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gascon-en-exil · 4 years

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Mercilessly Judging the Men of Fòdlan: The Empire

It’s been a long time coming, over eight months in fact, but now that it may be assumed that the last of the DLC has been released and the fandom as a whole has settled comfortably into its various camps I think there’s no better time than now to answer that burning question: how raunchily, outrageously gay can the male cast of Three Houses possibly be? For those unfamiliar with this fun little series of mine, I’ve been applying my extensive knowledge and experience of gay male sex and hookup culture to the men of Fire Emblem, originally as a way of reckoning with the refusal of the games themselves to provide me with any worthwhile self-insert M/M content. I stand by that premise for FE16 - you all know how absolutely nothing appeals to me about m!Byleth or his prospects on that score - but in the years since my first outing of merciless judgment with Awakening that idea has expanded into something broader, an imaginative modern AU of sorts where all these guys are into men (if not always exclusively) and willing to put themselves out there in the lewd and semi-anonymous world of hookup apps in search of their preferred carnal delights.

A note on organization before we begin, as this material is too long to cram into one post. Excluding Byleth (as Avatars and their spawn always are for this project) there are twenty-one playable male characters in Three Houses. This makes for an even threeway division to preserve the eponymous conceit of the game, but not a particularly neat one. Aligned with the Adrestian Empire I therefore have below the male Eagles, Crimson Flower-exclusive Jeritza, former Imperial noble Hanneman, and...Seteth, because he’s the closest thing to a non-self-insert lord figure in Silver Snow and because he had to end up somewhere. As I said, not very neat.

The Kingdom

The Alliance

Hubert

His profile is sparsely filled out and his photo less than promising, but the select few who catch his eye will be treated to a courteous (if mildly acidic) barrage of introductory messages and polite requests to meet over coffee or a light lunch, no dick pics or requests for same in sight. It’s only after the exchange of small talk has passed that someone - could be you, could be him - brings up why he has kink as a listed interest, opening up a Pandora’s box of horrors as he casually shows you some of his photo collections. Asses red from whips and floggers, scrotums stuck through with pins, barbed cock rings, electrified nipple clamps, and ghastly shots of the man himself, his mouth dripping with blood over a fresh bite wound on his teary-eyed partner’s shoulder. He is, he explains, a Dom at heart - and the rougher the better. What he doesn’t explain and likely never will is that all that pain play and torture porn neatly covers for the fact that he’s less endowed and less skilled in that area than he’d be willing to admit, or that he harbors a secret longing to be Dommed himself, probably by someone close to him who has no interest whatsoever. He takes his career very seriously although you’ll never learn exactly what that entails, but you have a sneaking suspicion that whatever it is enables all those coldly violent impulses he displays in the bedroom.

Favorite erotic tea time subjects: CBT, vore, femdom

Favored gift: stiletto heels, for use on his face

Ferdinand

Within a minute of talking to him you know his full name, what prominent public figure(s) he’s related to, and where he plans on going with his life, in an overwhelming display of lack of concern for keeping his private life private that would be worrying if he didn’t pair it with an indefatigable self-confidence. The type of gentleman who expects flowers and opened doors and one person to pay for a whole date and coy blushing about going back to his place for some tea, but what unfolds afterwards may be surprising to anyone who wasn’t picking up on the subtext during the night out: that you’re dealing with a toned and vigorous vers/bottom who longs to lie back and be taken care of but absolutely will never turn down a challenge or request no matter how much it demands of him or how expertly he will be able to rise to the occasion. Long practice and some truly enviable thighs (he’s a noted equestrian, and loves showing off his album of favorite horses) let him milk a cock for hours - nearly as long as the subsequent pillow talk will be. It’s little wonder more than one of his lovers has had the idea to gag him...or to fuck him somewhere outside his bedroom once they go in and find the walls plastered with posters of his favorite pop and stage divas staring at you. Prime trophy husband material, wealthy and well-connected and fetching on anyone’s arm, but there’s no question that he’ll only be truly happy if he’s with someone who can challenge him to step out of his unusually large comfort zone: socially, professionally, or sexually.

Favored erotic tea time subjects: edging, crossdressing, fisting

Favored gift: a horse cock dildo, for his much-lauded huge hole

Linhardt

A master at genuinely negligent ghosting, it’ll take a minor miracle to actually arrange a meeting with this guy. Either he never answers, or he does but only to snap at you because he’s busy and only even logged into the app because his mind wandered for a second. Still, he draws a lot of attention from those into geeky twinks. Is not into foreplay, and can scarcely be bothered to maintain interest long enough to even stay hard unless you get lucky enough to hit on one of his subjects of recent fascination. Never offers to do anything in bed, and will in fact pick up his phone to browse through Wikipedia and Reddit while he’s being penetrated. Calling him out for his appalling lack of manners will get nothing more than a wry snort and a quick summary of whatever’s currently got his attention. Never cums, doesn’t seem to want to cum, and guys creative enough to try to ride him are often disappointed that he’s more likely to grumble that all that bouncing on his pelvis is making it impossible for him to catch a power nap. Just about the only way to fully get him invested is to get really weird - introduce him to some fetish he’s never thought to try. Incest kink, breeding kink, role reversals, elaborate roleplay...the more cerebral the better, because the physical stuff tends to put him off (especially blood play, which is his hard limit). Needless to say most aren’t up to that task, and so he’s nonchalantly left a trail of frustrated and disappointed men in his wake.

Favored erotic tea time subjects: somnophilia, historical roleplay, mpreg

Favored gift: a long-lasting vibrator, so he can stick it in and let it work while he’s otherwise occupied

Caspar

No amount of headless torso pics and carefully scaled dick pics will be enough for his ego, but encountering him in person will reveal that he’s not so much vain or delusional masc4masc as really, really compensating for something. This manifests as a deep-rooted resentment against guys taller than him or, ahem, better-proportioned, but his preference of sexual partners does not reflect his prejudices - which is fortunate for him given his measurements. Loud and energetic in all things, and it shocks no one that he’s a screamer in bed but also can’t last for very long once he really gets going. Lucky for everyone that his refractory period is unusually brief, although that leaves him deflecting odd inquiries into whatever substances he may be on (he’s clean and always has been, hard as that is for anyone to believe). Likes to top for the workout, but he won’t say no to riding a good dick. Has an unexpected sentimental side he’s not very good at expressing except indirectly, in the same way that he’s apparently oblivious to his casual innuendos. It will take someone very patient to put up with him, but the reward is (probably) worth it for the body alone provided he’s got a sufficient outlet for all that energy. Would be perfect for an active poly relationship or long-term FWB situation so no one guy has to manage him alone, but he’d have to be at the center of any such arrangement lest his numerous insecurities rear their heads. Is not into incest kink.

Favored erotic tea time subjects: post-workout sex, multiple orgasms, autofellatio (he wishes)

Favored gift: condoms a size too big for him, because even safe sex should be an opportunity for bragging

Seteth

He doesn’t share nudes, and says upfront that he’ll block anyone who asks or opens conversation with one. Seems to be genuinely interested in friendship over anything else, although he’s not great at small talk in text and would rather chat over snacks on a park bench or at one of the numerous community events he likes to organize. Is a family man through and through: devoted to his loved ones, quiet in his hobbies, and unusually spiritual in an orthodox church-going way. You start to wonder if he’s even into men or if his presence on the apps was just a very strange fluke, but he holds his handshakes just a little too long and progresses quicker to hugs and quietly intimate arm touches. Discussion of his prior love life is strictly off limits, but many months down the road when you finally get invited into his bed it’s clear that he’s no blushing virgin and is adept in the use of fingers, tongue, and cock for fully satisfying his partner. He might even bottom, although he’ll blush about being long out of practice in that area which suggests a wealth of untold stories by itself. He also may be, somehow, the only man in existence who knows what intercrural is and how to do it. Blessed with stamina far beyond what might be suggested by his age (which he only reveals several weeks into your acquaintance, another point of embarrassment for him), your encounters are far more likely to end with a phone call from one of the innumerable people who look up to him and depend upon his reliable if fussy sense of duty than it is from him tiring out. Fond of fishing, and known to take dates out to cast a line and then maybe have some naughty fun afterward. Does not appreciate being called a daddy, but he’s been known to accept big bro as an occasional slip-up.

Favored erotic tea time subjects: discipline, incest kink, scalies

Favored gift: your STI testing history, because he doesn’t mess around with that stuff

Hanneman

A polite if unassuming silver daddy, with no sugar for the obvious escorts but the cushy professional post and generosity to make him appealing to a less openly mercantile sort of young man. His chosen field is not an easy subject for light conversation, but damned if he doesn’t try his best regardless. His favorite tactic might be finding some way of applying his work to something about his date, no matter how tenuous the connection or how unwelcome the observations. Not super fit and doesn’t get out much so as the night is winding down he’s not good for very much other than intermittent blowjobs and even more languid handjobs, although a truly dedicated partner might coax something more out of him with help from a little blue pill or two...and maybe some poppers, because he’s old enough to remember when everyone used those. Despite his reputation for mildly inappropriate perving on guys young enough to be his sons - some of which he acquired in a professional context, with some of his favorite anecdotes of past trysts involving junior lab techs/TAs/secretaries/others among his subordinates - he’s not actually averse to fooling around with men closer to his own age, although he’s more awkward about it since he’s a bit out of his element when he’s no longer the only experienced voice of wisdom in the room. Either way, if there’s one thing he hates it’s sloppiness, whether in one’s personal or professional life. As a result he avoids bars like the plague and has little patience for drunks. Contrary to this fastidiousness however his advances in his career are such that he may one day do something radical and ill-advised in the pursuit of knowledge; one only hopes that the various skeletons hiding in his closet don’t come back to haunt him - with regret or harassment lawsuits or who only knows what else.

Favored erotic tea time subjects: medical kink, teacher/student, cock milking

Favored gift: consent to video encounters, for future reference

Jeritza

The kind of rough trade all your friends warned you about...except he’s not rough trade, not really. Deeply troubled and disarmingly attractive is a deadly combination, and he thrives in a medium where one-word responses and explicit pics are considered perfectly commonplace. Encounters with him are quick and rough and nearly anonymous, always in the dark and with little opportunity to see or interact with him apart from the hands grasping you to him and the admittedly impressive cock jabbing into you from whatever angle he can manage. He’s had the threat of assault charges or worse thrown at him more than once, but it’s never made him any more considerate or careful. To the very rare individual who keeps returning for more the most explanation he’ll ever provide is that he becomes someone else when pursuing sex, someone hard and violent and not at all like the person he insists that he is. This is something he ties into some deep-seated trauma, but there’s something distinctly insincere about the underlying psychology as if it were only an excuse for an abuse fetish run wild. Pretty much all of his tricks ghost him at that point, wanting to get as far as away as possible from a true crime drama just waiting to happen. Curiously enough if he ever does find a long-term partner it won’t be with the expected extreme masochist - expect them only to show up in a police report one day, with extremely gory pictures - but with someone who can match his lustful bloodlust with more of the same and who is totally comfortable throwing around death threats that at some point transform into only moderately disturbing innuendos.

Favored erotic tea time subjects: masks, blood play, asphyxiation

Favored gift: anything sweet he can lick off your body...because it’s either that or viscera

#Fire Emblem #FE16 #Fire Emblem Three Houses

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softlywithhissong · 5 years

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I’m calling bullshit on your hate.

