#when you gotta work the same day you run an evening campaign

[morning-day-yew]

Today’s emotion addendum:

[tobiasdrake]

Which DBZ antagonist do you like the most?

Boring opinion, I know, but I gotta give it up for the Obvious Choice.

And I'm not just saying that because I haven't had a chance to talk about him yet.

Frieza runs a real estate empire that carries out genocidal acts of gentrification, purging tracts of land of their native inhabitants so he can sell their land for profit. Commenting on this choice for his ultimate villain, Akira Toriyama stated that he made this decision because real estate speculators are the worst people there are.

Fucking based.

From the moment we meet Frieza, he is a monster. Toriyama likes this Big Guy Little Guy dynamic where the Little Guy is the one you really need to watch out for. Frieza is the Littlest Guy ever.

He's so tiny. And yet you know exactly who the most dangerous person in this group is. Zero question.

By the end of this altercation, Frieza reveals one of his signature attacks, giving us our first glimpse of the kind of person and the kind of fighter he is. This is such an important moment for his character and I'm kinda mad that the anime had Dodoria do it instead.

Muri destroys the Scouters and blinds Frieza. I've talked before at length about the devastating impact that this move and the Namekian warriors' attack has on Frieza's campaign.

But once it's done, he has to face the music. He's not getting out of this alive.

In one last desperation play, Muri tells Cargo and Dende to run while blocking them with his body. And that's when it happens.

This is Frieza.

Specifically, this is Frieza's Death Beam. It's never actually given a name, but is generally referred to as Death Beam. We've seen a move like this only once before.

The Dodonpa, signature technique of Tsuru-senryu, first introduced by the assassin Taopaipai, was built for extreme lethality. This is not a technique for fighting; It's a technique for killing.

What makes Frieza's Death Beam stand out from the Dodonpa, however, is its accuracy and its speed. He threads the needle around Muri to hit Cargo before anyone even has a chance to react.

We see its accuracy and speed again six days later, when it finally catches up to the other child fleeing from him here.

The panelwork here calling attention to everyone's reactions as Frieza's ki bullet shoots past them, as his shot threads the needle between all obstacles in his path to strike his target far behind them. Dende is dead before anyone can even process that Frieza fired.

This is the difference between the two techniques. The Dodonpa is a gun. The Death Beam is a sniper rifle. Faced with the physical hurdle of bodies impeding his path, Frieza point-clicked Cargo and Dende to death.

He later executes Vegeta this same way.

Done with you.

All of this context for Frieza's sniping shot serves to set up the stunning subversion when Goku arrives to fight.

Frieza's never seen this before. Goku shouldn't even be able to see the shots coming until they've perforated his lungs. That's how Death Beam works. It's this moment that lays it out: Frieza's about to be tested like he's never been tested before.

Speaking of cool techniques, I've always been partial to this move from his Third Form.

The anime gives Frieza little ki bullets coming out of his fingers but I want to note that we never see a physical projectile when he's doing this. Frieza jams his fingers back and forth in the air while something pulverizes Piccolo.

I've always imagined he's poking the air so fast that it's hitting Piccolo with pressurized air currents. Similar to Goku's Mazoku air current punch from the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai.

But that's just me.

In any case, Frieza's got some fun moves. He's something of a hobbyist martial artist. Which is to say, Frieza has an interest in martial arts. In addition to his Death Beam, Frieza's concocted a litany of other interesting techniques.

He even invented the Kienzan, independently of Krillin.

Though he can remote operate his Kienzan so it's strictly better than Krillin's. Frieza, in his spare time, has come up with a bunch of cool moves. Too bad he has no idea how to use them.

Frieza's greatest weakness is his inexperience. He practices martial arts the way a business CEO who bought a log splitter so he can cut some wood and feel woodsy practices agriculture. Frieza has never had a proper chance to truly experience martial arts, because he was born too powerful.

The only partner who's ever even dirtied his skin was his dad.

And even that isn't much. Frieza's too strong. He wants to pursue martial arts. He wants to hone his technique. But when you win every fight by blinking too hard in the opponent's direction, what even is there to practice?

Frieza created a transformation to seal away his immeasurable ki because he was born with so much ki flowing from him that he can't even contain it. At his peak, Frieza's ki bleeds out of him. He simply can't contain it.

Goku wonders aloud why Frieza took so long, even after the fight turned against him, to go to 100%. Frieza's been all "Oh I'm only using 10% power this is my 50% you made me go to 75%" and Goku's like, "Okay. My dude. What's this about, for real?

This, incidentally, is not a great translation. What Goku's saying here is supposed to be basically, "Perhaps when you use your full power, your body can't handle it."

He is correct.

Frieza's Full Power has a lot in common with Super Saiyan 3. His theoretical maximum ability is wildly different from the reality of what he's capable of, because he bleeds ki like it's going out of style.

So, while other characters wound up earning transformations that make them more powerful, Frieza created a transformation to seal away some of his incomprehensible ki.

Then he created a couple more because even though he could now control his strength and even manipulate the amount of ki he's releasing at a time, he was still too powerful for anyone to ever compete with and needed even more ki sealed away.

Again, not a fantastic translation from the people who brought us "bottom-tier boy", as Frieza's statement here could be interpreted as saying that he gets taken by a berserker rage or something.

What he's saying is more like, "My power is so great that I can't properly contain it."

Point is, Frieza transformed to lock down his ki and seal parts of it away, so he could control the rest better. Then he kept going, locking away more and more and more of his ki. And even at his most nerfed, he's still five times more powerful than the Second Strongest Guy in the Universe.

Frieza has never in his life had the opportunity to be pushed. That's what makes Goku so enthralling to him.

Frieza plays with Goku because he's genuinely having the time of his life. This guy can fight him in his Final Form. Nobody can fight him in his Final Form. He's so happy, he straight-up forgets that he's trying to complete a genocide against Goku's entire race.

He said that five minutes ago. Gohan's hidden power freaked Frieza the fuck out. Saiyans are too strong now. They've gotten too strong. Frieza cannot permit them to keep existing because they're getting strong. Every last Saiyan, every last one, must die. Every single one. Scorched earth, no survivors.

But then he meets a Saiyan martial artist who's a technical master and pushes him more than he ever thought possible and suddenly:

He goes from "Saiyans are TOO STRONG and they all must die because they might threaten me" to "OH MY GOD I'M HAVING SO MUCH FUN CAN I KEEP YOU!?"

It's this desire for a true rival, this opportunity to satisfy his amateur's curiosity about martial arts, that ultimately unravels him. Frieza has one ruthless and pragmatic option for ending this fight once it starts to be too much for him. He can technically stop the fight any time he wants.

But he can't bring himself to do it. He wants to fight. He wants to compete. Frieza's been on the outside looking in at martial arts for his entire life and even when his greatest fears are fulfilled and the Super Saiyan is in front of him, he wants to try.

So when he does attempt to pull his Lethal Ragequit, he pulls back at the last second. He can't bring himself to do it. Goku initially assesses that Frieza held back out of fear of hurting himself.

But later, as Frieza begins unlocking the final chains on his ki, Goku changes his assessment. Noting that if Frieza really held back simply out of a mistake, he could have shot the planet again at any point to finish the job. He's been letting this play out because he can't bring himself to end the greatest fight of his life that way.

This fight is still happening because Frieza wants to compete. I mean, he wants to win, of course, but he wants to win as a martial artist. He's never truly gotten to be a martial artist before.

He is not the guy winning the gold medal at the Tenkaichi Budokai. He has never been that guy. He's the guy who buys up the land the Tenkaichi Budokai is held on and then bulldozes all the people off of it. But in his heart of hearts, he wants to be that guy. That guy is so cool. Frieza wants to play too.

In a sense, by hosting the Cell Games, Cell got to live Frieza's greatest fantasy.

This is who Frieza is. He's the cruel and wicked heir to Genocide Realtors Inc., who is in love with the idea of being Tenshinhan - A desire that exists at odds with - and undermines - his pragmatic business sense, so to speak.

He is the most vile character in the history of Dragon Ball. The worst kind of person. He is also an overeager child whose wealth and privilege prevents him from ever truly enjoying his hobbies, to an extent that he'd be almost pitiable but for all the genocides.

And he is Dragon Ball's greatest villain.

[pix-writes]

Congrats on 1000 likes!! Wondering if I could request ford with an environmental scientist!reader? Like where ford enjoys theoretical physics and maths, the reader is more focused on geology and biology? No worries if not!!

Dearest anon, you don't have to worry because this is right up my alley!!! I studied earth sciences so let's gooooooo! 😁🥳

Stanford Pines x environmental scientist!reader

Rating: SFW

A/N: Was terrible at physics but I love earth sciences so this is practically a self insert? lmao! Ford finds someone who likes to infodump as much as him about their academic interests! ^^' so sorry that the reader rambles so much. The wilderness must be explored! Hope you enjoy!

"You mean to tell me that you think you've discovered species hitherto unstudied and you didn't call me until now? Are we even friends?!"

That had been your reply on the phone. Ford chuckled, relieved that you had been available and eager to accept. He was perhaps inundated with work and whilst he didn't want to admit where he was limited in his expertise, he knew he could afford to extend his studies and offer someone else an opportunity. He was glad it was you.

You had Fiddleford to thank for your introduction, you had been in a group campaigning for environmental rights on campus, the hubub was something Ford would've generally ignored, but Fiddleford had seen some familiar faces amongst the crowd and he couldn't deny that he was curious about the cause.

He'd found out why you had seemed familiar, as you recognised them from the shared lectures you had.

"Ugh! They made us take a course in statistics, but honeslty, I'm hopeless at it! It's right at the end of the day, too, so I'm trying hard not to fall asleep, you know?"

"Um, well, I actually don't find it that bad."

"But we both agree the professor drones on something awful, right Ford?" Fiddleford gave him an encouraging nudge with his elbow.

"My god, he does!"

"S-so, um, maybe if you sat next to us, I- we could help you? We both take mathematics."

He had been nervous at first, afraid that you would reject him for his six fingered hands. Rumours had been spread across the BMU about him and so far only his roommate had been the most accepting.

But like him you hadn't noticed at first, once you did you had only picked up his hand and said -

"Woah, far out!"

When he had slipped his hand away you had actually apologised.

"Don't give a damn what the rest of them think, Ford. Anyway, I think they're cool!"

And thus your friendship had been forged. Your shared courses were brief together, but you both had a love of DD&MD and kept a campaign running through college.

His excitement for someone coming to relieve the isolation of his life in gravity falls was curtailed, slightly, once you had started pouring over his work. He had temporarily forgotten that you were nearly as scrupulous as himself.

"I can't believe that you were recording these like this! What if your work was to get lost or destroyed, hm? There is so much to do here!"

Eagerness had devolved into critique it seemed, and Ford felt like he was losing the war.

"There's nothing even here about habitats or behavioural patterns for this entry... overall, this is inconsistent, Dr Pines."

He huffed, putting his hands in his pockets. "So are you going to accept the task or just pull it apart for the rest of the week?"

You tried to suppress a grin and failed. "When can I start?!"

Ford shook his head. "Just the same as when we were in college. You take too much delight in messing with me!"

Your laugh rang out over the lab. "Gotta keep you on your toes, Stanford! Like you, I have high standards."

"You can start whenever you're ready, of course."

"Good, because I want you to show me your latest find you talked about."

"Well, I'm glad you called me, seems like there's a lot of work to do here and it's not good to lone work so remotely, Ford, you know I wish you contacted me sooner had I known you were-" You gasped as you looked down into the river and Ford spotted one of the plaidypuses he had discovered last week.

