#this is the most political i get but i care much

[johnbierce]

It's finally launch day for my new book! The City That Would Eat the World, book one of the More Gods Than Stars Trilogy, is out now on Amazon and Audible! More Gods Than Stars is socialist sword and sorcery progression fantasy starring a pair of wandering lady adventurers, set on a gas giant's habitable moon, featuring a mimic-based ecosystem, uncounted millions of gods ranging from ones for individual teakettles to gods of entire cities, a ridiculously complex magic-based economy in the vein of Max Gladstone's Craft Sequence, anime-inspired fight scenes, a trans deuteragonist (and plenty of other queer characters), a pseudomedieval megastructure arcology spreading uncontrollably across the landscape, and last but definitely not least, the god of counting flagstones.

"An incredibly imaginative adventure through the corrupt underbelly of a world-devouring and ever-expanding city and its gods-blessed inhabitants. Magical engineering, economics, divine blessings and human corruption combine into an adventure through a truly original setting."

Cameron Johnston, Author of Age of Tyranny & The Maleficent Seven

Art by Lukas Ketner, Cover Design by Virginia McClain

Thea is a washed-up mimic exterminator who expected more out of life, not some hero from stories. Aven is an impulsive wandering adventurer whose personal goddess is constantly getting her into trouble. Neither of them have the slightest interest in getting involved in world-shaking historical events. History doesn’t care what they want, unfortunately, and it’s fallen right into their laps in the shape of a godslaying weapon from a fallen civilization. Thrown together out of chance, Thea and Aven will have to learn to work together if they want to survive their pursuers. Because if they fail, and the weapon falls into the wrong hands? The results won’t be pretty. No one’s going to be using it on some random street corner goddess, teakettle god, or any of the other countless teeming millions of divinities on Ishveos. No, there’s one target that sits above all others. Cambrias, Whose Watch Never Ends. Cambrias, whose power has given rise to Cambrias’ Wall, the greatest city in the known multiverse- a city that has already covered much of a continent, and is strip mining entire mountain ranges for space and building material. A city that threatens to spread across the entire surface of Ishveos. And there’s no shortage of folks willing to kill Thea and Aven in order to stop the Wall, no matter the consequences.

I'm incredibly proud of this one- I spent years on the research behind its world, reading literally dozens of books on architecture, economics, leftist political theory, and theology. Though, for all that I genuinely tried to say something important with The City That Would Eat the World, I also did my best to keep it a fun, high-octane fantasy adventure- and I'm pretty dang confident I succeeded on that latter part. It draws heavily in inspiration from Terry Pratchett, China Mieville, and Max Gladstone; as well as the classic sword and sorcery adventure stories like Jirel of Joiry, Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, and their ilk. More Gods Than Stars is set in the same multiverse as my other books, the magic school series Mage Errant and the standalone epidemiological fantasy novel The Wrack, but you don't need to have read either of them to read this, or vice versa.

"The City That Would Eat The World is easily one of the most impressive books I've ever read. Not only has Bierce conjured up a hell of an adventure from page one, but he's also crafted a strange and gritty world with stunning depth, jammed it full of fantastic characters, then topped it all off with an explosive ending. The next book can't come soon enough."

Kyle Kirrin, author of The Ripple System

[lazy-active-me]

Another trend we have to see is the following, everything that is happening in the us now is trickling down to Europe… So just wait ten years and see all the little trumps in Europe… let’s hope we ain’t got Germany taking it too far again… Homelessness is going to be on the rise in Germany if things don’t change. Major cities with have the capacity to offer a lot of jobs also have the problem of record high rents and housing prices that don’t seem to fall. Which inevitably not only leads to more and more people ending up with a too low income, driving them into poverty or depending more and more on the state. If our economy does not change on a global level, it will not matter anyway, since we will see the wars occurring that we got warned about in school by some teachers… Since no country wants to ruin their economy in the short run over climate change wich will only impact them in the long run. Capitalism is a system which is working for certain developments, but not all. Climate change is not offering enough profit until our politics and economies are changing globally… and if that ain’t happening, we are just running into water wars, wars over land that is still usable for farming…

I am not saying I know the answer, but we all know sure as hell, what we are doing now ain’t it. Big companies are washing their conscience in how many jobs they are generating and oh how much of their money they invest in the environment. If you break it down though and put their real impact on waste production, energy use, resource use and co. In relation to what they make, how much they invest into their employees (categorize them btw for gods sake, so that we can see how much managers vs casual workers earn) and how much they put into actual projects that have a positive impact on the environment… I bet most of us will know that it will be off kilter… but well. Just me ranting about shit… and people will always say well that is how it works though… Well fucking know that it is how things are going right now. I don’t want an all liberal party to rule, neither an all out conservative… Man I want that people finally can put their ego to the side and work together. We are living on the same planet, breathing its air , drinking its water. We all have the same right on this world. Fucking cut the crap, we already are in a global economy, but we are still operating it on a broken system that has more holes in it than a Swiss cheese. Make taxes the same in all countries —> there ain’t no gains anymore for big players to move around since they pay the same everywhere —> get a global loan policy —> they can not move their factories in hopes of using cheap labor —> make a set of base cost for resources —> they can not move around anymore for getting things cheaper… — > Policies for using resources more efficiently —-> to avoid useless waste being shipped around the world and filling dumps —> this obviously means we have to take more care when designing shit, so that it lasts is efficient and can be repaired more easily. —> Repair before you get a new product… helps with the waste issues again… make borders open for anybody —> it is going to be chaotic for a while, but it will ultimately lead to a more densely populated world —> cities will grow —> since that is where the jobs are —> Environments where the situation is not good will move to others —> first there will be conflicts yes but having more people live in specific areas will lead to more space for nature to regain it’s health.

Environmental zones —- they are left to their own devices after a little help —> more diversity and more vegetation—> more co2 bound

There is so much that can already be done, but it does not give an economical edge that is big enough yet for people to commit. So we rather run the old system dry until it collapses, and don’t believe the big players will be hurt most… the privateers will have enough power to get out of it decently.

Source

[drdemonprince]

what do u think about romance abolition? i recently discovered that i dont think romance actually exists as in i think every relationship every person has with anyone is unique and different. the concept of romance is rooted in a lof of our opressive systems and aphobia is inherently tied to it. i think these labels of being in a "romantic" relationship endanger everyone due to a percieved wrong clearness of what their relationship boundaries and expectations are and it also devalues "platonic" (and a lot other) relationships.

i also recommend the aromantic manifesto blog on here to kind of get part of the concept im talking abt

this comes from the mind of an audhd aroace trans person, if thats of any relevance!

thank u for ur blog an your opinions ⭐

I am fairly receptive to the idea that romance as we currently conceive of it is a recent cultural invention that is pretty ahistorical, and that is used to further the isolation of individuals from community. but also, I don't think we are going to get anywhere as a social or political movement in denying the feelings that a majority of people have, myself very much among them.

Even if it is all born of cultural conditioning, the cat is kind of out of the bag, and a great deal of us experience a romantic drive, romantic longings, close attachments that are romantic that we experience as distinct from non-romantic attachments, and view romance as a meaningful fount of inspiration in our art, sexualities, and even spiritualities.

I am all for a move away from amatonormativity and the primacy of the monogamous, legally committed relationship, but I do think there is something emotionally real going on there for those of us who experience it. I used to care a lot more about straightforward rationality, and after that about justice, but now I care a great deal about the emotionally felt reality of things, and the realms of life that are not easily categorized or known. I can't explain why the idea of romance is important to me, only that it is, and I personally have no desire in doing away with it.

perhaps I feel some of the resistance to the idea of romance abolition that some instantly feel when they first hear of family abolition-- The idea makes them uncomfortable because of what it sounds like, which is a threat to something that they are very bonded to.

I think on an institutional level it would be very beneficial to not tie social benefits or legal status to a person's romantic relationships. but in terms of my personal life? I draw very firm boundaries between relationships that are romantic in nature and those that are not, that is a distinction that is very important to me and I often feel really trampled upon by people who believe that no one should see a designation between those things. in most of the world writ large that's a very small problem, but I mostly run with polyamorous queer people who tend to see many of their relationships is a big mishmash of affection and commitment and friendship and that can get real fucking messy real fast in addition to being beautiful or revolutionary or what have you.

I think ultimately I'm a little bit more interested in providing the social supports and physical infrastructure that would make it more possible for individuals to form community in whatever ways that means for them. I think a lot of beneficial social changes and liberation would flow from that, rather than moving to abolish romantic relationships first.

and I really do get uncomfortable when a certain subcategory of relationally radical polyamorous queer people try to push against other people's romantic or sexual boundaries in the name of liberation; I understand if that sounds like a totally ridiculous complaint to you, the way a person complaining about veganism being forced on them almost always sounds like a overreacting cry baby, but I've been in enough toxic fucking communities since I was an 18-year-old to feel like I'm owed this grievance, and kind of want to give voice to it because I have seen people be abused in the name of otherwise really understandable ideals like these.

I think it is okay for a person to draw distinctions between their types of relationships, and to want certain forms of attachment with only certain people... there has to be a way to square this with a desire for greater community ties and interreliance. I need there to be, or it would not be a ideology I could really find myself safely within to be honest.

All that uncomfortable hand ringing aside, as a member of the asexual community and a person who does not form connections in a typical way, I have so much respect and care for my aromantic comrades and I do recognize how supremely excluded from basically every social practice and institution in the world you are, and how difficult it is for anyone to make family or build community for themselves in a world that prioritizes exclusive romantic relationships over everything. and I do really believe that fighting against that is a worthy and necessary project. I am perhaps just ultimately a bit less enlightened in terms of what I personally need and aspire to.

