#and if you don’t get there fine whatever but have some compassion for the people who you know will read what you had to say about them

[feistyvirghoe]

•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮? ﾟ･*☆¸¸.•*¨*•

pick a pile u feel most called to, the one u cannot look away from, the one that is pulsing, go with your gut, always trust yourself, and if u feel called to more that’s cool baby boo! there more for u!

these are general and for a vast amount of ppl, don’t get ur undies all twisted up bc it’s not resonating, it’s normal and it’s fine, this just wasn’t for u! <3

𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐞 1 - i see your future partner will see you as someone who has been through a hell of a lot, whatever u have overcome just makes them look at you as like this strong individual, someone who has suffered a lot probably at the hands of others too. they see you as an extremely fair individual, you don’t back down from a fight or challenge, whatever comes your way you still persevere and continue to move forward, it’s like u have been through so much strife but you’re still positive about life, the circumstances, like you try not to let that get to you, you’re an honest person, they see u as someone who’s fire is still there after all the weird conflicts you’ve gone through, you don’t let it break you down, still standing strong, but even though u may be very assertive and someone who seeks the truth, like a whistleblower, but u look so happy and vibrant on the outside like u kind of deceive people with that soft, warm, joyful exterior but if anyone tries you, they get like instant karma or just karma in general, like you’re not the one to fucking mess with, there is this passion within you that needs to be shown off, like letting yourself be seen.

𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐞 2 - your future person sees you as a bit naive but not in a bad way, there’s this innocence to you guys, you’re very okay like the lovebirds but then there’s sadness and a lot of fucking grief, maybe it’s coming from losing friends, family, lovers, pets, could be anything sentimental and close to your heart but they see u as so gifted and just as someone who doesn’t really break the rules, they see you as someone who may need some compassion in their life, like more support, i mean you’re extremely supported by the divine but u probably don’t feel that way in the 3D, like here physically IRL, do u not have many people that you can count on? like you have to do it all alone which you don’t and i’m sure your person will see this as well. there is so much good out there waiting for you, they’d want to see you and help u move on from whatever has happened that affected you so heavily, almost like u feel like you have no one on your side, but they’re there babe, it’s okay and completely harmless to obey and let yourself change for the better, for your highest good! they don’t want you holding onto this pain, i was very jokey about it earlier so maybe u guys can be the ones to brush it off but no, sitting with what happened and reflecting and not looking backwards at a past that you can’t change may help some. you’re worth so much more than whoever or whatever fucked u over, you deserve to be happy and feel happy and full of positive LOVING ENERGY! i feel like tapping back into spirit and becoming closer with the divine will help..easing the discomfort emotionally, you’re always loved and protected!

𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐞 3- okay my p3s, it took me a minute to feel out your energy, idk i was just getting really frustrated and now im sweaty and i just took a shower, so im feeling like your future lover may see you as a “hothead” no, you just have a temper, it seems like you like things your way, like you’re not the one to let shit slide, you stand up for yourself, something about you is just very fast moving, like go go go go (cue the cringey ass carnival song 💀) okay so yeah you have a temper and can be quick to jump the gun and just fucking move people out of your way. i see they see you as someone who can’t stand when other people are just slow moving, like you need to be stimulated and engaged with whatever you’re doing, like you will keep doing something over and over until you reach your desired outcome. i like yall, u guys don’t play around, and that’s what it is, your fucking feisty ass, my pile that seems to embrace change whether you like it or not, it’s like it is what it is…i hope your person is strong as fuck and not just physically i mean mentally, you’re in your own fucking world, it’s like they may even have to ground you and bring u back down to earth to help u stabilize yourself, let yourself take a break from the fucking overachieving i don’t wanna say it like that but if you keep working yourself hard to the point of no return you’re gonna crash and i feel like u don’t mind bringing others in the mix, it’s like if i go down we all going down lmfao…just breathe, relax, take a minute to go outside and embrace your surroundings even if it’s shitty, there is always something around us that is so small but it puts a smile on your beautiful face. you don’t always have to keep your guards up and yes people may wanna try to come after you but just know you don’t have to do much to fend these weirdos off, they could never really reach ya level. your future lover sees all of this, you stand up for yourself and u show out too, like don’t fucking mess w me is y’all’s vibe, HAHAHAHA FUCK AROUND AND U GON DEF FIND OUT 💀

(this pile took such a turn lmao, it felt so chaotic ahhh, i hope u guys find some time to seriously just CHILL..no worrying about nothing just woosah baby, idk like whatever calms you down do it! rfn haha 😆ugh i wanted to write more but i promised myself to make the piles shorter, but pls lmk if u guys like longer more detailed ones or straight to the point, i mean either way it’s up to me but i wanna hear from you guys 🩵😚)

𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐞 4- you guys are my leaders, even if you don’t see it this is all about ur future lover and how they see you, you seem to have a very strong head on your shoulders, you guys are so fucking courageous and extremely fast moving again similar to pile 3 but not quite, they’re like the energizer bunnies (i’m sorry to pile 3 that’s not a jab lmao) but you guys are more strategic, the other pile is more so spontaneous, okay if u feel called to it just go for it and head to that pile but you guys my lil babies hahaha, u may not like that, the lil cutesy names, but i mean underneath it all is just a sweet ball of sunshine, you guys like control and your future lover will automatically see it, it’s like you guys may not like to see things out of place, no matter what it is, like you need a schedule, you can’t just free ball it, you guys are like methodical and you’re not giving up without a fight, you’ve come so far and for some random ass weirdo to just come on in and try and undermine you is a very wrong chess move, you’re ten steps ahead bitch, i feel like you know more than you let on, like yes you may be cool calm and collected but oh do your words have people either checking themself or they’re in a corner crying from what you said, maybe u can be a little blunt with the way you interact with others, but i don’t think it’s coming from such a bad place, that’s just in your nature, you know how to tame your inner demons, the beast within, u can look at your own mess and take accountability, very honest straightforward, cut throat ass person, and your person is digging that shit, they like your dominance and how assertive you are, like the fucking boss, mommy/daddy/authoritative energy!

THANK U FOR FUCKING BEING HERE U AMAZING ASS QUEEN/KING/GOD/GODDESS !!!!

i appreciate you for stopping by and letting me read for you, i have been gone for some time but im back bitch and im here to fucking stay! idk if anyone else has been feeling this weird ass energy of people like not wanting you to succeed or see you doing well, i’ve been feeling that and a mix of my own pent up shit i need to deal with but i hope you liked this reading and if you don’t that’s literally fine babe, just don’t be an asshole about it, if it doesn’t resonate what??? LET IT GOOOOOO ! i have to say that!

these are extremely general readings and they’re meant for entertainment purposes, please don’t take things so seriously and also realize my readings are for people above 18!

[shootingstarwritings]

Body Surfing Lesson

“’Body surfing,’ is an important skill to learn as fledgling body possessors,” Gerald spoke to the hidden camera, putting on his teacher persona as best he could considering the ciscumstances. “Normally, it takes a lot of mana for us to take over other people, but the body surfing technique involves taking over multiple people over the course of a single day, using their own mana as a sort of ‘surfboard,’ to ride the waves of mana that flow inside of us all.” He inwardly cringed as he spoke, his current body very clearly unfitting for his lesson.

Gerald had no idea who had come up with such awful terminology, but it was far too late to change that. The small yet tight-knit community the possessors in the area had formed needed to have a sense of unity. Too much innocent blood had been shed for shame to hold Gerald back. ‘Far too many of you have been lost for me to get cold feet now,’ he thought to himself. Taking a deep breath, he continued his explanation for the future viewers.

“I’ve already spent quite a lot of my own mana to possess this young man,” Gerald forced his host to say. What was his name again…? He focused, face visibly tightening before his eyes widened in realization. “Jerry! Huh, it’s so close to my name.” He winced and made a mental note to himself to delete that part of the video. “It was difficult, y’know,” he said, pacing around in Jerry’s underwear with very little shame. He couldn’t help but strut, already enjoying the tight muscle in this youthful form. “I had to float into his cute little butt to take him over.”

Gerald grinned and slapped Jerry’s butt, enjoying the slight jiggling. He thought back earlier today as he launched into a story of how he had taken Jerry over for his class.

Gerald’s misty form had crawled through the apartment building’s pipes, searching for a nice and hot host that would catch people’s eyes while he tried to educate them. Then, he found Jerry exiting the shower and clad in just a pair of new-age briefs. Gerald stared at it in confusion, unsure if this is really what the young ones were really wearing. ‘Am I getting old?’ Gerald had briefly mused before launching himself towards Jerry’s ass.

“AH! Woah, ahhh…!” Jerry collapsed on his stomach, ass facing the ceiling as Gerald’s essence took him over. “Ah, pl-please… help…!” gasped Jerry, his hips thrusting on their own as he lost consciousness.

“Mmm, nice…” Gerald muttered as he sat up. He rubbed his stomach and then his bare, youthful legs. “It’s been a while since I was someone so young. And so hairless,” he chuckled.

“And that’s what happened,” he finished for his class. “It was lucky that this young man enjoys filming so much. Now I’ve got a nice and high-quality camera for this lesson rather than some janky phone.” It truly had been serendipity for him. Gerald giggled as he sat cross-legged in front of the camera, enjoying just how his borrowed form felt so exposed and yet so confident in his near-nudity. “So, I’ve got a dilemma. I want to move on and yet I’m pretty much exhausted my mana supplies—the essence of the soul. Say I even got into the trouble and I have to evacuate for whatever reason. What could I do in this situation?”

Gerald waited a quick second before continuing, “If you don’t know, that’s fine. This technique’s quite advanced. Not even some of our more veteran community members have even mastered it. Yours truly, however,” Gerald paused to place a hand on his chest, making sure to lightly tweak a nipple, “is well-versed enough in the arts to enlighten you.”

It wasn’t a secret nor difficult to figure out the theoretical part, but it was a challenge to divert the flow of energy instead of letting it be lost to entropy. It was similar to having a rush of anger and trying to convert the energy of that anger to something productive. In other words, it was turning anger to passion, turning sadness to compassion, and turning joy to kindness. The emotion behind it was just as important, if not more so, than the actual intention. 

‘Easier said than done,’ Gerald thought. ‘Honestly, I’d have to do a one-on-one with all of these new possessors for them to even get proficient at it. However, just imparting the knowledge would be enough… for now, at least.’

“Now, I have invited my host’s friend to come over soon. Before he arrives, I’m going to start masturbating my host’s body and preparing my mana.” One of the ways that mana flowed was through bodily fluids, with semen being one of the most potent ones. The emotions surrounding a climax allows a large flow of magic to surge through and even be present in the semen that one shoots at that moment of peak pleasure. “I won’t use my own mana,” summarized Gerald, “but instead use this young man’s mana from his own climax to possess his friend, Mike.”

Gerald was about to continue, but bit his lower lip as he heard the faintest knock from the front door. Then, Mike’s voice called out to be let in.