"Oh this is fascinating, Ford! I wonder how they've developed such a pattern, perhaps in the falls they are not predated on? Yeah, maybe that's it."

This sparked a conversational debate, Ford elaborating on what he had said over the phone, how he had discovered them, what else lies in the forest surrounding.

"And just look at this waterfall, a perfect example of differential erosion! Did you know that this kind of basaltic rock in Orgeon was actually formed around..."

Ford looked over to you, you had gotten up close to the edge of the waterfall, as close as you could on dry land, pointing out formations. He tried his best to add in hums of response at the right places, however, his mind had drifted as he saw how your face was highlighted by the light filtering down through the trees. The way the light breeze blew at your clothes, the sparkle in your eyes that lit up your expression as you talked about your subject.

His heart swelled with affection, he had been so lonely before, and he was kicking himself on how he hadn't thought of this sooner; it was so... energising to have someone around with a similar level of passion for their studies as he has.

"Ford, the camera! Quick!" Snapped out of his reverie he realised you had been trying to get his attention, directing him to the shore where a group of plaidypuses had arrived.

"Right!" He took a few photos, managing to get the measuring rod that you placed carefully in the foreground without startling the creatures.

A few tranquil minutes passed as you watched the group glide effortlessly in the water away from you, leaning back on the grass with your hands, legs dangling off of the ledge.

"What were you thinking about? You've got that far away look in your eye."

"Oh, er, nothing! Just an equation." Ford could feel a blush forming.

"Didn't think that'd be something you'd have trouble with."

"Really (name), just because I have a PhD in the subject doesn't mean I don't have to work at solving anything."

"Yeah, yeah, tell that to the girl still trying to get approval for her original proposal." Voice laced with sarcasm. "What're you on now, you're 8th PhD or whatever?"

"10th, actually."

"Jeez, man! Do you ever rest?" You laugh and Ford can't help but join in. "Don't worry, you can get back to your equations and scanners or... whatever else you do with physics! The river isn't far, I'll be studying their ecology for now, then we can decide on the rest."

"Sounds like a plan!"

[halehavetogosometime]

Steddie (stranger things) omo shipping meme

This is a kink thing, folks, discussion ppl desperate to pee.

dldr

I love running through this series of questions when I’m all fired up on a “new” ship. I’m a multi shipper here as well, but I’ll start with these two yahoos, Steve and Eddie (some qs I approach as if Steddie are a couple in the future and living together, and some  I stick more closely to canon for)

 .

Who gets desperate because they didn’t want to get up from a video game/work/other activity

This is definitely more likely to be an Eddie move– hyperfocus can be a bitch, man. I can see him reading or especially working on a campaign or music and just putting it off or even not noticing until someone else, maybe Steve, sitting across the room, like, notices the quality of the bounce has changed and totally clocks it as Eddie-has-to-pee instead of the normal Eddie-finding-the-right-stimulation-threshold. Maybe Steve would pop over with a drink, or maybe he made himself a sandwich and did one for Eddie as well, so he intentionally interrupt Eddie’s focus which, like, normally he wouldn’t… but in a case like this he’d do it intentionally, “Hey babe, I made some for me, you want some too?” and Eddie jolts out of it, comes back to the world, accepts whatever Steve was giving him, and then Oh-So-Casually scoots rapidly towards the bathroom.

Can also see, like, Eddie hyperfocusing on a day when he’s home and Steve’s at work, only for Steve to come home and interrupt and Eddie to realize he’s Absolutely Desperate.

In neither case do I see him actually really wetting himself, not unless they play these games. 

Now Steve… I can definitely see Steve specifically having had close calls or incidents related to sports? Like, many an athlete has many a time pissed themselves, or peed right off the field etc because they are SO well hydrated and sometimes it just is like that. 

But then again, that’s “can’t�� stop the activity more than it is “don’t want to”

Who insists they can hold it even when they can’t

Either. I can see Eddie more often being the one, like, not in tune with what his body is up to and getting into a tight spot and then doubling-down bluffing about it… but i can see either one of them getting, like, competitive about it, not willing to be the one who admits he’s gotta pee first… or imbibing substances that mess with his control… i especially can see Drunk!Former-Frat-type Steve forgetting that he broke the seal and not remembering he’s not gonna be able to hold it, etc, but trying to bluff his way through anyway

By the same token, can see high!eddie having nooooooo idea how bad hes gotta pee, really.

Who pees in a bottle because they didn’t want to leave their warm bed at night

Oh absolutely either one. 

Steve maybe doesn’t do it as much, was less in the habit when he lived in his parent’s pristine house, or when the likelihood of having a girl over was high, wouldn’t want to miss something like that and have a potential partner find it…

And def after they are together, if one catches the other at it, he’s gonna give him good-natured shit about it, but yeah. No big deal.

Who doesn’t pay attention to their fluid intake

Steve, maybe, if he’s drinking alcohol (otherwise, he’s more likely to just Always Be well hydrated, less “not paying attention” and more “always shooting for hydrated, even if that means peeing a lot more”)… but Eddie probs more normally, vacillating wildly between over and under hydrated. 

Who has the larger bladder

I can see arguments for either, steve has to pee a lot, but that’s cuz he’s usually well hydrated. Can see that either resulting in him Not holding as much, cuz always peeing, or holding plenty, just, there’s always plenty to hold…

And I can see Eddie with a monster bladder cuz he’s always putting it off, and therefore always holding… or the opposite, especially if he’s bad about, like, drinking water, and it usually drinking, like, coffee or other things that are stimulants/diuretics/bladder irritants.

Who is more likely to have a shy bladder

I think it could be fun to write either one that way… but of the two, probs more likely Eddie. He’s a more baseline-anxious type to begin with… and I think athletics to the degree Steve has participated are very likely to cure anyone of that– when you gotta, then you gotta, and you gotta take every opportunity, even when you’re packed in with a bunch of other athletes and there’s maybe not much privacy

Who will only use an appropriate facility

I don’t think either would care, really. Steve has definitely pissed in some “convenient” places during/after games, or in folks’ backyards during parties, but also i bet Eddie has pissed in the woods in particular many a time.

If we gave either one a shy bladder, that could be a component, but i don’t think it much is if we’re trying to be canon compliant.

More likely to have a holding kink

I want to say eddie, who i think is more likely to be kinkier in general/aware of his kinks. 

But steve, between the athletics, the drinking at parties, the general competitiveness, and the fact that he definitely definitely has had a great deal MORE sex than eddie– it’s entirely possible, that if he had one he would also have figured it out.

Who challenges the other to a holding contest

Either. They’re competitive. Actually, maybe it’s a comment/dare/etx from Robin or one of the kids.

How would each react to having and accident

Lol depends on how sober they are and or if there are extenuating Upside down shenanigans.

I can see eddie being embarrassed/humiliated maybe? If it was, like, sober in company or while he was trying to be cool or smth. Like maybe if it was Steve catching him coming out of a hyperfocus sesh and he doesn’t make it, maybe then he’d be embarrassed, especially if they were dating and hadn’t been that long. 

But if he’s in an altered state and/or really after all the shit they’ve been through, idk that he would care that much.

Similar for steve, like, if it were to happen somehow like on a date or smth, some situ where he was trying to be Cool Steve, maybe he’d b embarrassed about it. Maybe if it happened during sex, where he prides himself on always giving a Good Time… maybe then he’d be bothered… but otherwise, nah. Again, intense athletics + altered states + the upside freaking down, who gives a shit.

How would each react to the other being desperate/having an accident

I mean, with horniness in anything I write. But otherwise…

So if Eddie’s in the pickle, genuine stressed about whether he’s gonna make it/or in the aftermath, Steve’s gonna be good about it (in the later seasons, might have been a real Ass earlier). He’s gonna do his best to get Eddie wherever he’s got to go, or find him a bottle, or encourage him to piss on a tree or whatever, the fuck does anyone care about it. Clothes wash. 

He might tease some, definitely if this is pre-established kinky game stuff for them, but he’s gonna do his best to make Eddie not feel bad/keep other folks from knowing, etc.

In the reverse situ, Eddie would definitely come out of the gate making fun, but he’d shift Very quickly into being genuinely helpful/trying to make Steve laugh about it (even if laughing isn’t exactly ideal, lol)

Who is more likely to wet because of anxiety/fear

Probs eddie. If steve was prone to that, it would have come up almost certainly when Robin mentioned it in the bathroom at Starcourt.

Plus eddie just reads as a nervier dude in general. Dunno how likely, but he’d def be more likely

Who is more likely to wet deliberately

Either if part of some kinky game, steve if during a fight or smth when he knows there’s no point devoting any more brainspace to it (like sometimes in athletics), Steve maybe also more generally (probs again in context of drinking etc) more when they are living at home, partly because he’s not gonna worry so much about ruining his clothes/shoes? Like, not that eddie wears real fancy stuff, but sometimes maybe he does, and especially steve has an empty house with built-in washer dryer and eddie Shares a small space with his uncle and likely does laundry elsewhere.

[primusfortuna]

Rouge ⟡ Love Wrapped in Ribbons of Gratitude (01)

[XX] [02] [03] [04] [05] [Sun] [Moon]

“A Popular Guy in Town?”

—ALSTORIA, THE LAND OF KNIGHTS - TOWN—

Emilio: Emma, look at this fountain... What if we decorated it with crimson roses?

Emma: That would look beautiful! I bet it’d make a nice date spot.

Cyrus: ...You two act like naturals already. I’m... still not used to this.

Emma: Ahaha, I’m a little embarrassed myself. But it’s a Love Day preacher’s duty to wear these costumes.

Love Day—a special day for giving gifts and expressing your continuous gratitude to the people dear to you.

We are the designated preachers of Harriet’s campaign to hype up the celebration. As such, we’ve been busy preparing these past few days.

Emilio: It feels a little improper to be dressing up as a prince and princess.

Emma: I know what you mean... But it’s all according to the legend. We’ve got to work our hardest.

Emilio: Speaking of, where’s our other prince?

Emma: Well...

Rouge: Oh~? Now who is that princess over there? Why, it’s Emma-chan!

Rouge: Seeing you never fails to knock me off my feet~♪ It’s like that sweet visage of yours has pierced my heart~

Emma: ...Rouge-san, where have you been?

Emma: We told you that we were all meeting up this morning, didn’t we?

Rouge: Now now, I promise my heart’s in this.

Rouge: But you see, when you’re as popular as me, you run into all kinds of things...

Emma: All kinds of things?

Rouge: Yup, a whole bunch.

Cyrus: ...? Why are you hiding behind me—

Emma: Ah! Rouge-san, don’t tell me—

Man’s Voice: ROUGE! Found you!

Rouge: Ugh, crap...!

Fierce Man: Oi! Get back here! Today’s the day you pay back that money you owe, you hear!?

Rouge: Please! Wait just a little longer! I’ll pay you back as soon as I win some at the casino~!

Emma: (Sure enough, he borrows money in this country, too.)

Emilio: ...Our prince is frantically scurrying around.

Cyrus: That’s something you don’t see everyday...

Emma: No prince would run around to escape his debts like that... I’m sure...

Rouge: Man~ It’s tough being popular.

Cyrus: ...You outran them?

Rouge: Heh heh! This is a daily thing for me! That was a total breeze.