STOP STEREOTYPING SANGWOO FANS!

I am a Sangwoo fan. I am also a Bum fan. A strange dichotomy, I know.

Both of these characters exhibit problematic behavior, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a fan of them, either individually or simultaneously. Does being a fan of either of these characters mean that you support these damaging behaviors in real life? NO. Calling out people who support REAL LIFE crimes is fine, but calling out people who are trying to enjoy being a fan of a FICTIONAL character IS NOT OKAY. You are clearly not helping real life people by doing so. You are being judgemental and self-righteous, shaming people to feel superior and patting yourself on the back for it. You not only contradict yourself several times, but you also act entitled to hate real people for liking something you personally don’t, have the arrogance to proclaim what the author “better not” do, and wish ill on real people. The hypocrisy is appalling. Do you not see the irony? You are not protecting people from real life abuse BY HATING ON REAL LIFE FANS of a fictional character. You are in fact engaging in verbally abusing real life people. It doesn’t matter what the character does; it’s fiction. Are there real people existing out in the big wide world who do crimes or support criminals? Yes, but to generalize, stereotype, and basically accuse FANS of being as bad as the people who do this or to conflate us and lump us together is disgusting, illogical, and highly offensive.

How can we “still stan his ass / this ship”? We can because the beauty of fandom is that you get to pick and choose what you like. You get to twist it up, turn it inside out, and make it into an AU parody of itself. ART IS SUBJECTIVE. It’s about what individual thing each and every one of us found gut wrenching or what pulled at our heartstrings. Don’t invalidate what other people found or resonated with just because it’s not the same thing you did. People fear different things. People emphasize, magnify, and conversely minimize different things based on what concerns each of us individually. That’s okay and people shouldn’t be shamed for having a different opinion. After all, being a fan is a form of opinion. And opinions are not facts. Don’t confuse the two; you holding an opinion does not make your opinion a fact.

Fiction is about emotional catharsis. It doesn’t matter that stealing a car or killing a dog are not crimes worthy of the death penalty in real life - I wanted to see John Wick kill all those fuckers for killing that little puppy.

And NOT ALL MEDIA should have a healthy or happy ending. Was Romeo and Juliet’s double suicide a healthy ending? NO. It was a tragedy! Tragedies have an important place in media. They often serve as cautionary tales. If you want another cliched boring “bad guy dies/goes to jail” ending, WHY ARE YOU SHAMING FANS WHO WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT? You have an endless supply of your preferred ending. Go watch one of the thousand CSI/detective/cop procedural shows. They are everywhere. While I enjoy psychological thrillers (AS RARE AS THEY ARE), I am also a fan of some great detective shows and murder mysteries. I could recommend so many fantastic ones. But some of us want a unique ending for Killing Stalking, even if that means something “unhealthy” by real life moral standards. It was labeled a psychological thriller, after all. Not a mystery. Not a detective story. It was also labeled BL, and even if it gets a twisted/unhealthy ending because of the psychological thriller genre, it still qualifies because twisted BL is still BL.

I do not excuse Sangwoo’s abusive treatment of Bum. I’m often disappointed and angry on Bum’s behalf. And while I find it difficult to believe canon Bum would be in a healthy relationship with anyone (and I would love to make a post about how I see his fondness for frogs as symbolism for his relationships), I still have the ability to enjoy the possibilities of a healthy fanon-based relationship or even appreciate the grim take of a tragic and/or twisted unhealthy ending. This is how I still ship Sangbum in certain contexts, but not always, because context matters and it depends. I know that sentence sounds ridiculous, but that’s how it works! Because it’s OKAY TO SHIP FICTIONAL UNHEALTHY SHIPS. Because it’s fiction. And if people can vent their issues through the written word in order to not do so in real life, good. Many people find reading/writing therapeutic. Some authors write a lot of problematic behavior as angst. Do they deserve hate? NO. There are plenty of instances when I have shipped a healthy ship but not shipped it (and in fact wanted them not to end up together) in certain fics because I felt the fic had portrayed an unhealthy relationship. But did I send hate to the author of that fic when that ship ended up together anyway? NO. Just because it ended in a way I didn’t like didn’t give me or anyone else the right to spread hate or shame over a fictional story.

Also, as a Bum fan, I do not appreciate seeing any victim blaming of Bum. There’s some out there (including your despicable “Bum better not” comment), but at least this hate is not anywhere near the amount of Sangwoo hate. As a fan of both characters, I can see that there is clearly so much more Sangwoo hate out there. And it’s fine to criticize, dislike, or even hate Sangwoo as a character, but it’s NOT OKAY to hate on his fans. He is a fictional character, but his fans are real people.

I am a fan of Sangwoo because he is an intriguing, complex, and well-written character. He’s got flaws. All characters do. And I understand his flaws are pretty damn big. But I understand that he’s a fictional character. I would never support a real person committing such crimes or abuse. So, frankly, while you may find my being a fan “annoying” - I will not be shamed or hated upon.

To quote my sister, “In the safety of fiction, we can deconstruct the complexities of what’s morally gray.”

In other words, exploration through FICTION, discussion, and debate are welcome. Hateful posts are not.

This is a long post, so I’ll put my further calling bullshit on arguments made by haters behind a “Keep Reading” link:

Also, the criticisms for being a fan because of “fetishizing gay men” are bullshit. Firstly, anything anyone finds hot could be labeled “fetishizing” which is ridiculous. Secondly, some fans are gay men who are not “fetishizing” - they are simply enjoying the story even if it is twisted. (It’s okay to be a fan of a story that portrays an unhealthy relationship; not every story is meant to be a moral standard.) But also, this bullshit argument is just reducing people down to a ridiculous stereotype used to stifle women in fandom. This has been used through the ages and it is wrong. Are there possibly straight women out there objectifying gay men the way straight men would objectify gay women? Yeah, there’s probably some. But I’ve been in fandom a LONG time and this is not representative of fans in general, let alone all female fans. How about you let women consume all forms of media they find identifiable, cathartic, containing unique storyline with complex flawed characters, or even (gasp) entertaining? Stop shaming people. And maybe especially - don’t resort to misogynistic tropes to do so. I think it’s safe to say that fans (including female fans) generally tend to be a fan for more than just a character’s appearance and body parts. There’s usually character traits, personality quirks, things that draw you to go beyond casual reading/watching into becoming a fan.

Personally, I identify with stories portraying gay relationships equally as much if not more than with stories portraying heterosexual relationships. Maybe that’s because I’m bisexual, but I don’t think so. I believe that straight people can also find themselves identifying with the story and the struggles portrayed - no matter what the sexual orientation of the pairing portrayed.

You think I only like portrayals of gay men rather than women? No, I like both. Killing Eve is a fantastic example of a fandom that I would love to see grow! I despair at how small the fandom is compared to my usual fandoms, but it’s new! It can grow and I can’t wait for season 2. The harsh reality, though, is that f/f ships tend to be smaller fandoms. This may be due to so few well-written female characters in general throughout media - though, this is improving and having more female writers in media helps. Killing Eve has great characters and really great writing, so hopefully they can buck this trend and grow a decently large fandom featuring f/f ships. Sara Lance/Ava Sharpe from Legends of Tomorrow are a pretty big ship, which is heartening, and Xena/Gabrielle from Xena Warrior Princess were an absolute juggernaut back in the day (kudos to anyone who recognized Xena from my main tumblr’s icon).

You think I only like hot men? Or that I excuse the actions of killers who are hot men? NO. I watched The Fall with Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, where Jamie Dornan played the serial killer and NO - I was not a fan of his character, let alone attempted to excuse any actions by his character whatsoever, even after they explained his tragic backstory. And You on Netflix is just too obnoxious in my personal opinion for me to even watch. But I’d never take time out of my day to hate on any fan who enjoys it.

Calling out problematic stuff in media is fine, but don’t use it as an excuse to spit vitriol and hate at fans who you disagree with.

P.S. Seriously, ask me for recs of good detective shows/murder mysteries. I’ve got so many I could recommend that are way better written than most. Want a female detective? I’ve got plenty. Want a gay male detective? Got it. Want a murder mystery twist where the murderer wins? Got that.

#Dear Antis #sangwoo #killing stalking #i'm not tagging that hateful poster #because if they don't frequent the tag they spewed their hate in it won't matter #my post wouldn't stop them #but if i can reach the ks fans who do #and encourage this fandom to be nicer to each other #that matters

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suffering-and-happy-about-it · 5 years

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In and out (Part 1.) (Nathan Drake x Male reader)

Description: There was a deal between Elena and Nathan to make her way to Yemen for managing to get them to the city. But plans don't go so easily as they should. Well, isn't that pretty common thing for Nathan & Co.™?

@bechobbi , let me know if I should tag you in this! :)

A/N: So okay. Let me establish some things before we even begin.

I hate changing the game's/movie's official canons, so you gave me a proper hard time, darling.

So this is a bit AU like they'll happen events from the original game, but most probably NOT in the original order/how did they really happened.

But yeah, I think that my Nate Mate might be bisexual. He's not strictly gay, bc of Elena and Chloe and you can't deny that.

I will also use my old oc pal Florence, who has some posts somewhere in the hellhole of my Tumblr, for my own satisfaction and someone to make the goofball of. A lot of you maybe will not like who she is in this, but guess what - I don't care baby.

This will be written in the third person because I think it suits the story better, just as Golden's book showed us.

And also my adoration of Victor Sullivan will probably show too much. I don't care. He's my man.

Ok. That's all.

Warnings: Just Nate and Sully being the comedic duo we know and love. Also, the first three to four chapters are an establishment for the whole story.

Word count: 2 691 (+/-)

"Real “greatness” is what you do with the hand you're dealt."

- Victor Sullivan, Drake's Deception

"Oh crap!" The man yelled as another shot was fired at him. He almost got shot, but he managed to hide quickly before that happened. No one knew how he was able to do so, but he guessed that he has an infinite amount of luck.

But even he got enough of everything at that point - he had to escape in front some black bullshit, which was actually afraid of fire, with a dying torch, almost died during that, the worst bad guy Talbot, who was working for their concurrent Katherine Marlowe, had stolen the amulet right from his hand and he was pinned down at gunpoint behind a stupid wall at some mansion in France. The only thing that kept his spirits up was that he managed to draw the amulet to his small notebook and that he wasn't completely clueless after all.

"Better watch your back before you get shot, kid!" A visibly older man shouted at him before he shot back from his revolver. Nathan owned his life to that man for an unfair amount of times, but he would be definitely dead if that man wasn't watching over him.

The old man's name was Victor Sullivan, whom everyone called Sully, and he had some serious amount of kicking ass behind him. He was notoriously known treasure hunter and an ex-marine who dedicated his talent for shady businesses to make a serious life-lasting job out of it. He became a treasure hunter in his late twenties and he was one of the most dedicated people to this kind of life you could ever meet.

He could sometimes seem like a cold blood jerk and Nathan sometimes thought that his decisions are not logical - and usually later showed that those decisions were very clever in fact. Sullivan, even in his sixties didn't show any sign of aging except few deep wrinkles and white hair. The only other fact you could consider was his Cuban shirts, but that man wore them for years, so you couldn't really count them in.

His partner, a lot of younger man in his best years, has been doing this job alongside Sully for almost twenty years. They became a truly coordinated team during that time, more like father and son than friends.

