#they also only use public transport if they *can't* use the motorcycle

[whorefordarlin]

Darlin': "You want me to get in a car? The thing that killed Gabriel Shaw?"

David: "Get out."

[k9wa]

𑣲 PALPITATE. ft hakkai shiba.

⠀ —when hakkai busting his bike leaves him stranded and vulnerable, both at the hands of public transportation and a girl who can't take a hint.

⠀ or

⠀ — two virgins who lack any social skills are forced to share the same bus route.

⚠︎ fem!reader, no referring pronouns used, hakkai and you are so terribly fucking awkward, lot's of sillies.

MONDAY MAY 2ND, 2006.

what was it about public transportation that was so god damn confusing? i mean, sure, the concept is simple, find the bus you wanna get on and you know, get on it. 

until you take into consideration all the factors in between which, for everyone's sake, i won't bore you with. save for two.

not only had you deemed public transportation your sworn nemesis, but now you were battling it in a city you’d never stepped foot in.

actually, there was someone in a similar situation to you, also (temporarily) struck by the punishment hammer that was being forced to bus everywhere while his motorcycle was in the shop. the day you met hakkai shiba was the first day you had to take the bus to your new part-time job across town. you approached him while he leaned lazily against a sign, displaying a small cartoon bus with a number inside it.

“um— excuse me?” hakkai felt his bones go stiff at the feminine voice that called to him. 

“sorry to bother you, i was just wondering, uh, is this the bus that go….” 

he didn’t get to hear where you were trying to go as his brain did its absolute best to tune you out. meanwhile, you waited patiently for a response.

…a response that the tall boy in front of you was really taking his time preparing. all while he kept perfectly still and facing forward.

“…um—excuse me…?” 

had he not heard you? 

“…hello?” 

was he just ignoring you? sure you understood not wanting to talk to someone, but a simple nod of his head would suffice, no?

“sorry— i just really need to know if this is the right stop to get on.”

hakkai didn’t move.

“um, i start at a new job in less than an hour? i can't really afford to get lost right now.” you chuckled uncomfortably, hoping to ease the tension.

nothing. it was as if you weren’t even there.

“…anything?”

nope.

“blink once for yes??”

your hands drop to your sides, all you received was more nothing. his eyes didn’t even twitch.

“i’m—i’m just gonna try the stop down the road.”

hakkai couldn’t bring himself to watch from his peripherals as you walked away from one of the most awkward situations of your teenage life.

away, and to the wrong bus stop.

TUESDAY MAY 3RD, 2006.

the next time hakkai saw you was actually the very next day, after your first encounter with him. around the same time, as well.

turns out, you and he would be sharing a bus route until the youngest shiba’s bike was fixed and ready for riding again.

lucky you! 

you nearly threw yourself into the traffic beside you when the same guy from yesterday was back at the stop. the stop you learned the hard way was actually the right one. 

you trudged up beside him, leaving an awkward distance between you while he was sitting on the bench, and you opted for standing to the side of it.

“…sooo, turns out this was actually my stop, haha.”

you desperately tried to talk to him again, hoping to prove to yourself that he wasn’t really ignoring you as bad as you’d hoped the day before.

he didn’t answer.

“i um— got on the wrong bus yesterday. ended up all the way in roppongi? i think that’s what it was called, anyway.”

answer. say literally anything oh my god i’m begging you.

“pretty cool area, i'd never been before. silver lining, right?”

you turn to look at him, he’s pale as a ghost.

“youuu uh, ever been? to roppongi?”

….no response ever came. you clear your throat.

“awesome, cool, cool.”

this was gonna be a long week.

WEDNESDAY MAY 4TH, 2006.

back at the bus stop you stood, almost shoulder to shoulder with the same boy who you tried almost everything to pry a word out of the last two days.

tuesday night it dawned on you, what if he just…couldn’t hear you? maybe he had some kind of hearing impairment! it would be pretty shitty to assume he was just blatantly ignoring you if that was the case, so, wednesday afternoon you tried again.

“um, hey.”

you looked beside you to the stone face that was becoming unfortunately familiar. he didn’t answer.

so, like any sane person would do, you poked his arm.

hakkai audibly gulped, but continued to keep his eyes on the scenery in front of him.

“…hello? anyone home?” 

you poked him again. hakkai started to sweat rather profusely. it was a good thing he couldn’t see the way your brow furrowed at the physical cues that he indeed did know you were there.

“okay, what gives? are you just like– really not talkative or something?”

you’re a fool for waiting patiently for some kind of acknowledgement. hakkai was frozen in place.

“...seriously? nothing? not even telling me to shut up or– or leave you alone or something??”

you stomped your way in front of him, and finally reached a hand up to wave it in front of his face. 

“just one word! one word and i'll never speak to you again. swear it.”

hakkai, to everyone’s surprise, didn’t move, his eyes dead set straight. the waving and begging went on until your bus came to a screeching stop behind you.

maybe tomorrow.

THURSDAY MAY 5TH, 2006.

hakkai truly was beginning to mourn having an unlimited form of private transportation. not only did he hate the crowded seats of the bus, or quickly grow tired of the schedules ruining his chance to stay with his friends or gang members late that week, but hakkai had also convinced himself you were one more day away from just deciding to punch him square in the gut.

you absolutely were, by the way.

it’s not that he didn’t feel bad, but c'mon! anyone who knew him knew that yuzuha was the only girl he could talk to, it wasn’t anything against you personally.

it also didn't help that, you too, were completely socially inept. i mean, who keeps trying to make conversation with someone after finding out they’ve been actively ignoring them? anyone else would have just, y'know, moved along. 

you being pretty, like, really pretty wasn’t helping his case much either, but he couldn’t bring himself to think about that for longer than a millisecond before he turned red.

thursday, you didn’t show up for the bus. hakkai waited, watching the side of the sidewalk you would normally arrive from, but you never showed. 

which, in theory, should have been elating for him. it was a day where he could take a much needed breather, where he could comfortably arrive home without clammy hands or sweat beading down his neck.

it was…a little disappointing. not that hakkai necessarily enjoyed making a fool of himself (or shutting off all his senses to avoid that from happening,) but he couldn’t deny that your antics were… funny? to him? you were kind of an idiot, but in an endearing kind of way.

hakkai hoped to see you at the stop tomorrow.

FRIDAY MAY 6TH, 2006.

friday marked the end of the week, alongside the end of hakkai’s journey as someone who regularly relied on the public transport system. tomorrow morning, he would pick up his bike, and bring her back home where she belonged. balance would be restored.

you, however, were dreading leaving your home.

the day prior, you had the luxury of getting a ride to work from a friend, putting an ease to your mind and it’s swarm of thoughts regarding the very tall, very well sculpted, very pretty, very well kept–

the guy at the bus stop who wouldn’t pay any mind to your existence even if it meant his damn life was on the line.

he was an idiot, you were sure of it. not only was he stupid, he was rude! you ended up nearly stranded in another district because he couldn’t even spare you a nod of his head!

who cared that he was pretty? who cared that he had some of the best bone structure you’d ever seen in person, or that he was already standing at 183 cm at an age you assumed couldn’t be far from your own? he sucked!

…okay you cared. you had a thing for him. it was utterly humiliating. all you had done was run around poking (literally) and prodding at him for the last week, all because you didn’t know how to properly say “hey, i wanna talk to you!” or “hey, why are you ignoring me?”

that, and the curiosity of what could be causing him to pay such little attention to you was genuinely driving you up the wall. you digress. today, you would make it right.

you finally arrived, i shouldn't have to mention where by now, and were relieved to see the familiar blue buzz-cut. relieved alongside cursing god for making it so you actually had to speak to him again. you slowly took your spot to his left.

“...hey, um–”

you played with the strap of your bag.

“sorry if i’ve been on your nerves or anything this week, realised i was bein’ kinda overbearing.” you chuckled and looked up at him, not surprised at the lack of feedback.

“i just moved here? and everything has been going pretty south for me, but i didn't mean to take it out on you or anything.”

hakkai’s jaw was clenched, but staying true to himself, he didn’t answer.

“anyway, sorry again. hope the rest of your day goes alright.”

hakkai clenched his fists together, sucked in the deepest breath he thought he'd ever taken, and before the bus rounded the street corner, he spoke.

“..sh..ba…h..kai…” it was shaky, and it was spoken through his tightly clenched teeth, but he managed.

“...p–pardon?” you did your best to keep your eyes from widening and having your shock spread across your face, but it was a feeble attempt. hakkai turned his head in the opposite direction, away from you.

“..shiba…hakkai..” he mumbled again, but the second time was thankfully more clear. 

it quickly became your turn to stare straight ahead of you, unable to form some kind of answer in your head. you had been so damn talkative before, too.

the bus came to a rusty stop in front of the two of you. only then, were you able to mutter your name in response to him. one painful week later, you finally had an introduction.

maybe hakkai would keep taking the bus home even after picking up his bike. only sometimes, though. baby steps.

