#Smart Pillbox

[tressashaw]

this is the house, come on in

The door opens and Tressa strolls in.

"Shaw, it's customary to knock before entering an office with a closed door," he doesn't even look at her, just keeps filling out whatever he's filling out, "Besides, isn't it your night off? Go... I don't know, doomscroll or binge TV or whatever it is you do, yeah?"

God, she hates that he laughs at his own jokes. She's always hated that - she does it too, but at least she's cute and at least her jokes are actually jokes. Tressa doesn't answer him, and instead continues forward, taking a seat opposite him leaning back and kicking her sneakers up on his desk. "Got anything you wanna tell me, Paul?"

That gets his attention, because of course it does. "What's this about?"

Tressa smiles, shrugs. "What do you think it could be about, Paul?"

Paul puts his pen down, sits back in his chair. "Not sure I understand what you're imply-"

"I mean, Paul... come on. We're both very smart people and I know you don't like acknowledging when somebody's smarter than you but... think real hard."

She can't really say she sees realization dawn on his face, but she hears it, in the way his murmuring heart stutters, speeds up. That prompts a grin. "I can honestly say I don't know what you're talking about, Shaw, bu-"

"Doctor Shaw," She corrects, for like the tenth time. "Medical examiner, not a coroner. You're a coroner though, aren't you? Not to, like, you know, measure dicks here but, I can almost definitely guarantee mine's bigger."

"Alright, well, I think you need to leave," he says, standing to take his paperwork over to a fax machine, one dinosaur walking over to another to justify each other's existence. Tressa meets him there, though, and her eyes connect to his.

Maybe sit down, thanks. It comes as natural as breathing used to, and it feels like biting into forbidden fruit. She wonders if this's how Eve felt.

"Wh-how..."

"Did that work? You don't clean up after yourself," she says. "Cleanly lab is a healthy lab, and that goes for all of it, even the break room. Lemon verbena tea... I changed it out weeks ago, nice box though, so I kept that. You'd have noticed if you used less sugar and milk I think."

Once he's sat she walks up behind him and wraps her arms around him. "Or do you mean how did I do that? Well, you know. Team sports. I picked a team."

Tressa leans forward. "You're gonna do some writing tonight."

She leans forward, tilting his head to look at her, and her eyes connect to him again. "You're gonna write a letter of recommendation, Paul. For me as your replacement as Port Leiry's Chief ME, with all the permissions that would imply. Make it really glowing. Enthusiastic, eve-"

Paul sputters. "You're ins-"

"Ah ah ah, no, Tressa talky. Be quiet. "

"Anyways, enthusiastic praise will do. I am one of the youngest MEs in the state after all, and I did work really hard for that, so... you know, it's not even lying."

She spins his chair, looks him dead on. Part of her feels like this is evil. Probably because it is. But has she not earned a little evil?

She reaches into his desk, and pulls out a pillbox, same place it always is. Her face darkens. "Having that spooky freak throw me in a FREEZER, Paul? really? I'd normally let that roll off, but I feel like I deserve a little crashout about attempted murder, right? And who knows where that guy is."

She looks through the pill case. "Oh, Clonidine, perfect." She smiles, presses one in her hand. "I think you're too high strung. Once my promotion's set, you take a vacation. Maybe go to Disney World, Florida's nice this time of year. And make sure you take your BP meds. In fact, better double the dosage on this bad boy. If you feel tired, just add another one, doctor's orders."

She's leans back, and blinks the venom out of her eyes, folding her arms, and shakes her head. "Oh!" she leans back in. This is all our little secret, better not tell anybody about. I know that's really hard, but you'll do it, for me. Even thinking about telling somebody's gonna hurt."

She rubs at the top of his head, like she's praising a good dog. "At least you won't have to keep the secret for twenty years, so there's a touch of mercy, I guess. Anyways, you're right, Paul! It's my night off. So I'm gonna go grab a bite."

She laughs at her own joke, because its fucking funny, and gives him a salute as she vanishes from the room.

[highfunctioningflailgirl]

I didn't read as much as usual in 2024. My normal amount of 40 - 50 books shrank to a mere 32 as I navigated a particularly obnoxious year of Real Life.

Also, I listened to an insane amount of podcasts (many of them fandom related), significantly chipping away at my audiobook time.

But 32 books is better than no books, so here's my personal top five. Let me know yours! I always love a good book recommendation.

#5 Voyage of the Damned, Frances White

I love myself an unusual hero. Ganymedes Piscero aka 'Dee' is one of those. Together with twelve other heirs of the twelve provinces of Concordia, Dee embarks on a ship journey where each of the twelve is supposed to present their unique magical gift. Problem: Dee doesn't have one. Deeply insecure inside, he hides his 'deficiency' under a whole lot of swagger and cockiness. When one of the heirs is found dead and more bodies start to drop, Dee begins to investigate.

