#um. negative review

[spacecatsaremadeofdarkmatter]

This negative review for Hi-Fi Rush is fucking sending me like--

Bro, what did you expect???

#Hi-Fi Rush #Hi Fi Rush #this has the exact same vibe of people leaving negative reviews for Hollow Knight like #''UGH you have to run around the whole map to collect power ups because some areas are locked until you get said power ups #there's just so much backtracking'' Um- yes? you just described a metroidvania? which is what Hollow Knight is? #are haters okay

[tinogiehd]

PLEASE WATCH THE VOD AND GIVE AN UNFILTERED REVIEW

omg i forgot to answer this ummmmm it's really bad for how hyped up it was and what the promo material was. i have no doubt it'll evolve as the story progresses but the bits fall flat and ranboo's character is dry and uninteresting #ToMe some parts of it are cool visually but outside of those maybe 2-3 minutes it doesn't seem like it adhered to the promo at all and it's hard for me to wrap my head around that this is what he's been talking about for like two years now because it looks like it was produced in two weeks like i remember him hyping this up when i was a boober and im so glad i didn't stick around and get my hopes up like fawk 😭😭 that being said in all fairness this is his first big project im sure it'll adjust and get better as time goes on and they'll learn from this regardless of audience response and my personal opinion just through being hands on and experiencing it 👍

#slightly more unfiltered review: i think it would be better if you were high out of your MIND watching it but um it's pretty bad man #like even charlie sl.imcicle couldn't save the bits and that's how you know #aya asks #genloss neg

[sol-flo]

do i pull a if on a winter's night a traveller with this book and just let my eyes glaze over the words in record speed. do i quit it. or do i finish it like a normal human being.

#its solaris and it was extremely appealing for the first 30 pages and then it had a super vile racist passage and i lost all steam #btw i say 'pull a if on a winters night etc' bc thats how i read its entire second half. i just wanted to get it over with that night. #bc it sucks. i like calvino well enough and i might revisit it in a few years who knows but it was so so sucks #manic pixie dream girl ass book. i left such a negative review on storygraph lmao its kinda funny looking back #''only a man — not any man; only a literature professor considering an affair — could call this a masterpiece'' um go off queen #its my lowest rating ever; i usually give 2 stars for books i finish and dislike but it made my blood boil

[sergle]

There's something about like. A certain genre of posts / Online Opinions about insecurity/depression/misery/complaints that are so unhelpful that they wrap right around to being straight up hilarious. and it's the ones that are more or less written to the tone of "Feeling bad? That's gross!" Like, just so you know, don't voice your insecurities/ have low self esteem, because that's offputting! You're gross and weird. Don't be insecure about that, though. That would be stupid if you felt insecure about people disliking you for being insecure. Not attractive. You should be thinking about being as attractive as possible. You shouldn't make comments about suicide, even if you're suicidal! Keep those thoughts entirely to yourself. Make sure nobody around you knows you're thinking about this. It would Make Them Uncomfortable. It's better to keep these thoughts in your head where they can fester. Don't post OR talk to friends with complaints about you feeling miserable or depressed. Tbh people who are sad/upset a lot? Kinda a red flag! You are probably miserable because you're a bad person and you've brought this on yourself. If you don't have friends, it's because you're awful to be around. Easy! Solved the problem for you. And no, there is no nuance to this, got it? So, make sure to feel bad about feeling bad, but don't feel bad about it, because, well, that's just gross. And annoying! You might've wanted your brain rotted thoughts to be Peer Reviewed, you might have just needed to vent- you might've been hoping for some comfort, to get things off your chest. Well, don't! Don't talk about thoughts or feelings that are negative with your friends, you'd be burdening them and that's only meant for THERAPY. #SponsoredbyBetterHelp #MentalHealth like, DAMN. that's so helpful. you're so good at helping. I um really liked the part where these are all hard and fast rules that encourage keeping feelings bottled up and keeping your friends at arm's length. That's really funny of you.

#I FEEL LIKE COMPLAINING RN in the context of this alternate universe these posts live in. that makes me evil rn. I may not even keep #the post up. but I Needed to complain about these bc I hate seeing them #really funny and good because it very much feeds into that part of the brain where you go wait am I stupid? am I horrible? am I annoying? #before you express any kind of personal feelings. from feeling insecure alll the way down the spectrum to feeling like your life is over #before anyone How Dare You Say We Piss On The Poor-s at me YES there is a nuanced version of this #which is. you can make someone feel like shit (A Fellow Sufferer Of The Mental Eelnesses) by using them as your dumping ground #in excess and usually with no regard for how they feel and without Regular conversations inbetween #and in a one-sided way where they can't do the same and complain with you as a sounding board in return #don't tell new friends you hardly know abt THE MOST personal shit you can possibly think of. there are steps being skipped here #right? we know this. we all know it. setting a boundary is a thing. overwhelming a person is a thing #on the other hand there is such a thing as a friend who IS okay to listen and wants to help. and friends who relate. #maybe talking abt personal stuff makes ppl feel closer sometimes. just a thought! maybe not everything is Emotional Labor. maybe just maybe #but like come on. these are almost intentionally unhelpful posts #long post

[filmhead-productions]

New episode review time. Warning: this one is LONG. SPOILERS AHEAD!

This one was kinda... also boring. These are just some uncoordinated thoughts. Also I might make a rewrite of this episode soon, so look forward to that.

To start off positive, the backgrounds of Lust and Ozzie's mansion/castle(?) are pretty. Um, Ozzie and Fizz are kinda cute together. (But did anyone get this weird sense that Ozzie was infantalizing Fizz, or is that just me?) That little "I love words" from Stolas got a chuckle out of me. Ozzie patching Fizz up at the end was also cute. One more thing, I wanna see striker get more unhinged in the future.

Now for negatives. The dick jokes. Especially that one joke that went on for too long. Crimson and Striker weren't needed for this episode, the conflict could've just been with Blitz and Fizz getting into wacky hijinks.

Stolas is here because yes. He also didn't need to be in this episode. He's here because he wants to give his victim- I mean love interest an Asmodean Crystal. And when telling Ozzie, he conveniently leaves out the part where he coerces Blitz into sex so he can have the ability to keep doing his job. This is peak queer representation guys, I swear.

So Ozzie gets a ransom video from Crimson making demands. Did this show forget that imps are supposed to be the lowest in Hell's society, because I think this show forgot. And Crimson calls Ozzie "the weakest and non-threatening of the sins". Stolen joke here, I saw someone somewhere ask how Ozzie is the most non-threatening when Kesha Beelzebub exists. And Ozzie does jack shit the rest of the episode, like... motherfucker, you are a DEADLY SIN. WHAT IS STOPPING YOU FROM INCINERATING EVERYONE!?

Blah, blah, blah. Blitz and Fizz argue, then they break out, then we get to what everyone was looking forward to: Fizz's backstory. I'm so excited to see their falling out and everything that led to it- oh, it's a 15 second flashback. That flashback should have been the whole episode, man. I think I'm gonna save my critiques for it in the rewrite post.

Fizz sings a song to distract everyone from seeing Blitz, and it's mid. They get out, Striker does whatever, and getting tired of writing this review, you already know how it ends. Bye.

EDIT: I heard somewhere that there was a scene that made Fizz's VA Alex Brightman cry. I think it was the kaiju dick joke. It made him cry from how cringe it was, lol.