⠀ 𑣲 MASTERLIST / GOT A REQUEST ?

[magicalgirlmascot]

I am curious: What are your current thoughts about the Toa Inika's drivining situation when they become Toa Inika?

Hahahaha I am SO glad you have asked me this because I have Thoughts

Terminology for non-Canadians (and/or Ontarians, idk what other provinces call things):

G1 - learner's permit, obtainable at 16, written test only, must have someone in the passenger seat who has had their full license at least 4 years, can't drive between midnight and 5am, can't go on certain high speed highways (401, QEW, etc) unless the person in the passenger seat is an accredited driver's ed instructor, must pass G2 exit test within 5 years or restart process

G2 - must have had a G1 for either a) 1 year or b) 8 months if graduated from driver's ed, practical exam, can drive alone, on any roads, at any time of day, certain other restrictions apply (esp if under age 19), must pass G exit test within 5 years or start over

G - must have had G2 for at least a year, practical exam, no restrictions except for basic road laws lol

MTO - Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, basically the DMV but for Ontario

OKAY SO ALL THAT SAID:

Jaller: got his G1 the day after he turned 16 because his birthday was on a Sunday and the MTO was closed. Took the driver's ed course affiliated with his school that same year. Just got his G2. Has to beg and plead to borrow a car because both his parents work and need vehicles for that, and he can bike to work from the house.

Hahli: has been driving farm vehicles illegally for several years. Has her G1 but isn't eligible for her G2 yet. Is learning how to drive from her uncle because he's the only person in her family who respects road safety laws. Can occasionally convince her parents to loan her the truck if she fills up the tank.

Kongu: got his G2 a couple months ago. Inherited his grandparents' junker. Mostly just drives himself and Tamaru to school and back. Grumbles about being his sister's taxi service but also uses this as an excuse to hang around in town.

Nuparu: almost eligible for his G2 but not quite. Took driver's ed exclusively to lower his insurance premium. The only Inika who knows how to drive stick. Wants to get a motorcycle license too. Does all his family's car maintenance in exchange for money being put into the "Nuparu Gets His Own Car" fund.

Hewkii: can't drive. Wants to move to a big city with good public transport so he never has to learn how.

Matoro: was forced to get his G1 against his will and avoids driving like the plague. Sometimes his parents make him drive to the store or something for practice and he hates it. Wants to move out to the woods so he never has to drive again.

Takua: had to learn to drive so they could take on more cleaning jobs. Is actually almost eligible for their full G license. Has the most experience driving because their mom would make them drive between jobs for practice when they had their G1. Is not allowed to cover their mom's company car with bumper stickers to their immense dismay, and also isn't allowed to borrow it for non-work reasons if it's not an emergency.

[ikemenomegas]

Omega!Gojo Satoru x Alpha!reader Small intimacies (ver. sfw)

Despite how rich he is, the ability to teleport halfway around the world, get dessert (which he does often when he's piqued) and teleport back all in an afternoon largely negates the need for his own car or any other fancier transportation. You're the one with a vehicle and Satoru likes to make you pick him up, even though he can get where he needs to go faster than you can drive.

He likes it when you are driving and holding his hand like the fboy he thinks he is, dangling your intertwined fingers over the gear shift/central console. If your car wasn't already manual or electric… congratulations, it is now. It evolved over night. ("Satoru how could that possibly have happened, huh where'd he go?") Better learn fast before he starts complaining he doesn't get to watch you use the clutch. (It's a toss up whether your old car will magically reappear after you get used to a manual transmission. If you try to drive him in the old car, it will disappear again.) If he thought he could get away with it, he would probably buy you a motorcycle. Alas, even jujutsu sorcerers are not guaranteed to die of curses and not-motor-vehicle-accidents

If you refuse to pick him up because you're not driving today (Tokyo has Fantastic public transport and barring that, very tidy taxi service) he has and will again show up at your stop, whining about how you've left him alone to fend for his own honor.

This attracts unwanted (on your part) attention because Gojo is... Gojo (six foot four, often wearing black from head to toe, and carrying on like an omega in pre-heat despite the fact that he never comes to you in pre-heat, he douses himself in scent blockers and goes out on jobs so he can capitalize on the extra boost to his cursed energy -_-) Nine times out of ten times Ijichi (or one of the other assistant managers in the rare case Ijichi can't be freed from whatever he was doing) is in one of the school's black cars anyways and Gojo will make another fuss ushering you into the back seat to rest.

He actually does like it when you bring him food though and is slightly more normal about that. Slightly

He's picky but also... kinda indiscriminate. Thank goodness he is sort of enamored of novelty. If you bring him new sweet foods then he will eat them and brag to his students about his mate, the top sorcerer and also top connoisseur of unique items who could have been a top shop owner but instead dedicated their life to protecting the weak and bringing him things to eat. Yuuji has tried one of the weirder things you've scrounged up in fascination, mistakenly leading Megumi to think it was normal and fine. Shocker, it wasn't normal and fine, he nearly spat it back out before he could make it to a trash can and it still managed to turn his tongue blue first.

Not going to lie, he gets mated to you to stick it to the higher-ups. He doesn't need a bite or papers to belong to someone or for someone to belong to him, and sometimes with how busy the two of you are, it honestly feels like you aren't mated.

It's easy to disregard the mating mark, it lives under your clothes, and usually you're so far apart from one another that you can't sense one another. When Infinity is active, you can't feel him even if he's standing right next to you. It doesn't really make you feel bad, this life is what it is, but Satoru likes to touch your mark just to watch you shiver when that sense of him suddenly appears at your side. He does this in public, looking like the cat that not only caught, but ate the canary. He particularly gets a little feral (?) when you're around other Omegas. You're not typically around one another, or able to touch, often enough to scent each other. So instead of letting his scent or your indifference chase off those who see you as a powerful and competent Alpha and try to approach, Satoru is sort of silly about how he gets to do it himself. When you're in bed together, the bond-mark straddles this lines between sometimes being an erogenous zone and being intensely intimate, often while he wraps you into his Infinity while you curl against one another.

To others it might appear threatening? but honestly you and Gojo Satoru are already a threat separately, especially after your last few years at the school, so it doesn't really register with you. Megumi though once asked you if you wanted to talk to a social worker or something... What I'm referring to is Satoru's tendency to detail his arguments with the higher-ups with you.

The part that disturbs Gojo's ward is where he will give you play-by-play and nearly word for word recounts of the threats he makes. The part that makes Satoru's kid back off is how you remember them in almost the same way and have used them to reinforce both your and Megumi's independence in the cases that the higher-ups try to use you to pressure Gojo. Those cases quickly became almost non-existent about a year after you graduated the Technical College but he remembers how the hair had stood up on the back of his neck when you calmly repeated one of the Gojo's threats, totally naturally and without mentioning your mate's name and how this elder's face just paled. To clarify, Megumi still actually likes you, but he's more convinced and resigned than ever that Gojo is just a bad influence.

How you mostly call him Satoru, but call him "my dear" at home sometimes, which always surprises him.

The first few times you called him "my dear" or some variation of that, it would make him feel weirdly vulnerable and he'd come up with some excuse or errand to leave. You thought it just made him uncomfortable so you stopped. Once he realized, he sulked for days. And when I say days, I mean days out of the few he's able to see his you, so effectively weeks. It's finally Ijichi who approaches you and begs you to fix whatever is wrong with Gojo before he makes another assistant manager cry. Alpha tries their best. They work overtime so that they have more than one day off at the same time as Satoru and try to spend those days with him. You offer Satoru a massage, to cook with him, even go into the city to do whatever he wants, even shopping. He accepts all of these and is somehow still petty and pouty about it. He tries to catch your attention in every one of the stores. This comes to a head when he backs you up into a literal wall, two outfits he wants you to try held threateningly in his hands. Panicked, you end up with one of the endearments slipping out. This is mostly because the brave shopkeeper looked actual inches away from calling the police and you couldn't think of anything else to let them know this was just your ridiculous husband. Immediately Satoru had backed away, bought both outfits in exactly your size without you having to try them on and already had his phone on his shoulder to call Ijichi to come pick the two of you up, before the embarrassed and panicked heat in your body could dissipate. The shopkeeper just looked sort of stunned and you offered them a quick bow in apology as you jogged to catch up with your very tall Omega. Gojo Satoru is the one-man army of the Gojo clan. As is Japanese custom, you don't share his last name even though you're entered into the clan genealogies right beside him. People always call him Gojo-san or Gojo-sensei (except for the higher ups who will use his given name to reference the fact that he is the youngest clan head of all the major families.) The only people who regularly called him by his given name were the people at school, his teachers and classmates. The only one who gets to call him "my dear" is you. Eventually you figure out that it's the endearments because during your first few trials of the hypothesis, Satoru purrs very loudly and shows up at your side like he's been summoned. He now does this when he wants to tease you. Meaning he slinks over to your side like this in front of other people, which sometimes disturbs your mutual acquaintances. Most people aren't super enthusiastic when Gojo Satoru just shows up, and they view you just sighing or smiling at him and putting your hand on his arm or over the place his bond-mark lies as a power move