[red-phantom-0]

SALVATORE

•,¸,.·' '·.,¸,••,¸,.·' '·.,¸,•

-> tim drake blurb 🍵

-> tim drake has a crush on his favorite barista

life is forever busy for Tim , constantly juggling his ever pressing responsibilities of being Red Robin , school , completing cases for Bruce and helping run Wayne Enterprises- honestly his time for himself is so slim he often finds himself neglecting himself.

he's so accustomed to catering to everyone that when it comes to himself, he honestly doesn't know what to do - like does he take a nap and run the possibility that something happens when everyone needs himmost or does he skip on patrol tonight to watch that one series he's been wanting to for a while but then someone get's hurt covering for him?

overthinking about the endless possibilities makes him dizzy . he loves everyone too much to burden them with that even though Jason and Damian pisses him off to the point where he holds them all too dear . though no matter how busy his ever hectic schedule is he always makes time for coffee- always.

he doesn't care nor mind how clichè it is, but nothing beats the feeling of sipping a warm lattè on a cool evening or the smell of cinnamon and spice that seems to float around in the air everytime you open the doors to a cafè. there is no recreating that feeling of peace when you sit down and just watch the world move along and have that sense of peace .

today there was a new cafè opened not too far from his school and tim has to try it out . His mouth has been salvating since yesterday when he heard rumors of matcha roll cake with vanilla whipped cream in their menu . even now, his mouth is foaming as he approaches the small little shop tucked away between hustling apartments and shopping complexes.

tim pushes open the glass pane doors of the cafè and his nose is immediately hit with the scent of cinnamon and freshly brewed coffee. wooden tables with dainty matching wooden chairs were spread out , a few latterns adorned the ceiling , giving the atmosphere a warm glow .

a huge wall was adorned with jars of presumably different coffees with country flags next to them , another adorned with welcoming and menu posters while others were filled with shrubbery.

it was so peaceful . Tom seated himself on a seat near a window and took it upon himself to scan through the menu . he was so lost in thought that he hadn't noticed the pretty barista that came to his table .

"Good afternoon sir what can I get you ?"came a sweet yet gentle voice . Tim looked up from his menu towards the sound of the voice, and his eyes widened - in front of him was probably the most ethereal being and they were talking to him .

" Oh uhm - I would like a uhhhh chocolate lattè with a matcha roll cake, please," he called out his order , careful not to embarrass himself in front of this beautiful being . They gave him a small smile , " Alright I will get your order out in the next five minutes sir " .

Tim watched in pure awe as they walked away behind the counter and began watching them make his order . His faze fully fixated on the way their delicate hands maneuver around the coffee machine and they way they appear so elegant as they do the most basic tasks .

it wasn't before long they brought him his order and lord was tim red and shy . he politely thanked them, and they, in return, had to flash him their angelic smile, and he swore at that moment he felt like he was in heaven .

tim digged into his roll cake - the food practically melting so perfectly with his taste buds . tim takes a sip of his coffee as he peaks at them from the corner of his eye - god why are they so - so perfect ?

that day forward, cafès didn't only offer him peace of mind for him, but they also offered him a chance to be so close to them . of someone where to ask him right now if he had a crush, he'd immediately deny it, but anyone can tell by the way his cheeks redden and the fact he now literally visits this cafè every day that he is definitely helplessly crushing on his favorite barista.

[stoopidpigeonxx]

Can you do the tupar crew and their partner taking those freaky chocolates and something with spit play please (😞🙏🏽)

Also I love your content!!

Aphrodisiacs.. me likey >:-) I can do this, yes! And thank you lovey <33 I got confused and wrote the crew taking them- I hope this suffices, sorry :'3

Curly

-god dammit he knew something was wrong with those chocolates.. You wouldn't randomly offer him some without consequences. -Dude is throbbing hard and it's all your fault. -Super grabby, clingy, touchy, kinda like a dog. He's panting and groaning because he's so hard it hurts. -Almost cries when you teasingly ask him what's wrong because you KNOW what's wrong, you evil little minx you. -"I d'no, I just.. fuck, I really need to be inside of you, angel.. like right now." -If you agree to help him out, he's throwing you over his shoulder to your quarters faster than lightning. He's on a roll. -Prepare for a loooong night. You will most likely not be able to walk tomorrow and possibly the day after that. -For real, he's going at least 8 rounds. -You've never had that many orgasms in your LIFE. -and the best part.. his rampant horniness makes him the BEST sweet talker. -Oh my GOD. -"Fuck, fuck fuck, you're so warm n' tight, you're fucking perfect, shit.. I love you, I love you s'much, my beautiful girl/boy.." -"Yeaah, you like takin' it? I know, baby, I know you do." -yeah, you might have to take a couple plan b's.

Jimmy

-oh he is pissed. -Doesn't matter if it was accidental or not, he's getting your ass. -Grabs you out of nowhere and shoves your ass against him with his hand on your throat. -"So you think yer fuckin' slick, huh? Givin' me that shit that's got me hard as a rock? Well if you wanna play like that, doll, I hope you can take what you get." -Does not give any fucks. Just bends you over wherever he's got you and goes to town. -And he's rough with it. Ass smacking, choking, hair pulling. It's your fault he's this horny anyways. He wants you to regret it. -"You wanted to get fucked like this, didn't cha, slut? Well you fucking got it. You gonna take this dick all fuckin' night." -leaving you with handprints on your ass and his seed leaking down your legs. Probably just. Leaves you in a crumpled up state. And goes to bed. You can handle yourself.

Daisuke (Ftm for this one!!)

-oh you're gonna kill this poor man. -He was already horny enough as it is!! -He's so fucking that he could cum if you so much as poke his clit. -rubbing himself on your thigh while y'all are cuddling.. -he's like a dog in heat. PLEASE fuck this man. -"Please please please please, baby.. I'm gonna diee... you're killing meeeee.." -rolled over pawing at your thighs and shit. He's so fucking down bad. -EAT HIM OUT!!!! -Or just.... do anything. Like it's painful for him to be this horny. Put him out of his misery. -goes so dumb when he cums that he's babbling literal nonsense. It's so illegible. -"Ohhhh fuckfuckfuckfuck, shit, fuuuuck-! Baby- oh my god.. fuck.." -Knocks the hell out afterwards. He's tired. :-(

Anya

-you're a monster.... -she has to deal with the aching between her thighs while she's working??? -She's very polite at hinting what she wants, but it's still pretty obvious. She's clingy as hell, and pressing her hips against you a bit too hard. -"H-honey, I hate to be a bother, but, I really need your help.." -literally just a full night of the sweetest, most passionate sex ever. She's such a romantic.. -eat this girl OUT. Let her ride your face. She really needs it. -Not super vocal regarding words, but makes some really sweet noises. -Probably only gets vocal when she's about to cum. And it's mostly just your name over and over. :-3 -Girly has unlimited stamina. Even if you can't go anymore, she'll ride your thigh or something.

Swansea

-probably the most respectful out of them all. -doesn't bother you, can take care of himself, unless you're actively offering. -He tries really really hard not to go absolutely feral since he knows that would be physically hard for him. But jeez, you're so hot, and he's harder than he's ever gotten, even in his youth. -Would marathon go down on you. You taste delicious, he'd be stupid to refuse you. -"Jesus, darlin', you're the most beautiful person i've ever met.. M'so lucky to have ya all to myself." -probably doesn't go super long. He's old. He doesn't have much stamina. He'll go as long as he possibly can for you, though. He wants to make you feel as good as he does.

[undeadslayerr]

I think I get what you mean. I guess since I don't really experience transphobia in the way that people would attack me on the street for looking gnc or trans, I'd rather assume transphobia is less pervasive. This example you gave makes me really understand the whole point better.

those who stay silent are complicit in transphobia, even if they gender us correctly and are generally polite to us.

I guess since most people just don't have much of an opinion about trans issues at all, I'd assume they aren't transphobic. You're right that it may be the opposite.

Society itself is definitely transphobic, and is for sure constructed in a misogynistic and transphobic way. And because of it, I agree that a lot of people are definitely made to be transphobic. But I'm of the opinion that if detached from that influence, most people wouldn't really mind anyone trans. I guess that doesn't make them not transphobic per se.

I'm gonna go on a more personal tangent now to explain my perspective a bit more. You don't have to read it if you dgaf lol, it really doesn't matter much.

For example, I had a doctor appointment very recently. I outed myself as trans to the doctor. Basically the situation was:

I was there under my deadname to make everything medical easier. During the medical exam she noticed excessive body hair and asked if I'm under a doctor's care regarding any hormone imbalances, since it looks like I could have excessive testosterone. I sheepishly explained that it's intended, because I'm trans and taking testosterone.

She wasn't grossed out or rude or anything. She asked for my chosen name and referred to me by it. She switched my pronouns when she was speaking halfway through the visit. She congratulated me, said I look masculine and HRT is clearly working, and said she's happy people today can be who they wanna be.

At first she had trouble referring to me by the correct pronouns, but she corrected herself very quickly. I bet she must have some transphobic worldviews. Maybe she was, at some point, transphobic to someone else. But I don't think any of that is malicious. I think she doesn't want to be transphobic. Maybe even as much as me, who's actually a part of the trans community. I think she's uneducated and clueless about the stuff that just doesn't affect her as much.

And I think, because of that, I'd rather just not assume transphobia. I think I'll still approach people with the mindset of "not transphobic until proven otherwise", just for my own peace of mind I guess. I feel like people who are not transphobic can be educated, while transphobes don't even hear you out.

I think you're right though, in the way that transphobia is much more varied and prevalent than just physical violence in the streets. And a lot of people, including myself, can still hold transphobic worldviews they were taught, and just overall be transphobic, even if unintended. I think the problem I have with this, is how unclear it really all is in practice. Sexism, racism, transphobia and homophobia often intersect, not mentioning the fact that some people are just bigots for sport. At what point does being uneducated stop and being malicious start?