Grinning, Gerald placed a finger to his lips and winked at the camera. “Let the show begin.” It wasn’t difficult to begin jacking off in this youth’s body. Even stroke felt like a lightning strike and even gasp was just fuel to Gerald’s fiery lust--now reborn in this young vessel… for the time.

“C-C’mon in,” Gerald forced Jerry to say. He had left the apartment’s front door unlocked on purpose. With any luck, Mike would get curious and explore the lustful noises straight to Jerry’s room. “Door’s unlocked.” Everything was falling into place. Gerald had seen a few pictures of Mike. He was a cute ginger with a good body that used to play hockey in high school. Though his sports days were behind him, Mike still regularly went to the gym to keep a nice form. “Mmm…!” The thought of taking over another young hunk, one with fiery curly hair that was so much like his own during his teenage years, almost made Gerald cum on the spot.

“Hurry up…!” Gerald hissed. Just how much more did his thick cock need to finally cum. It was such a tease--to be on the verge of cumming but not getting there quite yet. “You stupid fucking himbo, fucking cum already!” Although he was on the verge of running out of time, Gerald couldn’t help but find the verbal abuse arousing as well. “Cum for me, boy. Lemme feel that stallion cock of yours burst all over your hairless, himbo body…”

“Jerry? That you? What’re you doing…?” Gerald could hear Mike’s approaching footfalls, and that only made the whole situation more erotic. Before losing his body, Mike would see his best friend cum all over himself like a shameless exhibitionist. And then, Gerald would do the same thing to Mike. Forget the class or keeping the peace, Gerald could only think of hopping between men and turning each of them into cum-obsessed cocksuckers.

“Hrrngh! Oh god…!” 

Yes… it was approaching. All Gerald needed to really turn this body on as he cranked the cock was a bit of foreplay. His core was beginning to tense, and he could feel himself rush past the point of no return.

Right at the precise moment, the door opened. “Jerry, what the fuck?!” Mike cried out as he saw his best friend beating his meat without a lick of shame.

Grining, Gerald forced Jerry to shout, “I’m fucking cumming…!” as torrents of cum shot high into the air in Mike’s direction.

‘Now, give me your body, boy.’

Riding that climatic wave, Gerald used the large pool mana that Jerry’s young body was shooting to propel his soul forward. Even though all of his own energy was spent, he felt rejuvenated, as though he was 20 years younger, as Jerry came. However, just like a normal wave crashing into the sea, it would not last forever. The energy could not be stored, only spent in that very moment; but that small burst in power was all Gerald needed as he dove into Mike’s body.

“Oomph!” Mike huffed as the force of Gerald diving into his body was enough to knock him off balance. He fell backwards and hit the ground, body convulsing as an invisible, unknowable force began to take him over. “Wh-What the fuck…?!” was all he could say as a cold and numb sensation spread from the tips of his fingers and toes into his core. “H-Help… ohh… please don’t…” Mike reached a trembling arm towards the doorknob, his fingers twitching as they tried to find anything to grab onto.

By the time Mike’s fingers gripped the brass knob, Gerald was already in control. “Mmm… delicious.” Something that Gerald noticed from certain bodies was that they somehow had some kind of spiritual ‘flavor.’ Mike reminded him of strawberries in a shortcake somehow. He licked his lips and chuckled at the light bristle of Mike’s bushy and manly beard. “Trying to be a real man, boy?”

Gerald forced Mike to sit up and then lie on his stomach. “Just a young man trying to be a big boy,” he chuckled as he positioned Mike’s ass high in the air, wiggling his hips the whole time. “But then a real man like Gerald took over my body. All with my best friend’s spunk as a springboard. God, what kinda friend--what kinda man--am I for letting that happen?”

A horrible idea suddenly crossed Gerald’s mind. Crawling back into Jerry’s room, Gerald opened Mike’s mouth and began to suck the remaining cum off of Jerry’s still twitching cock. “God, Mike, you’re so virile. I’m so glad you’re this cumslut’s friend,” said Gerald. Then he realized that he was still supposed to be explaining a lesson. 

Grabbing the camera, Gerald focused it on Mike’s face and began to speak. “Well, did you see that? I was all out of mana, but masturbating with a man’s other body, I was able to use his energy to possess this hunk of meat.” To illustrate his point, Gerald stripped most of Mike’s clothes until he was down to his boxer briefs. “See? And--” he stopped as he heard the front door open.

“Jerry? You home? What’d I tell you about leaving the front door unlocked?”

Jerry’s father. A tall and broad-shouldered man that, from what Gerald could tell from Jerry’s memory, wasn’t particularly fond of Mike due to his… ‘lifestyle.’ Was it due to something repressed? Mike certainly seemed to think so, but Gerald couldn’t make heads or tails of the situation. Taking a look around and seeing the scene before him, Gerald began to internally panic--twisting Mike’s generally nonchalant expression into a stressed grimace.

‘Shit. His son’s unconscious, covered in cum,  and his best friend’s stripped down to his underwear.  If I saw this scene I’d think Mike was trying to date-rape my son! Don’t think I’ll be able to simply laugh off this little excursion. But… the only way to get out of this would be…’

Gerald had never attempted a double possession, with or without an explosive orgasm catapult. Was it a good thing that the camera was still recording? He wasn’t sure anymore. To be frank, he wasn’t sure of anything anymore. Loud, boisterous footfalls continued to ring in his ears.

Even in times of danger, Gerald knew he could rely on his libido to get him out. Throwing Mike’s underwear away, no longer caring about maintaining any sense of professionalism, Gerald got to work. Using what was left of Jerry’s cum as makeshift lube, he began to explore Mike’s tasty body with horned-up haste.

“The hell’s that, Jerry? Got a girl over?” Jerry’s father called out again. Gerald couldn’t help but giggle in-betweens his moans. If only he knew.

Mike’s gruff voice contrasted so wonderfully with his high-pitched and needy groans. His back arched and his toes curled as Gerald continued to beat his dick. The other hand freely explored the nice pelt of orange hair that coated Mike’s body.

‘What I wouldn’t give to just have a day with this guy,’ thought Gerald. A few tweeks of the nipples and he could already feel an orgasm building up. Just a few more minute and vigorous strokes and he’d be home free. “C’mon, cum for me…! Just a bit more.”

Jerry’s door flew open for the second time that day, and this time Jerry’s father roared in horror at the scene before him. “MIKE! What the fuck are you doing?! Jerry?!”

‘An audience,’ Gerald thought, smirking at the older man. ‘And not a bad looker either.’

“Hey, daddy-o,” Gerald forced Mike to say. He thrust into his grip, gyrating his hips as though to show off what his body could do to Jerry’s father. “Like the show? Have a seat, I can do so much for you if you want. I don’t mind some audience participation.” To emphasize his own point, Gerald raised a hand with a bit of pre-cum and slowly licked it off--savoring the sweet flavor.

Jerry’s father, mouth slightly agape and expression somewhere between horror and arousal, just stared at Gerald abusing Mike’s body. “Y-You’re sick,” he finally said, eyes glued to Mike’s swinging cock as it twitched. “What did you do to Jerry…?”

“Same thing I’m gonna do to you, daddy!” Gerald cried out in glee as Mike’s abused cock shot the first few rounds of semen. He bit his bottom lip, moans just barely muffled, as Mike’s hips naturally thrust with each shot. As the orgasm reached its end, Mike’s body began to tremble and grow limp as Gerald shot himself out. He rushed through the air and quickly dove right into Jerry’s father through his large chest.

“Hurugh! Ohh, what the fuck…?!” Unlike Mike, Jerry’s father remained standing even after Gerald dive bombed into his chest. However, despite his stronger will, he was unable to stop the tidal wave that crashed over his body. His broad arms gripped the door frame for support as his knees bent from the pressure. 

The invasive presence washed over him, filling him up slowly. It wasn’t unlike the first time his ex-wife had pegged him. The fear that came from being filled for the first time was matched only by the pleasure that followed. Just the thought of that night made his cargo shorts tighten. He knew that he should’ve been afraid and even outraged, but his body betrayed him in favor of the invasive presence. “M-More, please fuck me more…!” he whispered as his grip on the door frame tightened. Sweat dripped from his body as his soul let the tides carry him to a blissful and erotic rest.

“And that class,” Gerald forced his host to say, “is how you use your host to your advantage. Now, this is a more advanced technique, so don’t worry if you find it tricky at first.” Bill, Jerry’s father, was far more comfortable to Gerald than Jerry or Mike. The beefy look and authoritative voice also helped Gerald really get into the persona of a professor. It was like putting on a custom before getting into character. “But, as you can see from my improvised lesson plan, it’s possible to even chain multiple possessions in just one day! Really beats having to wait for the refractory period to end, huh?” He chuckled in Bill’s deep baritone, hands on his stomach as he felt Bill’s stolen body jiggle and quake with life. This was more like it.

And with the lesson done, Gerald now had plenty of time on his own to get familiar with Bill. Maybe Jerry and Mike would like to get involved as well…

[pyrondeeznutz]

I get the whole “lacking empathy doesn’t make you a bad person as long as you show compassion to others” thing, but I don’t completely agree.

You don’t need to show compassion to others all the time in order to be a good person. I understand how hard it is for someone who lacks empathy to care about someone enough to be compassionate towards them, especially when you just don’t give a fuck.

I think people have this idea that you need to be kind and friendly and care about others all the time. Thats not something some people, especially with ASPD, can achieve all the time.

Sometimes the most you can do is just stop yourself from being argumentative asshole and thats fine. Whatever your coping mechanisms are to limit the damage is fine. You don’t need to extend compassion to people if you can’t. You’re not a bad person for being unable to do so.