↪ You should pay them back. (Sun +8)

Emma: I think you should pay back the money you owe. Rouge: I plan to, of course! It’s just, I haven’t really struck any wins, y’know~? Rouge: Gran-mama wouldn’t lend me any money either. Emma: I guess you won’t even consider the option to work for it, huh...?

↪ You’re the same as usual. (Moon +8)

Emma: You’re the same as usual... Rouge: Oh, do tell what you think of Rouge-san’s same-oldness? Emma: My thoughts...? I think you should pay back the money. Emilio & Cyrus: ...... Rouge: Ahaha! There’s that icy stare I know and love. I got shivers!

Rouge: Now, before anyone else comes hunting me down... I’ve gotta get working on preacher duties.

And so, Rouge-san joins our tour around town, but then—

Middle-Aged Man: Yo, Rouge! Come sing at my place tonight. You’re strapped for cash, yeah? I’ll cover your drinks for ya.

Rouge: Seriously? You mean it? I’d be happy to showcase my beautiful singing for you~!

Young Woman: Oh, hello Rouge. Aren’t those scary men after you today?

Rouge: That’s all cleared up now! Man, I wish you could’ve seen how fast I ran.

Emma: (Rouge-san made himself right at home in no time.)

Seeing that same old side of him, I can’t help a bitter smile.

Next →

[daz4i]

listen. sometimes idm ads. i do want sites i use or youtubers i watch frequently to earn money so i can keep using/watching them, and i won't spend money myself, so this is a good compromise.

the problem is!!!!! ads make these sites lag, sometimes cover pages and make them unusable, or they clog videos and pop up so often and are so long they're practically as long as the video itself, to the point i just stop watching youtubers who have too many ad breaks even if i do like their content

and i gotta say, i don't get it? like being annoyed with an ad won't make me want to get the product - and i know that's not the point, the point is to put it at the front of your mind for when you or someone you know need the product this company provides - and i do end up clicking ads for things i find interesting sometimes

and the thing is. with video ads especially. i think smaller is better for everyone. one 5 seconds ad is so much less annoying than a 20 seconds one or even just two 5 seconds ads, even if it appears multiple times per video, bc psychologically it feels more bearable, yknow? the product is still gonna be in my subconscious or w/e but now i won't associate it with being painfully annoyed, so this is better for the advertisers too. so why not go for that!

also, sometimes ads are taken straight from tv directly to youtube (probably why some are very long), and the problem with that is their volume. like. if i'm watching smth in the middle of the night and your car insurance ad is twice as loud as the video i'm watching, i'm gonna hate it even more (a friend who learned copywriting told me they make ads louder on tv bc if you lower your volume during an ad break and tune out or just change channels quickly, it's more likely to catch your attention this way. i get that but why not just do this very minor adjustment when you sell that ad to youtube. please)

as for websites, some of these ads are so fucking evil 😭 i ranted abt this before but oh my god weight loss and especially fasting apps ads should be illegal i am not even slightly exaggerating. ads literally being malware??? not even getting into how scary algorithms can get.

and as i mentioned about lags, so many ads running at the same time, or the same ad space changing rapidly make things so slow that i once again have to wonder who's benefitting from this. i can't even see what some of the ads are bro, and i don't want to, but like, you're just losing money here, and if i know a site doesn't work well with ads enabled i will either switch to a browser with adblock (tbc, talking abt mobile here. firefox's app is shitty but necessary) or, if i can't use adblock, won't use that site anymore. so again. who's benefitting from this.

idk what the point of this rant is. ads today literally exist for the sake of existing i swear. i don't think they help sell things more at this point, which is the whole point of ads in the first place. and for smaller or newer businesses, they sometimes have to raise prices to make up for paying for their advertising campaign (drew gooden's videos about buying random items he gets ads for showcase this phenomenon well i think) which makes people less likely to buy them, and i can't help but wonder if some products would be better if their companies spent less money on just advertising them and instead actually invest in quality (see also: any shady company that targets youtubers for sponsorships constantly while having an extremely bad product, or barely paying their employees a living wage, etc)

anyway yeah these are my probably not too uncommon thoughts on the matter. have a nice rest of the day

[marcholasmoth]

OSRR: 3104

today was another early and long day.

joel had to go in to work but he forgot to tell me he could go in later so when i woke up and showered and got ready and said "alright let's go" he said "i don't have to be there for 8" and instead of letting him clarify i went to my car anyway.

but before i made it to work, i managed to stop at the gas station for red bull, bring joel to work, stop at a different gas station for gas, stop at starbucks for breakfast, and still be at and in work for 8:45 this morning. maria asked me if everything was okay because i'm never at work so early. i told her joel had to work early. she said "that's right, blame it on joel."

which isn't wrong but is also funny.

work was long today. i got the chance to make a few changes to my résumé and send it back to jb for ideas again, and i worked with a few students and the first one i worked with, after a few diagrams, was absolutely killing his stats homework. all else the same, one thing could be described differently and a world of difference can be made for anyone. he just nailed it.

there was also a student club fair today, which i went to because i was told there were stickers, so i went around, grabbed a lunchable that was part of the provided food, made my way around to different tables, got souvenirs aka stickers and an ace flag, made my way all the way around, spun the wheel, and got a fancy pen and another sticker. it was enjoyable. i'm glad i had pockets.

the rest of the day was spent waiting around and killing time by talking to my coworker and cutting out stickers, as well as playing a cup-and-ball game for a little bit. i'm supposed to run an ELL math study group on thursdays, but no one showed up and i didn't expect anyone to, so i just camped out with my stickers and i was give the game to play with. it was after that when i talked to one of my new coworkers for a while. turns out we have a lot in common, and he sat patiently and listened as i told him about our sunday campaign. why i did that i don't know. but i did and he was really nice about it. he also likes tuna, so i know he's at least got some sort of decent taste, but i also learned he eats cereal microwaved so it's mushy and warm and that's just not something i can support. he likes cocoa pebbles. which is fair, they're delicious. but you gotta eat them with ice cold milk. you can't put milk in them and microwave it.

i've been saying for a few days that cereal is instant soup, and the only thing keeping us from eating it hot is our moral compasses.

not this guy, though.

which is fucking hilarious to me as much as it is deeply unsettling.

after work, i got joel, and we came home and we cleaned the table up and i put my laundry in and we waited for people to show up and it was a long evening of noise from joel and company as well as tv noises and a little bit of creativity from me.

but it's bedtime now and joel is asleep, which is good. he's got tomorrow off, but i have a doctors appointment at 10, so even though it'll feel like -14°F at 10am, i still gotta go. around 2am tomorrow (saturday) it'll feel like -37°F, which is almost -40°C because -40° is the same in both fahrenheit and celsius. which, excuse the pun, is wicked cool.

anyway, joel is sleeping and i should too. i'm tired.

[resistanttodarkness]

A Brief Summary of Immortals, by Nathan Barrow

Hello, dear readers! Can you believe it’s been a whole year since President Della Frienze’s crazy inauguration speech? Life has certainly taken some turns since then!

I feel I would be failing in my duty as a journalist if I did not recap this historic event. And besides, this post can serve as a nice little summary of the world of Immortals as a whole! I’ll have Josh pin it to the main page! (Editor’s Note: Nate made this thing too damn long to pin it to the main page. It’s a mess as it is. I’ll make it a separate page on the site, or something.)

When President Frienze took the stage, everyone thought it was going to be your run-of-the-mill celebration speech, going over campaign promises and the like. Boy were we wrong! Out of nowhere, she drops this bombshell- “While I know this is meant to be a celebration for myself, my party, and those who voted for me, I must deliver an important message. Magic is real.”

Insane, right? I don’t think there was a sound on Capitol Hill for five minutes straight! Why’d she wait that long, anyway? To show she was serious? To check the audience for some Immortal agents? Boggles the mind, right? Anyway, she continued-

“Since nearly the dawn of human civilization, there have been people with the ability to perform inexplicable feats. Creating fire, water, lightning from nothing. Flight. Speaking with animals. The list goes on. These people are Immortals, named as such due to their unaging forms.”

To think she didn’t elaborate on that bit! Unaging! Bit hard to hide that for so long, right? I had to dig this up on my own last year, if you’ll recall. Turns out it’s more complicated than simply being “unaging”. An Immortal ages normally, and can even choose to pass away from old age if they so wish. But, they can also “reset” to the age of 25 from any age past it. Wild! 

The memory of seeing it in action still gives me goosebumps. Back when I interviewed Blake Ravitz over at the dam- The work was getting to him, even at only 35 years old. I guess Immortal powers take a lot to use. But I’ve seen 40-year-old Immortals do similar jobs just fine. Maybe some Immortals have more power than others? I’ve gotta make sure I ask the next one I interview about that!

This next bit’s real juicy- “However, at the end of a grueling war between Immortals in the Dark Ages, Mortalkind forced them into hiding. No longer. I welcome the Immortals of the United States of America to reveal themselves, and I urge my fellow world leaders to do the same.”

And then she just left! Didn’t let a single person interview her! 

It took a few days after that, but shows of Immortal powers started popping up everywhere. Every single news channel in existence just had hours of B-roll playing of people doing crazy things! I think the media bigwigs were in just as much shock and awe as the rest of us!

Since then, things have been weirdly calm. Sure, you have the occasional anti-Immortal protest, but I think the type who like to punish people for being themselves tend not to be as powerful as they like to pretend they are when faced with firebending, lightning-shooting, flying wizard people!

Otherwise, you mostly have Immortals just… Living life, but with the option to use their powers. I mentioned Blake Ravitz working at the dam, but I’ve also heard about psychic warehouse workers, and zookeepers that make the animals the happiest anyone’s ever seen them!

And the best part? This isn’t ruining the workforce! I mean, there aren’t really any Immortal abilities I know about that can help you flip burgers or run the register, so we aren’t fully out of crap jobs, unfortunately. But the thing is, Immortals have always been among us. If anything, the workforce kinda just got shuffled around a bit.

There is one sticking point, though- While law enforcement now has Immortal powers to work with, so do criminals. As such, things on that end have been a rapid cat-and-mouse endeavor trying to match the right Immortal cops with the right areas of jurisdiction to best deal with whatever powers the criminals there have.

And, unfortunately, my lovely home of San Francisco has been one of the places that hasn’t quite caught up on that front. We’ve been dealing with a rash of bank robberies that the SFPD can’t pin down. 

But, that’s not for this post. I’ll be doing a deep dive on that particular story in my next article. Who knows, maybe the problem will be resolved before then!

[cyarsk52-20]

It’s Black people fault racists being racist? Shut the hell up.

It’s Black people fault this piss ass state has a Democratic party run by a Republican oil heiress who likely PURPOSELY handicapped this race?

Go shoe shine somewhere the fuck else

Black people dont even have the NUMBERS to do that in Louisiana. Yall dumb as FUCK.

Whole state party run by bitches who were at work when the Challenger exploded but want the KIDS to give a fuck about any of this

NO SMOKE for any other race. Black folks gotta fix it all? Suck my imaginary dick!

Shawn Wilson didnt even start campaigning around the state til THIS FUCKING SUMMER. The Democrats did not even TRY.

You slew foot ass unseasoned chicken flavored bitches really couldnt wait til MONDAY after the election to blame Black folks. Have they even finished the TALLY?! LIKEEEEEEEEE

It’s always BLACK PEOPLE fault for you piss poor ass bitches not wanting to do your jobs.

Kiss my ass!