2ND EDIT:

Wtf is this face!? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

#helluva boss critical #helluva boss #vivziepop critical #helluva boss criticism #spindlehorse critical #helluva critical #helluva boss critique #helluva blitzo #helluva fizzarolli #helluva asmodeus #helluva stolas

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias/Trent Alexander Arnold x Reader - Dark Rivarly Part 8/15

What a perfect day to release a chapter hahaha. 🤣 It's derby day between Man City and Liverpool and with the beef going on between Trent and the team my story becomes more and more unrealistic, or what do you think? 🤔

Could Trent ever make peace with somone like Ruben? Let alone allow Ruben to date his sister?

Part 9 and 10 are already out on my Patreon!

Reader is Trent Alexander Arnold's twin sister. The two have been inseparable since childbirth, more so now when Reader is fresh out of university looking for a job, crashing at her brother's place whilst doing so. One day Reader gets a job offer that she cannot refuse, however it would mean working for her brother's biggest rival in football, Ruben Dias.

Enjoy!

"These are actually pretty good."

"Really?" You perked up where you sat on the sofa in Ruben's hotel room. He was sitting next to you.

"Yes and the press seems to love the outfit you choose for Ruben, look."

Miranda turned her Ipad around, showing you the published images of Ruben, wearing the outfit you had picked out for him.

"I'll admit that I had my doubts at first, but the reviews have all been great. Good job Y/N."

"Um, thank you Miranda." A complement from her felt like a lifetime achievement.

"I'm gonna call the photographer that took these and see if he can send me the negatives. We might be able to use them on Instagram to summarize the weekend. Miranda left the room to make the call, leaving you alone with Ruben, who had barely acknowledged you this morning.

"I better pack my bags." You said, rising from the sofa. Ruben however, refused to move his legs out of the way to let you pass.

"Excuse me?" You groaned. It wasn't funny, neither of you were laughing. "Ruben?"

His legs wouldn't budge, and you were getting agitated. "What the he'll are you doing, move your..."

Ruben drew back his legs just as you were about to swing at them with your own. This caused you to stumble forwards, almost tripping yourself.

"What was that for?" You frowned.

Ruben's expression was emotionless as he stood, and for the first time the height difference between you was intimidating.

"I...I just wanted to go to my room and pack my bags." You stuttered.

Ruben exhaled. "We need to talk first."

"Talk about what exactly?" You crossed your arms.

"The way you left me last night, it was unprofessional." He said.

"Ruben, I told you that I came down with something." Which was a lie, but it was the best one you could come up with on such short notice.

"And what exactly was it that you came down with?" He asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Well you seemed fine when you left my side at the party. What made you suddenly wanna run off Y/N?"

"Ruben, for the third time, I wasn't running,  I just needed to get back to the hotel and lie down."

"So that's where you did it?"

"Did what?" You frowned, his tone spiteful to you.

Ruben shifted in his stance, crossing one arm over the other. "Y/N, I expect you to take your job seriously. For you to then run off with some guy...."

"I didn't run off with some guy."

"Don't lie to me Y/N, John saw you!"

The echoes of his words bounced off the walls. The room fell silent.

Ruben's eyes searched your face, he was angry and wanted answers, rightfully so. "Who is he Y/N, an old flame from your university days?"

"Ruben."

"No." He shook his head. "Don't tell me. It's none of my business." He walked over to the windows, running a hand through his hair.

"Ruben, it's not what it looks like. That guy, he is my...."

"Just know if you ever pull something like that on me again...." He said, slowly turning to you. "I won't be giving you any second chances, understood? Do your job from now on or the next time you're fired."

"There. The photographer gave me the thumbs up. He'll be sending me the...." Miranda stumbled into the room but paused at the sight of you and Ruben. "Everything alright?"

You were staring blankly at each other, something heavy forming in the base of your throat. Your voice shook when you spoke. "I have to pack my bags." You said and ran off into your room, gasping for air once you stood behind closed doors. You were gasping for air from the unstoppable flood of tears.

You were considering your life choices on the journey back to London. What if you just moved aboard and started a new life in some foreign country? No one would know you and you wouldn't have to lie about who you were. You'd be nothing and therefore be someone.

"Y/N! You're back early."

You stepped into Grandma's shop carrying your suitcases. You had forgotten your keys to her apartment but was glad to be welcomed by Jennifer at the front desk. However, her initial joy of seeing you quickly faded. "Oh my god, you're soaking wet. Is it pouring outside?"

"Just a drizzle." You murmured, as she rounded her desk to help usher you inside. "Is my grandma here? I forgot my keys."

"She's in her office, sorting out a golden suit. You won't guess who it's for." She giggled.

"Trent."

Her smile withered. "How did you know?"

You removed your soaked coat. Your shirt beneath had also been ruined.

"Oh my god, tell me about your weekend." She gasped. "London Fashion Week, was it as exciting as they make it to be? And your boss, was she happy with your work?"

"He." You corrected.

"What?"

"My boss is a he, and no he wasn't happy with my work."

"Oh my god. I'm so sorry Y/N. Is he high maintenance when it comes to fashion?"

"No, he's just a fucking dickhead."

"Language."

Grandma walked into the room, pinching a dozen sewing needles between her teeth.

"But he is a dickhead Grandma. And I don't care anymore, I'm not going back to work for him."

Grandma spat out the needles in her mouth, all the pins dropping soundless to the floor. "Well you're not coming back to work for me!"

"But where else am I supposed to go?"

"Home. To your mother, and tell her she's failed to raise her children."

"Ha ha, very funny."

"I'm serious Y/N, you're not staying with me. I'm getting tired of your tardiness, not to mention that furball you've got running around my apartment."

"What does Whiskey Jr, have to do with any of this?"

"He stinks, just like your attitude towards authority."

"I don't have an attitude towards authority. "

The bell above the front door rang in the distance. "Guys?"

"No, tell that to your current boss. I've overheard you talking, I bet he's done with your tardiness as well."

"Hey, guys?"

"What are you talking about Grandma, you don't even know my boss and if you did you would agree that he is a fucking piece of...."

"Y/N, please!"

Your argument with grandma was interrupted by Jenny's objections. She stood by the shop entrance, greeting the customer that had stepped through the door. He was soaked with rainwater from head to toe.

"You have a new client." She said, cheeks as red as they come. You on the other hand, couldn't find the words to speak and so grandma stepped in. "Can I help you sir, we're not open for much longer."

Ruben stepped forward.  "No....I mean yes. I want to speak to Y/N."

"My granddaughter?" She frowned. "And who might you be, young man?"

You shook your head as Ruben met your eyes. However he went ahead anyway. "I'm Ruben, Ruben Dias, her boss."

"Oh. My. Days!"

You saw Jenny bouncing up and down in the  corner of your eye.

"There's no way." She squealed. "There is no fucking way."

"Jenny please." You groaned, begging her to spare Grandma who hadn't been as quick to put two and two together.

"Your boss is Ruben Dias? Of all people." Jenny was clearly overjoyed by the drama unfolding before her. "Y/N, you're basically working for the enemy."

"Please don't be so dramatic". You sighed.

"Does Trent know? He's got to know, right?"

"Trent?"

You looked to Ruben as the name escaped his lips. His eyebrows furrowed. "Is that who you were with in London? Is that the name of your boyfriend, Trent?"

"Ha!" Jenny snorted, slapping a hand against her mouth. "You ran into Trent in London? Oh the drama. I can't."

"For fuck sakes Jenny!"

"Y/N!" The room fell quiet as Grandma's voice rose above all. "Language."

"But grandma..."

"No buts." She said, forcing your silence. "Now." She stepped up to Ruben, examining him. "This young man. Your boss? He has come here to speak to you, let's hear what he has to say."

