#it would be nice to all show some support!!

[naamahdarling]

I'm in the US, for context.

It's the retirement account comment that sends me over the edge, here. I agree with OP, but that one thing...that one thing says so much.

Here's the truth.

$7k is nothing. It would change my life, but it isn't protection against the future. At all. Absolutely not arguing that. My goodness, no.

Someone with a savings account with $7k in it isn't rich but they have a significant advantage over someone who is literally not allowed to have more than $2k in assets, like someone on SSI.

Past that, on the solidarity with the middle class thing, yes. Absolutely.

But the middle class as a whole is at best ignorant of the dynamics of poverty and at worst pretty fiercely terrible towards poor people. Many are lovely people, but as a group they demonstrate very little solidarity with us. They say nice things, but vote for policies that punish and oppress because they believe in the value of hard work and think that giving people like themselves the choice of showing the virtue of charity is better than supporting structural change that benefits everyone automatically. They want better things for us but in an abstract way. At my most wounded, it feels like they want better for me in the way I wish people would feed the ducks at the pond better food.

This doesn't mean I won't support them in their struggles to survive, which are so often just fucking awful, make no mistake, but it does mean they say and do and believe careless shit that make things worse for me and they do it all the time.

If I opened a retirement account and it had over $1k in it, my government would force me to spend it down (because my regular payment would put me over by about $1k every month). I'm not going to do that just because I should have a retirement account. And if someone can open one without constant surveillance, they ARE lucky. I don't hate them, they have what everyone should have and I don't resent that, but also, yeah, there is some bitterness I have to choke down when people complain that they needed to move some things around to afford a modest home repair. They make $110k and had to raid their $35k retirement account to get a couple thousand dollars' worth of emergency plumbing done? That genuinely sucks. But also, $35k is, like, 3 years of income for me. Them and I should be allies but we are not the same. They have a head and shoulders above the quicksand, even if they never go any higher. I am not ALLOWED to crawl to the surface unless someone else is willing and able to take complete financial responsibility for me. That is incredibly unlikely to happen to me given my current circumstances.

We both will wind up fucked in the end unless things change, I am VERY scared for them, I do not WANT them where I am, and also, they are human and good, so I stand with them, I know that their fortune could turn in an instant and they could be homeless within a few months if just one thing goes sideways. But I wish I had what they have but don't appreciate enough. I wish they knew how important their life is considered, relative to mine. It isn't enough, they deserve so much more than they have, but I'm considered a net drain on society and my government actively champions policies that will kill people like me first. It'll come for them too, but I probably won't have to see it and won't be there to help.

It isn't just the money, the not being able to save. It's the dehumanization. I can't afford to get married, unless my partner magically starts making about $30/hour. I figure I'll have a friend get ordained and do it in the hospice when one of us is literally expected not to live another month. Hopefully they can wheel the bed outside? Married people are lucky to be married.

The middle class is profoundly lucky in ways they do not appreciate when compared to the deliberately impoverished who have no chance ever of escaping it. I support them. Where are they, as a group, for people like me? Bitching about the homeless on Nextdoor, mostly. I will not eat them, but I think I can be forgiven for being really, really frustrated with how blithely they talk about life-changing sums of money as an inconvenience.

And compared to people less lucky than me? I'm just as bad. I try not to be. I fight even though I know I don't fully understand. I know I am lucky, from the point of view of someone worse off, to have utility bills. But I only have a home because three relatives died just rich enough for my inheritance to pay for a down payment, and my dad pays the mortgage. When he dies, which will be soon, I don't know for sure if I will be able to stay. $110k sounds like a fucking miracle to me.

trying to explain to tumblr that the Middle Class in not their enemy

[616ioi]

"Don't get me started on samura" Please dooo 🙏. Need this man torn apart, screaming and sweating in ecstacy

❛ #STUPID! Kagurabachi.

────────── who is he to show up to your after-party and assume nothing will go down? .ᐟ.ᐟ

⤿ pairings. samura seiichi x gn reader

⤿ contents. sub character, pwp, angst, cheating, bathroom sex, blowjob. this contains mature content, read at your own discretion.

⤿ thoughts. fam, forgive me.

Someone in my asks practically said suicidal old men have weak game, and I couldn't agree more. That man is physically thirsty with want and need. He tries not to consume himself in lust, it isn't going to do him any good, it'll only make him feel worse about himself.

The thought of being loved and chased after all the sins he's committed... he hates it. He doesn't do it, he won't do it. But I like to think that once in a while, his desperation can get unbelievably unbearable.

Isn't it funny?

He tries to deny himself of love, no matter how much he craves it. Which is why I think it's the most effective method in ruining this man. Samura can say what he feels is just lust, but he knows. He knows very well that this desire will break him.

You're just another townsfolk, but you treated him like he was normal. Not some war veteran, not some war criminal, not a hero; someone to admire, not an animal; someone to look down upon. A regular person.

You treated his daughter with respect, as if she was your own, and that's what got him. His heart would pound in his ears any chance he saw that two of you together — but oh man, it isn't love.

Nope, nope. He's stupid. So stupid. So insensitive to your feelings. He pushes you away, everyone away and tries to justify it as 'I don't want you to get hurt'.

'Coward,' — you called him. It's not an insult, its the blunt truth — 'you'll enjoy my hatred because you're scared.'

He agrees. Crass man.

He's gone through so much stuff, battles, war, hunger, lonliness, bears so many scars, emotionally and physically, yet he can't even think of you with another one without the horrible churn in his stomach and the painful ache in his heart.

Something closely related to committing a sin.

He wasn't your lover. He has no right over you, no choice.

He's always been dumb with love. He knows enough to pull away. Nevertheless, he still shows up to your wedding.

He shouldn't be here. He shouldn't feel a heavy rock in his heart nor the burn behind his eyelids. He's so stupid. Get up, and leave. He can't even see anything!!

He stayed. Until the very end, fingers twitching around his glass of sake — a typical celebratory drink - now turned sour. He huddled himself in a small corner, trying his best to stay as invisible as possible, but then he got a whiff of you, and his back straightened up like a dog awaiting its owners return.

Your scent fills his senses, alarms going off in his head, as you thank the guests for showing up. You're a foot away, there's no way you haven't spotted him. His fingers clench in a fist, nails digging into his palm for some sort of support.