Its Black people holding this PISS ASS STATE TOGETHER

and that piss ass state doesn’t deserve nann black body a resident or tourist

It’s Black people fault the LA Democratic Party spending time funding Dem vs. Dem races instead of recruiting new talent so we dont all have to vote DOWN BALLOT for Republicans? Go choke on a bag of weiners

So if you are on this app blaming BLACK PEOPLE IN LOUISIANA, a 3rd of this population and many of whom are ineligible to vote and are gerrymandered out of being able TO vote, you a shoeshining ass bitch and I wish the worst for you

This piss ass state is what it is CAUSE THE LA DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS A CLOWN CAR

How is this even ACCEPTABLE? To just outright LIE and claim Black people are the reason Jeff Landry is now governor? You dont think we dont know he HATES US? But guess what? So do LOUISIANA Dems.

We supposed to look at Katrina Jackson or Troy Carter like KINFOLK? PLEASE

LMAO at blaming low voter turnout on voting day being the same weekend as 2 HBCU homecomings (as if that wasnt by design by those fucking racists) AND NOT DEMOCRATS BEING FUCKING TRASH

Also bitching about low voter turnout? BABY GIRL /BOY OR BETTER YET BIIITCH FUCK OFF.

You fuckers didnt run on WOMEN despite THESE headlines circulating the block all year, if I had a penis you can choke on it

Also LEST WE FORGET:

Black Democrats outlawed abortion in Louisiana. That bill was signed into law by a DEMOCRAT GOVERNOR.

YOU fquckasses NEED TO BURN IN HELL blaming Black residents of this ridiculous state for the disarray of the Party and the harm we experience. Heck I’ll take you down there myself if I could

Also ALOT OF PEOPLE are ineligible to vote due to their immigration status and criminal records. 1 in 3 Americans has a criminal record and Louisiana incarcerates the most people per capita IN. THE. WORLD. I dont wanna hear this goddamn bullshit narrative around us.

ALL you nigclears and nig hew bitches (along with actual hews and clears ) need to turn that mirror onto yourselves.

Fucking Carter out here shoeshining for Steve Scalise of all people and you want Black folks to swoop in and save the day for you ungrateful bitches.

YALL gave Jeff Landry this race. Leave Black Louisianians ALONE

And let me tell you something else! If Jeff Landry

1. Stealing taxpayer money

2. Using the LA police as hired guns for his donors

3. Running an interstate coalition of AGs to hunt women for abortions & supporting the DEATH penalty for them

wasnt ENOUGH? Nothing was gonna be.

And the ONLY reason y’all blaming Black people is b/c y’all are deluded enough into thinking we ALL experience harm the same. Black people suffer no matter WHO is in office. Bel Edwards signed the first Blue Lives Matter bill into law in the NATION & HID CORRUPT COPS FROM THE LAW

Honestly Yall mothers are BITCH MADE! And y’all daddy’s mommas some ugly HOES! And so are you

And that’s what the problem is. So on DAY 1 post-election in one of the WORST DEFEATS this state’s Democratic party has ever seen, maybe sit with THAT instead of uniting under a “Blame Black folks” narrative

The state with the WORST maternal mortality rate in the nation has DEMOCRATS ban abortion.

WORST education in the country and they banning Black history and books

HIGHEST incarceration rate & a Democrat shielded murderous cops from the FBI.

BUT WANT BLACK FOLKS TO SHOW UP?

Like this state doesn’t deserve them!

let the state drown in the mess they made. Drown!

Sorry for the rant but I had to LET THEIR ASSES KNOW!! They always wanna blame the utter failures on black folks. Nah! The turnout sucked because your policies sucked and you didn’t want to do the work.

This is the same rhetoric that will be floating around next year in Florida if the Democratic and progressives orgs do not get it together. They have so much work to do to rebuild infrastructure & re-engage voters and I have yet to see it.

don’t you dare blame black folks because you’re incompetent af!

[dawnlotus1]

I literally love my VTM campaign sm <3 yall if this was streamed I guarantee you would love them too.

The campaign is run by @viv-weylin , and me, @elmflowers and @woodenfawn are the players!

It’s called New Orleans by Night (like others of its kind) (set in you guessed it. New Orleans).

I play a character by the name of Alice Adalhaidus. She’s a Toreador, 130 years old and quick to judge others. She owns a cabaret called “The Looking Glass” which serves humans by day/late evening and goes by the name “Wonderland” at night for Kindred. She hosts Elysiums often. She is a little obsessed with climbing the vampire social ladder and it has made her the worst version of herself. I plan on sending her through a character arc to become a better person. She is very caring towards her employees and those she considers actual friends rather than just political connections. She gives her employees over pay and vacation time almost to a suspicious degree. She would never drink her human employees blood but she has used her powers on them to keep them unaware of the vampire world. They all think of her as their extremely eccentric boss. She is predator type Bagger and she buys all her blood as she believes she is above attacking people. She’s always drinking blood out of wine bottles/chalices. She does not know how to use smartphones/modern technology. She sends carrier pigeons. I’ll get back to talking about her because I’m obsessed with my own OC yes but first I wanna introduce my fellow players.

Flowchi plays Bartholomew Buonarroti who is a Nosfaratu whose primary job is Vtuber. He’s over 500 years old, bald as hell, and currently 6’4” but getting taller whenever flowchi decides. He lives in the sewers and eats rats. Predator type farmer. He would 100% be the fan favorite if this was a show. He immediately adopts and plays the mentor for Hannah. He is mamas favorite boy and he has a bunch of annoying siblings. His VTuber sona is AlysterBytes.

Woodenfawn (aroc) plays Hannah, an extremely new vampire. Clan Tremere and predator type Pursuer. She was a 30 year old woman who had/has an almost chunnibyou like obsession with the supernatural. She was stalking a vampire by the name of Sirius, believing him to be a fellow LARP-er. When surprise! he wasn’t- she asked to be turned instead of killed. Now she’s been a vampire barely 3 days and we have dragged her into some crazy shit. She extremely space-y and often gets treated like a child due to her newness to the kindred world.

There are so many NPCs I love who I could introduce but aaaa I’ll save them for another post. Plus if Mey or the others show up to correct their character descriptions or add on that too.

However I think I gotta talk a little bit about Yvonne, she’s a vampire hunter who’s tracking down a specific vampire who has turned and enthralled her sister. This same vampire is the one who turned Alice 100 years ago and HE SUCKS WE HATE HIM. His name is Calix Cardon and I could rant about how he sucks for a while but all you need to know is that we both want to kill him. Thus despite being Vampire and Hunter, Alice and Yvonne are working together. And have. Maybe. Developed feelings for each other. Eheheh.

Yvonne is 45 yrs old and badass as hell. She’s also cringefail and cannot roll well to save her life despite having good stats. Alice is relentlessly teased by Bart and Hannah over her obvious crush on her. What if you were a vampire hunter and blue themed and I was a vampire and red themed.. and we were both girls..

Sirius is here too he’s Hannah’s sire , Tremere and also from the 1920’s tho Goth. He’s having a mental breakdown right now. Only some of that is Hannah’s fault but honestly I’ll probably make another post breaking down some of the key plot because I’ve already been rambling so long but anyway. He’s not having a good time. He kinda shoved Hannah onto Alice who is terribly far from matronly and ended up in Barts care.

Party composition feels like The Responsible uncle/stepdad and his sister The Wine Aunt whom bicker constantly take care of New to this world but Excited to be here Hannah while running from/investigating the massive forces that have seemed to hone in on their personal problems.

Some important events I could talk about :3

Alice’s beloved Cabaret nearly gets burns to the ground.

Bart gets Doxxed.

Hannah’s first frenzy may have caused problems.

Sirius was kidnapped.

We’ve made contact with some pretty powerful vampires in this city who have it out for us. Though we may be able to convince some to our side.

Gosh gosh yeah hmmm I’ll make more lore posts later methinks..

Oh also! I run a in character roleplay blog for Alice at Alice-adalhaidus tho it’s NOT UP TO DATE. We are 5 sessions ahead of what lore I’ve managed to transcribe. Oof. I’ll get back to it soon.

You've mentioned a vampire vtm campaign you're playing a few times I'm curious about it

Anon I’ve been waiting for an ask like this all my life. Anon I’m going to reblog this ask with a long ass post rambling about me and my friend’s beloved campaign. Wait right here :]]

[darknight3904]

Sober - Eddie Munson 

Chapter 1- 9pm

Masterlist

This story begins before ST4 starts. It starts around the beginning of December.

"Max are we out of milk?" Marguerite groaned

"Uh yeah probably. Mom hasn't grocery shopped in like two weeks." Max mumbled

She slammed the fridge shut with a groan and opted for some toast instead.

"Let's go. We're gonna be late." Marguerite mumbled through a mouthful of toast and jelly

"You know we could just not go." Max said slipping her walkman onto her waist.

"Mmm and how do you think Susan would feel about that? Besides it's better that she doesn't have to worry about us. Let her work without any worries about us." Marguerite replied. Max rolled her eyes but followed her stepsister out the door anyway.

"Morning Mayfield's!" A voice called

Eddie Munson stood leaned against his shitty van, joint in hand.

Max glanced over at him with annoyance.

"Ignore him. He's just a weirdo." Marguerite said

"I still love the car Marguerite! Let me drive it sometime!" Eddie yelled

Marguerite flipped the boy off as she fumbled for the keys to the car. Technically the car wasn't even hers. Billy's blue Camero was officially Marguerite's most prized possession. She had blew most of her savings getting it fixed after the mall. It didn't run as well as it did but it was one of the few things she had left of him. Her dad had taken practically all of Billy's stuff when he left. Marguerite had put her foot down and claimed that she and the Camero would be staying in Hawkins. Her father's response?

"It's a shit car anyway. And you...you're an even shittier daughter."

That was the last time they had spoke. The next day he had his and Billy's things packed and was gone by noon. Susan had sprung for a little trailer and was now working an extra job leaving the girls at home alone most of the time. Sure it didn't really matter since Marguerite had turned 18 back in October but the house or rather trailer still felt lonely without her.

°°°

High school should just be optional. Holding teens for 7 hours a day and forcing them to cram a bunch of garbage into their heads was a waste of time. Of course that didn't mean everything was bad. For example right now Marguerite was right where she wanted to be, a beat up picnic table in the woods.

"You know flipping me off this morning was kinda rude." A voice said

"Then stop pretending to know me when Max is around." Marguerite mumbled

"Why? Don't want your little sister knowing what you're doing?" Eddie laughed as he sat across from her

"Just..give me what I want Munson." She sighed

Eddie shook his head but pulled out the items anyway. Marguerite slapped the cash into his hands and quickly opened the bag with cocaine in it.

"Really? Right infront of me?" Eddie complained as he counted his money

"Didn't know you were some sort of saint." She said

"Same time on Friday?" Eddie asked ignoring her quip

"Yeah. But I was actually wondering if you have anything stronger? I can pay double. I just...need an escape." She said looking away from what Eddie had given her

He rose a brow at her proposal. Sure, he knew that you weren't some little inexperienced kid looking for drugs from him but that didn't stop him from being worried.

"Uh yeah I do. You sure you really want more? That's alot you got right there." Eddie motioned to the two bags on the table. One had Weed and the other Cocaine.

"Yes I'm sure." Marguerite snapped

"Alright. My trailer 9pm tonight." Eddie scratched his head

"Can't it be earlier? I have other stuff to do." She sighed

"Nope. Gotta Hellfire meeting tonight." Eddie grinned motioning to his ugly shirt

"Oh yeah I forgot about your stupid little club." She groaned

"Hellfire is not stupid. Maybe if you showed up you'd actually like it." Eddie smiled

"And do what? Roll dice and pretend those silly little campaigns are real? I don't think so. I'll stay away from you and your freak show." Marguerite said as she began to walk away.