It was a nightmare come true. Even Ruben seemed a bit taken aback by Grandma's demeanor. However he did gather the courage to address you as if you were the only two people in the room.

"I came here to apologize." He said. "For being a dickhead to you this morning."

Jenny snorted somewhere behind you,  however grandma shot her a glance that made her fall back.

"You have the right to do and see whoever you want. I was just jealous and upset that you chose to do so on the night of my friend's gallery opening. For some reason I really believed that the two of us were...."

"No way." Jenny gasped, once again interrupting you. "You're fucking him too?"

"Oh for the love of..." You grabbed Ruben's arm, pulling him aside, into Grandma's office in the back room. There the two of you were left alone, however this game was getting old, the game of Ruben hurting you then crawling back, begging you to forgive him.

"There's something you should know about me." You said, wanting to get it over with. Ready to get it over with.

"Alright." Ruben nodded. "Tell me."

It was now or never.

"That guy your friend saw me with last night wasn't my boyfriend, or an old flame from my university days."

"No, who was he then?"

Another one bites the dust, you thought. Telling the truth meant that you were going to lose Ruben, just like the truth made you lose your old friends. You sighed before you spoke.  "He is my brother Ruben, my twin brother."

"Oh, okay." There were clear signs of relief coming across Ruben's face, a slight twitch in the corner of his lips.

"His name is Trent, Trent Alexander Arnold. You might recognize the name since..."

"Wait." His expression went stiff again, carved by a deep frown. "Did you say Trent Alexander Arnold? As in..."

You nodded. "Yes, THE Trent Alexander Arnold. Liverpool's right back, however you might know him better as the guy that got booked for trying to punch you out the last time Man City played Liverpool."

Ruben's snort was unexpected. "Tried to, is the right word for what he did."

It made you gasp, as well as playfully nudge his arm. "I'm being serious."

"Trust me Y/N, I'm also trying to be serious. So you're telling me you're related to Trent Alexander Arnold, your twin brother to be exact?"

"Yes. I'm the oldest, if you must know."

Ruben's bright eyes searched your face. But it was unclear to you what had suddenly lightened his mood.

"Is this the reason?" He asked."

"What reason?"

"Why don't you want to be with me? Because of who your brother is. My "rival" in the football world?"

"Well that and the fact that you are my employer which would label our relationship as highly inappropriate."

"Yes, but it's mainly because of your brother, no? You worry about what he will think of you, of us. It's why you had him take you home the other night,  because you didn't want the two of us to meet, no?"

You nodded. "He doesn't know that I'm your stylist. And I don't think that I want him to. The truth would send him through the roof." You still wondered why it hadn't sent Ruben through the roof,  what was his angle?

"Y/N, I don't give a fuck about who your brother is?" He said this in a way that shook your core. Ruben then stepped forward, grabbing your face between his hands, tilting your head upwards. "Can we stop pretending that what we have between us isn't real?" He chuckled. "Can you just accept the fact that I want you and you want me Y/N?"

"You want me to run into your arms?"

He frowned. "What?"

"Like the girl in the painting." You smiled. "He's waiting for her to run into his arms."

"Yes." Ruben nodded. "Exactly. Come to me, run into my arms."

You crashed into his lips instead, with Ruben initiating it by pulling your face towards his. Just like that you we're back to square one, the game between you having stepped into a second round. And the next round was guaranteed to involve less tears and more fistfights.

#fanfiction #football imagine #ruben dias #man city #manchester city #footballer imagine #footballer x reader #ruben dias x reader #football angst #ruben dias imagine #trent alexander arnold x reader #trent alexander imagines #trent alexander arnold #liverpool fc #liverpool football club

[ash-writies]

I saw your bingo post. Please one bed trope with Connor is all that I need today!!!

A/n: I was hoping this one would get requested! I love it and I hope you enjoy <3 Updated bingo at the end!!!!! Original car here!!

Summary: You and Connor were assigned on a case that required you to leave town. Upon arrival at the hotel your department booked you realized there was only one bed…

Warnings: gets kinda steamy here and there but nothing explicit

1.1k Words

You opened the door to your hotel, the station had provided it for this case, and began to look around. You set your duffel bag on the counter and pushed open the door to the bathroom. There was nothing inherently special about the room but you were excited to begin this case.

“Wow,” you sighed, “it’s kinda cool here.”

The android hummed, “did you review the case? We’ll be starting in the morning.”

“Yup!” you said, running your hand over the dresser, “I did it on the ride here.” You glanced at the bed. It sat almost perfectly in the middle of the room, the edges of its pristine sheets tucked in. “Oh”

Connor sat at the desk, “is there something wrong y/n?”

“Yeah, there’s only one bed,” you pointed.

“That shouldn't be a problem, I don’t need to sleep like that,” he shrugged.

You pressed your lips together, “isn’t it more comfortable laying down though?”

“Yes, but I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

You stared at him for a moment, “alright… I’m going to take a shower real quick.”

“Okay, I’ll review the case one more time before going into ‘rest’ mode.” You nodded and grabbed your bag, hurrying into the bathroom. 

You took your shower quick and dried your hair. You stepped into the main room and saw Connor still sitting on the car. His eyes were closed and his LED was spinning blue. You hesitantly took a few steps closer and knelt next to him. He sat with perfect posture in the chair with his hands place in his lap. You tilted your head to the side and continued to observe him, each feature putting you into a trance. If you squinted you realized you could barely see the seams that ran along his body.

“Y/n?” you jumped onto your feet and looked at him squarely. You had been so distracted that you didn’t realize he opened his eyes, “is everything alright?”

“Yeah- yup!” you cleared your throat, placing a hand on your chest, “I- um, I’m going to sleep. G’night.” You began to walk to the bed.

He furrowed his eyebrows, clearly confused, “Uh, goodnight.” You tugged the top of the blankets free and scrambled under them, eager to get out of his sight. You could feel your heat beating out of your chest and was sure Connor could see it too.

You silently lay there as your heart rate slowed down, and your breathing, and your mind. You didn’t realize you fell asleep until you shot straight up in bed. You were gasping as your eyes darted around the room, not yet used to the darkness. 

Your eyes landed on a familiar light shining from the desk, “are you alright? You seem to have had a nightmare.” You didn’t say anything, you only continued looking at him. Although it was more like for him, you could see the vague shape he was making but nothing else. “Y/n?” he asked, slowly walking towards you.

“I’m okay,” you muttered, sleep still heavy in your voice, “it was just a stupid dream.”

“Will you be able to get some more rest?”

“Probably not,” you groaned.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” you shot him a confused look, “sometimes humans require comfort inorder to go back to sleep.”

“Oh no- you don’t have to,” you stammered, shaking your head.

“Staying up before a busy day will have negative affects on your health and on your ability to complete assignments.”

“I’ll be fine, I don't need you to help.”

“I would like to if that’s okay with you.” He smiled, artificial muscles flexing as he expertly tilted his head to the side. 

“Are you sure?” you asked, he nodded eagerly, “that’s fine i guess.” You tried to sound annoyed and reluctant although you were sure he could see through it. His LED flashed yellow as you slid to the other side of the bed. He began to climb in with you before you stopped him, “uh uh! First off you need to take off your shoes,” you pointed. You continues as he pulled them off, “next, you need to take off your outer jacket.”

He looked at you out of the corner of his eye and smirked, “oh?”

“Not like that,” you felt your face flush and swatted at him, “we just don’t need you overheating or anything…”

“You seem to be overheating,” he teased, pulling his jacket off and setting it on the night stand. He leaned forward and rested his cool hands on your cheeks, “but it’s not like you’re wearing much…”

You placed your hands on his wrists, “it’s these blankets-”

“Your hands are cold, you can’t fool me,” he laughed, quietly, almost to himself.