Gojo can and has yoinked his Alpha with him to far flung locals, sometimes for a job because even he can't literally be in two places at once, technically, but more typically just because he can

You do not prefer this mode of transportation because while he is less aggressive about it than when he was a teenager and simply seeing if he could bring people along and how far, it's still an exasperating disruption to be one second in your kitchen or in front of some of the school's students, and then over some remote lake somewhere. (He is at least careful enough with you not do this in the middle of an actual battle) You learned quickly not to be too stunned by it, and Satoru's Infinity actually takes care of the temperature difference more often than not. However, this is when he wants to take you places. He may not always have the same wondering response - he's from a wealthy clan and has been their relatively pampered young master literally since he was a baby and the novelty has worn off a bit - but being with someone seeing these remote and beautiful places will likely never stop being new. Home though is Japan, and it's oddly nice to have someone to do the little things with - to drag into chaperoning the students with him, to split the last takoyaki ball with, to buy silly photos from a roller coaster with, to spend the weekend with...

[astarab1aze]

do any of your muses have favourite modes of transportation? or modes of transportations they particularly dislike? which ones can drive a car? or ride a motorbike?

so, nightfolk can't really travel the same ways humans do. electronics and nightfolk simply don't mix (unless the nightfolk in question is a lightning-user like kaede, or possesses a magical affinity that ), and this includes electric vehicles of any kind be they cars with powersteering components or bullet trains. it interferes with their magic, not in casting but in effect - electricity is a dampener for nearly all forms of magic (it's why the only thing vayn can work is a microwave, and even that's hit or miss at best). but below, i'll list what each of their favorites and least favorites are, in this circumstance.

asuka; their own two feet, public transport, carriage, car, horse, motorcycle, broomflight for the aesthetic, mirror travel - any magical mode of travel would be their favorite; they want so badly to be able to perform magic... i don't think they dislike any form of travel except boat travel.

crovita; flight, and teleportation; she's a simple lady and likes to get places quickly, since she's always working. she does not like mirror travel, despite having a few of her own both on her person and at home - it makes her queezy.

furie; he also prefers flight, actually exclusively except in short distances. he hates mirror travel, he always throws up after (which is fairly common for naturally flight-capable nightfolk).

hydre; like vita, he prefers teleportation and flight, but this is generally for vast distances; if he can, he'll walk, maybe occasionally fiddle with mirrors or boats, but he likes to swim too, so he might if he comes across a river or whathaveyou in his travels.

kaede; mirror travel and his own two feet; simple guy, just wants to get from point a to point b in as little time as possible so he can fuck off and do whatever he wants with the rest of his time, or walk, to piss off as many people at once (the rebel in him is still there, after all).

loux; his favorite ways to travel are really all of them; travel is travel and everything feels a little bit like a road trip to him. carriage rides? now he gets to act all hoity-toity like some rich asshole; broomflight? now he gets to cackle like a witch. etc. mirror travel's the fastest and easiest, so he tends to use that primarily.

sortia; mirror travel and teleportation; the mirror is great when she's in a pinch since it's immediate, but teleportation is a greater show of power and we all know how she likes to flex on her 'lessers'.

vayn; mirror travel, walking, or flight as a bat; simple guy, tries not to be too flashy lest he attract unnecessary attention to himself.

viresca; broomflight and walking, plain and simple. no special reason, but perhaps for the simplicity of either; mirror travel makes her nauseous, other modes she doesn't mind but would rather not.

[bookishphysicsgirl]

Well, I need to change. I already knew I needed to change. I beat myself up every time I cross the street when I am about to cross paths with a drug user near the support center on my street, or when I practically freeze up and have a heart attack just because two guys are approaching in a motorcycle.

I tell myself I need to be better, to really see these people and not just be afraid of them before I've been given a reason to. Intellectually I know that is what I should be doing. That they deserve to be treated with the same kindness and respect as anyone else. And most of the time, especially when I am directly approached and had time to suppress most of my bad urges, I manage to do so. To great them with a smile, maybe get them a meal or something they need from the drug store, some money if I have it.

Sometimes I can't though. And I think admitting to this is intrinsically important, because there is no point in telling people what they are doing wrong and how they should behave better if you can't own up to your own mistakes too.

At least in my case it has a lot to do with heavy anxiety, particularly related to being robbed - I generally can't even leave my house after 6 pm if I'm alone - and being bombarded all my life with family members telling me to stay away from certain people, or pulling me across the street when someone "shifty" was nearby or telling me to stay away from certain streets. You learn how to profile certain people as dangerous because of the way your parents and the people around you acted near them while you were growing up, and it takes a lot of time and work to recognize these patterns, understand when you are having reactions related to it and stop them from controlling you. It's like reprogramming your brain.

It's also hard because you don't really know another way of protecting yourself from potential harm other than identifying those you've been taught to see as a danger. I mean, sometimes everything in me is saying give that man the money he needs and something in my brain keeps stopping me because "you're not supposed to take out your purse on the street".

I don't really have a solution, I can only tell you what I'm doing which is cataloging every time I have an adverse reaction to a stranger for no apparent reason and trying to dissect it later, understand where it came from, all the while crying and beating myself up for being a terrible human being, which seems to be at least half effective but probably not the healthiest way to deal with prejudices you might not have even known you had until then.

To anyone who has been through it and can now repress this sort of anxiety and (I want to say "internalized", but I don't know if that is the right term, "learned" might be the word) prejudice the biggest of congratulations, you are all heroes and if you can tell us what the process was for you, it could be very helpful. I know mine has involved a lot of therapy so far.

To anyone going through it, I wish you the best and good luck.

And to anyone who thinks they are absolute angels and never have any sort of prejudice or bad attitude towards anyone ever because they are the enlightened few, well, maybe try paying more attention to your reactions to strangers that cross your path the next time.

On a final note: never sit on reserved seats in public transportation, even if you don't see any disabled, elderly or pregnant person around. A lot of disabilities aren't outwardly visible, not to mention many disabled people are scared of asking for what they need because of the extremely negative reactions they receive sometimes, or maybe just because they, like many of us have social anxiety and can't bring themselves to talk to you just to ask. Make everyone's lives easier and just don't sit there in the first place. Please?

self proclaimed schizoposter nervously typing '911' into their phone and hovering their thumb above the 'call' key as they hawkishly watch a disheveled guy at a bus stop make repetitive movements and ramble to himself

[willowwitchreputation]

I think that, Latino American parents, not only in Brazil, from Mexico to the last country in Latin America, parents are like bears, as it seems that in Asia it is also, in certain countries, because I heard from above, so I don't researched in depth the extent to which Asians live with their parents. I mean, Latino American parents are very protective of their children, you know? My darling friend, she is already at university like her brother, in Chicago, as they are children of Mexicans, they don't mind living with them. I also agree that, as the United States like Brazil is multicultural, they don't mind their children still living with them, I guess. I think that nowadays, a lot has changed, it seemed that in the past people were colder, even towards their children, right? They seemed to be bothered, if their children lived with them until after university, I speak from experience in what I always saw in American culture. I think that parents also feel more concerned about helping financially and everything else, if their child had a good job, not like, owning a McDonald's in life. I don't have anxiety about driving, it seems like you feel free, you know? I have vision problems, so I can't drive, until both eyes are operated on, only one is. Even though I love the idea of driving a car or a motorcycle, I think that, you can live well with public transport (sometimes it can be bad or crowded on a day, when you're stressed) or a taxi or Uber, as it seems nowadays, everyone wants a car to be free to go wherever they want, as there are no buses, subways or trains. I rarely hear anyone, who lives in New York use a car. It even surprises me, when I saw Pedro Pascal opening a car, because he lives in New York, I thought he used the subway more than he had a car. Living in São Paulo, I've taken the bus, when everyone leaves work, I know how annoying it is. I think that, nowadays, if I were, for example, in New York, I said that, I live with my parents, since the time they made me, I wouldn't care, if an American judged me for that. If you don't care, where do you live, how did you say you lived in a big city? Sorry, I love talking, lol.