[rayshippouuchiha]

I had a gremlin thought and had to throw it at you. So we all know that JC and WWX revolved around JYL (as they should) and would 100% do what she told them to. Why had no one taken this to its logical conclusion? Let’s say it’s after another failed meeting in between JYL and her horrible fiancé she is doing the depressingly normal routine of trying to not be hurt while YZY is being horrible to WWX and JC. And she just takes a moment to breathe and wonder why them. What has she and her siblings done to suffer like this? One of the disciples comes over and offers her any help they can. This causes JYL to just have a moment of realization where she stops and tries to remember the last time anyone except those outside the sect asked the Sect leaders for anything. Because the people know that JFM is just passive at best and YZY is plain aggressive. JYL was raised to be a sect wife and basically shadow run a sect right? And let’s say she’s been doing this for years at this point. WWX basically owns the disciples and every resident of Lotus Pier. JC is Sect Heir and has every ounce of loyalty his people and siblings can give him. JYL has this vision of a sect run by the three siblings and it’s just so much better. I imagine for all that they were their mother and father JFM and YZY were very estranged from their children. It’s also basically canon that WWX hid so much of his power and skill from everyone as to not rock the boat. JYL rolls into her brothers rooms, sees the hurt that has been allowed to fester for to long and just decides it’s her turn to go feral. So now I present the idea of a coup. JYL points at the Sect and says I want it and her brothers go whole or in pieces? Now I don’t think any of the siblings is cold enough to kill JFM or YZY so I’m more leaning more towards talisman master over there creating a Jiāng version of Lan forced seclusion. Think about this would put canon in a blender and just shred it. We have Sect leader JYL, her co leader/Heir JC and their brother/Head disciple WWX. Think about WWX allowed to make the Jiāng a talisman powerhouse. Think about how a strengthened, united three person leadership which is really just JYL telling her brothers what to do and them doing it cheerfully. Everyone is validated, there isn’t constant fighting and money is rolling in from the talisman sales. The Jiāng all of a sudden are rising like someone strapped a rocket onto their ass. Let’s be honest the Lan are traditionalists who will swiftly be left in the dust by galaxy-for-a-brainWWX! Who invents like some people breathe. The Jin hold power by riches and let’s point again at our resident genius talisman master who rolls out the flags and compass. The Jiāng are getting richer by the second. The Nie are powerhouses and we have JC and WWX who are ridiculous and almost evenly matched. Lotus disciples are melee masters and going against one now makes a lot of people want to cry because Head Disciple WWX is going to drag his shidis into excellence one way or the other. JC is laughing on the sidelines because how do you think he got so powerful huh and let’s be real our angry grape loves watching people suffer. All of a sudden the Wen conquest doesn’t look to realistic anymore. Then WWX meets WN and WQ and decides to impulse adopt them and their entire branch. Then the Jiāng are now also the medical center of the Sects? Watch out Wens you’ve just lost the top spot to three teenagers two of which are really just following their beloved sisters lead. All I’m saying is JYL ruling the Cultivation World with her brothers cheerfully giving her whatever she wants while she can finally pamper them as she pleases. You want the horrible peacock? Fine buts he’s marrying in. Hey little brother you’re drooling over WQ huh? There is much mocking from single WWX towards his siblings. For awhile WWX is the only unmarried Lotus Pier sibling and boy is he hunted. Everyone is tripping over themselves to lock down the most eligible bachelor who is handsome and rich. And then WWX meets his LZ and how the tables have turned brother dear? Let’s just say the Lans are going to lose that fight before it even begins. LWJ is going to perish at their first meeting. Somehow this ends up a trend where the Jiāng end up pretty much never marrying out. Wow this got away from me but I now offer you this vision!

[fuckyeahgoodomens]

Maggie and Nina interview with Cheryl Eddy for Gizmodo au, 10 July 2023

Good Omens fans know what it means to pine for a couple to be together. Season two adds more shipping to the mix with Nina (Nina Sosanya) and Maggie (Maggie Service), shopkeeper neighbors of bookselling angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen). If their names and faces are familiar, that’s because you’ve seen them together before: as Satanic nuns in Good Omens season one.

This time around, of course, they are completely different characters who just happened to be named after the actors who play them. They were “beyond thrilled” to return to Good Omens, Service told io9 at a recent press day.

Sosanya agreed. “There was a sort of shock when we first heard that the second series was happening, a bigger one when we realized that we would be in it,” she said. “Then there was the adjustment that you have to make when you’re not going to be playing the previous characters. And then, just delight when you find out you’re going to be playing something new and named after our own selves, which is unprecedented, really.”

Without getting into plot spoilers, we can say that Good Omens season two acknowledges the queer subtext that fans read into Aziraphale and Crowley (David Tennant) in season one, and brings it out into the open with these new characters. Maggie, who runs a record shop, has a huge crush on Nina, who runs a coffee shop and is unfortunately already partnered up. They’re lesbians, but Good Omens doesn’t make a big deal out of that fact; that’s just who these characters happen to be.

“Season one [really] connected with people,” Service said. “The Good Omens universe, it’s a place where you can just be—you know, you’re welcome, whoever you are, however, whatever. If something makes you feel ‘other,’ you’re not. You’re fine. You’re welcome. That reaction from the fans has painted into what they wanted to write in season two, to just absolutely make that message more than 100% clear and tell some more stories. It’s not a big deal [that they’re gay] it’s just who they are.”

Added Sosanya, “I think that’s what Neil does with a lot of his writing and with a lot of the graphic novels as well. Those characters, they’re not explained particularly, they just are. It doesn’t have to be justified in any way.”

Maggie and Nina are unique in Good Omens season two because they’re both mortals—even if they don’t realize at first that they’re surrounded by characters who are actually angels and demons. “They didn’t really know particularly that there are ‘sides’ to be taken, so they’re sort of working their own moral compass,” Sosanya said. “Following instincts, and trying to do the best they can and look after the people who look like they might need help,” Service added.

Said Sosanya, “And then, [once they do realize what’s going on], it’s not actually clear which side they would be on. They’re well-rounded characters—they could go either way. They’re just sort of experiencing it in the moment and seeing what occurs because nothing is as it seems.”

Both actors agreed they’d love to return for a hypothetical Good Omens season three, either as Nina and Maggie again or as another set of new characters—“any chance to spend any time in the Good Omens universe will be a great day in the office,” Service said. And they both think the themes of Good Omens are important ones.

“In both seasons, the question of what makes a good person, what makes a bad person is prevalent. I think much more in season two, [also] something about authenticity. But lots of parties seem to be searching for something and it might be within themselves,” Service teased.

Added Sosanya, “I also think that perhaps as a theme about learning to trust another individual. You can’t operate as an island. No angel is an island, and no demon is an island.”

[whatswrongwithblue]

I love your take on Alastor and Pathological Demand Avoidance. Delving into what we know and have seen with Alastor thus far; what exactly do you think his intentions are toward Charlie and the hotel?

I’ve been avoiding answering this ask for . . . a while now. For one, I just honestly don’t know. And two, who in this fandom hasn’t already discussed this? But you asked, so I’ll tell you what I think.

I think there is a full on chasm between what Alastor’s intentions are going into episode 1, season 1, and what we will see him actually do come season 2.

I believe his intentions towards her is to use her power to help gain his own freedom and to him, that does not necessarily mean hurting or betraying her. He’d see it as a weird kind of partnership. But that could get fucked up and messy really quick.

I truly don’t think Alastor means anyone in that hotel, including Charlie, any real harm, at least not to start. For fans that have not only seen the pilot and the show but read the official comics, we get a really full picture of a guy who loves power and violence and enjoys bringing fear to his victims but we see the same guy use a very strange and twisted moral compass to stick up for those “of a fairer means.” He abhors bullies and people who are mean just to be mean. So while he’s canonically a serial killer and cannibal (although it’s still debated on whether or not he was a cannibal in life or just became one when he went to Hell – that’s not really important here) I just don’t see any of the people of the hotel being “his type” or his “demographic” of people he would willingly harm. (I’ve used this theme over and over again in pretty much all of my fics. My kink is complicated anti-heros and so far, Alastor fits that bill.)

Add to that, we actually see him enjoying being seen as a sort of “hero” in Dad Beat Dad when he sticks up for Mimzi and the safety of the hotel. In fact, I think getting to be the hero is exactly what he sees in his relationship with Mimzi and possibly even Niffty. They give him something to protect and they admire him for it. They enjoy getting to stand behind him as he eviscerates any threat to them. And in return, he enjoys the violence and the praise he gets. And I can see him leaning into that roll at the hotel, if really given the chance.

What’s going to determine what he does going forward in Season 2 is finding out why he went there in the first place – I think we all know at this point it has nothing to do with “entertainment” for him. And who owns his soul and how much freedom he actually has.

There’s a variety of reasons to have a really complicated, beautifully done villain arc for him in upcoming seasons.

He could be forced to hurt those at the hotel against his will by whoever owns his soul.

He could decide that despite his caring for them, they are not worth dying for, and betray them willingly to save his own hide.

He could decide the end is the worth the means and betray Charlie in order to achieve some unknown goal of his – gain his freedom, be reunited with his mom, get more power, etc etc.

Whatever the reason ends up being, I would bet money that season 2 is going to show Alastor going far beyond his own “intentions.” I desperately want to see that man push his own boundaries, cross his own finely drawn lines, and do something that leaves even him going “my god, what have I done?” and then have to fight and crawl and breakdown in order to redeem himself. (And by redeem, I do not mean in the eyes of Heaven, but by his own standards. I will throw hands if he actually ends up in Heaven, let him stay my fucked up little deer man please Viv.)

Tl;dr version: His intensions towards Charlie are neutral but what he’ll end up doing is probably going to be far more nefarious than what he originally set out to do.

Here is the Alastor has Pathological Demand Avoidance post mentioned. That sucker is BURIED because it's so old but I still stand by the headcannon that he has PDA.

[saltminerising]

seeing the drama go down about the auraboa lore has made me super anxious. as a writer and also an autistic person, it can be hard to fully know and prepare for every single issue ahead of time, and it worries me that i’ll accidentally write something problematic into my own lore on flight rising without realizing it. (also i don’t have the funds to personally hire a sensitivity reader for all my flight rising lore.) it makes me wonder if one day i’ll write something and get cancelled and called racist for something i didn’t intend for it to come across that way at all, despite my best efforts to be cognizant of such things.

i’m not saying people shouldn’t call out these things. as a writer, there’s a lot of pressure to perform, but also the responsibility to get things right, to not spread misinformation or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. but i really think some compassion should be extended to the other side too, that people are human and they do make mistakes, unintentionally causing hurt. should flight rising hire sensitivity readers? absolutely. should they fix and change the issues present within the lore? absolutely. but i also don’t think they intended to belittle or dehumanize a group of people with their recent lore, either.

i know i’ve certainly taken the time to rewrite entire chunks of my own lore when something just felt… off to me for whatever reason. and i think that’s something that no author should be afraid to do. but the sheer hostility that comes from some people can be really daunting and anxiety-inducing. discouraging, even. to some extent, it makes me personally wonder if i should even try to tell stories when people try to find as much fault as possible in them, and aggressively tear them down rather than offering constructive criticism. it creates an environment of hostility rather than a learning space where we can all be better people.

i’m not talking about the folks who have valid criticisms, and voiced those things politely and with respect, who have brought up real concerns. that should by all means get discussed and acknowledged. i’m talking about the ones who are going overboard and getting angry at staff and just straight up calling them extremely racist. not that i’m defending racism. of course not. just that i think being that as accusatory as possible doesn’t get us anywhere other than high tension and mob mentality.

i also think there are definitely people who are being dismissive of these concerns as well, and those folks need to back down too. (especially that individual who posted a baby image as a reply to what an individual stated. that’s such a childish thing to do. please be better than that.) i’m just sad to see some people can’t remain civil about these topics, i guess. i feel like, we’re all people here, we all bleed the same, we all make mistakes. perhaps a little bit of empathy would go a long way from both sides of the equation.

on another note. for the folks who are being equally dismissive of the phobias that genes like medusa and scuttle trigger: people are people, and what bothers one person might not upset another. expecting everyone to feel the same way, and to not have a certain trigger because it doesn’t personally bother you is a very narrow-minded way of thinking. let people exist in the way that they do without making them feel unheard and unseen, as though they are ridiculous or foolish. they’re not.

i love these genes myself, but i can understand if someone else was unnerved by them, because the world is a larger place than my own narrow perception of it. again, compassion and empathy go a long way. please don’t be unkind to the folks who may be dealing with things you are not. wouldn’t you appreciate it if someone was as understanding about the things that upset you?

anyways. sorry for rambling. i’m sure most of you will think this is too much to read, and that’s fine too. i can understand that. regardless of whether you did or not, i hope you all have a good week. rest, hydrate, and take care of yourselves.