“I thought you wanted me to go back to sleep,” you muttered, “you’re only keeping me up.” He cast you a lopsided frown, sticking his bottom lip out.

“Fine, I guess I’m done for now,” he released your face and stepped off the bed. 

“Good,” you watched as he adjusted his shoes so that they were neatly next to the bed. Once he finished he climbed under the covers.

There was a lot of shuffling before both of you had found a comfortable position facing each other, “is there anything else that would bring you comfort?”

Honestly, you couldn’t even remember the nightmare, “no, this is alright.”

“Okay.” He watched as you fell asleep and waited a few hours before moving as he didn’t want to wake you. He shifted so that he was resting on his back. It was easier to go into rest mode without having to worry about balancing. He glanced at you one more time before allowing himself some more rest.

You woke up slowly, Connor made sure not to startle you awake, “y/n it’s time for you to wake up.” You groaned and stretched. Just as you were about to complain about five more minutes you realized you were on top of him. You quickly lifted yourself up so that you were hovering over him.

“Um, sorry about that,” you awkwardly laughed, moving to get away from him.

He held your waist, keeping you close, “it’s fine, I did offer to help you get rest last night.” You watched as his eyes flickered to your lips. His LED spun yellow.

“Do you wish we didn’t get any?” you teased breathlessly.

It flashed red as his eyes met yours, “kinda,” he huffed.

You leaned forward until your lips were right next to his ear, “well that just sucks doesn’t it?” you whispered. You rolled off him and began picking out your clothes for the day, “You should get ready too, although I love the look, I don’t think the others would appreciate seeing you with bed head.”

#Connor detroit bh #connor detroit become human #dbh connor #connor rk800 #detroit become human #dbh #connor x reader #connor x you #connor rk800 x reader #connor x y/n #a little hurt/comfort #connor dbh fluff

[edosianorchids901]

Triumph

@flashfictionfridayofficial prompt - "imperfect sign"

This infernal bookshop really was stupidly hard to find. Alan Whiting pulled out his mobile and checked the map again, then turned and headed down the street in the opposite direction.

Finally, he spotted it and sighed with relief. A.Z. Fell & Co., recipient of an honestly impressive number of negative reviews online. But the smattering of positive reviews spoke of rare books not seen anywhere else for decades.

Whiting liked rare books. He liked buying rare books. He especially liked selling rare books for astronomical sums, and then treating himself to some very expensive wine.

He crossed the street, made a rude gesture at the car honking at him, and paused in front of the bookshop. Every review had spoken of this place as having truly bizarre opening hours, and it lacked an open or closed sign.

Determined, Whiting inspected the opening hours sign. But with each line, he only became more confused.

“While occasionally I open the shop as early as eight, I have been known not to open until one,” he read, and frowned. Confusing.

He tried a few more time to decipher the sign, then decided to try the door. It opened, and he smiled at his triumph.

“Aha,” he said as he stepped inside. “I knew you were open. Even thought your sign is… imperfect, shall we say. You know, I know people who could redo that for you. Experts.”

The proprietor—presumably—sat in an armchair behind the counter. He held a book, and a thick black blanket sat on his lap. He didn’t look up from the book. “Oh, no thank you. The sign is perfect just as it is.”

Whiting snorted to show his disagreement.

The blanket on the proprietor’s lap hissed back. As Whiting watched, the blanket moved, uncoiling, a head with huge yellow eyes emerging from the center. It swung towards him, tongue darting out.

Whiting stepped back, breath catching. “Oh. You have a snake.”

“Mhm.” The proprietor still hadn’t looked up, but he shifted his book to one hand and stroked the shiny black scales. “Really, my dear. Be polite.”

The snake hissed again, and Whiting could swear it had gotten even bigger. He took another step back. “I was just, um. In search of some rare books?”

“That’s nice.”

The snake hissed again.

When no further help came, Whiting inched away and examined the nearest bookcase. He frowned in confusion, struggling to make sense of the organization. Most of the books had old leather covers, but there were a few more modern titles slipped it between them. And he couldn’t find prices anywhere, on any of them.

And every time he glanced between the shelves, the giant snake was glaring at him. It almost seemed to be smiling too, displaying sharp white fangs.

After one final glance at the snake and its disturbingly calm owner, Whiting’s courage failed. There was something very strange about this bookshop, and he didn’t like it one bit. There had to be other rare bookshops in the area, ones that didn’t have anything hissing at him.

“Didn’t see anything I liked,” he said nervously, backing towards the door as the snake raised its head again and rattled its tail. “You should really consider doing something about this… this imperfect organization.”

“It’s perfect just as it is,” the proprietor said, still not looking up. He stroked the snake absently, apparently unconcerned about the fangs. “Have a nice day.”

Whiting fled and wiped the sweat from his brow. His hands were shaking, and when he looked back through the glass, the snake was still glaring at him.

No. He was not having a nice day. And he would be sure to leave a negative review of his own.

---

Aziraphale set aside his book and smiled. “Nothing like the sight of a retreating customer, hmm?” he said, running his fingers down Crowley’s scales again. “I must say, I am glad you’ve been spending more time in this form. I believe that’s our eighth frightened customer today.”

Crowley hissed in disagreement. “Ninth.”

“Is it?” Aziraphale examined the scrap paper with its tally marks, and added the latest. “Yes, you’re quite right. Ninth. You might have been overdoing it a bit with that fellow, though.”

“Nah, I don’t think sssso.” With a softer, more contented hiss, Crowley settled back down on Aziraphale’s lap. “Every desire in the guy’sss head was greedy. I didn’t like him.”

“Well, in that case, good work.” Aziraphale bent and kissed the top of Crowley’s head, pleased at their joint triumph over yet another annoying customer.

Then he picked up his book and leaned back, still petting his serpent. It was a nice day. A perfect day, really.

#good omens #book omens #outsider pov #aziraphale #crowley #queerplatonic

[lutawolf]

Between Us Episode 4 Commentary and Review

For those that haven't read my other reviews. They can be found here. It's right underneath the UWMA reviews. In previous posts, I talk about how Win is possessive but not jealous. There is a difference, and I explain that here. Let me say that for those who are new to me. I am a kinkster, and I write from a kinkster perspective. This is, of course, artwork so it can be viewed differently by other people. However, I will say that kinksters don't hold some of the negative connotations that most view in vanilla relationships. So yes, my perspective tends to be vastly different.

Let's begin! I'm super excited while also nervous. WinTeam have amazing communication skills except for when they don't. I love this brother dynamic so much.

Honestly, this is exactly how my siblings and I act. Grown up? What the fuck is that when a sibling is around?! Well apparently, Win. 🤣🤣🤣 Gamer Bro gives me only child vibes more than the oldest. Win is more like the oldest. Ahh, there is the big brother coming out. It's in there just well hidden.

Is anybody else thinking about a certain Daddy scene? No, just me? 👀

T-Rex, if you haven't figured it out yet, you are an idiot. There has got to be something behind those fierce eyebrows. Apparently not. Congratulations, you've won the white crayon award. As in, he is not the brightest crayon in the box.

Awww, baby bro. You can be anything you want cause Win will make sure of it. They are cute, but damn is sunshine happy. Damn your younger brother knows more about love than you. You might know sex buddy, but you don't know intimacy. Listen to tiny bro. HAHAHA! Okay, sunshine is perceptive. I love it! And omg, the acting!! The way Win suddenly looks like he has been gobsmacked.

