#it is unfortunately both chronic and terminal

[eriace]

this isn't in the script ; tsukishima kei

oneshot & fluff ↪ in which y/n ropes tsukishima kei into fake-dating her to get her persistent admirer off her back. what was supposed to be a no-feelings, zero-fluff arrangement turns into public hand-holding, secret smiles, and one very awkward (but honest) accidental confession. ↷ tsukishima kei ; haikyuu

↳ an order of cappuccino + hot chocolate from anonymous in the comeback cafe event !

IT ALL STARTED with a favor.

Not a heartfelt one, not a desperate one either. Just… an eye-roll-worthy, absolutely inconvenient kind of favor that Tsukishima Kei would never agree to unless he was: a. bribed, b. blackmailed, or c. terminally bored.

Unfortunately, Y/n had found him on a day where he was both bored and eating strawberry Pocky, which she may or may not have bought on purpose.

"Just pretend to be my boyfriend for, like, two weeks."

"No."

"Kei."

"Still no."

"...I’ll tell Yamaguchi about that time you cried during that one Ghibli movie."

"...Two weeks."

And that’s how it began.

Tsukishima Kei was a lot of things: tall, snarky, chronically unimpressed. But even he had to admit—fake-dating Y/n was a little too easy.

They had a good routine. Casual shoulder bumps. Walking side-by-side after school. The occasional, begrudging compliment murmured too low for anyone but her to hear.

And sure, sometimes he’d catch himself watching the way she laughed, or how her nose scrunched up when she got annoyed, or how her pinky would always twitch like it wanted to hold his hand but wasn’t sure if it was allowed.

Whatever. He was an observational guy. Not his fault.

“It’s working,” Y/n whispered one day, eyes wide as she leaned close to him behind the vending machine.

Kei barely looked up from his drink, "Obviously."

"He said I’m off-limits now. Said my 'terrifying' boyfriend might kill him with sarcasm."

"...Accurate."

"You’re so good at this, Tsukki."

Something in his chest flipped a little.

He ignored it.

Everything was going fine until she said it.

They were sitting under the gym staircase, taking a break between study sessions, when Y/n—head resting lazily against his shoulder—murmured without thinking:

"You know… sometimes it doesn’t even feel fake."

Kei choked on his water, "What."

"Huh?"

"You said—"

"I said what?"

"You—nothing."

He turned away so she wouldn’t see the way his ears turned red.

But after that, things felt different.

He caught himself thinking about her when she wasn’t around. Replaying the sound of her laugh. Wondering what it would be like if it wasn’t fake.

If he could hold her hand without needing an excuse. If he could kiss her forehead and mean it.

He hated it. It made him feel out of control. Like he was in a match with no blocking allowed.

And then came the worst part.

Y/n had been joking with Yamaguchi, of all people. Teasing him about how good Tsukki was at acting like he didn’t care when he totally did. She was grinning, flailing, mimicking Tsukki’s unimpressed face, when she said it—loud enough for the universe to hear:

"Ugh, he’s such a grump, but I think I like him for real now, and that’s sooo embarrassing."

She froze.

Yamaguchi froze.

Someone behind her coughed.

Slowly, very slowly, she turned.

Kei stood behind her, eyes half-lidded, cheeks pink, expression unreadable.

"...Well," he said finally, adjusting his glasses, "that makes two of us."

Y/n blinked, "Wait. What?"

"What, you think I let just anyone fake date me for two weeks?"

"You did it for Pocky!"

"I did it because you looked at me like I mattered."

Oh.

Oh.

Cue Yamaguchi, who choked on his juice box in the background.

They were still under the gym staircase the next day when Kei offered her a stick of strawberry Pocky.

"So what now?" she asked.

"We could keep pretending," he said with a smirk.

"Pretending to date?"

"Pretending we don’t actually like each other."

Y/n laughed, grabbed the Pocky, and leaned against him again.

"Nah," she said. "I think I’m done pretending."

And Kei—sarcastic, aloof, too-tall-for-his-own-good Tsukishima Kei—smiled like maybe he was too.

© eriace ;; don’t repost my works.

[eldritch-spouse]

Sometimes greedy gambits do work out.

Your typical greedy fiend may wax about their insatiable desire for the material, how satisfaction is the death of their nature and never shall they cease stretching their fingers towards the next shining trophy-

But they know limits.

They have that little bit of normalcy that tells them when it's time to drop something, even if it leaves a taste like curdled milk in their mouths.

Not Xiko.

Xiko grabbed onto something and he did not let go.

Not even when death came knocking at his door.

This celebrity of the Greed Ring was known for being the biggest, most successful human/monster trafficker of Hell itself. Xiko, a mere mid-ranker, yet clever and crafty enough to dethrone nearly everyone in his field of vile work.

Wanted humans and monsters worth owning? In mint condition? With some really rare traits? Leave it to him and his boys, you won't be disappointed.

With great skill and talent comes great danger, but Xiko didn't cower when he started to gain many an enemy, when he could no longer count them, when he spent most of his time hunting them down rather than hunting the poor souls he's supposed to sell. With each visit, he'd return home with a few trophies to remember his victory.

Things were going well.

His empire of fifth kept growing, enough so that it garnered the attention of the very Lord Rinx, a client Xiko both reveres and dreads, due to his extravagant tastes. Why, he ever earned himself a juicy deal with this strange, extremely popular establishment on the surface that constantly bulk-orders humans. The Clergy's Eye or something of the sort, he knows the Icons had been there before.

How impressive is that? Enough for prideful folk to eye him wantonly.

Xiko had the opportunity to grow in rank, to sit at Rinx's table and negotiate starting a little jewelry store in the heart of Greed to keep up appearances and branch out. What luxuries.

Unfortunately, all highs lead to lows.

