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wisteria-blooms · 1 year ago

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sunburns & dragons (charlie weasley & reader) (8/??)

CHAPTER DIRECTORY

TAGLIST AT THE BOTTOM! (Let me know if you'd like to be added or if I've missed you!) A/N: Sorry this took so long to get out! I've been experimenting using my iPad + keyboard to edit which messed up my coordination on my laptop, if that's any excuse. It's just been hard to edit in this little rut where I can't bear to read what I write, but stick around, things are going to get exciting after this...

(GIF credits to @alicent-targaryen; I have so much trouble properly crediting when the GIF isn't the first in the set, ahh).

CHAPTER 8: Foolishly thinking things would slow down after Charlie moved in with you, you find that you're dead wrong. In fact, he finds a new way to integrate into your life: by attending the highly-anticipated book club meeting your mother had invited you to. But as you watch women flock to him like bees to honey, you find another problem to deal with, one that involves your heart. (6.6k words)

CHAPTER 8: TEA TIME (YOU'RE SO VAIN)

And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your partner, they'd be your partner...

“(Y/N)! Congratulations on the new place—”

“It’s every bit as beautiful as Bill described to us—”

“Perfect for a new couple, truly—”

Fred and George strode through the ajar door while talking amongst themselves as if they were walking into their own place. They displayed absolutely no respect for your sacred space. However, you felt no need to stop them from where you were in the kitchen—you were expecting them on this lovely Friday afternoon. After all, you’d invited them.

George cradled a large, wrapped box. He was strong but you could tell it was heavy by the slight strain in his arms. Fred, conversely, easily held a bottle of wine adorned with a ribbon on the neck.

“Thought we’d bring some housewarming gifts,” George said, setting his present on the counter.

“Had to guess most of it, as you and Charlie didn’t have a registry of any sorts,” Fred quipped, a smug look on his face, proud of his insinuation of you being married.

“Very funny.” You rolled your eyes. “When are you going to give that up? You seem to be the only ones who know the truth, but refuse to acknowledge it.”

You should’ve expected their answer that was given in unison: “Never.”

“I do appreciate the gifts,” you said earnestly. Underneath their teasing tones, Fred and George were still your greatest friends, and you were appreciative of their generosity.

You laid two palms on the box George had set on your kitchen island. “What’s this?”

“Open it up and see,” offered George.

Delicately, you began to unwrap the gift, plucking the tape off and careful not to rip the paper.

“Save us the anticipation and just rip it open, will you?” Fred suggested, finishing off his remark with an animalistic shake of his head, like he was a lion tearing his prey’s flesh. The prey being your present.

“I’ve been conditioned not to do that,” you explained with a gentle sigh, recalling all your mother’s scoldings when you used to tear into presents as a child. When you set the edges of the wrapping paper down, you beamed at what was in the box. “An espresso machine! Really, Georgie?”

George nodded proudly. “Figured you’d need your coffee first thing in the morning.”

You enveloped him in a warm hug. “Oh, you know me so well.”

George rolled up his sleeves. “I‘ll get it set up,” he offered.

“And I’ve procured some wine for when you need a sleeping aid,” Fred added.

“Thank you,” you responded. “ Now I’ll have my morning and nights covered.”

Fred placed a hand on your shoulder and gently guided you away. “Let’s see Charlie’s room.”

You stiffened. How many times and to how many people were you going to have to explain this one? “It’s not his room.”

“Then what is it?” Fred queried innocently.

“It’s a guest bedroom.”

“We can debate the semantics of the love lair”—Fred had to suppress a laugh when your face contorted menacingly, and even George tried to stifle his laugh—“ but for now, give me and Georgie a tour of the this lovely place, will you?”

When the two jests had finally left after dinner, you closed the door and leaned against it. Fred and George’s footsteps faded with each passing second. You drew a deep breath. After the initial onslaught of visitors, being alone felt splendid.

You lit a candle and began drawing a bath when you returned to the bathroom. Stripped away were the comforts of Dobby’s aid and you were left alone to your devices. You were off to a good start and you were going to prove you could manage just fine. You submerged yourself in the hot water to wash the grime and the weight of workweek away.

When you were clean and dry, you slipped into a silk nightgown, the one with thin straps that hung over your shoulders and whose hem just covered your thighs. It was by far the comfiest because of how little material there was. You walked into the kitchen to fetch yourself a glass of water but not without admiring your space shrouded in moonlight first. The only thing keeping you from touching a blanket of stars were your windows. The flowers you’d received from the move-in were still in full bloom, the steel from George’s espresso machine gleamed, and your couch was plush and cozy.

It was lovely and inviting. You didn’t regret moving out at all, no matter how difficult the circumstances were initially.

“So this is what freedom feels like,” you hummed. You loved the feeling of wearing and doing anything you wanted—you were the master of the house.

You then ambled back to your bedroom. You set the glass down and walked over to the window to appreciate another view of the city—something you didn’t get back at home. Your eyes found the dome structure of King’s Cross station immediately. Hues of yellow and magenta surrounded the space to guide passengers and it stuck out like a sore thumb in the silence of the night.

You shut your curtains and crawled into bed. You wondered how Charlie was doing, if his train was timely and if the ride was comfortable. As you fell asleep, you hoped the answer was ‘yes, it was.’

You didn’t know what time it was when a light roused you. Your mind was still clouded with sleep and you had just the slightest bit of consciousness. A weak beam of light seeped out from below the bathroom door. You heard the running of the tap and the bristling of a toothbrush on teeth.

When the bathroom light flickered off, a new one flickered on. This one was more faint, further from you.

“Wow.”

That was all you heard before the second light shut off. You were far too deep in sleep to inquire about what you were seeing or hearing. Probably ghosts of Charlie floating about, taunting you and luring you into wicked, unthinkable dreams.

When you fully roused in the morning, you rubbed your eyes. The feeling of complete rest tingled pleasantly in your body. You walked over to the window where blackout curtains shielded you from the sunlight. You swung them open and let the light filter in, illuminating every crevice of your new bedroom. You walked into your washroom to brush your teeth, wash your face, and to tame your hair.

Remembering that George had generously gifted you an espresso machine, you hurried out of your room to get a sip of that sweet substance.

The first thing you saw when you exited your bedroom was a black topcoat hanging from the rack. Below it, mounted by the wall, was a pair of slightly scuffed leather boots. Fred and George left with all their belongings, so the coat and shoes couldn’t have been theirs. Your heart skipped a beat and fear consumed your body: there was an intruder in the house.

The most rational thing to do would be to bolt out the front door and to call security for help and enlist someone more qualified to dispose of the intruder. But pride got the best of you, and you decided you weren’t a damsel in distress who needed saving anymore. It could’ve been Fred or George coming back to play an elaborate prank on you. And when you fell for it, they’d never let you live it down. And the concierge would never let in an unauthorized visitor, so yes, obviously, there was nothing to worry about.

The only issue was that your wand was in the living room, shredding any chance of self -defence. Instead, you grabbed a metal shoe horn and tiptoed quietly down the hall to the kitchen where you could hear sounds of someone being there: a barstool squeaking, the kettle steaming, and some humming. The bass notes of a man’s voice wasn’t clicking in your memory. Now, you were starting to doubt it was Fred or George.

It was too late to retreat. “Get back!” you yelled with ferocity. You hated to admit, but you’d squeezed your eyes shut so you were waving a shoe horn aimlessly. How you passed Defence Against the Dark Arts was a mystery indeed.

When you heard nothing, and felt no signs of you being murdered, you opened your eyes.

This was no thief or intruder.

It was Charlie.

He playfully threw up both his arms in surrender, teabag in one hand, and pretended to fall backwards, tailbone digging into the kitchen counter.

You set down your weapon. “What are you doing here?”

He flicked the tag off his tea bag with his thumb, then let out a low whistle. “I think the question you mean to ask is, what are you wearing?”

Charlie’s question echoed in your head as embarrassment stirred up inside you. What were you wearing, exactly?

You looked down for the answer: a thin-strapped silk dress that barely covered your shoulders and thighs. Well, all that while brandishing your favourite accessory: the shoe horn.

“Is that how you win your duels? By distracting your opponent?” he asked.

You were so infatuated and caught up with the idea of independence that you had forgotten that Charlie had a key and that he was staying over. Combined with the adrenaline of thinking that there was someone in the house, you might as well have had amnesia. His presence did corroborate with the lights and voices you heard last night. Oh shit, come to think of it, he did warn you he was coming over before he departed on Wednesday, but in the mess of things like his and Bill’s untimely appearance and Alicia’s fervent teasing, you’d forgotten.

“This is just what I sleep in!” You were in a right state. Panicked, you tried to make fun of him. Maybe he would lose some of that unbreakable composure. “Don’t you sleep in the same thing? If the rumours are true, that is.”

Charlie chuckled lowly, his laughter rising in volume. “Are you seriously asking me what I sleep in?” he responded. “(Y/N), your mind is a literal cesspool.”

You didn’t want to give off the impression of being embarrassed, so you walked on into the kitchen like nothing happened. “I think I know the answer, based on your deflection,” you mumbled as you settled in the spot beside him. “You can sleep in whatever you like, Charlie, I won’t judge you.”

“I was going to say I often wear much less,” he added in a husky half-whisper by your earlobe.

Oh.

You hand squeezed the metal handle of the espresso portafilter. The coffee wasn’t going to be the only thing steaming in here. You didn’t dare turn your head. You could imagine the handsome smirk at the things he was making you think: Charlie and his naked torso covered in a sheen of sweat, languidly moving under the covers, each hard ridge of muscle skimming the sheets… “Well, that’s just dandy for you, isn’t it?”

“Do I detect a trace of sarcasm?” Charlie pouted, looking down at you. He gave you a nudge. “Need I remind you that you asked me first?”

You kept your mouth shut and fiddled with the top of the espresso grinder instead. It didn’t come off easily, so you tried to pry it off with your nail. When it felt like the grinder was going to take off your nail instead, you gave up.

“Have you made coffee before?” Charlie questioned. His larger hand enveloped the top and twisted it off with ease.

You seethed silently.

Charlie continued, unbothered by your lack of response: “I was thinking we could grab breakfast first and discuss how to use the espresso machine after.”

Charlie’s offer was sounding pretty scrumptious. You needed a jolt of caffeine stat if you were going to make it through the rest of the day.

“Fine,” you conceded quickly, shutting the machine off. “Lead the way.”

“Are you going to get changed first?” Charlie snickered. “It’s a bit nippy for that little number, isn’t it?”

You grabbed the shoehorn from the island. “If you aren’t careful, this shoehorn will meet your head.”

His mouth twisted in a way that made your heart flutter. “Whoa, you’re pretty intimidating for someone so small.”

Beautiful, crooked words.

“I’m really not just saying it for show,” you warned.

Charlie stepped back, face full of feigned fear. “I’ll believe it.”

You huffed and turned around.

“When I see it,” he added quickly.

You nearly stomped back to your room to change.

“So, if I am staying over Friday night, I’d like to keep some eggs in the fridge and bread in the pantry, at the very least. I get pretty peckish right after I wake up.”

Charlie was explaining his terms and conditions to you on the way back from the cafe where you enjoyed a breakfast sandwich and a coffee. You were grateful you kept your attire simple—a white shirt over some flowy culottes and a trench coat—because you would’ve felt ridiculous setting foot into a homey family establishment dressed otherwise. Charlie even had a long chat with the owners, a married couple in their late sixties who’d insisted on your meal being on the house.

After breakfast, you’d forgiven him for his teasing and stopped by the grocers to pick up some pantry staples. Charlie cradled a paper bag in one arm and looped a bag of tangerines around the other. Despite all this grocery juggling, he held the door for you as you made your way to the lift and continued to talk about his favourite topic: breakfast.

“Of course you can,” you replied.

“I appreciate you being alright with it. After all, there’s a decent amount of space in your fridge. Do you even cook?”

You reddened. “I only moved in two days ago. I haven’t had the time to—”

“Hm.” He cocked his head as the lift ascended. “Not much of an excuse given the rest of the space looks so furnished.”

“Fred and George came over for dinner last night with takeaway,” you retorted.

Charlie made a strangled noise. “I wasn’t invited?”

“You were at Hogwarts,” you reminded him.

He laughed. “It’s the thought that counts. The notion of me being invited. I thought you Malfoys were all about keeping up appearances.”

“You seem to know very little, Charlie,” you said as you opened the door, “about Malfoys.”

“You’re killing me today, (Y/N),” he said. He set his paper bag down and began organising his purchases on the island. “I didn’t take you to be so mean.”

You froze midway through taking off your trench coat. “I am not mean.”

He placed a carton of eggs in the icebox. “So, so, mean.”

You opened your mouth to say something but your words caught in your throat. You decided not to entangle yourself in the web that was Charlie’s teasing though it felt nice that he was so concentrated on you, and that he kept the conversation going. You sauntered over to the bookshelf instead and plucked out one of Madame Millicent’s books. You turned to the page you’d bookmarked, knee-deep in learning how to knead the most buttery and flaky pie crust. It would’ve been a really mundane topic, but this Millicent woman used such vivid descriptors that you could practically taste the decadence in your mouth.