That man's name was Nathan Drake. He was a self-declared ascendant of the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake, whom he dedicated his whole. He was considerably pretty handsome with his wild, dark brown hair and eyes which sometimes seem to be blue and sometimes they looked almost green - so he usually tried to charm off the situations. And oh boy, wasn't he the goofiest man you'll ever meet?

Right now, they both went on a search for something great and most probably greater than great. Their adventure lures them into London and France to get the clues they needed and it almost cost their life a few times. And as it usually went, they weren't the only one who was after the treasure. And the outcome usually looked like this - a big loud shootout between Nathan, Sully and "the bad guys", as he called them.

Being a bad guy also truly depended on a point of view in Nathan's world, none of them was only white or only black, everyone had some motivations and some vision because of what they actually did that thing. Some of them wanted glory, some of them wanted money and there were even some of them that went into the fight just because they actually liked to fight. Nathan didn't judge, he didn't care in fact. Everyone in these shady businesses was partly black and partly white, so everyone was grey in the end.

Even Sully and Nathan were pretty grey. Nathan was in the business because of discovering the truth about the past, and yeah, he did that for the glory. And Sully? He went in for the money. There was actually a lot of money in that shady business, more than you would expect.

This world was just too big, it had many sides and nothing was only good or only bad, partially fucked up was maybe the best possible definition when everything went well. And now it didn't go well, oh boy, something went terribly wrong and Sully with Nathan was actually pinned at a gunpoint. They couldn't even move without increasing the chance of being shot right in the ass.

"It looks like they aren't exactly pleased to see us, Sully." Nathan looked at his older friend and throw a grenade in the direction of bad guys. "Haven't you done anything to them?"

"I'm only an old man Nathan. They are more afraid of you than they are afraid of me." Sully laughed with his raspy voice and shot again. And even though he was so much older, he didn't miss his target.

"It's getting ridiculous!" Nathan yelled to the bad guys with his teeth clenched together in almost hurting way. He slowly managed to sneak out of his hideout near Sullivan. Nathan has got enough, he just wanted to cut the chase and get directly to the climax. "Why don't you let us just pass without this theatrics?!" Nathan stuck out his wooden pillar which was getting a ridiculous amount of shots at that point. Big pieces of walls were flying around his head, there were, in fact, huge piles of it everywhere and that place was actually going to fall down in any minute. "You're ruining an archeological goldmine here and you don't even mind it, assholes!"

"Way to go, kiddo, they'll definitely listen to that!" Sully walked forward too and pointed his gun on another of those asshats. Drake had to stay low if he didn't want to die there. He went through serious loads of punches to the face kicks to the stomach, so handling a few of jerks wasn't really a problem for him. So he ran straight to the action, jumping at one man’s back, using him as a shield. But it didn't go as well as Drake planned. Another man hit him with his gun to the temple of his head and Nathan fell down to the dust as another ten men circled around them. He was trapped.

If anything, Drake served as a great sidetrack of attention for Sully, who started to quietly put man after man down, getting to Nathan the fastest way he could, using literally anything. Even a pile of dust was great to blind the enemy. And as a bonus, he was tall and pretty heavy, so he was great at hand to hand combat.

But there was something, that didn't add up there. There was so a little of the men when they were in such a big mansion. But Nathan didn't exactly think of that that intensely when he had a gun pointed directly into his face.

Sullivan almost didn’t make it so save Nathan’s ass that time. They almost shot Nate to the head when Sully finally managed to get to him and Nate had to give him a grateful look with a small smile.

“You’re alright?” Sully helped Nathan to get on his feet and patted on his shoulder with the intention to clean him from the dust.

"Maybe shocked, but all right." Nate agreed and looked at Sullivan, making his way to touch his bum. The notebook was still there and he longly exhaled. That was the only reason why they got into the fight, after all. And when it was safe in his arms, he just felt relieved.

"You did pretty well, I would say." Sully looked around on that completely destroyed place. That mansion was completely ruined, it was a disaster.

So they slowly and quietly walked out of the room, slow and carefully and not to be seen or heard. It was a long walk through an abandoned sample of mankind's crafting talent standing up in the middle of nowhere in France.

Both of them stopped at a sort of balcony which was created from molded wood that was just corrupted by the time. When they heard voices and steps, both of them shut up and crouched behind semi-broken brick walls. Nathan stuck out his head and tried to find out what's even happening.

"Empty those cans!" They heard a husky voice with a slight feel of the British accent. "Every last drop." The voice said again and Nathan with Sully just looked at each other.

"What the hell are they doing?" Nathan asked. Confusion and a sort of fear could be heard in his voice. Sully had a suspicion, but he didn't say anything out loud because of the fear it could be the truth.

"Hey Sully," Nate smelled the air and frowned. He looked around them and he just figured out that there is something that doesn't add up. There was so little of Marlowe's men, they were just trying to leave that place as soon as possible when Nathan, who had Drake's map in his notebook, was still inside of that building. Normally they would try to chase out the soul out of Nate and Sully. "Can you smell that too?"

Sully breathed the air deeply, looking into Nate's frowned face. He knew that smell very well. "Of course I do know that smell. It smells like,"

"FIRE!" Nathan shouted at the sudden realization, hearing another of the men shout Torch the place down!

"Sully we gotta get out of here," Nathan stated, extending for his gun. At the moment, some of the men noticed them and they started to shoot at them, mostly at Nathan. Drake and Sully didn't have a hard time shooting back, because Sully showed off his shooting skills again.

There wasn't even place for jokes at that time - Nathan felt his heart pounding hard in his chest. He didn't want to burn alive. He kinda liked himself too much for just burning alive. And Sully had someone who would kill Drake once more if he was hurt by his side, that was another reason he had to get sure that both of them manage to escape from that building.

"Ok Nate, go first, I'll cover your back." Sully patted Nathan's shoulder and loaded the revolver up again. Nathan wasn't completely sure about Sully's judgment, but he nodded and started to find a way out, or more like climbing out of the situation.

"Sully shoot 'em down!" Nate shouted over his shoulder with a furious look. Then he jumped over the beam he was hanging on and started finding some soft spots to climb. Sully followed him carefully and even managed to shoot someone down.

Everything went as usual - they almost died like twenty times, punched and shot on some bad guys and Sully had some seriously interesting curse words on his lips. What house was falling down at the speed of the light, which was caused by the old wood which caught on fire easier than normal wood.

They entered some halls which were completely red because of the consuming it without any problem, almost killing them by the pieces of beams falling down. But the worst ones were the staircases which didn't even hold together, there was no chance that they could climb them and yet they had to.

Sully saved Nathan a couple of times just as Nathan did saving him from falling down to the hell made of fire. They actually somehow, don't ask Nathan how because he doesn't know, managed to get to the rooftop and get out of that collapsing building.

Sully practically collapsed on a log there, fighting for every gasp of air he could get. Nathan did too, but he managed to pull back together faster than Sully.

"Here Sully," he offered him help with standing up, but Sully shooked his head and a disapproval gesture.

"Just gimme a sec. You always seem to forget that I have twenty-five years up on ya." Sullivan looked at Nate with frown and Nathan suspect which turn is this conversation about to turn. And oh boy, he wasn't fond of it.

"Oh come on Sully, you're strong as an ox." Nate put his hands on his sides and laughed uneasily at Sully's direction.

"Anyway, what's the hurry? They think we're in that." Sully pointed at the burning mansion and looked at Nate with a serious look. And they were on the path of that speech again.

"We almost were," Nate whispered, looking at the collapsing building again.

"I gotta say I'm losing the point here," Sully admitted with his look directed to Nathan's back. "Remind me again, why are we doing this?"

"No, no, no, no, no. If you're gearing up for one of those "I'm too old for this" speeches, spare me." Nathan turned around and looked Sullivan directly to the face. Sully had his age, he truly did, but that doesn't mean that he'll stop, at least for him.

Victor loved and lived for this kind of life without the option of woking up the next day safe and sound. He loved having adrenaline in his veins, that satisfaction when he shot one of those asshats down. He lived for this and Nathan knew that. And giving Nate speeches about how old he is and feels was his favorite way of torturing Nate.

"Nate these guys are playing for keeps."

"Yeah, so? What? You're just goin' to roll over for 'em now?" Nathan almost shouted with an unbelieving look on his face. If Sully thought about chickening out of this gig, it was already too late.

"Nobody's talking about rolling over," Sully answered in a calming voice. But Nathan was already too angry to calm down instantly.

"Then quit acting like you're ready to lie down and die, all right?" Nathan asked Sully with a frown on his face. He wasn't enjoying that conversation at all.

"Listen, kid. I've your back for twenty years. I'm not going anywhere, obviously. I just wanna make sure we're doing this for the right reasons. You've got your pride all tangled up in this thing. It's making you reckless." Sully stated and Nathan had to turn around to not giving Sullivan other shots.

Victor was right in everything he said and Nathan knew that. But he also knew that it was his life and his pride to discover the legacy of his ancestor. It wasn't the right of some blonde lady who looked like she's about to turn into dust in any minute. And Nate wasn't planning to give up any minute.

"I taught you better than that. Gonna get yourself killed." Sully finally got up and slowly went to Nate. "Damn. Hell, probably get us all killed." Sully slowly cleaned himself from the dust and stood up, putting his hands on his sides and shook his head.

"Oh, no..." Nate whispered and his eyes widened in the realization.

"What?" Sully asked while Nathan turned at him.

"Cutter and Chloe." Nathan reminded him and Sully's heart almost stopped too.

"Sully if we were followed, chances are they were too."

"Oh shit," Sully whispered and knew what is Nate trying to say. "We gotta warm them."

"Yeah, and get to Syria fast." Nate agreed and the moments Sully looked like he just saw a ghost. He could see the fear in his eyes and him gasping for air.

"And what about her?" Sully realized slowly that she was in danger too. Nathan took Sully's shoulder to his hand and shook him in a calming way.

"Sully, she would definitely kick those assholes into one small ball if they tried to hurt her in any way. Don't worry." Nathan promised him in low voice and Sully looked little relieved. Nathan was sure that she would be ok.

That person was Sully's soft spot and his only other two soft spots were his ailments (like his cigars and airplanes or money) and Nathan's life.

"Sure hope you remember where we left the car, 'cause I've completely turned around," Sully exclaimed as they walked from the mansion at a fast pace.

#Nathan Drake #nate drake #victor sullivan #Victor goddamn Sullivan #uncharted #uncharted drake’s deception #uncharted fanfiction #nathan drake x male reader #hell yeah #oh crap #here we go #have a lovely day

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larriefails · 5 years

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'Dan Wootton would absolutely cover up a gay relationship if he was paid for it' You sound like a Larrie. He's the Editor in Chief of the most popular tabloid on the planet and the clout of revealing Larry to be real and both boys to be lgbt would far outweigh any potentially career wrecking payments, which he could be fired for accepting. He is already exceptionally well paid.