Maybe he should've bought some company. Maybe he shouldn't have put so much effort into his appearance. Who is he trying to impress? Yeah, he reels himself as he feels the smile radiating off of you, it's you.

Why? Why?? It's not like you'll leave your beloved for him. What has he got that makes him so special.

"Seichii." This is hell. His name sounds so sweet on your tongue. "...It's nice to see you again."

He's sweating bullets as he forces out a small, nervous chuckle, "i could say the same... but - i can't... see, heh.."

Oh. That was just his way of saying he's going to hurt himself when you turn away. Just kidding.

"Yeah," you exhale air from your nostrils. He'd like to think you actually found his joke funny, the corner of his lip quirking up to form an awkward smile. "Seiichi?"

"Yeah?" How embarrassing. He didn't mean to reply so eagerly.

"Thank you for being here." He thinks this truly is hell. "I worried about you living all alone up on the hill.."

He isn't alone. He's got his 'guards', and he's capable, but he misses the doting. "It's my p-pleasure, hah?"

He swallows thickly when your finger taps under his small cup, gently prodding it to his lips, he shuts up quickly.

You laugh at the sight. It's a hearty, genuine laugh. His heart squeezes, "We'll be having an after-party. I hope to see you there -"

He isn't going.

"...Sei'."

Oh, brother.

You turn away.

He permits the alcohol to sit on his tongue before letting it dribble back into the cup, as gross as it sounds.

Your last words ring in his head. That little nickname only you called him.

Sei. Sei. Sei — "Sei."

Nonononono.

Samura grips onto the bathroom handles, the tight stall stopping him from slipping. His arms feel like jelly!

"Haven't you thought of this?" You muse, lips dancing across his hip bone, squeezing his thighs in reassurance. "I have. Ruining you, messing you up so badly you'll fall in love again. I've always had a feeling you loved me. Did you?"

Samura's cigarette goes slack in his mouth. The temptation to light it is strong. His breathing deepens, it's a visible reaction to your actions. "Ngh — w-we shouldn't do this.."

Though he throws his head back, flaunting off the multiple hickeys given to him, his adam apple bounces as he gulps.

You laugh, warm hand gently pumping his shaft, fingers barely touching him — he came in his pants from kissing you, it was so cute. He acted like a virgen — "as you've been saying. Do you really want me to stop? Just say the word.."

He's barely just got out of his clouded mind, he needs to think straight, but man, does it feel good.

Samura huffs out shakily, eyes darting around under their lids. His sensitivity is to the roof. And it doesn't help that your teeth sink into the root of his pelvis, nibbling on him.

"Ahh!"

It feels like a claim. This is a reminder that you'd always be a part of him, even if you marry another. Even if you sleep with that person, even if you have children — he'll be your property for life.

You're married. You have been compromised. Your spouse is outside, partying at his own wedding. What if they're looking for you? Your friends? Family?? Lover???

"Ahh," you mock him by opening your mouth and taking only the head of his cock into your mouth, soft lips closing around the curve.

He shakes, knees bucking underneath his weight. He holds himself up with his forearms, ignoring the burn of the plaster against his skin as his arm slips from the thin walls.

Your tongue lays flat.

Movemovemove.

Do something. Anything. Don't pull away.

Ah, he wants more.

He looks down as if that'll make him see again. He shakes his head rapidly, nononono. He can't do more.

"[Name]." He utters your name so softly, like a prayer. His glasses slip down his nose, and he's quick to bring a trembling hand to fix them. "You can't do this to me..."

His words come out like vomit, one of his hands clench at his white dress shirt, right over his heart as if he's in physical pain. He thinks so, but it's mixed with pleasure.

His foot taps against the tiled floor, hunching over your crouched figure. "It's h-hngg hurts...!!"

"Me hurch ya?" You muffle out, tongue lapping up all his leaking pre on his tip, it smears against your tongue. It tastes salty and thick, but it's worth it. His hips are clumsily thrusting up into your mouth, and his leg jumps like a ruthless rabbit in heat.

You pull off of him, leaving him whining into the hot air. "That's inevitable."

"[Nam-]!"

"Don't you hear that?" Your hot breath fans across his twitching cock, he tries to listen in but his only senses are filled with you. You, you, you. "Someone's calling for me. How do you think this'll look?"

His mouth waters.

He falls back onto the toilet, thankfully the seat is covered, thumb rubbing away at the wet head, sinking his nail into his urethra in a shaky, desperate motion to at least sooth the insufferable burn his feverish red tip feels.

"How will we explain this? Maybe I'll tell them you dragged me in here to make me watch you masturbate."

His hips lift and squirm into his hand with a gasp.

"Or I can tell them the truth," you whisper to yourself. "But that'd only be if you let me have you."

Samura can't have that.

"Can't!" A sob nearly forces his way out when he hears the thud of your knees hitting the floor, your fingers dig into his muscular thighs, spreading them apart to wedge yourself in between them.

Samura nearly closes them shut from the thought of being stimulated.

All it takes is for your mouth to engulfe him, and he's shooting a load into your mouth. Your eyes widen at the unexpected moment.

Is he that easy?

His hips lift off the seat, arching deeper into you as his wavering hands scramble to find footing underneath his body.

"G-gahh!!" He yelps. His thighs shake in your tight hold, the sound of his belt buckling echoes in the empty bathroom stall.

His head hits something porcelain. He doesn't care.

He was palpitating with delight.

You detach yourself from him with a pop, and he whimpers from the loss of warmth only for it to be muffled when your fingers find his jaw, prying his mouth open. Spit dribbles down, and you watch in satisfaction as he jolts.

"Hah?" He pants in confusion.

And then he feels it — a salty tasting and thick substance on his tongue. His eyebrows furrow with need. A whimper leaves him when your tongue meets his messily, pushing the liquid into the back of his throat, giving him no other choice but to swallow.

When you pull away, you finally make up your mind, a string of drool connects your lips. You wipe it off with your thumb, pushing whatever you can into his maw. His tongue peaks out to take you in. His body quivers with aftershocks, hips melting and spent cock relaxing against him.

"I will disappear, and you will not have to endure me any longer."

Oh. He's so stupid to think you'd fight for him.

Stupid man.