Overall it's a complex issue and I appreciate the explanation!! I know, despite the fact that I'm trans, I don't really know everything about trans issues, so I see a lot of value in dialogues like this. :))

why do people assume celebrities are not transphobic by default? we live in a deeply transphobic world. many of the "basic facts about the world" we are taught as children are fully transphobic lies. i don't get why, when people like a celebrity, they write a little fictional biography in their head about how they're probably not transphobic (despite the fact that, mathematically, most people totally transphobic, especially people of class celebrities belong to). like why? why just assume that people in this deeply transphobic world are progressive trans allies by default without any kind of evidence?

[patchworkcuddlebug]

Good Dolls Play Pretend

The doll knew about this store since it was a person, but it never bothered coming before it became. Now, it stopped by every time it was in the city to collect some authentic Asian tea. The mall was a little out of the way, but its witch didn't mind! So it sipped on some boba tea it ordered from a specialty cafe just a floor down while it decided on what flavour to-

"Woah, [XXXXX]?"

It froze as it turned to face whatever just spoke. It was a person, a man that was once the same age as it, a man that it tried and failed to date before it became. "Oh my god, it's been so long, how've you been?" He seems genuinely excited to see this one again.

This one learned to cover its joints with sweaters and longer skirts. This one knew how to talk to make people less mad or confused. This one knew how to play pretend.

"No way! Oh my god, I totally didn't expect to run into you." it said, forcing away its usual eager docility for normal human surprise.

The conversation continued as it would. The man went back to finish his undergrad after the hotel job didn't work out. This one bent the truth just enough to say it found a job as a maid for a normal upper-class woman. It was working, he believed this one! Such a good doll. It was so polite too, nodding along, encouraging him to talk, even accepting his party invitation!

. . . . .

This one finally left the store with a friendly wave as the person went in a different direction. It held the bag of tea as it waited for the bus, finding stillness as it alwaIT ACCEPTED HIS PARTY INVITATION.

Jeans, plain black t-shirt, thin grey zip-up hoodie. Normal person clothes.

Human, it reiterated to itself, waiting for the man to unlock the door to the university's dormitory building. This one... I am a normal human. I have normal human hobbies, such as... chess. I don't smoke but I occasionally drink. I own a computer... no, a laptop, and use it a few hours a week. No, a few dozen. I sometimes order fast food with an app on my cell phone.

The door opens and this one begins to pretend. It is not politely standing at attention, awaiting orders. It has a relaxed demeanour and a casual regard for most things. It smiled at those sent to great it and lead it to the on-campus pub, with the amount of demureness that is normally expected from a human person.

This one can hear the music from all the way down the hall. It is intentionally showing a normal human reaction, which is neutrality.

This one hasn't been contributing to the conversation as much as it thinks it should. The people have been talking at it, explaining what a pub crawl is and what kind of alcohol it should order. It really, really, really shouldn't ask if they serve tea.

The people take a seat at one of the tables, and it joins. The others ask what it would like to order for an appetizer. It says the pizza seems tastiest. It doesn't say it seems the least messy.

The waitress arrives. The others are ordering drinks. They're saying names the doll doesn't recognize, and maybe never did. The doll asks the waitress what drinks they have, and the others look at it with amusement. The waitress suggests an apple cider for beginners, and the doll accepts, not caring how she knew.

It sat still. This one was great at sitting still. But it didn't feel any stillness at all. This doll's purpose is ease the burden on others. To help them relax by taking care of something they would stress about or be annoyed by, by helping them talk through their emotions, or even just by staying out of the way and leaving people alone. The closest it could get was by remaining seated with three other partygoers. At first they occasionally deferred to this one for input on a conversation, but it seems something told them not to do that anymore as the night went on. Did they... find out?

"[XXXXX]?"

The doll is startled, realizing its attention is needed. It didn't catch the first time it was said. Everything is so loud. It holds no animosity towards its old personhood. Just the same hazy disconnection one feels towards a half-remembered dream.

"You don't look too hot. Did you drink too much?"

The doll looked at its half-finished drink. The doll looked at the exit. The doll nodded.

He escorts you out the building's closest exit. He leans forward on the railing, lighting a cigarette. He offers it one, and it refuses.

The person apologizes for inviting the doll, saying that he could tell it was upset. The doll asks him if he knows, and he says he only assumed until it asked that.

In an instant, the doll's thin veneer of humanity fades away. It fixes its posture, its face slackening into a much more natural empty expression. Its arms rest together, hands wrapped in each other.

The person hesitates, seeing such a shift. He looks back out over the railing he leans on, taking a drag as he looks out into the city.

He asks if it misses its witch. It says that Miss gave it full permission to spend the night out. He says that's not what he asked. The doll says it would much rather be home.

The person sighs. He apologizes again and thanks the doll for doing its best tonight. He puts out his cigarette and turns to face the door, leaning his back against the railing. He looks over to the doll, and it hasn't moved.

He asks if it wants the others to know, and it says no. He says he'll make up a lie, something about a family emergency. That way it can go do... anything else.

The doll thanks him. It didn't even consider refusing.

The relief is nearly instant. There's a melancholy in its chest as it walks away, after giving the person a formal goodbye. It's very happy to leave such a... restless situation, but there's a lingering sense that it's been a bad doll. It's hard for it to articulate why. It didn't do anything that Miss says makes you a bad doll, except maybe do a bad job at pretending.

But it couldn't be sure. Maybe that was what was making it so restless? It couldn't defer to Miss right now. It didn't have that external solidity, the confirmation of purpose.

That made it very happy to be a doll again.

[centrally-unplanned]

Alright, last Current Events Drama post, is not a super valuable activity after all. I have seen a lot of Discourse that goes like "I may oppose these efforts but man the PR strategy of this Musk thing is pretty genius, they have a whole generation of people thinking USAID was funding the Liberal Media now". And they certainly aren't without agency, I agree there is an intentional PR strategy going on. In particular it is not just the creation of narrative, but the creation of momentum - every day is a new discovery, a new victory, a sense of progress.

But this isn't really that hard when your supporters are just really stupid? Like you can make shit up for these people! They don't care, they don't have that instinct that goes "okay hold up I'm going to need to see some sources here". The current Admin didn't make that happen, that is a deep, structural change around the internet flattening hierarchies and all that shit. When you know your audience wants results and also you can just invent results out of thin air then, idk, is this that hard? How could you not deliver that?

It is funny because the actual playbook here isn't even their invention, it is the same as the 2010's "Woke Boom". That entire model was that deep, slow, technical solutions to structural inequalities achieved via grinding electoral politics is boring. That shit is for fucking losers. I am not gonna have a role in that all! So instead we will achieve social change via randomly harassing my progressive coworkers for their black comedy tweets about AIDS until they get fired and have a nervous breakdown. Obviously - just like with the current right, don't be tricked! - there was another side of this movement that was much more serious, a huge side actually (we are just focusing right now). But for so many that serious side was window dressing, the real mush was that you got to feel like you were a part of something, doing something, and at a certain point they started running the show. This playbook being reversed really isn't that impressive (and also, in a sense, inevitable)

I will give the Social Justice aggros though that they had some standards - passing around photoshopped tweets was uncommon. Most of them did actually believe in this model for change (and so invented insane ideologies to justify it, but w/e). That isn't really as true on the right - I should partially walk back my statement above, a lot of these people aren't that gullible? They are just apathetic. So many people retweeting stuff about how The Deep State funnels millions to Politico don't really even care, for them it is a game. It is funny to own the libs. They laugh off your attempts at calling them out for accuracy - you care about that? What a cuck you are.

Which makes it particularly sad when you see the earnest ones, the ones writing essays about the implications of what USAID propping up the New York Times means for our political future. Nothing worse than being a true believer in a church where not only the leaders but also your fellow congregants know it is bullshit.

It reminds me of the Gamestop Meme Stock Crash and its slow, agonizing burn (a not unrelated event!). A bunch of people on the rise of the stock created the idea that buying Gamestop could Stick It To The Man, you could short squeeze the hedge funds, diamond-hands-hold that yield, bring Wall St to its knees - to the moon, baby. And some people bought it! And then the wheel turned, the crash happened, and most of the people posting those memes sold their stock and dipped so fast they had disappeared from the subreddits before they could even begin to say "bro, you thought I was serious?". Leaving a stalwart few holding the bag, spinning epicycles of conspiracy theories to justify why they had it to begin with. Which happens on autopilot a this point. You don't really need any PR strategy to make this happen.

[justanothermemestrider]

40k Sfw Alphabet - Robute Guilliman

Here it is! We've finally reach big blue boy Bobby G himself!

Apologies for spelling and grammar errors that inevitably slipped past my eye.

Hope you guys enjoy!

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Robute is super affectionate, and his primary ways of expressing and receiving it are physical touch and loving words. Every interaction he ends with a kiss followed by a quick, muttered "love you." If you are in arms reach, he always wants to have a hand on you or an arm around you. He just wants to be near you, all the time. Some might call him clingy for it, but I call him adorable.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Robute would be the most reliable homeboy you could ever ask for. He's the kinda friend who would pick you up from the airport or help you move house. But he's also the friend that you need to do welfare checks on regularly, because he cannot do self care for the life of him (it's the workaholic thing).