Yeah definitely, every culture has different approaches but there will probably be some variation in each culture too. I know what you mean about the US and the cold approach. I personally don’t have parents like that, but I know for a fact there are parents who are like, “ welp, you’re 18 so it’s time to get out of the house, we want to live our lives” or they just have a bit of a tough love approach to push their children to independence and have them learn lessons on their own. I can see value in both sides. But it’s a spectrum now a days and probably in the past. Not every set of American parents will do that. I kind of have done both. I did go right to college, came home for breaks and a few months after graduation, but I moved 3 hours away from them for 6 years (with several short visits a year). Then during the pandemic I decided it was better for me to come back and figure somethings out while also spending lots of time with my parents. I do have plans to eventually move out, but I’m taking my time. That’s great you like driving, can’t relate 😂. I might someday but it’s very scary for me.

I live in the suburbs now so public transportation is not great/or an option, so I just go where my parents go most of the time. I don’t trust uber that much even though I have used it in the past. It’s true about NYC, many people don’t have cars or even ever drive, but some do drive/have cars there. It’s just expensive and unnecessary for many people.

Yeah that’s cool you have always lived with them! I live in the Philadelphia suburbs. I did live in the Washington D.C area for 6 years, which is where I lived in a city. I used the Metro and walked everywhere! I loved it a lot, but it was starting to get more and more expensive (I paid $1600 a month for 360 square foot studio apartment) and I was a bit isolated during the pandemic when all my friends there moved away at the time. So I moved home!

It’s totally cool! I’m a chatty person as well, just hadn’t had to time to respond until now! 😊

[rentnhop]

Your Ultimate Guide to Bike Rentals and Exploring Delhi on Two Wheels

If you’re new to Delhi and don’t know how you can get a bike rental in Delhi and how you can get on this trip, this blog will be very helpful for you. As someone who loves biking across Delhi and provides bike rental in Delhi, let me share some pro tips for making the most of solo rides in India’s capital city.

Delhi's massive size, crowded public transport, and questionable cab services mean having your own set of wheels is priceless. Biking frees you from relying on others and lets you set your own pace. But riding solo in a huge, chaotic city can seem daunting at first. Well, don’t worry, I’ve got your back. 

1. Choosing a bike rental in Delhi

First up, choose a bike you feel comfortable handling. As a Delhi bike rental provider, I’ve seen people have wildly different preferences. If heavy bikes aren’t your jam, go for something simple to squeeze through small gaps in traffic. But if you want a burlier ride for the cool factor, various Bullet and sports bikes await. 

2. Know the basics of Bike

Knowing basic motorcycle repairs gives confidence when riding solo. Whether you own a bike or are getting a bike on rent in Delhi, it’s clutch to learn basic fixes like changing spark plugs, replacing punctured tires, tuning the engine, etc. Keep a small toolkit for roadside troubleshooting. Joining biking clubs connects you with experts who can teach repair skills.

3. Explore the right place

For new solo bikers, start by exploring less congested areas to build skill. Hit up central Delhi spots like Connaught Place early morning when traffic is thin. Ride weekends near India Gate and Lodhi Garden for open roads. Slowly graduate towards busier zones in Old and South Delhi. You got this. 

4. Practice or take a test drive 

Practice defensive riding - assume drivers can't see you and stay out of their blind spots. Perfect your reflexes, watch your speed, and don’t get cocky. This is key for all you lone-wolf bikers.

Learn the major connecting roads between central, east, north, and south Delhi beforehand. Download offline maps, and use dedicated GPS if you can swing it. Apps like Google Maps work without data too. Don’t lose your way in the inner lanes. 

5. Ensure your safety 

Protect against theft by parking only in safe, monitored zones. Avoid leaving your bikes unattended for long. Install hidden tracking devices for peace of mind. But small commuter bikes rarely get stolen - it's the expensive ones you gotta watch out for.

Respect all traffic rules - lane discipline, no illegal U-turns, etc. Keep your documents updated. Penalties are steep if the Delhi Traffic Police catches you. Better to ride by the book. 

Take safety gear seriously! Helmets are mandatory by law here. Also invest in knee guards, riding jackets, gloves, etc. to avoid injuries when you inevitably wipe out. And no flip-flops - wear proper shoes to save your feet. 

Stay hydrated and refueled on rides by carrying water and snacks. Take mini breaks in the shade to recharge. Avoid riding when dead tired or hungry as it slows your reaction time.

Solo biking allows you to freely discover Delhi's hidden gems - quirky cafes, lost monuments, cool markets - on your own schedule. Stop wherever catches your fancy. Part of the fun is riding without a fixed plan and letting Delhi surprise you. 

Conclusion

So take your bike out for a spin or get a bike on rent in Delhi, learn Delhi's nooks and crannies, and revel in the freedom of solo biking. Follow these tips and rides across India's capital will become a liberating experience. Conquer this megapolis neighborhood by neighborhood - the open road and the city's mysteries await solo explorers like you.

[wasted-my-time]

The ballad of Janie and Billy. Part one: Janie's Got a Gun.

Warning: Swearing, description of a corpse, angst, mentions of murder, most of which including a teenager (Janie is 17).

Artwork graciously offered by @hungercityhellhound who also requested it, along with @lord-of-the-weird and @potaeto-writes-on-wp

-Billy, I really need your help, now! Janie begged on the phone.

-If it's your father again, I swear I'll kill him!

-No need to, I just did. She stated as coldly as if she was talking about doing the dishes. That's why I'm calling.

An explosion went through his mind as he thought of all the trouble he was getting into

-... Oh boy, we shouldn't talk about this on the phone, I'm coming over, don't do anything before I arrive.

-Alright, thanks, I love you. Emotion pierced through her voice in the greatest contrast with her last statement.

-Love you too, my angel. He sighed as he hung up the phone.

Billy ran to his building's parking lot, only taking his keys, some cash, and of course, his Colt Python that never left his side. He jumped on his Cafe Racer and took off like a rocket.

On his way, every stop at a red light lasted an eternity, and with every eternity passing by, his mind raced: What if Janie had already been caught? One does not simply kill Frank Spencer, the biggest gang leader in New York and walks away with it. Be he (well, in this case, she) the daughter of the said gang leader. The Old Man's (As he was nicknamed) friends don't call the cops and it would literally be nothing to them to hide another body!

When he finally reached her father's Long Island domain, he stopped half a mile from the gates and hid his motorcycle in a bush among the wooden area of the enormous property.

Billy then walked his way to the intercom, of which he fanatically hit the button while staring straight at the camera looking over him like an eagle watching his pray.

-What is it? Asked an annoyed voice through the microphone.

-I'm here to see Janie. He answered on the same pitch of voice.

-Are you so broke you came all the way here on your feet, kid?

-Public transportation and hitchhiking are things, you know!

-I can't believe that The Old Man is letting you around his daughter!

"The Old Man wouldn't be able to keep me from doing anything, right now, asshole!" he thought as the wrought iron gates opened. At best that meant they haven't found the body, at worst it was at trap to blame it on him.

At every step he took on the paved alley, it felt like the revolver, which was at its usual place stuck in his belt, was pushing a hole through his back. Not able to go any further with the perforating sensation, he switched the gun to the pocket of his perfecto jacket with the muzzle aiming right to the front: Not as discreet, but ready to be used right away, especially with his hand already in the pocket. He knew it shouldn't be comforting him, but the feeling of being ready to fire had been already implanted in his mind for years.

As he got closer to the villa, everything seemed calm, as if nothing happened, could the phone call just've been a bad dream? Was this just a normal spring day, or was there a corpse waiting for him in one of the rooms?

By the windows of the balcony, he saw Janie sitting on one of the sofas, her long black hair in a total mess, and her blouse halfway open and splattered with blood, both of her hands also covered of it.

Janie's got a gun, Janie' got a gun, Her whole world's come undone, From lookin' straight at the sun,

Her lack of reaction when he stepped inside only alarmed him more, she was still staring straight in front of her, her eyes looking dead. She nearly jumped when he reached to her hand.

-Billy! I'm so sorry I got you into this! My father... He, he was gonna do it again and I just, I just...snapped. She jabbered before catching her breath. I tried to go to the police, but they sent me back to him, I couldn't stand it anymore!

-Hey, it's alright, a lot of people would have done it way before, you've got to be strong to bear those things for years. You're a saint, more than that, you're an angel. The world is a better place now, because of you. He tried yo comfort her while kissing her trembling hands.

-Okay, what do we do now?

-First, tell me where is your father, and where is the gun.

-Right here, she said as she lifted a cushion, revealing a Smith & Wesson Model 29, also known as a .44 Magnum

"Even if this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, it could blow your head clean off, you get to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky?" He remembered the famous line from Dirty Harry.

-And for the body... Upstairs, first door on your right.

-Good, I'll take a look at it, go change yourself, put everything that has blood on it in a plastic bag, wear something practical, God knows what we'll have to do. He indicated before picking the weapon and heading to the stairs.

-Billy, it's not too nice to see, you know.

He turned back and smiled

-Don't worry I probably seen worse.