“What’s this?” Charlie asked, walking towards the sectional.

“Something I’m reading for a book club.” Oh, shit. You really had to get going on those Madame Millicent books. The date for the afternoon tea was fast approaching and each second brought you closer to a due date of less than a week.

“Hm.” Charlie plucked a book out from beside the empty space, flipped to a random page, and began reading aloud. “Create a vacuum around his appendage. Use your tongue to stroke the tip of him. This is his most sensitive region. Make sure to gently lap any juices. Remember to engage in eye contact with him. Your eyes will be his undoing.” Charlie looked up. “Did you know that, (Y/N)? You may be on your knees or writhing under him, but you are the temptress with control, he is your subordinate.

You blanked out and blinked at Charlie. “What?”

“Is this what you’re discussing at your book club?” Charlie asked, handing you the book. His fingers touched the header. “Oral sex in flowery prose?”

You frowned. “You made that up.”

“I didn’t, but I’m flattered you think I write so well.”

You grabbed the book from him and looked to where he had been narrating from. To your horror, these were the exact words he’d read, except the addition of your name when he tried to get your attention. “I didn’t know it was about… this. It was supposed to be about female empowerment.” You looked at the book you were initially reading, confusion splayed all over your face. “Or at least her first title was?”

You skimmed your fingers over the textured spine where ‘Madame Millicent: Pleasing the Patriarchy’ was deeply embroidered. Well, this radiated a completely different persona than ‘Madame Millicent: Maître de la Maison.”

“Of course you didn’t, Miss Malfoy,” Charlie said with a snicker. “Wait until your father hears about what you’re reading now that you live all alone.”

You scoffed. “Actually, my mother was the one who recommended it.”

Charlie cleared his throat very audibly. “I’m sorry, what?”

You nodded slowly, never breaking eye contact with him.

Charlie shook his head. “Not the fair maiden, Narcissa Malfoy. She would never muddle her name with such sacrilegious affairs.” He stopped when a new train of thought struck him. “But that’d give our mothers a mutual topic to talk about, if they ever met.”

You eyed him curiously. Was he implying the saintly Molly Weasley indulged in erotica? Feeling awkward, you continued to talk about the book club.

“Well, Charlie,” you started, about to shatter his misconceptions about your mother. “My mother is part of the book club that Madame Millicent is speaking at next week. She’s invited me as well, hence why I’m reading her titles. And you’ll find that lonely housewives adore books like these.”

“Seriously?” Charlie’s eyes lit up delightfully. “You get to meet the temptress in person?” he asked excitedly. “Can I come, too?”

“Why would you want to do that?” You snapped your book shut. “There won’t be a single man there.”

“Why, (Y/N), because I’m extremely well-read. And I care deeply for female empowerment, especially in the brazen manner Madame Millicent portrays it.”

You cocked your head and narrowed your eyes at him suspiciously. “Really?” You shook the book he was holding. “Or just this title in particular?”

He eyed you curiously, a smirk spreading across his face. “I’ll have all these titles finished by next week.”

“You shouldn’t overestimate your ability to read through all this, it’s quite a bit.”

“Oh, I know my limits,” Charlie affirmed. “I’ll see you at this afternoon tea.”

“You really read through it all?” you asked Charlie, voice thick with doubt, as you walked on the cobblestone entrance.

Tea was to be hosted this afternoon at a venue your mother had written to you about. It was such a lovely place, green and whimsical, and its dreamy appearance befit its claim as a popular wedding destination. Evergreen shrubs, touched with the slightest amount of morning dew and rain, lined the path you and Charlie were taking. It had rained earlier this morning when the both of you were getting dressed in your apartment.

“(Y/N),” Charlie started. “We read all day yesterday. All day. You didn’t even let me take a washroom break.”

That was true. He’d gotten back from Hogwarts late Friday evening, slipped into his room, and woke up before you to work the espresso machine for the two of you. Then, you got right to it. You had both claimed the opposite ends of the sectional and read through the rest of the titles in preparation for today. Charlie seemed content to spend his Saturday with you, and you were elated when he nestled into the couch and made no plans to leave. He did head back late Saturday evening to the Burrow, but came back this morning to dress for the event.

You had Charlie for a full weekend, and you couldn’t suppress a smile at the thought of it.

“I had to oversee you reading the other two titles,” you teased. “Seeing you were so affixed on Pleasing on Patriarch.”

”It’s what I know best. I’m sure Millicent and I will have colourful discussions on it.”

You were received by a dapper little house elf in a bowtie at the front door who guided you through the hallway inside the mansion, then helped you down the back down some stone steps, before leading you into the gardens. It didn’t seem sensible or at all seasonable for afternoon tea to be hosted outside this time of year, but a warming spell that arced across the pavilion kept the women at the round table warm. The trees were blazing with hues of red and orange, nearly ready to shrivel and die as soon as the temperature dipped any further. At least they provided some colour in contrast to the dull, grey skies.

“How are you feeling? Cold?” Charlie asked. He fiddled with the collar of your tweed cardigan that you’d layered over a long dress.

You perked quickly at his concern for you and the brush of his finger near your neck. His touch was the only thing that was shiver-inducing. “I feel fine. What about you?”

”I’m at the perfect temperature,” he said as he adjusted his suit. He was wearing an outfit a touch toned down from when you had dinner with your parents. While you liked his bedhead and the mess of curls that he usually sported, you had to admit that he was unusually beautiful when he tamed his hair. It drew attention to the sharp juts of his jaw and cheekbones that were usually hidden.

The two of you continued down the steps and the further you got, the more the stunning set up came into view. A round table was constructed in the centre of the gardens. A tablecloth decorated in rich autumn hues—deep red and gold—draped over it. The centrepiece which consisted of candles, pumpkins, and a leafy wreath snaked around the middle.

“Charlie!”

You both looked up.

This voice did not belong to your mother. It didn’t belong to anyone you were particularly familiar with.

But when a grey-haired woman stood up, you could pinpoint exactly who’d called.

“Mrs. Cromwell!” Charlie responded first.

“Cecile!” she yelled in cheery correction, still a ways away from the base of the steps. She lifted herself from the chair, gloved hands by her side to help with her balance, and ambled as quickly as her old age would take her to where you and Charlie were standing. Charlie, not wanting an elderly lady to walk unsteadily to him, ran over and you followed. Cecile gracefully extended her arm as if pulling him over. Time had softened her bones and compressed some cartilage, and she seemed very, very small next to Charlie. “Remember me?”

“How could I forget?” Charlie chuckled, placing a kiss on the back of her hand. Cecile giggled at his show of chivalry.

As the twosome continued their conversation, you caught your mother beckoning you over with a glance. You left Charlie and Cecile and shuffled over.

“Why did you bring him?” Narcissa whispered, pulling you in by the arm. “I thought I made the invitation exclusive to you.”

“I informed you in a letter, mother,” you rebutted.

“And I responded saying there were no extra seats at this function. It is extremely exclusive, (Y/N).” Narcissa’s tone was sharp and stern. “Charlie absolutely cannot be accommodated.”

“Okay,” you said. “Then I’ll leave.”

”You are not leaving,” Narcissa insisted in a harsh whisper. “Madame Millicent is expecting you.”

You looked back up to where Mrs. Cromwell was leading Charlie back to the round table, a funny sight indeed seeing that Charlie had no issues ambulating, but Mrs. Cromwell was roleplaying a nurse supporting an elderly patient at St Mungos.

“Mrs. Cromwell certainly seems to want him here,” you muttered through your teeth. “She’d happily let him take her place.”

Narcissa let out a long, hopeless sigh, and her hands lifted to rub at her temples. “I kindly ask you to ask him to leave.”

”But—”

“Good afternoon, ladies,” a voice called out from the back of the house. Twelve heads spun around to the lady standing at the top of the steps. She was short, slightly stocky in nature, and cloaked in beautiful deep purple robes. Her greying hair was pulled back into a bun on the top of her head. Her features were foxy and homely, and if you didn’t have the context that you did as to who she was, you’d never have guessed she was Madame Millicent.

Her house elf scrambled in front of her. “Ladies,”—he glanced at Charlie—“and gentleman, may I present to you, Madame Millicent?”

Everyone at the table stood up as Millicent proceeded down the same steps you and Charlie had just taken.

“Who do we have here?” Millicent called out, fixated on Charlie whose arm now permanently belonged to Mrs. Cromwell.

”Charlie Weasley, madame.”

”Weasley?” she questioned with a quirk of a well-groomed eyebrow. “Now, where have I heard that before?”

Your breath caught.

Narcissa gave you a pointed look and shook her head slowly. If Madame Millicent hated the Weasleys a fraction of the amount your parents did, you’d truly come to regret inviting Charlie.

”Now I know why that sounds so familiar!” Millicent exclaimed suddenly, clapping her hands together with glee. “Molly Weasley. Is that your mother?”

Charlie nodded. “Yes.”

”Such a small world we live in, don’t we?” Millicent continued. “She came to my last book signing and we had a chat about my recipes that lasted over an hour. Such a lovely woman, so lovely. I reckon I’ll be looking to her for advice on homemaking for my next book. A powerful woman, too, raised seven kids, if I remember correctly, and put them all through school.” She looked up Charlie up and down. “She forgot to mention how handsome her son was.”

“Handsome? Wait until you see my older brother,” Charlie said, brushing off a compliment for the first time you’d witnessed.

Charlie’s comment certainly piqued Mrs. Cromwell’s interest. She looked up at him with an inquisitive look while Millicent did a quick assessment of the available seats and frowned.

“Well, that just won’t do,” Millicent tutted. “Gibbly, fetch me another seat for Mr. Weasley. He can be seated right next by me.”

Gibbly, Millicent’s house elf, dashed back inside the house to retrieve a chair. You and Narcissa just looked on with astounded expressions (like mother, like daughter). Neither of you expected Millicent would be so taken by Charlie.

“You could’ve given me that honour, Millie,” Mrs. Cromwell huffed with a displeased expression. “I wouldn’t mind sitting next to him.” When Millicent just smiled, you relaxed. It must’ve been an old joke between friends, you reckoned.

After Charlie was seated, tea had made its rounds. You stirred your earl grey with trepidation, knowing your mother was looking on, ensuring you were following good tea etiquette. You’d stirred for close to two minutes, preoccupied with trying to catch a glimpse of Charlie. You were seated left of Narcissa, so six seats from Charlie which was six seats too far and at a very odd angle.

“I want to get to know the unfamiliar faces in this room. Would you mind introducing yourself, love?” Millicent was staring at you.

You set your spoon down. “I’m (Y/N) Malfoy,” you said. “I’m Narcissa’s daughter. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Of course, I should’ve known,” Millicent said with a smile. “I can see your mother in you, but you take after your father so well.”

You almost retched.

Then, she turned to Charlie. “And what brings you here today, Charlie? I don’t recall seeing your name on the guest list.”

“Actually, (Y/N) was the reason I came today.”

Millicent leaned in. “Really?”

“Her interest in your writing rubbed off on me,” Charlie explained. “I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet you in person. Take it as you will, but I was quite literally on my knees to be here today.”

You squinted. Was that… a patch of red spreading on Millicent’s cheeks?

“Well,” Millicent chirped happily. “Let’s start our discussions then.”

The first part of the discussion focussed on her first two titles, Maître de La Maison and Tips for the Domesticated Witch. Women around the table praised her recipes and how the results were always a hit with all their guests at functions they hosted. You nibbled quietly at a cucumber sandwich as the conversation droned on, having nothing of substance to offer. Charlie, on the other hand, seemed very interested, and even asked questions: “Millicent, precisely, how important is the bain-marie method for a perfect cheesecake?”

“Now,” Millicent said suddenly with a clap. “Let’s move on to what I know you ladies are really here for.”

A wave of giggles chorused through the pavilion. You looked to your mother for solidarity, but she remained tight-lipped and looked displeased. Well, there was only one last book left to discuss…

“I wish I could’ve attended an earlier session, but I was touring Northern Europe for the release of Pleasing the Patriarchy all summer. I’m delighted to be back in England to discuss my latest bestseller with you.”

“And I wish Chuck was still here to witness all my learnings through that book,” Mrs. Cromwell added in a serious tone. “You couldn’t have finished that book any earlier, Millie?” Her quip earned a round of subdued laughs.

“Well, as I say to every woman, it’s never too late,” Millicent assured. “I reckon a steady dose of intercourse will keep all of us healthy and young on all accounts.”

”Trust me, I know,” Mrs. Cromwell said. “But I find men my age are so selfish and well-worn in their ways. I’m from a cursed generation where a woman’s pleasure was always secondary to her husband’s.”

“And it’s so awful,” Millicent agreed. “But you’re a crafty woman, Cecile. You must know a way around such a dated practice.”

Mrs. Cromwell made a face like the answer was obvious. “Of course, I only entertain the younger men now.”

An unabashed chorus of laughter erupted from the table this time. Mrs. Cromwell sent a wrinkled wink at Charlie, who smiled back.

“Speaking of younger men,” Madame Millicent changed the topic and looked to Charlie, “It’s fate that we have one of those here today. What do you think of the advice laid out in my latest release?”

