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Whatever happened to Pintsize?

41 (37.6%)

Faye's story v.2.0.?

21 (19.3%)

Student, Girlfriend, Librarian or some combination of all three? Claire's Dilemma?

11 (10.1%)

How do you come back from firing your best friend?

20 (18.3%)

Something completely new (give your idea in a comment, plz)?

0 (0%)

"Marten, how would you feel about having three dads?"

16 (14.7%)

Total Members Voted: 99

Voting closed: 04 Feb 2015, 06:23

[cesariojpn]

They forgot the hoodie on the doorknob.

[bhtooefr]

Honestly, I don't think they're having sex. If they are, it's going to be pretty passive on Marten's part, I think.

It's been hinted for a while that Claire wants to push the relationship in that direction (but has anxiety about whether it's too fast), but I don't think Marten is in the mood for sex right now. (Note that I didn't say that he's not in the mood for sex with Claire right now, but that he's not in the mood for it period.) He's exhausted both physically and emotionally, after all. Claire's good at picking up on this sort of thing, too, and I think she'll hold back upon noticing it.

Now, in the morning, when he wakes up, with Claire snuggled tightly against him, awake but not wanting to let him go? (Or, after she makes breakfast for him, and then returns to bed.)

Pretty sure that's when the Arbor Day 2003 banner can be brought out. (Also, to be honest, I think they're going to want to talk about things, and that conversation might happen while they're doing those things, but it'll need Marten to be alert, I think.)

[maxh]

akin to that of a tortoise on barbituates

Has anyone ever actually tested how tortoises respond to barbiturates?

[Dalillama]

Well, you're not Claire. She takes it slow - she didn't kiss Marten because he was drunk, she obviously wanted make-outs but went for Ice-cream..

That had nothing to do with taking it slow per se; it was (legitimate) concern for his ability to give consent given his intoxicated state. 

I'm firmly in the woo category, regardless of what they're getting up to in there (I think sexytimes ensue, personally).   I'm pretty much categorically in favor of sexytimes between consenting adults, of whatever flavour(s) those involved prefer, although it's not my place to judge when and under what circumstances any particular individual does or doesn't consent, only to respect same and ensure that others do as well.  As far as too fast, or too slow,  different strokes for different folks and all that. in my first relationship the sexytimes preceded the first date (and all but one of the ones after. That time the shared meal with conversation came first, albeit by a narrow margin.) and all that.

[Orkboy]

akin to that of a tortoise on barbituates

Has anyone ever actually tested how tortoises respond to barbiturates?

I would watch the shit out of that on youtube. 

[BenRG]

akin to that of a tortoise on barbituates

Has anyone ever actually tested how tortoises respond to barbiturates?

Probably not well. I understand that reptiles and sedatives go badly together and there is a high probability of fatal side-effects. If I remember correctly, vets consider surgery on a reptile as a last resort.

[snubnose]

I definitely think todays comic was way too wordy !!! Less is more !!!

 
Also, the end is near. Theres a "LIKE" Button in this forum now. 

[cesariojpn]

akin to that of a tortoise on barbituates

Has anyone ever actually tested how tortoises respond to barbiturates?

It got ripped out of one of Charles Darwin's journals when the Creationists tired to suppress Evolution, and got it wrong.

[jwhouk]

Sometimes a couple just..... clicks.

"And that's all I gotta sat about that."

[anahata]

This comic would have benefited from a few words, since I can't imagine showing up at my partner's house after such an incident and not asking about their and their friend's well-being, and this comic rushes through - open door/make-outs/disappearing in a bedroom.

Fair point, but  we still don't really know how much time has elapsed since Faye's collapse: they could have talked about all that on the phone, depiction of which wouldn't have made interesting comic material, other than giving us a clue about what's going on in their minds. If that had happened, no words would be needed now.

I'm sticking with the theory of hastily catching up with lost time after an interrupted (never even started) date.

[Thrillho]

It's been hinted for a while that Claire wants to push the relationship in that direction (but has anxiety about whether it's too fast), but I don't think Marten is in the mood for sex right now. (Note that I didn't say that he's not in the mood for sex with Claire right now, but that he's not in the mood for it period.)