"See you at 9!" Eddie yelled

Hello!! This is my first time posting anything on Tumblr. So I'm like a total novice when it. Comes to working the posting half of this. I've been reading and looking at tons of posts for awhile now but actually creating is a little different. I've written a few things on Wattpad but I wanted to try Tumblr out for a change. Sober is cross Posted on Wattpad where I actually know how to work all of the magical settings and stuff. Hope you enjoy this story about my new favorite boy. 💜💜

[machifuwa]

- Animals - Menagerie of Animals (1/8)

One Day in Early January. Seisoukan Courtyard*

Subaru: Hiyahou~!

Daikichi, come here, come here! It's fun to make footprints in the snow!*

"Animals" is holding a winter campaign! Let's go to work...☆

Koga: You're getting pretty excited. Snow isn't really a rarity around here, you know~?

Koga: Daikichi is no~t that enthusiastic either. He's ju~st sitting still because he doesn't want to move around at all.

Subaru: Come now, Daikichi, you always get fat in winter, so you gotta move a bit!

Move your body and you'll be warm in the cold winter! Let's go on a walk ☆

Koga: Well, Daikichi, like his owner, always goes at his own pace.

Also. I'm sorry I made you go out with me, Nito-senpai. It must have been hard to carry a pet that's kept indoors and bring it outside, wasn't it?

Nazuna: Not really, you can do whatever you want during Animals' activities, right~? I don't really mind what you do during these times.*

Even though they're free-range in their rooms, I thought it might be stressful to keep them indoors all the time~

Subaru: Ahaha. So you let Nazuna run free in your room too? Same as Daikichi...♪*

Nazuna: Yeah. Well, thank god my roommates understand.

If some of them don't like pets, our pets won't have much freedom.

Subaru: I know right~ My roommates are very tolerant, they sometimes take care of Daikichi.

Daikichi is quite difficult, but he seems to be very open with my roommates.

Tomoya: I see. I didn't know that because he's quite friendly towards me.

Ahaha. Don't lick my cheeks, Daikichi♪ It tickles, you know~?

Wataru: Argh, how unfair!

Subaru: I want to be friendly with Tomoya-kun too~♪

Wataru: Fufufu. It is very lively and fun. Animals' activities, I mean...☆

Nazuna: Wataru-chin is pretty quiet during Animals' activities huh~ Is it because the animals might get scared when you do weird things like you usually do?

Wataru: Now, now, I don't always act so eccentric, do I?

In "Animals", the adorable animals are the stars of the show. I'm just a tree on stage; standing quietly...!

Besides, you're mistaken, little bunny, I don't perform eccentricities, I perform miracles...♪

Wataru: One, Two... Amazing☆

Koga: What do you mean "the animals are the stars"? Senpai's the one who stands out the most, ain't he~?

Uhh no. It's magic with pigeons, so the animals are really the main actors...? I still don't understand Hibiki-senpai...

Nazuna: If you take him too seriously, you'll lose~ Koga-chin.

Tomoya: That's right. Thinking seriously about Hibiki-senpai is a waste of time.

Wataru: That's harsh~ There should be no bad people who like animals...

Hah! Is it possible that your hearts are sinking because of this world full of harshness?!

"That's what I think as well, Wataru-kun!"

Yes, yes, yes! Well then, we need to organise an animal therapy session organised by "Animals"!

Subaru: Oh, ventriloquism! How did you do that, Hibiking-senpai?

Wataru: No, no, there's nothing special about it at all...☆

Tomoya: You're going off topic. Will you please shut up for a minute?

Please talk about something more meaningful. The animals are so cute, but all I can hear is Hibiki-senpai who won't stay quiet.

Nazuna: Ahaha. We're always a mess huh~?

This is really nice though. It's become a circle that just gets together once in a while and spoils it, and then we're in a rut.

It is said that "New Year's plans should be made on New Year's Day", so maybe it's time we try something new, right?*

Subaru: Then, then! Let's get Daikichi and the others to learn some tricks and organise some events!

Hibiking-senpai, please teach me how to make Daikichi go on a diet, killing two birds with one stone you know ☆

Let's see... It's like a circle activity, so it might be worthwhile~?

Koga: Oi, I can't just let Leon do something dangerous.*

If you ask Hibiki-senpai to do a simple trick, you'll end up looking like a circus performer.

Tomoya: I think so too. I don't think he would hurt the pets, but it's too risky, he might get angry and end up overworking the animals.

If you prefer a more normal event, or if not, a chat like this is perfect and fun already, don't you think so?

Koga: Right. I'm happy just to spend time with my beloved Leon.

It's just a circle of people who love their pets and their relatives' animals, so there's no need to go out of your way to work on something new.

Tomoya: That's right. "Animals" is all about the love for animals, after all...♪

Subaru: Hmm~ For me, I think it's nice to make new memories with your pets.

...Come to think of it, Tomoya-kun, you don't have a pet yet, do you?

You've been in "Animals" for quite some time now, and I think it's time to bring in a new family member, don't you think so too?

Nazuna: Yeah, that's what I've been wondering too.

When we talked before, you said you were frequenting the pet store I introduced you to. What happened to that?

Wataru: Ooh, so Tomoya-kun will finally bring a new family member!

I wonder what on earth will you keep~ Let me hear it♪

Tomoya: Umm... I'm still considering that... and anyway, you don't have to worry about me! And please don't touch me!

Nazuna: .....?

Subaru: Ahaha. You haven't decided yet huh~

Pets are a once in a lifetime thing. It's alright to be patient and look for the right one!

Tomoya: Y-yes, that's right. Well, I'm glad you didn't rush me in a weird way.

Wataru: .....

"Pets are a once in a lifetime"... Fufu, what a nice thing to say.

Well then, let's not rush and wait for Tomoya-kun's decision.

What are we going to do with "Animals" in the future? Let's call it today's activity to discuss ☆

< EPISODE 1 END >

Notes:

Seisou Hall (星奏館 seisoukan, lit. Star Harmony Building, sometimes translated as Starmony Dorm) serves as the dormitory for Ensemble Square idols. Housing at the dormitory is free. While it's not mandatory by ES policy that ES idols must live in the dorms, it is expected that they do. (source)

Daikichi is Subaru's pet dog.

"Animals" is a circle that focuses on interacting with creatures that live on land. Some days they get fired up over conversations about their pets, and other days they go on field trips to the farm or zoo. (source)

I don't know if Subaru is talking about Nazuna or Nazuna's pet here, but, based on the way he talks it is more likely that he's talking about Nazuna's pet, and Subaru calls Nazuna "Nito-senpai" not just Nazuna. On enstars' wikipedia, they didn't mention anything about Nazuna's pet name so I'm assuming that "Nazuna" is the name of his pet. The sentence that Subaru used is: "なずなも部屋で放し飼いしてるんだ?" by the way.

New Year's Day is the morning of the first day of the year, and the word 'kei' (計) means 'plan'. In other words, it means that it is important to make a firm plan at the beginning of the year before starting out on a project, and the 'Gantan' (元旦/New Year's Day) part is sometimes replaced by 'Ganjitsu' (元日/The First Day of The Year) or 'Shougatsu' (正月/First Month/January/New Year). [read more + source]

Leon is Koga's pet dog.

Story: "Animals" [Menagerie of Animals]

Story by: 木野太郎 (Happy Elements株式会社)

Season: Winter

Characters in this Episode: Subaru, Koga, Nazuna, Tomoya, Wataru, Daikichi, 'nazuna'(?)

Reminder: I did not create this story, but I translated it, so please refrain from reposting my translation on other social media platforms.

I apologize if there are any mistakes as well.

(All - Next) Thank you for reading!

[myckicade]

Prompt: Ok so we all know Coco is touch starved, and would be clingy af in a relationship. What about Coco x wife!reader, while she’s trying to do basic errands/chores and Coco is her shadow?

A/N: I’ve been waiting for this one. I really have. Hee hee. I just adore Coco. <3 . This piece sort of follows the story of the last two Coco x Reader pieces I have written, but it will stand-alone, just fine. And, I swear, these things just have a mind of their own. I can continue to apologize for length, and content, but, in the end... I let the story tell itself. ;) . <3 .

As a warning, I come from Vermont, where we have a plastic bag ban. Last I knew, California was the first state to have one. I don’t know how that would translate to Santo Padre, but… When I mention fabric bags, I mean reusables, and the ban is why. ^^;;;;.

Title: Worthwhile

Teaser: He’s a little rough, your Coco, foul-mouthed, and quick to anger. Untrusting, and bitchier than a woman, on his best day. But, once you have his love, you have it. All of it.

“Okay…” you murmur, slowly, eyes scanning over the paper in front of you. Fifteen items, nothing crazy. Shouldn’t take you more than an hour, tops, and that includes travel to and from the store. “I think I’ve got everything we need… And, specials included your beer, and those little frozen cream puffs.”

Beside you, Coco groans, deep and guttural. “Fuck, I love those things.”

You giggle, but keep reading. Your man is too damn cute. “Feminine products.”

“Do those count as special?” Coco genuinely sounds thoughtful, as he steps up behind you, where you are leaning over the counter top. He wraps his arms around your waist, chin coming to rest on your shoulder. “Kinda’ a necessity, ain’t they?”

Tipping your head, you glance to your husband. Seriously. This man is a treasure. “Why don’t you run for political office?” you tease, pleased when Coco chuckles.

“Yeah, my record’ll look great, on the campaign trail.”

You shrug. “You can tackle pink tax, and tax evasion, at the same time.”

Coco grins, and steals a peck off your lips. “What else you got on there, muñeca?”

“Hmmm, let’s see…” You turn back to your list, tapping the pen against your lips, thoughtfully. Spying the next item on it, you try not to let out another giggle. He’s not going to like this one. “Letty asked if we could have that cauliflower pizza thing for dinner, tonight.”

As expected, this groan is decidedly not from food lust. “Fuckin’ vegetarians. When the hell is she gonna’ get over this shit?”

“It’s just a phase, Coco,” you remind him, for the… Well, honestly, you’ve lost track. It started shortly after the wedding, Letty’s change in diet, and you’re still not convinced the two aren’t related. You’re just not entirely sure how. But, two months in, and she’s still looking healthy, so you won’t send up any alarms. “It’s very popular at her high school, right now.”

Coco scoffs, disgusted. “When the hell’d she start copyin’ other people, anyway? My girl ain’t no follower.”

The words send a shot straight to your heart. He’s a little rough, your Coco, foul-mouthed, and quick to anger. Untrusting, and bitchier than a woman, on his best day. But, once you have his love, you have it. All of it. The love he has for Leticia is the greatest proof. They may carry on like cats and dogs, but when push comes to shove, there is nothing they won’t do for one another. My girl. It brings a warmth to your soul, and a smile to your lips.

You shake it off, enough to formulate a response. “She’s figuring out how to be her own woman. Trying new things.” You shrug, not wanting to make a big deal of it. You were Letty’s age, once, of course. And, a girl, to boot. Some things, Coco just won’t be able to understand. “It’s a process.” He hums, still disgruntled, but doesn’t push out another word. “You want anything else?” you ask, holding up your list. “I’ve gotta’ get going, before I run into the football widows.”

Before you can even take a step away, Coco tightens his arms around you. “You sure you gotta’ go, though?” he asks, leaning in to brush his lips against your neck. “With the house all to ourselves, like this?”