While the plot isn't entirely airtight and certain aspects of the resolution didn't sit quite right with me, this was a fun, entertaining read with a main character who's as original as he is relatable. Have you ever faked your way through a social event where you felt you didn't belong? Felt like an imposter? This is your book!

Extra points for diversity, queerness and for making a character with a chronic illness a love interest and giving them their chance to shine.

#4 The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet

How could I not fall in love with a ragtag, extremely diverse group of space travellers and outcasts who are the epitome of the 'found family' trope?

Rosemary Harper joins the crew of the 'Wayfarer' - a patchwork spacecraft that tunnels wormholes into space to connect remote spots of the galaxy. A particularly lucrative job puts the ship and its entire crew in grave danger. But that's only one of the manifold problems Rosemary and her shipmates will have to navigate on their long journey.

In fact, it's not the plot what's important. In all honesty, it takes forever until anything actually starts to happen in this book, and the plot isn't what's relevant. It's the characters and the beautifully diverse and - for the most part - accomodating universe Becky Chambers has created for her Wayfarer series. Humanoids and all sorts of other species live together in mutual respect on the spaceship and in large parts of the galaxy, finding common ground in spite of vastly different needs, bodies or languages.

If you need a wholesome, hopeful read that's brimming with imagination - Becky Chamber's very unique and very smart kind of cozy sci-fi has you covered!

#3 The Warm Hands of Ghosts, Katherine Arden

Katherine Arden, best known for her folkloristic Winternight Trilogy, delivers a darkly poetic, viscerally grim story set in Europe during the Great War that combines Historical Fiction with Magical Realism.

Laura, a Canadian combat nurse, retired after a serious injury, volunteers to work in a field hospital in Flanders, Belgium, after her brother goes missing in action. Arden splits the narrative into two alternating parts: Laura's search for her brother, and her brother's ordeal while trapped in a blown pillbox together with a German soldier.

This is not a light read nor for the faint of heart. Arden depicts the horrors of war in chilling, gory detail. This story will haunt you, like a ghost. And I'm still not sure if the sinister magical element that comes into play late in the book was even necessary. But I am sure that Arden has a gift for hauntingly beautiful writing that creeps under your skin and into your heart.

Extra kudos for queer representation in a historical context.

#2 Empire of the Damned, Jay Kristoff

Who hurt you, Jay Kristoff? Who hurt you so much that you need to hurt your characters and, by corollary, your readers so, so much? One has to be a bit of a masochist to read his books. This series in particular.

Gabriel de Leon is the last Silversaint, an order of vampire hunters who fight against the blood-thirsty beasts in a realm living in eternal dusk. His mission: to find the Holy Grail and bring back the sunlight. We learn his full story in hindsight - he tells it in prison, caught by the very vampires he hunts, dictating his life story to an undead historian.

Book two adds a new, female POV to the story and reawakens Gabriel's dad vibes. It also continues the heartbreaking love story of two of my favorite supporting characters, Aaron and Baptiste, taking the definition of torture to a whole new level. (Why, Mister Kristoff, why?!) And we learn a lot more about Dior and her powers. It is one of the surprisings strengths of "Empire of the Damned" that, while featuring a male protagonist, it gives the female characters of the story the strongest voices.

Just like book one, "Empire of the Vampire", this second installment is rife with horror, blood, violence, smut and profanity. It But Kristoff also has a gift for creating unforgettable, defiant, passionate characters that will weave their way into your heart - until Kristoff tears it apart. And stomps on it. And burns the shattered pieces to ashes.

#1 Bury Your Gays

The most unique and surprising book I read this year. The summary sounds simple: Misha is a Hollywood script writer with an Oscar nomination. When the studio he works for forces him to kill off the gay couple in the season finale of a long-running streaming series, Misha refuses. Then, something strange happens: a man begins to stalk Misha, and he looks exactly like a fictional character Misha once created for a horror series. Bodies begin to drop, murdered in devastatingly familiar fashion. In a race against time, Misha tries to save the lives of his friends - and his own.

Sounds like a straight-forward Hollywood horror mystery? Well, it isn't. Chuck Tingle combines horror with a gay coming-of-age story, criticism of the film industry and, while he's at it, issues a warning cry when it comes to the use of modern technology.

Here's a rollercoaster featuring memorable, queer characters, hair-raising body horror and an unexpected plot twist, all of it chock-full of easter eggs and pop culture references from Supernatural and The X-Files to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Lost.

The audio book is emphatically narrated by André Santana, with cameos from horror authors like Stephen Graham Jones, T. Kingfisher and others, including sound effects in the "script" parts of the novel.

