru: Apologies, it's an unconscious habit! This is troubling though, I didn't imagine you'd refuse.

Even after I went through all the trouble of moving you onto a different train without waking you?

Hokuto: So you're the reason I'm going to be late for school? I thought it was strange for me to sleep past my stop.

Wataru: Apologies, I just love tricks like that!

When faced with unexpected developments, humans always reveal some sort of interesting reaction without fail!

Getting mad, losing their cool, being bewildered, speaking unfavorably of me...

They confront me without hiding their true face behind a mask, or at least, they don't ignore me.

Hokuto: Did your parents not care about you as a kid?

Well, whatever. I already studied the contents of today's lessons last night, so it won't be a huge problem if I don't attend.

Even if I'm not there, I doubt anyone would notice.

I'll accompany you, President. But only for today - it'll be a problem if I'm constantly getting kidnapped to places I don't know.

Wataru: "Kidnapped" makes it sound scandalous... But I'm glad, let's have fun watching a play together.

Both acting and viewing are lonely when done by yourself. Let's snack on popcorn and excitedly discuss our thoughts with each other.

Japan has strict theatre manners, but plays have been that sort of event since time immemorial. Like in Shakespeare's time.

Hokuto: Don't speak like you were there for it, President.

Wataru: I've been doing my research you know, Shakespeare's a classic after all.

As is the play we're going to see today, "Romeo and Juliet"♪

It's known as a tragedy, and yet, I can't agree with that assessment.

Hokuto: ? Isn't it a standard tragedy?

Wataru: If you think about it using the common rules of this fleeting world, yes. But they were surely united after death, no?

One committed suicide, the other committed murder, so they certainly both fell into hell together.

However, "wherever you are is Heaven"... is what's conveyed in the play.

Because they went so far as to repeat such a sentiment over and over, time after time, the ending is not a tragedy.

Death is not the end, nor is it hopelessness. It is proof that they were finally together.

It's a connection, a blessing. That is how I interpreted the story's meaning.

If it's not true, then... Ah, God, Shakespeare, for what purpose did you document the suffering of this man and woman?

To sneer at these pitiful two, or else, to feel self-satisfied in your pity for them?

No - "Romeo and Juliet" is a congratulatory address for the two being united for eternity!

[Chapter 10 • Directory • Act 8]

[kamidukki]

AKNK's Jessica (?)

I honestly don't know where I'm going when I write this, but just to be safe I'm going to put the following warning: spoiler, complaint(s), half-baked analysis

Okay. Let's just get straight to the point.

Does anyone know where the name Jessica possibly come from? I don't mean the origin of the name in real world, rather I'm asking [if you have an idea] why akuneko writers picked that name specifically.

All butlers (or the demons they're contracted to) in AKNK have names that could be traced to The Lesser Key of Solomon, or demonology in broader aspect (as well as angelology if you include Serafim and Cherubim), while the name of the four nobles plus the witch of the north (Elvira, if I remember correctly?) fall into either difficult-to or easy-to track category. None others rendered me speechless like Jessica's.

I mean, this definitely isn't the first time a JP mobage use a feminine name for male character and it usually works (TWST's Leona and Lilia are the only ones I could recall at the top of my head for now). I never complained about this before because it never mattered. Some did take me a while to get used to, but none has ever baffled me like Jessica has.

(no offence to any Jessica reading this, your name is great) 👌

If you look up the name Jessica on internet, it tells you, usually, the male equivalent would be Jesse. While the origin itself, in most search results, is as following.

So, biblical reference. Not too far-fetched, but still. Is there a reason why that particular name?

In Episode 2 ch. 06 part 14, a new character named スローン appears. I can only guess its romanization as Sloane. If so, his name relates closely to the butlers since we can find connection to Key of Solomon and Sloane manuscripts.

A probe into the meaning shows you this results:

I'm not sure if name's meaning is actually important when we analyse the names of akuneko's characters. In case it doesn't, that would mean I just need to look for Iscah (or any possible alternative spelling) mentioned somewhere in referenced books (The Lesser Key of Solomon, The Key of Solomon, and the Sloane Manuscripts) or ones related to it.

The easiest solution is to consider the possibility that the writer(s) did take a random name just like that, and to be honest, I can't say I like this solution.

So. In conclusion: I'm stumped.

The reason why I'm writing all this is because I need to understand the reason Jessica's name came to be. The reason why I need to understand it is because, brace yourself for pettiness, I can't for Pete's sake, take Bastien's arc seriously when the dude's name is... well, Jessica.

Okay. I got them out. I'll just clarify here that I still think it's a great arc (and that I have nothing against Jessica) ✌

Now while I'm at it, it's interesting to look into the name Teddy Brown too...