And you sound like an idiot. Can’t you read? I’m not saying Dan Wootton is covering up for Larry, you dumbass, this whole blog is about how it’s not real. I’m saying that Dan Wootton would sell his soul to the highest bidder, if there was more money in covering up a gay relationship, he would do that. If there was more money in outing it, he would do that. If there was more money in making up that Harry and Louis have sex with monkeys, HE WOULD DO THAT

He’s saying in his IG story that because he’s openly gay he wouldn’t participate in the cover up of a gay relationship, and I’m calling BULLSHIT. He’s not above shitting on fellow LGBT people for money and clout and he has PROVEN THAT by the treatment he’s given to George Shelley alone

This is what he tweeted after Harry said “not that important” and the headlines started coming

See the date? November 5… Well, this was him three weeks later, when Harry said that Patrick Dempsey was handsome in an interview

Do you get it? How was Harry saying Patrick Dempsey was good looking any different from him saying “not that important”? Wasn’t that “something fun in an interview” as well? I’d even argue “not that important” could bear more significance than a throwaway comment about a male celeb being hot… like, tf? Since when do tabloids think those comments are hints at sexuality?

Dan Wootton isn’t a morally sound person and him being openly gay has absolutely no bearing in how he chooses to relay news. You’re arguing a point I didn’t make

Your logic isn’t very sound anyway, celebrities pay tabloids to hide their shit all the time, otherwise there’d be a scandal every second of every day and literally every LGBT celebrity would’ve been outed by now. You think nobody in the press knew Ellen Degeneres was gay before she said it? How did Ricky Martin get away with hiding it for so long? How many celebs went to rehab and told their story afterwards without tabloids getting the scoop? How many affairs do you think have happened in Hollywood? They don’t pay the individual journalists, they pay the tabloid. And it’s usually not even money, it’s in favors or in exchange for stories (blackmail, essentially). TMZ had that tape of Justin Bieber saying the N word for years. When tabloids have solid proof of something, they may run it (like the Kate Moss coke scandal) or arrange how to get something out of not publishing it. It depends on what they think is of more value, not on their MORALS

Tabloids don’t really out people anymore, even if they have the proof, but they pressure to the point where the celeb feels the need to come out (Matt Bomer, Neil Patrick Harris, the aforementioned George Shelley). I don’t think The Sun would out Harry and Louis if they were in a relationship at all, they would squeeze the ever fucking life of them, though

If there’s one thing that DOES NOT disprove Larry that’s the way The Sun treats the subject. This isn’t me “giving a point to Larries” this is me not using bullshit arguments to counter them… BECAUSE I DON’T NEED THEM

The Sun and Dan Wootton in particular would absolutely blackmail them into not publishing shit, and would absolutely publish stories to completely counter it, if they could get something out of it. But that doesn’t give Larry any validity whatsoever. It’s still one of the most ridiculous conspiracy theories I’ve ever read

Just like that tweet of that girl saying Harry slept with her friend means jack shit to me, The Sun’s treatment of Larry means jack shit to me

Harry is attracted to girls and has slept with them because HE HAS SAID SO. And sang about it. And his friends have teased him about it. And on and on. I don’t need to believe a random twitter person to prove that

Larry isn’t real because it makes absolutely no sense, because no one in their sane mind would believe Louis would fake a child for three years. That Harry would fake date half a dozen women. That Louis would fake date a girl for seven years. That a record label would have this sort of hold over two 20 something year old men after almost 10 years. And on and on. I don’t need to believe The Sun would out them because Dan Wootton is the highlight of morality and he’s openly gay to prove that

I don’t need these weak ass arguments to prove my points because my points are reality and they prove themselves…

Do you get it now? I could draw you a map if you don’t

#anon

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closedspeciesdrama · 7 years

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Re: The Wendigo argument, there's this instability trait which is prevalent on the internet these days. There are a lot of very unstable young men and women who try to give themselves meaning and worth by deeming themselves "gatekeepers" of either political correctness or cultural appropriation. Down to a man the ones I've seen in CS and in other communities are typically insecure to the point of near-mania and with any number of mental issues. Gatorbite and VCR are like poster boys. 1 of 2

- The best way to deal with this sort of nonsense isn’t to argue with them which is ultimately narcissistic supply and a means for them to try and show how morally “superior” they are to their victim, it’s simply best to flat out block them if needed or ignore them. Might seem harsh but I have personal issue with the way they use issues of gender and culture to bully every community they touch and to intimidate younger people with threats of dubbing them “bad people” or public defamation. 2 of 2

(1)Citing “Windigo Psychosis: the anatomy of an emic-etic confusion” an academic journal by a group of anthropologists: “When the windigo phenomenon is considered from the point of view of group sociodynamics rather than from that of individual psychodynamics, the crucial question is not what causes a person to become a cannibalistic maniac, but under what circumstances a Northern Algonkian is likely to be accused of having become a cannibalistic maniac(2)and thus run the risk of being executed as such. It is argued that those so executed were victims of triage homicide or witch hunts, events common in societies under stress.” Hell just that alone should be enough. Algonkians and other natives were straight up murdered over a mythological creature that was used against them. No one besides Algonkians are in any placeto make a CS/adopt design based on something with such a dark historical context.(3)Looking beyond Wikipedia could have easily told you this. Also, no anon, you fucking idiot, the wendigo was a thing before the term “wendigo psychosis” even existed as a culture-bound syndrome. AND IF YOU PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER… usually “culture-bound” syndromes are inherently racist and untrue.

Didn’t vcr-wolfe get called out for something too tho like if you’re gonna be the 1# sjw for everything wouldn’t it be ironic to get a call out for a shitty thing you’ve done

OH MY GOD. that post is LITERALLY a whole fucking year ago. once again vendetta anons pull shit from their ass. that character isnt even a freaking adopt, and vcr doesnt even have a species and has hardly sold maybe 3 adopts in the last 6 months? maybe if yall weren’t reaching so far into the past for some petty bs we could stay on topic for once lmao

Wait is there any proof of them being white?? I’ve I beleive I saw vcr wolfe say they’re native or smth before. But the thunderbird thing is so stupid lmao in the Wild West tm a lot of towns only had like white people because natives were driven out. I mean depending on the characters setting. Plus there’s majority of white people. Thunderbirds aren’t like a wendigo, you can say it’s name and talk about it and it wouldn’t attack just you so I don’t see a problem lmao

I think the issue here is you’re going to have people from a culture saying something is offensive, but someone else from the same culture saying that it’s not offensive and they’re glad you’re taking interest in their culture in the first place. See: Every East Asian mythology based CS out there, basically. Literally there is no right or wrong across the board, nobody “wins”, and that’s just how life is. Grey morality exists, just let people make content they enjoy ffs.

People act like VCR-WOLFE’s word is law or something. I can see being passionate about causes and all but they take the cake for extremism. People should be allowed to make a character any race to fit their preferences or just their likes, of course within being respectful. I think VCR gets some kind of high and mighty buzz by going after people, especially us evil whites.

multiple poc: hey this is offensive. yall: uhm idk that sounds fake :/. one poc: yeah it’s fake. yall, digging your claws in: YOU SEE? WE WERE RIGHT ALL ALONG! THIS ONE POC HAS VALIDATED OUR RACISM FOREVER! *pterodactyl screech*

Is vcr wolfe a serious account or is it just some random asshole that enjoys stirring up people by being the dictionary image for the social justice warrior stereotype that literally everyone hates. I have seen them be a little weiner before (cue them accusing me of misgendering them), I would take nothing they say seriously because honestly they are a joke.

Why does this Wendigo shit still come up? This is the same as the sombrero Mario crap that blew up on twitter. Quit speaking for other cultures that you don’t belong to. Native American people have expressed both support and distain for the issue. A wendigo is a monster, why is making a monster be a monster suddenly such a taboo? You can white knight the subject to death, you aren’t in the wrong but you’re certainly not in the right either. If you don’t support it then don’t.

context: the wendigo was used as a slur and label for natives/Algonquins who were mentally ill (aka called them canibals; hence “wendigo psychosis”) and was used to justify their genocide so making an adopt out of such a theme isn’t taken lightly as this has a historic context you can’t erase (source: I live in the algonquin northeast) (½)mythical creatures such as vampires and werewolves come from a ton of different cultures and generally they’ve been reinterpreted so often that it doesn’t retain its origin context. here’s another point- the Algonquin people still exist. despite the mythical creature being used against them they are more than in the right to use it how they see fit. it’s sorta like how the lgbt community took back the word “queer” while a straight person should definitely not call a gay person “a queer” (2/2)

Btw the wendigo isn’t a legend ! It’s a tale told up north and is taken very seriously. The reason people don’t want you to use it is because saying the name is suppose to make you a victim ( aa I forgot I’m sorry ) BUT I still beleive if you do your research u should be okay like just don’t make it a xD murderer monster cannibal

The thing with a wendigo character is not everyone is going to see/research the full story of them, because they’ve been big in media for awhile now. Until Dawn, Supernatural, even My Little Pony. And tbh, it’s something that while drifting away from the original intent, does bring traditional stories to the homes of others, who otherwise would never know the term, or know of the monsters. Mass media is keeping our culture alive, even as we kill it ourselves by not letting others near it.

this just in: vcr-wolfe solely dictates what can and cannot be used from cultures in character designs

VCR is mixed actually lol

VCR-wolfe is actually half mexican. So maybe don’t be fucking racist?

Can we stop the “ insulting = I’m right” thing it’s so stupid. If someone’s discussing something or DOESNT KNOW you don’t have to insult them. You look like a jerk js ( this is towards the anon in the wendigo post about wendigo-psychosis). The person was just basically saying ‘fun fact’ no need to call them a fucking idiot jeez

Mixed with what? I’ve seen this argument on another drama site. If they are mixed, they are white enough to pass as entirely white. Even then your word isn’t some divine rule on what is right & wrong. VCR constantly leans on the “I’m mentally ill” schtick, maybe they should focus on themselves for a bit & quit badgering people that want to enjoy another culture. Geez would bringing back segregation make you fuckers happy, let start DNA testing before you can draw or create a non white character.

The anon about wendigo pychosis got their panties in a twist lmao. If we can’t use anything with “” dark historical context" or “ only ____ are allowed to use this” then we all might as well sick to our own religions and make nothing but what we’re born into/practice. So if you’re native and you make a nun rabbit prepare for a ass chewing ! :( keep whining about everything you just sound like a broken record lmao you “” fucking idiot “”

Wait so if vcr-Wolfe isn’t native what say do they got in it then??? If they’re Mexican/white ??? Why don’t they step down and let real native/mixed natives speak for themselves and not have someone gatekeeping their beliefs Jesus lord I LOVE when none natives try to speak for my culture

Multi poc people: this is bad y'all: SEE ITS EVIL Multi poc: its alright do your research tho Y'all: WTF THATS BAD WHAT ABOUT OUR TOKEN FRRIENDS SAYING ITS OKAY AAAA Get your head out your ass dude there’s two sides to the shit just because people back your opinion doesn’t mean you can use your poc friends as a way to wave it around. You’re being just as bad to diss other peoples opinions FROM THE SAME GROUP lmao

i’m ndn, and personally my opinion on the entire thing is, don’t make wendigo characters for profit in general, especially if you’re not ndn. i don’t even like seeing my brothers, sisters, and two-spirited brethren do it. it’s one thing to make one for personal use, and as long as you’re not making them uwu edgy wendigo doggo that eats people uwu then.. honestly? who cares. but stop making wendigos when you know nothing about the culture, or that many tribes have different lore on it.

also the entire thing of wendigo psychosis being a thing: false. that was a term made up waaaaay after the fact. the thing is, there are multiple tribes that believe in wendigo, many have different names for it, and there’s even variations born differently like wechuge. but the fact of the matter is that most people don’t even read in or pay attention beyond the edgy cannibal shit to know that a wendigo is pretty much a skeleton made out of ice in most tribal cultures LMAO not a fucking dog

the entire purpose of people saying ‘hey if you don’t understand it, don’t make it’ is so that you don’t make a mockery of our legends, lore, culture, and history. not so you can’t have fun. it’s like me making a black character and making them stereotypical and completely shitting on it, and then doubling back with the ‘oh i made a black character so i understand black struggles’ shit like. it’s not cute when you do it to any race or culture so stop.