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Robute loves cuddling. Physical touch is one of his primary love languages, both giving and receiving. It makes him feel loved, safe and removed from the stresses of his everyday life/work. He'll cuddle any which way-- so long as you're nice and close he's a happy man. But despite being so much bigger than you, he likes being a little spoon. He likes it a lot, actually.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Absolutely. It's literally canon that after the war was done, Robute wanted to settle down on a nice little farm and live out his live in peaceful simplicity. The only thing that would make that dream better would be sharing it with you.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Far as 40k characters go, breaking up with Robute would be pretty tame. Tears would be shed, angry words maybe exchanged, but in the aftermath he isn't going to stalk you, watch over you or anything deranged like that (looking at you, Sanguinius and Sevetar).

He would also eventually move on from you, but it wouldn't be without heartache. It'd be the little, everyday reminders that trip him up. Like hearing your favourite song, or seeing a book on his shelf that you'd gifted to him once, or visiting the place you shared your first kiss. Things like that will make his breath hitch and his chest suddenly ache.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Robute is very keen on marriage and commitment. But your wedding, he would want to keep a lowkey, private affair. Just your family and his handful of most trusted friends as attendees (and Lion, if he's around), held in a Fortress of Hera that's been closed off from the public for the day. Robute wouldn't want politics or public affairs sullying this day: he wants it to only be about you and him, about your love. That's it.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Robute is the third most gentle Primarch after Vulkan and Sanguinius imo. Again, you can thank his normal upbringing and loving parents for that. He comforts you with hugs and kisses if you are upset. He cares for you when you are unwell. He treats with such delicateness and tenderness that a lot of the time, you feel like a princess.

He's also hyper aware of his size and strength compared to you, so whenever he's touching you, he's always super soft and careful.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Robute loves hugs. Aside from using words, they are is primary way of showing you affection. He crouches on one knee, envelopes you in his enormous arms and holds you right up against his chest. He also likes having you sitting on his lap while he's behind his desk, where he can casually hold you from behind as he works.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

As far as the Primarchs go, I can see Robute being faster than most in using the L word. Like, a normal amount of time you might expect from a relationship IRL (which, by Primarch standards, is lightning quick). Amazing what growing up on a normal planet with actual parents can do for a man lol.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Robute is definitely one of the more emotional mature and self assured of the Primarchs. As such, he's one of the least jealous. The only way he might get jealous is if someone like Sanguinius or Fulgrim were to be particularly physically affectionate towards you. Then, the next time you two are alone, he's going to... shall we say, ravish you, to reassert just which of his brothers you chose to make your lover... and why.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Robute is an absolute sucker for neck kisses. Giving them, receiving them, you name it. He loves the intimacy of it, but also the vulnerability. To expose his throat to you, to let you kiss, nip and bite the one of the most sensitive, vulnerable parts of him, and for you to allow him that same privilege... He loves it.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Not great, but not terrible. Robute can manage with entertaining children, but he doesn't necessarily enjoy it the way, say, Vulkan might. I could see him wanting to be a Dad someday, though. All part of his desire for a domestic life.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Robute is not a morning person. At all. He just wants to stay in bed with you all day-- away from the stress of the regent position, safe and relaxed in your arms. But alas, that is just not possible.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

You're lucky if you're still awake by the time Robute makes it to bed, man is so drowned in his work (though frankly it's his fault, he doesn't ever think to give himself a break).

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

Robute is fairly open about himself as far as Primarchs go. He hasn't many skeletons in his closet compared to some of his brothers, and those that he does have, he's mature enough, and trusts you enough, to be able to talk about them with you.

The one thing he wouldn't be open about, though, is issues regarding his work. He doesn't want to burden you with such things. Even if it sharing those burdens might be better for his own mental health and help alleviate your worries about it.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Take one look at this man's job description, and you know he's got the patience of a saint. Most of the time, at least. When Robute is particularly stressed, frustrated or exhausted, it cuts his temper in half. He knows this, however, and he does his best to be mindful of it when he comes home to you. But it doesn't always work: sometimes he will be prone to snap.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Robute remembers all the important things about you: your favourite hobbies and things, your birthday, the names and birthdays of all your friends and family, that kind of thing. But tiny little details, he doesn't remember so much.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

You gifted him a book once. It wasn't for any occasion, you just saw it one day, thought he would like it and decided to purchase it for him. Little did you (or the seller, for that matter) know, this book is a copy of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Robute couldn't believe his eyes. Frankly, he still can't. But he'll never forget the almost blasé way you offered it to him, then the confusion on your face when you saw the utter shock, joy and gratitude on his.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Protectiveness is a common trait shared by all the Primarchs, and Robute is no different. You are kept out of the public eye wherever and whenever possible. And when you do venture into public you've got a personal guard of Ultramarines assigned to your person-- most of whom come from the same company as those who make up Marneus Calgar's honour guard.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Robute is a man of words and physical affections: acts of service aren't really his love language. Also, his work means he rarely has time for things like dates, gift-buying and such. Large occasions however, like your birthday or your relationship's anniversary, he will carve out time for. If that means delegating to Calgar, Sicarious or the Lion for a day or two, then so be it.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

The obvious one is that he's a workaholic. Which is, like... Duh. This is Robute Guilliman. He's know for two things: his funny name and his stressed-out-workaholic-energy. As his significant other, it's often hard to pin him down for quality time. Or even to get him to give you attention. Takes a lot of patience and dogged determination on your part. Sometimes, you have to resort to sweeping into his office and kicking your feet up, giving him no choice but to put the parchment down and pay attention to you.

Another flaw I propose of Robute's is a slight arrogant streak. A his-way-or-the-highway type beat. It comes from his personality, but also his intelligence. Robute is used to being the smartest person in the room. He's used to being right. And while he never does it intentionally, it can result in him behaving a little stubbornly and a little arrogantly during arguments or disagreements. As soon as you point it out, though, he's immediately bashful. He apologises profusely, cheeks flushing in embarrassment, cursing himself for treating you so.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Robute isn't vain at all, but he does take pride in his appearance. Considering his background and his current status as Imperial Regent, it makes a lot of sense. He shaves everyday, always has his hair well-kept, and even when he's hanging around home with you, he somehow manages to look just as immaculate in casual robes as he does his ceremonial dress. The last part isn't even on purpose; Robute is just that classy.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

While I think Robute could eventually move on from you if you were to leave him (be it through death or a break up), deep down he would always feel incomplete without you. Like there was a little hole in his heart that shrinks with time, but never fills in completely ever again.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

Even though they don't happen often, Robute loves date nights. Particularly, he loves taking you to the theatre. Plays, musical performances, everything in between. This stuff is his passion, and so rarely does he get the opportunity to share it with anyone. While attending shows, he's always glancing your way, anxious to know if you are enjoying yourself. And of course, you are. Even if such things as theatre shows aren't your thing, the simple fact that Robute is so obviously happy and that he is finally out of that damned office!

Also, bonus headcanon!

He loves it when you call him "Robu."

Nothing further, your honour.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Robute needs someone who can be patience with him. He needs someone with little ego and a lot of chilled-out energy. Thus, the opposite of these things are things he would not like in a partner.

(Funnily enough, sounds an awful lot like he wouldn't like being with someone who was too similar to himself. He and Perty share that in common.)

Z = Zzz (What is are sleep habits of theirs?)

Poor Robute. A 3rd year university student in the midst of studying for their mid terms would have a healthier sleep schedule. There's just so much to do, so much to worry about. And because of Robute's personality, he just cannot switch his brain off from these things.

I genuinely think he would benefit SO greatly from some meditation/mindfulness exercises before bed. And you might be the one to suggest them, or even guide him through them. He would drag himself to bed, utterly exhausted, yet his mind still spinning with concerns and to-be-completed tasks. You would curl up against his side, tell him to stop and close his eyes. Then, you'd rest your palm on his belly, tell him to breathe into your hand and just focus on the sound of your voice. It wouldn't be long after that until Robute falls asleep. And in the morning, the first thing he will say to you is thank you. Ever since being with you, he has never slept better in his life.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Taglist: @solspina @beckyninja @egrets-not-regrets @wolf-feathers12 @jaghatai-khock @lemon-russ @moodymisty @hatsubara-8chan @nereidof40k @yanagikou @fyxestroll @yurihasurunbara @lylakoi @justfreakynothingelse @mooniequeen

[unstablegoldfish]

[Your Gentle Comfort] 18+

Story Summary: Your interest in boys didn’t really exist in your life. It wasn’t because you were against romance, but mainly for the fact that all the boys in your school were— well, boys. It wasn’t until you met your new teacher and had a relationship growing with him that you realized, you wanted a man.

Black Sheep - Chap 3

Joel Miller x F!reader - Teacher x F!Student

Warning: AGE GAP: After all it is a highschool student x teacher. Light swearing. Slow burn story. Being neglected by your parents. Emotional confrontation. [More will be added as the story progresses.]

Word Count: 2.9k (Wish it was longer, but you've been waiting long enough)

Chapter 2 -> Click here! Chapter 4 -> Click here!

Fic Masterlist -> Click here!

Chapter Summary: Unsure of what the day will hold this time. But you're still looking forward to seeing Joel Miller even knowing that you're going to have a chat with him about what's going on. It's okay, you can do it.

————————————————————————————

Another day rolls around, after everything yesterday brought, you weren't sure how everything would go today. Looking outside your window from bed you at least knew you wouldn't be walking through rain on the way to school. Only walking with light clouds.

You lived in Oregon so rain wasn't completely uncommon nor were the clouds. Nearing September it was pretty frequent to have rainfalls. Just not as heavy as yesterday.

You had gotten dressed, wearing jeans and your favorite zip-up sweater. You packed your bag and made your lunch. Brushed your teeth and put on socks. You were ready to get going to school. You said goodbye to your empty house, leaving you with an empty soul.

The leaves were starting to fall onto the sidewalks, and the weather was becoming chillier. Your perfect kind of weather was just on the horizon. It's sad to know that this'll be your last year of walks during the fall season. So you'll take as much of it in as possible.