[tirions]

I would really like to know more about your OCs. They are too interesting and I'd like to know more about what kind of relationship they have with the canon characters.

AHHH this is so sweet🥹🫶🏼 i’m still working on the specifics of my ocs’ relationships with the canon characters and am currently writing out their stories (at a snail pace), but without giving too much away…

zareen is a pure blood vampire who is part of vampire aristocracy.

i wanted to make a character whose story mostly takes place in pre-modern times and in the demon realm, before the sakamakis were born.

most of her story will revolve around her relationship with beatrix, which i’ll get more into soon! it’s very much of a “right person, wrong time” kind of relationship though. i did write something vague about them here, but have a lot more to cover.

as for other characters… she hates karlheinz and richter and doesn’t interact too much with christa.

cordelia and zareen do have some kind of half-baked relationship going on, but it centres on drowning out their own sorrows in each other, even if they hate each other’s guts. it’s toxic on both ends and unsustainable, but it goes on for much longer than it should because, in a way, they’re both in the same boat.

she’s only consistently interacted with beatrix’s sons, but has met all the sakamaki boys. she hasn’t seen them since they were kids though, and she didn’t much care about them in the first place (yeah she’s real swell💀💀😭)

tirion is just an ordinary human,

i’m still working on her and her relationships with the canon characters, but i wanted to create a character who was hardened by her life experiences and very different from the boys/ what the boys would desire. she’s from a very average but hard background, and was financially independent prior to joining ryoutei due to sheer hard work.

she seems apathetic on the surface and has a very practical and more masculine-leaning appearance, but i also wanted to display through her character how difficult it can be, for a teenage girl especially, to hide your emotions through an uncaring facade. even more so when on the inside you’re uncertain and insecure about everything about yourself and the things around you.

i’m still piecing together a lot of her lore, but i think she’ll interact with most of the boys since they all go to the same school.

what i can say though, is that she’ll probably be involved with laito a lot. it might be because i think he’s the most interesting to write about and analyse, but also because he’s such a manipulative person. he can break down tirion’s walls in three seconds, and i guess that’s what i want to convey. as much as she can school her features to stay blank and act like she is all logic and reason, she’s still just a foolish lamb in his immortal eyes. it’s almost too easy for him to point aim at her tender heart.

i’m not sure if i’ll give her a romance yet. i’m not sure who she’d be a good pair with, but if you guys have any ideas, i’d love to know and explore them!

[divinecomedienne]

15 Questions

Tagged by @sagiow and @tough-n-dumb. Cheers, guys.

Were you named after anyone?

Not a real person but a Biblical figure my mum once memorably described as "the person who invented sex." (You can probably figure out my name now...)

When was the last time you cried?

I am pregnant so I am crying constantly at the moment. I cried throughout the Barbie film yesterday!

Do you have kids?

Just the one currently underway.

Do you use sarcasm?

Rarely.

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

I don't know if it's necessarily the first thing I notice, but I've always thought people's shoes are quite revealing.

What’s your eye color?

Brown.

Scary movies or happy endings?

Not a big fan of either. If I had to choose, I'd probably go for happy endings but they have to be well earned and not trite.

Any special talents?

I don't really have any party trick-type talents anymore. When I was a teenager, you could give me a series, episode, scene and line number of any episode of Red Dwarf I-VI and I could tell you the line.

Where were you born?

In a ward for especially young and especially old mothers (my mother was the latter) in a hospital in London, England.

What are your hobbies?

Nothing very serious. I draw a bit, although not enough; I do a bit of baking and I'm half-heartedly attempting to learn Russian. Very occasionally (like, every 5-7 years), I write some fanfic.

Have any pets?

No, I travel too much. I used to have some African pygmy hedgehogs (hence my profile pic), but sadly couldn't bring them with me when I moved from the UK to France six years ago.

What sports do/have you played?

I am the world's least sporty person and I hate competition! I have been doing yoga regularly for more than ten years though.

How tall are you?

5'7"/170cm.

Favorite subject at school?

Art, hands down.

Dream Job?

I wish I knew. For a long time I thought I wanted to work in media production, then I tried it and realised I don't like the constant stress, long hours and big egos (though I do still see the appeal). Since then I've been vaguely pursuing academia as I like analysing stuff and hanging out with students (mostly), but I've never really properly tried to get a full-time, permanent academic job cuz deep-down I'm scared of the workload, especially the constant stacks of marking.

Tagging

I think most people have done this already. @emeraldsilvercabbage @desdemonaspace @undisclosed-serendipity @universallypandadelusion: any of you guys not done this and want to?