[caitlinclarksbiceps]

You're Losing Me

𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 : Caitlin x Reader x Kate

𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 : Pure angst, Hurt/ no comfort

𝗪𝗖 : 5.2k

a/n : I love this song so I thought I would make it into a story, this is also an idea of someone from my inbox! (This is not read proof so I apologize if I made any mistakes!)

You find yourself in the cozy, familiar kitchen of your shared apartment with Caitlin, surrounded by the delightful aromas of all the delicious meals you're preparing. This is your little tradition—you whip up a feast every time she and her basketball team secure a win. It’s your way of celebrating her success and showing how proud you are of her talent on the court. You’ve been doing this for a while now, and while it comes from the best place in your heart, Caitlin doesn’t always appreciate your culinary efforts as much as you’d hoped. In fact, she sometimes sees it as a bit annoying, which can be a little hard to swallow.

But despite her mixed feelings, you pour your heart into every dish, hoping to bring a smile to her face. After a good amount of time chopping, sautéing, and seasoning, you finally finish cooking everything to perfection. The kitchen is alive with the scent of roasted vegetables, simmering pasta, and a rich sauce bubbling away on the stove. You set the table with your best plates—ones you save for special occasions—and grab some candles to create a warm, inviting ambiance. To top it off, you pop open a nice bottle of wine, letting the cork fly off with a satisfying *pop* and pouring two generous glasses, feeling quite pleased with yourself.

Before you know it, Caitlin arrives back at the apartment, clearly coming from a night of celebration with her teammates. To be honest, you never really know where they go or what they do during these outings. Caitlin tends to keep those details to herself, simply telling you she’ll be out with the team for a celebratory night. You’ve chosen not to dwell on it much, as long as she’s happy and faithful, you’re content. You just want to support her in whatever way you can.

As she walks in, she tosses her duffel bag down onto the floor like it’s a sack of feathers and slips off her shoes, finally kicking back after a long night. You, on the other hand, can't contain your excitement and call out to her, “Baby! Dinner’s ready!” A big grin spreads across your face, genuine and bright, hoping to catch her enthusiasm from tonight’s game. You can’t wait to see her reaction, even if you know that she might roll her eyes a bit at the whole dinner extravaganza. But in your heart, you just know you’re doing it all for her!

When Caitlin walked into the dining room and caught sight of the dinner you had lovingly prepared, she let out a dramatic eye roll that was all too familiar. Deep down, you had been expecting that response, but it still stung. “I’m not hungry,” she declared, her tone flat as she turned on her heel and made her way to your room without another word.

You couldn’t let it end like that. “But I went through all this trouble to make dinner for you!” you called out after her, hoping to at least convince her to join you at the table.

“Go ahead and eat it all yourself,” she shot back, her voice chilly, and with that, she slammed the door behind her with a force that echoed through the apartment. Defeated, you let out a heavy sigh and resigned yourself to the table. The food you had put so much love into now felt heavy in your heart. You made sure to blow out the candles, the warm flickering light that was supposed to create a cozy atmosphere now feeling a bit more like a mockery in solitude.

As you sat there digging into your meal, a wave of sadness washed over you. Each bite tasted a little bland, not because of your cooking, but because the absence of her appreciation left a bitter aftertaste you couldn’t shake. Memories of the ‘old Caitlin’ flooded your mind—the one who would have devoured this feast after a tough match, showering you with compliments and smiles. Back then, she would have made the dinner feel like a celebration, a joyous occasion to unwind together.

Once you finished the meal, you felt a deep ache in your chest. The cheerful chatter and laughter that used to fill the air were gone, replaced by the ghost of what once was. After cleaning off the table and washing the dishes you had used, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness hanging in the air. Caitlin’s coldness stung more each day and you were left grappling with the harsh reality that her distance seemed to grow stronger. It was a painful puzzle; you didn’t understand why she was acting this way, but it was crushing you slowly. You felt lost in a maze of confusion and hurt, hoping that the Caitlin you once knew would find her way back to you.

After you wrapped up your cleaning spree in the kitchen and wiped down the dining table until it sparkled, you made your way to your room with a little sigh of relief. It felt great to have everything tidy. You took a quick half bath to freshen up, letting the warm water wash away any lingering stress from the day. Afterward, you brushed your teeth, feeling a little more like yourself again.

Once you felt presentable, you returned to find Caitlin sprawled out on your bed, completely absorbed in her phone. There she was, with her hair fanned out on your pillow and her brows furrowed, probably scrolling through the latest social media updates or rolling her eyes at whatever drama was going on online. You didn’t want to interrupt her, so you silently climbed onto the bed and snuggled up beside her, wrapping your arms around her waist, hoping she might share a moment with you.

But, of course, nothing's ever that easy. “Can you move over a little?” Caitlin said, her tone tinged with annoyance as she pushed your hands away, making it clear she wasn't in the mood for cuddling. You let out a deep sigh, feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment, and shifted to the other side of the bed, trying to give her the space she seemingly wanted.

Just before you turned away completely, you glanced back at her, feeling a little desperate for connection. “Can you please stop using your phone and just sleep with me?” you asked softly, hoping to get her attention.

“Why do you care?” she replied, rolling her eyes as if your request was the most ridiculous thing she’d ever heard. “Can’t you just sleep over there? Jeez.”

You felt that familiar sinking feeling in your chest, as if you were becoming invisible right in front of her. There was a time when simple requests like lying together felt effortless, but tonight it felt like you were hitting a brick wall. You turned your back to her, needing some distance but also longing for the warmth of closeness.

The silence grew thick between you two, and after a moment, you could feel tears prick at the corners of your eyes. You tried to blink them back, but they spilled over, tracing warm trails down your cheeks. It was both a relief and a weight, feeling those emotions flood out. Before you knew it, sleep began to creep in, but your heart felt heavy, an anchor pulling you down even as you drifted off.

As the morning sun began to inch its way into your apartment, casting a warm glow over everything, you couldn’t help but notice how bright and cheerful it felt outside. You rubbed the sleep from your eyes, blinked a couple of times, and then turned to your side, only to find Caitlin’s spot beside you empty. Just a little indentation on the sheets and a lonely pillow staring back at you. A wave of disappointment washed over you as you sighed; it was the same old story. Once again, she had slipped out for her training session without a hint of a goodbye.

