Ah! Of course! The fire injured Jake! So that's another charge of arson resulting in injury. There could also be endangerment of first responder since Alan was also there but he technically had no idea.
"Your Honor, this defendant has: kidnapped one person, terrorized a second into s*****e, buried a third body for a decade, set federal land on fire, faked his own death twice, attempted to lure a fourth person into an abandoned mine, and then set said mine on fire, resulting in severe burns to an innocent rescuer. He has shown a complete and total disregard for human life, the rule of law, and the safety of this community. The government seeks the maximum penalty on every single count and to be run consecutively."
I got into Duskwood a few years ago, and it's still my all-time favorite game. I've been playing Moonvale lately and omg, it's actually so good. I know the fandom is pretty active on TikTok and Twitter, especially the Brazilian side, but I was wondering if there's a community here too.
That last episode of Moonvale left me so shook and emotional omgg
Jake sat quietly on a park bench while Jessy and MC chased Alfie around the trees, the little boy enthusiastically jumping onto Jessy's back as she laughed and carried him around.
I dropped down onto the bench beside Jake, completely worn out.
"The little guy has endless energy," I sighed.
"Seems that way," Jake replied, smiling softly at me.
"Jessy's amazing with kids..." I said, watching the two of them. It was an adorable sight. "She's going to be an incredible mother someday."
Jessy's smile grew even wider as Alfie wrapped his little arms around her.
Beside me, Jake shifted uncomfortably.
"Would you want that?" he asked quietly, his voice uncertain.
I turned to look at him, confused by what he meant.
His eyes were fixed on the ground as though it had suddenly become the most fascinating thing in the world.
"I mean... being a mom." He finished the sentence as if he thought it was a stupid thing to ask.
For a few seconds, I tried to meet his eyes, trying to figure out what was behind the question.
When I didn't answer right away, Jake spoke first.
"Sorry... that was an inappropriate question."
"Oh, no, no." I shook my head quickly, a little flustered. "You just caught me off guard." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Honestly, I've never really thought about it before... but I think so."
My gaze drifted back to Alfie, who was still laughing uncontrollably, and the thought inevitably crossed my mind.
We could have one of our own.
My eyes wandered back to Jake. His gaze was still fixed anywhere but my face—those stunning eyes I could never stop staring at, those full lips, that soft hair...
I could have a baby who looked exactly like him.
And the thought made my heart ache.
"I see..." he murmured, a sadness I hadn't expected in his voice.
The sudden awkwardness of the moment made my heart race. Jake had always been guarded, but somehow, I'd always been able to see right through him.
"Jake."
I reached over and took his hand.
He flinched, as though I'd touched him out of nowhere.
"You shouldn't worry about things like that." I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "It's not something I desperately need."
I hesitated for a moment before finishing.
"I want you more."
Cheesy, maybe, but true.
"W-What..." Jake stared at me, his eyes wide. "How did you...?"
"How did I know?" I laughed softly. "It was written all over your face."
A sad smile tugged at his lips before he lowered his gaze again.
"I just..." He swallowed. "I don't want to hold you back from the things you could have... from the happiness you'd have with a normal life." His voice grew quieter. "With a normal person..."
There was so much weight behind those last words, so much guilt.
As though he truly believed he was stealing the ordinary, suburban happiness he thought I deserved.
"Silly..." I said affectionately, shaking my head.
His eyes lifted to mine.
"I love you."
"And I love you," he replied, squeezing my hand a little tighter. "That's why it hurts seeing you with a child and knowing I'll never be able to give you that."
"I don't care." I answer without hesitation.
"MC..." Jake said, his tone growing more serious.
"I really don't care."
His face turned fully toward mine.
"If it's just the two of us until the end, I'll have everything I need."
Jake lifted his free hand to my cheek, gently brushing his thumb against my skin.
As the seconds ticked by his expression softened completely.
"But..." I added with a small smile, leaning into his touch, "if one day life gives us the chance, I would love to have a beautiful baby that looks just like you."
Jake's face slowly started to turn red, and he quickly looked away, suddenly nervous.
"What?" I teased, unable to hide my grin. "It's not like we've never gone through the process of making one..."
"MC!" Jake looked back at me, his face now completely flushed, making me laugh even harder.