The alphabet gang. Um, was he expecting him to come? I thought we all knew he wouldn't. Oh, but he did come, and you guys owe your buddy an apology. There are so many side couples, though. Damn.

A locker full of drinks. That's more romantic than most guys actually get. I like it. Then, back to the group project. Bee is like bitches get out. Bee got one thing on his mind and it's a certain Prince. His crush is so obviouse.

Back to Team. Then to Win. Then back to Team. I'm getting whiplash, guys. Oh no, nightmares again. Win you might be upset now, but not for long. Sure enough, not for long.

Tell us how you really feel Win. They already have sides of the bed. I love it. Ugh, I'm gutted. Look at that gentle touch and the arms open. He's asking. It's completely up to Team, but he's asking because he know Team needs it but won't ask. The soft smiles from them both. One is looking forward to holding the other, and the other is looking forward to finally having a good night's sleep. They both found comfort in each other. For different reasons, but they've found it.

Win like, I'll be your wife, husband, and daddy, but I'll be damned if I'm your mom. FYI, for an amazing read about why the intimate verbiage from Team to Win is so important, check out @notfreetoday and @ellaspore posts. Both can be found on the Coconuts Mafia side blog.

Look how soft Win is when he is with his brothers and Team. Not just anyone gets this side of him. Not even his close friends. That should tell you that Win has long since chosen Team even if he himself hadn't completely realized it. Team is me after a night of drinking. Crawl on the floor and totally excited about food. Now notice that Team brings up his mom and Pharm cooking for him, and that smile never leaves Win's face. Jealousy is not there.

Win is doing everything he can to extend the time he has with Team. That smile never left his face because the time he does have with him is precious to him. Team is just as into the time they have together. Look at him talking about a movie tonight. He himself extended their time.

Win is having to work hard to get Team on the back of that bike. Team isn't an adrenaline junkie; he knows too much the consequences of that. He likes steady and steadfast. He craves security. Hai used the magic words, though. He said, "Trust me and come on." See how easily Team gives in. He is a brat through and through. He isn't happy about it, but he respects his Dom so fine. "Please drive slow, though."

Win won because he got those arms securely wrapped around him. OMG, I love the casual touches. The arm over the shoulder. The natural intimacy. The way Team says Hia and gently pulls on the back of his shirt. I know that a lot of people are thinking of this as whining, but please note that a lot of Doms like to be addressed. That's what you do when you put the name or title first. It's hard to explain. Think of it as a letter, how you address a letter. To whom it may concern or the name. It's addressing, showing respect before just going into dialogue. Now, from my understanding of some kinksters on here, that is not as prevalent everywhere as it is where I am from. I do feel that is actually what Team is doing here with Win, though. A reminder of, yes, I recognize that you and I have a more intimate tie than most.

Yes, Win he digested all his breakfast. A lot of energy was put into holding onto you on that bike. Ahhhh, look at that naturalness again. Team just grabs Win's hand without issue, and Win naturally lets him.

Team is such a foodie. Don't stop him Win, for a foodie like Win it's an act of love. HAHA, you are all equal, huh? Team, you're an idiot. Why would Win care about how girls think of him. Win sets him straight, though, letting him know it doesn't matter what girls think of him. Yesssssss, and he fed him the shrimp. Look how happy Team is. Sharing food with a foodie is the ultimate act of love. Guys, I'm telling you. Food is its own love language. It engages the senses and creates a connection. When words are hard to use, it's an easy way to express oneself.

"I thought you wanted to go grocery shopping. Why aren't you buying anything." 🤣🤣🤣 He just wanted time with you, Team.

Looks are subjective girls!!! Please stop knocking yourself down. Yes, Phreuk, come cheer. Oh, look at that gentle hand to Menow's back. Ahhhh, so cute. I love all the little detailed touches!!!! I adore Phreuk. They are cute. I'm dying. That was smooth, dude. Don't even ask, just tell. Wait, who was arguing with me that Phreuk doesn't have it in him to be Dom???? Did you see that move. I am cackling. So cute!

Here comes the possessiveness. Win isn't jealous of who Team is on the phone with. He is possessive of their time together. This is his time. Then he sees that Team is looking up movies, and they are back on track. I'm dying over the product placement of Iqiyi while I'm watching iqiyi.

I love Win's "The audacity of this Bitch" face. 🤣🤣🤣 Even I'm laughing at you Win. Yeah, you are still cool but maybe not right now.

Team is totally taking advantage of this, and I love him for it. Team is having fun, but you can tell he cares for Win. He changes the channel and easily agrees to keep it to himself. Then Win flashes back to talking to his little brother, and we get this beautiful sequence of love and adoration.

Thank you, Ray of Sunshine! Again, with the casual touches and shared joy.

Ha! Win got Team back on the bike. Win wants to know if Team is used to the bike yet. Team brings up girls again, and Win is not understanding. See you guys, Team IS jealous. He is not secure in the knowledge that Win is his. Now, he could recognize this as a negative emotion and push those feelings down. The healthiest thing to do, though, is exactly what he is doing. Bringing them out into the open to be addressed. He isn't starting a fight, and he isn't accusing Win of anything. He is telling him what everyone says. Win says, "How can he help what other people think?" This isn't an unhealthy conversation. It's a healthy one because emotions are not getting bottled up.

T-Rex, are you trying to die.

Conversations goes right back to where it was with a lot of misunderstandings cleared up. See, intense but not unhealthy. They both walked away from that conversation happy.

The sub trio!!! Each of them teasing why having their own secrets. Run Pharm Run!

Dom trio!!! Look at you calling people out, Win. HAHAHAHA! Love Deans response. Oh, you wanna bring someone extra. 🤣🤣🤣 I love the fact that all of them went for kids from the same friend group!

Ohhh, they got questions about Team. Back off, you can't stop Win. Good, you told him you trust him. I really like that despite Dean being Win's bestie, he is a good guy. He cares about doing the right thing and being a good person. He isn't gonna just side with Win because he is his friend.

"That's how our relationship started." "You started that way but how are you going to end?" "I don't know, but whatever we have right now it is already good." Ugh, how is Team gonna take that. He doesn't look so happy. He missed win saying it wasn't just about the sex and basically admitting he is head over heels.

When in doubt, head to your bestie. Ahh, what is love question. Team says that everything Pharm is describing can be attributed to friendships as well. Including theirs. Pharms says yes, but there are no feelings of possessiveness. ����👀👀 Oh gee, who could have said something similar. 👀👀👀 hmmmmm. "Because you want to possess him." 👀👀👀

That face of Win's. Dead. But notice how Win waits until he is acknowledged. He doesn't but in to interrupt Teams time with Pharm. He can tell they are having a conversation. When he is acknowledged, he moves towards team, telling him, "Let's go home." Team agreeing but not moving fast enough so Win grabs him by the hand to take him away. I'm sure there will be some of you that think this is jealousy and you are wrong. It's possessiveness. Notice how Win tells Pharm that Dean will be out in a few minutes and how Pharm is smiling because he knows that this is Win being possessive. Win knows Pharm is Dean's. It's just that now it's his time with Team, and he is possessive of his alone time. Remember, Win isn't used to having something that is ALL his. And he doesn't desire to keep Team all to himself but be damned if he doesn't savor those moments when he does get him all to himself.

Win is gone. Gone.

We know why you like the bike Win. You ain't fooling, nobody.

OMG, this was such a good episode. And the side story!! So cute!!! I don't care that it was a promotion. It was adorable. Hope you guys enjoyed it as well 💜💜💜 As always, this is dedicated to my amazing followers and the Coconuts Mafia.