You glanced at your phone on the nightstand, hoping maybe there’d be a sweet message from her, letting you know she’d be back soon or maybe even just a “Good morning, love.” But no, the screen was blank, and your heart sank a little more. With a resigned sigh, you swung your feet off the bed and reluctantly stood up, the cool floor sending a shiver up your spine. Anyway, it was time to roll through your morning routine.

You shuffled into the kitchen, where the smell of yesterday’s coffee still lingered. You cracked a couple of eggs into a pan and watched as they sputtered and began to cook. Just a simple breakfast for one, you thought, a bit boring but it would keep you going. After shoving the now-scrambled eggs onto a plate, you tackled the pile of dishes that had somehow multiplied. You scrubbed and rinsed, getting momentarily lost in thought, when suddenly, you felt a sharp, unwelcome twinge in your lower abdomen.

“Oh no,” you muttered under your breath, realizing what it meant. Grudgingly, you trudged toward the bathroom, the reality sinking in with every step. Yep, just as you feared—your period had officially made its appearance. You opened the cabinet, grimly hoping to find the stash of pads you’d asked Caitlin to pick up last week. A hint of panic started to brew when you discovered there was absolutely nothing in there. No sign of those pads. It was like a cruel joke.

You whipped out your phone and typed out a quick message to her. “Hey babe, did you manage to grab the pads I asked you for last week?” You hit send and waited, tapping your foot impatiently as the seconds ticked by without a response. A few minutes passed, and still, nothing. You tried again, a little more urgency slipping into your tone, “Cait, I’ve got my period now.”

Still, silence greeted you from the other end, and you felt a wave of frustration wash over you. Your shoulders slumped in defeat as you leaned against the sink, staring at yourself in the mirror. It wasn’t the way you envisioned your day starting, that was for sure. Just another bump in the road of life, though, right? You couldn’t help but chuckle to yourself, knowing you’d find a way to make it through, even if it meant temporarily raiding the back of the drawer for some old supplies.

Well, here’s the deal: you struck out big time in your search for any old pads, which was pretty frustrating. So, you made the call to stuff a hefty wad of thick tissue in your underwear, even though it felt totally gross. But hey, when you’re in a bind, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do, right? With cramps hitting you like a freight train, you hopped in your car and took off to the nearest convenience store, desperately hoping for some relief.

As you drove, the cramps just kept getting worse—it was like your body was throwing a full-on tantrum. By the time you got to the store, you were already thinking ahead and grabbed not just one, but three packs of pads. Let’s be honest; your period is a total overachiever, and you knew those pads would disappear faster than you could blink.

After paying, you shuffled back to your car, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over you as the cramps intensified. It was one of those moments when all you wanted was to curl up and forget the world existed. Once you finally made it back to your apartment, you opened the door to the sight of Caitlin lounging on the couch. She seemed totally absorbed in whatever was on the TV.

“Hey, I thought you were off at basketball training?” you managed to ask, your voice sounding kind of strained because those cramps were making it hard to think straight.

“Nah, I just grabbed some breakfast with an old friend,” she replied casually, her gaze still glued to the screen.

Confusion mixed with irritation bubbled up inside you. “Then why didn’t you bother to read my messages?” you shot back, your annoyance slipping through. You’d been way too patient for far too long, putting up with her inconsiderate behavior over the months, and it was really starting to wear on you. You couldn’t help but feel like a ghost in your own place, ignored and sidelined while she just carried on like everything was fine.

“It’s really not that big of a deal, dude! Just pop over to the store and grab some pads if you don’t see any around!” Caitlin said with an annoying sass, her eyes glued to the TV and completely avoiding your gaze. The way she brushed it off just irked you even more.

“Not important?!” you exclaimed, feeling a wave of frustration crash over you like a tidal wave. All those bottled-up feelings of sadness and irritation from the past few months were bubbling to the surface. “Caitlin, come on! You know how I can't even function when I’m on my period! I can't stand up straight without feeling like I’m about to topple over! I get so nauseous and just dizzy!” Your voice rose again, but this time it came out more like a forceful whisper, strained by the cramps that were twisting in your abdomen.

“Seriously, Caitlin! It’s the one thing I ask of you! Just to pick up some pads when I know that my period is creeping up on me. That’s not asking for the world, is it? Yet here we are, and you didn’t do it! You don’t even seem to care!” Your heart was racing, pounding against your chest as you let your words spill out. “This is such a simple favor, and you can’t even pull that off?”

“Ugh, God! You’re so damn annoying! Can’t you just be a normal girlfriend for once?!” she shot back, finally making eye contact and narrowing her eyes at you, the irritation evident on her face. With an exasperated huff, she stormed out of your apartment, slamming the door behind her, making everything around you feel even more chaotic and tense. For a moment, you just stood there, feeling the weight of the argument settle around you like a heavy cloud, wondering how things got to this point.

After Caitlin stormed out following that intense argument earlier in the afternoon, it's now night, and she still hasn't returned. You’ve spent the entire day coiled up in your bed, feeling a mix of physical pain and emotional turmoil, desperately trying to ease those relentless cramps that seem to mirror your heartbreak. The hours dragged on like a slow-motion film, and you found yourself lost in thought, wishing for things to go back to the way they were before.

But then, you suddenly hear the familiar jingle of keys at the door—it's Caitlin, finally back home. You can hear her footsteps making their way down the hallway, and your heart races a little. Maybe, just maybe, she’s had time to cool off and is ready to apologize. In a moment of hopeful desperation, you close your eyes and lie still under your blankets, pretending to be asleep. You imagine that perhaps, this time, somehow, she'll see the weight of her actions and feel sorry for the way things went down between you two.

But, alas, your little fantasy crumbles almost instantly. Instead of the soft words of reconciliation you were hoping for, she simply slips into the room, crawls into bed, and drifts off without giving you a second glance—as if you were invisible, as if nothing had ever happened. It stings, and you feel a deep frustration wash over you. You’ve poured your heart and soul into this relationship, bending over backwards to make Caitlin happy, even if it meant compromising your own happiness in the process. And now, here you are, lying in the dark, feeling utterly abandoned and unsure of what to do next.

Eventually, exhaustion overcomes you, and you drift off into a sleep that is anything but peaceful—your heart feels heavy, like a weight pressing down on your chest. Days pass, and the pattern seems to repeat itself. Every morning, you find yourself preparing meals for Caitlin, hoping that maybe today will be different, that maybe today she’ll eat something. But as always, she hardly looks at the food, never mind actually taking a bite.