For the first time since the conversation had started, Jake laughed too. As the sounds of Alfie and Jessy's laughter echoed through the park, the future suddenly didn't seem so frightening—as long as we faced it together.
The difference is that I Am Jake was well-made propaganda, Valko's thing is real 🥲(unless it's as some say with the theory that it's all propaganda for the game)
Actionable Ideas for Challenging Infold Over Valko's Release (Updated!)
A lot of LADS fans are really upset over Infold's decision to shelve Valko. This is my attempt at creating action items for fans wanting to do something but are unsure where to start.
Here are some methods for giving Infold feedback:
Sign this petition and this petition
Reply to their posts on X (Twitter)
Comment on their Instagram posts and unfollow them
Comment on their Facebook posts and unfollow them
Comment on their YouTube videos and unfollow them
Comment on their XHS/RedNote posts and unfollow them
Join their official Discord Server and voice your dissatisfaction
Leave a 1-star review on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store
Complete the survey in the Love and Deepspace app by selecting the box/pencil icon in the top right corner of the home screen
"Suggest" Valko's release in the Love and Deepspace app by going to Settings > More > Support, then select "Suggestion"
(If you want to be slightly passive-aggressive) On 9 July, go to Settings > More > Support, then select "Bug Report" and fill out the report stating that the promised Valko content is missing
Remember: if we want Infold to listen to us, we MUST remain persistent, civil, and demonstrate our affection for the game. I highly doubt they will be intimidated by non-CN players, which means we are held to a different standard. What is effective for them will not be effective for us.
With that said, remember these do's and dont's:
Do vary your written feedback. Making each piece of feedback you give at least slightly different, particularly in emails, will ensure your thoughts are not filtered out.
Do repeatedly submit/post/send your feedback over the next few weeks. Email them today, in a few days, on 9 July, and in the weeks after. Post on their social media every day. Overwhelm them and show them this isn't going to go away over a few free Wishes.
Do prepare to CONTINUE submitting/posting/sending your feedback over the next few months. Infold needs to see that we won't let this issue go. Schedule emails to be sent to them over the next 3 months. Draft X posts today and copy and paste them to post in a few months time. Draft your long-form in-app feedback in preperation for the update and the upcoming banners. Create reminders to check and comment on their posts weekly. Don't let them get comfortable. Be a dog with a bone (lol).
Do maintain a polite tone in your feedback (even when you are issuing a threat like leaving the game).
Do specify your current disappointments, long-term criticisms, and expectations for the future of the game should you continue to play. For example, don't just say you want more Main Story updates; specify that you want them every three months.
Do clearly isolate your long-term issues with the game from the current issue of Valko's release. Make it clear that those issues are not resolved by delaying or permanently canceling Valko's debut.
Do talk positively about whatever you can (ie. enjoying other LIs, enjoying the content of the Main Story itself, appreciating the worldbuilding, etc). This may feel difficult, but it demonstrates that you are a passionate player. Infold can assume that a player so invested in the game would need something drastic to push them to leave.
Don't use profanity.
Don't reference CN players.
Don't bring up Infold's past mistakes. We need to stay focused on the current issues.
Don't criticize anything about Valko's teased content. This one may be unpopular, I know. If Infold is pulling back Valko's release, I don't think it's likely that they will be willing to invest any more time and money into his development. If they continue to get more and more criticisms about him and don't care to change anything about him, they will never release him. I'm not minimizing any fan's concerns; I'm suggesting we choose a priority.
If you are unsure where to start, here are some talking points:
Express your excitement over Valko (bonus points if you give reasons why). Did you come back from a long hiatus for him?
Express your disappointment over not having Valko in the game. How will it impact your enjoyment of the game?
Describe how you prepared for his anticipated arrival.
• In-game (farm for dias, bought packs, etc)
• On your devices (created storage space, bought a new device, etc)
• Financially (budgeted for buying packs upon his release, etc)
Describe how you engaged in fandom around Valko. Did you create fanart, fanfiction, or other fanworks? How much were you consuming fanworks showcasing him? Demonstrating how beloved he was before any real content of his being released indicates a warm reception if/when he is released.