Why is it a crime to make Wendigo characters but when some family lines (before me, I don’t care) wouldn’t approve of the use of nordic mythos no one bats an eye at adopts that play off them, or for that matter, movies and shows that paint them in completely inaccurate ways. You can’t close the mythos of one culture & make it untouchable while saying some are fine to take from, that isn’t how it works.

VCR is mixed Mexican Navajo and saying a mixed person is basically white is just fucking ugly and racist as shit, holy shit

Nordic myth is white myth and white people are not in any danger of having their culture stamped out and then reinterpreted by their oppressors while they are punished for trying to access it, unlike, you know, Native American myth. Reverse racism isn’t real

‘nordic myth is white myth and–’ it’s still someone’s religion, so yeah actually it still stands, either all religions are sacred inherently and are off limits or none are and you can’t bitch and whine and moan and throw a social justice tantrum into that being untrue, people making shitty wendigo ocs isn’t stamping anyone’s religion out any more than marvel making a shitty version of loki is, they’re equally stupid but harmless

Except there is a huge fucking difference between open and closed religions? Nordic pagan worship is an open religion. Native folk religions are closed religions. Christianity is an open religion. The Amish are, by and large, a closed sect. Sincerely, an nordic heathen who knows full well what people can take from my belief system

“Werehyenas can’t be made into species and characters because they appropriate African culture uwu~” The hyena and werehyena have a very similar negative connotation in African folklore by you don’t see them getting so butt hurt over them being used. I get so sick and tired of people saying you can’t base a CS or Character off of a fictional monster. I guess I should toss out my Church Grim OC because that’s an insult to English and Scandinavian Folklore as it guards a place considered sacred

literally no one is saying dont ever do it theyre saying be respectful, follow the originating culture’s traditions, and dont slap a native myth on a white character because its disrespectful to the culture you supposedly like so much youre pulling from them. entitled much?

"my friend finds this thing offensive! your friend doesn't find this offensive? stop tokenising your friends, also YOUR friends are WRONG!" so native voices only count when they agree with you? maybe accept that an individual can't speak for an entire group, and that people from within the same culture can have very different ideas about what cultural appropriation even is.

Everyone yelling about wendigos when they're ignoring the fact Sincommonstitches literally made a design based off the imperial rising sun (you know- rape of Nanking?? Children and women slaughtered?) and day of the dead (mexican holiday already shit on for $$$) guardians, sold them for profit, and then bitched in a journal when they got called out how they shouldn't have to deal with this and they need their fiance to handle their pr now lmfao

Keeping all this in one post, anything new sent in will be added to this post. While it is on topic, it is far from species related.

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kuriyamamirairageblog · 7 years

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Hello again. It’s been a while, huh? Nearly two years, it seems. Yesterday I felt the sudden urge to come around and give a status update on my blog. But, as it was already too late in the night, I figured I’d save it for today. Lots of things have happened in between now and then, so I guess I’ll save the details and jump to the main key aspects. I have finished my bachelors in psychology and started a master’s degree in cognitive neurosciences and neuropsychology. I don’t dislike the subjects studied, but I’m not enjoying the experience. I’m tired of studying the same things over and over. It feels like I’m constantly repeating the same subjects. It makes me feel demotivated. I end up slacking off when I should be doing productive things, and when I reach time periods dangerously close to deadlines, I feel like I’m about to burst with anxiety. Regardless, I’ve maintained a high-average sort of performance, which is great, considering I would like to have the course finished. There is however a set back... I hate the idea of the upcoming internship and master’s thesis. I just feel like it’s a degree of difficulty way too high for what I’ve been prepared for. Besides, just like in other professional areas, theory is a lot different from the actual clinical practice. A few people who work at certain institutes in Portugal went to lecture us during classes. They gave us their testimony about what it was like to work as a neuropsychologist. They were all arrogant people who frankly seemed to care a lot about their work but had not successfully managed to develop as human beings. I suppose I could develop a theory about “Artificial Sense of Empathy”, seen as I’ve been witnessing many cases of psychologists who seem too far away from humanity. Investigation is a no-go, too. I’m not good at it at all, and it doesn’t interest me the slightest. I have no drive for it. It’s dull to me. It’s a torturous kind of work, that I would not be able to do as a lifestyle. I worked as a waiter in a restaurant last summer. It was only good for a few weeks while I was learning the basics, and it was definitely a very outstanding experience in the aspect that I definitely won’t forget it and still talk a lot about it nowadays. But then things got kind of grim. I actually don’t mind the work in hospitality. It was fun to talk to costumers, serve tables, clean things, carry things around in the warehouse and what not. It was honestly amusing, and I can’t say it was a bad wage for a summer job at all. But, as the summer progressed, the boss and the work colleagues got progressively more stressed and started taking their frustrations out on the job. Moreover, due to relationship circumstances not having been the best at the time either, I got really into the job and decided to work in it full time, to get my mind out of things. That decision allowed me to get a very good understanding of what I was getting into, but it also had consequences. I was going in at 10:30 in the morning, leaving for “lunch break” at 4/5pm, then back in at 7 and only leaving at midnight again. Repeat: day after day, only with days off at Monday, from June to mid September. I can almost say that i had no summer, but i learned a lot along the way. I learned from experience the type of effort my parents had to make to able to afford the kind of lifestyle I have, with studies and things like that. But I can’t say it made me value my studies more... I know for a fact now that I won’t be able to handle a life like that because, at some point, I burned out completely and my psychological condition didn’t allow me to move. So I made the decision of never working full time on hospitality again, seen as I don’t want to go insane or have to deal with my colleagues’ frustrations. But I’ve got to make a living somehow and pay bills at some point, so I can’t just go on with part-time jobs forever... And if I don’t want to work in a restaurant like that nor as a neuropsychologist, then, what am I supposed to do? I’ve picked up the hobby of drawing. I got decent at it. Not too good. But decent. And I’ve always liked things like jewels and video games and things of the sort. I wish I could make a living out of something pleasurable like drawing or making jewelry, or even drawing video game characters and writing background stories... Something fantasy-ish that could really get me involved and grow attached to what I do. But there’s nothing like that for me here, and I’m not sure of how to look for it either. But I must confess I’m also very lazy. By now, I could have posted my drawings on tumblr or on deviantart, or something like that to see if I can attract notoriety. But i haven’t and there really is no excuse for it: it’s because I’m lazy and simply haven’t gotten around to do it. Because, instead of being productive, I watch videos or play computer games. I think I’m never really going to get anywhere if I keep at it like that, but for some reason, I just can’t get myself to move my own ass. I’m just so demoralized in that aspect, I always think that nothing is worth the effort. I can’t go on living like this. I must find a way to change that somehow. However, when it comes to the affection matter, things have taken a very complex journey into a place that I can be satisfied with. I’ll try to cut it as short as possible: I got involved with a guy who wasn’t very good for me. He wasn’t a healthy person. Not from the physical point of view, nor from the psychological one either. Moreover, he was economically dependent on a guy he had a relationship with but who he claimed he didn’t love. I thought I was able to support him - that I was strong enough. But I wasn’t, and my love for him didn’t last forever, either. It’s pointless to try to help someone when that someone is making active efforts to counter what you do for them. And I guess it’s preferable to suffer for not having someone than to fight for someone who you love but doesn’t want you back. I think I might have lost a few good friends because of how invested I was in him. At some point, a really close friend of mine told me that I had to learn how to let go and take care of myself, to end the suffering I was in. I can’t say i learned how to let go, but I can say that I learned that I should not disrespect myself to the point of bringing myself down for people who don’t deserve the effort. Careful assessment of one’s worth is necessary. I didn’t see a way out of the case I was in without getting my hands dirty though. I had already tried before to end things peacefully. I was not allowed to leave though. Not because of violence or anything, don’t get the wrong idea. But either he came crawling back or I felt like I couldn’t hold on and I’d try to reach out to him again. So I did things the only way I know. I created an entanglement of lies that I knew would collapse in such way they would destroy everything. He wouldn’t try to reach out to me and I wouldn’t try to reach out to him. It was a near success. I haven’t spoken to him in months and I’m feeling great about that. He tried to reach me a couple of times before via text messaging, but I was a smart fox and kept his number recorded on my cell phone. Every time i receive a text from him, I don’t read it. I delete it. A few months ago I joined a gay dating website. I didn’t have any objective in mind, I just didn’t like not having anyone to talk to. And I know I enjoy the company of men, to some extent, even if I don’t like sex as much as they do. A guy with a very revealing profile picture came texting me out of nowhere. I thought to myself “oh my, what does this dog want from me?” I almost didn’t answer to his message, but at the time, I was in a “What the hell” mood, so I did. And he’s a gamer. And he’s a biologist. And he’s smart. And he’s super cute. And he makes me really happy. We’ve been dating for nearly three months now and we’re planning a living together. We’ve talked about getting married, and sooner or later, it’s bound to happen. For some reason, I have never felt I could trust someone like this. Of course I have certain insecurities. For example, he’s bisexual, I’m always a little worried that he might crave girls all of a sudden, because that’s always what happened to me in my previous experience with bisexual guys. But he lets me talk about my worries with him. He’s very empathetic and understanding with me, and I can calmly talk about any issue with him. And he does certain things that make me feel like he’s really into me and would never swap me out for anyone else. Everyday he makes efforts to make me believe that. And, even though, I can never reach the 100% trust because of my previous experiences and the scars they left me, I can say I’ve gotten as close as 99%. Love can’t be experienced in the same way for two different people, but I think I have fallen in love for the right person this time, and even if all else goes bad, I still have him. I hope so, anyway. Because, right now, where everything else seems so stressing with work, anxiety and lack of motivation to do things other than playing video games, he’s always there with me, and comes see me every day even though he has to drive all the way here. I don’t really know what else to say. I feel like that’s already a pretty big post as is. I don’t know how regularly I’ll be posting, but I guess that would be whenever I feel like it. Sometimes, I feel like I complain too much, even though I should be more grateful for the things that happen to me. But I guess that’s just the way I am. And even though I complain about a lot of things, I know that I can appreciate the good things that come in my way.