You finally made it to the sidewalk of the front doors. Opposite to you, Mr. Miller was walking along as well. He must have come from the staff parking lot. At this rate you were going to arrive at the same time.

"Mornin', how's it goin'?" he asks in a friendly manner. He definitely wanted to check up on you.

His smile was warm. "Morning." was said softly from your voice. You try and shoot a smile, but it wasn't hiding anything from how you were feeling. "Doin' okay." Was the best you could say.

You guys walk up to the door and he holds it for you, he was polite.

"Give me a shout. whenever." He was trying his best to make sure you knew he was someone you could talk to, he didn't want it to seem like he only cared once.

You hummed a simple yes and followed him down to class.

Most teachers would say they were there for you, but would never follow up on it. You never blamed them, there's more students then just you after all.

You and Mr. Miller entered the classroom. It was just going to be the two of you for awhile, you'd never show up this early but recently you've had a motivation to do so. Just happens that the motivation was the only one in the room with you in this moment.

Should I say something?

"Mr. Miller...?"

"S'up?"

"I just wanted to thank you for everything, especially for the ride home. I...I didn't mean to tear up on you before I left your car, it's just that I know my house is empty and cold. Not really the best thing to come home to."

Unsure if that made any sense, you tried to continue.

"It's just you— you've shown me warmth in the first 2 days, closest I've ever felt to the sun if you get me...?"

"Well, I’m real glad I could make ya feel a little better. My goal as a teacher’s makin’ sure everybody knows they got a safe place here. But listen, you ain’t ever gotta apologize for cryin’, alright? Given the circumstances, it’s ‘bout as normal as can be."

you smile, it was comforting to hear that. Especially in his voice. The feelings you felt for him were dangerous. You were a match ready to be lit, but only by him. If you ever wanted things to move another direction it would be by your own accord.

"Gonna pull ya outta class today to talk a bit more, if that’s alright with ya?"

you give a nod as you made your way through the desks.

You took a seat at your desk and Mr. Miller talked to you about his sheep farm fantasies, and how he ended up becoming a teacher in the first place. You enjoyed this time with him and you thought you should come into school earlier from now on. You wanted one on one time with him badly. Now that you had his warmth you wouldn't be able to leave it behind. You made sure to look at the time to remember just how early. You just hoped Mr. Miller was a persistent guy when it came to timing.

Some students started joining the class, along with your tiny awareness friend. He sat beside you but no conversation arose.

You grabbed your pencils and booklet out of your bag and started writing even before class started. Granted it never really felt like work when you wrote for English, it relaxed you more than anything.

You peaked up from your papers to see Mr. Miller studying you. His arm rested on his desk with his finger to his lip. He was in deep focus, but as soon as he caught your eyes he glanced down at his book. When he made moves like that, the want to act upon it became stronger.

Your friend whispers over to you “He’s eyeing you up again, what’s going on? Also you never told me why you stayed after class the other day??”

That was the first time he’s ever asked that many questions at once. Since when did he care so much about what happens to you?

“I think you’re being weird. But he talked to me about my paper. That’s all.” you whisper back. You still wanna deny what your friend thinks he’s seeing, but if it was obvious to your clueless buddy it's just a matter of time before more people catch on, no?

You hear the bell ring as a few other classmates scurry into the door. Mr. Miller had stood up from his corner to greet the class. He began to use the chalk against the board.

"Weekend Activities" was what he revealed. "Go on and get started writin’. Y’all got ten minutes to finish up this assignment, then I’ll get ya rollin’ on our project work."

He makes his way back over to his desk. He calls you over with a smile.

You made your way over, he looks at you with with soft eyes.

"Do you mind if we step outside for a minute?" He asks with caution, not trying to overwhelm you. You knew it was coming but you didn't think it would be this soon.

"Oh".

You then remembered the clothes he had given to you to borrow from yesterday. However...you forgotten them at home. He leads you out into the hallway. Before he even got a chance to speak you started.

"If this is about....the clothes. I forgot them. I'm sorry." you whisper hoping no one would hear you.

he lets out a quiet chuckle. "No, no. It's fine, I ain’t got no use for 'em anyhow. Keep 'em, girlie."

GIRLIE?

Left in shock he began to speak regardless. "Let's have a conversation in my office 'kay?" His tone was calming. You knew what he was about to ask you. You probably hold the record for the amount of teachers watchlists you're on. At least they tried to care unlike your parents.

You weren't really sure how Mr. Miller was going to approach this situation however, would it be different? With his ways of authority and softness being well balanced, and your quick liking to him, maybe opening up more wouldn't be such a bad thing.

He had unlocked the office door once more. Inside revealed a cleaner space, less boxes, lots of books. The sheep figurines and trinkets still stayed around. It was comforting to see.

"Kept your sheep then?" You ask.

"Couldn't possibly get rid of 'em." He paused and picked up one. "This one here reminds me of back home."

He hands you a magnet, one that had a heard of white sheep and dead center in the middle was a black one. The fence read "Long Creek Oregon". He was originally from there?

"It's cute." you chuckle. You're preceptive, so you think this is his way of saying he feels the same as you. A black sheep in all the white ones.

"Back home, I weren’t much different from you. Had to fend for myself, no safety net to catch me. Bein’ on your own like that—it’s a mighty scary place to be." His eyes placed softly on you, looking up from the figurine you felt your eyes lightly glazed with tear when you met his eyes. He gets it.

"S'ummin' you feel the same way?" He pauses and lets out a breath.

You stutter to start. You felt safe, and with him you felt an immense sense of trust. "I do… It’s just really hard being on my own all the time—expected to have all the answers by myself."

You reach over and give him back the magnet. Instead of taking it, he closes your hand softly. His hand, twice the size of yours. He was a protector.

"It’s yours, girlie. Whenever ya look at it, just remember, that sheep’s me too." He smiles back at you softly. He caresses your hand with his thumb before letting go.

"Thank you, but are you sure?"

"Most definitely" He gives you a reassuring smile. "‘Fore we head out, anything else ya wanna talk about?"

You wanted to express more of the pain your parents leave you in your daily life, or the fact your friends left you high and dry in a more in depth layer then your written assignment ever would. But it would be best to save it for another time, you wanted to save yourself from the puffy eyes and red cheeks as much as possible.

"Always, but better to save it for now. I appreciate this so much Mr.Mill-"

"Joel. It's Joel."

Your eyes were finally letting the tear slide down your cheek. His thumb reaches out to catch it.

"S'okay. I'm here for when you're ready. Only if ya want me to be. Not gonna push you into nothin' kay?" You gave him a nod. You were ever so grateful for his considerations of your feelings.

He lead you again outside of his office. You had let him know you were going to head to the bathroom again to wash up, you didn't want to be returning with tears in your eyes.

You went for a walk and decided to go to the bathroom across the school this time, during the walk you thought about his hand placement on you. Never did you ever want to give the same in return before. The idea of caressing his face was stuck in your head for awhile. You'd never think you'd want to do something like that with anyone. But after all, Joel. Joel was different. It rung in your head for a bit. Joel Miller.

You walked into the bathroom, only to be surprised by one of the girls in your past friend groups. You looked down in order to not be an upset. Then headed into one of the stalls. The beauty of a high school bathroom was the immense amount of graffiti. You'd look through it in enjoyment, but not this time. Your name was written above a drawing of a crying face. It was fine. You expected something like this to happen, they never liked how closed off you were. But deep down they were just hungry for some drama to spread around, and you knew that better then they did.

You let out a sigh. Then went to wash your hands, your old friend had left. At least you had an idea on who did it. Not like you were going to act upon it anyways, it's not like it bothered you. Right?

You slowly walked back to class, trying to enjoy it since you knew that these days were going to come to an end anyways. What was the rush?

You opened the door to class, everyone was working on their projects and there was some conversation. You were gone long enough for people to probably assume you were in the main office for something.

Mr. Miller had looked up from his desk. You met his gaze but decided to look away.

You joined your friend back at your desk, he looked at you and could tell you had an encounter.

"What happened this time?" He asks.

"A drawing in the bathroom stall. Better yet with my name."

He laughs. "Pathetic, honestly."

You nodded your head in agreement. What a waste of energy.

When you got to your desk you realized you hadn't even started the project due to the amount of times you've already been pulled out of class. You grabbed the sheet that was given as a handout yesterday to refer to. Maybe instead of dreaming about Mr. Miller this time, you could do some work.

...Oh light work. No need to worry.

You started writing your ideas out. Trying not to occasionally glance at Mr. Miller in curiosity. But with the restraint you held you managed to finish the project within 15 minutes. You were among the first students to hand it in even despite you missing most of the class this morning. Thank god you love writing.

You took the rest of class to do your own free writing. But during this time your focus was divided between your journal and Mr. Miller. You got so lost in thought that you ended up writing about him.

You were so invested in writing that you hadn't even noticed that Mr. Miller was no longer in his seat. He was no where to be found.

"That's a very lovely poem." Came from a calming tone behind you. You look and it was Mr. Miller.

Fuck.

he just read out your feelings. He knows.

"Um, yeah it's stupid really." You said shakenly. You didn't know what to do, how would he react? I was his student. He wasn't supposed to know.

"Not at all." He replied. He walked past and you got a glimpse of a smirk on his face, and the slight shake of his head.

What am I gonna do ‘bout ya, darlin'?

Fuck...

Your thoughts blurred by the sound of the bell, it was time to get out of here.

————————————————————————————

Okay, only took me a literal year. Not actually. I just didn't have the motivation for this at the time. I had just gotten a laptop recently that made this a breeze to create. However I did wish it was a little longer, but I can use that for next chapter as you guys have waited LONG enough for this one. So sorry, but thank you for your continued support for this to happen!! Love you guys endlessly!! Also really tried working with his accent on this one lmk what you think.