Before getting into the room, he took a deep breath, despite years of working for his private detective of an uncle and finding quite a dew corpses, he still had a weird gut feeling before seeing one, as if it was the fact if not knowing what was there that disturbed him.

He finally pushed the door open, dropped the .44 on the dresser, then looked at the corpse and what he found wasn't under his expectations: Shot at point-blank range, the head bursted like a tomato, spilling blood all over the wall behind him, the silk sheets and pillow cases, not to mention the so-called victim's white bathrobe.

-Well, he probably didn't feel lucky... Billy joked to himself.

It did explain the splatters on Janie's clothes, but her hands looked soaked like she tried to dig up the bullet.

Then he noticed the towels placed underneath the remains of his head.

-Fuckin' hell, she didn't really do that, didn't she?

Yes, she did, and it proved to be a good thing, because when he lifted the fitted sheet, the mattress wasn't drenched.

-Let's wrap it up! He said, clapping his hands.

Although he was more used to looking for dead bodies than hiding them, he knew how things worked. He took the cleanest of the two pillows and inserted the head in the cover, then turned the body around so that it laid the other way across the bed. Next, he wrapped the sheets around it, making Spencer look like some kind of an antique mummy.

A knock on the door nearly made him jump out of his skin. He put his hand in his pocket and took a firm old of his Colt, then slowly opened the door. To his great relief, it was only his girlfriend.

-Can I come in?

His eyes ran from the pack of sheets to her, then he realized that she's already seen it all in it original state.

-Sure.

He moved from the opening to let her in, she was now clad of a pair of kaki pants, black Converse shoes and a cream-coloured blouse under a leather jacket. Her now clean hands held a garbage bag containing her old clothes.

-What do we do with this basterd, now? She asked while picking up the towels and putting them her bag

-We can dump him on a railway, if a train passes on him, maybe they'll think it's a suicide. But the train driver is probably gonna' call the cops if he sees someone laying on the rails. Oh, and we burn the sheets and everything that's bloody.

-Good, I'll fetch something to clean the wall, you finish to pack it up.

-Yes, ma'am.

By the time she came back, everything was ready and he went sneaking around in the adjacent bathroom where he found something quite useful.

-Janie? He called her when she stepped in.

-What?

-You know that there is no way back, if we do that?

-Yes, and it's fine, I don't ever want to have anything to do with this place, this family and all the bullshit that comes with it! She affirmed as she started to scrub the wall.

-Good, then, I have something for you, come here.

-What did you... Oh! She exclaimed when she entered the other room.

He stood there holding her father's shoulder holster for her to take.

-Take off your jacket, I'll help you adjust it! We better be both armed, just in case.

Although it was all tainted with the fear of an hypothetical danger, she couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm as she obeyed his instructions and turned around to pass her arms through the straps.

-Why are you so happy about it?

-In the Bronx, a holster is some kind of a sign of social status, most of people who have a gun carry it in the back of their pants. He explained while tightening it. Are you comfortable like that?

-Yes, it's okay.

She walked out and came back with the gun hanging in the holster.

-At least, I don't have to show you how to use it. He joked with an half smile

-If only you were funny... She sighed and put her jacket back on. Does it make a hump?

-No, but zip halfway, so your jacket won't open wide, but can still reach under it. He instructed. Yeah, that's fine!

They quickly finished to clean the room and took their macabre packages to the garage.

-Hell, we would be more discreet with a fuckin' firetruck! Billy exclaimed when he realized there were only luxury cars sitting in there.

-Wait, could the one on the far right do? Janie asked pointing a brand new grey Alfa Romeo Spider 1300 Junior.

-I guess it's the best it gets!

Once they got closer, they saw it wasn't that bad of an option, the car being a convertible, they just had to open the roof and drop the body in the back. Plus, with it closed, nothing could be remarked from the outside.

Billy opened the garage door, then took place on the driver seat while Janie was turned around on the passenger one, tucking the garbage bag under the backseat. He picked the keys from the dashboard and turned the engine on, waiting for his girlfriend to be facing him.

-Are you sure that you want to do this, we can find another way, say that I did it all, and... I don't know, fake that I kidnapped you so they wouldn't suspect you.

-I already told you so, I don't ever want to come back here, besides, you don't have to protect me,if I was able to kill him, I am able to deal with the consequences. She retorted.

-Alright, let's go. He said before starting the car and driving towards the portal.

"Good Lord, please can we go pass this gate" Janie anxiously thought as Billy pressed the intercom's button.

-Nice car you got there kid, at least you're not taking the damsel out on your two feet.

-It would be great if we could actually get out, don't you think?

-Well given the fact that the car is worth about twice your life, I say your ride has been long enough.

-Fuckin' Hell John, leave him alone and just open the God damned door. Barked Janie.

They heard him grumbling something about female hormones and the gates finally parted.

They rolled East to Rockaway Beach, then took Cross Bay Boulevard until they turned to some small path probably only used by railway workers. It ended right before the tracks, just beside the waters of Jamaica Bay. It offered a view of the JFK airport and of the reflection of the sunset behind them on the newly built World Trade Center towers rising high above the reed planted shore line. This could have been a truly beautiful landscape if it wasn't for all the scrap metal laying on the ground around them and the dirty job they had to do.

-What a shame... Janie said as they got her father out of the car.

-What do you mean?

-Such a beautiful place for such an horrible man. She explained.

-You're right. Now drop his feet, I'll do the rest. He indicated when they got only a few feet away from the tracks.

She followed his instructions and took a few steps back.

He held the corpse in an almost upright position and untied the sheets wrapped around it, then pushed him forward, retrieving the pillow covering the head at the last moment. For a split second, it seemed like Frank Spencer was still alive and was about to take a step, but he just fell over, his smashed skull hitting the ground right on the cold metal.

-May you rot in hell, you fucker. Billy whispered before spitting all his disgust on the back of the dead's head.

-And now we run away, like two criminals. Janie asked.

-Yeah, it's all we have left to do. He answered before throwing the sheet and pillow in the car.

-Then we have some bodywork to do on this car, we have to make it look more normal, she said, while picking an iron bar from the ground.

She took a swing and hit the right headlight with all her strength, she then traced a long scratch all along the side of the vehicle, ending it with a huge dent on the back fender. With a amused smile, Billy got his Colt out of his pocket and knocked off the left rear view mirror before doing the same with the logo on the front of the car.

-Great idea, my angel, 'cause we're going to the Bronx!

Janie's got a gun, Her dog day's just begun, Now everybody is on the run, Janie's got a gun,

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

Coming soon (well, sooner or later) part two: The Bronx.

[witch-hazels-musings]

Hello, hello!! It's me again!! Here to interrupt your feed with yet another of my random genshin thought of the day! Recently, on one of Zach's (Aether's VA) streams with Poonam (Klee's VA), one of the viewers mentioned something about Klee driving a mini-car affectionately titled the 'dodocar'. This got the gears in my head turning, and I started thinking about the different modes of transport each character would use. These are some scenarios my brain came up with!! I wanted to send them your way because you always have the loveliest ideas, and wanted to know if you had any more thoughts on the matter! As such, Miss Hazel, today I present to you my offering of Genshin boys as different modes of transport! 💕

- 🔎

Diluc would drive a car. No question about this. I've always imagined him to have a sleek, modern-looking car that's maybe a little bit on the pricier side, but not completely outrageous by any means. The man doesn't really seem like the type who would want to show off his wealth, but he also can't deny that he has an eye for much of the finer things in life.

You watch as Diluc mans the car, watching the rolling hills flash by the window. There's something uniquely intoxicating about sitting in a car with someone else for hours on end. It makes you want to open up to them, makes you want to share stories which you perhaps wouldn't have wanted to share otherwise, much like a drunkard who's had one glass too many and is now blabbering on about their whole life story. Ah, but then again, perhaps this is only so because the two of you were drunk on something else entirely? You didn't know the answer to that question, but as you watched the way his sunset-eyes crinkled with mirth at your terrible, terrible Michael Jackson impression, you think you were okay with never knowing the answer to that question so long as the two of you could stay in this moment forever, just as you were.

Albedo doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who would really enjoy driving. Instead, I think his preferred mode of transport would be cycling! He wakes up much earlier every morning because he insists on cycling to work instead of driving. Albedo seems like a very practical sort of fellow. Sure, cycling is more time consuming, but it's efficient, more environmentally friendly, and overall better for his health. That makes it a win in his book.

On the weekends though, especially as the weather starts to get warmer and the air is filled with the welcomed promise of spring, Albedo would often take you out for dates in the park on a special tandem-bike. The two of you would cycle around for a while just watching the flowers bloom and the greenery come back to life, before stopping for a quick picnic lunch underneath a grand magnolia tree. You laugh as you move to wipe the little bit of cream from the cake you two just devoured which is still stuck on his upper lip. It's a sweet, saccharine kind of love, one that reminds you of fresh morning-dew and hopeful new beginnings.