What are the current issues you experience with the game? Be specific. Describe exactly how they impact your gameplay. Suggest a concrete way those issues could be resolved. Assert that Valko's release being postponed or canceled will not resolve these issues.
Express concern for the changes to their planned story arc his absence would create. Question if those changes would be as enjoyable as their original plan.
(If you're feeling up to it) Acknowledge the amount of time, effort, and money that must have gone into creating Valko. Let them know it would disappoint you to see it go to waste.
Infold made a terrible decision. We need to take action and let Infold know that a large portion of the LADS fanbase wants Valko to be released at some point. Let's try to remain positive where we can, engage in positive fandom, and do our best to make our voices heard by Infold.
Thanks to @shivasdarknight, @adehsroyal, and @alyxzenia for their contributions!
*Oneshot continuation of 'Until we run out of breath'*
The heat had left him exhausted, so he decided to go get a soft drink, seeing that there was no one nearby looking for him.
Jake put on a sleeveless sweatshirt, leaving the feathers of the tattoo exposed on his shoulders. He put his phone in his jeans down to his knees, not wanting to put up with the sweat anymore.
He had gotten used to staying hidden in California; there were enough tourists there that made him go unnoticed.
Then there was her. The woman who had made him feel a little more like himself again. Macie.
The young woman did not know that he had stayed hidden in the same place, simply because he could not bear the thought of leaving. Jake had simply been busy making sure no one had seen him with her, keeping his motel room safe.
He had longed to see her again, but the danger was too much for both of them.
From that night on, he longed and dreamed of seeing her again, of kissing her again. He yearned for her company. He was beginning to hate being alone again.
A volleyball came to his feet and he picked it up from the ground, looking in the direction of the beach.
"It's ours!" Upon seeing the young woman, his heart raced.
Her white bikini accentuated her sun-tanned skin, and her blonde hair, although tied up, had some loose strands, probably from playing. But it was a sight too beautiful for his eyes.
Macie, seeing him, also stared at him, a little between disappointment and annoyance at seeing him again.
Jake approached, ball in hand, knowing the risks of going near her again. And it wasn't the FBI he was afraid of at that moment.
"Hello," the young man greeted awkwardly, handing him the ball.
"Well, look who's back," Macie acknowledged, without taking her eyes off him. "Wasn't it hard to tell me you were leaving? I didn't find you in your hotel room the next day."
"I am sorry, a work problem came up."
Actually, he had changed locations after spending the night with her. He had taken too much of a risk inviting her to his hideout.
"Well, next time give me your number so at least you can keep me informed," he was surprised that Macie didn't get angry with him or insult him for abandoning her.
That would have happened with someone else, but she seemed to be more patient.
"Macie!" A boy called to him, and they both looked in the same direction, "Are you here to play or are you going to introduce us to the hunky guy you're with? You can play with us if you want, handsome, we don't bite."
Jake blushed when he heard him mention him, and the blonde laughed, turning back to look at him.
"Mike is a coworker, we're with some friends enjoying our vacation," Macie explained, adjusting the ball for a better grip, "If you want, I can make room for you in our game, what do you say?"
He was supposed to have gone out to buy a drink, not to stay and play. He shouldn't have stayed, nor should he have put himself at risk. Talking to her in broad daylight was risky.
Even so, he was looking into her eyes, which had become almost pleading. Or at least that was the impression he had of her.
"Yes, why not?" He had tried to refuse, but his mouth had already accepted. With her, he completely lost his sense of how to behave, as if she were a siren who convinced him with her voice.
"Okay, let's go," he said, letting Macie take his hand and pull him along, thrilled that he had agreed.
He didn't understand why he was so nervous if they had already slept together; there was nothing he hadn't already seen about her when he saw her from behind, observing her body and how she had kissed every part of him.
He shook his head, trying to forget about it or things would get worse.
Macie threw the ball to a friend and bent down to take a bottle of sunscreen out of her purse, waving it in her hand.
"If you want to play, you're going to have to protect yourself," she nodded, gesturing to his sweatshirt with a mischievous grin, "come on, I'll put you on my back."
"Is that the guy you told us you slept with, Mac?" A girl with dark blonde hair scanned Jake from head to toe, lowering her sunglasses, clearly wanting to make him uncomfortable.