“You’re still talking about Pleasing the Patriarchy, correct?” Charlie repeated.

“Yes.” Millicent nodded. “I’ve consulted a fair share of men as preliminary research, but I’m curious as to what you think of it, the feasibility and authenticity of the tips, that is, if you could comment on both.”

“Well,” Charlie started, leaning back in his seat, “I reckon your advice is fabulous, very feasible. You’ve really captured the steps precisely. Put it in better words than I ever could.”

“Hm.” Millicent seemed mighty proud of herself. “And have you been able to integrate these tips in the bedroom?”

“Ah,” Charlie stalled, his breath catching in his throat in another historical first. What happened to the ever-so-confident Charlie Weasley you’ve come to know? He cast you a quick glance. You imagined his hesitation was due to the fact that your mother was right beside you, and he was being lightly coerced to talk about his sex life despite keeping things as vague as possible until this point. The only people in the room who knew about you and Charlie were your mother and Mrs. Cromwell; you weren’t certain Millicent or the twelve others had connected the dots.

If Narcissa weren’t here, he might’ve been more adventurous in his answer. He shifted his attention back to Millicent in a flash; the untrained eye wouldn’t have sensed any hesitation. “Of course. I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity for self-improvement.”

“How considerate of you,” Mrs. Cromwell added with a dreamy, longing sigh.

“Very much so,” solidified Millicent.

“Millicent, what do we do if our husbands are so consumed in their work at the Ministry that they won’t even pay us the time of day when they get home?” a younger woman in her thirties, draped in a dark teal shawl, piped up. Her seat-mate nodded in agreement. “I don’t even have the opportunity to practise anything I read. I’m so terribly frustrated, Millicent.”

“Sadly, that’s not out of the ordinary,” Millicent consoled, sympathy written on her face. “Has he always been so detached, Anna?”

“Ever since we’ve started living together, it’s as if the passion has faded.”

Millicent nodded. “Through my research, there are a number of things that decimate passion in the bedroom: children, work, and moving in together. When you move in together, you sacrifice the feelings of excitement and mystery that fuelled the passion and intimacy at the beginning of your relationship. We tend to absorb our roles as homemaker or a mother and less of a sexual partner.”

Anna sighed.

“Charlie, do you live alone?” Millicent queried.

“I live with (Y/N),” Charlie answered without missing a beat. “Most days, anyways.”

Millicent’s mouth rounded. Mrs. Cromwell leaned in suspiciously at this revelation. Likely, her head was whirring around the fact that you spent time with Charlie in the bedroom.

“And if you’re comfortable sharing,” Millicent asked in such a delicate but firm manner that you know she’d definitely prodded like this before, “what fluctuations in your physical relationship have you experienced since moving in?”

“I reckon everything’s stayed the same,” Charlie mused, his eyes brooding in deep thought, “or honestly, at an increased frequency.”

Both you and your mother immediately turned as red as the sugar-glazed strawberries on the tart on the serving tray. Your mother coughed, the insinuation that Charlie had punched into the conversation—that you and him had sex—interfering with her ability to masticate. You buried your head down to evade curious glances and looked down at the table cloth. Wow, has crocheting always yielded such beautiful results?

Millicent leaned her face into the palms of her hand. “Why do you think that is?”

“Well, as you said, we shouldn’t forget our roles as partners. And with a partner so beautiful, it’s not hard.”

You were mortified. You thought about asking Gibbly to help you dig a hole into the ground so you could block out all the chatter about your fictitious sex life.

“Well, my love,” Millicent redirected her attention to Anna, “here’s what I think you can do to bring back the spark in the bedroom….”

An hour later, afternoon tea was nearing an end. Gibbly cleared out the trays and teacups as you followed the other woman on the trail back into the manor. Charlie stood back with Mrs. Cromwell by a gate. This old woman and her spindly claws just weren’t going to let go of him! Your eyes followed his body as he leaned down, almost on his knees to listen to what she was whispering to his ear, a corner of his mouth pulled up in handsome amusement.

‘She’s probably inviting him to her bed!’ you thought.

“(Y/N),” Narcissa called, gently pulling at your arm. “Let’s go somewhere private to have a chat.”

“Sure,” you responded, walking with your mother northward but eyes still on Charlie southward.

As you walked, you felt a sharp tug on your heart when Anna skipped over, teal dress grazing the grass, to join in on Charlie and Mrs. Cromwell’s conversation. Charlie’s smile was as friendly as ever as he chatted with a married woman who’d loudly and publicly announced she was lonely—practically a mating call if you’d ever heard one. He couldn’t be so deaf or stupid to ignore that, could he?

You felt forgotten even though Charlie made such a grand display of you being his partner.

You almost tripped over a divot in the ground, but you couldn’t stop staring at what was unfolding behind you. It reminded you of his chummy conversation with Mallory at the bar, him never brushing off Mrs. Cromwell��s forward advances, Millicent praising his looks and asking him invasive questions, and now Anna giggling at him. If he could be so forthcoming with all these random women in front of you, how many of them was he charming behind your back? All while crawling his way to sharing the same apartment as you?

But it didn’t matter, did it? Your chest felt heavy at the realization that he wasn’t doing anything immoral or wrong. If you were together, you’d be well within your rights to be suspicious. Factually, you were the one who tangled him in this ruse, and the only credit you could give yourself was that it got a little more complicated and spindly than you could handle. So, you forced yourself to swallow the apprehension about the women in Charlie’s life the best you could.

Narcissa led you over to a more secluded part of the garden where only the trees could hear your conversation. And you were going to be glad for it.

“Is it true?” Narcissa prodded.

“What’s true?”

“What Charlie said?”

“He said a lot of things,” you reminded her. “But yes, mother, the bain-marie method will yield a better-tasting cheesecake.”

“No,”—Narcissa shook her head—“about your sexual activity.”

“Mother!” you exclaimed in a whisper. You leaned out to make sure Charlie hadn’t come any closer. “I’d prefer if we discussed it later, or never at all, especially as it was already dissected in front of everyone.”

“I understand,” she said. “It’s a difficult topic, but I regret not sitting you down when you were younger, I truly do, (Y/N). It was a failure on my part. I had your father talk to Draco about these matters, but I need to make sure you’re taking care of your reproductive health before something unwanted happens.

“Of course I am!” you promised. “You needn’t worry about it.” Because we aren’t in a relationship. We aren’t having sex.

You wanted out of here. This conversation and the charades that followed didn’t feel exciting anymore. It now felt empty and wrong. It was a chore, trying to keep in line with what Charlie had announced, and you were certain he didn’t put a single care behind his words to you.

“Well, it would give me peace of mind if you made an appointment with our Healer. There are many options for contraception nowadays, much more than when I was a young witch.”

“Contra—”

“It doesn’t have to be at the first appointment, but Healer Tousignant will go over your options and you should take some time to decide what works best for you. I promise, she is excellent at what she does. And I won’t ask anything of it afterwards.”

You skimmed through all the options in your head. If you refused Narcissa’s offer, you’d be subject to more questions about your sexual health, and who knows what inopportune place she’d choose to talk about it next? In front of your cousins during Christmas in Switzerland? In the middle of Diagon Alley? At dinner where Draco and your father would be present?

If you just accepted the appointment, you could conceal the fact you weren’t in Charlie’s bed (despite a naughty crevice of your brain that controlled your dreams hoping you were).

A dull pain interlaced with the beat of your heart at the possibility of that person not being you. Reality told you it wasn’t going to be. It could be Mallory, Mrs. Cromwell, Millicent, Anna—

“Fine,” you agreed with a forced smile. “Tell me when, and I’ll be there.”

>> NEXT CHAPTER

CHAPTER DIRECTORY

TAGLIST: @badgerqueen07 @superduckmilkshake @k-k-merlin @kisskittenn @pluiesdefleurs@lilianelena39 @bathwater101 @evilunicorns4minions @noah-uhhh-what @earth-to-lottie @kissingyourgrl @sihtricswife @adalia-jaycee @anuttellaa @weasley-clan (Let me know if I missed you, or if you want to be added!)

#charlie weasley x oc #charlie weasley x reader #charlie weasley imagine #charlie weasley x you

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max1461 · 1 year ago

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Ok, the crux of my views on voting are this:

In a large national election, millions of people are going to vote. I do not know this by way of game theoretic calculations, I know it empirically. Each election, millions of people turn out to vote, and so barring evidence to the contrary I expect it to happen that way again. In light of this, should I consider voting to be an effective way for me to influence politics? I think the answer is unambiguously "no". There are millions of votes! Election margins are in the millions! The chance that my vote will change the outcome (and thereby, causally affect politics at all) is imperceptibly small. If my vote does not change an outcome, it has not causally affected politics. It hasn't even changed the margins in a perceptible way, so it can't be said to indirectly influence policy by indicating the popularity of my side, or whatever.

If my goal is to causally influence any aspect of the political process, voting in a national election is not an effective strategy to achieve this goal. I think this is basically undeniable.

I should note (as I usually do when I talk about this) that I do vote, but I do it for purely personal reasons. I find it fun to participate in the electoral process, in a civics nerd sort of way. So I vote in every national election, even though I don't think it does anything.

Anyway, here are some common objections to the point I've raised above, and why I don't think they hold water.

1. "If everyone thought like you, no one would vote, and that would be a problem for all sorts of reasons"

Very true, but also a non sequitur. Clearly, empirically, not everyone does think like me. Lots of people vote. "If everyone though like you, blah blah blah" is a conditional whose antecedent is false, so its truth value has no bearing on actual reality. Millions of people vote; in light of this, mine is functionally irrelevant. I think that's just objectively the case.

2. "If the winning candidate got N votes, then each voter contributed a 1/Nth of their success, so your vote did do something" (and similar arguments)

I don't know what this means. I don't know what a "1/Nth of a success" is. Let's say that I have three choices in front of me: A, B, and C. These might correspond to "voting Democrat, voting Republican, or not voting" or so on. Suppose that no matter which choice I pick, the outcome will not differ in any way. In the case of a national election, this is true: other people are going to vote how they vote, and the candidate who overall gets the most votes will win, and my vote will not do anything. The choices A, B, and C in front of me lead to identical outcomes. Does my choice do anything? Does it do "1/Nth of a thing"? I think making a choice in which all outcomes are identical cannot be said to be "do something"; even if you want to quibble over the semantics here it cannot be said to be a rational strategy for achieving any particular outcome.

3. "You're falsely assuming everyone's vote is uncorrelated!"

No, I'm assume everyone's votes are causally unrelated; no one's vote causes another person's vote. Because we have secret ballots, this is true. You're falsely conflating "voting" with "rhetoric around voting". I totally believe you can change other people's votes by using rhetoric on them, if you're good, but this is a totally distinct issue from how you vote yourself. In any case, unless you have a large platform I don't think your rhetoric will have a big enough effect to matter either.

4. "But an argument like this implies that all collective action is irrational!"

Yes. That's the whole reason collective action problems exist, because collective action would be "good if it happened" but actually participating is irrational for each individual (even, depending on the problem, if those individuals are altruistically motivated). But if you have a large enough platform, convincing other people to engage in collective action might be rational, and a part of this might involve participating yourself so that you don't look hypocritical. But most people don't have such a platform, so for them it doesn't matter.

#I'm just right about this but nobody likes it

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coppercrow · 5 months ago

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WIP Word Train

Rules: tagger gives a word, then for each letter of that word you share a sentence/excerpt from your wips that start with that letter.

Tagged by @softest-punk (thank you so much, I love doing these types of things!)

My word is TEAR

Also this is as good of a time as ever to reveal the share volume of Arcane brainrot going on through the fact that 3/4 of these are Arcane Jayvik WIPs XD

T - Miscommunicated Affection (Arcane: working title, fluffy oneshot set early in the S1 time jump, Jayce/Viktor)

The first time Viktor hugged Jayce, his first instinct was to ask if the other man was feeling alright. He didn’t do that though, because that would be rude. Probably. His second instinct was to just pretend it wasn’t happening. This was a difficult prospect, given that Viktor had, out of the blue, approached Jayce from behind and wrapped his arms around his waist like that was the perfectly usual thing to do. For the record, it wasn’t–Viktor had never initiated so much as a quick side hug in the months he’d known him, let alone whatever this was–however Jayce nonetheless went with this instinct because what else was he meant to do?

Standing in front of the blackboard, Jayce was acutely aware of the warm press of Viktor’s face between his shoulder blades, the line of his body pressing against his spine. His brain felt like it was short-circuiting and it took all his brainpower to keep his breathing normal. His heart on the other hand was a lost cause. This– this could not be happening.

(gods he wished it was though, this felt straight out of every indulgent daydream he’d been having for the last three months straight)

E - Ya’aburnee (Arcane: also known as the Pain AU, multi chapter canon divergent fic, Jayce/Viktor)

“Eh, failure is subjective. If you failed him, then it was no more than I did.”

There is a long moment of silence before in a tone of wonder Heimerdinger speaks. “Viktor? Is that you, my lad?”