If you're interested in the film industry, in the history of the "Bury your gays" trope and/or a fan of horror/fantasy/sci-fi/mystery shows, if you love queer representation and novels with a twist, give this a try! I don't think I've ever read anything like this, and I already have Chuck Tingle's "Camp Damascus" on my TBR for 2025.

Special Award

At the beginning of the year, I read my way through all seventeen of the official Supernatural novels. After finishing the tv series for the first time, I felt at a loss and needed more.

Now, these books are pulp fiction. They're entertaining but shallow, some of them are very poorly written, and the different authors have a varying grasp on the iconic characters featured in the tv show. But for those (like me) who love Sam and Dean Winchester and just can't get enough of them, the book series offers a few more adventures with our two monster-hunting brothers, in true monster-of-the-week fashion, set between seasons one through twelve. (Fair warning, though: Most of the books spend way too much time on original side characters and not enough on Sam and Dean.)

And while a lot of Supernatural fan fiction is much better than these books (I'm serious; the Spn fandom has many amazing writers!), I enjoyed my additional time with the boys - or at least enjoyed correcting the writers loudly and exasperatedly while reading. (Dean's eyes are green, people! Green!)

Best books of the serious, IMHO:

Coyote's Kiss

Fresh Meat

Joyride

Worst books of the series:

Hear of the Dragon (barely any Sam & Dean in it)

One Year Gone (terrible, terrible writing style and OOC characters although written by Eric Kripke's assistant - who should really know her stuff better)

Alright, your turn: Tell me your top 5 reads of the year! I want to know!

[oasisphcs]

Home Care Technology in 2025: How Oasis Private Home Care Is Leading the Way

Atlanta, June 2025 - As we move deeper into 2025, it’s clear that technology is no longer a luxury in healthcare—it’s a necessity. Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of Home Care Services in Atlanta, where modern innovations are transforming the way seniors receive support, stay connected, and enjoy independence from the comfort of their homes.

At Oasis Private Home Care, they believe that compassionate care and advanced technology can work hand in hand. By embracing innovation while staying rooted in our mission of Caring for Families, they’re setting a new standard in personalized home care.

Rise of Smart Home Care Technology

Technology has become an essential part of everyday life, from voice assistants to wearable fitness trackers. In the realm of home care, these tools are revolutionizing care delivery in several key areas:

Remote Health Monitoring

Devices like smartwatches, blood pressure cuffs, glucose monitors, and oxygen level trackers now connect directly to secure healthcare platforms. This means caregivers and healthcare providers can monitor vitals in real time.

At Oasis, their Home Medical Care Services include remote health tracking for clients with chronic conditions. Their nurses receive alerts when vitals fall outside normal ranges, allowing for timely interventions that prevent hospitalizations.

Medication Management Tools

Forgetfulness can be dangerous when it comes to medication. Smart pill dispensers now issue reminders, dispense the correct dosage, and notify caregivers or family members if a dose is missed.

We integrate these tools into Personal Care, ensuring that our clients stick to their medication plans safely and independently.

Virtual Visits and Telehealth

Telehealth is no longer just a pandemic trend. In 2025, virtual doctor visits, therapy sessions, and care team check-ins are standard practice.

Their clients can now see their primary care providers, specialists, or even physical therapists without ever leaving the house. Oasis caregivers help facilitate these sessions, ensuring smooth communication between patients and medical professionals.

Smart Home Safety Features

Falls remain one of the biggest risks for seniors. Motion-sensor lights, automated fall detection devices, voice-activated alarms, and smart door locks have become part of our 24-Hour Home Care offering.

Their team assesses each client’s home and recommends safety upgrades that make day-to-day life safer without compromising comfort.

How Oasis Private Home Care Stays Ahead

While many providers are just now catching up, Oasis has always been a tech-forward agency. They view technology not as a replacement for human care, but as a powerful supplement. Here's how they lead the way:

Custom Tech-Integrated Care Plans

From the first assessment, our care coordinators design a care plan that includes appropriate technologies. For example:

Clients with dementia receive GPS-enabled wearables.

Clients with heart issues use remote ECG monitors.

Stroke recovery clients use smart rehabilitation tools with real-time feedback.

Training Our Caregivers in New Tech

Their caregivers are trained not only in traditional care skills but also in the latest technology tools. Whether it's operating a smart pillbox or helping with a virtual visit, they’re equipped to provide seamless, high-tech support.

Client and Family Portals

Transparency builds trust. Their secure online portal allows families to:

Review care notes and schedules

View real-time updates

Message caregivers and nurses directly

This system makes Caring for Atlanta Families more collaborative, even from a distance.

Emergency Response Integration

Their clients benefit from smart emergency buttons and fall detection systems integrated with emergency services. In the event of an accident, help is dispatched immediately, and family members are notified.