“If I don’t go,” you start, as Coco’s touches gain intent, becoming teasing kisses. Damn him. It feels nice, you won’t lie, but there are other things on your mind, right now. Priorities.

You’re just… having trouble remembering what they are.

Oh. Yeah. Shopping.

“If I don’t go, we won’t have anything for dinner.”

Another kiss, accompanied by a barely-there swipe of tongue. You shiver, and Coco moves his lips to your ear. “We can order in,” he whispers, breath so invitingly warm against your skin.

Oh, this asshole.

“And, what are we supposed to have for breakfast, tomorrow?” you try, again. “Half an Eggo, and a pack of Skittles?”

Coco cuddles you closer, again. “Ain’t you never heard about livin’ on love, baby?” Some of his smoothest work, that is. And, it’s almost convincing. Almost. You can imagine the afternoon ahead, if you give in. Your clothes will come off, and won’t be back on until the last second, before Letty walks back through the front door. By that time, you’ll be too tired to roll your ass off the bed, let alone go grocery shopping. And, you promised Letty you’d talk Coco into that cauliflower pizza.

“Great as that sounds,” you agree, preparing to capitalize on the truth. You ease yourself away from Coco’s stubborn hold, and give him one more smooch, just to soften the blow to come. “I don’t think Letty will appreciate the sentiment.”

A third groan. You must be going for a record. “C’mon, (y/n).” Oh, he’s whining. It’s so cute, it’s unreal. “We’ll find some place that delivers that rabbit food shit.”

Unfortunately for Coco, you’re already grabbing your bag. Lucky for you. You’re still two seconds from giving him what he wants. (He just doesn’t need to know so). “I’ll be back in a while.” God willing. “If you think of anything else, call my cell.” You rush out the front door, and don’t look back. If you see the look on your husband’s face, you know you’re as good as done.

*

Well, what the shit? Coco stares at the front door as it closes, you on the wrong fucking side of it. His arms are at his sides, palms turned toward the ceiling. That went so well. He kind of can’t believe you just walked away, like that. Left him alone, and wanting. In your big, empty house.

He probably should have volunteered to tag along, instead of just chasing you off.

Fuck.

Glancing around, Coco tries to find something to do. Something to clean, at the very least. But, that’s the trouble with having moved in with you, after the wedding, he supposes. Ain’t nothing to tidy up. Not that the three of you don’t have possessions. They’re all just in their proper places. Probably Leticia’s doing, in the end. He’d had a long talk with her, before the move, that she absolutely has to keep her shit where it belongs. Your house isn’t like their house. There aren’t burn marks in the carpet, or gouges in the coffee table. Dishes go in the damned dishwasher, not left to pile up on the counter, or in the sink. Beds get made. Laundry gets folded, and put away. No more wrinkled heaps in the clothes basket. So far, the kid’s been doing good. Real good.

Coco, though? He’s never felt so unnerved in his life.

It was different when he just visited. Spent a night or two, here or there. He’d almost felt at home, then, stupid as it sounds. At home, with the knowledge he wasn’t staying. But, now? Now, the reality has settled in, and he feels so-so… out of place. There’s so much he’s struggling to adjust to.

You have a purified water system installed under the sink, where Coco is used to buying bottled water.

You have a dining room, where Coco and Letty are used to eating on the couch.

You have an extended cable package, whatever the fuck that is.

You kind of have it all, here, certainly by comparison to what Coco is used to. The best of everything. Which really makes him wonder – not for the first time – what the hell you’re doing with a dirt-poor biker for a husband? You’ve had this conversation, on multiple occasions, and you’ve explained yourself, every time. But, this time… This time, you’re not around to give that speech. You’re not around to hold him, and kiss his face, and reassure him in a way that only you can. No, you’re at the grocery store, shopping for Coco, and his kid, which was apparently a better offer than staying home with him.

Oh, nope. Nope, he’s doing it, again. He can feel it. You love him, he reminds himself. You’ve got his ring on your finger, his last name, and – God-willing – his baby in your belly. By choice. All by choice.

Coco takes a deep breath, in. Lets it back out, slowly. Tries not to get sick, for all the nerves coming up to greet him. He wraps one arm around his own torso, free hand moving up to cover his mouth.

Fuck, he hopes you get back, soon.

*

You let out a deep sigh, as you park your car in the garage. Oh, it is so good to be home, at long-last. Talk about Old Home Week. You’d run into everyone, and his brother, at the grocery store. Shopping had taken nearly twice as long as you’d meant for it to, and you just know Coco must be losing his mind, by now. You hate to think about it, in such terms, but, sometimes… Well, sometimes, Coco reminds you of a new puppy. You can’t really leave him alone, without some kind of separation anxiety creeping up on him.

Ah, well. At least he isn’t ripping down the drapes, and shredding the couch cushions.

You blink. Well. That you know of.

Shaking your head, you climb out of the car, mentally preparing to unload armloads of bags. Maybe, if you really, really try, today will be the day you can finally get all twenty bags in, in one trip.

Right. And, shortly thereafter, you can have both forearms set, and casted. Be a real turn-on, in the bedroom.

You’ve managed to grab half a dozen bags, when the door to the mud room opens. “Hey, don’t grab too many!” Letty warns, as she comes hopping down the steps. “Let us help!”

Glancing up, you smile. For having had such a rough start, Letty can be a sweet girl. You know she gets that from her father. “Well, thank you,” you reply, resting a few, fabric handles onto her outstretched hands.

Letty grins, lowering her hands to her sides, before leaning in. “Did you talk him into it?” she whispers, conspiratorially.

You snicker, and whisper back, “He isn’t getting a choice. He’s outnumbered.”

“Yes!” Her hiss of victory is hardly subtle, catching Coco’s attention as he pokes his head out the door.

“You two plottin’ against me, again?”

“Yes,” you and Letty reply, in unison, leading you to erupt into a fit of giggles.

Coco is all grins. “’Course, you are.” He strides closer, he and Letty dancing around one another as she moves into the house. You lean into the car, and retrieve a few more bags. If Coco’s out here, he might as well assist. He’s peering into the car, once you stand back up, and lets out a low whistle. “Damn, (y/n)! You buy out the whole store, or what?”

“Hardly,” you reply, dryly. You hold up your hands, offering Coco the bags. “Here you go.”

“Oh, don’t mind if I do.” Thankfully, your hold on the bags is solid. Instead of grabbing the groceries, Coco’s hands are suddenly groping all over you. One hand is settled firmly at your ass, the other sliding into your hair, at the back of your head. He wastes no time diving in for a slow, deep kiss, and, damn, does his timing suck. He could have at least let you put the bags down, first. The contact makes you tingle, and has you regretting your decision not to stay home. Coco pulls back, after a few seconds, and hums. “Mm. Best delivery ever.”

You can’t help the small snort of amused laughter that leaves your throat. “Good try, Coco,” you praise, easing back far enough to offer him the bags, again. The look of disappointment on his face is just pitiful. “I’m not banging you in the garage.”

He has the grace to mock gasp. “I’d never!” It’s a crock, and you both know it. He looks too amused to be repentant, and you look too aware to be angry. You just raise your hands, slightly, in a third offer. Coco sighs. “All right. All right.” He takes the bags from your hands.

“Thank you.” You grab another load for yourself, rounding the open car door to follow Coco’s lead, into the house. One more trip for each of you, and you should have it covered. So much for only buying fifteen items.

Coco might be right about buying out the store.

*

Watching from the dining room, Coco has a good view of you and Letty unpacking the last of the groceries. Damn kid, she’d thrown him out, about ten minutes prior.

“Less groping, more helping, Coco,” Letty had warned him, after he’d tried to pin you against the sink.

It had been his last warning. Now, he’s been banished. Not the worst thing in the world, not really. Over the last few weeks, he’s really learned that there are some tasks he’s not so fond of. Pruning roses… Yeah, he’s pretty sure you’ll never let him do that, again. And, hey, nobody told him what to fill the bird feeder with. Unpacking groceries goes on that list, somewhere between line-drying laundry, and a streak-free mirror. He’s not sure why. Goodness knows, it makes him feel like a kid at Christmas, most times. Since being with you, though…

Since being with you, he feels like he’s taking advantage of something.

Yes, groceries are a strange place to let that feeling land, but he can’t help it. Coco’s been responsible for feeding himself since before he cares to remember. The only time anyone provided his meals was during deployment, and half that shit barely passed for edible. You, though… You keep the house stocked with more food than he’s seen anywhere, outside of a corner market. Letty always has options to take to school, and there’s a nutritious dinner on the table, almost every night. (Some nights, he actually does win the battle for delivery). If Coco goes on a run, you send him along with snacks for the road. And, yeah, he kinda’ likes that. He also likes the energy bars you picked out for him, last week. Something with cherries, and dark chocolate. He wonders, for a second, if you picked up any more. Come in handy during his mid-week trip outta’ town.

Coco blinks. Then, he does it again, just for good measure. That’s it. That’s what’s so fucking weird about this whole thing.

It’s you.

Okay, no, it’s not you, you. But, it’s you. It’s you, taking care of him. It’s you, seeing to his needs. Letty’s needs. It’s you, being his wife, his partner. It’s you, slotting into the place of role-model for his teenaged daughter. Welcoming them into your home. Not treating it like it’s your home. It’s you, being so fucking perfect for him, it’s taken his mind all this time to catch up with reality.

Coco doesn’t get perfect. Perfect doesn’t want him.

Except, now, it does.

Before he knows what he’s doing, Coco strides into the kitchen. He doesn’t wait for you to put the box of pasta in the cupboard. He just takes it from your hand, ignoring your confused look, as he tosses it onto the counter.

“Coco!” Letty admonishes, but it’s no use. He’s already lifting you off the floor, arms around your perfect backside. The kid gives a long-suffering sigh, he hears it, but pays it no mind.

Nothing – nothing – is going to keep him from holding you in his arms.

Your own arms go around Coco’s neck, and you smile down at him, surprise still lingering in your eyes. “Uhm… Hi, there.”

Coco grins. “Hey, muñeca.” Leaning up, he pecks you on the lips.

“Can I help you with something?” you ask, to which Coco shakes his head. Closes his eyes, as your fingers play in his hair.

“Nah. Got all I need.”

*

Pulling a package of mixed vegetables from the half-unpacked shopping bag, Letty rolls her eyes. You two… God, you’re gross. Coco always has his hands on you, no matter what you’re trying to do. It’s a wonder you don’t carry a damned fly swatter around. Actually, it’s a wonder you ever accomplish anything. He’s always smooching, and smiling, and snuggling at you. It’s disgusting. It’s pathetic.

It’s so damned cute, it’s sickening.

Really, Letty’s enjoying seeing Coco so happy. Like, genuinely happy. Not the false pride he carries around with his kutte. He’s more relaxed, nowadays. He drinks less, and he spends more time at home, both of which mean he’s not hanging around with those skanks at the clubhouse. He eats more, he’s healthier… Nothing to complain about, there.

And, hey, she has no complaints about you, either. You’re pretty cool, all-around. A woman who takes care of herself, and her family, and doesn’t bitch about either one. You’re not using Coco for money, or status, none of the shit she’s always been worried her father would fall into. There aren’t arguments, every night, not even between herself and Coco, as of late. No hostilities, nothing to avoid the house over. Just good dinners, and movies, and a new fish tank in her room. (Okay, so, you’d earned some major points with that birthday gift. She hadn’t actually expected to get one, when she’d mentioned it). For the first time, she understands what a peaceful, happy family feels like. It feels nice. It feels like home.