[pearlescentpearl]

I ended up getting three asks about the Morgoth’s Evil Cats thing so instead of answering the same question three times I shall simply make one big post

@theghostinthemargins @ymfingsteadilyon

Okay, so we’re all aware of Tevildo right? Evil cat Maia? How aware are we of Miaulë (female, Tevildo’s cook), Umuiyan (male, doorkeeper for Tevildo), and Oikeroi (male, warrior under Tevildo)?

If you weren’t, now you are

Anyway. Imagine, if you will, being a quartet of cats who somehow survived the Valar sieging Melkor’s fortresses, and the guy standing in charge in the rubble is some self-important dog person who free roams his fucking werewolves all over the place. You can no longer thrive in this household, you are packing your little rucksacks and leaving.

Leaving where? Well... you guess you’ll go sneak into Valinor and check on the Big Boss, you were pretty happy under his employ once upon a time. But the only sneaky way in is, uh... the Helcaraxë. Now, the Big Boss may make crossing it look easy enough but he invented cold! Most Ainu don’t actually care for it no matter how well they endure it.

So now you’re in Araman and you have to wear the guise of normal ass cats or risk being discovered and captured as spies. Which would be personally very inconvenient. So now you’re a very bedraggled quartet of Maia cats by the time you get to the only opening in the Pelóri; the Calacirya where Tirion-upon-Túna lies.

And this is what Maitimo finds while out hiking, and either natural elven compassion for living creatures, or perhaps just plain conditioned reflex from wee brothers (mostly Tyelko) bringing home pathetic injured animals for nursing, has him going, awww poor lil guys, you want some help? And Tevildo and co. normally would gut him on principle buuuut... Maitimo has food. And gentle hands. Is practically a space heater with his inner fire. Plus, he’s carrying them up to Tirion, so fine, whatever, they agree he’s their new servant now. They can just recover in his home real quick and then carry on with their quest.

Naturally, they feel no inclination to leave where they’re being pampered with fresh fish, and chin scritches, and brushies, and all the praise they deserve, and also Laurelin beams are amazing to sleep in? What the hell, there were no Laurelin beams under Big Boss!

As it turns out, evil cat behavior is nigh indistinguishable from normal needy, high strung, asshole cat behavior.

Picture, if you will, the look on Melkor’s face the first time he enters Finwë’s palace, and there is Maitimo pinned to a couch in a Laurelin beam by Melkor’s evil cats, what the hell.

Tevildo and co. are not going back to work under a guy who doesn’t give fish, or chin scritches, or warm beams of light to sleep in, no sir. Shove it up your ass, Big Not-Boss.

Melkor: Oh, that’s just rich. When I demand special treatment, it’s unfair. When I enslave elves, it’s evil. When I make people bleed to express my displeasure, it’s cruel. But when you four do it--

Tevildo and co.: *yawn* Should have been a cat 🙄

Naturally, when Melkor’s scheming starts interfering in their Maitimo time, something has to be done about Melkor once and for all

[withlove-amber]

Not Out of My League

alden parker x reader

‘Undercover. Great.’ (Y/N) thought as she heard the news that Parker and herself were to be going undercover as a rich couple, at some party that a suspect would be present at. It’s not that (Y/N) didn’t like going undercover for a case, but it wasn’t her favorite thing to do. (Y/N) has had a crush on Parker since he took over as team lead, and only Jessica and Kasie knew about it. As soon as Jessica heard about the op, she immediately went to (Y/N)’s desk and left a note saying, ‘you should finally tell him’. Parker didn’t mean to read the note from Jessica on (Y/N)’s desk, but it was next to the stack of paperwork he needed for the op.

‘Tell who?’ Parker thought. He secretly hoped it was him, whom the note was referring to. He has had a crush on (Y/N) since he took over as team lead. He knew he shouldn’t, but there was just something in the way she has compassion for everyone she meets, she’s always up for helping Kasie and Jimmy with whatever they need, and her overall gentle demeanor. And don’t get him started on how she looks when she’s holding a gun. Beautiful and badass. Parker hoped not a lot of people knew about it, but he had a sneaking suspicion Vance knew when he picked (Y/N) to be his undercover wife. Parker was so nervous, which is highly unlike him, but little did he know that (Y/N) was just as nervous. 

(Y/N) didn’t have anything close to what she needed for the op, so she borrowed a dress from Jessica, which just so happened to be the one she wore to the wedding with Jimmy. (Y/N) tried it on in Kasie’s lab and she looked and felt incredible. She felt like Mrs. Smith, and it was wonderful knowing that Parker would be her Mr. Smith. But what she wasn’t expecting was for Parker to look so damn fine in a tux. After she had finished getting ready for the op, (Y/N) made her way to the bullpen to go over everything one last time. The first thing she saw when she entered the room was Parker. And without thinking, said, “Hot damn.” Everyone’s attention went to her, including Parker’s. ‘Great, (Y/N). Just great.’ (Y/N) thought to herself as Jessica and Nick smirked at her sudden outburst. 

The op went smoothly, and the suspect was taken into custody. When they got back to the office, they were surprised to find Delilah sitting with Tim and Jessica. “So, how was your night, (Y/N)? Anything good happen?” Delilah said, trying not to laugh. “Yes Delilah, it was great. Thank you. How was yours?” (Y/N) responded, knowing that she was bright red at this point. “It was fine.” Delilah replied. (Y/N) said she needed to change out of the dress and give it back to Jessica, but in reality, she just needed to take a minute and decompress after the case. 

(Y/N) thought of how his hand never left her body. From a gentle touch on the small of her back while they walked through the crowd, to a hand on her thigh, rubbing gentle circles over and over and over again. She never wanted him to stop. What she didn’t know, was that Alden didn't have to pretend he’s absolutely head-over-heels for her. He is absolutely head-over-heels for her. 

(Y/N) felt better after changing and headed back up to the bullpen. She didn’t mean to overhear the current conversation, but it was happening right as she quietly walked in. The only thing she heard was Parker saying, “I just don’t know what to do. I mean, at a certain point tonight, I didn’t have to pretend I love her. I do love her. I love (Y/N), and I don’t know how to tell her.” Tim felt (Y/N)’s presence in the bullpen, but didn’t say anything, because he knew that both Parker and (Y/N) needed to hear it. “You just did.” Tim said, gesturing towards (Y/N). 

(Y/N) couldn’t believe what she just heard. The man she’s been in love with for months, not only feels the same, but he said it outloud. (Y/N) walked up to Parker, and shyly asked, “Is it true? Do you really…?” At first, Parker was scared he overstepped and made (Y/N) uncomfortable. He never wanted to make her uncomfortable. In a moment of bravery, he said, “Yes. All of it. I love you, so much. And you don’t have to say it back or feel the same-” (Y/N) cut him off with a passionate kiss. He very enthusiastically returned the kiss, and he broke the kiss to say, “Wait, you really feel the same way? I always thought you were out of my league.” “Out of your- I always thought you were out of my league.” (Y/N) said with a slight chuckle. 

Jessica interrupted the moment by saying, “Go home you two! And if you need to take the day, we understand.” she said with a wink. “Goodnight!” Parker and (Y/N) said, practically sprinting to the elevator, hand-in-hand. And they did have a magnificent night, and they might have taken the day. It would be a bit awkward to explain to Vance why they both called in sick, but neither of them cared in the moment.

[neopronouns]

I’m asking this as an autistic person but why are low empathy and low compassion considered fine? Empathy and compassion mean just.. caring about things. Why are we saying that not caring about anyone or anything is normal? I experience empathy/mild hyperempathy and don’t understand how someone wouldn’t feel that way. Someone who doesn’t have empathy or compassion sounds like an asshole. Like how is that a symptom of a mental disorder/disability? That’s just a basic emotion? I don’t mean to sound rude but I’m seeing a lot of people get absolutely dragged for saying things as basic as ‘having empathy is good’ and I don’t get it.

first off, empathy and compassion are not simply 'caring about things'. let's compare sympathy, empathy, and compassion, three terms that are often confused with one another:

sympathy: feelings of pity for another person's misfortune

empathy: the ability to understand and share another person's feelings

compassion: similar to sympathy, but additionally implies that one has a desire to help the person they feel pity for

these are often linked (especially compassion, as it often follows empathy or sympathy) but are distinct. notably, none of them are just 'caring about things' and none of them are just 'a basic emotion'; these are specific reactions one has to situations they encounter, which can vary drastically based on a number of factors.

i'm going to primarily address low empathy after this, since low empathy is a recognized symptom of a number of disorders and it genuinely should be destigmatized.

empathy is literally experiencing the emotions one recognizes in another person. it's an uncontrollable, subconscious reaction to emotions the person picks up on around them. empathetic reactions can occur whether or not you care about another person, whether or not you know them personally, etc. essentially, empathy is 'being in a person's shoes' in the moment.

low empathy is a common symptom of a number of mental conditions. this is because many disorders affect how one navigates social interaction and interprets others' emotions. a person with low or no empathy can't simply choose to care about a person's feelings and suddenly experience empathy; they genuinely do not have the ability to feel what another person is feeling for whatever reason.

here are some neurodivergencies that can cause low empathy and how:

autism: autism causes social deficits, notably including the ability to read another person's body language. if an autistic person can't read a person's body language, that makes it much harder to figure out what emotions they're feeling at a given time, which is necessary to experience empathy.

cluster b personality disorders (aspd, bpd, hpd, npd): cluster b disorders often cause dysfunctional patterns of social behavior. these pds often affect one's self-image or ego and cause emotional disturbances, which both make it much harder to understand what another person is feeling and, in turn, feel those feelings.

trauma: any trauma-related disorder can cause low empathy. ptsd/cptsd, personality disorders, dissociative disorders, and more can affect one's empathy. trauma can, for example, cause a person to become highly focused on their own wellbeing in order to survive, which may result in a lack of empathy in typical social interaction. trauma can also cause high empathy (it seems trauma generally affects empathy for a lot of people).

alexithymia: alexithymia is the term for struggling to recognize and express emotions. this includes both one's own emotions and the emotions of those around them. alexithymia is a very common symptom of various disorders, especially neurodevelopmental disorders. according to current research, over half of all autistic people experience alexithymia, which just adds to the number of low/no empathy autistics.

traumatic brain injury: injuries to the parts of the brain that handle empathy, emotion, and social interaction can cause low empathy

as you can see, low empathy is much more common that one might assume. this is why people are criticized for implying that having low empathy is bad; low empathy is uncontrollable and a symptom of many disorders, which makes these statements either inherently or overtly ableist.

having low empathy doesn't automatically make you an asshole. your actions matter more than your internal experience; a person with low empathy may not be able to take on another person's feelings, but they can still help them in some way. it's the same for people with high empathy — experiencing another person's emotions along with them doesn't necessarily mean that you will be kind to them or offer them assistance.

importantly, a person with low/no empathy can still care about others or take actions that indicate care. you can experience sympathy and compassion without experiencing empathy (though you don't have to experience those, either, to be a good person). you don't have to be able to experience or understand another person's emotions to recognize that they're struggling.

this is a long post, sorry, but it's an important issue. being ableist is never okay, no matter how unpalatable you find the symptom.