This time, however, you’ve reached a tipping point. You decide to stop trying to convince her to eat or to talk. You’ve put in all the effort you can muster, and you’re simply too exhausted to fight this battle anymore. You find yourself letting go, allowing her to do what she wants while you focus on healing your own heart—a tough lesson in prioritizing your own needs for once.

At long last, the day you've been anticipating arrived! It was finally game day for the much-awaited matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries. The stakes felt a bit higher today because, as luck would have it, your girlfriend Caitlin was up against her best friend Kate, who also happens to be your good buddy. So, yeah, you were caught in this weird space – excited for both sides but leaning a bit more towards Kate today.

Now, here’s the thing: you weren’t just here for the intense competition or the thrill of the game. Truth be told, your enthusiasm was slightly overshadowed by the fact that Caitlin had been acting less than sweet towards you over the past few months. Things had really taken a turn for the worse following that argument you had just a week ago, leaving a palpable tension hanging in the air between you two. So while you should have been all about supporting Caitlin, your heart honestly leaned toward Kate today.

As the game unfolded, instead of happily shouting Caitlin's name and getting lost in the rhythm of the Fever’s plays, you found yourself enthusiastically cheering for Kate. And you could practically feel Caitlin’s eyes scorching into the back of your head. She shot you a side-eye, her brow arched like she was questioning your very existence right then and there. Classic Caitlin move, right?

When halftime rolled around and everyone shuffled off to grab snacks and take a breather, Caitlin leaned in close and whispered, "You’re really trying hard, aren’t you?" It wasn’t exactly a friendly comment—it was laced with a mix of sarcasm and amusement. The way she scoffed and chuckled lightly made the whole thing feel like one big, awkward joke. But you decided the best course of action was to keep your cool, so you simply brushed her off, not even giving her a sideways glance.

Instead, you took a few quick strides to reach Kate, who was just basking in the spotlight of the court. You couldn’t help it; you pulled her into a big, warm hug, genuinely admiring her as she rocked that court with undeniable talent. "Wow, you look really amazing out there!" you exclaimed, your eyes shining with enthusiasm. It felt nice to offer her some genuine support after all that’s been swirling in your personal life.

And then, in a moment of spontaneous energy, you added, "If you guys win this match, I’ll whip up something delicious for you to celebrate!" You flashed a grin that highlighted your sincere intention to uplift her spirit.

Kate’s eyes sparkled as she let out a playful chuckle. “Oh yeah? You’re on! Will you please cook me some shrimp pasta then?” she teased, throwing in a cute wink that made you chuckle right back. You couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief and warmth; here was a friendship untainted by the day’s tension, and for now, that felt pretty awesome.

The game had just wrapped up, and to everyone's excitement, the valkyries emerged victorious! You could hear the cheers ringing in the air as your friend Kate sprinted across the room, her face beaming with joy. She made a beeline for you, practically bouncing with enthusiasm, shouting about how they had won. "You’ve got to keep your promise and whip up that shrimp pasta for me!" she exclaimed. Her excitement was infectious, but as you turned to your girlfriend Caitlin, her expression told a different story.

Caitlin was standing off to the side, wearing a look that could only be described as a stormy frown. For a fleeting moment, you felt a little smug—after all, she had been acting like such a jerk towards you lately. It was hard to ignore how satisfying it was to see her less than thrilled about Kate’s big celebration.

Without wasting another moment, you grabbed your things and dashed out of the apartment. You needed to swing by your place to grab your wallet and pick up the ingredients you had promised to get for Kate's celebratory shrimp pasta. As you were on your way, you suddenly heard Caitlin’s voice slicing through the air behind you. “Where do you think you’re going?” she asked, her tone sharper than you expected.

“Heading to Kate's house—to celebrate her win, obviously,” you replied, trying to keep your voice light, even as you felt tension rising. The sound of her scoff echoed in the hallway. “What? You want to come along or something? We’d love to have you join in the celebrations!” you added playfully, hoping to lighten the mood, but it only seemed to aggravate her further.

“Just go. I don’t want you here anyway,” Caitlin shot back, and her words hit you like a punch to the gut. It felt like your heart was literally shattering. You took a deep breath, determined not to let her see how much her words stung. You didn’t want to break down and let the tears spill; somehow, you managed to hold it together as you turned on your heel and walked out of the apartment. You chose not to glance back, despite knowing that doing so might bring with it a flood of emotions you were trying hard to push aside. It was time to focus on the celebration and the joy of friendship, even if it meant leaving Caitlin behind for now.

After that chaotic match against the Valkyries, things have taken quite a turn. Instead of spending time in your own apartment with your girlfriend, you’ve been crashing at Kate's place way more often. Honestly, it feels like you’ve practically taken up residence in her apartment! You just can’t stand being at your own place anymore. It’s filled with memories that sting every time you walk in—painful reminders of what used to be.

Meanwhile, Caitlin has been on a bit of a rollercoaster herself. Lately, she’s found herself caught up in a wave of regret. She looks back on those sweet moments you shared, reminiscing about all those times you’d whip up a delicious dinner for her after she’d come home from a tiring practice. The smell of those meals filled the air, creating a warm, comforting atmosphere that made everything feel right in the world. And let’s not forget about breakfast—those mornings where you’d get up early just to make sure she had a hearty meal before dashing off to practice. She’s really been missing those moments, you know?

Then there’s the way you used to shower her with affection. She remembers just how clingy you could get—always reaching for her, wanting to be by her side, making her feel cherished. And after the games, whether she emerged victorious or faced defeat, you always had a special meal prepared as a little celebration—or perhaps a consolation, depending on the score. Those gestures meant so much to her. She craves all those little things: waking up to find you lying next to her, the morning light streaming in, and your familiar presence making her feel safe and loved.

But now? Well, you’ve been contemplating breaking things off with Caitlin. It’s not that she didn’t bring happiness into your life at one point; she most definitely did. But lately, she’s been the source of your heartache, the reason behind the tears you’ve found yourself shedding almost daily. It’s a tough situation, filled with complicated feelings. You want to choose your happiness and maybe even find yourself again, but the thought of letting Caitlin go is just as painful. This whole mess of emotions is weighing heavily on both of you, leaving a lot of unanswered questions hanging in the air.