Frankly, after an experience as emotional as what Marten went through, sex would be EXACTLY what I'd want. Relationship dependent, sex or masturbation would be my go-to for after an emotional experience like that. Endorphins, adrenaline, lots of good stuff.

[bhtooefr]

I guess different people are wired differently - I'd want sleep first.

Granted, having a girlfriend cuddling me during said sleep would be very, very nice, but ultimately, I'd want sleep.

[explicit]

Hell, I had sex while my spine was still broken (it was only kinda broken, NBD GUYS), just because someone is beaten or bruised (physically or emotionally) does not mean that they don't want to have sex.

But it's all personal preference really.

[ASB84]

Alternative Friday strip: Yelling Bird!

I have to admit, I was thinking the same thing. I'm guessing it won't happen, so I figured I'd indulge in some lousy fanfiction instead, suggesting how such a strip might have gone:

[Akima]

This comic would have benefited from a few words, since I can't imagine showing up at my partner's house after such an incident and not asking about their and their friend's well-being, and this comic rushes through - open door/make-outs/disappearing in a bedroom.

I think we can take it that Marten has phoned Claire off-screen, judging by her expression in the first panel.

And another blue dress! No white piping though.

[ReindeerFlotilla]

You know, I'm against the lo-words thing Jeph's been doing because it slows down the pacing and introduces a lot of ambiguity. But I'm totally for the recent no-words strips. I think they work just fine.

[bartman]

my guess is that it is the same day as he might have been stopping at home during his lunch break or only working a half day.

If that were so then why would Marten have bags under his eyes? I'm thinking Faye did a full overnight at the hospital, and was probably not released until the following afternoon. (I've been in hospital; they are not that swift at releasing you once you've been admitted.) Assuming the schism happened on a Friday morning, then this is Saturday evening.

I think Faye must have been in for 18 or even 24 hours or so.
Right now, Marten is probably physically and emotionally shattered, and has expanded a lot of energy on worrying about and taking care of his best friend. What he needs right now and what I'm sure Claire is delivering is just some comfort for his own stress and hurt from this experience. Doesn't mean that something is happening behind that door that will require Pintsize to round up a brown chicken and a brown cow... doesn't mean that isn't happening either of course but I think this is about Claire comforting Marten after Marten's bad experience with seeing his friend hurt.

[Lubricus]

That's probably true, and frankly, whatever the two do to relieve that stress is none of our business, unless Jeph decides otherwise.

[Thrillho]

You know, I'm against the lo-words thing Jeph's been doing because it slows down the pacing and introduces a lot of ambiguity. But I'm totally for the recent no-words strips. I think they work just fine.

I wasn't a fan when the pace was slower but the pace has been way faster of late.

[TieDyeKat]

I'm firmly in the cuddles camp.  I think we'll see something similar to the wedding arch with one of them waking and seeing their clothed partner cuddled tight around them, smile and go back to sleep.

I also suspect Faye was in the hospital 24-36 hours.  It takes a while to get through the red tape of admission and release.

[NilsO]

Also, the end is near. Theres a "LIKE" Button in this forum now. 

Yes, but how can I tell if anybody likes my own posts? Also, can we have a "DISLIKE" button, please?

[TRVA123]

Sorry to break the plot twist chain, I just wanted to comment in response to some of the people who are musing about it being "too soon" for Claire and Marten to do.. whatever they might be doing.

It occurs to me that no where near the same number of people seemed to be as critical or concerned about Marten having a one night stand a while back with Tai's friend, nor were there as many complaints about him hooking up with Padma so soon after they'd met.

There's something else that I'd like to add as well, speculating about whether or not they should get together based on the stage that they're at in their relationship is one thing (although it's still no one's business but Claire and Marten's), but the comments about Claire's trans* status, and whether or not it should affect what's about to happen behind that door really bother me. The only people who are in any place to make decisions based on that are Claire herself, and by extension Marten, if indeed they are going further than cuddles. Other people discussing it just seems a little bit too close to a direct discussion about Claire's body, which if I'm not mistaken, is not allowed on these forums, since it's not only rude, but also potentially offensive to trans* people who may be reading the comments (and no, as has been stated over and over, just because Claire is fictional does not make it okay).