[lutiaslayton]

Hi all, I’m very sorry for the late notice (I was trying to push through until the end against the odds), but I won’t be able to get today’s update for Layton’s Book Club done in time 😔 I tried my best, but with the Christmas family gatherings (and eating ten times more than I am used to), the moving around multiple places (I get carsick so I can’t work during travels), the running some more simulations for my lab (I know my PhD is done but we just might be on the brink of a breakthrough), my favourite laptop needing repairs (it is now finally back home and I can finally draw again!), and the flu I got for two days (I’m better now), I unfortunately wasn’t able to make it.

When past me said that I had the entire first chapter as buffer and that it would amount to at least six weeks worth of updates… Well, that is technically true, but also that is only true if you want to consider the primary DeepL-only translation with the bare minimum of editing. What I realised upon giving it a closer look was that a lot of sentences are a bit hard to analyse and interpret correctly, at the very least during the scene which was supposed to be posted today. This first scene in particular is already extremely fast-paced and confusing as it is due to the sheer amount of action happening in it, so for this update more than for any other, translation accuracy really needs to be top notch. and the issue is that since I still do not speak Japanese, top notch 9/10 accurate translations take forever to make because I have to verify every word one by one.

The entire point of this second translation I am making is to have one that is better than the currently-existing Google Docs one on all aspects, mainly reliability and reading enjoyment (as much as I can make it since my own writing style is miles away from the Layton’s Book Club narration style). It would be hypocritical if my translation were just as half-baked as this first one from years ago, even if it would be of just barely higher quality thanks solely to DeepL being superior to how Google Translate was ten years ago.

So… If you want, you can read the first DeepL-with-minimalistic-editing translation directly on my transcription website in the meantime. And if you are even more impatient/curious, you can read here the Google Docs translation which was made by someone else years ago, and… really is lacking in a lot of important moments. But for Layton’s Book Club, in the end I decided to go for quality over quantity. And also this extra week will hopefully allow me to breathe a bit :')

---

PS: The translation you can read in black text on my transcription website is not actually meant to be enjoyable to read, it is rather meant to be as accurate and close to the original as possible (including the order of words, which is notably why they are so weird to read). Green text shows the sentences that DeepL spat out when I copy-pasted the Japanese version and which past me barely edited in order to make them sound like actual English, but their accuracy is not ascertained.

[firespirited]

Long post. Press j to skip.

I AM SICK OF THE STUPID AI DEBATES, does it imagine, is it based on copyrightable material, are my patterns in there?

That's not the point.

I briefly got into website design freelancing (less than 3 months) before burn out.

The main reason was that automation had begun for generating stylesheets in somewhat tasteful palettes, for automatically making html/xml (they really haven't learned to simplify and tidy code though, they just load 50 divs instead of one), for batch colourising design elements to match and savvy designers weren't building graphics from scratch and to spec unless it was their day job.

Custom php and database design died with the free bundled CMS packages that come with your host with massive mostly empty unused values.

No-one has talked about the previous waves of people automated out of work by website design generators, code generators, the fiverr atomisation of what would have been a designers job into 1 logo and a swatch inserted into a CMS by an unpaid intern. Reviews, tutorials, explanations and articles are generated by stealing youtube video captions, scraping fan sites and putting them on a webpage. Digitally processing images got automated with scripts stolen from fan creators who shared. Screencaps went from curated processed images made by a person to machine produced once half a second and uploaded indiscriminately. Media recaps get run into google translate and back which is why they often read as a little odd when you look up the first results.

This was people's work, some of it done out of love, some done for pay. It's all automated and any paid work is immediately copied/co-opted for 20 different half baked articles on sites with more traffic now. Another area of expertise I'd cultivated was deep dive research, poring over scans of magazines and analysing papers, fact checking. I manually checked people's code for errors or simplifications, you can get generators to do that too, even for php. I used to be an english-french translator.

The generators got renamed AI and slightly better at picture making and writing but it's the same concept.

The artists that designed the web templates are obscured, paid a flat fee by the CMS developpers, the CMS coders are obscured, paid for their code often in flat fees by a company that owns all copyright over the code and all the design elements that go with. That would have been me if I hadn't had further health issues, hiding a layer in one of the graphics or a joke in the code that may or may not make it through to the final product. Or I could be a proof reader and fact checker for articles that get barely enough traffic while they run as "multi snippets" in other publications.

The problem isn't that the machines got smarter, it's that they now encroach on a new much larger area of workers. I'd like to ask why the text to speech folks got a flat fee for their work for example: it's mass usage it should be residual based. So many coders and artists and writers got screwed into flat fee gigs instead of jobs that pay a minimum and more if it gets mass use.