Wow, can you believe it's been a whole five years? It feels like just yesterday that you were nervously planning every detail of your engagement, and now here you are, blissfully engaged and about to take the biggest step of your life. As you stroll down the aisle, there's an undeniable smile plastered across your face, radiating pure happiness. You can’t help but gaze at your fiancé, who is just a few steps away from becoming your wife. Each step feels surreal, and you’re practically floating on cloud nine.

You hope to contain your emotions, but as you lock eyes with your soon to be wife, it's almost impossible not to feel a rush of joy that threatens to spill over in the form of happy tears. You take a deep breath, reminding yourself how much you've been looking forward to this moment, and try to keep it together so that your makeup stays flawless for all those striking photos you’ll cherish forever. The ceremony kicks off, and everything feels like a scene from a movie—perfect, heartwarming, and just a little bit magical.

Finally, the priest makes his way to that pivotal moment of the ceremony and asks you, "Do you, Y/N/S, accept Kate Marie Martin as your lawfully wedded wife and promise to stand by her side until death do you part?" Your heart races with excitement, and you find yourself beaming at Kate, all the love bubbling up inside you. You reply, "I do, Father," feeling like you’re living in a dream. The priest nods, a smile on his face, and prepares to repeat the question to Kate, who’s standing next to you, her expression radiating love and joy.

And then comes that magical moment—the priest officially declares you as a married couple, and with excitement in the air, he announces, “You may now kiss your bride!" A wave of cheers and applause erupts from your family and friends, showering you both with love and support. It’s a celebration like no other! Yet, amid the joy, there's a lone figure in the crowd, quietly clapping but looking visibly pained.

It takes a moment for you to process who it is—it’s Caitlin, your ex. The best woman, sitting front and center, is smiling, but you can see it in her eyes that she’s hurting. It’s almost like she's back in that moment when things ended between you, filled with regret for how she treated you in the past. You can almost hear the unspoken words echoing in the silence between the claps; she wishes she could turn back time and change things. But the past is set in stone now, and she knows it’s too late to make amends for what went down all those years ago. As you share that first kiss with Kate, a wave of emotions washes over you—not just happiness, but a bittersweet acknowledgment of how far you’ve come from those old, heart-wrenching memories. Today is about love, new beginnings, and stepping forward into a beautiful future together!

After that beautiful wedding ceremony at the church, filled with laughter and happy tears, you transitioned into the after-party, where the atmosphere is buzzing with celebration. Everyone is mingling, clinking glasses, and enjoying the festive vibe. You're surrounded by friends and family who are all there to share in the joy of your special day. It really feels like a dream come true, and the only thing more beautiful than the decorations is the sight of your new wife, Kate, beaming by your side.

But then, amid the joy and revelry, Caitlin suddenly approaches you. You weren’t expecting that, and a mix of curiosity and apprehension hits you. With a gentle look, she asks if she can have a moment alone with you, and you glance at Kate, who simply nods, giving you the go-ahead. It’s a bit awkward, but you trust Kate’s judgment. Caitlin then turns and walks toward the garden, and you follow her, the sounds of the party fading into the background.

As you step into the garden, the scene feels almost magical. The air is cool, and twinkling stars sprinkle the night sky, providing a serene contrast to the lively celebration just a few steps away. It’s peaceful out here, with only a few people wandering about, and the ambiance feels intimate.

Caitlin turns to you, a mix of emotions on her face. “I’m really happy for you,” she says, her voice steady, though tears start to flow down her cheeks. It’s clear this isn’t just a simple statement; there’s a lot more behind it. “I want to apologize for everything I put you through back when we were together,” she continues, her gaze filled with genuine pain and reflection.

You take a gentle breath, trying to ease the tension. “Caitlin, I'm really okay. I’ve moved on, and I've healed a long time ago,” you reply, offering her a reassuring smile while pulling out a tissue from your purse to hand to her. It feels odd to be in this moment, but something about it feels important too.

“Actually,” you add, feeling a sense of sincerity swell in your chest, “I want to thank you.” This catches Caitlin off guard, her brows knitting together in confusion. “For what?” she asks, her voice tinged with a hint of disbelief.

With a soft chuckle, you continue, “If it weren’t for everything we went through, I wouldn’t have met Kate, and I wouldn’t be here right now, celebrating this incredible moment in my life with her. So, in a way, I owe you for that.” The weight of your words hangs in the air, and you can see it settling in her heart, making an ache blossom there as well. It’s strange how relationships can be so complicated, yet in moments like this, all you can do is appreciate the journey that led you to where you are now. The night sky above twinkles, almost as if in agreement. Caitlin never could have pictured herself in this kind of situation. Seriously, just think about it—here she is, watching you tie the knot with someone else. And, to add a little salt to the wound, it's with her very best friend. It's like a plot twist in some cheesy romantic movie that you can’t even make up! All those daydreams she had about her own wedding were always filled with thoughts of you, imagining how breathtaking you’d look walking down the aisle toward her, the whole scene painted with love and happiness. It’s heartbreaking to see those dreams turn into something completely different, like a playful jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces just don’t fit anymore. It seems that life has a way of throwing curveballs our way, and no matter how much we plan or hope for a certain path, fate often has different ideas in store for us.

[sirfrogsworth]

To My Yelp Reviewers

I have been struggling to find the energy to write personal thank yous to everyone who wrote a nice thing about me to show to my uncles. Between photo restorations, fixing my A/C, an ear infection, doctor appointments, and just a lot of annoying life stuff, I've had my attention split a hundred different ways.

I've decided maybe the best way to show my appreciation is to share what I wrote in the letter about the people in this community who have supported me over the years.

I have a section I call "The Caregiving Avengers" in which I talk about my support system. And the last entry is about all of you.

------------------------

The Internet - Motivational Cheerleader Collective

It’s hard to describe what it’s like to have half a million people following along with your personal story. Most of them just watch from afar and never say a word. They just add a little heart to your posts. But there are many who send messages and replies and comments. At times thousands of people would send me words of encouragement. I used my personal website to talk about the care I gave to my parents. I talked about when I failed. I talked about when I succeeded. And when I had some intractable problem I couldn’t find a solution for, my collective audience usually came through with helpful information. They gave me advice on products that could make caregiving a little easier. They gave me tips for how to accomplish laborious tasks with very little energy. But most of all they saw me. They saw my pain and struggles and heartbreak and trauma and they kept me from falling into a dark hole of despair.