[aroapl]

hello! first off, this ask is not at all meant to be antagonistic and i am genuinely coming from a place of wanting to understand. i've always been extremely for "people can be and identify as whatever they want, so long as they're not hurting anyone". what i'm struggling with is that last bit and the way that i am seeing some people using the aplatonic or loveless labels.

i am both aro- and ace spec myself, so i definitely understand not having emotions or attraction in the way that a lot of people feel that you should. and while i am pretty high empathy myself, i'm also friends with people who have low or no empathy and have no trouble understanding that that's just another way of existing and doesn't mean that you can't have compassion for people or treat people decently. my best friend has no empathy and is incredibly supportive and caring.

i also totally get when i see people iding as loveless because the way that our society (especially western society) uses the word "love" is so weird and definitely not universally relatable. completely understandable.

i've seen many people identify being aplatonic as meaning "idk i just don't really Connect with people in the way that i see most people talk about, if my friends all moved away, i wouldn't really be bothered" okay, cool. i don't Get it, but just seems to be a different experience.

where i'm really struggling is not to condemn or get angry at people who i straight up see saying "i'm loveless meaning i don't care about other human beings and if any number of people just died right in front of me i wouldn't care. if i saw someone in trouble needing my help i'd walk right past them. i hate humans". i haven't seen a TON of people express this, but i've seen enough to where i feel like they can't all be trolls, and i'm not sure how to respond.

i've also seen a lot, like definitely the vast majority of people i see pop up on my dash who id themselves as aplatonic, say that they feel horribly lonely and disconnected and just Can't make friends...therefore they must be aplatonic, and they should stop trying and be "naturally" isolated. a lot of these people also mention having past trauma, and a lot of them seem to be young teenagers.

now. i am of the opinion that identifying yourself "incorrectly"--eg, a young trans woman identifying as ace before she figures out she's trans because she has no interest in sex as someone who's seen as a man--isn't ever really harmful. not having sex with anyone isn't going to hurt you. briefly deciding you're a lesbian isn't going to hurt you if you're actually a trans man.

but these teenagers i see iding as aplatonic because they're unable to make connections with people but want to really worries me. if you don't have any close friends or even casual friends and are totally happy with that and id as aplatonic, that makes sense and seems perfectly fine to me. but i just can't make "i id this way because i'm miserable" mesh with my worldview, nor can i make "i id this way because i hate everyone" mesh either.

in the past when i've brought this up to people with the loveless able specifically, it's incited threats of violence, doxxing, and a lot of ableism, which tbh did the opposite of convincing me it was a harmless label.

do you have any thoughts on this?

(Little preface to say I consulted a server with a lot of apls and loveless folks in it to get a second opinion on how to respond to this. So, some of this is entirely my own thoughts and some is paraphrased from another loveless apl. This person did not want to be credited/named.)

I’m gonna start with my main thought on all these points, which is this: there are always going to be some people that identify with a label for the “wrong” reasons, and there are always going to be some assholes and some people you fundamentally don’t agree with in every label/community. None of these things ever make it okay to try and get rid of or police a label, to take it away from the people that genuinely find community, joy, and self acceptance in it.

A lot of what you’re saying here is quite frankly just classic aphobia, the same stuff a lot of people say/think about aros and aces just directed at apls and loveless people. There are plenty of aros that desperately wish they could like romance and have romantic relationships, and there are aphobes that think these aros are just mentally ill and that the aro label should be done away with to “save” them. There are some violently sex negative aces out there, and there are aphobes who think they speak for the whole community and that the ace label should be done away with because of it. There are people that mistakenly identify as ace and/or aro because they’re struggling with other things, and some of them isolate themselves because of it in ways that genuinely do harm them, and there are people that think ace and aro are inherently harmful labels because of this. 

Whether they truly are aplatonic or just falling back on the aplatonic label because of other struggles, some aplatonic people genuinely wishing they could make/keep friends and feeling lonely doesn’t mean that the aplatonic label as a whole is a problem. Like I said, people misidentifying in ways that do actually harm them in some way is something that can happen with any label. Also, trying to make someone drop a label that doesn’t actually fit them and force them to face the problem that led them to it before they’re ready to is rarely helpful. A lot of people in this situation would at best feel disrespected and upset, and at worst double down on their misidentification or have a serious mental health spiral over being made to face a problem they aren't ready to face. People wrongly IDing as aplatonic might find understanding and resources in our community that help them heal, they might be miserable the whole time they ID as apl and eventually move on and get help afterward, or they might learn and heal in other ways or go on to struggle for a very long time. Either way, it’s not the job of outsiders to decide someone is identifying with a label for the wrong reasons and make them let it go. 

(Also, a side note on this point. While aplatonic is currently primarily defined and used similarly to other aspec labels, there have been several other definitions that differ quite a lot. One of these definitions defines it as struggling to make or maintain friendships due to neurodivergence, or just generally struggling with friendship. Some people do still use this definition. Some of these people you’re talking about may be using this definition.)

Now on to lovelessness. Some of what you’re saying here gets into ableism, particularly towards people with personality disorders. Some people with personality disorders genuinely just aren’t capable of caring about strangers like that, or people in general. Some often aren’t capable of going out of their way to help people, or struggle a lot with it. That doesn’t make them bad. People can’t control how they feel. As long as they aren’t hurting anyone, people can feel or think whatever they want. Thought crime isn’t real.

Now, if someone is actually hurting people and using the loveless label as an excuse, that’s obviously not okay. The thing about that though is that taking the loveless label away from them won’t make them stop hurting people. They will just find another excuse, or stop bothering with having an excuse. An asshole is still going to be an asshole no matter what label or excuse they attach to it. On top of that, some people within an identity/community being bad people doesn't make it okay to vilify everyone that shares that label or get rid of that label/community. 

I’m genuinely very sorry some people have been ableist and violent towards you, that is never okay. I do need you to know though that despite what may have been good intentions, this does come off as aplphobic, loveless antagonistic, and a bit ableist. That can rightfully inspire anger and defensiveness in people with these identities, especially since many of us are already used to having our identities antagonized, disrespected, and demonized. Since you’re aroace-spec, imagine how you would feel if someone came to you and expressed these exact same sentiments, but towards ace and aro identities instead. Imagine how you’d feel if some came to you doubting that ace and aro identities should be allowed to exist because they’d encountered some aces and aros that were mean or unhappy in their identify.

At the end of the day, not everyone is going to share your worldview, and that’s fine. You don’t have to understand them or like them, or even get along with them, but they have a right to exist as they are even if you don’t agree with them or like it. If they aren’t hurting you, simply move on and focus your time and energy on the people and communities you do like and understand.

[feistyvirghoe]

˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ ❝ 𝑾𝑯𝑨𝑻𝑺 𝑯𝑶𝑳𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑩𝑨𝑪𝑲 𝑭𝑹𝑶𝑴 𝑻𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵?? ❞ ˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧

*this can be taking action anywhere in your life, whatever has been on your mind that you’re contemplating, something you’re scared of doing because it brings up feelings of fear and anxiety, don’t engage if you’re not prepared for whatever comes out…just want to help you guys out if you’re nervous to do something you know you want to do, that’ll benefit you in the end :) <333*

pick a card disclaimers ೃ💓⁀➷

pick a pile u feel most called to, the one u cannot look away from, the one that is pulsing, go with your gut, always trust yourself, and if u feel called to more that’s cool baby boo! there’s more for u!

these are general and for a vast amount of ppl, don’t get ur undies all twisted up bc it’s not resonating, it’s normal and it’s fine, this just wasn’t for u! <3

these are extremely general collective timeless readings and they’re meant for entertainment purposes, please don’t take things so seriously and also realize my readings are for people above 18!

╰┈➤ ❝ [ i feel like this thing you are holding off on is something that would make you really happy. Emotionally satisfied, this is like a gift from the universe, this thing has you in your head obviously but i feel like there needs to be moderation with how you’ll go about this, when you decide to take action. I feel like you’re more of a logical thinker than having that natural blind faith you know, second guessing the outcome of what’s going to happen with this certain thing you’re taking a pause on. It’s your mind and i feel like that may be the whole theme for this entire PAC. I dont know why im just picking up like you not feeling like you’re good enough for this. And you are good enough, it’s the worry. That anxiety and fear surrounding this endeavor, passion project, goal etc. whatever it is, it looks so good to you from the eye and your can see that it’d make you fucking happy and feeling so fulfilled and enjoying the pleasure you get from starting this thing. Be more patient with yourself and your abilities, your progress. I just feel like you’re holding onto this idea that it wont come or if it did come or happen the way you expected or similar to what your expectation was that it’d be short lived joy. But im seeing that this is going to make you so happy. I feel like you need to balance out your feelings towards this and what i mean is taking some time to re-evaluate if this fear is coming from a real place of concern of if its just your ego telling you lies about this. Making up false scenarios, and i know that feeling because you can really get trapped in your own mind by thinking of what could really go wrong. I feel like you know what to do, but i want you guys to take some time to really take a step back from your mind and all of these overwhelming thoughts and look at the situation with more love and compassion for it but for yourself as well, dont belittle your qualities and what makes you stand out, i just feel like their needs to be more patience and to help yourself release what’s truly bothering you in your head, because the overthinking and fear is making you scared or just really hesitant to even go after this. You got this, you fucking got it and you need to see that for yourself as well, believing in what you can do, what you can also add to the plate. ] ❞

╰┈➤ ❝ [off the bat immediately im just scared, like a slight panic with you guys. I hope you all are okay, im trying to figure out why the hell you so scared to do this, because from what im seeing, this is going to boost you financially and probably even have you feeling stable and secure monetarily. And do not even say that you need people to do this, because i can also see that you have it all on your own, very self-sufficient, feeling fucking at ease once you have gotten the hang of it, its like you get past the initiation process and you’re finally adapting to the environment. Putting in that hard work and not giving up on yourself and what you can do. I feel like you’re naturally skilled in this, but here’s the thing. I feel like something struck you, it could be a relationship and not just romantic either. But this bs hit you hard and im sorry you guys. I feel like you gave your all to something and you were so excited about t6his thing but then some weird unhinged shit happened that just tore into your fucking soul. I feel like you’re feeling like “why even bother?” “why even try?” Im just getting this heaviness on your heart dude, it’s like you only got one more to give and it’s your last before you break and crumble. This journey is not easy and i know , you’re tired, worn out, feeling burnt out but it’s so worth it dude! Not you being burnt out and feeling fucking exhausted, but what you want to do is worth it my love. What would help you guys more is if you just take the time out of your day to be more kinder to yourself, more self-love, no self-hatred. You went through the weirdness, left feeling defeated and just low on gas but i can see you just picking yourself back up little by little which is okay because you dont need to rush yourself, especially comparing it to others, they dont know you and you dont know them, i feel like you may take it a little personal which is your right you know, but your have been growing and moving forward with your life, not staying stuck in this downward spiral of intense sadness, even depression. I’m feeling like you’re crossing over into new territory so it’s new and scary for you to tackle. But once you go ahead and consistently do it and keep up with this, mannnnnn, you dont even know and i see, the not knowing getting to y’all. I understand the wanting to know and the curiosity but let yourself be surprised along the way, nothing is really set in stone but doing this would just make you feel like a fucking boss! I’m wishing you lots of love and luck and blessings, i love you. ] ❞