Viktor looks down and meets the yordle’s wide blue eyes. They glisten brightly as he looks back at him.

“Yes…in the flesh, as it were.” That wasn’t exactly accurate, these days, but he is hardly going to go into the semantics of his own physical condition with the Heimerdinger. Not when the yordle looks like he is moments away from bursting into tears.

“My boy…I thought–we thought…”

The sentence trails off, but he can fill in the gaps. Viktor, we thought you were gone. Viktor we thought that your illness had taken its course. Viktor, we thought that Jayce’s death had killed you. He isn’t surprised. That had been his intention, after all those years, when he left Piltover. A careful excision of his presence from their lives, designed to sever ties with exacting permanence. Easier to let them think he was dead than know to truth. Easier to fade from memory than risk exposing the truth and facing the repulsion that would follow (and there would be repulsion).

“Some things were necessary, to achieve my goals.”

He watches as Heimerdinger’s face falls, and the inevitable path his eyes trace over his shadowed face, his cloaked form and gloved hands, the lack of cane. He can see questions forming behind those eyes–simultaneously ancient and yet so naive–and knows this conversation can’t linger much longer.

A - Banishment AU (Arcane: placeholder name, long multi chapter canon divergent fic from S1E1, Jayce/Viktor)

“As Junior Ambassador to Zaun? No. My mother would rather I wasn’t here.” There was a distinct bitterness to Caitlyn’s voice. “Last I heard she was still fighting the lifting of the banishment. It’s bad enough Vi and I are dating, she’s treating having Jayce back in the city as some sort of attack on the family honour.”

Interesting, he thought. He’d suspected the Council vote had been divided on lifting Jayce Talis’ banishment, but he’d have thought there might be some lingering warmth on Councillor Kiramman’s part for her former beneficiary, but it seemed not. He supposed permanently maiming her daughter was a good enough reason to sour that relationship.

“Are they sending anyone else from the Council, then?”

There was a thoughtful pause as she considered the question. “I suspect Councillor Medarda will make an appearance.”

Viktor fought a grimace. Councillor Mel Medarda had a frankly predatory interest in academics–especially the inventors–at the Academy. He’d seen her swoop, raptor-like, down on more than one young student at the annual Young Innovators Competition when it seemed like their project might have the capacity to turn a profit. It made him sick, the lack of interest in science beyond what money it could make.

He considered himself lucky that he’d been overlooked by her in the early days of her Councillorship (after all, nobody had seen him as anything other than the poor Undercity charity case). By the time his work started turning heads, he’d been established and well-funded enough through his Zaunite connections that she hadn’t been able to get her talons in.

His silence was telling because Caitlyn offered him a sympathetic smile. “She’d not all bad, you know. I doubt the banishment would have been lifted without her.”

R - It’s all about that journey to pleasure town (Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss, Chapter 12 of my ongoing fic, Asmodeus/FizzaRolli centric)

“Relax, Voxxy. He’s probably just busy.” Val said, and took a draw of his cigarette before blowing the smoke at his screen.

(Val said that as though he hadn’t been the one pacing their bedroom at four a.m two days ago, ranting about how Asmodeus was ignoring him, and was it him or had that backstabbing twink whore been poisoning the Sin against him.)

“Besides, what’s stopping me from sounding him out at the launch gala?” Val purred, reaching out a hand and stroking it up one of Vox’s antennae. The feeling sent electricity zapping down his spine and out through the complex network of nerves and wires that made up his physical form. He suppressed a shudder, though a faint electrical whine emanated through the room.

“You know how convincing I can be,” Val continued, before giving the antenna a sharp flick that made his entire screen glitch in a sudden burst of pleasure-pain. “Stop being a whiny bitch Voxxy and admit I did a good job.”

“Whiny bitch? I’ll show you–”

“Boys, boys. If you want to fuck about it, get a room.”

Velvette’s unamused voice snapped his attention across the room, where she sat upside down on her own couch, eyes still fixed on her phone. She was dressed casually–leggings and a cropped t-shirt with the logo of that pop singer Vel definitely didn’t have a crush on–hair pulled into two fluffy buns.

I don't have anyone specific to tag, but if you follow me and want to jump in on this please do! Your word is HIDE

#my writing #snippet #helluva boss fanfiction #hazbin hotel fanfiction #arcane fanfiction

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klysanderelias · 6 months ago

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so paranormasight spoilers

I'm not sure exactly where I'm at in the story but it's the 9am investigation with tsutsumi and mio - and I'm pretty sure I've got a few elements nailed down. 1 - the player character (me) is a ghost possessing the POV characters (like yakko, tsutsumi, shogo, etc). 2 - as a ghost (or maybe spirit, unsure of the difference) possessing those characters, I can influence them but not control them. This leads into 3 - I'm not sure if the 'use curse' button works. Which is to say, that I might be able to influence characters to use it, but not if they really don't want to (I only tried once with tsutsumi trying to solve a puzzle, and even clicking it I couldn't fire it, which might mean that actually the guy was telling the truth, or that despite me influencing tsutsumi to pull the trigger he as a character wouldn't). Shogo was the opposite case - I could fire the curse as much as I liked, but when I chose not to use the curse it still went off. I'm still unsure as to whether that was shogo's doing.

I'm also not convinced of what happened with shogo - at first I thought that he unknowingly killed yoko because she went to run away, and then I thought at the end of the prologue he was killed by the spirit of the whispering canal, and THEN i thought that he ended up being killed by Yoko inheriting the curse stone instead, and now I'm just not sure. It's clear from the narrator's comments that something else is going on - when he asked how many people I think shogo killed apparently the correct answer was zero - which could be semantics (technically it's the curse killing everyone) or it could be a sign of something else - obviously there's whoever started the feast of shadows but also when mio and yakko were in the school after hours a ghostly face appeared behind them (which I feel like was the face I associate with the whispering canal?)

But also that's kind of a weird situation because knowing what I know now, i'm pretty certain that the janitor is nejima (which is how mio gets killed with the one-sided reed curse) but also jonouchi gets killed with the fool's procession, which can't be something triggered by yakko (even if you try, it gets cut off by mio [AND she's seen by jonouchi, which clears the curse condition]). Which makes me think that actually the curse stones don't work the way the story initially presents.

And of course there's things like, I just learned about mayu chozawa and she's on the cover art, so there's obviously stuff going on with her, plus I know that there's two more curses out there past the seven mysteries, so it'll be interesting to continue to unpack that.

Overall I'm having a good time, I think some of the puzzles are a little obtuse (having to manipulate the different routes to coincide is a nice idea but a couple times it's felt a little confusing to try and remember where I left a route and whether I need to go back and replay it). It's a fun mystery, I'm liking that it doesn't feel like they're hiding things in order to make reveals work, one of the big sins of mystery stories in my eyes is when they try to keep you from figuring it out before the characters in the story, I don't see a problem if I guess the reveal halfway through as long as it's a good reveal. Shoutout to bbc sherlock here, fuck that show.

#paranormasight #anyway it's a good time

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ao3feed-psych · 6 months ago

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Not Subject to Truth Conditions

by genesisexorcistleviathan "I could picture you with him." She smiled wickedly. "The next time you go down on me, I'll be picturing him behind you." "Doing what?" "Guess." "Oh, doing me. Yeah, that tracks." He grinned. "I can see that." - After their double date with Barbie and Clive Noble, Shawn and Juliet enjoy a private moment on their veranda. Words: 1802, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 6 of Semantics Fandoms: Psych (TV 2006) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M, M/M Characters: Clive Noble, Juliet O'Hara, Barbie Noble, Shawn Spencer Relationships: Juliet O'Hara/Shawn Spencer, Clive Noble/Shawn Spencer Additional Tags: Sexual Fantasy, Finger Sucking, Vaginal Fingering, Bisexual Shawn Spencer, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Episode: s06e09 Neil Simon's Lover's Retreat (Psych TV 2006), Clive and Barbie Noble, Foreplay, (don't get me wrong fingering/manual sex/etc can be Sex On Its Own but in this case it's foreplay), Shules Plus, monogamish, (at this point they're still just sticking to fantasy), Bisexual Male Character via https://ift.tt/Kzn1jHq

#ifttt #ao3feed #fanfic #psych #psych 2006 #psych usa

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teine-mallaichte · 11 months ago

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Day 25 @whumperless-whump-event : Severe Burns Characters@ John and Katherine (and unknown asset in flashback) CW: sever burns, dehumanisation discusssed, living weapon.

Asset 84 master list

"this is why i left the military you know," John said to Katherine, the counselor seemingly engrossed in paperwork.

"What is?" She asked, not even looking at the man.

"The living weapons -"

"They’re people, John… Or 'assets' if you must differentiate," Katherine interjected, "Not… living weapons"

John sighed, rolling his eyes. The rehab team’s obsession with semantics was maddening. "Assets," he corrected himself, "As a soldier, you get desensitized to death… and killing. You tend to forget that they are human. In fact, you're told they're not."

He paused, recalling the missions and the encounters that had gradually eroded his sense of right and wrong. "But then there was this one… they had been sent to protect a tanker that my unit was tasked to destroy."

Katherine finally looked up, her expression softening as she saw the conflict in John's eyes. "What happened?" she asked gently.

"We blew the tanker up," he stated flatly.

John’s gaze grew distant, and the room seemed to blur around him as he was pulled back into the memory. The sterile brightness of the rehab unit faded into the harsh, flickering light of a war-torn battlefield. The clamor of gunshots and the acrid scent of burning fuel filled the air.

The remains of the tanker smoldered, a twisted carcass of metal and fire. Amidst the wreckage, a figure lay prostrate on the scorched earth, barely recognizable - an enermy asset, the tankers last line of defence.

The asset’s entire body was covered in severe burns, leaving the once vibrant flesh an ashen, charred black. Blisters swelled on their limbs and torso, their skin peeling away in ragged, blistered patches. The burns so deep that patches of muscle and bone were exposed, stark white against the charred, darkened skin.

John approached cautiously. The pain etched into every inch of their exposed skin, their eyes sunken and glassy. "I am… weapon… Endure… Cannot… fail," came through the charred lips in a fractured whisper, a haunting echo of their training and resolve despite their excruciating condition.

A lump formed in his throat as he watched the asset’s feeble attempts to move, their strength sapped by their injuries. The once resilient figure was now a broken shell, clinging to their indoctrinated identity in their final moments.

"Endure," the asset repeated, their voice fading.

John took a hesitant step forward, the weight of his actions pressing heavily on him. "Hold on," he said, pulling open his medical kit, but the reality was clear. No amount of bandages or salves could heal the extensive damage. Even in a fully equipped hospital, the chances of saving them were slim to none.

The asset’s pained groans and slowly fading mantra were punctuated by the crackling of flames and the distant sounds of ongoing conflict. As he prepared to administer what little aid he could, an overwhelming sense of helplessness washed over him.

The asset’s breaths grew more labored, their attempts to speak increasingly incoherent. John stayed by their side, offering what comfort he could. He had witnessed death many times in his career, but this was different. The assets, as he had been taught, were tools—resources to be managed, not something he was supposed to expend his time and energy on.

Yet, as the asset's life waned, the rigid separation between asset and human began to dissolve in John's mind. The asset’s eyes, once filled with steely resolve, now mirrored the raw, vulnerable humanity of someone facing their final moments. The pain etched into their face, the helpless gasps for air, and the indistinct murmurs of their final words all spoke of a person who was more than just a cog in the machinery of conflict. The grim scene forced John to confront the truth he had tried to ignore—this 'asset' was a person.

John’s gaze remained fixed on the memory, the weight of that day’s events bearing down on him. He blinked, bringing himself back to the present, where the sterile brightness of the rehab unit felt almost jarringly calm. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the memory settle back into the recesses of his mind.

“When the asset… person… died,” John continued, his voice thick with emotion, “The final look in their eyes was just so… Human. In that moment I realised that no matter what the propaganda says, they were still people. We are told to see them as less than human, but… I couldn’t ignore what I saw that day.”

Katherine's gaze remained steady, her empathetic silence encouraging John to continue. She leaned forward slightly, her posture signaling her full attention.

John swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving the distant memory. "It was like a switch flipped inside me," he said, "I decided the next day that I could no longer be a soldier… A few months later I joined the liberation force."

John shifted in his seat, trying to regain his composure. "I thought I could… I don't know, redeem myself i guess" he said, his voice steadying, "sorry… I'm not really sure why I'm telling you all this, I think something about 84 just reminds me that day."

Katherine nodded thoughtfully, recognizing the profound impact of John's experience. She set her paperwork aside, her attention entirely focused on him.

"It's important to confront these memories, John,’ she said softly, her own eyes reflecting a depth of understanding. ‘Every person we help here has a story that challenges us, reminds us of our own humanity. Your experiences give you a unique perspective, one that is invaluable in this work.’"

John tried to lighten the mood, though his humor was tinged with sadness, “And here I thought you were just here to keep me in line, Miss Counselor.”

Katherine chuckled softly, her demeanor warm. “I’m here to support you, John. Sometimes that means listening and understanding your struggles, too.”

"Well, as long as you are not charging for the unplanned therapy session," John mocked.