#between us the series #between us #win x team #winteam #between us kink #luta talks kink #coconuts mafia

[regal-academy-unofficial]

Português:

Sábado, 3 de Fevereiro de 2024 às 10:45

Regal Academy é uma série italiana dos mesmos criadores de Winx, que foi cancelada em sua segunda temporada por baixa audiência.

Além disso a série recebeu inúmeras críticas pelos gráficos que seguiam uma estética mais cartunesca, tendo sido inicialmente projetada para ser uma animação 2D e mantendo expressões exageradas e referências de anime na versão 3D o que fez as críticas negativas explodirem. E ainda tinham as constantes comparações com Winx, série dos mesmos criadores, e Ever after high, série da qual foi considerada cópia sendo que o desenho já estava em fase de planejamento antes disso com o conceito de humor negro em Twisted fairy tales, e posteriormente a série cômica Royal academy que se tornou o que conhecemos agora.

Apesar de todas as críticas Regal Academy era uma série divertida e fez parte da nossa infância, por isso está guardada com carinho em nossa memória, mas não podíamos negar que algumas coisas poderiam ter sido melhores, então decidimos não só reescrever como ilustrar e continuar toda a série e por isso esperamos que pelo menos um pouco do fandom resurja aqui.

Agradecemos a todos que quiserem acompanhar o nosso projeto mesmo que não tenham conhecido ou sido muito fãs da série.

Logo publicaremos nossos redesings e mais informações.

English:

Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:45

Regal Academy is an Italian series from the same creators as Winx that was canceled in its second season due to low ratings.

Furthermore, the series received a lot of criticism for the graphics that followed a more cartoonish aesthetic, having been initially designed to be a 2D animation and keeping the exaggerated expressions and anime references in the 3D version which made the negative reviews explode. In addition to constant comparisons with Winx, a series by the same creators, and Ever after high, a series of which was considered a copy, and the design was already in the planning phase before that with the concept of dark humor in Twisted fairy tales, and later the humor series Royal academy that became what we know now.

Despite all the criticism, Regal Academy was a fun series and was part of our childhood, so it is kept fondly in our memory, but we couldn't deny that some things could have been better, so we decided not only to rewrite but also to illustrate and continue the entire series and so we hope that at least some of the fandom will resurface here.

We would like to thank everyone who wants to follow our project even if they have not known or been a big fan of the series.

We will soon publish our redesigns and more information

Español:

Sábado 3 de febrero de 2024 a las 10:45

Regal Academy es una serie italiana hecha por los mismos creadores de las Winx, y que fue cancelado después de dos temporadas por baja audiencia.

Además la serie recibió muchas críticas sobre sus graficos que tenían una estética de dibujos animados, siendo hecha originalmente para ser una animación 2D y manteniendo las expresiones exageradas y referencias de anime en su versión 3D, lo que provocó que las críticas negativas explotaran. También tenían las constantes comparaciones con Winx, serie de los mismos creadores, y Ever after high, serie de la cual se consideró una copia a pesar de que la caricatura ya estaba en fase de planificación antes de que esta saliera, con el concepto de humor negro en Twisted fairy tales, y más tarde como la serie de comedia Royal Academy.

A pesar de todas las críticas, Regal Academy era divertido y fue parte de nuestra infancia, por eso la tenemos con cariño en nuestras memorias, pero no podemos negar que algunas cosas podrían haber sido mejores, así que decidimos no sólo reescribir sino ilustrar y continuar toda la historia, por eso esperamos que al menos parte del fandom resurja.

Nos gustaría agradecer a todas las personas que quieran acompañar nuestro proyecto incluso si no tengan conocido o sido fans de la serie.

Pronto publicaremos nuestros rediseños y más información.

Twisted fairy tales, 2003/2009 concept:

Royal academy:

Regal Academy:

Gráficos/Graphics:

Temporada/season 2:

#regal academy #regal academy reboot #reboot

[hauntedmoors]

dune 1984 score and review:

-1 for starting with an exposition

-1 for unnecessary exposition (orange gas, mutated space guild members)

+1 I liked the mutated space navigator

+2 win for gaius helen mohaim getting a hint about paul’s powers through the guild navigators

+1 for showing the machine that alia fights in dune messiah

-1 for uncritically carrying over the concept of ‘humans’ and ‘animals’ that the first book didn’t necessarily handle well itself

-1 for the scene with the guild navigator warping space

-1 for the pug

-1 because gurney carried the pug into battle

-1 because I don’t remember seeing the pug at the end of the movie

-1 the sardaukar’ suit would hinder them more than give them any advantage over the forces they’re fighting

-1 that’s just a terrible iteration of the baron

-1 for making absurd caricatures of the harkonnens

-5 for not dedicating any attention to fremen culture

-10 how are the holy warriors a thing before paul meets the fremen?

-1 um the cat thing. I don’t want to go into the details.

-1 thufir hawat’s fate was never clarified

-5 worms praying (?) to paul. the books expect people to respect and recognise the damage they inflict on the ecology through their interference and critique human hubris?? hello??

+2 the guild having enough power to threaten and depose the emperor and taking part in political negotiations

-5 for not killing leto ii

+5 for alia’s performance

-1 for its unrealistic and incompatible introductions to the worldbuilding esp with reference to the fighting techniques.

-1 for not giving irulan any significant role

-1 for not including more politics towards the end of the movie

-10 for buying into paul’s messiah status for a movie that explicitly references dune messiah several times

-20 for naming paul a god and granting him the power to bring rains. that will not fix the planet ecology + it will kill the worms! shame on you.

I’m not sure I have the energy to add that all up but I’m pretty sure it falls firmly in the negatives.

#text #dune

[spunchthegoblin]

happy to see that a majority of the negative reviews on the Disco Elysium steam page are either advocating for people to say fuck you to ZA/UM and pirate the game or are reasonable criticisms/personal opinions on the game. there's still a lot of negative reviews made by people who would be more entertained by tik tok slime videos but y'know, it feels like we've grown up

#i appreciate the people who just go 'seems like a great game but its not for me' and move on #or the people with reasonable complaints about the glitches that have persisted after 4 years #but the people who think the game is too slow and not visually interesting enough need to read a book actually #and the people who complain about the communist content need to stop sucking capital dick but thats neither here nor there #disco elysium

[eyeslikewatercoolers]

Something New (Sashnetra pt 2/4)

Here's part 2 for the Wedding Planner AU, and thank you for all the love on part 1! Any feedback is welcomed, thanks lovelies!

Read on ao3

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

"It looks like that weird Mormon girl and her family are coming back today for another dress fitting."

"Mistress, what have I said about calling our brides and their guests weird?" Sasha called over her shoulder to her employee, as she unlocked the front door and flipped the sign on the door to the 'Open' side. She glanced at Mistress and Luxx from across the lobby, who were both looking over the open scheduling book filled with all the appointments for the day.

A few weeks prior, Anetra, who was accompanied by her mother and younger sisters, had come in for an initial dress appointment. The appointment didn't last long, as her mother had complained directly to Malaysia, as there were 'not enough modest and Godly' dresses in their current inventory. Sasha then placed an order from a dress vendor that specialized in LDS bridal and bridesmaids' dresses. Luckily, the family agreed to come in for a second appointment after hearing that the new sample stock had been sent to the store.

"You said that someone might overhear and get upset, and we can't have a negative review on the Better Business Bureau," Mistress responded in a slight, mocking tone as Sasha walked over to the front desk, her long ponytail flowing behind her, to look at the scheduling book. She noticed that she had no appointments scheduled, and no vendor meetings until the late afternoon, which was a rarity for her.