╰┈➤ ❝ [ okay so you guys, i feel like it’s other people around you, listening to the people around you, are they trying to influence you and tell you what to do? I dont want to come off as harsh with you guys but i feel like this may also be about you guys not taking this thing so serious. It’s like you are distracted, being led another way, its like you know exactly where you want to go but you seem to have something that’s close to you, whether it be friends or vices or even just a bad habit, this thing is causing you to feel temporarily fulfilled for a short time. When this thing seems more long-term. I mean your have the fucking power to do so, this optimism. I feel like you guys may be looking at this as like “I’ll get it done later” “it can wait another day, it’s okay.” But I didn’t really feel so in the beginning, idk im just getting that there’s some sort of weird influence making you a little ablivious to the realness of this thing. I mean it doesn’t have to be so serious, this is differing for everyone. Did you complete this already with passing colors and it brought a good amount of abundance but now you’re like not taking this as serious as you did before. Im feeling like you know already, like deep down you’re aware of your gifts and what you can do, is it the ego? I feel like you guys are like “it doesn’t matter that much because i can do what the fuck i want” your pile seems more carefree than the others, like everything has already worked out so why do you need to do more? But i mean if you’re reading this it seems like in the back of your head you want to do this. I just feel liken its outside influences, partying a lot, destructive behavior a little, talking too much with friends, well gossiping but place it where it fits. I feel like you guys may be “stuck” in your comfort zone, the area where you’re feeling so content and not wanting to leave it behind, i mean you dont have to leave anything behind, but taking a step outside of your home, your personal space, even that “comforting” mindset which we know it can keep us stuck, thinking that you wouldn’t really have to be responsible with this, because it’ll never really leave you if its for you and maybe that’s another thing, taking the spiritual terms a little too deep, like baby, we’re going to have to push ourselves to get out of this limiting thinking, you’re allowed to have more for yourself, it’s okay to want more for yourself. Especially if t5his thing is making you happy and feeling fucking complete inside. But its really giving off you ended a cycle and not to say cycles are bad, but when we get used to its for so long it can be really comforting and “peaceful” to stay there, but you know you’re capable and can do wayyyy more than you’re anticipating. I feel like some advice for you is to assess this carefully and really weigh out the options, weighing the scale. Doing what you feel is really right for you. Doing this is feel will make you feel a bit more confident in who you are what the fuck you can also do, take a step outside and breathe in the new phase of your life.] ❞

╰┈➤ ❝ [oh my pile fours, are you guys psyching yourself out of this? This feels like a project of some sort and you over here coming out as this courageous, strong minded, independent individual , and you seem to be fearless, but im also getting that this may be a team effort, maybe you dont like asking for help. This is something you cant do alone, or without a second opinion. You seem to have this very innovative mind, like its not that difficult for you to create or even start with your projects, but im getting there needs to be more of a lighter approach to this. You’re coming off as this extremely okay I didn’t want to say feisty lol, but yeah feisty and extremely serious. I feel like this pile goes after things without thinking, you know taking some time to look at the whole picture and then see what needs to get done. It’s just coming off as if you need to do this all alone or by yourself. I also feel like its trust issues, feeling like you have to hold onto your swords so no one will come in and snatch it away from you. I feel like you may be this way because of deceitful people in the past, people who screwed you over and manipulated the situation. Another thing here is taking action on a relationship, it doesn’t have to be, but approaching someone for something, like this makes you nervous,its either you not wanting to trust these/this people/thing/project. You’re holding something within you, and its like dying to come out, its feels like something that you have been planning for quite some time, like its been in the works just marinating and now you’re ready to present something or go after this. I just feel like there is a lot of sneakiness surrounding this, feeling like it may be too good of an opportunity, its either a good ass offer that you want to take up or this could be you offering something as well. I dont think going after this forcefully or very assertive will help much, you may come off as too strong but its okay, because there’s something called the temperance card lmao, okay being serious, you guys gotta relax and calm that stress down, its getting you fired up fr, it could be positive or negative but i feel like its something that would even have you acting/being more in that softer energy. Like doing this would bring some peace and calmness to your life. I feel like you guys may ned to let your guard down a little and loosen up the barrier, to be able to get to this, it feels like it needs to be handled with more care and love, pure love, letting yourself be naked and open in front, not literally lol but its the vulnerability and honesty with shedding the skin, taking the clothes off, clearing up your mental confusion, dont deceive yourself and dont let anyone try to even get one up on you! <333] ❞

╰┈➤ ❝ [i feel like you guys are the lil cinnamon rolls, the sweet chocolate chip cookies, not too hard and no too soft, just right. You guys have such a sweet energy its weird as soon as i tapped in, even if you may show a more assertive side to yourself i just feel like you guys are really kind and sweet underneath the front. I feel like you guys are really curious and ready to explore this new horizon, but then there’s the hesitation because you may be a bit skeptical of what’s to come when you go for this, and take the step. You have a younger bold energy to you, but also so curious, and I also feel like this would be a full circle moment for you guys. Like once you go ahead with this, it’ll feel like you’re seeing it making more sense as it plays out. I feel like you guys are extremely curious and fascinated with this, it has your focus, like something you have been keeping an eye on. Are you guys feeling like you dont really know where to start because you’re younger and newer to this, i mean you dont have to be young lmao, but its something that’s very new to you. I’m feeling like you may not even want to see past the blindfold because whatever is behind the veil is a little bit nerve wracking, does music help you guys too calm down? Like it just uplifts you, i keep getting distracted and turning my music up to jam haha. It can also be that too, you distracting your mind and letting it take you to your own paradise while you kind of ignore the elephants big ass right in front of you. I feel like you may not know what to really do, but just take your time but also taking too much time and being really patient can delay things for us to. It’s okay to do what makes you happy, if this will make you happy. I’m just feeling like you are at a crossroads and taking some time to think it through and come up with a decision, a choice that feels good for your soul, by listening to your inner wisdom, which is feel is the same as our intuition. I feel like you should think more about how this will impact you, whichever decision you make for yourself, going this or that way. But weighing out the pros and cons for too long will create all these unnecessary illusions and false narratives in your head, I swear everyone in this entire opacity has to work on getting out of their head, even me too! We tend to think and think and think so much, imagine how heavy your head feels boo. I feel like to help you out you need to put this fresher adolescent like energy to use, the curiosity of a child but also the fear of one too, nervous about the big and bad, but you have all the tools you need. I feel like you have these amazing skills that you’re not putting to use, this will change a lot for your whether it may be small or big, nomn matter what, its a whole new phase that’ll open up for you. Listening to the divine whos speaking through me and even developing your amazing skills, nothing wrong with learning and even leaning on others when you need help too. its a good wake up call for you, peeling back old layers of you to bring in More abundant wisdom and also by opening yourself more to this, you’ll gain some knowledge and learn more about your own power that lies within you.] ❞

⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ᴜ ɢᴜʏꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴘᴀᴄ, ɪ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱɴ’ᴛ ᴛᴏᴏ ʜᴀʀꜱʜ, ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ, ʟᴍᴀᴏ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜɪꜱ, ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴘᴀᴛɪᴇɴᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ, ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ʀᴜꜱʜ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀᴏɢʀᴇꜱꜱ, ɪᴛ’ꜱ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴏᴋᴀʏ, ʙᴜᴛ ɢᴏ ᴀʜᴇᴀᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʙɪꜱʜ!!! ᴘᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ʙᴏᴏ!!!! ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆

[secretlythepits]

Yesterday a Rant, Today a Babble

Took my husband to the oncologist. He had taken a high dose of ibuprofen so he was feeling fine. It was awkward and not indicative of his pain symptoms, which we explained, but it was like taking your car to the mechanic and it not making that worrying sound. He poked around and looked at the scans my husband got this morning. The radiologist hasn’t made a report yet and the oncologist said he can only read tumors. He didn’t see a new mass in that area and did measure one mass and saw that it had shrunk some. That’s good news, but not an answer. It could be a fractured rib or a pulmonary embolism. Those were his guesses and the radiologist will be able to detect them if that’s the case.

My husband is adamant that there is absolutely no psychological aspect to his pain. Cue eye roll. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a physiological cause, but focusing on pain makes it worse. Stress can manifest as pain in the body. He rejects those ideas. My eyes have rolled all the way to the Arctic circle.

In the appointment it unfolds that he did not take his ibuprofen with him yesterday so when he came stumbling home from work in agony, requiring a special meal and attention, he hadn’t taken painkillers in hours. This morning I told him to take the pills with him always. Guess who came home from work in pain again? It’s very frustrating because he sounds an emergency alarm but ignores common sense measures. I wasted my day accompanying him to a needless appointment. He missed half a day of work and we need his PTO desperately.

He had implied that his pain was overwhelming while medicated which is very different than pain that can be managed with ibuprofen. Also, I 100% don’t dismiss physical manifestations of distress. We all do this and sometimes we just need people to baby us when we are stressed and afraid. I would be fine being by his side for that. But it’s very irritating that he won’t acknowledge any truth in that— that is why the day feels like a waste. He is so closed off to understanding anything about what’s going on inside of himself, but he expects me to have the answers always.

Next week is treatment and that will carry into the following week too, so why all this fuss the first days the kids went to school? Why couldn’t it just be about them? Why couldn’t I enjoy a couple hours in the house alone after the nonstop togetherness of homeschooling, summer, and travel?

Maybe something will show on the scans, but even then, the scans were already scheduled and always take a few days to be analyzed. Whatever. I have learned my lesson from this: my life might turn on a dime and I must stay focused and get prepared for it. It’s up to my husband to learn his own lessons. Or not.

Did I ever tell you my theory about death?

I’ve been mulling this over for the past 7 years, reflecting on the deaths of various loved ones. In that time I have lost a parent, 2 friends, an uncle, an aunt, and a cousin. This idea came to me and I have just sat with it and watched life unfold. Here it is:

We die when one of two things happens:

We accomplish what we came to this lifetime to do. We master the lesson we came to learn.

Or

We get as close as we are going to get to accomplishing it. We reach a point of stagnation in our spiritual growth.