There is always a time when a caregiver fears they can’t continue. The experience overwhelms the body and mind and everything in you just wants to shut down. The urge to give up poisons your mind and you feel guilty and ashamed for even entertaining the idea. But then hundreds of people, strangers on the internet, come together and say, “We love you. We got you. You can do this.” It put the wind back in my sails every single time.

I built this community over 16 years. My followers are some of the kindest and most generous people in my life. And I don’t even know most of their names. They were my caregiving cheerleaders and one day I’ll figure out how to dispense 500,000 thank yous.

----------------------------------

To the following specific people who wrote something for me...

@lindamaria @greytune @dreamofbecoming @chippish @nounsy @dalekpoetryreading @theotherdibbler-blog @mathcat345 @pinkangel725 Jason @boyslit Hayley @zthroo

I actually had trouble reading your kind words on my own and had to have Katrina read them aloud. I've been quite emotional lately and I read two sentences before my eyes filled with tears and I couldn't actually see the words.

Thank you so much.

[jean-yvesning]

no you’re so right. this is discourse i can get behind

the only interactions i can remember outside of his captain duties/being in practice are the trojans using him. like when lucas called (or cody called about lucas i can’t remember) being worried when grayson returned. it had nothing to do with the team or jeremy’s obligations as captain but they put that stress on him when there was literally nothing he could do about the situation except make sure lucas had somewhere to go if things got bad.

do they know about his issues with his own family? i would think so after his freshman year and how he spends half his time at cat & lailas house but i can’t remember. anyways, what do they want him to do about their issues? if it’s anything outside of the team it is not reasonably jeremy’s problem to deal with (i sound so much like kevin but hear me out), but he lets everyone use him out of a desire to be liked and fear of something like noah’s situation happening again. it is not unreasonable to assume that some of the trojans have taken advantage of this, even unwittingly. if someone makes themselves available to you 24/7 you are probably going to use that at some point or another without consideration for them. this is an issue in itself because from what i can recall jeremy doesn’t really have any clear boundaries for what the trojans can expect from him as their captain.

and then back to how no one stood up for him at the banquet. yes the trojans have a reputation of being nice to everyone no matter what and they want to maintain that, but all throughout the first trilogy renee’s character showed that you can be kind and liked and still be firm in rebuking people when they are so clearly in the wrong.

this is not to say that the trojans absolutely do not like him, but there seems to be a lack of consideration for his own needs. everyone goes to him but who can he go to? for all he and laila have supported each other it was disappointing to see her lack of action at the banquet.

obviously the majority of trojan interactions occur in jeans pov, showing how he is beginning to build his own support network, but there really is very little evidence for how jeremy is ingrained into the team as a friend, not a captain. all of this could just come from how the povs are used - in tgr a lot of jeremy’s pov was simply exploring his character and his own issues - but the banquet scene was undeniable. i would love to see more informal interactions between him and the team in tgr

Two things I’ll never get over are 1.) the build up to the white ridge game being so focused on jeremy & then kept in Jean’s pov without a mention of Jeremy during the game beyond one catch of the ball and him getting bwteeen Jean & that player 2.) the banquet being built up as Jeremy’s first banquet back & him getting literally harassed and none of the Trojans rallying. And I get not making a scene but damn. They spent all that time telling us Jean couldn’t handle anything on his own and then just shoved it on Jean

[givelightningherharem]

IN CASE YOU GUYS DIDNT KNOW, THERE IS GOING TO BE A SPECIAL MUSIC LIVESTREAM HELD FOR FINAL FANTASY XIII’S ANNIVERSARY!!! IT WOULD BE GREAT TO ALL GO AND SHOW SOME SUPPORT WHILE ALSO VIBE TO SOME OF FFXIII’S BEAUTIFUL SOUNDTRACK!!!!

LINK TO THE STREAM!! NOTE THAT IT WILL BE UNARCHIVED SO IF YOU MISS IT YOU WONT BE ABLE TO SEE IT AGAIN UNLESS THEY MAYBE DECIDE TO REBROADCAST IT!!

[snixx]

multishipping is a superpower you neeeeeeeeeeed to have when you love getting into shitty gay media with found family because OF course they're going to make an incest map of all the characters and your otp will almost definitely not be endgame. of course they're going to pair the main guy and girl together as endgame just because. and I mean you COULD be a hater about it and curse the writers and throw a four year long fit but it's so much more fun when you just make your peace with the fact that this was always going to happen and pretend everyone is in a happy little polycule as they go through 18575879 different pairings you know aren't going to last because fandom and just the experience of being a fan is so much more fun that way!!!

[ilovewaltstrickler]

Ok, so I met Merlin… not sure I like this guy. Not living up to my expectations so far

[nemesis-is-my-middle-name]

ok i should really be focusing on other stuff rn so i'm not gonna go down the rabbit hole of checking this but like. the whole butcher confrontation, daniel is referred to as arthur's father, right. arthur's fully ready to beg for his life, to put his own on the line for him. daniel is like, completely fine with all of the murder, no i'm sure you had your reasons i know you're a good man. and then it's over and they hug and daniel tries very hard to impart life advice that probably won't stick, it's all very sweet.

anyway fridge thought about that. that definitely looks like two people who have been close for years, right. so that's what everyone present probably assumes, right. like, noel and oscar, or whoever, have no fucking idea how fraught their relationship has been. that would be such a wild fucking discovery. what do you mean earlier that same day was your second conversation in like a decade (the other one was at a funeral.) yknow, the conversation that got cut short bc daniel got fucking shot. how did you speedrun from mutual grudge holding to TAKE ME INSTEAD in the span of like, a few hours. and it's like, well, first you have to understand that family is kind of a complicated issue for us both, on account of basically everyone else we've ever loved is Fucking Dead, so,

[snekdood]

anyways ppl with vaginas are amazing and not inherently less than anyone with a penis and if you disagree you can jump off a bridge <3

[em-b-sides]

I think about that tiktok trend where you like paint your partners eye color on your nails or make a bracelet or something with the color a lot actually

[kosomolski-dolls]

Once again looking into making an account on DOA as selling dolls on insta is getting more and more a hassle. And going through rules and everything allowed and not allowed, I remember why I haven't made an account so far

Just looking at the off topic and banned dolls and I'm like... ? Ok?