"Who's going to be with that Mormon family then? We have that bridal party with 20 bridesmaids coming in right before, and that's looking like a two-person job." Malaysia said from where she was arranging the front display of the newest dresses for the upcoming spring season. Sasha thought for a moment, as she recalled seeing the enormous mountain of dresses to be altered from when she was talking to Loosey earlier that morning.

"Luxx and Mistress can take the bridal party coming in. Loosey is behind on alterations, and honestly Malaysia, you are a better seamstress than I am." She informed her team before taking in a deep breath, "I'll take care of the weird Mormon family today."

"I thought you said we can't use that word anymore?" Luxx asked in a sarcastic tone.

"I did, but who is the one that signs your paychecks every week?" Sasha shot back to them, not missing a beat.

"Point taken, then."

A few hours later, Sasha had just finished zipping up the third dress that Anetra tried on for the appointment. Her mother had given the pre-selected dresses a 'modesty seal of approval', and Sasha had the fitting room stocked and ready with Anetra's name scrolled on the whiteboard on the door.

"Okay, turn around and take a look in the mirror for me." Sasha stepped to the corner of the fitting room that allowed Anetra a full view of herself.

"This one is good, I like it. " Anetra said with a straight face, which hadn't changed much since the appointment started.

"Really? Because you said the same thing about the last two. but your face says otherwise." Sasha responded while crossing her arms over her chest. Sasha has met plenty of opinionated brides and even more opinionated families and guests. But she had never come across a bride as indifferent as Anetra.

"Oh, um, sorry. I've been told before that I always look mad. But I like this dress, I promise." Anetra rambled off, avoiding Sasha's striking green eyes in the mirror's reflection.

Sasha suddenly perked up, an idea coming to her head. She gestured to the braid Anetra's hair was tied in, as she had seen her every time the bride entered the store. "Are you planning on wearing your hair like that for your wedding?"

Anetra turned around to look at Sasha and shook her head, saying "I'm probably going to wear it down that day, why do you ask?"

Sasha gently held the braid and asked "Can I?", before Anetra gave her permission. Sasha took out the hair tie, before unraveling the braided strands of hair, into flowing, tawny-colored locks that ran down Anetra's back. She moved a couple strands in front of her shoulders, to frame the face before looking up at Anetra's reflection in the mirror.

Sasha paused for a moment, feeling hit with a sense of awestruck when seeing Anetra. She no longer looked plain and passive, her hair framed her face perfectly, perfectly complimenting her sharp facial features. The long hair made Anetra's athletic frame look more feminine while showing her toned arms that peaked out of the dress's fluttering short sleeves. Sasha felt that it was silly, how one small change in someone's appearance could make her feel this strongly. But Anetra was one of the most gorgeous women she had ever laid eyes on, and that's all Sasha could pay attention to at that moment.

Sasha quickly shook the feeling off, getting back to her professional demeanor. She realized that her hands had somehow traveled down from Anetra's shoulders, and now gently resting above her hips, before quickly putting them at her sides "Okay, let's go out and show them!" she shot a quick smile to their shared reflection before moving to open the door, almost missing that Anetra's cheeks had turned to a pink shade under the fluorescent lighting of the fitting room stall.

Anetra and her family had finished off the appointment by placing an order for a white, A-line bridal dress, with long sleeves made from sheer material, and small floral details embroidered into the fabric. The dress had a small train that flowed behind, which made for a perfect fit for Anetra's cathedral wedding in the next few months. The dress was happily approved by the family, yet Sasha kept to herself that Anetra still seemed indifferent about it, although the bride assured her that it was perfect.

Sasha wrote Anetra's future alterations appointments in Loosey's hot pink scheduling book while making small talk with the family. She made different appointment cards as well, handing them over to the desk to the family, which Anetra's mother took and looked at, one by one. "Oh, this one for the cake sampling with you, I don't think we can do that date that you put down. I need to take Anetra's younger brother to soccer tryouts that day." Anetra's mother told Sasha, handing back the card.

Anetra piped up from in-between her younger sisters, her height making her tower over them. "Actually, I can come by myself to that appointment, if that's okay, with you, Mom," she asked her mother for permission, who thought about it for a moment before responding.

"I don't see why not. It's just a cake tasting ,and I'm sure you and Sasha will pick out something tasty for the wedding cake." Anetra's mother responded.

"Great, It's a date then!" Sasha said brightly, before seeing Anetra's wide-eyed reaction to what she just said. She realized that what she said may not have been the most appropriate response to her engaged client that she'll have an afternoon sampling cake with a stunning woman, alone together in her office. "Oh, obviously not that type of date. But it will still be a great time!" God, Sasha had never felt so flustered and mildly embarrassed in her entire career. Luckily, the family seemed to accept that answer before they had said their goodbyes to the wedding planner. Sasha led them out the front door before it shut behind them and she slumped against it, letting out a deep-rooted sigh.

"Nice save there, boss." Luxx said while briskly walking by, carrying a pile of emerald green bridesmaids dresses in their arms.

Sasha stepped out of her office after a long-winded video call meeting in the late afternoon, in which Anetra never left her mind the entire time. She could hardly concentrate on the vendor's presentation, barely remembering the company's name. Sasha thought that by this time in the afternoon, she would be the last person left in the building, until she heard the hum of a sewing machine down the hall slowing down after a long day of use.

Sasha walked down the hall to the alterations section, and peeked around the door frame to see Loosey finishing up a hem on the last dress in the pile from that morning. Sasha took notice how concentrated the blonde woman looked, putting so much detail and care into the garment she was working on. She admired the amount of dedication Loosey put into her craft, but hated that she would have to interrupt seeing her so focused.

Luckily for Sasha, Loosey saw her in her peripheral vision when checking the thread above, and beamed her a smile. "Hey! Come on in, Sash. I'm just finishing up here." Sasha gave a close-lipped smile in return, and moved to plop in the stool across from the table, unintentionally displaying how this day had drained her. She watched Loosey buzz around the room, putting away the threads and bobbins back to the organizer that hung on the wall. "Thank you for sending Malaysia up here today. I don't think I would have gotten all this done on my own."

"Your welcome, you know if Malaysia wasn't so good at keeping Luxx and Mistress in line, I'd keep her up here with you all the time." Sasha and Loosey laughed together at Sasha's response, both knowing that Malaysia was one of the best retail managers in LA. Sasha wished that she could find another seamstress that could match Loosey's talents, and fit in well with the rest of the team. But Loosey never complained about being the only full-time seamstress (or at least never complained directly to Sasha about it).

"Can I talk to you about something, as a friend?" Sasha trusted Loosey enough to drop her professional façade, knowing that her friend was able to give her no-bullshit advice about personal life.

"Of course, is everything okay?" Loosey hung up the last of the dresses, and moved her rolling desk chair closer to where Sasha sat. Sasha took a deep breath, before telling Loosey all about Anetra, and her complicated feelings about the bride-to-be. Sasha never seriously dated, and never caught feelings for someone so fast. Hell, she stopped having one night stands and deleted all her dating apps after a year of moving to LA. She felt that this was a pointless school-girl crush, on a bride that was going to be someone else's wife.

Loosey listened with full intention, nodding keeping soft eye contact with her friend. When Sasha was done pouring out her feelings, Loosey gently put a hand on Sasha's left knee, and said with sincerity "I know these feelings are new and scary for you, but having a crush is completely okay. You know what you like in a person, and it's okay that you see that in her. But Anetra is going to get her happy ending soon, and you deserve that too, one day."