Katherine smiled, her expression a mix of warmth and amusement. "Don't worry, John. Consider it a freebie. And besides, it's not often that I get to hear such a personal story from you."

John offered a half-hearted chuckle, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Katherine’s warmth was a welcome reprieve to the raw edge of his emotions.

“You know,” Katherine said thoughtfully, “It’s often the case that those who have witnessed the worst are the ones who end up making the biggest impact in healing. You’ve seen what these assets go through, the pain they endure. That empathy drives you to make a difference now.”

John nodded, though he still seemed lost in his thoughts. “Yeah, I guess… I just keep thinking about what more I could’ve done that day. Maybe if I’d acted differently, that asset wouldn’t have ended up the way they did. It’s a hard memory to shake.”

“Regret is a heavy burden,” Katherine acknowledged, her tone gentle but firm. “But it’s also a powerful motivator. You’re here now, doing everything you can to help others who’ve been through similar hells. That’s something.”

#Asset 84 #living weapon #burn whump #whump fic #whumperless whump event

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the-chomsky-hash · 1 year ago

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B. Heidegger

1. The meaning of philosophical interpretation for Heidegger

[Intro:] What does this activity consist of for Heidegger, which since the 19th century has had the ambiguous status of historical criticism

of a work, of the interpretation of the philosophical meaning of a thought and of semantics?

of the truth which is pronounced by this thought through this work?

i. From Hegel to Dilthey and Nietzsche, all philosophy

not only carries with it the possibility of a Deutung [interpretation] of philosophical history

but it experiences and recognizes itself in its philosophical sense, by the fact that it is the necessary historical condition for the possibility of this Deutung

[That is to say,] since the nineteenth century,

[on one hand,] philosophy has been interpreted as interpretation and founded as the foundation of its history

but [on the other hand,] it is founded as the foundation of its history because it has been interpreted as interpretation

– Michel Foucault, The Aim of Anthropology, (Nietzsche's Interpreters), d'apres La Question Anthropologique, Cours 1954-1955, edited by Ariana Sforzini

#foucault #philosophy

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girl4music · 1 year ago

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youtube

Wow. Holy shite. What an amazing human being.

They get it. They absolutely get it. The whole fitting into a box bullshit. Pushing aside our true nature as human beings to be and do what we think is our truth but is actually just force-fed social conditioning to please everybody that doesn’t have our best interests or care about what or who we are as a human being.

Whenever I talk about not believing in identity, what I mean is it’s a story of “I am” that we tell ourselves to be and do to navigate in this incredibly harsh and toxic world thinking that we’ll be better for it when it’s really just preventing our soul’s evolution. The pain in our bodies and minds that we can experience when we force ourselves to be somebody we’re absolutely not.

I’m not surprised that now Dom has come home to their most authentic self that they don’t want to act anymore. Playing characters that don’t align with who we are as people must be incredibly tough to do when you value your higher self and true nature as it really is.

They were very brave to express this and post it knowing the reputation they have as an actor.

I am really just completely floored at this. It was very beautifully and candidly put. They’re clearly a writer.

And I’ve really got to stop referring to them by and as “Dominique” when they’re only comfortable with “Dom” for any kind of noun to refer to them by and as. Not sure about “Provost-Chalkley”. But I will always have massive love, respect and support for someone who is being the most ‘me’ that they’ve ever been even when it would work in their favour professionally and financially to continue portraying not like them.

I’ve noticed actors/singers in the spotlight are a good majority of famous people that go on this journey and I can totally understand why. The industry sucks balls and it takes behemoth courage and strength to look it in the eyes and say “This is not who I am or where I’m meant to be but I’m grateful for the journey because without it, I would have never come to my true self.”

And Dom’s right. You have got go through a few wrong lifestyle turns before you finally find the right path for you. I often say that “all ways are the right way always” which can sound confusing and contradictory to what I actually mean by it. But essentially, I just mean that you never come home to what and who you truly are without first being lost on the journey of it.

And this is why I take issue with phrases like “finding yourself” or “discovering yourself” when talking about this subject because it’s a misunderstanding of what actually happens when you go on this spiritual journey.

You never “find” or “discover” anything. You create it because it’s already inherently what and who you are. So you’ve been, are and will be creating it for eternity. Therefore, fundamentally, the journey of it never ends. We are tied with nature because we are nature and the true definition of nature is change or transformation so we are not meant to fit into specific little boxes because it’s counterintuitive to our true authentic self.

It’s really bloody difficult to explain “I am” without using references or expressions of identification. Without using terms and definitions and categories. Without using language and semantics and concepts.

You can’t assert your authentic self to someone else without using layers of lies attached to your person. But thankfully, you can express it through creation.

And that’s obviously what Dom PC has chosen to do.

I wish them all the best on continuing their journey and will be there to support their endeavours on it.

#dom pc #the journey home #I am #queer #nonbinary #genderfluid #intuitive #a creator #start the wave #authenticity #true nature #spiritual journey #change #transformation #evolution

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omegaphilosophia · 9 months ago

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The Philosophy of Universal and Existential Quantifiers

The philosophy of universal quantifiers and existential quantifiers deals with how these logical tools are used to express general and particular statements, respectively, and the implications of their use in formal logic, mathematics, and philosophy. These quantifiers are fundamental in the study of logic, helping to clarify the structure of arguments, the nature of truth, and the meaning of propositions.

Key Concepts in the Philosophy of Quantifiers:

Universal Quantifier (∀):

Definition: The universal quantifier, denoted by ∀, is used to express that a statement is true for all members of a particular domain. For example, the statement "∀x (P(x))" means "For all x, P(x) is true."

Example: In a mathematical context, "∀x (x > 0 → x² > 0)" means "For all x, if x is greater than 0, then x squared is greater than 0."

Philosophical Implications: The use of the universal quantifier is central to discussions about generality and the nature of universal truths. Philosophers debate whether statements involving universal quantifiers reflect objective truths about the world or are simply linguistic conventions.

Existential Quantifier (∃):

Definition: The existential quantifier, denoted by ∃, is used to express that there is at least one member of a particular domain for which a statement is true. For example, "∃x (P(x))" means "There exists at least one x such that P(x) is true."

Example: In mathematics, "∃x (x² = 4)" means "There exists an x such that x squared equals 4," which would be true for x = 2 and x = -2.

Philosophical Implications: The existential quantifier raises questions about existence and the ontological commitments of statements. When we say "There exists," what kind of existence are we affirming? This leads to discussions about the nature of existence in various domains (e.g., mathematical, physical, abstract).

Scope and Binding:

Scope: The scope of a quantifier is the part of the statement to which the quantifier applies. Understanding the scope is crucial in determining the meaning of logical expressions.

Binding Variables: Quantifiers bind variables, meaning they specify the domain over which the variable ranges. A variable within the scope of a quantifier is considered bound by that quantifier, whereas a variable outside its scope is free.

Quantifiers in Formal Logic:

Predicate Logic: Universal and existential quantifiers are central to first-order predicate logic, where they allow for the formulation of complex statements about properties and relations. Predicate logic extends propositional logic by including quantifiers and variables that can represent objects in a domain.

Truth Conditions: The truth conditions of statements involving quantifiers depend on the domain of discourse. A universally quantified statement is true if the predicate holds for every element in the domain, while an existentially quantified statement is true if the predicate holds for at least one element.

Philosophical Debates:

Quantifier Variance: Some philosophers, like Hilary Putnam, have argued for "quantifier variance," the idea that the meaning of quantifiers can vary depending on the context, and that different ontological commitments can lead to different interpretations of what exists.

Ontological Commitment: The use of quantifiers in logical expressions often implies certain ontological commitments. For example, stating "∃x (P(x))" suggests a commitment to the existence of at least one object in the domain that satisfies P(x). Philosophers debate whether such commitments are necessary or merely linguistic conventions.

Free Logic: In response to issues of ontological commitment, some logicians have developed "free logic," which allows for the use of quantifiers without assuming the existence of the objects they quantify over. This is particularly relevant in discussions about non-existent or hypothetical entities.

Applications in Philosophy:

Philosophy of Language: In the philosophy of language, quantifiers play a crucial role in understanding meaning, reference, and truth. Debates about the semantics of natural language often involve how universal and existential quantifiers are used in everyday speech.

Metaphysics: Quantifiers are central to metaphysical debates about universals, particulars, and the nature of existence. For instance, discussions about whether universal statements (like "All humans are mortal") are necessarily true, and what that says about the nature of humanity and mortality.

Epistemology: In epistemology, quantifiers are involved in formulating theories of knowledge. For example, when discussing the extent of human knowledge, philosophers might use universal quantifiers to express general knowledge claims or existential quantifiers to assert the existence of specific knowledge.

The philosophy of universal and existential quantifiers is foundational to logic, mathematics, and philosophical inquiry. These quantifiers allow us to express general and particular statements, clarify the structure of arguments, and explore deep questions about existence, truth, and meaning. Their proper use and interpretation are crucial to understanding not only formal systems but also the nature of reality and our linguistic practices.

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enby-denby · 1 year ago

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Let me tell you about two conditions which-- while not themselves chronic, can lead to lifelong medical complications and even death: hypermagica and hypomagica.

You see, humans did not evolve natively to cast magic-- this is why human sorcerors are so rare, and so many get their powers from pacts with more powerful beings such as gods, devils, fey, etc. It doesn't really matter how the magic gets into your system, but once it's there you've got to manage the HELL out of it.

Hypomagica is probably the easier of the two to understand: you cast to many/too powerful spells without taking the occasional long rest and you die. Many people believe this is because magic is inherently stressful on the human body, which is... almost correct. The truth is, every time you cast a spell you are mostly bruning up mana, but a little bit of physical energy is burnt up too. This is why in an adventuring party, the casters eat just as much as the warriors; at the end of the day, the amount of calories spent per attack averages out. But once the mana in your system is burnt out (aka you are "out of spell slots" as the oversimplified visualization depicts it), your body will still respond to the semantic and verbal components of your spells... it will instead fuel them entirely through physical energy stores. A level-one spell cast by a hypomagica caster can completely deplete fat stores or cause muscles to rapidly atrophy, and there is a morbid joke among warlocks that "all magic becomes blood magic if you overdo it" that is sadly quite accurate. It can take months to recover from a hypomagica event, and in addition to other medical complications once there mana reserves do restore, they will always be a little weaker than what they were before.

Hypermagica, on the other hand, is what you get when well meaning (but stupid) parents try to suppress the sorcery manifesting in their children, or when a proud knight refuses to acknowledge the latent sorcery in their blood and supress it rather than dabble in spells word shenanigans. Because then, the magic builds in the system-- and it can build up A LOT being an ethereal substance with almost no mass of its own. The effects range from regular blood-poisoning symptoms-- fever, paleness, heart palpitations, and so on-- to more inexplicable manifestations. When you hear stories of people spontaneously turning into amphibians or deer, and they never find out who cast the spell, it's likely the poor saps cast it on themselves-- with hypermagica. Other reported cases had prognosis of vomiting up fireballs, slowly turning into stone or wood, exploding, imploding, and at least once an impulsive man's ideation manifesting as minor-grade wishes

Every school of magic has its own "Lesson One", an essential piece of knowledge for becoming adept at that type of spellcasting. Wizards need to take good notes, clerics need to observe their God's customs and edicts, bards need to inspire others with their praise and antics. But there is an unspoken-- yet deeply important and universally understood Lesson Zero brought up in every school of magic: EVERYTHING in moderation.

What are some chronic illnesses that can only occur in a fantasy setting?

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albireocountdown · 2 months ago

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trial 4.1 | re: rory, conan

Good luck?. An eye twitch.

"Luck is not what's gonna get us outta this hell-hole. Thanks, though... professor." The words come out heavy and repressed, laced in sarcasm, the last one voiced in a way that makes it sound like he had a qualifier in mind to punctuate his sentence, but decided against it at the very last second.

Jake's arms cross in front of his chest, his head tipping down to let his visor cover up his eyes to as many people as possible while Rory speaks. There's not much to say to her, he agrees on most of it.

"One of the papers says he died of illness complications. I don't know 'bout you, maybe one of you has the crazy fuckin' ability to manipulate the cells in people's bodies with some magic shit, but I'm pretty sure what killed him the first time is the illness." A hand moves to his chin, pensive, "Unless... who knows. The Game he played resulted in worsening his condition. Like. Magically. In which case, you can argue the winner of that game killed him indirectly. I guess semantics don't matter here, though. We're trying to see who killed him now, and who's obviously in cahoots with him."

"...Also, somehow, this whole thing is a game, too? Like-- the whole time, those two were watching us and betting on us like racehorses? And now Sou just chooses to die last before he can answer any of our questions?"

That's when his head snaps back, eyes searching the walls and ceiling for- anything. Screens, mostly, or cameras. That's where a hypothetical 'Barnaby' would've seen him.

"Hey, Sou- I just wanna know, since dying in this train apparently means nothing metaphysically," His teeth are bared more than usual, short of resembling a snarling hound, "What would you have done if somebody else was killed before you? Was your stupid sacrifice worth it?!"