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hardcoremollywobbles · 7 years

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Momma Molly’s Smut-bunny Saviour #1

Here is where I will tell the kiddies to look away, and lock us in this room, so my own children never hear this conversation. I think Percy would faint. This lesson, if you couldn’t tell by the title, is not for kids. I have been noticing a set of rising trends in role-play and fan fiction. Trends that relate to the writing of smut. Certain words have come creeping into common use, that really do work against the writer, in achieving their desired response from the reader. I have decided, as an experienced mother of seven, a woman who knows her way around ‘the deed,’ to save you from yourselves. Here are some tips, to help you on your way. (Examples are drawn from things I have actually seen, so don’t judge me too harshly for them. Oh, and expect an obnoxious number of et ceteras.) 1) Pay attention to such things as where the chosen word is placed. There are different rules for where a word might sit in dialog and where one might fall in the narrative (the story being told outside of speech). If your chosen word is in the narrative, there are far stricter rules on what sounds good. Example: there’s a difference between one bloke telling his mate, “she’s got tits out to here,” and the narrative saying, ‘her tits were very big and bouncy.’ Coarse words, like ass, or any abbreviated word (nips, clit, etc.) have no place in the narrative. Their only place is in the dialog, if anywhere. 2) Avoid being too clinical. No one cares if you went to medical school, when you’re writing sex scenes. And no one wants to be reminded of a text book or a corpse, when they’re getting in the mood. Well, some people do, but necrophiliacs aren’t the majority of your audience. Avoid directly literal names that you would lift from a text book. These words sound rough, crass, indelicate, and also very medical (A.K.A. boring). Examples: Vulva, vagina, penis, blood engorged anything (just avoid blood, altogether, unless it’s external- blood drinking is fine), phallus, uterus, anus, colon, cervix, semen, sperm, fluid, arousal, lubrication, clitoris, labia/labial, fold, wrinkle, testicles/testes, appendage, prostate (as in prostate-stabber), muscle/love muscle/life muscle, perineum, organ, limb, etc. Even member can sound clinical, sometimes. 3) Avoid most short U sounds. That dreaded uh hangs there, like a mouth about to vomit. Some of these tend to sound or feel aggressive, as well. Unwelcoming and sandy. It turns off a good 60+ percent of your readers, even if they’re too polite to say so. I’ve developed this theory about the uh sound, and it seems to hold true. Examples in the flesh: front bum, love tunnel/fun tunnel/cream tunnel, pleasure nub, nub/nubbin (this makes me think of trying to make a vestigial tail or extra nipple erotic), butt, nut(s), fur, fur burger, cunt, smut (funny word, not sexy word), chubby, fuck stem, spunk/spunk trumpet and love trumpet, purple helmet yogurt chucker, vulva (and any of the above that fit the bill), pussy, mushroom/Mr. Mushroom, muff, muffin, humps/lumps (I don’t care if they’re your lovely lady lumps, nothing will make your cases of scoliosis and the mumps sexy, Honey), bulge/bulging, stump, slug (whether in Shell-shedding slug of affection, or When he went down on me, it felt like a slug in a slip-n-slide, there’s no sexiness here), rump, bud (only if you’re desperate for a second clitoris word), button/fuck button (”), junk, jugs, bumper, dumper, cum dumpster, buns, truncheon, rug/rug-muncher, chunky, turgid, etc. Examples in the deed: cum/cummies, nut, bust a nut, hump, pump (less bad than hump), fuck (situationally dependent, not great for narrative), punch, spunk, munch, lunch, bump/bump uglies, nurse and suckle (you’re not a baby), dutch love and titty fuck, chug, tug, rub and tug, slurp, guzzle, gulp, sputter, splutter, fudge packing (don’t draw attention to the feces, unless that’s what your fic is all about, Friend), etc. And never say your dick up-chucked its load. Please. 4) Not all alliterations are attractive. I know, it sounds like it can’t be true! Listen, though. There is many an alliteration that just falls flat. Or even if they don’t, they tend to be more funny than sexy. Examples: Pocket rocket (that sounds both small and fast), panty poking, hanky panky, womb groom, tonsil tickler, thrill drill, bologna pony/baloney pony, throb knob, flail nail, gasm chasm, etc. 5) Avoid certain short, flat A sounds. They often sound harsh and unsexy. Examples: Twat (also the American pronunciation of twot is unpleasant), snatch, ass, grab, fat, vag, mack, fanny (either way you mean it), jack, rack, slap (as in slap a tit/slap the sausage), clam/bearded clam (you can refer to the clitoris as the pearl, but don’t call the vagina a clam), yank, wank, crank, gap, gland, spooge cannon, tallywhacker, sack, mams, gag/gagging, stab, etc. 6) Avoid these uncomfortable words: Moist, damp, dank, musky (if it’s his scent, fine, I guess. If it’s a lady’s particular intimate region, die in some fiendfyre), musty, fishy, hairy anything (hairy sounds wild, unkempt, vulgar- there are sexier ways of wording it), weeping, seeping, leaking, dribbling, drip stink, stank, odor (scent or aroma is much better. Trust me. Even perfume), girth/girthed/girthy, slime/slimy, soggy, spongy, slobbering, liquefied, oozing, fleshy, meaty, turgescent, etc. 7) Genitalia are not interchangeable with animals, unless you’re a bestiac. Words like pussy, beaver, squirrel, and kitty are juvenile. And that’s before you get to camel toe and moose knuckle, dog/hound-dog/crotch dog, dolphin, porpoise, crotch-daschund, snake (and any kind of snake), weasel, worm, flobberworm, the giraffe neck, lizard, trunk, etc. 8) These words may not have been placed in the above categories, but they are just not sexy. Essentially, if you’d hear it out of a 14 year old boy’s favourite joke, don’t use it. Those are better for jest than lust. Here are some examples. -Male anatomy- Non-descript: Dong, ding dong, dingaling, thingy, thing (the thing that rose, the thing that grows, the thing that looks like an exclamation point, and more. Outta call that one an interrobang! But seriously, they are all terrible), pecker, the south pole, wiener, schlong, hard-on, prick (sounds so tiny and portable!), anything with masculine in it (It’s a penis. It doesn’t need to be a camo painted penis for us to get that it belongs to a bloke), wood, peen, manliness/man-ness, package (stimulus, or otherwise), Johnson/John-Thomas (not unless you buy it a monocle), etc. Visuals: man root, stem (so slender!), sausage, lightning rod, silly string shooter, tree trunk, baby’s arm, man meat, baby-maker, meat train, meat tampon, carrot (man or otherwise), boner (that’s a term for mistake for a reason), beef slinky, Mr. Floppy (as in, Mr. Floppy stood at attention), stiffy, lollipop (skinny, with a wonky, fat head?), batter blaster, You-know-what (I don’t need to hear about Voltemort’s erection), fishing pole, pickle/puking pickle, porker, pork or beef anything, leaking crown, knob, noodle/man-noodle, throat spackler, log/leaking log, monster, one-eyed anything, throbbing mass, man-cannon, etc. Basically, it will rarely, if ever, sound good to have man in front of anything. Twig and berries, meat and two veg... Meat pipe, meat whistle or meat flute. Basically, if it starts with meat, or any kind of meat, just don’t use it. Really. Balls, coin purse, funbags, punching bags, eggs, danglers, nuggets, spuds/love spuds, kiwis, etc. Many people feel like stalk, dick and cock sound terrible or gross, according to research, so branch out. Try some new words. Some people feel that weaponry euphemisms are too aggressive, or that they advocate unwanted sexual violence. Maybe try writing without words like sword and sheath, cannon, missile (and meat missile or heat seeking moisture missile), spear, blade, gun/love gun/rifle/DNA rifle/egg sniper/beef bazooka, ram rod, projectile anything, weapon/pleasure weapon, hammer of anything/warhammer, drill/fucktool, pike, spike and spire (so pointy!), helmeted warrior, mauve avenger, axe and axe wound, reamer, cherry assassin, battering ram, etc. We’re generally not trying to draw blood, here.

-Female anatomy- Jumbos, titties/tits, boobs/boobies, knockers, funbags, peaches, hooters, tatas, pillows, hood, headlights, melons, sweater puppies, milk sacks, chest balls, etc. Triangular area (way to take the sexuality right out of it), baby-maker, fun factory, snack shack, carpet, cavity (holy, unholy and otherwise), honey-pot, lady town, minge (ginger minge?), gay man’s nemisis (because vaginas are all at war with men that don’t want them? Ridiculous), location, love wallet, hairy checkbook/wallet, mound, flesh mitten, driveway/garage/oven, box, taco, pleasure casino (adding pleasure to something doesn’t make it sexy, ffs), lady garden, letter O, love pocket/cock pocket, hole, sideways smile, downstairs mouth/down south mouth, valve, etc. And, again, I really must mention the ultra violent imagery that calls bleeding to mind, such as gash, slash, axe wound, love wound, slice, slit/slit of ecstasy, pin cushion, arena/combat arena, missile silo, etc.

Gender-neutral anatomy: poopshoot/poop cavern, rusty bullet hole, Hershey Highway, strata chocolata, chocolate starfish, chocolate hotdog hallway, brown eye, fudge factory, fart factory, etc. Don’t draw attention to the feces, if you want to keep the reader comfortable or into the writing. Back door, rear, hiney, hind quarters, fleshy globes, balloon knot, button, boy pussy/boi pussi, wrinkled or puckered kiss, anal fortress, booty, etc. Narrow alleyway, cock cave, pool of sex/pool of ecstasy, taint, etc. Business, region, vicinity, down there, etc. Pubes/bed of pubes. Also, sex/the sex/his sex/her sex. This one is so vague and so overused. It’s probably the worst skill-based thing about the writing of Anne Rice. “He put his sex in her sex, and it was sex. Preternatural sex.” Yeah, I said it.

Fluids and related terms: toothpaste (even if it’s ‘the toothpaste of love’), juice, spooge (frothy or otherwise), pearl necklace and money shot, jizz, pre-cum, mayonnaise, baby batter/baby gravy (no one should want to think about babies when someone is in the act of release. Seriously), man-milk (remember about just jamming man in there?), protein shake, tadpole yogurt, etc. And don’t use vanilla for semen, just because of the colour. I assure you, it doesn’t taste like it.

Other words or terms: she took it like a man (devalues a gender strong enough to deal with periods AND pushing out babies. I’d like to see you try that), popping, grope, pork/porking (funny, not sexy), bone, eating out, handjob/blowjob, gobble, getting your rocks off, getting off, etc. And don’t ever use the words ‘his dick erupted like a zit, spraying its white hot load.’ Ever. Not least of all because load isn’t a sexy word, and the rest of it is stomach turning. It was the worst thing I read in a fic for a year. 9) This is how we do it. Here are some good starter tips, to avoid these clichéd traps and unpleasant expressions: - Stretch your vocabulary. Explore new words and phrases. Create something original. - Try to think of the story you’re telling, and the characters in it. Would they think in a direction that aligns with your narrative? - Try to think of how the words you chose will inform your reader(s) about your feelings or your character’s feelings. Are your words devaluing the other character(s)? Are your words treating said character(s) as one would an object? Is that your intent, as the story teller? - Remember foreplay. - Try to consider what responses feel real or true. - Think about the actual physics involved. What things would cause stresses on the body, and where? How would this impact the movements that your character(s) enact? Sex isn’t a clean and harmless activity, if it’s rough, for example. So, here goes busting some myths, for the purposes of delivering helpful information. If you’re holding someone up against a wall, there’s going to be limited ranges of certain movements. You will probably bang your knees. If you’re holding someone up, you probably won’t be able to get a hand between the two of you, to fiddle with anyone’s bits, or up, to pull anyone’s hair. You would need an extra hand for that. Also, it’s important to note that your character will probably only have two hands. If you’re penetrating, that singular entry will probably not be a seamless thrust to your hilt. You’ve got to push or slide that thing in. Thrusting tends to come later, Sport. And speaking of ‘come later,’ simultaneous orgasms are rare, and usually involve some tantric discipline. You’re not going to nail that, each time. And I’d be surprised if it happened on anyone’s first time. Gents who slip it in that first time will probably shoot off too soon, and that’s normal and okay. Homosexual males don’t tend to use melted butter for intercourse, and no, blood does NOT make a good lubricant. Also, gay fics have way too much anal penetration. Yes, you heard me. In most cases, a homosexual couple will tend towards more oral sex and foreplay, because if they were all only doing anal it would a) get boring fast, and b) cause a lot of unnecessary soreness. You need to balance those things, in a meaningful relationship fic. I get that not every character interaction involves care, but where it does, learn a little balance. Speaking of balance, when writing BDSM fics, remember the importance of aftercare. Read about it. Learn about it. It’s a big part of a BDSM relationship. I know that this is a bit rushed and disorganized, but I really hope that you find it helpful.