This advanced protection is particularly beneficial for clients receiving Specialty Home Care or those with limited mobility.

Human Touch Behind the Technology

Despite all the advancements, we never forget the human element. Technology can detect changes, provide data, and improve efficiency, but it can’t replace empathy, understanding, or a warm conversation over tea.

Our caregivers build relationships. They learn life stories. They recognize subtle changes in mood or behavior that even the smartest device can miss. That’s why we believe the future of home care lies in combining innovation with heart.

What Families Should Know in 2025

Choosing a home care provider today means evaluating not just staff qualifications and services, but also how tech-savvy the agency is. Here are some important tips for families:

Ask about technology during consultations. What tools does the provider use?

Check if the caregivers are trained to use those tools.

Ensure data privacy and security are prioritized.

Consider hybrid care. A combination of in-person visits and tech-enabled monitoring can improve both efficiency and outcomes.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

With Atlanta's senior population rapidly growing, the demand for smarter, safer, and more connected care is higher than ever. Families want solutions that are:

Flexible

Scalable

Transparent

Affordable in the long term

By integrating smart tools with compassionate care, Oasis ensures that seniors not only live longer but live better. Whether it's Companion Care, Skilled Nursing, or Home Medical Care Services, their commitment to innovation is unwavering.

Home care is no longer just about having someone nearby—it's about having the right support at the right time, with the right tools.

At Oasis Private Home Care, they're not waiting for the future to arrive. They’re already living it—combining advanced technology with human warmth to provide the most effective Home Care Services in Atlanta. Contact them today via email or call (678) 777-7103.

[healthokglobal]

How Remote Healthcare Is Transforming Life for Elderly Living Alone in India

Imagine being elderly, living alone, and needing urgent care—but the nearest hospital is hours away. That’s reality for millions of seniors in India. 🇮🇳

The good news? Remote healthcare solutions are finally stepping in to bridge the gap. 🩺

I found this insightful guide on how remote healthcare supports elderly living alone in India—and honestly, it’s full of hope.

🌐 Key Solutions:

Telemedicine: Doctors just a video call away

Remote health monitoring: Wearables that track vitals and alert families/doctors

Emergency response services: Quick support in case of falls, strokes, or accidents

Medication reminders: Apps and smart pillboxes keeping treatments on track

🏠 Why It Matters:

Elders retain independence without sacrificing safety

Families get peace of mind, even if living abroad or far away

Healthcare becomes proactive, not reactive

💬 Technology isn’t replacing love and care—it’s amplifying it. ❤️

📖 Full story here: Remote Healthcare for Seniors in India

[fauxfurhat]

Stay Cozy and Stylish

The Charm of Faux Fur Hats

Winter is the season of cozy clothes, warm drinks, and, of course, stylish accessories. One fashion item that never goes out of trend when the temperature drops? Faux fur hats! Soft, warm, and oh-so-chic, these hats are the perfect blend of fashion and function. Whether you're heading out for a snowy walk or just want to look fabulous while staying warm, a faux fur hat can be your go-to winter companion.

But what exactly are faux fur hats, and why are they so popular? Let’s dive in and find out!

What is Faux Fur?

Faux fur, also known as fake fur or synthetic fur, is a material made to look and feel like real animal fur—but without harming any animals. It’s usually made from synthetic fibers like polyester or acrylic, carefully designed to mimic the texture and warmth of real fur.

So when you wear a faux fur hat, you're not just embracing a winter fashion trend. You’re also making a cruelty-free and eco-conscious. choice. That’s a win-win for style and ethics!

 

Why Faux Fur Hats Are a Must-Have

1. Warmth Without the Weight

Faux fur is incredibly warm. It traps heat and keeps your head snug even in freezing temperatures. Unlike some wool or knitted hats, faux fur hats are wind-resistant, making them ideal for blustery days. And despite their fluffy look, many are lightweight and comfy to wear for hours.

2. Versatile Styles for Everyone

Whether you love vintage vibes or modern flair, there’s a faux fur hat for every taste. Here are some popular styles:

Russian-style Ushankas: Iconic and cozy, these ear-flap hats are great for extreme cold.

Bucket hats: Trendy and cute, these add a playful touch to your winter outfit.

Beanies with fur trims: A mix of casual and classy, perfect for daily wear.

Pillbox hats: Classic and elegant—think old Hollywood glamour.

Choose a style that suits your vibe, and instantly elevate your winter wardrobe.

3. Cruelty-Free Fashion

More people today are choosing fashion that's kind to animals. Faux fur allows you to enjoy the luxurious look of real fur without supporting animal cruelty. It's a stylish step toward a more compassionate lifestyle.

4. Budget-Friendly Beauty

Real fur hats can be incredibly expensive, but faux fur options come in a wide range of prices—many of which are super affordable. So you can look high-end without spending big bucks.