Glancing back to where Coco now has you perched on the counter top, stealing the most syrupy-sweet smooches… Letty can’t help but smile. Home is A-okay by her.

*

The sound of the air conditioner humming in the bedroom usually lulls you right to sleep. Tonight, it’s just providing you with white noise, a low background track to your thoughts. You don’t mind, not really. It gives you a few minutes to reflect on the day that’s just ended. To plan your day, tomorrow. To weave your fingers through Coco’s hair, and listen to him breathe. That, alone, makes it worthwhile.

Coco has been asleep against your shoulder for nearly an hour, now. Your arms are wrapped around him, comfortably, his own around your waist. You’d urged him up to bed, after he’d fallen asleep on the couch, his head in your lap. He’d snoozed from the middle of the movie, to the end of the nightly news report. Letty had tsked, and complained that no one had any business, whatsoever, in falling asleep during Zombieland. (How he’d stayed asleep was still a wonder to you, both, for how hard you’d been laughing at Tallahassee). With your fingers in his hair, Coco had been blissfully unaware for a couple of hours.

Glancing down, you take in the sight of your husband’s sleeping face. He looks so damn peaceful, the kind you’d outright murder to preserve for him. Coco’s still struggling with sleep, and relaxation, even though you’d hoped it would ease up, once your nuptials had passed. Most of it, you know will never go away. Anxiety doesn’t have a magic wand, or some perfect little on/off switch. And, all things considered, today wasn’t a terrible day. You’d been able to leave the house, with minimal panic on Coco’s part. Granted, it had taken extra time to get the groceries put away, and dinner made, but… You understand, as much as you are able to, that Coco needs the reassurances. It doesn’t cost you anything to carve a few moments from the day, every here and there, to give him what he needs.

Okay, so it did cost you that first batch of pancakes, this morning. They’d burned on the stove, and set off the smoke alarms, when he’d insisted on a dance through the living room. But, Coco loved the song you’d been playing on your Spotify, so there was really no denying him.

Oh, and… Yeah, you’d missed that phone call from the bank, the week before. Your husband had slipped up next to you, on the porch swing, and snuggled you to within an inch of your life. An easy fix, and you still got the business loan, but…

And, sure, you’ve been late to work, on numerous occasions. Coco has a habit of sneaking into your morning shower. And, after that… Well, hell, you own the company. It’s not like you have to explain to the boss that you’re late to your shift, on account of baby-dancing. (Fucking forums).

Point is, you’re more than happy to take care of Coco’s emotional needs. It may take you an extra hour to pay your bills. Daily tidying may have become every-other-day-if-you’re-lucky tidying. And, your ass may have gone numb, tonight, while he slept on your thigh. During which time, you could have loaded the dishwasher. Taken out the trash. Any number of tasks that have been neglected, in the name of Coco. They can wait.

Leaning in, you press a tender kiss to your husband’s forehead, before settling back in, and closing your eyes. Yes, chores can wait. Work can wait. The whole world can hold it, with both hands. So long as you’re around, Coco’s well-being will never have to take the back seat.

*

P.S. If Coco denies it, he’s full of it. He fucking loved that cauliflower pizza. Fucking vegetarians, indeed.

Masterlist | Request | Tag List

[drwcn]

follow up to [post] exploring the crack au if lwj was a girl 

〒▽〒 ps im not trying to erase canon lwj representation, not at all, wangxian is mm in all my other fics, this is just stupid fun

in a ceteris paribus situation aka all other things staying equal: 

1) Lan Wangji 100% still has a resting bitch face, which probably would get her a couple of “Lan-er-guniang 美若天仙 (beautiful as an immortal/goddess) but would benefit from smiling more” comments but nobody is that desperate to die yet so, she’s spared. But damn... imagine the sheer number of thirsty boys who’d try to secure a marriage with LWJ. None of them is good enough for Wangji as far as Lan Xichen is concerned. Okay - maybe in Lan Xichen’s opinion, Nie Mingjue is good enough, but he couldn’t be less interested. I see her as I see Huaisang, Xichen please. 

2) Everything interaction between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian in Wei Wuxian’s first life is now 500% more scandalous. 

Exhibit A) Their first meeting at the gates; Jiang Cheng immediately felt his spidey senses tingling.  —“You’d sooner have immortals flying out of your ass than get with someone like her. The second jade of Gusu? The pearl in old man Lan’s eyes? C’mon.”  —“Shut up, A-Cheng.” —“Uh-huh.”  —“Also, she’s not that pretty. Her brother Zewu-jun is much better. There’s a reason he’s ranked first.” WWX is still a disaster bi.  — “LMAO, you? Zewu-jun? Please.” 

Exhibit B) Just because LWJ is a girl does not mean WWX grew more brain cells. 

WWX, straight up to Lan Qiren’s face, “Lan-meimei and I - we’re zhiji.” (he means it like we’re kindred spirits, peas of a pod, etc)  LWJ: *does not deny* Lan Xichen: ⚆_⚆ Lan Qiren: ಠ╭╮ಠ

Exhibit C) Lan Wangji getting drunk the first time. Wei Wuxian knew he crossed a line the minute he invited Lan-er-guniang for a drink. Really, WWX, even for you, this is inappropriate. When Lan Wangji fell face first onto the table, Wei Wuxian knew, he fucked up. “Hey....hey...Lan....Lan...-er-guniang,” He poked her. “Don’t...don’t sleep here! You can’t sleep here! If your Uncle finds out or if Jiang-shushu finds out...they’ll skin me alive and then...and then they’ll make me marry you! I don’t want to marry you; you don’t talk and I’m too young!” 

WWX, being a dipshit, “Hey Lan Zhan, call me Wei-gege.”  LWJ, drunk as fuck, “Wei..gege.”  WWX *((( heart )))* ??? 

Exhibit D) The Cold Pond. Okay, so I don’t think Zewu-jun would sabotage his sister’s virtue by sending a stupid teenage boy her way while she’s bathing, but doesn’t mean Su She is above all that. Wei “I didn’t see anything I swear!” Wuxian. Lan “I will gouge out your eyes.” Wangji. Somehow they still end up in the cave. Maybe WWX got in the water after LWJ got out and got sucked into the vortex and LWJ heard the commotion, turned around, saw WWX had disappeared. “Wei Ying?!” A panicked LWJ jumps back into the pond, “Stop fooling around, come out!” 

Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing 👀👀 when LWJ and WWX fall out of the cave together. Also the fact that Lan-er-guniang and Wei-gongzi went missing, together, for two days. Who knows what could’ve happened. I mean anything really. I mean... that’s gotta stir the pot a little were it not for the Yin Iron stealing everyone’s attention away from this bit of juicy scandal. 

Oh the whole story... so much to work with, so little time. 

3) Because Lan Wangji is a girl, now suddenly there’s a high ranking member of the Lan Clan who can host the girls at Cloud Recesses. I mean, Mianmian, Jiang Yanli, Wen Qing, Lan Wangji - SISTERLY FRIENDSHIP. Other than Mianmian, none of the girls are really talkers which suits Lan Wangji perfectly. Even Mianmian’s chatter is endearing.

4) Lan Wangji is absolutely still a powerhouse during the Sunshot Campaign. The inherent aesthetics of fem!lwj telling the Wen goons to “kneel” - no one will deprive me of this.  Also she will still cut off your arm if you cross her - Xue Yang and Jin Guangyao ya better watch out still. 

I am TORN between two options: Lan Wangji tol and kickass or Lan Wangji smol and kickass. On one hand, the aesthetics of willowy elf-like LWJ, on the other hand, 5′2′’ of whoop ass who can and will throw an unconscious wwx over her shoulder firewoman-style and toll him to safety.  

And amongst other things: 

A) Lan Wangji still becomes Chief Cultivator, because excuse me who else is left to clean up this mess? Jiang “Short-fuse” Wanyin? Nie “I won’t do what I’m not intended to do” Huaisang? Jin “13 year-old” Ling? Or Sect Leader Yao?  Technically, being a woman means that she was never Lan Xichen’s heir, but at the end of it, it’s not like Gusu Lan is left with a lot of choices.  Just the poetic justice of Gusu Lan pleading for Lan Wangji to come back when she fully intends to 隐居山野 (retreat into the mountains) with the resurrected WWX.

Lan Wangji being Chief Cultivator would echo Lan Yi’s tenure and rectify the fact that Gusu Lan’s only female head of family “failed”. Lan Yi had to face a mountain of prejudice because she was woman; someone has to say “up yours” to that. A woman as not only the sect master of Gusu Lan but the Chief Cultivator? Love that for Gusu Lans. (⌐■_■) ☞ ☞

B) Because of ~ sexism ~ I wonder if Lan Wangji would get titled “Hanguang” at all even after the Sunshot Campaign. Even Lan Yi, the SL Lan of her time didn’t have a title. Chances are LWJ won’t either. (Note: Violet Spider is not a title, it’s a moniker). So — say after the way Lan Wangji is still just “Lan-er-guniang”, and she does not obtain the title “Han Guang” until after she leaves Cloud Recesses and become rogue. (srsly how did they come up with these titles in canon, did gusu lan just look at 21 year old lwj and be like yah he’s lord light bearer *cue trevor noah stand up joke* why do you call yourself “great” britain? isn’t that a bit presumptuous? shouldn’t you go around doing good things and then let other people come to the conclusion: oh britain look how great you are? same logic with lwj.) 

Lan Wangji, a Jade of Gusu or a nameless rogue, still goes where trouble is, helping those who need it. After laying low for a year or two to heal, Lan Wangji began night hunting. Donned neck to ankle in white silk and tulle, and a weimao (wide brimmed veil hat) obscuring her face, she became known to the people as Hanguang Sanren, the lightbearing wanderer. Gusu’s highest power probably has some idea who she is - or at least they can guess - but the vast majority of people don’t. 

C) Lan Sizhui raised by rogue Lan Wangji as his mum would be different. Still cultured, respectful, but definitely with an air of keeping others at arm’s length. 

For instance, grown-up Sizhui running interference and saving a cohort of gentry disciples on joint hunts.

Jingyi: 这人谁呀？Who is this guy? Zizhen: 多谢兄台搭救之恩，小可看您眼生，敢问兄台尊姓大名，何门何派，改日当登门拜访. Many thanks for saving us. I don’t believe we’ve met, pray tell what is your name and sect, so we may visit at a later time to thank you for tonight. Sizhui: 在下无门无姓 ，单名思追 。举手之劳不足挂齿 ，怎敢劳烦各位名门子弟答谢。My name is Sizhui, belonging to no family and to no sect. As for tonight - I only did what anyone would; it bears no mentioning and requires no thanks. Jin Ling: 你这人，看你工力不凡，想和你交个朋友，可你怎么遮遮掩掩的。Hey you, we see you’re a talented cultivator and want to make your acquaintance. Why are you so dodge-y? Zizhen：金陵 — Jing Ling - Sizhui: 若是有缘，还会相见。告辞。If it’s fated, we will meet again. Farewell.  

Later:  Jingyi: 思。追。 思追谁？Si. Zhui. To recollect and long for whom?  Sizhui: 母亲的一位故人. Someone from Mother’s past.  Jingyi: 你父亲？...Your father?  Sizhui: 我不知。I don’t know. 

I thought about how cute it would be if sizhui and jin ling knew each other but guys...Jiang Cheng literally thinks he killed Sizhui’s biological father. Like he literally thinks he orphaned Sizhui before Sizhui is even born. And Lan Wangji would never accept anything from Jiang Wanyin, not that it would stop Jiang Wanyin from trying. 