Taglist: @miss-mistinguett @astro3des @prfctwilliams @onetimebaby @mal023 @thejoywillburnoutthepain @theoraekenslover

[zippidi-dooda]

You were all giggles and smiles.

The air felt hot with how many old students and families there were around. Your outer layer flowed around you, swishing as you sped about. The inner clung to your skin, on the precipice of becoming uncomfortable. But you were enjoying the night too much to care.

All of your old friends were there, once eager pupils now strong heroes, working up the ranks of pros. They were happy too, hugging excitedly and introducing each other to relatives or new friends. It was a breath of fresh air, going from rarely getting a moment to have lunch with one another to spending hours late into the evening with pretty much every old acquaintance.

But there was one person in particular you found yourself hoping to talk to again.

You kept passing by him. Where he sat with arms folded, legs spread carelessly in their baggy pants and thick boots as he was fond of, eyes narrowed and fixed on the floor as others milled about, frown on his face as his companions chatted the night away from where they sat next to him.

You didn't feel that deep flutter as you did before. But neither did you feel skittish fear where you wanted to avoid him. Just that odd sense of longing and hope. You wondered if he even noticed you passing by.

This continued for a while, these glances and wanderings as your old teachers continued their announcements and congratulations around the grounds.

You waved to his friends when you passed, not stopping to talk but smiling and sparing a quick, "Hi!" You're not sure if he recognized your voice or if he was just ignoring it, but he rarely shifted in his seat.

You wanted to talk to Kirishima and Denki and Sero when you had the chance, Mina you wandered about with plenty. But you really wanted to talk to him.

Things hadn't ended right. He was busy, busier now with all his dream chasing. And prideful. You may not get such a lax opportunity to communicate again.

"Hey, Y/N! C'mere, there's people I want you to meet!" Ochaco grinned, looping your arms together.

You smiled, trailing along behind all the seats, glancing back at his head of fluffy spikes.

The girl introduced you to her people and a few friends she had brought along as well.

You engaged politely, distracted for a moment as you caught up. But when the conversation was over, mind free to create scenarios in your head, and she was ready to drag you somewhere else ... the two of you going up the rows now, passing in front of him again ... a final glance ... and you lost your apprehensions.

Untangling yourself from her arm, you told Ochaco to go on ahead, you'd be with her in a moment.

You walked in front of Bakugou, taking him by his collar and pulling him up from his seat. Then you kissed him chastely. "We need to talk when this is over." No shame nor fear bubbled over you.

He looked on confused and wired, heart beating a little faster than intended that night, but nodded curtly unsure of what he really could say.

And you let go, catching up to Ochaco as if nothing had happened.

You spent a few moments wondering and hoping he'd truly wait up, search for you since you'd forgotten to give a location in your haze. But the rest of the night went on joyously, laughter and grins spreading throughout the building, everyone was sad for it to end. Though most stayed out front, kicking up the grass as they decided on a 24hr diner to continue the evening together at.

You expected to look around anxiously for a while, fearing if the man you were waiting for would show. But it didn't take long at all. Bakugou found you first, popping up from behind and taking your hand to pull you away from the crowd.

You two didn't say a thing for a while, looking for an area with less people. And when you found it, he dropped your hand. He kept his eyes forward, hands shoved into his pockets as he started.

"What did you want to talk about?"

Straight to the point as always.

There was so much you could say, long winded explanations you could give. Maybe it'd be best if you went with his go to. Blunt and direct.

"I want to try again." You faced him, "we didn't really end things right last time. Didn't even say we were done, kinda just ... stopped talking. I'd like to make it work this time. And if we feel like something's not right again, I'd like to at least be able to end it properly. With a clarification and goodbye."

He stayed quiet so you continued.

"And I know what I want to do now, Katsuki. I've been working hard towards it this whole time. I know you'll be out a lot, saving people, fighting crime, climbing the ranks, but I think we can manage it. We don't have set hours but I'm okay with the ambiguity. I'll be waiting for you when you get home, wake up early to see you leave, then get to work too. I'll be happy when we see each other, of course. But also with the time we have apart, to wait till goals are met. I'd like to stick around till then."

You took his hands in yours. They were warm and a bit clammy but familiar all the same.

"I want to be with you, Katsuki. And I know we avoided facing our worries before which is why our relationship fizzled out. But I'm better at managing things now and more willing to sit down and face things. And I still love you. Want to kiss you again. Maybe it was selfish of me to have done it back in there but ... no. It was selfish. If you say no and I never see you again, at least I'll have had that. I'm sorry,"

Slowly, you reached out to cup his cheek. He didn't pull away.

He was still very quiet. An odd trait he seemed to have learned over the years. You're not sure if it was good or bad yet.

"Bottom line though? I want to stick through it all this time. Reach a shared goal." Just now you started feeling those sick butterlies again. This wasnt how you intended to end the night either. But you also didn't feel like it was a bad choice to make. "So ... will you go out with me?"

[kvetchlandia]

I Keep...

thinking I'm becoming adjusted to the new abnormal, the hell that the United States has inflicted upon itself and on the rest of an innocent (sort of) planet under our new "leader," His Imperial Highness, Generalissimo, Field Marshall, Dear Leader and Defender of the Cult, Trump I and his Imperial Sidekick, the equally reactionary, repulsive and repugnant Elon Musk. Because of the horrors being wreaked by them of late, I've been posting nothing but the occasional rant and lots of images of fighting fascism, not to mention the occasional image of Jews defending themselves from the once again threatening onslaught of antisemitism. I imagine that as the ugliness becomes more commonplace, I'll settle down and get back to posting my usual silliness: lovely photographs by fine photographers; cool music; interesting quotes; lovely poetry and art pieces that I find beautiful or important in some way. Then, something happens that sends me back into feeling the only thing that's appropriate to post in this rapidly sinking world is more anti-fascist stuff. I can't say how long this s going to go on, but at the moment it shows no sign of subsiding. This is what set me off yet again.

It was revealed today that the new United States Department of State budget has a budget line item for the purchase of $400 million dollars worth of Tesla trucks. Not just any trucks, or any electric trucks, but a specifically designated budget line for those hideously ugly and not particularly efficient Tesla trucks. No conflict of interest there and the already ungodly rich Elon Musk certainly isn’t going to be further enriched by the very government he’s claiming to be rooting corruption out of (while in reality not touching corruption at all and mercilessly gutting the very few programs that constitute this country’s minimal social safety net, dismantling what little remains of the old New Deal quasi-social democracy and firing millions of unionized federal employees). I guess it’s a good thing this country has those Inspectors General whose job it is to prevent such corrupt and self-serving contracts from going into effect. Oh, wait a second…

For those of you not in the United States, the Inspectors General were, at least in theory, independent of political interference, and had the job of, among other things, examining proposed federal contracts for waste, fraud and corruption. To keep them supposedly independent, it was written into the laws establishing their positions that they couldn't simply be fired by presidents, that the presidents had to demonstrate incompetence, corruption on their part or inability to do their job, and then the Congress had to vote to approve those firings. Trump, very quickly after he assumed his imperial throne, simply ignored the law, didn't seek Congressional approval and didn't demonstrate malfeasance or inability by the Inspectors General. He simply fired most of the them. It was obvious to anyone who cared to think about it that the notoriously corrupt Trump was aiming to further enrich himself and his billionaire buddies with corrupt federal contracts, further fattening their already bloated selves on the ever-shrinking supply taxpayer dollars. This instance, of Musk, the man in charge of gutting the federal workforce, firing millions of unionized workers and making it impossible for the government to do much of anything other than persecute trans people and deport those who are undocumented, somehow "accidentally" failing to notice that he was going to make a tidy sum in this contract, was just too much. So, my anti-fascist posts will continue for a while longer.

Sorry.

[ultramaga]

Espousing a concern for workers’ rights is not a protection against authoritarianism

In Germany, as early as 1920, Hitler set out his 25-point manifesto for the Nazi Party, of which points 11 to 15 concern workers’ rights:

11. That all unearned income, and all income that does not arise from work, be abolished. 12. Since every war imposes on the people fearful sacrifices in blood and treasure, all personal profit arising from the war must be regarded as treason to the people. We therefore demand the total confiscation of all war profits. 13. We demand the nationalisation of all trusts. 14. We demand profit-sharing in large industries. 15. We demand a generous increase in old-age pensions.

From https://aeon.co/essays/what-1930s-political-ideologies-can-teach-us-about-the-2020s

This is very close to what they write under the Leftist tag - with the exception that they demand a life free from any work at all, on the grounds that the utopia means they get to sit around while stuff falls from the air around them. Mosely is alleged to have said fascism's aim was "national socialism" - but I don't see a source for this. He was antisemitic and seemed very much the model of a National Socialist - with the exception of not caring about Aryanism. Instead, he proposed Pan-European nationalism - which is directly at odds with Hiter's fascism, which hated most of the Eastern Europeans, and barely tolerated the non-German variety.

Mosely is interesting because he had the potential of being another Hitler - but the circumstances didn't support him. Maybe if Hitler hadn't done it all first, creating ideological antibodies, someone like him would have risen to power without too much resistance. Interestingly, we have countries like Zimbabwe and South Africa which absolutely agree with Mosely - the place has to be divided between whites and blacks - no, wait, the African Fascists want all whites deported to Europe. Which would have suited Mosely fine. And which would actually strengthen the current nationalistic parties that very much have the potential to be fascist - they could be steered free of the rocks, but the governments of Africa are pushing hard. In Australia, we have the absurd situation of the government here calling for the place to be decolonised so that the pure black people - australian aboriginals, they mean - will have the place to themselves. I think Australia is the only country that is racist to the overwhelming majority, and not only the whites, but the asians who are the second greatest demographic, and as we have seen recently, antisemitism has become normal at all levels of government. Leftism - socialism - fascism - all blurring together into one hideous strength. Which is why I hope Trump's team is going to uncover funding for it, and tear apart the corruption. Things were never like this in the past. Things have changed. The blackshirts are marching.