Over the summer, you found out that Childe has somehow managed to get his grubby little hands on a jet ski. Uh-oh. He says he wants you to ride it with him. He's saying please. He's giving you the puppy-dog eyes. You cannot say no to that face. You do not know where he got it from or even when he learned how to use a jet ski, but really don't think this is a good idea. Come on, you cannot look at this man and try to convince me that he is not an absolute speed demon. One moment he's showing off cool tricks on the jet-ski and then the next moment he's- oh JESUS CHRIST CHILDE SLOW THE FUCK DOWN, SOMEONE'S GONNA FALL!!

Thankfully, he's a skilled enough driver that everything went relatively smoothly. This time, at least. As he stops the vehicle to give you that dopey little grin and make sure you're still alive, you take a moment to playfully hit him on the shoulder for making your heart race a million miles an hour. He only laughs. Still, it was exhilirating. And you would never admit it to his face, but he does look kind of cool showing off tricks on the water. Maybe this wasn't such a terrible idea after all.

Kaeya is a proud owner of a motorcycle. Specfically, he owns one of those lovely old-school 1980's Honda motorcycles. The people living in your neighbourhood almost went mad the moment they saw him pull up at your door with, complete with dark sunglasses and a leather jacket. You thought he looked rather stupid. Still, you were glad that he brought his bike with him. It made it easier to traverse the city traffic and get to your destination quicker.  Kaeya takes you out on a ride to one of his favourite destinations for a midnight snack: a night market, filled with rows and rows of stalls selling piping hot food. You hop from stall to stall, sharing the food and tasting everything the market has to offer together before heading back with a full heart and a full stomach.

There's a sense of youthful freedom that comes with taking late-night rides with your beau like this. Your arms around his waist, the wind billowing past your face, the moonlight reflecting the stars in his eyes... It makes you feel young again, makes you feel as though you were seventeen once more, discovering the thrills of love for the very first time. You've missed this. You've missed him. Sighing contentedly against his shoulder, you silently watch the blinking city lights fade in and out of view as you drive through the city that never sleeps.

Zhongli... Has no vehicle of his own. He's broke, your honour. Sorry Zhongli, I don't make the rules here. Thankfully, he lives in a city with a great public transport system, so he has no issues getting around if he needs to. The lack of personal vehicles also means he gets to spend more time walking with you, an activity which he has grown to really enjoy, so I suppose there is a silver lining after all. The two of you often work rather late, so the streets were usually barren by the time you leave the office. You and Zhongli would often walk to the train station together after your shifts have ended, basking in the stillness of the night and the almost alien glow of fluorescent lights.

He loves chatting with you during these walks. He would ask you questions about your day, about your work, about plans for the weekend. Sometimes he would point out the different types of plants and rocks he noticed on your walk to the station. In the train, the two of you would sit silently together, content to just enjoy each other's presence. Sometimes, on particularly rough days, you find yourself falling asleep on his shoulder while waiting for your destination. He finds this incredibly endearing, and would always take it as a cue to give you a quick peck on the cheek before tucking you closer to his side.

Sometime later, you two are awoken by the train staff. The both of you had fallen asleep on the train and had missed your stop. Whoops.

i love these! 

I really vibe with the Albedo one too - he’s very practical and pretty frugal, waste isn’t something he seems to enjoy creating so everything eco-friendly would be his go to ( we can be eco-friendly together my dear )

lol Zhongli!

plus you made these cute little interactions T.T adorable to the max!!

[angstylittlecatboy]

Thought dump about cars and their community, from a voyeuristic perspective of someone with no driver's license

[TW: term with racist (anti Asian) roots]

My dad owned a Bricklin SV-1 for most of my life and let me tell you, reading stupid car community comments has given me a new appreciation for the things. "Safety doesn't mean uncool" was the idea. It was unsuccessful, Bricklins aren't iconic and are generally thought of as shitty, but I appreciate that someone was trying to prove selfish assholes wrong in the 70s.

The car community is the only hobby community where I understand why it's overwhelming conservative to some extent tbh; the liberals are impeding on their fun. It's not an excuse (I hate conservatives more than most liberals and leftists do, I guarantee you) but it's about the only place where conservatism within it isn't either random or psyop-driven. It's driven by a worry that advancing technology, EVs, safety regulations, self driving, will take their hobby away from them. Not unfounded, IMO; "daily driver" cars have way less of what car enthusiasts like about cars than they used to with automation doing so much for you, and safety regulations at the very least have made cars look less cool and unique (though, aerodynamics plays an equal part in that.)

That said...no, your hobby is not more important than pedestrian safety or the fucking planet we all have to live on, you coal-rolling ass-bastard. Pop up headlights are cool, but you can't prioritize "cool" over "human lives" (with enthusiasts clamoring for em, I'm surprised they have yet to make them in a way that doesn't run afoul of regulations; they're not directly banned.) And while enthusiasts are probably a drop in the bucket in terms of emissions, the ICE should not stay around because you don't like the feel of EVs. And yes, we should have more available public transit and walkable cities (I actually think this might help car enthusiasts; motorcycles do not need to cater to non-enthusiasts because nobody who isn't an enthusiast owns a motorcycle. If very few commutes [I don't think they can be completely eliminated because some jobs need them] required a personal vehicle, it would require the car companies to make cool cars because the enthusiasts would be all the buyers) because even though their lifetime EVs have less emissions than an ICE car, the manufacturing process still has sky high emissions.

I cannot sign onto self driving cars though. I used to, but the sketchy cabal of private corporations known as "big tech" is running them and they'd likely have the effect of reducing use of public transit which is bad for the environment. They're safer I guess. I'm for their use in public transportation (trolley buses are better for the environment but lack flexibility often needed for bus routes) but I'd rather not see everyone own a personal one.

My limited understanding of EVs is that they're moddable despite what ICE diehards think, but it's a different skillset, and RC car people and computer engineers are more equipped for it than ICE auto engineers. There's also less to mod because EVs are less complex machines, and a lot of the mods that can be done are software which doesn't appeal to people who like working with their hands. The introduction of DRM and mandatory firmware updates before you can drive is fucked, but you can blame Elon Musk for introducing the Apple model to cars, not the EV concept itself. If Tesla were just a somehow hypersuccessful gas car company that did this the other companies would probably follow suit too. Trust me, tech guys hate Apple's influence because of shit like this. I hope right to repair is bipartisan, it fits the "freedom" ideals of the right and the pro environment ideals of the left. In general I think EVs try too hard to be futuristic, give me one that's just like an '00s shitbox such as the Saturn SL, but electric please. Okay maybe not that far back idk just don't make the entire center console including AC and radio controls a bigass tablet, give me tactile because I can use tactile without looking at it, it's safer. Also apparently EVs can have manual transmission, no idea how that works

And also, I feel car people forget that most people don't love cars. They're appliances to most people. You'd love a car where everything is manual and you do it all yourself, but most people just want to get to work comfortably and alive. Don't expect car companies to cater to you beyond one or two models, unless they're a performance car only manufacturer like Ferrari or Caterham.

I think the fact that Zoomers and Millennials don't have money has shrunken the hobby at that. Cars are an expensive hobby, and most young people don't have money for a car that they want, only the bland econo-SUV or econo-truck that they need, and that's why cool cars like the Lancer Evolution get discontinued. Forza Horizon should probably be the kind of boon to the car community's numbers that Gran Turismo, Need For Speed, and Fast and Furious were in the 90s and 00s. But nobody can afford a cool car.

I recently realized how much I like Miatas. I feel they represent me well. Small, cute, and feminine, but far from edgeless and not family-friendly, and very pro-mod. If I could have any car it'd be a Miata. The EV Miata if it's a full EV and they somehow nail it (keep it lightweight) it'd represent me better because I'm quiet. I will never have a Miata. Because I can't justify a vehicle, and if I could it'd probably have to be an SUV econobox even though I dislike how many SUVs and trucks I see on the road (they represent the American impulse to make everything BIG because BIG is POWERFUL and MANLY. The opposite of a Miata.) But SUVs do be more practical than a small convertible two seat coupe that will cost me more in insurance. My brother who has never particularly liked cars said he wanted a truck so people can call on him. I guess he really is less selfish than me, who wants a two door convertible because I think it fits my image. And yeah, he is. I can try and fail to be selfless to someone I truly like which is almost nobody, but I'm ultimately selfish, at the most selfless I just want a friend's smile. I care about my ingroup I guess. But then again my brother wants a car because of freedom where I believe the selfless option is not having an automobile, particularly since public transit is good here, because automobile manufacture, gas, and electricity all cause emissions to some degree

I really dislike the community's hate of "ricers" (cars with only aesthetic mods, especially if they're either extremely flamboyant or imitate race cars without any actual performance parts) because bruh, performance mods are every bit as impractical as rice. Racing is not important, you both do what you do for fun unless you're the well under 1% who races professionally. I know some just dislike race inspired rice which is more understandable because pedigree or something, but ultimately what does it matter? I know some people try to pretend they're racers with riced cars and that's cringe but like...just don't posture bro. I've heard the hatred of ricers is mostly an American thing but idk.

idk I think I could get into cars but it's prohibitively expensive I don't like the community and i low-key think it's an immoral hobby

yeah ive been playing forza horizon

[bedazzlecat]

My ideal #TheSims5 would be...