3D-printed plastic or printing-type-resin dolls

does that mean ALL 3D printed dolls? What does Printing-Type-Resin Dolls mean? I have 3 Custom sculpted heads from Meeksdoll that are 3D printed in resin. I guess I can't show them then?

Ok, further down they explicitly list "Huli Dolls / ART by Natira dolls 3d-printed plastic/3d-printed resin heads", so I guess the same applies to my Meeksdoll heads. Bummer.

Yepp... even more further down they list

Dolls that are not professionally cast 3D printed dolls even if made of a printable-resin material

idk, this just feels so needlessly limiting? But ok, moving on.

Fen Jie Xian Fairies / Dividing line bjd Possibly made of plastic; questions regarding provenance and material.

?? I have these dolls. They don't feel any different to my other resin dolls? (We're not gonna go into the semantics of plastic here. Resin also is plastic, after all)

Dolls whose bodies do not meet the jointing requirements

This whole list. Like. Seriously. Why? I mean, I get that it's not banned, "just" off topic and you can talk about them in the off topic sections, but just... why? idk. Like I said, seems needlessly limiting.

Dolls that lack consistent proportion, stylization or anatomical detail, or that are not suitable for nude display

WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN??? What do they mean with consistent proportion?? You could list all Doll Chateau dolls there because their proportions are all over the place?? Stylization? Same thing?? What. Does. That. Mean??

Lack of anatomical detail as well. What about so called "angel bodies", that are basically genderless? This rule makes no sense to me, because it just can mean whatever?

UGH I'm already just into the off topic list and I'm already not keen on joining anymore lol

Moving on to the banned dolls list and I already have beef with that list...

It lists Recast companies alongside artists that are banned from the site for whatever other reason. They may be banned because they were associated with Recasts. They also may be banned because they scammed people, either actively running with their money or taking forever to fullfill their orders. They may be banned because some of their sculpting got a little bit too close to someone else's sculpting (in some cases it's actually very obvious copying, in other cases it's just... listen, there are just so many ways on sculpting the human body in a realistic way).

They ALSO may be banned for stuff like sharing an account or making a second account. I know both is against the rules, but... banning the dolls for it?

AT LEAST give us an explanation on WHY the dolls are banned? Idk, *I* have been in this hobby for close to 10 years now and I know a lot of the drama and the artists, but if I were a newbie and I'd see that list, I'd just assume that all these listed companies/artists are bad because they support recasts or scam people.

Not that they broke a rule that is... whatever tbh??

One of these is not like the other.

And the greatest joke is seing Luo listed as "Taobao Seller", as if he wasn't THE recast culprit out there?? Like, number 1 enemy??

Ugh... I think I'm once again cured by the wish of making an account there. Some of these rules are just so... tiring? Why would you limit yourself so much in enjoying dolls?

[lohstandfound]

ignore this.

learning to shut up when i dont have anything new to say to the discussions my mutuals are having about the treatment of the female characters in this show and fandom

even though ive just gone ahead and rambled in the tags a bunch of bullshit

[sendmyresignation]

finally reading dance of days (thank you ohiolink and oberlin college <3) but my most consistent takeaway thus far. is oh my god. people who think punk is primarily ideological and not subcultural/musical. are so out of touch.

[hollis-exe]

they gotta put some sort of enrichment in my cave man i just spent 3 hours placing cubes

[queervegancryptid]

Part of what Cory Booker is doing with this filibuster is reading things into the record. Sometimes when people do a filibuster, they just say shit. I think one time Ted Cruz read "Green Eggs and Ham" into the record. Another dude sang the Mets theme song or whatever the shit.

If you actually have substantial things to say, you don't have to do that. I mean, not for nothing, but what we're watching here is a man doing the job he was elected to do. Our public officials work for us, the people. It's nice to see some of them take that obligation seriously.

Booker is standing there with a binder that he's not even halfway through reading. *Over 42k people are watching it just on YouTube. I haven't watched the news yet today, but I've got the live feed of this open on my computer.

I hope he has a catheter and/or a diaper on. He said he'd continue as long as he's physically able. Probably he's been on a liquid diet for a day or so. I would plan ahead for this.

If Republicans are going to refuse to do the work, if they're going to refuse to take up serious business and would like instead to fuck shit up... Well, we've got a choice to make, don't we? I don't know what the long-term solution looks like. But we can and should talk about it. We can and should take steps to make sure the public record reflects reality to the extent possible.

Really, if we want to come back from this, we have to talk about it. And we know that the official records during this time especially will be, shall we say, less than reliable. So there is value in speaking the truth into the public record.

I'm not in love with the Democratic party as an institution. But this can also be energizing and inspiring for people. He's setting an example, and hopefully his example will shame others into growing a backbone. Hopefully.

I really don't have any hope for Schumer. But Booker, along with folks like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, AOC, and Jasmine Crockett, are doing what they can do, and I respect it.

This is definitely a coordinated thing, though. Finally, Dems are showing that they have some strategic ability. Booker is the main speaker, but other Dems are asking questions, while allowing him to retain the floor. In this way, it's clear that they're working together, and several people in the room have jobs to do in support of Booker's efforts. They're expanding on his points and doing a call-and-response thing, which is an effective tactic in more ways than one, and it allows him to rest his voice for a few moments at a time.

So I'm not becoming a cheerleader for anybody yet. But what he's doing is important, even if it doesn't change anything directly.

Miss me with bipartisanship talk though. I really can't see that as a viable option at this point. Unless something radical changes, I wouldn't trust that at all. So anytime somebody like Schumer talks about Republicans coming to the table, I can't be bothered to listen. They have repeatedly shown us that they have no intention of doing that and that they further do not care about right and wrong at all. Or if they do, they think their actions are right, and I'm not sure which is worse, but in both cases, I would not call them trustworthy. Their priority is being in lockstep with Trump and the prescribed agenda of the party, not the American people.

At least Booker is trying to do something. Shit.

* When I started typing this, the number of viewers was just over 42k. Now it's over 45k and climbing.