Jake looked at Macie and she gestured for him to ignore her.
"My friends are a little curious," Macie replied, putting the cream on her hand.
"How much exactly have you told them about me?" Jake asked worriedly, hoping he hadn't given them too many details.
"Not much, I promise."
He took off his sweatshirt and blushed again when Macie's group whistled and catcalled him, to which she told them to shut up with the warning not to scare him.
For Jake, it was strange to be back in a group after a long time, and one where he was being flattered, he hadn't even been able to shave that day, nor had he cut his hair to avoid the heat. He felt like h didn't fit in with their modeling standards.
He arched his back as he noticed Macie's hand applying the cream and stifled a small sound of excitement. He was too sensitive to the touch of her hands and noticed that she was even taking the opportunity to trace the feathers of the tattoo with her fingertips.
"Have I told you how much I like you?" Her voice wasn't playful; it was genuinely kind and calm, "It's an incredible job, I don't know if I could endure so many hours for such a large tattoo."
"I am quite patient," Jake replied, trying to look at her over his shoulder, "so the long duration did not bother me."
"Mhm…" Macie finished applying the cream to his back and Jake mentally wished she had continued with her hands on his skin. It had been so long since that contact, and now I was longing to feel it again, "Haven't you put the sunscreen in front yet?" The young woman raised an eyebrow, impatient to play.
Jake realized he had the bottle of sunscreen in his hand. He had become so distracted by her that he had forgotten to stand in front of her body as well.
"I can put it on for you if you want," another of her friends raised her hand, offering to help.
"N-no, I will put it on myself," Jake looked away, embarrassed.
Macie crossed her arms, watching him put on the sunscreen. She couldn't help but bite her lip as he ran his hands over his body and arms, remembering that night they had together.
By the time Jake had finished, he was the one who looked at her strangely, handing the object back to her.
"Are you okay?" he asked, worried.
"What?" The young woman blinked, coming back from her thoughts. "Oh! Yes, of course! I'm fine." She accepted the bottle and put it in her bag.
"Do you have anything to tie my hair up?" Jake asked shyly, to which Macie nodded, rummaging through her bag again.
She handed him a hair tie and as soon as he started to tie his hair up, she stared at him again. He seemed to be taking the game seriously, judging by his intense gaze; he looked so intent he wished he could kiss him. Didn't he say he was the only one she'd kiss? Would Jake have a problem if she did?
"That is it," the young man announced, looking at her with a small smile. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Macie smiled back, and then they both approached their friends who had stopped playing. "Okay, shall we play together, or do you want to play against me?"
Jake looked at both teams, who were looking at him wanting him on their team. The only boy was also tall, so it didn't seem right to him that they were both on the same team.
"I am staying here," as he replied, the girls in the group let out a cheer. Jake smiled at their excitement, as if they were sure they were going to win. He couldn't even remember how to play except that he had to hit the ball.
"Okay," Macie smiled proudly, starting to move in the opposite direction. Jake's smile began to fade the further she moved away from him, "then we'll compete against each other."
"Ooh! Couple fight!" exclaimed the young man named Mike, preparing to throw the ball. "Something tells me you're going to be sleeping on the couch if you lose, Jake."
"She certainly seems too expert," the black-haired man complimented the blonde, who gave him an almost mocking look.
Macie's friend finally threw the ball, starting the game.
𓇼 ˚𓆝 ⋆｡𓆟 ⋆｡𓆞˚ 𓇼
Having tripped on the sand a couple of times while trying to jump—he didn't remember what it was like to walk on it—, That made Macie's team win, causing the girls on her team to glare at her.
"I guess sports aren't your thing," one of the girls commented with a laugh, approaching him to grab his arm.
"Uh… Well, I am more of a computer guy," Jake replied while looking at her uncomfortably as she pressed her body against his arm.
"Really? You think you can look at mine later? It has a problem with the USB drive not fitting inside; I need some help—"
"That is weird, but maybe it is because it's broken and you should get it fixed," Jake finally freed himself from her grip without making a sudden movement, not wanting to offend her.
"Would you like a swim?" Hearing Macie's voice, he turned his head quickly, she was pointing in the direction of the sea.
"Of course," he walked away from the girl and Macie took his hand, walking away from their group of friends.