How to Style Faux Fur Hats

One of the best things about faux fur hats is how easy they are to style. Here are some tips:

For a casual day out: Pair a faux fur bucket hat with a long puffer jacket and jeans.

For a cozy coffee date: Choose a neutral-colored fur beanie with a chunky sweater and ankle boots.

For a glamorous winter night: Go bold with a black or deep red faux fur pillbox hat and a matching coat.

And don’t forget accessories! Faux fur hats go great with matching scarves, gloves, and even faux fur-lined boots.

How to Care for Your Faux Fur Hat

Faux fur is durable, but it still needs some love. Here are some quick care tips:

Avoid washing machines: Hand-wash gently with cold water and mild detergent.

Air dry only: Keep it away from heat sources like radiators or hair dryers.

Brush gently: Use a soft-bristled brush to keep the fur fluffy and smooth.

Store smart: Keep it in a dry place and avoid squishing it under heavy items.

With just a little care, your faux fur hat will last for many winters to come.

A Hat That Makes a Statement

Beyond warmth and fashion, faux fur hats also let you make a statement. They say you care about the planet, about animals, and about expressing yourself. In a sea of beanies and plain wool caps, a faux fur hat stands out in the best way possible.

Whether you want to channel a bold fashionista look or just stay extra warm on snowy days, this winter essential is ready to top off your outfit—literally!

Abstract

Faux fur hats are more than just accessories. They’re cozy, trendy, and kind to animals—all while keeping you stylish through the coldest days. With so many designs, colors, and textures to choose from, you’re sure to find one (or three) that suit your personality perfectly.

So next time you step out into the winter chill, why not do it in style? Pick a faux fur hat and feel the magic of warmth, fashion, and compassion—all wrapped up in one fluffy, fabulous piece.

[wildbeautifuldamned]

Vintage Headways By Albert Green Velvet Feel Pillbox Hat smart dark greenblack ebay ellieandmac

[artisticdivasworld]

Discover the revolutionary eyewear that doubles as hearing aids! In this video, we'll introduce you to innovative glasses designed to enhance both vision and hearing. Learn about their standout features, such as automatic sound adjustment based on your environment, providing an unmatched user experience. But that's not all – we'll also explore other cutting-edge tech innovations for seniors, including a smart pillbox that ensures timely medication and wearable devices for seamless diabetes monitoring. Don't miss out on these life-changing technologies!

🔋 #InnovativeGlasses #HearingAids #SmartPillbox #SeniorTech #DiabetesMonitoring #TechForSeniors

Like and share this video to spread the word about these exciting advancements!

[olive-pup]

There's a notable lack of devices that help people remember to take their medication. Coffee makers have had timers and clocks for years, why don't we add some smarts to the pillbox?

[howilearnedtocope]

Traveling with chronic illness tips

Be smart, but be brave! As long as you aren’t putting your safety at risk don’t be afraid to try things and see how it goes. It might surprise you.

Plan ahead! You want to carefully consider all the medical things you use in your normal life and make sure you can bring enough for your entire trip plus some. That might mean getting meds refilled ahead of time. Make sure you count out all your pills before you leave just to be safe. Don’t forget about things you might not use every day like a rescue inhaler or maybe things like a heating pad that make your life much easier.

Don’t let comparisons to healthy people get you down. If you’re traveling with healthy people they might be able to do more than you. That is okay! You can have a deeply fun and meaningful experience even if you don’t do every last thing. Focus on all the fun stuff you ARE doing. Your trip is likely a whole lot more fun and exciting than your daily life and that is the real comparison that matters not what some healthy person could theoretically do.

Don’t be afraid to rest. You’ll have to make the judgement call, but sometimes resting might be better for your overall enjoyment than squeezing one more event out of the day.

Make it easy. A good system can really minimize the time and mental energy spent managing your medical care. For example, when I studied abroad we took many weekend trips around the country. Packing used to take me a long time gathering all my medical supplies and making sure I didn’t forget any. So I kept all the medical stuff I used in a bag instead of unpacking it. That way I could just grab that whole bag as a unit when we traveled, greatly reducing my time packing and making it less likely I would forget anything. I also had a small pouch with stuff I might need on a day trip (meds I take during the day, rescue inhalers, sunscreen, etc) which I could just transfer between bags which was much easier on a daily basis than thinking of each item individually.

Make pill boxes (once you’re there). For the same reason as above I highly recommend pill boxes, especially if you take more than 1 or 2 meds. It saves a lot of time and thought. Most pillboxes have detachable compartments so you can easily throw a day or two of meds in your bag. However, to reduce the chance of having an issue with airport security, you might want to travel with the meds in their original bottles and then make pill boxes when you get there. I often just make pill boxes immediately after arriving in my destination and then don’t have to think about it again.