This has been true (in my estimation) of my beloveds who have passed. Some had reached a point of beauty in the way that they lived so that it felt like their everyday life was the poetry of human existence. They embodied their true selves, they lived mostly in the present moment, they served others with bottomless compassion. The other people had wonderful qualities and moments, but were ultimately locked into an endless cycle of self-sabotage in one way or another. They grew, learned, and loved. They were good people, but over the years, they reached a point where they couldn’t break through to the next level. It’s like their evolution was permanently stunted in this life.

In both instances it feels like they took their spiritual growth as far as they could go on earth and then it was time to move on so their lives here ended.

I wonder about my husband.

I wonder about myself.

How much time do we need to grow here on the blue marble? What lessons need to be mastered? Or, where is the stopping point when we run out of chances because we are stuck on repeat?

I’ll tell you what: I’m not interested in the afterlife at all today. Not a bit. I have in the past and probably will in the future, but right now the idea of more life just feels

exhausting.

Don’t get me wrong, I want this life—and that’s a novel sensation for me—but it feels like it’s going to take everything I’ve got to get through it. Even if later is just a party, you know that feeling: when the week was so busy and then the party you’ve been looking forward to comes and you’re just so tired that you want to go to sleep in your pretty dress.

I’d happily dream Heaven away right now if I could.

But if it’s reincarnation next, oh me, oh my, please let me be a tree. The scurrying life of an animal is not for me.

To stay grounded while reaching for light, to send a tap root down to the Source—well, I guess I’d be up for that.

Sitting in silence in a forest with my thoughts.

That would be nice after this adventure ends

wherever and whenever

that may be.

[candyredmusings]

Pathologic Sentence Starters.

Taken from both Pathologic Classic HD and Pathologic 2. Feel free to edit as you see fit.

So, it's all about trickery to you?

No, no... I detest trickery. But if we ourselves are to suffer deception, our hands are no longer tied.

What a silly place...

Those who favor hard logic and direct action are bound to be misguided

Only a miracle can set us free without us having to destroy something. And I can DO miracles. Just let me.

Will you please be quiet?

You're a liar and a thief.

Who is going to believe you when you keep lying to yourself?

Whatever happens, I WILL find answers, and justice will be restored.

Don't you go all bossy on me clever clogs.

This calls for the gentle hand of a surgeon.

Your gentle hands are used to killing, not giving life. You will inevitably do harm.

As for brainy, he has no regard for casualties at all.

Neither of you knows compassion.

Yes, it seems unlikely that we'll get along well.

Any choice is right as long as it's willed.

It's not even a trap... it's a grave.

I can see that. You're full of hate.

You mean you won't become a killer? But you will! Mark my word, that's exactly what will happen.

We fear everything, old boy, as mortals do, and desire everything as if we were immortal.

There is an eternal order that Fate itself has predetermined. It is due to this order that things happen the way they should, following a preordained path.

We promise according to our hopes. We perform according to our fears.

You are broken [NAME], I on the other hand am used to winning!

Sorry, I thought you brought in a baby.

You think I brought a baby? // You think I brought in a baby? // You think I brought in a baby?

Guess I'll go have a talk with [NAME]...about the Hippocratic Oath, if nothing else.

No, you can't. You were rude to me.

Give me your herbs, worm.

The real game is happening between you and me.

No, the little girl is not so simple.

You are a slave of the inevitable, while I am its mistress.

Just tell me. Could you have saved my brother?

Pain is our great ally. It reminds us we’re still alive. It drives us to action.

You may mean well, but you bring evil and destruction all the same.

Wow... that's startling! What's wrong with you?

Why do you hate me so much?

You smell of blood.

Well, I think you aren’t doomed.

Dreams are fine, but we need bread.

However, when I look at you, I get the feeling that nature is playing jokes on us.

Don't teach me to dance, pal. Been a clown all my life.

Perhaps this is my way of saving you, giving you diamonds for the price of sugar. Or I'm trying to swindle you. Or it's just a prank. Who knows? Not you.

Where shall you go now, [NAME]? Who will you look in the face?

There are fine things, old boy, that are more brilliant when unfinished, than finished too much.

She despises you, and hates everyone else.

I've loved from the moment I laid eyes on you.

All the world's a stage... sometimes a gallows stage.

People fear bloodshed only when it's their blood... and their shed.

That scum had neither heart or brains, so he has no need for his guts, either.

Cut it with the strong language immediately! 

You little prick!

What a contradictory character you are.

I wouldn't have waited for a trial and a verdict to fire a bullet at your tender heart.

I believe we're surrounded by amazing creatures -- some of them are of such magnifience that we aren't even fully aware of their presence.

True... I'm deeply miserable in general - if you're at all interested to know.

Life is a night at the bar. All the wisdom you gain, you pay for in pain.

But could I please offer you a piece of advice?

I NEED NO ADVICE!

I fear you've fallen under the [NAME]’s influence—the prickly prick that'll bury us all!

There's no way in hell I'm going to help him…or his minions.

Are my ears playing tricks on me? [NAME] is stuck?

Are my ears playing tricks on me?

This smartass won't bother with the losses at all

You both lack mercy.

For the first time, I'll have to think for myself.

I don't know if I'm good or evil. Stupid words, anyway...

I don't know if I'm good or evil. Stupid words, anyway... But I'm trying to be gentle to others and hard on myself. I know how to sympathize and not judge. I try to love whoever I touch. That's the only answer I have.

Yes, my love, you are the bravest. Now go and play. I have a lot on my plate right now.

I'm very scared of this [NAME]… I feel that they’re  a demon, a spirit of destruction and downfall!

I don't kill people. I save their lives.

I'm way more dangerous than the murderer.

People are foolish and weak. One day you're beaten to a pulp and laughed at, the next you're worshipped.

Sorry, I can't help feasting my eyes on your outfit… who was the mad tailor?

No lover's as sweet as the silence of sleep.

It's me, the player.

Tell me what your intentions are, and I'll help you.

Are you trying to borrow money from me or something?

I just wanted to make it so that people would live longer, really. And, preferably, on their own accord.

Stay where you are, demon! I don't know if I'll be able to kill you today—but you will lose a lot of blood. You are mortal too, I know it… however hard to kill you may prove!

Do you realize now that you have lost? And there's nothing to be done. It's too late.

You need more sleep, friend.

What's there about you to like? Nothing.

Do not despair, [NAME]. Do not regret a thing.

…I can't believe my ears. Someone has admitted that I am right.

I do my best to avoid morons.

You're looking for salvation in the wrong place.

God… what an idiot I was!

Let justice prevail. Mercy to the innocent; a reckoning to the guilty.

Did you kill someone with a pencil?

She speaks to the dead.

Sometimes you can find her sitting by a grave and humming a lullaby.

Sometimes girls are capable of the things that even someone as bloodthirsty as me couldn't have invented.

Will I have time to curse you before I die?

Are you trying to bewitch me?

Would you like to see me try that too—the way I do it with creatures like your little self?

He who trusts everybody asks to be deceived.

Ever considered having your tongue removed?

I don’t believe you.

I don’t like you. Actually, that’s too mild a statement. I feel an innate resentment toward you.

Your lips crack. Come, take my kiss.

God loves me.

I am the way to Heaven.

 It aches to be born.

 I am not your foe. love you. Do not push me away.

[mcalhenwrites]

If the fathers from some of your stories (Vivian, Humphrey and Willie) were to meet each other what would happen. Just stuck in a room together. Would they get agree or disagree with each other (about their families or whatever topic you think they’d talk about) Think one’s style of parenting is better than the other?

Oooh, this is such an intriguing situation to pose to me, thank you!

The answer for this is incredibly lengthy, because I imagined several topics they might address, parenting included.

These three also have similar technology, although it has progressed further in SGH/Rascal’s steampunk world, so Vivian will only be a little behind. I will assume they’re all generally meeting when they’re the ages they are in their stories, since Humphrey and Willie exist in the same world, and Willie is older in Rascal than Humphrey is in SGH, but he’s young enough to be his son in their timeline. So they’re going to be early-in-the-story ages for this little experiment. ;)

Not sure what would trap them. Maybe an elevator ride, because otherwise Vivian would be the first to find a door and go through it.

Anyway, let’s start~

I know Willie would bring up cars, and Humphrey would nod along and hum in agreement with a few points, while Vivian would be baffled by Willie’s eccentricity. He’d politely decline to participate in the conversation and sit far away by himself, I bet, but Willie… Well, he’s not one to be ignored.

Willie is the conversation-starter, the lead of said conversations. He’d ask most of the first questions. He’d brag, which both of the other men would find tactless, but they’re both initially too polite to call him out on it. It doesn’t hurt that he has some charisma, he’s chatty, and he’s an extrovert. Friends aren’t hard to make when you’re Willie the Rascal, which is why this is an awful situation for Vivian.

Humphrey is generally a polite man who can speak when he needs to speak, and he’s good at responding. It’s good for his business—people don’t want to bury their loved ones while dealing with someone who shows no compassion or sensibilities. That doesn’t mean Humphrey’s less introverted, though. And he makes a fine mortician, since the cadavers don’t require much conversation.

(For the record, he does chat with them. He’s actually warm and caring in a lot of ways, he’s just also a product of his upbringing, which is why his parenting sucks but is exactly how he was parented.)

Humphrey’s temper is still terrible, but almost all of his temper is related to job stress and children not obeying as he demands. Other people don’t usually see that angry side. If they did, they’d say “children should be seen and not heard” or “children must obey their parents” or some shit like that.

Willie doesn’t have much of a temper except when he’s humiliated.

And Vivian’s temper is downright dangerous.

Willie would assume that since he’s in a room with two men, surely they must love cars!

Willie: “Yes, I actually happen to make parts for cars. I drive an Odelli, and my company provides some of the parts that make those lovely automobiles. Otis Odelli is actually a dear friend of mine. Do either of you have cars?”

Humphrey: “I do, but it’s in poor condition. I’m afraid it’s rather old and beaten and not always reliable, but I can’t afford anything fancy. I’m just grateful to have one.”

Vivian would not answer, Willie would push.

Willie: “And what about you, Mr. Liddell? Do you drive an automobile?”

Vivian: “I have one.”

Willie: “Oh, what kind? You should both try to get an Odelli—and don’t worry, I could even get Otis to give you a discount.”

(At this point, Humphrey just nods along with a smile because he’s not about to start something over cars, and Vivian is already annoyed but holds it in.)

Willie: “I bought both my children Odellis. My daughter uses hers all the time, but my son thinks he still needs to ride a bike around town. I don’t get it.”

Vivian: “Isn’t that quite practical? Car maintenance is expensive. I only use mine in extreme circumstances, but it’s far too hot in summer to drive it.”

Willie: “Why not get a model with a hood that lowers? Why, I know just the model you could buy!”

So it goes, and eventually, Vivian would mention cars are only convenient for driving his children around to appointments and whatnot. Otherwise, he walks.

Humphrey and Vivian then find out they both have three children, because Vivian lies. Willie, of course, only has the two—“A shame, really, I’m such a doting daddy!”—but they’re both sharp kids! “My son doesn’t always know what’s good for him, though.”