Jake, in hindsight, has a complicated history with matters of sacrifice-- or, more specifically, his family has made it into a hot button topic ever since they lost a father figure in nebulous conditions.

He died for all of us, argues Sergio. -- Did he even die? Javier counters, he could've driven up to La Rioja, reinvented his life or some shit. -- Sergio turns instantly red from rage. You know what happened at that time. Don't you dare bring it into question. -- I'm not denying what happened. I'm saying he could've used that as a convenient cover to disappear on his own terms. He was not as concerned with righteousness as you think, he was a fucking coward. He dropped off his family at Ezeiza, didn't even turn back, left mom to fend for herself, pseudo-divorced with two kids in bumfuck, Louisiana during the fucking seventies. Don't act like you don't hate him too.

Jake was ten when he overheard the conversation that ensued into a fist-fight between the two grownups. They had no problem tearing each other apart, fighting for ownership over truth and righteousness, but when Jake asked them 'is sacrifice good or bad?', the answer was never cut an dry; it always started with 'it's stupid, but-' or 'it's stupid, and-'.

... Knowing all that, what opinion could he really form about Sou? It's not like he owed them anything like a father would to his wife and kids, but what right did he think he have to--

...

"Whatever." His head tips back down, his fingernails dig crescents into the skin of his arms (though gently avoiding the tattoo of a poorly drawn dog). "I wanna know who asked you to facilitate the proceedings. Is it that fucking Nogawa person?" The question is directed at Conan, though... "... I don't expect to get an answer, either way. Tsk."

#albireo countdown #ch4 #ch4 trial #Jake

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gayanelogic · 4 months ago

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A Comprehensive Analysis of Quaternary Logic Functions

Gayane Quaternary Logic (GL4) represents an innovative advancement in logical systems that extends beyond traditional binary logic by incorporating four fundamental values instead of the conventional two. Developed by Martirosyan Hovhannes with its formal specification published on March 4, 2025, this quaternary logic system introduces a sophisticated framework for logical operations through an extensive set of functions and operators. GL4 distinguishes itself by incorporating not only truth and falsity but also the novel dimensions of inevitability and avoidability, creating a rich logical system capable of more nuanced expression than classical binary logic. This report examines the various functions that form the foundation of the GL4 system, analyzing their definitions, operational characteristics, and interactions within this quaternary logic framework.

Foundational Value System of GL4

The GL4 system employs a hierarchical structure of logical values that forms the basis for all its functions and operations. Understanding this value system is essential before exploring the specific functions that operate within it.

Basic and Elementary Values

At the foundation of GL4 are four basic values (Bvag) that represent the primary logical concepts within the system12:

T (True) - Represents truthfulness or validity

F (False) - Represents falsehood or invalidity

I (Inevitable) - Represents necessity or universality

P (Avoidable) - Represents contingency or possibility

From these basic values, GL4 derives four elementary values (Evag) that form the core quaternary components of the system12:

B (IF, Inevitable False) - Represented in binary as 01 (Verity=0, Inevitability=1)

C (PF, Avoidable False) - Represented in binary as 00 (Verity=0, Inevitability=0)

D (PT, Avoidable True) - Represented in binary as 10 (Verity=1, Inevitability=0)

E (IT, Inevitable True) - Represented in binary as 11 (Verity=1, Inevitability=1)

Each of these elementary values carries rich semantic content. For instance, B (Inevitable False) represents absolute impossibility or paradoxicality - concepts that are necessarily false under all conditions. In contrast, E (Inevitable True) represents absolute truth or necessity - concepts that must be true under all circumstances, such as mathematical axioms1.

Composite Values System

GL4 extends beyond the four elementary values to define a comprehensive system of 16 composite values (Covag), labeled from A through P and T. These composite values represent various combinations of the elementary values, enabling more complex logical expressions12:

A - Represents an empty or null value

B through E - Correspond to the elementary values

F through N, P, T - Represent specific combinations of elementary values

For example, the composite value F represents the combination of elementary values B and C (Inevitable False and Avoidable False), essentially capturing the concept of falsehood regardless of its inevitability status. Similarly, T represents the combination of D and E (Avoidable True and Inevitable True), capturing the concept of truth regardless of inevitability12.

Unary Operators in GL4

GL4 incorporates an extensive array of unary operators that perform transformations on individual values. These operators form the foundational functions of the GL4 system.

Elementary Transformation Functions

The GL4 system defines several key unary operators for transforming elementary values (Evag), collectively known as UnUnTEv (Unary-Unary Transformations for Evag)1:

avtin (Avoidable To Inevitable) - Transforms avoidable values to inevitable ones while preserving their truth status, following the pattern: B→B, C→C, D→E, E→E. This function effectively increases the inevitability dimension of logical values.

intav (Inevitable To Avoidable) - Performs the opposite transformation of avtin, converting inevitable values to avoidable ones while maintaining their truth status, following the pattern: B→C, C→C, D→D, E→D. This function decreases the inevitability dimension of values.

rvty (Reverse Verity) - Reverses the truth status of values while maintaining their inevitability status, following the pattern: B→E, C→D, D→C, E→B. This function essentially inverts the truth dimension of logical values, transforming falsehood to truth and vice versa.

rity (Reverse Inevitability) - Reverses the inevitability status of values while preserving their truth status, following the pattern: B→C, C→B, D→E, E→D. This function inverts the inevitability dimension of logical values, converting inevitable to avoidable and vice versa.

ueCir (Circle) - Implements a circular transformation of elementary values, following the pattern: B→C, C→D, D→E, E→B. This cyclic function provides a rotation mechanism within the elementary value space.

These transformation functions constitute fundamental operations within GL4, enabling systematic manipulations of logical values along different dimensions. For instance, by applying rvty to E (Inevitable True), we obtain B (Inevitable False), effectively negating the truth value while preserving the inevitability status1.

Conversion and Decomposition Functions

GL4 includes specialized functions for converting between different representations and decomposing complex values1:

Etds (Evag To Decimal Single-digit) - Converts elementary values to their decimal representations following the mapping: B→0, C→1, D→2, E→3. This function facilitates numerical operations with GL4 values.

Deco (Decompose Covag) - Decomposes composite values into their constituent elementary values. For example, when applied to composite value H, Deco returns the set {B, C, D}, indicating that H comprises these elementary values. This function enables analysis of complex logical constructs.

These functions provide essential utilities for working with GL4 values, enabling conversions between different representations and decomposition of complex values into their fundamental components1.

Status and Negation Operators

GL4 incorporates a variety of status and negation operators for manipulating logical values1:

Ald (Status Operator) - Manipulates values through positive (Ps) and negative (Ng) transformations. When applied with positive status, it preserves the original value; with negative status, it inverts the value according to specific transformation rules.

ucNeg, ucNegB, ucNegC, ucNegD, ucNegE - These operators implement various forms of negation for composite values (Covag), following predefined transformation tables. For instance, ucNeg performs a general negation operation, while ucNegB negates values specifically with respect to the elementary value B.

These operators provide sophisticated mechanisms for manipulating the status and polarity of logical values within the GL4 framework, enabling complex logical transformations and operations1.

Binary Operators and Functions

GL4 includes a comprehensive set of binary operators that operate on pairs of values, producing outputs according to specific operational rules. These binary functions form a crucial component of the GL4 system's expressive capabilities.

Elementary Value Binary Functions

GL4 defines several binary functions specifically for elementary values (Evag), collectively referred to as Ebft (Evag Binary Function Table)1:

logMin (Logical Minimum) - Computes the logical minimum of two elementary values, following the principle that E>D>C>B. This function implements a minimum operation within the GL4 value hierarchy, producing the lower of the two input values.

logMax (Logical Maximum) - Calculates the logical maximum of two elementary values, adhering to the same hierarchical principle (E>D>C>B). This function implements a maximum operation, producing the higher of the two input values.

ebSum1, ebSum2 - Implement different addition functions for elementary values, following specific transformation tables. These functions define the semantics of addition within the GL4 framework, with each function following its own set of rules for combining elementary values.

ebPow1, ebPow2, ebPow3 - Implement various power functions for elementary values, following specific transformation tables. These functions define the semantics of power operations within GL4, with each function implementing its own rules for calculating powers of elementary values.

These binary functions provide fundamental operations for logical computations within GL4, enabling complex expressions and evaluations involving elementary values. For example, ebSum1 implements addition operations like B+D=D and C+E=E, following specific rules defined in its transformation table1.

Binary Bit Operations

GL4 includes a set of binary operations that manipulate individual bits within binary representations, classified as UnUnB (Unary-Unary Binary)1:

zBit (Zero Bit) - Always returns 0 regardless of the input bit value, following the pattern: 0→0, 1→0. This function provides a constant zero output.

eBit (Equivalent Bit) - Returns the same value as the input bit, following the pattern: 0→0, 1→1. This function serves as an identity function for bits.

iBit (Inversion Bit) - Inverts the input bit value, similar to the NOT operation in binary logic, following the pattern: 0→1, 1→0. This function provides negation functionality for binary values.

oBit (One Bit) - Always returns 1 regardless of the input bit value, following the pattern: 0→1, 1→1. This function provides a constant one output.

These binary bit operations provide fundamental manipulations that can be combined to construct more complex transformations within the GL4 framework, particularly when working with the binary representations of GL4 values1.

Composite Value Binary Operations

GL4 includes binary operators specifically designed for composite values (Covag), classified as BinCov (Binary Covag)1:

bcHacro (Hard Crossing) - Implements a "hard crossing" or minimum operation for composite values, analogous to logical AND in binary logic but operating within the GL4 composite value space. This function identifies the minimum or strongest common element between two logical statements.

bcDiscon - Implements a disconnection or separation operation for composite values, operating on two composite values and returning a set of elementary values according to specific rules. This function potentially identifies disconnections or disjunctions between input values.

These binary composite value operators enable sophisticated logical operations within the GL4 framework, facilitating complex expressions and evaluations involving composite logical constructs. For instance, bcHacro might implement operations like E ⊗ B = A, representing a specific semantic interpretation of the minimum operation1.

Transformation and Shuffle Functions

GL4 incorporates specialized functions for transforming and rearranging logical values, providing powerful capabilities for manipulating logical expressions.

Composite Value Transformation Functions

GL4 includes specialized functions for transforming composite values through addition operations1:

ucAddB, ucAddC, ucAddD, ucAddE - These functions implement addition operations with specific elementary values, following predefined transformation tables. For example, ucAddE adds the elementary value E to composite values according to its transformation table, potentially creating new composite values.

These transformation functions enable sophisticated manipulations of composite values, allowing the construction of complex logical expressions through systematic additions of elementary components1.

Shuffle Operations

GL4 incorporates several shuffle functions that rearrange the constituents of composite values according to specific patterns1:

ucShuffleEB - Shuffles the elementary values E and B within composite values, following the ECDB pattern from UnUnTEv. This function effectively exchanges the positions of E and B in the logical structure.

ucShuffleCD - Shuffles the elementary values C and D within composite values, following the BDCE pattern from UnUnTEv. This function exchanges the positions of C and D in the logical structure.

ucShuffleIty - Shuffles the inevitability dimension (Ity) within composite values, following the CBED pattern from UnUnTEv. This function rearranges values according to a pattern that swaps B with C and E with D.

ucShuffleVty - Shuffles the truth dimension (Vty) within composite values, following the EDCB pattern from UnUnTEv. This function rearranges values according to a pattern that swaps B with E and C with D.

These shuffle operations provide powerful mechanisms for rearranging logical structures within the GL4 framework, enabling complex transformations and manipulations of logical expressions1.

Semantic Interpretations and Applications

The functions of GL4 carry rich semantic interpretations that enhance their expressive power and applicability in various logical contexts.

Semantic Significance of GL4 Functions

The functions of GL4 embody specific semantic concepts that extend beyond mere formal operations. For instance, the transformation functions (avtin, intav, rvty, rity) correspond to fundamental logical operations like necessitation, contingentization, and negation, but within the richer quaternary framework12:

The avtin function (Avoidable To Inevitable) corresponds to the concept of necessitation, transforming contingent statements into necessary ones while preserving their truth status.

The rvty function (Reverse Verity) corresponds to the concept of truth negation, inverting the truth status of statements while preserving their modal characteristics.

Similarly, binary functions like bcHacro (Hard Crossing) embody semantic concepts like logical conjunction or intersection, but with quaternary nuances that capture more subtle logical relationships than binary AND1.

Application Domains of GL4 Functions

The functions of GL4 have potential applications in various domains requiring sophisticated logical reasoning and representation12:

In knowledge representation, GL4 functions can express nuanced epistemic states that involve both truth values and modal characteristics, such as certainty or possibility.

In decision theory, GL4 functions can model decision processes that incorporate both factual assessments and evaluations of necessity or contingency.

In artificial intelligence, GL4 functions can enable reasoning systems that handle uncertainty, necessity, and contingency in more sophisticated ways than traditional binary logic allows.

The rich function set of GL4 provides a powerful toolkit for addressing complex logical problems that resist adequate formulation in binary frameworks, potentially opening new avenues for logical research and application12.