Idiot proof your medical routines. The great part about traveling is it tends to get you out of your normal routines and habits. However, for medical care that can mean you make mistakes like missing medications when you never would at home, so go out of your way to idiot proof the things you need to do. Set alarms on your phone to remind you to take your meds even if you don’t use them at home. Put important meds on top of your bag so you can’t forget them, or even just keep them in your day bag so you will always have access if you do forget.

Communicate. I understand the temptation to not explain your medical needs, especially if they are complicated. However, I find that often just leads to more problems and miscommunications. Often it is easier to just be honest with the people around you about what is going on.

Have fun! I was so nervous to manage my complex medical care abroad, but in the end it was all so worth it. I am glad I was brave enough to take it on and I hope you can too :)

[ofcarnvge]

Unarmed

@annalis-e--shadowofpanem

The irony of the relief Pan felt was not lost on her. Go Go Yubari: a welcome sight for sore eyes. Life and its talent of making foe out of friend continued to impress. Amy, earlier in their training. Cereza, in a way, as well. Paris, most recently. And now, perhaps even Go Go.

“I’ve had my fill of poisoners,” Pan muttered. The first time her hand went to her stomach in search for a scar, rather than her daughters. She afforded her the seconds needed to combat the violent flashes, both of the past and of the future complications. A young Jiayi stood silently at her feet. She needn’t say a word--her bright hazel eyes were enough.

Pan put her thoughts back on track. “If the toxin is custom-tailored, we’ll need a blood and tissue sample.” Leslie was already at work. She had long removed her mask after Go Go revealed the nature of Bill’s craft. Now she was relaying orders to the plane’s drastically over-qualified paramedic. They would have a kit ready to send to Floss before they got back.

“O-Ren is stable, for all intents and purposes. “ Pan replied. “But we can’t wake her. It’s been about twelve, fourteen-plus hours now. As for Elle...” She shrugged. “I will withhold my pithy opinions of the dead. They don’t serve anyone. And for the record... I came to her and offered to help. I’m in a precious predicament and I’ve opted to do as much good as I can in the time that I’m allotted. But other than Elle...”

Pan’s eyes floated across the scene, the splattered tea, the corpse. “O-Ren did all this herself. I just gave her a bit of advice and a ride. I wish I had been here, to be honest. Maybe we could have avoided this.”

“Yea, that’s the shitty part of all this isn’t it?” Bowen sat on the table, directly in front of Bill. “No amount of talent and foresight and voodoo-space stones could ever change what’s happened.” She peered at Pan. “Allegedly.”

Somewhere in a pillbox cell, Cyanne worked hard to transcribe the stone’s instructions. It was the hardest she ever worked at building anything.

Pan was slowly growing more and more adept at separating the vision from the present. It took her only a second to refocus. “But, with you here now and what you’ve told us, I’m certain we can undo this.”

Bowen stood and walked away from the table, leaving Pan’s wedding photo in behind. Pan swelled with warmth.

“The same way I’m certain that the Beatrix debacle has a viable solution. But as you said, it can wait. If you would accompany us, we have a plane where O-ren is currently resting. I have to confer with a partner about how to proceed.”

Go go nodded. She looked down at Bill’s sword thoughtfully. 

      “I’m glad Elle’s gone.” A shrug. “That’s brutal to say I know but if you think she would ever have been taken alive or accepted a compromise you’re wrong. She had her faults...” The former bodyguard couldnt help a weary glance around the strangely tasteless palatial lobby of the mansion. “...But a lack of drive, however crazy, was never one of them. Something I used to understand quite well...”

At that her gaze landed on Leslie and her expression softened. It was a complex emotion. 

      “Anyway. You need to let go of any guilt you have on O-ren’s count. She’s a warrior. She was always going to do this in her own way, she had to. She’s been living with this stone around her neck almost her whole life. Would you have cost her the opportunity to be the one to cut the cord? Even if it meant it had worked out differently?” She shrugged. 

      “I don't know about Beatrix. I never met the woman. O-ren didn't speak about her much but you didn't have to be especially smart to know there was more to it than she let on. But I really hope you’re right, I hope something can be salvaged. I, for one, have had enough bloodshed for one lifetime.”

At that she tossed the priceless Hattori Hanzo blade behind her and it clattered to the floor near the marble stairs. It lay there as Inert and ultimately futile as Bill now was himself. 

For just a second the professional front that Go go Yubari could affect seemed to break and her expression flickered, brow pulling together, eyes closed. It was a mixture of exhaustion and relief. Even now, she was not a very tactile person, but she withheld the urge to reach out and grasp Pan’s arm - to know that somebody had O-ren’s back when she couldnt was an immense gift.