Well, there are a lot more people in WCDT at the moment. When there is drama in the comic (and I mean drama as in Faye drinking herself into the hospital) people tend to flock to the discussion thread. So... yeah, a lot more people are commenting on this than on Dale/Marigold, Dora/Tai, Marten/whatsherface, or Marten/Padma simply because there are more people posting and reading the WCDT in general.

I do think most people, as Omega said, are more concerned because Claire is a virgin, and she is with an experienced partner, as opposed to Dale/Marigold, who were both virgins.

I don't quite know where to draw the line here... so here is where I am drawing it. I won't discuss Claires body, nor what specific sexual activites she might prefer. But I don't see a problem with discussing Claire's trans* status as it relates to how it might affect other attitudes she has in the rest of the comic.

[Carl-E]

Also, the end is near. Theres a "LIKE" Button in this forum now. 

Yes, but how can I tell if anybody likes my own posts? Also, can we have a "DISLIKE" button, please?

No. 

There's discussion of this (the why's, wherefores and workings of the like button) in another thread in this section.  Take a look, the reasoning's pretty clear. 


If you really dislike something, you'll have to tell us why.  Within the decency rules of the forum, of course. 

[cesium133]

Also, the end is near. Theres a "LIKE" Button in this forum now. 

Yes, but how can I tell if anybody likes my own posts? Also, can we have a "DISLIKE" button, please?

I should note that I liked your post to show how you can tell if anyone liked your post, not to agree with the suggestion for a "dislike" button.

[MooskiNet]

Also, the end is near. Theres a "LIKE" Button in this forum now. 

Yes, but how can I tell if anybody likes my own posts? Also, can we have a "DISLIKE" button, please?

Carl-E answered the second question - you can tell if someone liked your post in the same place the message is for people liking other people's posts.  I liked yours to show you.

If you're all "DUH, I KNEW THAT" then I'll remove the like.   

Warning - while you were typing, somebody did that already and you don't have to like anything now.

[SubaruStephen]

The over-analysis about the latest comic and
lack of Squeeeeeeeee in this topic disturbs me.

[Lubricus]

Okay, then:
Squeeeeeeee! I love me some Marteclaire lovin'! Yaaaaaay!

Better? 

[Orkboy]

Yes, but how can I tell if anybody likes my own posts?

It'll say when you look at the post, just like it does with other people's posts.  You just don't get a button.  I can see that Carl liked my post, for example.

[drewdane]

Sorry to break the plot twist chain, I just wanted to comment in response to some of the people who are musing about it being "too soon" for Claire and Marten to do.. whatever they might be doing.

It occurs to me that no where near the same number of people seemed to be as critical or concerned about Marten having a one night stand a while back with Tai's friend, nor were there as many complaints about him hooking up with Padma so soon after they'd met. This makes me wonder why, exactly, Claire and Marten doing whatever is such a big kerfuffle in comparison in some people's minds. When it comes right down to it, Claire is 24, Marten is 26, and whatever they want to do, or how soon they want to do it is up to them to decide as consenting, sober adults.

There's something else that I'd like to add as well, speculating about whether or not they should get together based on the stage that they're at in their relationship is one thing (although it's still no one's business but Claire and Marten's), but the comments about Claire's trans* status, and whether or not it should affect what's about to happen behind that door really bother me. The only people who are in any place to make decisions based on that are Claire herself, and by extension Marten, if indeed they are going further than cuddles. Other people discussing it just seems a little bit too close to a direct discussion about Claire's body, which if I'm not mistaken, is not allowed on these forums, since it's not only rude, but also potentially offensive to trans* people who may be reading the comments (and no, as has been stated over and over, just because Claire is fictional does not make it okay).

Case and point, I'm trans*, and those comments are offending me, since frankly, how I navigate my love life around, or in regards to my own body are my own business, and I would certainly not be pleased if a bunch of people I didn't know felt that it was their right to discuss what I should or shouldn't be doing at any point in time. I doubt that Claire would feel any differently.


And I know that some of you are well meaning, but believe me, it is still possible to be offensive even if you're coming from a place of concern. I mean it's sweet that you care, I guess, but again, it isn't, and shouldn't be anyone's business, nor concern what or when Claire does whatever she does with whoever she chooses to do it with, other than Claire herself. :/

Speaking of offensive...