Jake had completely forgotten that he was being pursued by the FBI. He was living his day as if he were an ordinary person.
"I saw you terrified of Addison, so I had to rescue you from her," Macie joked, and heard Jake laugh.
"Your friend is…"
"Evil," Jake looked at her as she said the word, surprised that she would speak of her that way. Seeing his expression, Macie shook her head slowly, trying to defuse the situation, "I'm not saying this because I think that about her, but because what she was doing was testing you; she wanted to know if you were really faithful to me or not."
Jake moistened his lips, nodding. He understood why she was saying it.
If Macie had told her friends about him, it was clear that she had also told them about his strange disappearance. Without any messages or calls, as if what they had experienced was just sex. He didn't want her to think that about him.
"Hey Macie," Jake stopped, forcing her to look at him with a slight, gentle movement. The young woman's brown eyes focused on his green ones, seeing that they were looking at her with a slight fear in them, "I really did not just want sex with you, I swear—"
"Okay—"
"I really had to disappear because of an urgent matter—"
"Clear—"
"And I have not been with anyone else," Jake said, making a dismissive gesture with his hand to emphasize his point, "I was just waiting to see you again."
Macie nodded, moving closer to him. Jake swallowed as he noticed her placing her hands behind his neck, while she stood on her tiptoes.
The sound of the waves and seagulls drowned out the laughter and conversations of the people, as if they were a soundtrack for them when they kissed.
Being careful not to embarrass her in public, he made sure not to place his hands anywhere inappropriate, holding her close to his body.
They seemed desperate to feel each other's lips after so many months without any contact. Macie noticed her legs beginning to tremble from the effort of standing on her tiptoes, but she didn't want to break that contact.
By the time they needed air, she licked her lips, the taste of Jake still lingering on them.
"I kept my promise," the young woman whispered, pulling away to look him in the eyes, "I haven't given any kisses to another man, because I already said they belonged to you."
Jake's heart began to race as he listened to her. He was surprised that she had actually granted his selfish wish. She had a free life, why wait for him?
"Why?" she asked curiously. "Because I tell you I wanted your lips to be mine?" He tried not to sound possessive or sad, but he seemed more like the latter when he saw that she felt like he was robbing her of a life of meeting other men besides him, "You are free to meet other men, I do not want to tie you down to me, not when you do not know me at all."
Macie, seeing his gaze, could sense a loneliness she couldn't explain, something she had noticed when she first met him.
She lovingly stroked his face and Jake closed his eyes at her touch. The sigh that escaped him this time made his lips tremble. He really missed her, even though he barely knew her.
"Because I like you, Jake," the blonde said softly, watching as he slowly opened his eyes, which held a special sparkle, "and even if you disappear again, I'm sure I'll just be waiting for you again, because I've found someone who makes me feel good."
Hearing her words made him nod with a smile, understanding how much he meant to her. He had never met anyone who desired him as much as that, and he felt the same way.
He didn't want to break off that contact again.
"I have found someone who makes me happy too, Macie," Jake smoothed down the stray hairs that were sticking to her face because of the heat, without losing the smile that followed his short speech, "you make me feel like I have the whole world when I am with you."
The young woman blushed, letting out a long sigh.
Of course, those words deserved another kiss.
Jake put his arms around her again, making sure that this time she had no trouble reaching him.
Of course, they were supposed to be there to go to the sea, they were wasting time enjoying the waters.
The young man surprised her by picking her up, causing her to let out a sound of surprise.
"Wait! What are you doing?" Macie laughed, holding tightly to his neck as he held her in his arms.
"Were not we supposed to go swimming?" Jake winked at her, moving closer to the shore.
He slowly began to wade deeper into the water, still holding the young woman in his arms.
When he stopped noticing the sand on his feet, he looked at Macie with a bit of malice.
"Ready?"
"Ready," she replied with a smile, then held her breath.
He threw her into the water without too much force, so that she wouldn't hurt herself when she hit the water.
Macie sat up, her hair almost ruined from the splash, drying her eyes, along with an exclamation of joy.
"Okay! Come here!" she exclaimed as she lunged towards Jake, making him laugh as he sank a little when he caught her in mid-air.