Willie may not like being humiliated by Hazel, but he has no issues being the one who humiliates Hazel. (Even then, he’ll still play up how much of a great daddy he is.)

Humphrey would say his wife only agreed to the three children they have, and he would have gladly had more if she’d been keen on the idea. But she’s the one who has to carry them, and he’s grateful to her for going through three pregnancies. He imagines it can’t be easy.

Willie will lose a lot of respect points with Humphrey when he laughs and says, “Well, isn’t that what a woman’s body is made for?”

Misogynistic asshole. :)

Willie: “Oh, but Edith Anne is happy with the two she has, and she’s a fantastic mother.”

(Humphrey immediately worries for Edith Anne, since he now imagines her being quiet and meek with her overbearing sexist husband, but he bites his tongue. Willie also doesn’t disclose that he’s a womanizing piece of shit who has countless affairs with mostly younger women, and if he had, I think both Humphrey and Vivian would devour him.)

Humphrey does express some disappointment in his youngest son, but admits he might not understand Ambrose very well. As for Eugene and Christine, they’re good kids, reasonably mischievous when younger, but they’ve grown up to be fine young people. He hopes Ambrose will get there too.

This is never addressed in SGH, so this isn’t exactly a spoiler, but Humphrey was the middle child of three: an older sister, a younger brother. The youngest brother had a tendency to be like Ambrose. He daydreamed often, he was sensitive, etc. Both Humphrey’s siblings died when the pandemic hit. Humphrey used to cover for his brother a lot to keep him out of trouble. He wonders if that was best, since his brother only seemed to upset the adults even more.

Vivian doesn’t say much, but he does mention he has three boys. (Early Seasons, so he doesn’t know about Bee.)

Willie is immediately impressed—“Three boys! You must have your hands full with those scamps!”

Vivian expresses that his oldest child is quite the opposite of a scamp, though his youngest can be one, and he doesn’t “know what to do with” his middle son.

Humphrey nods, because Eugene is the reliable oldest child, but he has similar troubles with Ambrose that Viv has with Howie. (Or so Humphrey thinks.)

Willie chimes in with his own agreement, because Opal is his brilliant little girl, even if she’s a woman expecting her own child—“a grandson!”—and she’s going to take over his business. Maybe even build it up and make his company better than ever.

Then Willie raves about Opal for a while. Talks about how clever she was as a little girl, how she got rid of her toys at a young age and took to mechanics right away. Helped him with his cars. She makes strange jokes, and he can’t always tell if she’s kidding, but—“She’s a riot, really!”

(This all reminds Vivian of Sophie, which makes him bitter. He misses his little girl, even if she could be ill-tempered. But he can’t say this, he left out his two older children.)

Willie: “I wish Hazel had been as easy to raise as Opal. That one is in his mid-twenties, and he’s still a bit of a rascal. I guess we all are—it’s a family thing. Our last name is Raston, and it’s been a public nickname for us. We’re the Raston Rascals.”

This is how they reach the topic of parenting. Because Willie tells one of his favorite stories about Hazel. The one where Hazel wandered off in a park on vacation when he was six, had the whole park searching, and when he turned up acting as if he hadn’t done a thing wrong (he followed a mama duck and her ducklings and forgot to stick with his parents), Willie spanked him on a park bench in front of everyone. It even made the newspapers.

Willie: “I can count on one hand how many times I spanked that boy! I wish I’d done it a bit more often. Never had to do more than reprimand Opal—and barely that—but I wish I’d been strict with Hazel. You’ve got to be tough with boys.”

Humphrey then agrees some children need a good spanking, and all three of his kids knew what to expect if they get into significant trouble or act disrespectful. (And still know, in Ambrose’s case.)

Vivian doesn’t engage in the conversation, although he secretly thinks Willie sounds far too soft, and he imagines Hazel is a terrible spoiled brat who doesn’t work. He has dealt with spoiled rich people as clients and has a special hatred for them.

Now, Vivian isn’t going to detail how he punishes his children, but even Humphrey would consider him abusive. Fucking. Humphrey. (Willie would too, given that he’s the most lenient parent in the room, and he spent half of Opal and Hazel’s childhoods talking his wife and the nurses out of punishing them. “Oh, they’re just babies having a little fun!” He’s mostly pissed at Hazel, but if he went back in time, he probably wouldn’t have the heart to go through with his threats of being tougher on Hazel.)

Humphrey doesn’t know the children in question, so he doesn’t have any opinions on Opal and Hazel, and given Willie’s personality so far… Well, he’s not sure he believes Hazel is all that bad or that Opal is all that perfect. (She is, Humphrey. She is. I will not hear a word against Opal.)

Then it comes out in one of Willie’s talkative rants that his primary reason for being angry at Hazel is that he’s a “shafter” who “runs around with a man on his arm!”

Vivian doesn’t bite his tongue this time. Humans may have certain weird societal rules they follow compared to spirits, but they’re as queer as anyone, and no one has ever considered it odd. The only reason he ever called Graham his brother-in-law was to cover up that he birthed Shannon, and he panicked on how to explain to others how he became a father. He could have just said that they both lost their wife in childbirth in a polyamorous relationship.

Vivian: “I raise my children with my husband. Do you find that offensive?”

(They would if they knew how you were raising them, and they’re both pretty shitty fathers, Viv!)

Willie balks. He wasn’t expecting that. Then he blurts something stupid because he’s in shock, but also he’s been secretly bothered by it since he saw Vivian.

Willie: “Well, you’re pretty enough to be a woman. It must confuse some men, your husband included.”

Vivian is pissed enough to retort, “By those standards, aren’t you too short to be a man?”

And the conversation is mostly killed. Willie’s mustache twitches as he huffs to his own little corner of their hopefully-large-enough-not-to-kill-one-another elevator, but he’s surprised and dismayed that Humphrey doesn’t join his side.

Humphrey eventually shuffles over to Vivian and says softly, “My sister dated women, and I think my oldest son is attracted to men, but he’s marrying a girl so I could be wrong.”

Just to let him know he’s not judging Vivian for being gay.

I don’t know how it would eventually be brought up, but Vivian and Humphrey have one thing in common: they are terrified of their loved ones getting sick and dying.

Vivian doesn’t want anyone to leave him, doesn’t want things to change, and has nearly watched a child wither away. He has seen people and animals die, and he knows he’ll live on, because so little poses a fatal threat to him. The unknown ailments of a season make that strange territory to wander into, so he takes no chances, but Graham? Graham is fragile, like Gideon, and could die someday.

Humphrey lost everyone he loved to an illness that ravaged his home city while he was staying in the dormitory at his university. All his family and any friends he had outside of university died while he was far away. He dropped out and spent the rest of his life trying to keep his family’s mortuary in business. Trying to afford to keep every acre of his family’s home.

Doesn’t help that he’s a mortician. He sees death every day. That cannot be healthy, always having that reminder.

I don’t think Willie can relate to that. Death is terrifying, but it doesn’t cross his mind much. He has lost friends and his father died a few years before Rascal starts (though they had a difficult relationship), but he’s also insulated. Illness? He can afford the best doctors and luxurious vacation homes in the countryside to keep quarantined at. He did care that the children got fevers sometimes when they were little, and he fussed over them, but he never worried they’d die, because he has access to the most modern medicine out of the three men trapped in this room together.

(I have no idea how they’re trapped.)

Willie would probably find out Humphrey’s a mortician and say something like, “Oh, that’s a grim line of work, but someone has got to do it!” And smile.

Vivian would be glad he looks at numbers all day, not at bodies, and say nothing. He thinks Willie’s job sounds disgusting, though he doesn’t know why he hates it so much. (It’s the Cosmos in you, Viv. It hates pollution. Willie’s factories are everything spirits hate and fear.)

Both Humphrey and Willie would respect Vivian’s occupation. They both have accountants, although Humphrey is married to his, and this is the one time he’d brag—that he’s got the best wife, since she takes care of all the numbers for him.

I fear that might be their most civil conversation: Vivian’s career.

Now, I wonder what would happen if you put all ten of their children in a room together. Just how much trauma have these three men caused? :’)

I think if these fathers had to listen in—with no way to retaliate because it would be post-orchard, post-airship, post-Stargazers’ Hill tragedy—they’d probably go from disliking one another to hating each other. Humphrey would be the most ashamed of himself. Vivian and Willie would try to blame anyone but themselves at first and for a long while, which is exactly what they did in their stories.

[codenamesazanka]

nal. if you're still doing these. 🌧️🌧️🌧️i believe in you 🌧️🌧️🌧️

🌧️Share something angsty from your WIP.

😈😈😈 thank you kota thank youuuuuuu

Prisons like Tartarus, and Iron Maidens; 24/7 full body restraints, solitary confinement, induced comas and long-term sedation; the Targeted Instant Elimination System— As punishments, they are not cruel and not unusual. They’re used around the world and has become basic detention methods. According to most governments around the world, they are not degrading; they are not inhumane. Quirks has changed the standards of what it means to be human; and thus, what indignities are considered allowable for a human to experience and suffer through has also changed... [...] When one is deemed as having lost the privilege of being called human; when one is seen as barely human at all, there are no human laws, morals, or social norms can’t be suspended to contain such a beast. But it goes the other way too. If you aren’t considered a person; and if you too come to not consider yourself as belonging to the group of beings called ‘people’, then human laws, morals, or social norms don’t apply to you. Human connections and community have no meaning. Concepts like belonging, compassion, or the future do not exist. After that, there is nothing a beast such as you can’t do to an actual person.

tho i have to wonder if this is angst? Or just me on a soapbox.

Well. If not, and with all the rainy cloud emojis, here's Spinner angst:

"I..." I want to follow him. I want to help him. I want to see his dream come true. I want— "Don't worry about it," Spinner mutters. "It's nothing important. Doesn't really matter." Because it doesn't. There's not anything to do, these are just feelings that tumble around inside of him, just dreams that he can't control until he wakes up. That's all there is and that's fine. Spinner knows the step after realization is... confession, but he won't be doing that. Confess to Shigaraki Tomura. Sounds crazy. Shigaraki doesn't have time to deal with things like romance or dating or whatever this is. Plus— I'd been an empty shell. It's why I hate everything. Every living, breathing thing just rubs me the wrong way. Where's room for —love— in all that rage? Shigaraki has given the League enough proof that he tolerates them, trusts them, might even like them, that they are exempt from 'Destroy Everything', but a small quiet part of Spinner wonders. What's after annihilation? What happens when there's nothing else to destroy? Never mind that the probability some of them won't survive this apocalypse is certain enough. The thing about that rage, Spinner knows - has felt himself - is how it's fueled by grief, which itself is a bottomless black hole that can and will smother and eat away at everything. You'll never be able to get back what's lost, and whatever manages to regrow, breaking through that dead-dry ground, is never the same. Colder, smaller, uglier. It's hard. It's survival. There's only essentials and the little space left available is for very precious things. For the few special memories, for fleeting moments of peace, for wild hopes and dreams. Those dreams of Shigaraki's, Spinner will protect. For him, that's enough. Already more than he had ever hoped for.