They just look a little different than before. But isn't it nice that they accept women? So inclusive!!

“I have made up a single situation where my side is correct, therefore no one on my side has ever been wrong.”

I thought the narrative was that most 88ers were sneaky infiltrators using dogwhistles. Maybe the guy in the comic is a cosplayer or actor.

Meanwhile, people get called Nazis and attacked for (checks notes) carrying a flag. Or wearing a Trump parody hat.

[alaskan-wallflower]

curtis gang goin to the doctors 👍

darry: he is actually terrified of needles and most doctors—but he looks completely fine. he has a good poker face. the nurses always get concerned whenever they listen to his heartbeat because you know his heart is RACING—hes really cooperative and polite, always answers everything with “yes/no ma’am/sir”—every doctor’s dream patient. he’s relatively healthy but gets scolded for working too much. 9.5/10

sodapop: oh. my. god. he asks SO many questions. he doesn’t really get anatomy too much but he likes learning about it. he’s worse at the dentist than an actual doctor but he’s still kiiiiind of nervous, and he’s a nervous yapper, so that doesn’t bode well. know the clip of buddy the elf at the doctor’s? that’s sodapop. he flirts with the nurses and always manages to somehow sweet talk them into giving him a lollipop lmfao—he was a biter as a kid tho. 5/10

ponyboy: he’s pouting. like the whole time. he’s sitting on that table with his arms folded, literally looking like “😠” the WHOLE time. he makes darry answer every question for him and darry will tell the nurses when he lies— “i don’t smoke that much” “yes he does, he smokes at least a pack a day” “DARRY 😡” He is a brat with needles too, he’s all dramatic about it in the car home too like “i can’t believe you let them jab me with a needle, that hurt y’know” “okay then go get the flu, see if i care” (darry will care dw) 3/10

johnny: he’s like-never been to a doctor before. his parents don’t bother and he doesn’t have the money to be going. he doesn’t like getting asked questions and will usually go quiet when asked about his health. he’s really malnourished and not too healthy anyhow, he’s pretty good at the doctors but he sometimes lies without realizing because on the off chance he was taken to the doctors his parents would force him to, but darry always catches him and tells the truth for him. 6/10

dally—he doesn’t go to the doctor unless he’s dragged there kicking and screaming. he’s such a brat, like when he’s getting his reflexes checked he’ll kick the doctor and stuff. totally lies about how much he drinks and smokes and darry just gives him the biggest glare ever lmao—he lowkey needs like…every shot in existence. he’s like a mangy dog that’s just disease ridden and he’s so grumpy about the whole thing lmfao. he probably steals something too, and darry makes him give it back (it was a needle or smth idk) -1/10

two-bit: he’s fine at the doctor. he doesn’t love them. he doesn’t hate them. he’s probably being a jackass the whole time because that’s just who he is—he flirts with the hot, blonde receptionist behind the counter for a good fifteen minutes before he FINALLY gets called in (he tried to slip her his number)-he’s kinda cooperative. he yelled into the stethoscope once cause he thought it was funny. there’s always a conversation that goes like “do you drink?” “yeah” “what do you drink?” “beer” …how much do you drink?” “three” “three what? three cans, three bottles, three-“ “shelves.” “…excuse me??” (they think he’s kidding and if darry’s taking him he gives two The Look so he plays it off as a joke. 4/10

steve-not much to say about him. it really depends on who’s going with him—if sodas there then he’ll act like a little shit. if it’s just darry, he’s behaved…well enough. he’s surprisingly healthy and cooperative, but he hates when the doctors touch him with their cold ass hands, and will actively try to avoid this (cause he’s a baby in the cold/when cold things even graze him)-he’s okay with getting his shots but when he has to get his blood drawn? hell no. he passes out straight up cause he always looks at the tube and they just see him turn this ghostly pale color before he’s out. he gets a free apple juice out of it tho so he considers it a win. 7/10.

[nephilimeq]

Getting to Know You

Prompt: Double Date

@bucktommyfluffebruary

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/62721625/chapters/161306896

Tommy stared at himself in the mirror above the dresser, ignoring the sounds of his boyfriend getting ready in the bathroom. Why had he agreed to this? He had debated dressing nicer, but Evan had told him that it was just Bobby and Athena and the boardwalk, so to not worry about it.

He was worrying about it.

“I can hear you fretting from here!” Evan called out from the bathroom. “You’re fine, Tommy!”

“Yeah, whatever,” he snipped, unable to keep the irritation from his tone, knowing that he was toeing a fine line of being mean—but he was terrified that he was going to mess it all up.

Unlike his boyfriend, he had not spent any time with Bobby and his wife, Athena, outside of work. He respected Captain Nash as a captain, and he knew Evan saw him a surrogate father—and after having met his father, he knew why. But Athena…god, he didn’t know how he was going to keep it together. Despite having worked with her once or twice while on calls with Booby before he had left the 118, he was not comfortable with the casualness of the situation that he was about to find himself in.

He looked up when he heard feet shuffling behind him to see Evan staring at him, one eyebrow raised.

“Care to change your tone?” he said, and Tommy let out a sigh and replied, “…Sorry. I just…I don’t know them the way you do, Ev. I’m nervous, okay? You know Bobby far better than I do, and then there’s Athena, who I’ve only met outside of the job maybe…twice?”

His boyfriend chuckled as he stepped up behind him and put his hands on his hips.

“Don’t worry about it, babe. ‘Thena is great, and she won’t grill you. Much.”

He raised an eyebrow right back at him.

--

“Okay, there it is. It looks good, right?” Evan said as they approached the barbecue place that Bobby and Athena had texted them about, and Tommy nodded—though he still felt a flicker of apprehension run through him as he approached the front doors.

“Yeah, looks…good.”

“Gee, could you sound a little more enthusiastic?” said a voice from behind them, and he turned to see Athena standing right behind him with her husband. “Good to see you two still intact after a few days. How’s living together treating you?”

Tommy hesitated…but then answered, “Very well, actually.”

“Good to hear,” Bobby said, his arm circled around the back of his wife’s shoulders. “Now, I think we should go in and stop holding up anyone else who might want to come in,” he added politely, and Tommy chuckled and moved through the doors, instinctively ushering Evan ahead of him with a hand at the small of his back…and as he did so, from the corner of his eye he saw Athena give him an approving glance and he made a mental note.

Once they were all inside, they were quickly seated and Bobby explained as they sat down, “Found this place back when ‘Thena and I started dating, and it’s sort of become a favorite spot. I’d recommend the pan seared steak, it’s to die for,” he suggested. and Tommy nodded.

“Sounds good. Just might try it,” he said—and then Evan said, “I’m a sucker for a good steak, but I’d rather see if they have any pulled pork,” and the airman shook his head.

Before he could say anything, however, Athena said, “Of course, you would. Why am I not surprised?”

And everyone but Evan chuckled…though his boyfriend didn��t seem offended and took the gentle ribbing well. The four of them then lightly bantered as they figured out what they were each going to order, and Tommy saw his boyfriend eyeing the dessert menu, knowing that his sweet tooth was one of the most dangerous ones that he had ever come across in his life—and he thought for years that Sal was bad, but it turned out that Evan Buckley could eat more cinnamon buns in one sitting than anyone he had ever seen.

By the time dinner came, the four of them were tossing jokes back and forth, and soon Tommy was laughing as Bobby and Athena regaled him with the time that Evan had gotten in trouble for stealing a firetruck in order to show off to a girl and have sex in it.

“Oh, why…why does this not…not surprise me?” Tommy gasped out as he reached for his water.

His boyfriend gave him a look.

“Hey, can we not besmirch my character? That was Buck 1.0, remember? I am now Buck 3.0 and better than ever, thank you very much!” he defended himself, emphasizing his point by stabbing his side salad with his fork. “I would never do that now!”

“Not even for me?” Tommy said with a smirk and a sip of his drink, not thinking about what he was saying—and then realized what he had said and froze as he darted his eyes across the table, scared of what he had just implied right in front of the two people that Evan saw as surrogate parents.

There was an awkward moment of silence…

…and then Bobby chuckled and shook his head and remarked, “Oh, okay. I see it, now. You two…oh, what’s the phrase? Right! ‘Match each other’s freak,’” and the airman nearly choked, coughing hard and doing his best to get his breath back, his boyfriend patting his back in an attempt to help clear his throat—and as he attempted to breathe, he wondered where the hell Bobby had heard that phrase? Because that was not normal, to say the least.

Before he could ask, Evan beat him to it, saying, “Okay, what? How the hell do you even know that phrase, Cap? That feels…oh, it sounds so wrong coming from you,” and continued to pat Tommy’s back, as he was still trying to get his breath back.

Once he did, he narrowed his eyes at the older man across from him.

“Okay, now that…that was a low blow,” the airman said—

—and then caught Athena muttering under her breath, “That’s what he said,” and he looked at her with wide eyes, as did everyone else at the table, and she let out a huff and rolled her eyes and said, “Oh, what? Like the three of you are the only ones allowed to make the dirty jokes because you’re men? When are you gonna remember that the other sex has just as dirty a mind as you do? Maybe even more so,” she added with an arched eyebrow as she sipped at her soda.

Tommy wanted to be upset…but instead found himself laughing and shaking his head as he said, “No, nothing like that. Just…honestly, I’m impressed. I should have seen that joke sitting right there, you know? Good catch,” he acknowledged, raising his glass to her, and she lifted her glass to his and they clinked them.