He felt extremely happy being with her at sea, without worries, no computers, and no one chasing him at that moment. It was yet another feeling he thought he had forgotten, being happy with someone who loves you and makes you feel more protected with her than when you are alone.
He needed to enjoy it as much as he could, without thinking about anything other than the two of them at that moment.
𓇼 ˚𓆝 ⋆｡𓆟 ⋆｡𓆞˚ 𓇼
The sun was beginning to set when they were already on the shore after enjoying the sea. Macie's friends had left, leaving them alone. They had given the blonde words of encouragement and warned her that they had left her protection in case they were going to spend the night on the beach.
Of course, Macie just rolled her eyes and took it as a joke, although Jake seemed more flustered after hearing it, with thousands of thoughts racing through his mind.
He had lent her his sweatshirt; although it was sleeveless, it could keep the rest of his body protected from the coolness that was starting to set in.
Macie rested her head on Jake's shoulder, while he rested his head on hers, running a hand along her waist to pull her closer to him.
The sound of the waves was relaxing and there weren't as many people as before; everything was calm.
An elderly couple appeared in front of them, commenting on what a lovely couple they made. They couldn't help but let out a small laugh at their comments, making it all the more perfect.
"I have not had this much fun in years," Jake took a deep breath, placing a kiss on Macie's hair, "I did not even remember what fun was."
"Too much work in your life?" the young woman asked, snuggling closer to his body, while affectionately rubbing her nose against his arm.
Jake remained silent, unsure how to respond to that. He remembered telling her he was on the run from justice, but he said it as if he were joking. What would happen if he came clean and told her the truth? Would she accept it?
"Something like that," he finally replied, tracing circles with his thumb on her waist.
He couldn't tell her. Not yet. He wasn't ready to tell her the truth and watch her walk away from him.
"Well, I think I should go now," Macie started to sit up, looking at Jake with a half-smile, "It's been fun being—"
"Why do not we have dinner together?" Jake ventured to ask, afraid that he might never see her again if he didn't seize this opportunity they had for the third time. "I do not want to leave you yet."
Macie lowered her gaze, hiding her smile at those words. It was completely different from what had happened months ago; now he seemed more determined with her. As if there were finally a glimmer of hope in that relationship.
"And then what?" She looked up at him defiantly "Will you disappear and I won't hear from you again for a year"
Jake let out a soft laugh, finding her anger and interest in their future adorable.
"Then I want to continue the rest of the night with you," Jake took her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it slowly, "I am not ready to part from you."
"You don't want to leave me yet," Macie began to shift, positioning herself on top of him and placing her hands on his shoulders. Jake smiled, letting her settle on top of him, "and you don't want to separate either," the young woman emphasized, tilting her head, "but you'll have to leave again."
"There is only one difference."
"What is it?"
Jake placed his hands on the young woman's hips, pressing gently. The little sunlight made her look like she was wearing a crown. Like a goddess.
"We will not lose touch," he smiled at the young woman, feeling his heart race at her decision, "after we have breakfast together," Macie made a sound of approval, brushing Jake's bangs away from his face to focus on his eyes, "maybe we could shower together, if that sounds good to you."
"Oh, go on," Macie laughed, exciting Jake as well.
"We will exchange cellphone numbers and I will be able to talk to you whenever my job allows."
"Does that mean our relationship is official?" she asked curiously, wrapping her arms around him.
"Very official, my angel."
Macie leaned forward, but instead of kissing him, she pressed her forehead to his, closing her eyes filled with pure happiness.
Jake imitated her, also closing his eyes, letting the sounds of the sea envelop them in a romantic atmosphere.
He knew it was a risky decision, stupid even he would think, but the mere thought of losing contact with her again and seeing her alone terrified him. He wanted to have her present in his life again, even if it was from a distance. He was sure that one day he would be by her side again: If they had met again, he was certain they would do so again. And he hoped that one day he would be able to stay her his side.
Hope you all are doing okay out there in the heat the world is currently torturing us with. Stay hydrated, like really, drink. Drink. Drink. Use sun screen. Stay in the shadow. Protect your head!! And allow yourself a big icecream. Or anything else tasty and cool. In general, have snacks. Keep your circulation up and strong. Stay safe! 🫶🏻💚
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