Sasha slowly nodded while soaking in Loosey's words. She was right, and it was exactly what she needed to hear in that moment. "Thank you, you have no idea how good you are at advice."

"No problem. I think for tonight, you need some good food and a damn good drink. Care to join me for Thai food?" Loosey knew what Sasha's favorite foods were, and when she needed to indulge in an act of self-care.

"I would love that, and I need a joint afterwards, too.”

#my fics #rpdr fanfiction #sashnetra #sasha colby #anetra #rpdr s15 #drag race #rupauls drag race #my writing #wedding planner au #rpdr

[mbrainspaz]

Was supposed to have a doctor appointment downtown at a place I was referred to by my primary care doctor (who I'm about done with) but when I arrived they said 'oops we're actually not in network but you can pay us $200 if you still wanna have your appointment'

so I walked out and went to find a beer instead.

Only bright side is I refused to make another login on their stupid app so I didn't have to spend the last week getting spammed with all their 'appointment updates' and 'early sign in' prompts. Healthcare providers have lost their damn minds if they think I'm putting up with more of that. They called me yesterday to complain that I hadn't logged in to their 'patient portal' yet and I just said, 'mmm, but what if I didn't?' They were like, 'uh... um... okay just arrive 30 minutes early.' 'See, I can do that.'

Not that it did me any good. I gave them my insurance info on the phone when I booked the appointment 2 weeks ago and what was the point of even doing that if they were just gonna decide not to tell me I'm 'out of network'? Or is it that they're 'out of network'? Hell if I know.

Finished my beer, went home, and logged on to the stupid insurance site to find a stupid provider that IS 'in network.' Turns out there's only one without a slew of negative reviews. I called their number, got a robot maze, picked a dead end option, it hung up on me. Called again, tried a different path, got a person, she said she was the wrong person, gave me a number for the right people but said they were in a meeting. It was 4pm so I asked when they closed. 5pm. Waited 30 minutes, called the number, "number cannot be completed as dialed," hung up. Went back through the call robot, got their voicemail, voicemail explained that they won't return calls after 4pm. Left one anyway.

Also tried to find a psychologist since I was already suffering anyway and discovered there's only one who's 'in-network' who might be able to help me. Got rerouted to their website, very corporate (hate it), it funneled me into a virtual appointment queue and demanded my credit card info. Tried calling instead, lady on the phone says yeah no a virtual appointment won't work for diagnostic assessment so I have to go in person. Oh, and the location on my insurance site is wrong, it's actually 2 hours away. I say 'thanks I'll keep looking' and hang up.

I'll die, thanks!

#us healthcare is a joke #personal problems #defeated #why do I even try #I hope a horse kicks me in the head so I never have to talk to a phone robot again

[bwobgames]

Previous First

Tick

Tock

"It's a good thing the storm is only just starting, or else we would've missed this view"

"It's beautiful here"

"It sure is"

"I see why kids come here often, I'd love to see the sunrise- Wait, were you looking at me when you said that?"

"Maaaaybe"

"Were you always this sappy?"

"Haha, well, actually ...it's a bit complicated"

"I used to be all over the place, meeting new people, having a fun night, and leaving the next morning. I was young and free and had fun, so who cares? I did things safely and carefully.

But, well, time goes on. I got older.

I had a job and less time for people. Even if my life is still hectic, I wanted ...stability, I guess. Something more domestic. A connection.

But, you know, having your whole romantic life be random dates and one night stands doesn't really teach you much about what relationships actually contain.

I tried, really, to settle down with this dude I thought was funny, but uh... I fucked it up. Turns out being open about feelings it's really difficult! And! It can negatively impact your relationship! How crazy is that?

I genuinely have no idea about romance.

Are you any better?"

"Ah, you got me there.

I've never been that social, honestly. I never really went out of my way to find people.

And the few people I had.... well... they didn't leave the best reviews.

Apparently, I am a bit too much. Too cold, too clingy, too talkative, too quiet, too into the different types of berries one can find in the wild.

And also not enough.

I dont really know if you'd want this, honestly. Im a bit of a mess.

I know relationships are all about putting in work, but I never know if Im doing it right. Or at all.

But, I think we could make a good team."

"Yeah. I think so too"

"Hey, I got an idea"

"Vivi! Can you take a picture of us?"

"Oh wait! Before it's too awkward later! Please tell me your name. Im very sorry I forgot. I know Vivi said it in passing. Was it um... Andy?"

"... Tell you what, how about you let me invite you a drink at the bar and I'll say it, yeah?

Let's get to know each other more"

"Sure"

"Alright, pair of wet cats, get in position"

Tick

Tock

#i shall pay my crimes for posting at 3 am by giving you tender moments between men #detective beebo

[capricorn-0mnikorn]

An Aro-Ace’s thoughts on other people’s thoughts on Jane Austen

Now that I’ve spent a couple of weeks Spite-Watching other people’s negative reviews of Netflix’s adaptation of Persuasion, YouTube has been filling my recommendation feed with Austenophiles ranking her books, and ranking the heroes, villains, and heroines within those books.

And I think what most people get tripped up by (I almost wrote “get wrong,” but I don’t want to value-judge), is that Jane Austen was not writing romance novels.

Her six completed novels were all stories that just happened to be draped over a wire frame of the “marriage plot.” The stock plot points of going from Meeting ➡ Misunderstanding ➡ Marriage mark out the different stages in the characters’ development (Because saying either “Yes,” or “No” to a marriage proposal was the most personal autonomy a woman in her culture had*, and giving the  protagonist the most autonomy you can is kind of your job as a writer), but they’re not (exclusively) what Jane Austen is writing about.

Jane Austen was writing comedies of manners, and social satire, and (in a couple cases, at least) parodying popular genres of her day. Northanger Abbey, her first novel (published posthumously) was a parody of Gothic Horror, while also being a staunch defender of teenage fangirls of Gothic Horror.** Sense and Sensibility was a parody of the “Sentimental Novel” / The Romantic Literary Genre.

But modern movie-makers (not just those in Hollywood) have their own boxes for genres they tell. And Social Satire isn’t one of them. Romance, however, is. So that’s how Jane Austen books get adapted. And so that’s how a lot of modern readers, who often come to the books after seeing their adaptations, um... read the stories.

One common complaint I’ve seen from new readers of Persuasion is that it gets “boring” in the middle, because the protagonist’s main love interest drops out completely (explicitly, in-text. He realizes people expect him to propose to a woman he has no intention of proposing to, so he leaves to stay with his brother for two weeks until the social pressure dies down). So for people reading the book as a romance novel, ‘nothing’ seems to happen in that middle bit.

But the novel is actually a satire of the dying aristocracy, and of certain people within that class desperately trying to keep it alive, and of hanging their entire identity on what title they’re allowed to put in front of their name. And for me, the middle bit has some of the most tension, because that’s when Anne Elliot starts realizing she doesn’t want to tie her identity with the rest of her family, just when she is put under the most pressure to do so.

Which is probably why, as an aro-ace person, Persuasion  is my favorite of Austen’s novels -- it’s the one where the “romance” of the plot is most in the background, and the character studies and satire are in the foreground.

*This brief video with an editor of Sense and Sensibility explains a bit about the legal ramifications about that.

**(and why I think it deserves more adaptations than it’s gotten [2, if you’re counting, only one of which was even vaguely book-accurate] -- and perhaps even a modern retelling along the lines of Emma / Clueless)

#jane austen adaptations #Persuasion #reviewing reviewers