The people willing to pay an artist for a rendition of their pet in the artist's style are the same willing to pay for me to rewrite a machine translation to have the same nuances as the original text. The same people who want free are going to push forward so they keep free if a little less special cats and translations. They're the same people who make clocks that last 5 years instead of the ones my great uncle made that outlived him. The same computer chips my aunt assembled in the UK for a basic wage are made with a lot more damaged tossed chips in a factory far away that you live in with suicide nets on the stairs.

There is so much more to 'AI' than the narrow snake oil you are being sold: it is the classic and ancient automation of work by replacing a human with a limited machine. Robot from serf (forced work for a small living)

It's a large scale generator just like ye olde glitter text generators except that threw a few pennies at the coders who made the generator and glitter text only matters when a human with a spark of imagination knows when to deploy it to funny effect. The issue is that artists and writers are being forced to gig already. We have already toppled into precariousness. We are already half way down the slippery slope if you can get paid a flat fee of $300 for something that could make 300k for the company. The generators are the big threat keeping folks afraid and looking at the *wrong* thing.

We need art and companies can afford to pay you for art. Gig work for artists isn't a safe stable living. The fact that they want to make machines to take that pittance isn't the point. There is money, lots of money. It's not being sent to the people who make art. It's not supporting artists to mess around and create something new. It's not a fight between you and a machine, it's a fight to have artists and artisans valued as deserving a living wage not surviving between gigs.

[kiatheinsomniac]

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐍𝐄'𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇-𝐔𝐏!*˚ .♡⋆ˊˎ -

𓆩♡𓆪 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄! @cupophrogs

Hi, I'm here for the Valentines event! Fandoms: Resident Evil, Assassin's Creed Sexuality/Gender Identity: he/him(transmasc), gay + aro/ace spec Hobbies: Drawing, writing, singing, just the arts in general. I also enjoy naps, and baking. General likes: space(Orion's Belt is my favourite constellation), High Fantasy, D&D, moths, earthy tones, cold weather, horror, complex music, frogs, plushies(gotta heal my inner child somehow) General dislikes: hot/humid weather, sports, spicy food, alcohol, arguments, cockroaches, math, reading(I can't process it for some reason) Personality: ISFP-T. I'm an extrovert who's terrible with navigating social situation bc I can't take cues. I'm very much a creative, often in my head creating worlds and scenarios to daydream about. I' can be kind of annoying, very rambly and a little childish when I get excited, but I've learned to find it funny. I'm the Loud Friend(tm), but while I love rambling about the things I like, I always need time to recharge and just not talk for a while. My main love languages are Quality time, gifts, and acts of service(giving), and Quality time and words of affirmation(receiving). I'm a bit iffy on physical touch, but it's more that I really want it, but I'm really not used to it. small notes: I sing chorally, but I hold my music very close to my heart. I'm not the quickest to trust, but I'm good at analysing people and their habits. Out of Soldier, Poet, and King, I sadly, am the king(lmk if you need me to explain that idk how niche it is). My favourite article of clothing I own is a green hoodie that had a frog head on the hood; you can zip it shut and you become the frog(it's so comfy) TL;DR- transmasc+gay, fantasy nerd with ADHD who stumbles over words a lot and holds his art very close to his chest, but often forgets to take breaks, and is very determined to better himself as a person. Hope this wasn't too long, have a wonderful day/night, and thank you so much!

ੈ♡˳ 𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐆 𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄!

♡ Heisenberg likes how loud and rambly you are! It gets really quiet and lonely in the factory and you're the perfect company! He likes talking while he's working so he can crouched down welding with a mask on while he's smiling and listening to you talk. He's a brilliant multi-tasker so he just adores being able to hear you talk about any wand all of your interests while he's working.

♡ You can't tell me that a man like Heisenberg isn't secretly a huge nerd so he's into lots of the same interests as you and you can both bond over them 100%. Has made a soldat based off some of your art before.

♡ He quite likes when you can be childish! You brighten up the place and he finds that you bring out the inner child in him a bit too! He's got a little corner in the factory that's all furnished to your tastes and made comfy for when you need some time to recharge. He might just drop by during this time and have a nap so he can be with you without bothering you. Guess he's recharging too! He feels so at ease with you that he'd love to get closer to you and so he takes the upcoming Valentine's Day as the opportunity to shoot his shot!

ੈ♡˳ 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐀 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄?

♡ Heisenberg takes you for a stroll around the outskirts of the village. He's been here a while so he knows the most scenic places but, more importantly, he knows about that one pond that has a particularly large amount of frogs every year.

♡ His half-mechanical heart swells at the sight of you so excited about all the frogs. He knows how much you like them and so he makes sure you spend as much time as you want together.

♡ When you get back to the factory, he's set up a big projector to play some of your favourite horror films and he's made the place all comfy so the two of you sit and have fun and (if you're comfy with it) he's love to cuddle up with you too!

missed the match-up event? try ships instead!

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