Case in point!  CASE IN POINT!!!

Gaaah!

[pwhodges]

Yes, but how can I tell if anybody likes my own posts?

You can see the count when they do (click it to see who). 

Also, can we have a "DISLIKE" button, please?

The "Dislike" button is labelled "Report to moderator" 

[Zebediah]

I'm of the opinion that the "click" of the door locking in panel 4 is a sign that we will never, ever be told what went on inside that bedroom. Did they or didn't they? It's Schroedinger's Bedroom; they both did and didn't.

[bhtooefr]

I'm of the opinion that the "click" of the door locking in panel 4 is a sign that we will never, ever be told what went on inside that bedroom. Did they or didn't they? It's Schroedinger's Bedroom; they both did and didn't.

Let's face it, though, if they are having sex, Claire's absolutely going to rub it in Clinton's face that she lost her virginity before he lost his.

[lepetitfromage]

Claire's "puppy-dog" expression, raised eyebrows, and body language says to me, in the context of this strip:
    "I've decided that you're the guy for me.  Here I am.  Will you take me?  Whatever you want to do is fine."

On the other hand, if I received that expression from a woman in real life, I'd be concerned that there was something wrong that had gobsmacked her, and I'd want to find how I could help her.

See, I read that expression as "Is everything ok?". It looks concerned to me and it feels as though Marten is letting Claire know that he is indeed alright but could use some comforting (aka kisses). I can't say for certain that it's NOT going to happen, but I don't feel like this is the setup we're going to get if/when Marten and Claire reach that level of intimacy.



Re: Too Soon- I think there are two crucial things to consider when we look at how soon is too soon. First is that while Marten is fairly experienced, Claire is not only a virgin but has never been in a relationship before. I see Marten being supportive of whatever Claire feels that she needs and taking things slow if need be. The second piece is their age- while Claire doesn't have experience, I'm sure she's been wanting to experience a physical relationship for a while now! Virginity is something that most of us took seriously in one sense or another- either that we wanted to give it to someone special or that we wanted to dive into sexual experiences asap (or both ). Honestly? I was pretty young when I lost mine but I was with my boyfriend at the time for over a year. The fact that Claire is older might make up for the short timeframe of their relationship. (And really...is it that short? Does anyone know about how long they've been "official"?)

[BenRG]

(And really...is it that short? Does anyone know about how long they've been "official"?)

They've been 'official' for about a week (or a few days more) in-comic time. However, this has to be offset by the fact that they've been co-workers and friends for two months. It isn't as if this is a 'blind date' scenario where they only met on their first date; they've been obviously feeling their way towards a relationship from as far back as Marten's dads' wedding. In fact, several fairly significant events in their relationship occurred before Marten threw caution to the wind and decided to see if the attraction that came out in the 'skritch' incident had any deeper foundation.

[Zebediah]

The time frame of them being "official" is pretty short, yes. Remember, Faye's crisis caused the cancellation of what was supposed to be their second date.

[Omega Entity]

akin to that of a tortoise on barbituates

Has anyone ever actually tested how tortoises respond to barbiturates?

Probably not well. I understand that reptiles and sedatives go badly together and there is a high probability of fatal side-effects. If I remember correctly, vets consider surgery on a reptile as a last resort.

My relationship tortoise really -was- fed too many downers, then. That would certainly explain the decade-old corpse that is my love life

[SeaWoodStage]

What I like most about this strip is that it shows a) how much Marten is in need of a joyful influence, and b) that he's getting that joyful influence.
Sometimes when reading this comic, I've felt weird about how little is actually happening to Marten, or rather, how little we've seen of him reacting to the things in his own life. I don't mean that he's passive as a character, just that maybe due to his position in the comic he's become more passive by comparison.
It's wonderful, therefore, to see him truly interacting with two of the most important people in his life. The conversation with Faye was great, and now we have the intimacy with Claire. I don't mean to sound like too much of an optimist, but I honestly think these two most recent strips demonstrate how much Marten has grown up on the sly.