He saw Evan smiling and knew that he was happy that they were getting along.

They managed to steer the conversation to lighter subjects, and then when the dessert option came along, Evan opened his mouth to order—but Bobby cut him off.

“No, kid. No dessert here. I mean, they make some amazing things, don’t get me wrong,” he said as he pulled out the bills from his wallet for a tip, “But there’s a little place along the beach that has the most amazing frozen yogurt you’ve ever tasted, trust me! Now, how about we get going?”

Tommy hooked his hand through Evan’s and pulled him from the booth, shaking his head at the disappointed pout that lingered on his lips. Even though he found it rather adorable, he leaned in and whispered, “Hey, stop pouting, babe,” and pecked a kiss to his cheek, pleased when it slowly disappeared, replaced with a soft smile—the one that always made his heart skip a beat and have him questioning if he ever needed to look at anyone else ever again.

As they made their way down the boardwalk, however, Tommy found his boyfriend walking ahead of him with Athena, with Bobby falling back to the airman’s side.

He had a feeling that a serious conversation was about to be had.

“So, Tommy…” Yeah, the tone was right. “…You and Buck are finally living together. How’s it really going?” he asked, and the airman chuckled and honestly answered, “Well, I’ve found out that Evan constantly forgets to pick up his socks, likes to sing boy band music off-key in the shower…and that I’ve never been happier.”

He gave the older man a broad smile, unable to keep it from his face, and Bobby gave him a scrutinizing look, as if not believing him…but then he grinned wide and said, “That’s good to hear…and for some reason I am unsurprised about the socks.”

Tommy laughed a second time.

“Yeah, actually that’s driving me a bit crazy. I think I already have the driving desire to shove one into his mouth in order to make him understand the gravity of the situation. I have hardwood floors,” he explained, and Bobby threw back his head and laughed. “I mean, I love him until the end of the world, but in the past week alone I’ve nearly broken my neck five times, and I am ready to sit him down and tell him that if he doesn’t put his socks away, then I’ll be burning all of them.”

Bobby gave him a look…and then said, “I remember when Athena and I first moved in together. She left her things everywhere. Like, no rhyme or reason, you know? And me being a bit of a…”

“Control freak?” Tommy suggested with a straight face, hands tucked in his pockets, and his ex-captain stared at him, as if trying to figure it out whether or nor he was joking.

“…Stickler for cleanliness,” Bobby finished with a wry grin, “I was more than a bit irked at her, shall we say, lackadaisical approach to organization. At first, I didn’t say anything, too in love to want to rock the boat. But then after a month, I blew up at her and we had an argument that I’m still ashamed of to this day.”

Tommy nodded.

“I get what you’re saying, Cap, but don’t worry. We’ve talked about it and Evan has said he’s gonna work it. I trust him,” he finished, casting a fond look in the direction of hos boyfriend, where he was coming back to him with two large cups full of frozen yogurt, and the airman already knew that the one covered in blueberries, granola, and honey was for him…whereas the confection topped with drizzles of chocolate and chunks of oreos was Evan’s.

With a wide grin, his boyfriend said, “Look at what I got you!” and lifted the one with the blueberries towards him.

Once he was within reach, Tommy grabbed at the treat and replied, “Looks great, babe,” and placed a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth, noting the way Athena did the same to her husband, and he felt something warm settle in his chest as he realized that both of them approved of him.

The four of them began to walk along the boulevard closer to the beach, and Evan gently nudged his shoulder with his own.

“So, what were you and Bobby talking about?”

Tommy shrugged.

“Nothing important. You know, how much we love our partners…how you leave your socks everywhere,” he added, smiling when his boyfriend nearly choked on his dessert, and then he said, “You sold me out to Bobby?” and he shrugged a second time.

“Not really. Turns out Athena is messier than you.”

They shared a look…and then they both burst into giggles as they trailed slightly behind the other couple—and once more Tommy was viscerally reminded of the fact that he wanted to keep doing this with him for the rest of his life, and that soon enough he would have a ring on his finger and let the rest of the world know that Evan Buckley was all his. As he stared at his profile as he laughed, watching the wind catch the curls in his hair, his blue eyes sparkling with humor, the airman couldn’t help but be angry with himself for ever letting him go to begin with.

God, he loved him.

He was lost in the moment…and then it was broken when Athena called out to them, “Hey, you two lovebirds gonna catch up, or what?” and he tore his eyes away and was about to shout up to her—but Evan beat him to it, saying loudly, “Hey, we’re young and in love! Deal with it!”

Tommy grinned and shouted, “Ditto!”

They continued to trail behind them until they made their way to a spot along the beach that was fairly empty…

…and then he stood frozen in confusion as Evan handed him his frozen yogurt and kicked off his shoes, tore off his socks, and then shoved his jeans up his muscular calves as best he could as he ran towards the water, yelling back over his shoulder, “Race you!” and Tommy just shook his head, incredulous—and then was taken off guard when he saw the Captain suddenly follow after his boyfriend, copying him, shoving his dessert onto his wife and tearing off his shoes and socks and running after him into the tide, while he and Athena stared after them with wide eyes.

Giving her a curious glance he said, “So…like father like son?” and they broke into badly contained laughter, both of them shaking their heads as they watched their partners regress into children as they tried to tackle each other in the surf.

Tommy then watched as Athena shook her head and muttered, “Sometimes I wonder if they don’t have some of the same genetics running through their veins, somehow…”

He gave her a sideways glance.

“I’ve met Mr. Buckley, and let’s just say that I wouldn’t be surprised if he shared not a single allele in common with that man.”

They shared a knowing look…and then the airman wasn’t surprised when the sergeant asked, “So, you and Buck. You’ve been living together for a week…and he’s still alive. You must love the man,” and his mouth split into a wide grin before he could stop it and he nodded.

“Yeah, I kinda do.”

She nodded.

“Good. Then I won’t have to shoot you.”

Without even thinking about it, he quipped back, “I was army. I’d like to see you try.”

—and then realized what he’d said—but before he could retract his words she replied, “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen your army file. You a good shot?” and he hesitantly admitted, “I scored Expert in my proficiencies. All of them,” and she gave him a look.

“You and I should go to the range sometime. Maybe you could show me a thing or two…”

He felt the last bit of tension dissipate from between them and gave her a toothy grin and said, “I’d like that,” and then the next thing he knew his boyfriend was barreling towards him with damp ankles and calves, arms wide open, and he did his best to move the frozen yogurt out of the way so it wouldn’t get squashed between them, and he let out a grunt when Evan wrapped his arms around him and even slightly lifted him off the ground.

“We gotta come to the beach for a date, babe!” Evan said, sounding almost giddy, and Tommy smiled and nodded, saying, “Yeah, but…weren’t we already planning a beach date?” and his boyfriend pulled back and rolled his eyes and let out a long sigh.

“God, you’re gonna be like that for everything, aren’t you?” and the airman nodded a second time.

“Yep.”

He then leaned forward and pressed a swift kiss to his lips, cutting off anything else he might say, and he knew that he was the happiest he’d ever been. As they pulled back from the kiss, Evan looked up at him with those pretty blue eyes of his and said, “Can’t wait…”

Neither could he.

[kitkatcadillac]

i have not gotten all the way through the hbomberguy video yet or anything im just a little more than halfway through but since i dont know how to talk about anything else ill say this is only a microdetail brought to mind by his mentioning of some of somertons plagiarism and using being gay(as a marginalized group) as a selling point and defense

but that it is so fucking twisted to claim to be a queer rights activist and supporter and then steal a trans asians article, written from and about the pov of a trans asian person, to remove so much of the personal trans experience and input so often "lgbtq"

like not to tinfoil hat on you but i think theres this thing thats been going on for years thats had its ups! and its had its downs. but that is ultimately, that "lgbtq" has been pushed into being marketable but in this really fucked up way wherein its like... if its gay, great! if its lgbtq, fantastic! but you get into LITERALLY!!!! any other labels that are considered "othering" (see: less marketable) it gets dicey.

like. look me in the eyes. i know, and you know, that he did that in part because he was trying to hide, well, plagiarism. but he isnt the only one that sees unique queer identities and their experiences and knows if he just packages it up pretty... if he makes himself sound smart, and if he blankets it over to "lgbtq" its more marketable.

listen. im not saying you should not ever love lgbtq or queer as blanket terms. but by referring to every singularly, uniquely queer experience as lgbtq, as queer, when it defines itself as something more specific, it ends up having a smear effect of erasure.

i think unfortunately the nature of marketability is competition, and it just sucks that that makes stupid football teams out of everything. if theres a market for it theyre gonna start a fight about it. dems vs reps, queers vs straights, gays vs trans. its very easy to want to turn everything into a fight, into support this and ditch this, instead of actually taking the time to create like... learning opportunities. a big point in all of this shouldnt be like oh well fuck these people in particular, it should be to be careful about the information youre consuming and to do some research yourself too.

theres also a good point that im seeing so many people that are surprised and shocked about people they respected and trusted turning out to be this way and never realizing so many messed up things about the sort of messages those people have been putting out. i mean like, okay, weve all seen the you are not immune to propaganda garfield, but seriously. the transphobic rhetoric was right there. the misogyny was right there. the BLATANT misinformation about gay history and its relationship with corporate was RIGHT THERE, in a nicely packaged form with clear and agreeable speaking, nice video and audio editing, and (obviously) quotable, sharable information.

👏 be! 👏 fucking! 👏 careful! 👏 about letting someones grab on marketability trick you into making an already bleak situation worse. it is so fucking easy to get caught up in us-and-them rhetoric when that is so much the worst thing to do im begging you. do not discover your mistakes and respond to them by doubling down when you recognize that it is a mistake.