Her face straightened once again.

      “Come on, let’s get out of here. I’ve had enough of this god-awful house.”

[ask-hoxhaist]

Thoughts on the instructions for creating homemade bunkers in the "Protect and Survive" cold war films?

//If you need clarification, you probably know exactly who this is so I can provide a link

well I mean if you're being fucking nuked I doubt your house will help much but overall it's pretty practical if you're just an average person. going into rooms that are furthest from the outside walls are a very smart idea, we didn't really have those when we built our bunkers. the bunkers in Albania, specifically the smaller ones, were meant as pillboxes to be used against a possible invasion from either Yugoslavia or the USSR and were specifically made with the intent of being used for war and not as a functional nuclear bunker. however, many nuclear bunkers actually have been built

though nowadays people use them less as a nuclear shelter and more like a place to fuck

[distinguishedballoonluminary]

(via Alzheimer’s Smart PillBox)

[drabbleitout]

The Last Line Excerpt: Beatrice of Bostwick

Rune’s favorite part of the summer festivals was the arrival of people from different divisions of Anglia. There were those from South Command, bright and excited to use the Roman language with her. Central were much more to themselves, and in watching them mingle among their sister branches considered they were more reclusive than the North. Perhaps she had grown bias.

That, and she had yet to really meet anyone from Central.

“Who’s that?” Rune tilted to whisper to Becker, watching the slender Bijou lady speaking with Gabi and Maxinne. She had dark hair, pinned in an intricate swirled bun which peeked out from under the pillbox hat on her head.

“That’s Beatrice, from Bostwick. She operates one of the largest cities in Central.” Rune glanced around the pub, unsure how no one else seemed to notice her. “Would you like to meet her?”

“No, it’s alright.”

“No?” She heard his grin.

“I just didn’t recognize her, is all. There’s a lot of new faces.” 

“Always gets crowded. Come on, let’s sit at the bar.” he moved ahead, slipping past idling groups before Rune could protest. Every table was packed, not an empty chair to be found, yet not so many lingered at the bar.

“Earl Becker,” a call caught them as they chose their stools. Rune peered around him finding Beatrice of Bostwick hurrying over. She was stunning.

She was small and narrow, like Gabi, with a complexion that reminded Rune of cream. She had a long face, pale and smooth, with eyes painted dark to match her hair. Her hat and smart tailored dress were the same dazzling shade of emerald. Instead of a rectangle, she was built like two triangles stacked on their heads. The skirt belted in to show how tiny her waist was. Her legs were long, longer still in the black heels.

“Well,” she regarded Becker with a surveying look, up and down, “it’s been awhile, Earl.”

“Beatrice,” he nodded. “How are things in Central?”

“What, you and Lexikon still aren’t talking? Maybe if you bothered to visit you would know.” Playful. Rune had never heard anyone tease Becker, especially not like this. The way she pursed her red stained lips, thin brows lifting, teetered on flirtatious. Becker hummed.

“If he wasn’t in constant need of assistance, perhaps I could find the time.” Sarcastically soft, sporting. He looked at Rune, “you haven’t met my assistant, have you?”

“Oh," Beatrice's face twisted, "They didn't."

“It’s alright. This is Rune Vitale. He’s joined from Rome to help strengthen the alliance.” Another oddity. Becker never used the word ‘strengthen’ or anything of the like when referring to Rome.

“From Rome?” Beatrice’s voice pitched in wonder, batting long lashes. The color of her eyes was dark and deep causing Rune to fumble to meet her handshake. “Which state?”

“Italia.”

“Oh! Beautiful.” Beatrice stepped closer, doe eyes fixed in Rune's. “Your country, although you’re not bad yourself, soldier.” Her wink caused heat to grow in Rune’s face. She smiled brilliant white teeth, gloved hand fixing the lapel of Rune’s blazer. “Becker, he’s adorable. Why have you been hiding him?”

“I thought, of all people, you would have heard by now.”

“Oh really?” She tilted her head, hand hooking on her hip. “You think Lexikon talks about anything that goes on up here? I heard about the alliance, that we brought some officers in from Rome, but I didn’t know about him.” Her smile returned, giving a squeak. “I could eat him alive.”

“Go easy on him, Beatrice. I still need an assistant, after all.”

“Well of course,” she regarded Rune with the same, slow head-to-toe gaze. “I read you loud and clear, Earl.”

[everlarkbirthdaygifts]

Happy Birthday, rosegardeninwinter!

Today, we wish @rosegardeninwinter​ a very Happy Birthday! We hope you’ve got something awesome planned for your happy day that you’ll top off with some delicious cake later! To kick your party off just right, the wonderful @endlessnightlock​ has written a story just for you!