[BrusselSprouts]

I think it's worth mentioning that the Proposed Second Date did sound a lot more cozy than the first. Idk I've never been in a relationship but there's something a lot more intimate sounding when you invite someone over to your (presumably empty) house, rather than meeting in public. One could speculate that Claire had planned on going farther already

[SeaWoodStage]

Wait. what was the second date? For some reason I had it in my head that they were going to the movies or something. I've gone back about thirty strips and then got lazy.

[ReindeerFlotilla]

There is no second date.

Only Zuul.

They were going to meet at Claire's house and watch a movie.

[BenRG]

Wait. what was the second date?

Claire invited Marten over to her house to watch a movie in a very cute, round-about way that clearly indicated how nervous the situation made her.

Yes, she invited her boyfriend over to her family home. Given Clinton's protective and interventionist attitude towards his sister and the embarrassing lack of boundaries displayed by her mother, I think she chose a night when they'd both be away from home. So it's reasonable to think that she intended things to go further than just a movie and popcorn whilst snuggled up together on the couch.

[gprimr1]

Some say that the best time to have sex is the first date. No wondering how he or she is in bed, no long sexual tension period.

[Cattus]

I'm of the opinion that the "click" of the door locking in panel 4 is a sign that we will never, ever be told what went on inside that bedroom. Did they or didn't they? It's Schroedinger's Bedroom; they both did and didn't.

Let's face it, though, if they are having sex, Claire's absolutely going to rub it in Clinton's face that she lost her virginity before he lost his.

I don't agree at all.  I think that her intimate relationship will remain private...Period!  She is too sweet and kind to use sexual prowess or experience as a weapon even if only to bug her brother.  That would be totally out of character IMHO.

[SeaWoodStage]

Thanks, ReindeerFlotilla and especially BenRG.

BenRG, I wouldn't necessarily describe it as an embarrassing lack of boundaries though? (pause to read comics again) Yeah OK, I just re-read the comic I assume you're talking about, and I suppose it is pretty off the cards. I was just so taken up with the romance aspect of the storyline at the time, that the weirdness of a mother inviting a potential suitor over without consulting her child the suitee (is that a word) never occurred to me. In short, I see your point.

[A Duck]

I'm honestly surprised by how many people here have complained about Claire and Marten's "saccharine" relationship.

It's a different kind of relationshio Marten's ever had, yes. I say let the man be happy, I don't think we've ever seen him in a relationship that good. Neither has he ever started another relationship without major drama (Dora and Padma). This time, the problem is elsewhere.

In a similar, although MUCH smaller, situation of Marten helping Faye, Dora freaked out. Claire is giving him complete support. That right there is what an awesome relationship is.

And what happens behind closed doors is their business only.

I have to say, today's comic left me smiling like an idiot.

On a completely different note... IF the rumored timeskip in fact does happen, it's either tomorrow or (more likely) tuesday. Everything is more or less wrapped up enough for that to happen now. I predict pintsize tomorrow.

[DSL]

People are surprised that a mother shows low awareness of boundaries regarding her adult children?

My family, for one, would astound you.

[Cattus]

Some say that the best time to have sex is the first date. No wondering how he or she is in bed, no long sexual tension period.

Yes some people would say that.  However not any intelligent ones I know.  Fact is that until you actually "KNOW" a person and their motivation and psyche, having sex with them could be risky, especially when you are younger.  You never know how your 'relationship' will be used against you if you break it off after one date.  Also, then you base your relationship on whether the sex was good rather than if the person was good.  Sex can improve as partners get to know one another but a scumbucket will always be a scumbucket.

[Natswash]

On the timeskip note, I think we have Marten and Faye wrapped up pretty well. I do think however we need a bit of info on Sven and Dora. We have both the Svenectomy and the "I love you" bomb waiting on the back burners and I for one would like to see them played out

[downtowneddie]

In a similar, although MUCH smaller, situation of Marten helping Faye, Dora freaked out. Claire is giving him complete support. That right there is what an awesome relationship is.

This is an excellent assessment of the situation that bears repeating.

[SeaWoodStage]

Some say that the best time to have sex is the first date. No wondering how he or she is in bed, no long sexual tension period.

Yes, but then why bother at all, unless you think sex is the most important thing in a relationship? (No judgment here by the way, you might well think that, and why not). ETA: I may have come up with the worst-constructed sentence in history.