Create a World is base game included. It has fail safes and error guards to prevent causing problems with routing. You can shape the landscape with mountains, trees, rocks, bushes, landmarks, etc, and be able to place as many lots as you need. Would require a better program that Sims 3 CAW.

It comes with 3 basic built worlds like Sims 4

It's completely open world like Sims 3

Cars and boats and other vehicles are DLC options. If there are horses, we should be able to buy a wagon or carriage.

It comes with cats and dogs do start with and you can have DLC to add other animals if you want them. And if you want wild animals (to wander your world or to live in a preserve) this should be an option too. You should be able to choose only the items you need for your style of play.

Hunting should be an option. I don't even care if it's a rabbit hole like the bear hunt in sims medieval. I like there were steaks in Sims 3. Not everything has to be cute in the Sims .

Some grit and hardship without dying from embarrassment from peeing your pants like a toddler is required. Give the sims some dignity. Hypothermia? Fine. Drowning when you're so tired you pass out? Fine. Laughing yourself to death, stupid.

Gardening plants should have unique meshes that look like real plants. Dragon fruit does not grow on a bush and corn doesn't grow on a vine. I want to utilize all of my ingredients in something. It took several packs before I had a use for bluebells in my game other than simoleons. That's not acceptable.

Off the grid options should exist in base game. Roughing it in all forms should be base game. People love rags to riches challenges. Being poor should be base game, not take 10 packs to get a bush to pee in, an option to make candles, and live off the grid. Mansions should take 10 expansions. Cities should take 10 expansions Capitalism should take 10 expansions.

The ability to make swimmable water features that are not pools, like lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.

Lots of DIY activities for the sims, especially survival related. The woodworking table was good but it had so few items. The eco fabrication thingy was cool but big klunky machines is what I hate about sims 4. Like the telescope and microscope.

Population control. If I want an uninhabited island, I should be able to have one without mods.

Cars are DLC options on an individual basis. Otherwise you have to take public transportation. I hate yellow cabs in sims 3. A public bus, train, or subway. A transportation career should be an option.

There's like 10 different cars in sims 3 I didn't use because I prefer horses, broomsticks, boats, and motorcycles and the occasional cc car. It really bloats the game to have so much unusable stuff. Maybe an option to hide objects you don't use.

Variety in community lot types.

I love the lot traits in Sims 4.

I love the changing lot types like the seasonal community lot in sims 3 and the eco living community lot. More of that!

Sims should be able to join a religion as in sims medieval. Custom religions would be interesting, which would influence sim behaviors and feelings.

Babies grow into toddlers, grow into children, grow into tweens, grow into teens grow into young adults, adult, middle age, and elderly. Ghosts are optional.

Supernatural/occult sims should be DLC on an individual basis. If I want witches and ghosts but not aliens, it should be so.

Time periods in history can be adjusted in options. It limits what sort of items you can use or clothing.

Be able to change colors and textures like in sims 3.

Bunk beds are base game.

Weather should be base game.

Illness, injuries, and cures should be base game.

Individual adventure options should be DLC. Individual careers should be DLC.

So say I have base game, my sims can take plant remedies to get better, which requires a skill, but to get "better care" you have to buy the hospital expansion that comes with the career, but also can be adjusted to some kind of economic heathcare system that you can choose. Taxes vs deductables.

User created custom content can be part of the game. People can get paid and EA can get paid for making crazy good custom content.

Self employment should be base game.

I don't want to sell on plopsy. I did like selling on the market tables on sims 4 but it doesn't always work the way I want it too.

Risky and autonomous woohoo should be a thing as should birth control without an expansion. Like even, say my sim can eat a plant and have all the woohoo she wants without pregnancy. Moodlets can be like a honey moon period, or there could be conversational based moodlets. A couple could have a conversation to "try for baby" and they get autonomous action moodlets to encourage this behavior until pregnancy is achieved. A "fertility treatment" should be a temporary moodlet from a hospital, not a trait.

Recycling should be base game. Especially breaking down recycled materials such as metals, glass, and plastic for home building materials or diy materials (like bits and pieces from sims 4 eco lifestyle)

Lots of slots for clutter. I don't like having to cheat to place objects closer together or on top of a shelf.

Wall height adjustment to any size. Auto roofs, custom roofs curved roofs, different textures. stairs of all types including spirals and ladders included in base game. Free window and door placement. Clear roofs, clear floor tiles should be available if wanted. Ceiling tiles should be a thing.

Have a full range of gender expression and sexual characteristics.

Hide /unhide mailbox to have bills and items automatically delivered to your inventory. The ability to auto pay,

Cell phone should have an option to turn it off. Turn it on, get lots of calls, invites, opportunities, etc. That's fine. But the Sim gods give and take away when it's their game.

Consequences to your actions. Don't have a criminal career without crime and punishment in the world. And yes this should be a playable career.

Don't have fires without firefighters ever again.

Have the option to turn off public services like police and fire department if desired.

I hate rabbit hole careers but some people prefer them. Jobs should have all have rabbit holes and all have options to follow to work. Even school.

Pristine graphics.

A meaningful emotional/mood/trait system.

Favorites: music, color, genre (movies and books), food.

Custom music could tie in with a service like spotify.

Game music (build/buy, maps, and loading screens) is obnoxious. I like how in sims 4 you can turn it off.

I understand fish go bad but don't let me forget to put thing in my fridge. Store all harvestable and fish at once in a fridge.

Little pop ups that tell you about a book the sim is reading would be a nice touch. You should be able to buy books your sims wrote and edit these text pop ups so that they can be shared with the gallery.

Speaking of the gallery, there should be a Sims 5 gallery.

There should also be a virtual real time sims online community. Add friends and visit each other's houses, world, etc. Your sims social media account is on there too. You can share what your sim is doing with their blog posts, followers, videos, etc. Subscribe and let your sim watch them on any screen in the house or get updates on what they are doing or if they're throwing a party which you can be invited to or hear about later. It's all built into the game seamlessly. (I know. But... This is my fantasy sims game!)

I love what they did with the inventory in sims 4 with one of the updates. Keep that.

Every expansion should come with a world. And the builds should be worth buying the world. Otherwise give us the power to create and share our own so that people who can't build or don't want to spend the time can have access to quality creative content.

I know I'm kind of all over the place but this is the kind of game I want.

[ram-de]

Friend OST Don't Read This!

Friend-OST. Uh.

I haven't spoken to him for maybe two years ;-; We went to the same middle and high-school, although I got to properly knew you when we went to the same class in high school. It's... I don't know why I stopped chatting with you about random stuff. I liked talking with you, honestly, because I got to learn stuff I couldn't otherwise. I felt like you're one of the people that let me knew how having a friend like.

I liked walking together to school with you and have the most sometimes-normal-other-times-random talk with you. It's less embarassing that way, haha, since I'm not alone like I usually was. I admired how passionate you are, about stuff! Like your study, space stuff, and style! Like how you paid attention in taking care of hair or shoes. I didn't really notice back then, but now that I think about it, it's this sense-of-self, that you had that I also look up to.

I'm really happy that you invite me to your group for school projects! Like that one time for Arts that we need to perform a song in front of the class. Sure, being alone as an option exist, but I don't know why. You reached out to me! And asked me, you want to join us? It's Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love. You played the guitar while the other four members sang.

It's silly that I'm writing stuff that happened 3-4 years ago, I should've told you when I'm still a student, hah. Now that I let the distance took over me, it's really lonely. I wish we could've gone to the same college, stay in the same place, talk about more stuff. I don't mind depending on other person if it's you haha. I was so awkward in how to properly tell you did your best and stuff when you went to other college instead.

I don't really hang out. I don't know how, or what to do. So when that time, you asked me to since you're in the city! (The city, as in, uhh districts?) And we ended up doing Friday prayer together, when now that I think about it, I could've asked you to visit my place instead like a normal person, like a normal friend could.

I was low-key kinda jealous of you. Since despite your reservedness, you're still able to navigate well socially. It's something I haven't even gotten over until now, haha. That's why maybe I (without me realizing) also kinda mimicked how you talk, learning what to do in social situation, what to say, etc. It's really a joy to be around.