#helpful hints #writing help #smut #mommamolly #MommaMolly's Helpful Hints #smut 101 #Smut-bunny Saviour #word choice

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djray87-blog · 7 years

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Dating & Why I’m Bad At It

So, you’ve probably gathered that I’m gay. I’ve never felt it something that I need to just outright declare; not because I’m ashamed or embarrassed about it, but I just don’t think it’s that big of a deal. But when delving into my dating life, I thought it best to start with complete clarity.

I’ll make a post eventually about my personal struggle with my sexuality, but today I’m skipping to the relevant stuff: the shitshow known as ‘dating’. If you’re looking for some deep Carrie-Bradshaw-esque analysis of past dates and what went wrong, then you’ve come to the wrong place. This is definitely not Sex & the City. It’s probably closer to No-Sex & the Not-City.

I’ll admit: there are probably better people to follow when it comes to dating and for navigating the oceans of people out there. In reality, I’m quite new to all this. As mentioned in my last update, I was a very heavy guy for a very long time, so dating wasn’t really common. As I’ve only just recently begun to feel comfortable with who I am and how I look, I’m putting myself out there to find my better half.

And so far, dating blows.

Now let me just say that I don’t consider myself conservative. I’m fairly open-minded and allow interactions to progress as quickly or as slowly as I am comfortable. However, I do tend to draw the line at meeting random strangers for the first time at their house at 3am. I completely support and encourage people that are capable of doing something like that, but it’s just a little beyond my own comfort level.

However, what I’ve noticed in my own futile dating efforts is that sex comes before the relationship. Everyone seems to be looking for something casual; a hookup, a one-nighter, a friends-with-benefits agreement. It’s only after developing that sort of interaction that a deeper connection blossoms, eventually evolving into a mutual partnership.

What about the ones that like to put the relationship first? I’m assuming there are still men out there that would prefer to know someone before hopping in the sack with them, right? Again, I’m not casting judgment on the decisions or the lifestyle of others; I understand the appeal quite well, frankly. But for me, I’m not secure enough to do the horizontal mambo with someone I just met. Several times I’ve been declined on an offer for dinner because he wasn’t “looking for something serious”. What is it about a dinner invitation that makes me sound like I’m wanting something serious? Is it too much to ask that I have an hour of interaction before deciding to put out?

I can only assume this atmosphere is linked to the popularity of app-based dating. Dating has always been hard, but your competition was usually limited to the other guys at the club. Now I’m competing with every other individual in a 50 mile radius. Don’t get me wrong – it’s definitely a convenient tool for meeting people. I’ve never been one to spend a lot of time out at the clubs or anything, so it’s nice to ‘shop from home’, so to speak. But with that, the moment he loses interest in you, he’ll find a handful of others to choose from in minutes.

I’m not saying I’m perfect, either. I’ve been ghosted just as often as I have ghosted others. I’m never upset or angry about it; usually just disappointed. Interestingly enough, some of the most fun I’ve had on dating apps is with the catfish profiles that you instantly recognize are fake. Usually an extremely attractive guy with too many photos of his chiseled torso that volunteers at homeless shelters and takes care of his elderly grandma. You know it is too good to be true, but then he sends you a message, and you can’t help but reply. Of course, he’s exactly the kind of guy you are looking for. His answers to your questions are always rehearsed and practiced and what you want to hear. There’s usually some reason why he’s not able to meet up; he’s out of town or moving or swamped at work. It doesn’t stop you from continuing the dialog, probably getting flirtier and more sexual. Maybe exchanging more pictures. And during all of it, even knowing it’s all fake, I feel the warmth of excitement of just having someone to flirt with. Having someone tell me the things I want to hear. Having someone compliment me on how I look or whatever I was proud of that day. I’m never sad to see them go; I am sad to return to my solidarity. Because, even though it isn’t real, an imaginary flirtation is better than none at all.

As for meeting guys that I’ve encountered on apps, I can only say this: I don’t believe anyone intentionally misrepresents themselves when talking to others through dating apps. I think we all portray ourselves as we wish we were. Nobody starts a profile with “I’m clingy and needy and desperate for your attention.” Maybe they don’t think they are, or maybe they know they are but also know that it would drive people away. Personally, I try to be mindful of my faults and to bring them up at some point. Every guy I’ve met has been aware that I’ve went through a drastic weight-loss journey and still feel insecure about the way that I look. They’re aware that I’m new to dating and unsure of myself and what I’m wanting. They are aware that at any given time, I would probably prefer to be at home playing games on my computer. What continually frustrates me is having someone tell me how outgoing or talkative he is and meet a quiet hermit instead. Or someone passionate about a certain genre of books/television that has nothing to contribute about the topic. Please don’t tell someone things they want to hear just to get a date. Be yourself. So far, it’s completely failed for me, but I suppose that’s better than having to continually lie to someone to keep them interested.

And before I end this segment, I’d really like to throw out a few suggestions for anybody with a dating profile or intending on making one. These are just my own personal checklist items, but feel free to modify at your discretion.

- Don’t use a group photo for your first picture. With most dating apps, potential suitors are provided that first picture and can then decide to delve deeper or pass. While it is easy to think that a group photo may cause the person to look at your other pics to see which guy is you, it doesn’t always work like that. - Quit. Using. Snapchat. Filters. I know I’ll catch a lot of hell for this one, but Christ-Almighty, I am 30 years old. I don’t think you’re cute with puppy-dog eyes or a wreath of flowers or bunny ears. I think you’re childish. - In fact, quit using filters altogether. I don’t care that you look better in black and white, because I don’t see in black and white. Don’t be afraid to just be yourself in your photos. That’s what I’m looking for. - Keep them updated. Again, I’d like to date today’s version of you. I don’t care that you put on thirty pounds in the last two years as long as you’re upfront about it. What pisses me off is the deception. - I don’t need 5 selfies from the same angle. One or two are fine, but a full profile selection of the same pose/angle in different outfits doesn’t give me any better understanding of who you are. - Shirtless pictures are acceptable or rejectable on a case-by-case evaluation. I wouldn’t use it as the first picture, but some exceptions are permissible*. I also don’t need to see you flexing in the mirror, but some exceptions are permissible*. In general, I would just avoid using pictures of this nature in profiles, but again, some exceptions are permissible*. *For the record, the quality of what you’re displaying does not go into consideration for whether a shirtless pic is ‘permissible’. It’s not like the more defined your abs, the more I like the photo. It’s usually just how I infer the reasoning behind it. If you’re at home in the bathroom with your shirt off taking pics in the mirror, then it’s intentionally showing off. If you’re at the gym with your shirt inched up, then maybe you’re just proud of your results. It all depends on the reason the picture is used. - Don’t use pictures that feature parts of your body that exclude your face. If you can somehow take a picture of your ass that also includes your face, then fine. Otherwise, don’t use it. - Also, don’t use pictures that don’t include you. I can see pictures of the Eiffel Tower and shit just fine on the internet, I don’t need your help. Pictures of your pets are fine (AND ENCOURAGED), as long as you are in the picture with them. - Try to include at least one photo that you didn’t take with the intention of using it on your dating app. C’mon now, let’s all be real. 95% of those selfies we take is because we want to look cute on our profiles. Using one where maybe we don’t look the absolute best is appreciated. - As far as the text goes: don’t get too serious. It’s pretty pointless putting paragraphs and paragraphs of information about yourself that will typically go unread anyway. However, it is important to put something. There’s been several occasions that I have swiped left on guys I’ve found attractive because they didn’t bother putting a single line about themselves. It doesn’t have to be pages of detailed information; just a couple quick sentences about who you are/what you do/what you like will suffice. Avoid being too self-deprecating. While I enjoy someone that can critique themselves, I prefer confidence. Lead with that.

So that’s about it. Maybe I’ll have some better tales to tell in the future, but for now, it’s still swiping and praying.

#thoughts@thirty #blog

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gossipnetwork-blog · 7 years

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BDSM: Inside Changing Leather, Kink Scene

New Post has been published on http://gossip.network/bdsm-inside-changing-leather-kink-scene/

BDSM: Inside Changing Leather, Kink Scene

They arrive beneath an ornate spiral staircase in the marble foyer of Chicago’s Congress Plaza hotel wearing leather dog masks, Dalmatian-print rompers, and wrestling singlets with zippers strategically placed down the cleft of their glutes.

Rubber mats line the floor of the Buckingham Room, a typical hotel conference facility with subdued carpeting and neutral gold curtains. There, amid stiff-backed chairs and folding tables bearing enormous coffee urns, dozens of men bend down on all fours, stick out their tongues and begin to bark.

But hotel staff doesn’t bat an eye. The occasion is the International Mr. Leather convention, an annual gathering of some of the most sexually adventurous people in the world.

The barking men had convened for a “pup romp,” organized for people gratified by role-playing as dogs. There in the Buckingham Room, they cuddled for an hour, and joined in a frenzied chase when a man in a squirrel costume ran through the crowd.

Outside of the romp, thousands more people – mostly men, mostly gay – had descended on the hotel for five days of parties, kinky commerce, creative sex and fashion. The Congress Plaza was packed for the weekend with people wearing next to nothing, jostling through the halls between social and sexual engagements.

In the hotel lobby, attendees mingled with giant phallic balloon interpretations of the blue and black leather pride flag, drifting through the colorful inflated tubes like fish in the tentacles of sea anemones.

In the world of unusual tastes, IML has functioned for decades as a sort of annual conclave. But it’s undergoing a remarkable change.

The leather enthusiasts who convene at IML inhabit a mid-point between subcultures. While the broader LGBT community encompasses everything from lesbian bookstores to the occasional gay Republican, the leather tribe inhabits a few narrow bands of that spectrum. And then, nestled inside of leather, are smaller stripes like pups, hypnotists, foot fetishists, floggers, superheroes and kinks yet to be named. In the world of unusual tastes, IML has functioned for decades as a sort of annual conclave. But it’s undergoing a remarkable change.

There’s always been a tension in the leather community between the “old guard” and “new guard.” One has always been more conservative and devoted to tradition; the other more experimental and open to change. For decades, the old guard has grumbled about the new guard, until the youngsters age into old-timers who roll their eyes at yet another wave of newcomers.

So it has always been, as in so many subcultures: A cascade of generations, each one rippling from young into old. But in recent years, the leather scene has experienced a rapid expansion, testing its elasticity as it stretches further than ever before. It’s a fundamental shift in the boundaries and values of the community – a shift that, depending on whom you ask, may disintegrate the community, or may be necessary for it to go on.