Author’s note- this story contains references to reincarnation and canon-typical violence. Trigger warnings include: references to suicide (canon-divergent) and sexual content. Rated M for these themes/triggers.

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“You may now kiss your bride,” the reverend says, beaming at the two of us.

My new husband steps forward and lifts the veil up and over my head- it’s attached to the brim of the pillbox hat I borrowed from my cousin Vera. 

She’d insisted it wasn’t purple at all but just the right shade of blue, so it counts as both my something borrowed and my something blue. My shoes are even older but prettied up with a bit of polish. The suit I’m wearing isn’t new either- new garments are hard to come by, what with a war on right now, but it still cuts a smart look. The corsage on my wrist will have to count as my new thing today.

It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing because we’re marrying at the courthouse while he’s home on leave from the navy. He’s being shipped off to the Atlantic next week. 

This isn’t the wedding I planned on having, but the groom is the right one and that’s the part that counts. 

His touch is gentle as he slides his hands around my neck until my head is cradled in his palms. When my face is close to his, he grins at me. 

“I love you,” he says before tugging me forward to meet his lips, cutting off the chance to get out my declaration. 

But he knows, he knows. His eyes say everything that needs to be said.

---

The stark, bright whiteness of the sun’s reflection off the cornucopia is searing my eyes. 

I drop the bow and arrow to the ground, hands shaking, shocked at my behavior. I can’t believe I drew a weapon on him.

“Do it- one of us should go home,” Peeta says, his tone insistent as he steps towards me. “It should be you, Katniss.”

When I say nothing, still in shock at the thought of what I almost did, he bends over and tugs at the binding of the tourniquet around his leg. 

Peeta is pale, his skin almost bloodless at this point and I know that he won’t last long if he takes it off. 

I imagine his blood pouring out on the ground. I imagine him dying before my eyes.

No, no, he can’t. I can’t lose him. I can’t go on… after this. I’ll never leave this place.

After everything that Peeta and I have been through these last few days. No one else will ever understand, no one else will know. I just can’t.

I can’t go home alone.

---

We stumbled together into what we were told at check-in was the Honeymoon Suite of the Mockingjay Inn. After the ceremony, we had supper with his Momma and Daddy. My folks are both gone but my sister came to wish us luck and serve as my matron of honor. 

We only spent a minimal amount of time with our families tonight, though. We’ll see them again two days from now before he ships out. 

I can’t let myself think about that right now, though. We have two days to be together before then, and we plan to stay alone in this room for every second of them.

---

We have little time left to make a decision now. 

I can’t let him do it this way. 

“Peeta wait,” I beg, “I just… wait.”

I pull a handful of the nightlock berries out of the bag at my side.

“No… Katniss, no!” he yells, letting go of the wrapping around his leg and limping towards me. “What are you doing?”

---

I lie naked beneath the sheets, watching as he buttons up his shirt and tucks it into his pants. 

I should probably get up and wash and dress as well. Time is slipping away. 

I’ll get up soon, but this will be my last chance to watch him for a good long while. We have to be at the dock soon and after we get there I’ll have to share him with everyone else.

But for this moment he’s just mine. 

He glances up at me. Smiles. 

I force myself to smile back at him. This is no time for tears. I have to be strong.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asks, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking my hand in his.

I bite my lip. 

He shakes his head. “Hey,” he chides me gently, “none of that.”

He leans over and kisses me. At the touch of his warm lips against mine, the emotion leaks out of that secret place I’ve willed it to stay over the last forty-eight hours. I beg the tears to stay back, will them not to ruin our last moments alone together until I see him again.

But of course, he knows. He leans back and assesses me, his eyes are soft, his expression comforting. 

“Just come back to me,” I whisper when I can find nothing but the truth to say to him, “promise me you will.”

He lets out a breath. “I will darling. I always will.”

---

We stand back to back, Peeta and I, holding out our berries for just a moment, letting all of Panem see what the Capitol has driven us to do. They will have no victor this year- consequences be damned.

“At the count of three,” I whisper, twining my fingers with Peeta’s.

---

Seventeen months and our eight-month-old son later, he comes home. Not entirely the man he was when he left, and certainly not whole. There are still battles in his mind, and a leg and two fingers he lost in the Atlantic, but I don’t care. He came back, just like he promised he would.

---

The light is so bright when I open my eyes again that I almost think we’re still in the arena with the sun glaring off the cornucopia once more, but I know better. The bittersweet flavor the nightlock left when I crushed it between my teeth is gone. 

Peeta’s hand is still in mine, though. I turn to him, catching his eye. 

I realize then that he no longer looks bloodless. He positively glows, his blond waves shining like a halo around his head.

I smile at him. 

He smiles back at me. 

I’ll never be alone again.

My head turns when I hear my father say, “Welcome home, Katniss.”