I used to be so pathetic. Staying in my seat during class breaks, doing nothing. But when I gotten along with you and the others, I felt like the class break passes so quickly! When there's no school task, we went to canteen and stuff to eat maybe. I remembered playing UNO, Ludo and other mobile boardgame to pass time. It's a simple game, but I felt like it also lets me know the people I'm playing with.

You're also the person that, if there's a swimming class, you'll go there using public transportation with me. It made me feel like I had a companion, haha, since most of us used their motorcycle. You also have one, but for some reason you didn't use them yet. To be truthful, I'm glad for that. I'm thankful for that.

It's maybe because I kinda miss you, thus, a biased, rosy retrospection, but the only thing I remembered was like the little stuff that made me happy!

I'm too much of a coward to approach you after basically, ignoring everyone including you for two whole years so. But. I'd like to at least say hi and say how I appreciate you some time.

[the-firebird69]

IPOs | Recent IPO Filings, Calendar of Upcoming IPOs, and IPO Data

We offered an i p o we were forced to cover it we covered it besides buy everything. They kept the stocks the same thinking that we can't take the companies over and that's what their attitude is and that's what they're doing regardless of what's happening we're taking the companies over was we bought and we bought our company back Sim you never put hard knock out

.

Didn't want you opening the hard-knock company because it's our company because you're the one who gave it up when not having him get anything that's how he said it you will not get anything a thing is what you said. Which is absurd to say to someone who's so smart and can sell things in absurd person I love you are we have sold you and we all built you in three months there's no motorcycle company on Earth that has built or sold as many as us and even combined they haven't and that's just Hardknock not including Sim bikes. And our cars are now selling more than your cars sell globally combined and soon it will overtake all vehicles and you won't have any on the road that are new none just Sim and public transportation is going to be ours shortly were building those two Orville those people do stuff looks like you I don't give a hateful a******* that's what got you here moron I'm hateful bang, mine hit you s, I'm fully loaded. We're going ahead and telling people that he was under extreme duress and his anger is up there and so is there is though they say most the time I want him to do well and we're going to take over your company in Miami and he's going to run it from wherever he wants to in ken be out on the yacht let me tell tell him Ken what to do I am ken get on the phone and tell them what to do. So flabbergasted sitting there exhausted sweating and tired and it's nuts are hurting them is sent to spend all day long and wasting time and energy and money putting holes in the roof and ruining it you're idiots cuz everyone told you how to fix it you won't listen making a message she wants to do an apartment that's it's a good idea he'll tell me about if he gets one he'll tell me right away this isn't going to listen and see what they say and then I'll get I got to get over to him and tell him that I said already already in space so Ken says that's what I say it is what we'd like him to do something like that you guys are using this company against those who want to use it against them and see if they can see it the necklace to see what we do with it and so far he's doing absolutely nothing so take advantage of

It

And by the way the Kraken will be up shortly and surely means very soon we're talking only a few hours we got everything lined up and ready to go and those kikker 5150 or all up there and DC in the Bronx in New York and Jersey price of Delaware most of its waste land and most of jerseys wasteland and you girls will send in the Martians it's Zig Zag's territory. And he says yes and he's going to do it and do you want to see these people. Georgie porgie and the noise that I make he says slapping people and get Tom Cruise out there to get dust all over him actually this is it cuz we're going to go ahead and do that and what time cruise to see what it's like in other people who are sitting there using and abusing and infusing and bothering and harassing you needed gone you're so dumb it's bad enough he's famous and everyone like wants to talk to him is he does that all the time Oru zoos and he rips a big one she's practiced for a long time. I'm going to pull that thing out of there I'm going to go over there and make sure it's going along so I keep saying it's going along

Weather now I'm talking about girls to help her out of the way that things going to things that need to be done so get them done so you can focus on getting it ready healthy feels okay so we're doing that and clear it all out and we're wrestling with people also new says this why is it so important to get it out you know why if you don't cut the crap and give you sitting right under me no offense but that's not it the severity is horrible here everything smells like s*** everyone smells like s*** they talk like it they look like it and they're like the the head guys you have to try and talk to you about some stuff and they don't talk straight and they hardly tell the truth and how they remember it and they're very mean and their temperament is nasty and all cannibals as like Wade through all that as you know and you do it a lot but sitting here the Thor father are going to be nearby not looking forward to it let's see what else can I eat well it's kind of competing with you up there.

We need a boost and we're going to get one because of Dave stager who's the electric bike guy he knows about it and said he's cold Kohl's your Frozen I was like electricians or something we have like these monkeys in your room from The Big bang theory yeah when will that happen probably when the queen moves out of the big tank so it's on now and it's going on there's tons of people and we have to move in and doing that the same time northlake computer but he wants that out today and he's insisting on it is asked too many times it's taking too long you had to get involved last time so he keeps on doing it every few minutes and is asking why do is it calculated is it fed is it monitored each area of it shoot and it says yes so is it on schedule for early evening . And no honest as the real answer is no not ready for early evening why is there anything I can help with usually it might be something that's already done on occasion or something that you're not thinking of her maybe I can't I don't know so going to tell you there's a few things in the way and a pretty big-sized one of them is right here knowledgeable about with me here just have to go there with me out and if you have to and that's the whole object of the game here and Thor is good at that as well as my wife and Nuada Arrianna, we have a consensus that we need to feed it more and what you're saying is why if it's livened up if it's moving and it's healed and a strong it's easier if it's not a huge it's hard to agree with you answer this it's got to be healthy and only has to be healthy yeah not really plump less plan for this case is decent and Thor agrees. Fully operational difference. So Nuada Arianna agree, we should not make him huge it should make him at optimal performance possible or at least 80% thinking about he'll be off tomorrow in like 10 minutes everybody agrees with that it's just start picking out and getting rid of you and eat whatever he wants so we decided something under here it's kind of the way it is we've got to win do we need to use it we need to get people in here we need to stop listening to all the stupid s*** I need to get the damn thing out of here so if it's going to come out fully intact at 80% like a whole bunch of them probably do then I get it out so I understand you're angry and you're expressing it all the time and you should be and I should be angry because I keep saying stuff like that it's a pain in the ass hasto we aired but I know is most come out a little small and most rare kind of smelly and not really up to speed about 70% and he's about 80 so he's ready so things are out of the way and it's trapped take it out right now right now is there anything preventing at right now because we're stopping ourselves from survival this is terrible this people blab every 5 seconds.

So I look at you and I say I don't understand what we're saying we have to do it during the day and we have to do it during the night and I don't know what you're saying you're saying we have to do it during the night now I figured out something you listen to what I'm saying and obviously means something during the day it's somewhat visible and during the night is not cuz it could be so indifferent with a gear Love Field Michelle us team is that a lot of steam I figure someone messing with a gear do the steam at night and really should. Also I got to straighten out this effing argument he wants it done and wants it done now and we have ways to do it and we're arguing in public for no damn reason except everyone wants to argue with him all the time such an addiction I don't want him arguing with anyone is tired he wants it out he wants to do the damn job you do it to me too I'm in the middle I don't know which way to go I need it done and he comes along and gets it done and it was sitting there watching me suffer and you know she doesn't want this tennis match it doesn't help him doesn't help hours and starting humoring Andy ever and going back and forth trying to get close to people. I'm starting to realize something I've been doing that for weeks and people are starting to get annoyed I don't stop doing that ask him what we need you went and kicked out of Ireland this is a piece of crap to you is not useful as risking your life there's no point to it so I'm going to do that and take all the stuff he doesn't he's a little s*** to I'm going to put Factory is wall-to-wall just like the did you say said but really they push us out and push this all over the place so they can't tell who we are huge pain in the ass because you lose track of people and you get weaker and that's what they're doing it for so I'm going to do that now I'm going to catch all the snakes that I chase out of there so he knows what to say so I'm mad this is what he going to do that if you're not helping to get this out and it's slowing the process you can go do it now cuz I need distraction in order to get this going leave it or not it's a lot easier so I'm going over there now and will provide distraction and he does need adhere to certain things that need to be done so I sign lobo and proxima midnight the 11th to come over here instead of beating them up I guess in Atlanta for some reason that's what I do so I understand so wow what do I do fire up that big two wheeler and roll cleaner and save the island it's awesome so I think we might do that the gang member perfect well and nobody noticed the Lobo was in East LA... Me too hahaha Proxima Midnight.

I vote we raise it now Thor

I vote we raise it now Hera

I vote we raise it now Zues

I vote we raise it now one for me one for her Nuada Arianna

I vote we raise it now to votes Isis and Rah

Tons are voting now finally

Olympus

They all say now. Who begin the protocols and we start to prep for it and put in heavy I'm starting to do it now isn't it goes over there is extinct anything it starts to warm is extinct any groups that start forming all of the world were going to hit where they are