What began as a humble bar party at Chicago’s Gold Coast in 1979 – a celebration of animal-hide uniforms over muscular male physiques – has grown to fill the downtown hotel with thousands of fetishists, allowing organizers to expand their offerings from a simple social gathering to a full multi-day convention. “It takes a hotel and turns it into a leather bar for the weekend,” says writer Dan Savage, a frequent attendee.

Every year, IML concludes with a pageant to select the men and women best suited to represent the community, with titles reminiscent of Midwestern agricultural festivals. But instead of Miss Rhubarb taking home a trophy for her cobbler, a leatherman will be awarded a the sash as International Mr. Leather for his appeal in a jockstrap.

Nestled within the leather subculture are smaller stripes like hypnotists, foot fetishists, floggers, superheroes and, of course, pups. Matt Baume for Rolling Stone

The subculture is thought to have grown out of the post-World-War-II biker scene, which tended be dominated by uniforms, buzz cuts and military honor codes. It was an aesthetic that resonated with gay men who couldn’t identify with the more effete stereotypes of the time.

Those gay men formed motorcycle clubs like the Satyrs in Los Angeles and the Warlocks in San Francisco. They covered themselves in leather, conforming to a look of masculine independence that came to mainstream attention by way of Marlon Brando’s 1953 film The Wild One. Chicago’s Gold Coast was the first gay bar to cater to the leather scene in 1958, and it was there that IML began in the late Seventies.

At the time that the community formed, being discovered as queer was enough to ruin a person’s life. Police conducted routine raids of gay bars, with their victims identified by names in newspapers. Even in the relative safety of the mid-century gay enclaves, an interest in kinky sex led to stigma and ostracism.

“The word ‘leather’ was the code word for men in the Forties,” explains Carmelle, a longtime photographer in the scene. “Back then, it was a way of asking, ‘Are you into rough sex, bondage, S&M?’ It’s like Christians drawing half the fish,” she says, referring to stories of early believers drawing half-arcs so others could draw a second arc to complete the symbol.

At the time that the community formed, being discovered as queer was enough to ruin a person’s life.

Though the pageant is strictly focused on leather, IML attendees generally interpret “leather” to include any fetish garb.

“Leather means just about any material,” says Jonathan Schroder, general manager of the fetish store Mr. S Leather in San Francisco. For him, “leather” can be anything from flogging to rope to inserting your entire fist into another person’s ass. “Fisting doesn’t involve much clothing at all,” he points out.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s BLUF, the Breeches and Leather Uniform Fanclub, which maintains a dress code that includes tall boots, leather trousers, and a leather shirt and tie.

Most people in the community fall somewhere between. “Like a leather jockstrap under their business suit,” Schroder says with a giddy look on his face.

For decades, practitioners have maintained a sense of continuity by conforming to at least some measure of protocol and mentorship. Traditionally, an older leatherman would take a younger man under his wing. Dominant, assertive men of a certain age might go by “Daddy” or “Sir,” and would pass down leather traditions. In return, a younger member might identify as “Boy” (and increasingly, “Pup”) and get a role model of a kind that, until recently, was denied to gay men by the mainstream culture.

At one recent IML party, a millennial was overheard asking an older man, “Could you hold my jacket, please?” to which the older man replied, “What was that?” The boy corrected himself: “Could you hold my jacket please, sir?” The older man obliged, flicking a riding crop against his leg as he helped the younger man into his gear.

Caretaking such as this was particularly necessary during the worst years of the AIDS epidemic. Over morning coffee with friends baring various amounts of skin, Carmelle recalls her experience in the 1980s, living in a tight-knit arrangement known as a “leather family.” These familial structures can include numerous people looking out for each other when biological relatives can’t be counted on.

What began as a small party in 1979 has turned into a weekend-long event. Matt Baume for Rolling Stone

“We discovered almost all the men were HIV-positive,” she says. “Our Sir got pneumonia and he died in, I want to say, five days.”

Knowing what lay ahead, the family dominatrix decided that Carmelle should be trained in hospice care. She helped many of her leather family die in peace, adopting Miles Davis’ record Ascenseur Pour Léchafaud (“elevator to the gallows”) as the music for the house.

“They were all dying at the same time,” she says. “They become your brothers and sisters. There’s that one thing that bonds us – we can protect each other in a world full of strangers.”

“HIV/AIDS flipped the script,” says Dan Savage. He recalled guerilla sex education programs in the Eighties that consisted of informal meetups in dorm rooms to talk about how kinky sex, like bondage and spanking, diminished the risk of transmission. “Things that were insanely kinky and depraved, like fisting or getting whipped, were safer than boring anal intercourse.”

But as the hazards of being openly queer disappear and more casual kinksters discover leather, those traditions have fallen away.

Young people are eager to dive in to the sex – but they don’t understand the extensive rules and protocol.

“Back in the day, it was important that you received your first leathers from someone in the community,” says Schroder. “There was a sense of earning.” A jockstrap might be passed down after an intense sex scene, for example. “I think people today have a sense of freedom to discover sexuality on their own. And experimenting doesn’t seem so spooky.”

Today’s IML attracts far more casual kinksters than in decades past, and fewer devotees of the leather rulebook. Vendors at IML now find themselves selling more gear to first-timers than ever before, showing the ropes – sometimes literally – to young people eager to dive in to the sex without also signing up for the extensive rules and protocol.

The reasons that the leather community originally formed have faded as it’s become easier to be open about an interest in leather, rubber, or rope. The stigma of kink has decreased; being queer is no longer an arrestable offense; HIV is treatable; and a handful of states have made it illegal to fire or evict a person for being gay.

As mainstream interest in leather has grown, the community has had to address an atmosphere that, at times, has felt unwelcoming to those who didn’t match the traditional 1950s biker look.

“I almost didn’t come,” says Mama Cleo, an African-American woman. IML is an overwhelmingly white male event, which made her feel unwelcome – until she learned of a caucus where she could discuss minority issues. Attending that group was a relief, she says, proving to her that she did indeed belong.

“The leather community is just a microcosm of the general gay community, where people of color are still a minority,” says Mufasa Ali, founder and National Council chair of an organization called Onyx. “The community is supposed to be about inclusion and being for everyone, because it’s an outlaw community. But when I walk into a leather bar, do I see me? Oftentimes you don’t see anybody like you.”

Onyx arranges workshops, parties and newsletters to connect people of color within the leather community and address their unique concerns. Those topics can range from the fetishizing of dark skin to the implications of the master/slave dynamic; and on a practical level, mindful training is necessary to recognize when dark skin has been excessively flogged. He’s definitely noticed a shift in demographics.

“We’re attracting younger people now,” he says. “Our youngest member in the last few years was 22, but we’ve been seeing a number of people in their twenties and early thirties come to us.”

Women have also faced ostracism within the leather community. Since 1993, IML has hosted a contest for bootblacking, the art of cleaning and maintaining leather goods. The contest that was open to all genders, with IML attendees scoring the contestants, but before long, the late Amy Marie Meek – who produced International Ms. Leather – noticed that attendees tended to judge women bootblacks less favorably than men. Her solution was to create a separate competition for women, which has remained in place since 1999.

And although overt misogyny has waned, it remains an undercurrent at IML, with the historic devotion to masculine ideals leading to occasional schisms. When Jefferson Ely competed as Mr. Phoenix Leather in 2015, he drew scattered boos with his apparel: Amidst the men in quasi-cop outfits and biker gear, he marched out on stage wearing heels, a corset, and a fur wrap.

At IML, leather comes in many forms. Matt Baume for Rolling Stone

“Some people in the leather community really tend to romanticize the Tom of Finland image, the super masculine, super butch, highly cartoonish image,” he says. “They assume that you don’t belong in their community [if you don’t look like that.]”

This is an issue that IML is aware of, and working to address in any way they can. “We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any incidents involving racist or misogynistic activities,” says IML Media Coordinator Tyesha Best. “Visual representation of BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) existence in leather and kink is one of the most important priorities in our communities at large. We strive to remain as educated and self aware of this as possible.”

Best cites organizations like the Panthers Leather Club as having expanded visibility for marginalized groups in the community.

“There are many individuals who work to make leather more inclusive,” she says. “It starts at the top. It is up to the producers and coordinators of conferences, organizations and other events that inclusivity goes beyond just volunteers.”

This year, 63 contestants worked their way up through leather contests at local bars, then cities, and then states, arriving in Chicago to compete for the International Mr. Leather title. The pageant is like a Miss America pageant soaked in testosterone: There’s a “pecs and personalities” component; a jockstrap segment; and contestant speeches delivered like a series of short kinky TED talks.

“What now is our role as leather people?” demanded contestant Kenn Kennedy from the stage, his tight uniform squeaking as he paced. “To show those who despise us that we do not fear them here in Leatherland.”

Numerous contestants shared that eagerness to engage in of bold, unashamed publicity. While in the past, leather was an inward-facing community that looked after its own, it’s become increasingly visible as the definition of leather expands. The secret sex-ed gatherings, the mentorship and the leather families are slowly giving way to more casual kinksters. Leather is no longer the only available refuge for those in the kinky underground, now that it’s easier than ever to learn about gay sex, to find role models, and to form close bonds within a community of queers.

The celebratory atmosphere of recent IMLs reflects a wider optimism within the LGBTQ community.

Events like the goofy, lighthearted pup romp would have been hard to imagine under the formal masculine ideals of previous decades. But so would such advances as open military service, the freedom to marry and treatments that prevent the transmission of HIV. The celebratory atmosphere of recent IMLs reflects a wider optimism within the LGBTQ community that’s accompanied progress in civil liberties, public health, and inclusion.

Several speeches acknowledged the challenges faced by minority groups within the community. “Imagine if existing means coming out every moment every day,” boomed Daddy Jeff, Mr. Midwest Leather 2016, from the stage. “Imagine how that must make our people of color, our women, our trans friends feel.”

Leather evolved as secret code issued from the closet for the protection of men whose lives would be ruined by outing; later, it was a community of support that weathered an epidemic. Now, as leather and the queer community grow steadily more welcoming, the focus can shift to an increasingly public and unapologetic enjoyment of sexuality.

“The stigma around being a leatherman has decreased,” Schroeder, of Mr. S Leather, says as he arranges harnesses in the morning, anticipating the crush of customers about to pour through the doors.

“I’m 52, so I remember in my early twenties, going to a leather bar was really stigmatized,” says Dan Savage. “If your other 22-year-old friends found out you went … they’d look at you like a deranged pervert.” Now, he says, “there’s a joyful acceptance of everyone’s different thing. And everyone recognizing that we’re part of a larger kink community. That’s a wonderful thing to see happen over the last 30 years.”

That’s not to say that the community has abandoned its past, and isn’t preparing for challenges that lie ahead. At this year’s competition, contestants spoke passionately about the threats posed by a Republican administration that’s gutting HIV programs, that’s revoking civil rights protections and that appointed a hostile justice to the United States Supreme Court.

But there was no attitude of resignation or despondency in the speeches. As the boundaries of leather expand, so too has a spirit of confidence and pride and determination to be heard.

“Hope is in fighting back together,” declared Mr. San Francisco Leather Geoff Millard, an Iraq war vet, looking out upon an international audience in extraordinary costumes. “And doing it all while looking fabulous in leather.”

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