Conclusion

The Gayane Quaternary Logic (GL4) system presents a sophisticated extension of traditional binary logic through its comprehensive function set. By incorporating the dimensions of inevitability and avoidability alongside truth and falsity, GL4 enables more nuanced expression of logical relationships and operations. The system's extensive array of functions—ranging from elementary transformations to complex binary operations—provides powerful tools for logical manipulation and computation within this quaternary framework.

The unary operators of GL4 enable systematic transformations along different logical dimensions, while the binary functions facilitate complex operations involving pairs of values. The specialized functions for conversion, decomposition, and shuffling further enhance the system's expressive capabilities, enabling sophisticated logical constructions and manipulations.

The semantic richness of GL4 functions extends their applicability beyond formal logic into various domains requiring nuanced logical reasoning. The quaternary approach of GL4 offers promising avenues for addressing complex logical problems that resist adequate formulation in binary frameworks.

As a relatively recent development (published in 2025), GL4 represents an innovative contribution to logical theory, potentially opening new pathways for logical research and application across various disciplines. The comprehensive function set of GL4, with its rich semantic interpretations and operational capabilities, establishes a robust framework for quaternary logical reasoning that extends the boundaries of traditional binary logic.

#logic #gayanelogic #multi valued logic #philosophy #quaternary logic #it #տրամաբանություն #programming #martirosyan hovhannes

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nylanguageworkshop · 4 months ago

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Workshop Monday, March 3rd: Melissa Fusco, Accuracy Meets Semantics

Our speaker on Monday, March 3rd will be Melissa Fusco, who is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Columbia. Melissa will give a talk called "Accuracy meets Semantics"

Imaging (Lewis, 1976), based on Stalnaker’s selection function semantics for the subjunctive conditional, can be treated as a recipe for update (Gärdenfors, 1982; Katsuno & Mendelzon, 1992). Conditioning, the thought goes, is the epistemically correct response to learning A, while imaging is the epistemically correct response to making A the case. On this view, updating by imaging is a genuine epistemic rival to Conditionalization.

Of course, to be a genuine rival is one thing; to be a viable rival is quite another. Updating by imaging might seem like a born loser: incompatible, inter alia, with the well-known result that conditionalization is the only update rule that maximizes accuracy (Greaves & Wallace, 2006).

In this talk, I first explain why there are nontrivial semantic presuppositions at work in the accuracy literature. For example, update rules are scored according to the size of the gap between the posterior they recommend for each atomic p and V(p), the “vindicated” truth about p. In most frameworks, the vindicated truth about p is settled by an index consisting of a possible world.

An alternative is vindication relative to a probability function (Hajek, 2010; Pettigrew, 2012). Adding probability functions to the index opens up the possibility of a novel notion of vindication—one which, following the tradition of dynamic semantics, I will call dynamic vindication (Veltman, 1996).

In the second part of the talk, I argue that by employing dynamic vindication, we can take steps towards an argument that Imaging beats Conditionalization, on accuracy-maximizing grounds, in some contexts of choice. My argument is compatible with conditionalization’s superiority in the observational case.

The workshop will take place on Monday, March 3rd from 6 until 8pm (Eastern Time) in room 202 of NYU's Philosophy Building (5 Washington Place).

RSVP: If you don't have an NYU ID, and if you haven't RSVPed for a workshop yet during this semester, please RSVP no later than 10am on the day of the talk by emailing your name and email address to Jack Mikuszewski at [email protected]. This is required by NYU in order to access the building. When you arrive, please be prepared to show government ID to the security guard.

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healthybalance · 7 months ago

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Is Water Wet? A Comprehensive Exploration

The question, "Is water wet?" might seem trivial, but it sparks curiosity and debate among scientists, philosophers, and everyday thinkers alike. This inquiry delves into the very nature of water and its properties, leading to a surprising exploration of science, perception, and semantics.

What Does It Mean to Be Wet?

To address whether water is wet, we first need to define "wetness." The term "wet" typically refers to a state where a liquid adheres to a surface, often making it slippery or damp. For instance:

Wetness in Daily Life: We describe a towel as wet when it has absorbed water, or skin as wet when water clings to it.

Scientific Definition: Wetness is a sensory and physical condition caused by liquid molecules adhering to a surface.

From this definition, wetness involves a relationship between a liquid and a solid. But where does this leave water itself?

The Argument That Water Is Wet

Some argue that water is inherently wet because:

Water Can Transfer Wetness: Anything water touches becomes wet, leading to the inference that water must itself be wet.

Water Molecules Adhere to Each Other: Through a phenomenon called cohesion, water molecules are attracted to one another, forming hydrogen bonds. This interaction might be interpreted as water being "wet" to itself.

Common Usage: From a linguistic perspective, we often describe water as wet in casual conversation, suggesting that wetness and water are intertwined in our perception.

The Argument That Water Is Not Wet

On the other hand, many argue that water itself is not wet:

Wetness Is a Surface Phenomenon: Wetness arises only when water interacts with a solid. Water alone, without a solid surface to adhere to, cannot be wet.

Intrinsic vs. Relational Property: Wetness is not an inherent property of water but rather a description of the effect water has on other materials.

Scientific Clarification: Liquids like water are "liquid" by definition, but the term "wet" describes a state of interaction rather than a fundamental characteristic.

Scientific Insights Into the Nature of Water

To further explore, we can analyze water’s unique properties:

Cohesion and Adhesion: Water molecules bond with each other (cohesion) and with other surfaces (adhesion). These forces are what make materials wet when in contact with water.

Surface Tension: Water’s high surface tension allows it to bead up on surfaces, demonstrating its adhesive and cohesive properties.

Hydrophobic vs. Hydrophilic Surfaces: Whether a material gets wet depends on its interaction with water. For example:

Hydrophobic surfaces repel water (like rain on a waxed car).

Hydrophilic surfaces attract water, leading to a spread-out wet layer.

While these properties allow water to "make things wet," they do not inherently make water itself wet.

Philosophical Perspectives

The debate about water’s wetness also touches on deeper philosophical issues:

Perception of Wetness: Wetness is a sensory experience. Without the context of a surface or observer, can water be considered wet at all?

Semantic Relativity: The term "wet" may simply be a linguistic construct, with no absolute truth in its application to water.

Ontological Inquiry: Is wetness an essential quality of water, or is it only attributed through its interactions?

ALSO READ: How to Make Rose Water: The Ultimate DIY Guide

Experimental Observations

For a more practical approach, consider this experiment:

Submerge your hand in water. Your hand is wet because water adheres to your skin.

However, water molecules within the body of water are surrounded by other water molecules. There’s no solid surface for them to adhere to. Therefore, they lack the defining characteristic of wetness.

This suggests that water itself, in isolation, cannot be wet.

Conclusion

So, is water wet? The answer depends on how you define wetness:

If wetness describes the intrinsic property of a liquid, then water could be considered wet.

If wetness is strictly the result of interaction with a surface, water itself is not wet but makes other things wet.

This debate blends science, semantics, and philosophy, demonstrating how a seemingly simple question can lead to complex discussions. Whether you believe water is wet or not, this inquiry is a reminder of how the ordinary can inspire profound thought.

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buckydeservesthebest · 10 months ago

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I want to start by apologizing for my previous post, it was terribly terse, and I didn't explain myself as I'd have liked, as I ignored many factors that must be taken into account. The truth is that I wrote it while I was in college online classes... it wasn't my best idea...

Back to the topic. You have interesting points. I think this is a much more complex topic than we initially thought... The mouse in my head didn't stop spinning until I came up with this two-cent theory:

I’d like to start with the point that it actually makes a lot of technical sense that Bucky under the Winter Soldier programming possesses the memories of what happened in his missions prior to the memory wipe. I mean, it doesn't mean at all that every instant the WS is activated he remembers everything, but that the memories are there and when his handlers order him to give information, he can, with some effort, access them.

Let me explain, the first decades after Bucky's capture, HYDRA tried in all its capabilities to eliminate all his memories and thus make his identity disappear, as they needed a… it hurts me to say it… blank canvas that offered no resistance to start with the conditioning and programming. But we know that all this presumed "wiped" memory was never truly gone, as Bucky finally regained his identity, so in reality what they did was not to erase but only to suppress all this data in a very recondite place in the subconscious of his brain so Bucky's consciousness could not manifest itself and interfere with the Winter Soldier's programming.

But according to Zola's notes (in The Wakanda Files book) even without an outside stimulus to help him remember his past life, as Steve was, Bucky was already beginning to manifest memory fragments and emotions on his own, which is why immediately after each mission they would place him in cryostasis and at the start of each new mission they would begin the process of memory erasure and the use of trigger words.

My point is, no matter how much damage HYDRA did to Bucky's brain over the decades, they could NEVER truly erase the memories of his past life, so that means the memories Bucky acquired as the Winter Soldier could not be erased either.

In reality, it would not be convenient for them to continue to cause such severe damage to Bucky's presumed “formatted” memory, because his brain must still be able to apprehend information. In fact, it is under the REM sleep state (the type of trance to which the Winter Soldier is subjected) that the brain is most receptive to information, there the brain regions used for learning are stimulated. That makes sense why HYDRA chose this type of trance, because it is the best way to make the human brain accept new information... basically, reprogramming it.

Trying to eliminate the memories the Winter Soldier acquired during his missions is directly proportional to the brain damage caused. And severe amnesia causes damage to semantic memory (general knowledge, facts and concepts), procedural memory (this is the memory of skills and procedures), short-term memory (the ability to retain new information) and anterograde memory (refers to the difficulty to form new memories after the onset of amnesia).

All of this would be counterproductive for HYDRA, as after every memory wipe before every mission, they would have to basically retrain the Winter Soldier in combat tactics, use of weaponry, tactics to leave the scene of the crime unseen and without leaving a trace, and a long etcetera... This is definitely a situation they don't want to deal with...

This must mean that the ECT to erase Bucky's memories must be located more specifically in the oldest memories, those of his past life that make him who he is. Long-term memory is mainly stored in the hippocampus, according to the studies I could read, and precisely in the Wakanda Files book, Shuri says that this is the area most widely affected.

But leaving aside the more technical aspect, and returning to what Marvel has let us see, it is worth noting that when Zemo asked Bucky for the specific place in Siberia where he was held captive was *after* having pronounced the trigger words and the Winter Soldier was activated, because Bucky would never have shared that information voluntarily.

Zemo: "Why don't we discuss your home? Not Romania. Certainly not Brooklyn, no. I mean, your real home" (this is the moment when Zemo shows Bucky the red book and starts to say the trigger words, with no other flashing scenes).

That means Bucky did remember what he talked to Zemo about while he was under the Winter Soldier trance, because well, that's the information he gave Steve and Sam.

Also, there's the fact that Bucky remembers information about the other WS, like they were HYDRA's most efficient assassins before receiving the serum, etc... (the following flashback about them seemed to be a flashback Bucky had, at least that's the impression I got). This is information he must have heard by the time his handlers had assigned him the task of physically training them. And this seems to be something Zemo asked him as well, as Bucky thought that was the reason he wanted to get to Siberia. And in any case if this was information that Zemo told Bucky in that moment, it'd still mean that he remembers what happened under the Winter Soldier state.

And Zemo's comment: “Did you really think I wanted more of you?” reinforces the idea that they talked about it. (By “you” Zemo must be referring to Bucky, as he replies, “what the hell?” in confusion.)

So why couldn't Bucky recognize Steve and Natasha? My theory is that the WS's level of conditioning and programming is such that he is literally incapable of performing an action that is not part of the order his handlers gave him. I mean, if they ask him for information about a much earlier event, as Zemo did, Bucky is forced to go out of his way to remember and access those memory files that do exist, even if they are very hidden, but if the action of remembering is not part of the order then he doesn't have to, or rather, is unable to remember.

Note: I think this shocking degree of conditioning could be seen in the training of the other WS. For the order given to Bucky was to train them, and one of them seemed to hold the upper hand in combat. But once the situation got out of control and Korpov ordered him to get him to safety, the order changed and he was able to defeat almost all of the WS single handedly. All this maintains the familiar stance that the Winter Soldier exists only to obey... i'm not okay... 😭

Also, when Bucky questioned Pierce about who Steve was, it was because when a tiny fraction of his memories came back, a tiny fraction of his personality surfaced, and this allowed him to ask a question. For the Winter Soldier never questions, because he doesn't have that capacity. So, I wouldn't say it was so much that “what Bucky’s handler said doesn't make sense for him, but he can't be sure” but rather that he was incapable of performing on his own the act of trying to recall and access those memories of the supposed mission Pierce was telling him about. (added to the fact that his short-term and long-term memory are in constant flux, something he cannot control... I'll explain it below)

Natasha's case is simpler because the assigned mission for the Winter Soldier was to neutralize or assassinate her, remembering her was not part of the order of course, also she doesn't represent anything important in Bucky's life to remember, unlike Steve.

But he couldn't remember Steve when they met again on the Helicarrier either, right? Well, Bucky also had no flashback manifestations when Steve called him “Buck”, unlike the first time. I think it was the fact that HYDRA subjected Bucky to another ETC within a short time of each other - which they hadn't had the need to do before - or perhaps that this ECT was more intense, which caused Bucky to take much longer for a fragment of his memories to manifest.

