Bureaucracy and Bourgeoisie
Two words that nobody knows how to spell unless they have to

This is the one type of art I'm actually good at so far, other than programming

Though one could argue there's a fairly big overlap between those two

If one ponders it, stories are just programs for the mind, compiled by the author, written to make one feel a certain way

Okay so I actually really enjoy writing

Remember: To cringe is to cower¹. To be cringe is to be cringeworthy; one who puritans cower away from in fear.

¹ The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

It is difficult. I have to fight the feeling of “but what if they don't like me being cringe” every time, and every time I remind myself that feeling is nonsense. And every time, that voice in my head grows just a little quieter.

In reference to what I said about cringe culture the other day, it's actually a large reason why I haven't written or roleplayed in a long while. Thinking about doing that made me cringe. Still does. But after pushing through that feeling and actually doing it... It feels wonderful.

Allowing yourself to be cringe is such a liberating feeling. Every time I commit to being cringe, every time I hit send on something I'd cringe at, the feeling of cringe fades just a little bit more.

I am cringe. But I am free.

While mind control or mind-altering chemicals are not explicitly included (or intended) in this story, the reader may choose to interpret it as such, if desired.

Also, in case anyone is curious; yes, I would consider this yuri.

This is my first time posting a story like this publicly, let me know what [you/it/that one] think(s) ​:affiniheart:​

It had been a few months since the treaty was signed. She'd heard about the rebel propaganda, of course. A massive, ancient alien race of evil plants coming to enslave humanity - they had technology so advanced that humans couldn't even begin to imagine how it worked, and they needed us for... manual labor? The idea seemed preposterous to her.

She was on a rest planet, the atmosphere being almost Terran, laying on the beach, enjoying the calming feeling of the air gently rushing by, the gentle shine of this system's star on her skin, and the calming scent of the ocean as she breathed in air cleaner than any she'd ever known on Terra.

After a while, she felt a slight rumble from her stomach, deciding now was as good a time as any to eat. She got changed from her swimwear back into her casual sweater and soft pants, shaking the sand off the towel she had been laying on before neatly folding it and putting it in her backpack.

Looking around, she saw a cozy-looking wooden building with several handcrafted tables and chairs visible through the window, some seats taken up by other humans and a few other alien species she hadn't seen before, all enjoying a vast array of coffees, drinks, foods and desserts.

She walked over to the café, observing the beautiful contrast of the dark parquet flooring and the pastel floral wallpaper as she entered. Right as she was about to to order, she noticed an Affini standing next to the counter. She'd never seen one in person before, she excitedly thought to herself, walking over to greet it.

As she looked up into the Affini's eyes, she could feel a sense of calm overtake her. Breathing slowed, thoughts muffled, heart gently beating in a calm rhythm. It felt as if eons passed while she just stood there, looking up at the plant-like alien. She hoped this moment could last forever.

“Something the matter?” The Affini gently asked inquisitively, with a voice that felt like a gentle breeze, the leaves inside its body gently rustling. The girl just stood there, frozen. “Oh, I know that look.” It said knowingly, as a gentle smile formed on its face, the girl blushing as a feeling of warmth gently radiated throughout her.

“I- You- Uh-” the girl stuttered, pointing towards herself and the large lady in front of her. “There there, little one,” the Affini said, extending a vine to gently pat the girl on the head, “It's okay, take your time”.

“This was heaven” she thought to herself as she simply stood there, enjoying the affection, slowly falling deeper and deeper into that sense of calm as the pain her aging body had been subjecting her to slowly faded away, along with all the negative thoughts and anxieties she'd come here to escape.

I’m feeling so very Normal about this ​:affinigiggle:​

Oh, to have a floret of my own
To feel it squirm in my grasp
Hear all the little noises it makes
The way it would grab at my vines
Knowing it’s loved, and that it loves me
Knowing this is the happiest it’s ever been

​:affinihug:​

Time to move on to the next fic ​:affiniheart:​

I have now read all 50 chapters of Abscission.

The longer I live the more I realize how much cringe culture sucks and how callout culture is effectively just a more socially acceptable form of abuse. Neither of these things ever accomplish anything good. They exist solely to induce suffering.

Note: By callout culture I am specifically referring to the way people broadcast things that should’ve stayed private for everyone to see, not just holding people accountable. Those are not the same thing.

Despite everything, there is no one I’d rather be than me.

For the first time in a long time I actually feel good when I think about my identity.

I just hope I can keep this up. I don’t want to wake up back in my shell.

gosh, I almost forgot how much fun it is to make cuties melt just by talking

holy shit casualties unknown is out!!!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4576490