A package of books here, a new robe for Sizhui there. Lan Wangji doesn’t know how Jiang Cheng keeps finding her. She and Sizhui are nomadic.  

D) The inevitable conversation after wwx is revived. 

You know what would be funnier than Jiang Cheng thinking Sizhui is a wangxian baby is if Lan Qiren thinks Sizhui is a wangxian baby. 

[kilannad]

First thoughts on Campaign three

I LOVE them, your honor. That's all you need to know.

Okay but seriously;

Let's start with Ashton and FCG (and no, I cannot believe we have a he/they robit that goes by Fresh Cut Grass. Sam and Liam--what the actual fuck?)

I really enjoy the thought that FCG met Ashton and was like "yes, I like your gender, I'll do the same." These people also have such a cool dynamic. Ashton will be the Beau of this campaign--constantly saying fuck, absolutely zero shits, vague morality that will one day show a marshmallow center. Pairing this with a legit therapy robot that seems to have been created for the purpose of helping people is fantastic. Big asshole enjoys tiny friendly BFF. I love them.

The fact that FCG seems to have given us his sad backstory in the first episode just convinces me that Sam has something incredible in the works. Also, whatever subclass--clearly homebrewed from what i can tell--apparently has the ability to take half pain from others which is wild and has such angst potential, I'm ready to cry already. (Also, from a mechanical standpoint its WILD. The half damage is first moved to temp hit points and then, from what I can guess, whatever of those t.h.p don't get used after a certain length of time--maybe a minute?--give FCG damage from their actual hp. So weird, I love it)

Ashton...I'm not sure where they're going. Something wild, considering Tal. Tho, honestly, how has this eldritch horror given us a literal Punk Rock that is a Gender??? Apparently they have a dunamantic subclass, also clearly homebrewed. Or maybe just wild magic barbarian. Something like that, which is also WILD. Makes me wonder where they learned their abilities.

Alright, let's hit the next two: lesbian queens Imogen and Laudna. First, I feel like I should say I would absolutely offer my heart to either of them and have never been so horny at a creepy undead in my entire life.

Let's hit southern bell, Imogen, first since we know the least here: young, polite, southern girl just wants to figure out where her powers came from. Honestly, loving the callbacks to Fjord and it's a really sweet first layer of what I'm sure will turn out to be a more complicated backstory. And, oh yeah, she can READ MINDS. I don't know anything about the psionic subclass, but I'm excited to see where Laura goes with it. Seems like a lot of opportunity for shenanigans, though this might turn out to be a 'discover your roots' kind of story, which I support.

Now: Laudna.

I've gotta say, my first instinct was De Rollo, and I'm sticking to it. That, or a Briarwood. Maybe one of Percy's sisters got killed/turned. I've seen a lot of dhampir/undead floating around. I saw one post that said one of the Briarwoods is her warlock patron which would be SO COOL. Maybe Marisha is just fucking with us, which is a possibility. Thus far, we haven't really seen any of the PCs with close ties to PCs from another campaign except Orym, and even that seems to just be a simple working relationship. It would be really cool to see what can be done with this connection if it does exist.

As for Laudna herself--she's so freaking cool. I love how she's naturally so creepy and off-putting but just doesn't seem to notice. Carries a dead rat on her belt, asks FCG if they kept the bodies of their fallen comrades, and is surprised when children run. It's amazing and I have no idea where she's going or how she possibly met Imogen. I expect fantastic dynamics from these two.

Next, let's talk about everyone's favorite silver fox; Bertrand Bell

I should prefix by saying I haven't seen either of the one-shots he appears in. He is also an easy way to address all of the negative comments which seem to derive from the cast reusing old characters--I have no idea who this fucker is. Didn't even know he'd shown up before until I saw a post about it. That being said; within that first episode I got a really good look into his character and I was instantly caught by his personality and how well Travis plays him. I don't know shit about the one-shots but I know Bertrand Bell and I think if Travis wants to explore him more then he should be able to.

That being said:

I agree with a lot of people that he doesn't seem like a permanent character. The fact that he's two levels above the rest of the group, plus that he's apparently gone back in levels in the last thirty years doesn't show great things. The fact that he's also apparently the first quest giver instead of an NPC is also really strange and doesn't seem to indicate he'll be a recurring character for long. Maybe Travis is just going to appear as a series of new characters instead of sticking with just one. Maybe his real character will show up later. Either way, I'm all for it. I think this is a really cool new way to start a campaign.

Now, probably the most controversial part of the party: Dorian, Orym, and Fern.

Now, I LOVE the Crownkeepers. Adore them. And I'm also super excited for them to show up here for a few reasons. Liam and Ashley both expressed desires to further explore these characters and I'm vibrating to do the same. We got such hints of little pieces of them in EXU and I want more. Of the Crownkeepers, they are also the most likely to split off from the group--Orym because he only went to Emon for Keyleth in the first place, and Fern because she always said she "had things to do". So, no, I don't think Fern and Orym are temp characters like some people are suggesting. Especially not since, as Matt said on twitter, they had the opportunity to re-roll their stats, tho Orym didn't take the option.

The fact that, if Bertrand indeed is only temporary, it means Orym at 13 has the highest INT is hilarious. He thought the Crownkeepers were the exception, but Nah, they were the rule.

Dorian...is different. We just learned that he's apparently from Marquet in the first place, which is really interesting and explains why he didn't seem to know anything about Tal'Dorei. It does make me wonder how long he'll stick around for--will he just go back to Tal'Dorei? Will some crazy part of his backstory show up and take him away and thus be the next EXU plotline? I'm not sure, but it'll be interesting.

What's even more interesting is how, exactly, this new campaign fits with the EXU storyline. It's been a year since the events of EXU and Matt said Orym was contacted while the Crownkeepers were in Byroaden. Now, last we saw them they were about to go south into Betrayer cult territory, tho they discussed going to Byroaden after for Opal to look into her family some more. My guess is that we WILL get a season two of EXU to finish the Tetrarchs stuff and that campaign three takes place after that season two. Maybe. It does beg the question of if the Crownkeepers ever went back to Emon to speak with Gilmore which was the original goal that they never finished.

The reason I see so many people complaining, I think, is partly because one: EXU was pretty controversial on it's own because of it's guided style which is different then the freeform of the main campaigns. I disagree, but that's a different post. The second reason is that people wanted to be able to start this with no needed knowledge about past campaigns. I still think this holds true. I mean, heck, not watching EXU might make it more interesting to see these three interact. I mean, we don't know how Imogen or Laudna met, or Ashton and FCG. We aren't complaining about that, so simply watch Orym, Fearn, and Dorian and enjoy the mysteries of their pasts.

The fact that this group started at level three and the WILD twists we've already seen within the first episode alone really tells me that CR is going all in here. The set, the characters, whatever wild story they're about to tell--it's going to be amazing. I trust in the CR team and cannot wait to watch them go on this adventure together, wherever it may lead.

[amynchan]

No matter how much you try to change from your foundations to be a better person, you're gonna run into biases you didn't know you ever had, and you're even gonna run into preconceived notions that you unintentionally got from trying to be a better person.

When this happens, it's ok. You're human, just like the rest of us. Here's what you do:

Recognize that it's a bias or a preconceived notion. The hardest part about this is our longing to be 'good' that forces us into denial and makes the problem worse. So don't do that. Recognize when there's a problem.

Examine it. Why is this bias here? What does it mean for you? What kind of conclusions does this notion help you to reach?

Ask yourself how you can apply little changes to change it. Just little stuff. Trying to turn around big ideas in a matter of a few days is really, really difficult, but trying to ignore it will leave it there forever.

Keep at it. You're gonna fall and stumble a bit, and that's okay. Just keep at it, and you'll do better.

Example under the cut because mine is kinda controversial (and I'm used to that)

So in trying to be a better person, I started resisting what I learned as a kid and leaned into the whole 'people love who they love' bit. Gay rights, trans rights, lesbian rights, you name it. So I spent a very long time trying to deprogram what I'd learned so I could be a better ally. A lot of people have this story.

Where this story starts is when I was reading a gay fanfic (which is honestly now one of my favs and I love it so much. Partially for the reason about to come).

So one of the characters has an ex boyfriend he calls 'spontaneous Kyle.' When I read it, I thought that that was a strange name for a girl, and it took me forever to realize that a gay man had had an unsatisfying relationship with another man. It wasn't even exaggerated abusive (which I'm used to as a narrative device from lots of angles), it was just an uncomfortable relationship that didn't work out. It also wasn't the only one of his previous relationships that didn't work out. There was a dude that was likened to a teddy bear, really sweet, but it just didn't work out because of life stuff.

Here's where my reprograming had gone wrong: I presumed that once gay men broke out of heteronormative trends, the first man they found would be infinitely better because no social restrictions and therefore be True Love. I had a bias, hidden from myself, that gay love is intrinsically better and therefore true and Couldn't Go Wrong barring excessive abuse.

That is where my efforts to become a better ally led me (because romance, though I really want it, isn't something that makes immediate sense to me, so I gotta think it through a lot).

So that was step 1. Recognizing that I had that preconceived notion. It took a whole fanfiction outside of my perspective to see, but now that I could, I was Flabbergasted, and I realized that that had to Change.

So, onto step 2. I had to figure out why I thought gay love was better and what led to that thinking. What I eventually figured out is that in the campaigning for rights, LGBTQ present their case as fiercely as possible, arguing to be natural to themselves against the forced heteronormativity of most society. It's a persuasion tactic, and it's honestly one I don't blame them for using, but as I was passively absorbing the media around it, it went too far in my mind.

So I had to look really hard at it and say 'what do they really want?' And the answer I, a heteroromantic demisexual, finally came to was that they just want the choice of it. They want to meet people, put their hearts on the line, get those hearts broken, and trial and error their way to true love in the same way straight people get to now. Big difference to what I initially thought, which was "get rid of the heteronormativity so we can all find our One True Love immediately," which is what I'd unintendedly absorbed through all of the LGBTQ media and campaigning.

Listen: this is about recognizing and changing biases and preconceived notions. I wouldn't be able to outline this process if I didn't go through it myself.

Step 3 is actually about how to change those biases. Since it'd be really intrusive--not to mention rude af--to ask actual LGBTQ people about their dating history and whether they'd found dissatisfying LGBTQ relationships in the past, I went back to the fanfiction. Whenever I read 'spontaneous Kyle,' I forced him to take shape in my mind. The other boyfriends, too. I forced them to take shape and be paired off with the character so I could force myself to visualize what I'd unintentionally ignored. Same for other fanfictions. If I saw a past partner, I'd force myself to stop and visualize what that had to be like to remind myself that love is love in the way that it is messy, confusing, and not always straightforward.

Step 4 is one I'm still on and will be on until the notion is fully dispelled. The fact that it still sometimes catches me by surprise reminds me that I need to keep working at it until it's just another fact of life.

So I feel like I'm at least aware of and changing that bias, and I know there are others lurking around in my brain just because of how I was raised and how I myself tried to overcome what I saw as shortcomings in my own raising. I'm going to get it wrong, and so are you. However, taking the moment to admit what's going wrong and taking steps to correct it helps you move forward as a person.

Anyways, this is for the people who are like me and usually terrified to admit that they've done wrong in trying to become a better person because they feel like they're about to be horribly punished for trying to do the right thing. Even if you made a mistake, you're allowed to try to do better.

it's safe to try and do better.