That's why it took longer for Steve to try to get him to remember, tell him that his name is James Buchanan Barnes, that they are friends and have known each other all their lives, and it was until the end with “I'm with you until the end of the line” that finally a glimpse of Bucky's memories came back. I mean, Steve had to try a lot harder this time to get the same effect that calling him “Bucky” had the first time.

Note: I feel like besides the new ETC, the reason it took Bucky a lot longer to remember was because that was the order Pierce gave him, like “if that guy in disguise wants to make you think you know him, don't listen to him, you don't know him, don't think and just take him out” or something like that... and hence the very aggressive reaction to try to combat the resurgence of memories…

I find it interesting that at the very end of CA: TWS, despite Bucky remembering a sliver of his life, which gave him back his autonomy, there was not a flashback of his life before being captured by HYDRA to follow, unlike the first time Steve called him by name. So, I think maybe this could mean that in this case, he didn't have a manifestation of episodic memory, i.e. a memory with images, voices, etc. But rather it was a manifestation of emotional or associative memory, i.e. feeling that he knew Steve and feeling that he was a very important person to him, feeling that he was his family...

Note: Associative memory is memory through associations, such as a smell or a song, in this case I'd say it was the phrase “I'm with you until the end of the line”...

Did in the following time, more memories and flashbacks manifested in Bucky's mind? Well, this is difficult to answer, because there is nothing to indicate that his rate of memory retrieval is linear or constant, I mean, it is not continuous or patterned.

In fact, in the book The Wakanda Files, Shuri says that repaired memory centers/retrieved memories are temporary! For Bucky's short- and long-term memory are in constant flux.

"it was as if Sergeant Barnes was in REM sleep while awake, in a dream-like state where he would comply with orders. And while in this induced state of mind, his short- and long-term memory were constantly in flux. However, the shared memories of Barnes with his best friend, Steve Rogers, *momentarily* fired memory centers, jogging bits and pieces of his past life while in the sleeplike trance." “It would seem that stimulus, especially emotionally resonant stimulus – the sight of a loved one, the mentioning of a familiar phrase, etc – has the ability to access a presumed “wiped” memory in those who have been brainwashed… *at least for a fleeting moment*.” – The Wakanda Files

So, this means that if Bucky retrieves a certain amount of memories at a certain instant, he may no longer have them a moment later. That explains why his backpack was just full of notebooks with notes everything he can remember, for fear of losing those memories, just like those with Alzheimer's, as Seb put it.

So, the idea that Bucky didn't quite recognize Steve at their meeting in Bucharest is not far-fetched, because it's possible that at that time he didn't quite have memories of him or their friendship but only what he read about him in the museum. So, his response “I read about you in the museum” would technically be true!

Then, the idea that Bucky had access to all the memories of his past life at the end of CA: TWS is actually not correct. In fact, it can be seen in CW, in the talk he had with Steve when they arrived in Siberia, that the memories of their childhood together were something he was remembering even at that point, as he didn't remember Dolores' name, for example. The point is, each and every one of Bucky's memories come and go (maybe only until before he got help from Wakanda), so they can be there one moment and for the other not, he can go a long time with no trouble remembering and a second later lose a bit of information.

Now, according to all this we can make a relationship between the percentage of memory obtained, the percentage of personality/identity manifested and the degree of influence of the Winter Soldier programming. We have that:

Percentage of memories gained is proportional to percentage of identity manifested.

% of acquired memories = % of manifested identity.

The percentage of manisfested identity is inversely proportional to the degree of influence of the Winter Soldier's programming.

In other words, the more memories Bucky recovers, the more of his personality comes to the surface and the less effect the WS trance state has on him.

This may explain the change in Bucky's personality at the beginning in Bucharest, for if by that time the amount of memories he possessed was small, i.e. his manifested personality was not complete (ergo: the Winter Soldier trance state was still influencing his behavior), then his continued nervousness and hyper-vigilance - yes, this in addition to the PTSD already present - was normal. And this would explain the slightly more aggressive behavior when fighting the SWAT team in the fight in his apartment. Also, did you notice how Bucky knocked Steve down immediately after he touched his shoulder? It was a self-defense reaction based on the tension induced by the trance-like state of the Winter Soldier.

Note: I believe Bucky was really really trying hard not to kill or hurt anyone, but the influence of the WS trance-type, which is mostly violence, was still having an effect on him (sorry if I have said it many times already, but I feel that if I don't, the sentence loses meaning), so he couldn't control the aggressiveness of his fighting form even when he tried. But our boy is so good that in the end he was able to control himself enough to actually not kill anyone... :')

Now, following this logic, this would also explain Bucky's more relaxed and cooperative behavior after passing out, as the severe head concussion would have brought back his memories/consciousness in a way analogous to how the emotional stimuli from the outside (the power of friendship) did the two times in CA: TWS. That being the case, Bucky immediately recognized his best friend and returned that affection and that gentle, soft manner with which he always treated him in the past.

Note: This means that the concussion to the head had a greater effect in giving Bucky back some of his memory, as opposed to the external emotional stimuli whose effect seems smaller (sorry Steve).

You can see in his body language how the memories started to flow in his mind… “Your mom's name was Sarah...You used to wear newspapers in your shoes.” He even laughed when he said this! That is a spontaneous reaction to a thought that is forming at that moment.

So, the sequence of events, where Bucky first asks “what did I do?” and then with effort remembers what he talked to Zemo after the Winter Soldier was activated, is not contradictory, because:

i) His short and long term memory is in constant flux.

ii) He had just woken up from a concussion fainting so it's natural that he was confused and that it took a while for his memories to start flowing.

Note: In this scene he appears to hit his head as he releases his arm from the chair, was this intentional? Was he trying to knock himself out before Zemo finished uttering the trigger words? Had he succeeded, he would have regained his memories upon awakening... 😭😭

Now, finally speaking of Tony, does it make sense that Bucky said he remembers all the victims he was forced to kill? The answer is yes, it can make sense, in the interpretation in which that information exists in Bucky's brain, those memories are stored there. And Bucky's ability to access those memories, while volatile, also exists. And by probability, the possibility that at some point in time all of those memories will suddenly appear in Bucky's mind, also exists.

Perhaps... perhaps and at that moment, in which Bucky said that to Tony, he had indeed remembered a large number of those victims, maybe not all of them because he could not be sure, but a considerable amount that in the metaphorical sense can be taken as “all”... that is possible...

Then there is the more symbolic perspective of the situation, where saying “I remember all of them” is a way of saying “all those deaths are something I'll carry forever, even if I don't remember literally all their faces... their deaths matter to me....” ... this is the interpretation I always had of the scene....

Note 1: But I also agree with the interpretation that by saying this, even when true, Bucky was giving Tony the excuse he was looking for to try to kill him... and if someone had to die there, Bucky wanted to make sure that was him... tell me our boy is one of the noblest characters of all without telling me! 😭 Note 2: I totally agree that, although Bucky remembers the people he was forced to kill, it would be in any case, a memory of only their faces and not their identities, because this cannot be deduced (unless HYDRA gave him the names, but I think this was never shown), as in the case of Tony's parents, certainly Bucky did not know their identity until the moment he saw the recording...

So, well, I feel all of this would disprove the idea that Bucky tends to lie or fudge the truth about his memories to put the situation in his favor (which, indeed, there is absolutely nothing wrong with), because Bucky is at the mercy of the volatility of the manifestation of his memories, and he can only rely on what he remembers at the time. Also, nothing that has been seen about Bucky indicates that he ever lied to turn things on his favor.

We can come to the conclusion that it is not a question of whether in the ABC situations he was Bucky or was not (not counting the time he was under the control of HYDRA, because here Bucky did not exist), but the percentage of Bucky's consciousness/personality that manifests. Nor about whether his memories are reliable or not, but about the volatile flow of memories that come and go and the ability to access this information that always exists.

*Again, I apologize for the wrong impression I gave in my first post, on the subject of emotional detachment to memories and whether Bucky's memories were reliable or not, i expressed myself terribly badly, so please feel free to ignore it.*

Now, talking about whether TFATWS confirmed the fact that Bucky remembers everyone. The short answer is yes. This was the premise of the series, and the book "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: The Art of the Series", which we can consider canon because it was published by the entire production of the series, clarifies it:

In fact, Bucky's line in episode 6 also confirms it: “You think your cause justifies all this death, but in the end, the nightmares won’t go away. You’re gonna remember all the ones you killed. Trust me. Don’t do this. Don’t go down this path.” (no Bucky, HYDRA was never your cause, because your consciousness didn't even exist at that time!)

There is also Spellman's comment he gave in an interview: "So when Bucky enters the series, he's never ever shaken what he believes, which is, 'I remember everyone, murders, which means that part of me was there, which means a part of the Winter Soldier is me.' And if even a fraction of Winter Soldier is you, you are an awful person."

Talking about the idea that the show doesn't explicitly say that Bucky's nightmares are memories. Actually, the show did say that, again in a Bucky line:

Sam: “You still having those nightmares?”

Bucky: “All the time. It means I remember. It means a part of me is still there. Which means a part of the Winter Soldier’s still in me."

Yeah, it’s clear that he seeks information about those victims in order to make amends, but those nightmares are still memories, because those events are information, and well, by definition a memory is the brain's ability to retain and retrieve information.

Nightmare = Memory = Information

Speaking about the amends, well, in fact, it was never explicitly said that the government imposed them on Bucky as a condition of his pardon. In reality, only mandatory therapy was discussed as the only condition. That's why in episode two, the cops arrested him for not attending the mandatory session.

In the conversation between Bucky and Dr. Raynor it is made clear that it is the government's intention to be sure that he is a “non-dangerous member for society” (the real dangerous people were the ones who at the time were the Winter Soldier's handlers, as by himself he didn't have the capacity to do anything!). And therefore, the necessity of mandatory therapy...

“You’re a civilian now. With your history, the government needs to know that you’re not gonna… It’s a condition of your pardon. So, tell me about your most recent nightmare.”

That's why the only issue she wants to talk about is whether he's still having nightmares, not whether he's made progress with the amendments: “So, Mr. Barnes, are you still having nightmares?” “So, tell me about your most recent nightmare.”

And later again: “So, you did it all right, but it didn’t help with the nightmares.”

It seems that for Dr. Raynor nightmares are considered as “a sign that something is not right" (no! they are a manifestation of PTSD caused by decades of torture and are treated with years of a real healthy therapy!), so it has to be worked on so that Bucky can reintegrate into society. And for that, it was concluded that Bucky “had to make amends to make him feel better" (that's not how this works, on the contrary, it's only harmful to him!).

It always seemed to me that amends are something that Bucky wanted to do. I mean, it's an idea that came from him. He let Dr. Raynor know about it at some point and she imposed those “three rules” on him...

And about the idea that Bucky didn't have nightmares in Louisiana because he wasn't thinking about the list. Actually, Bucky told Sam that he has nightmares all the time... this has nothing to do with thinking about that list or not...

Sam: “You still having those nightmares?”

Bucky: “All the time....”

Again, nightmares are one of the many ways in which PTSD manifests itself and depending on the severity (Bucky's case must be the most severe there has ever been) it requires years or decades of real healthy therapy to disappear, if it disappears at all. In addition, what Bucky suffers from is NOT only PTSD, but irreversible brain damage and many serious mental illnesses... and none of this is going to magically disappear because of "Sam's motivational speech and putting himself at the service of others" (which is nothing more than victim blaming and... ahhh.. but I won't talk about it right now)...

So, the possibility Bucky will always have nightmares is very high... 😢😭

Maybe this is part of the reason we find him in such a depressing state in Thunderbolts???? :'((((

“That line was an interesting moment. At the time, the choice I was making is that [Bucky] had realized there was no way he was getting out of there, and someone was gonna die, whether it was gonna be him, Steve or Tony. When he says that line, to me, it was a turning point — he was, like, ‘Okay, I know what you want me to say, and I’m just gonna say it.’ When someone comes at you over and over again, and they can’t hear you, they can’t see you’re pleading with them, you’re trying to figure out how to get through to them and they just won’t accept it, at some point you just give in, and you go, ‘that’s right, that’s what you want.’ Of course [Bucky] didn’t remember them all.” — Sebastian Stan

#looooong post #if you read all this you deserve an award!#i hope i explained myself well this time...#i feel like this crazy theory makes sense... at least to me...#the mouse in my head kept thinking that there could be an explanation that would bring all the points together #and I came to this...#but the idea Bucky is doomed to remember everything he was forced to do... forever... just... breaks my heart...#for god's sake someone give him real healing therapy!!!#i am sure that if others recognized him as an innocent victim and he allowed himself to recognize himself as such...#everything would change #it would be a real healing process for him...#but Marvel is never going to allow it because it makes the uncomfortable to recognize that a man can be a victim!#this will never not make my blood boil...#BUCKY IS A VICTIM!!!!#AND DESERVES TO BE RECOGNIZED AS SUCH!!!#bucky barnes #james bucky barnes #mcu bucky barnes #he deserves much better...#bucky analysis #bucky barnes meta

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