His health starts deteriorating inexplicably. Xiko begins being unable to move properly without chronic bursts of pain debilitating him from doing much of anything other than lie and wait for the wave of torment to pass. He has no idea where it's coming from. The pain is so great he gets blinded and passes out in some episodes.

The best doctors he can find tell Xiko he developed something terminal. Not quite a cancer, similar, something only demonoids can exhibit.

But what did the name of it matter? His own monumental riches wouldn't save him from certain doom.

One might think Xiko would do some soul searching with the time he had left, as laughable as that sounds for a being as rotten as him.

Not even close.

You don't get this far without being stubborn.

Things can't end as they are. Xiko can't die, he has so much to do and so much to oversee, it's simply not an option. He can't.

In the midst of despair and hopeless solution-seeking, Xiko finds a possible answer to his impossible conundrum inscripted in his most favored trophy, a timeless chalice.

Between its jewels and lovely finishes, the instructions for a ritual sat written in one of the oldest tongues in Hell. Having a historian for a friend sure comes in handy, doesn't it?

Said acquaintance is there to witness it when Xiko grows mad enough to try it, at the hands of demons who perpetuate these ancient practices.

A mummification-like ritual.

Except, to avoid death, Xiko must remove the two organs which the soul is most connected to, the brain and heart.

He knew what he was getting into when he laid on that altar.

He knew that he would suffer physical trauma beyond anything he could ever have experienced in life. He knew he would come out of it looking like a completely different being. That he would no longer be a demon.

And he was ready.

He was ready when they started chanting.

He was ready when his jaw was stretched to absurd proportions.

He was ready when his chest was torn open.

When he danced in that barrier between life and death, looking down at himself while his figure withered and contorted.

Those memories are... Scratchy, to say the least.

Xiko recalls screaming at the top of his exposed lungs and feeling his skin rip from several sides all at once, as if rejecting him. He remembers when his skull was crushed and how he could hear it for a moment. He knows he twisted and shriveled like a bug on that marble.

And that he woke up.

Wrapped like a present.

Dead yet amongst the living.

To continue his work. To remain forever at the top.

So what if he was emaciated now? If he'd never get rid of the massive scar where his figure was torn open, if his eyes now reside inside his bizarre gaping maw and his arms are elongated? Xiko had made it.

And while death was unavoidable, it was not the end.

In fact, it was the beginning of something a lot more amusing for Xiko.

He found his new appearance frightened his competition. Rumors of him being an undead diety spread. No longer featuring a core name or even something as simple as a sigil, Xiko was freed of even more weaknesses.

He made no effort to hide what he had become the next time he was present at Greed's Conqueror's Spoils festival. His mangled, infernal undead form on the spotlight.

Some of them were smart enough to understand what he had turned into, knew to stop pursuing him. For when you take something from a mummy, it cannot rest until it retrieves its possession.

Others came to find that out eventually.

Perhaps the person Xiko feels most sorry for is, not one of his enemies, but you.

You poor thing, still trying to escape him, still trying to lockpick your cages and manipulate his men, trying to make it out at all costs.

You never think twice when you set foot outside his territory.

Unaware that he'll always instinctively know where to find his "stolen" possession.

[v1bri]

I don’t think people talk enough about Bert’s reason to be a warrior.

It’s never stated in the anime, but like every other warrior, Bertholdt has a reason as to why he’s there: to treat his father.

Obviously, that tells us that his father’s sick. But that’s it. We know nothing else. Does he have a chronic illness that needed treatment to maintain? Or did he develop a disease such as cancer that can be treated but not cured? It’s unknown.

We know that he must’ve been sick for a long time, as Bertl has been a warrior candidate since toddler stages (Magath states this in Season 4 Episode 3) therefore ever since he was young all he’s wanted to do it treat/save his father.

We also hear nothing about his mother. Unfortunately I don’t think she’s alive, as I really doubt Bert would’ve been enrolled into the Warrior program as I feel like his mother would’ve helped treat his father. So, maybe Bertl had no choice but to enlist due to the lack of support.

But, did Marley start treating his father the minute Bertholdt sign up and get accepted, or when he went off to Paradis? Again, it’s unknown.

We know that unfortunately his father passed not long before the events of Season 4, with Karina and Mr Leonhart talking about his passing and how he was extremely proud of his son for doing what he did. Did his illness turn terminal, or did Marley cut off his treatment when they found out Bertholdt didn’t come back and he was slowly deteriorating ever since?

I know all of the candidates have tragic pasts and shouldn’t have gone through the things they did at all, but Bertholdt’s story sticks out to me because he was just a little kid who loved his dad so much and would do anything to make sure he lives. But unfortunately they both couldn’t get what they wanted.

In my opinion, I believe that Bertholdt only has had his father in his life; his mother rather passed away or left them at a young age. His father must’ve already been sick (due to a chronic illness), and the poor treatment only caused him to become more susceptible to more diseases such as cancer or infections. Marley treated him not long before Bertholdt left to Paradis, however after not making it back home, they rather cut off the treatment immediately or slowly until he passed.

Marley is a cruel, cruel nation and I really wouldn’t put it past them to do such a thing. They did not care about the children or their families, they cared about their titans. Thats it.

I really wish we got more on Bert’s backstory, learning about what happened whilst he grew up and what caused him to become someone that followed so much he lost his sense of humanity.

[aachria]

The Intel and Bounty Division hires people based on three pieces of criteria; can you serve your government, can you serve cunt, and can you betray the Marines the second a funny person with pretty eyes asks you to? If you said yes to all three, this may be the division for you!

Jonah is chronically exhausted and Fergus has Nosy Bitch disease, unfortunately both are terminal. Oh and credit where credit's due, I started using @timxstuff's designs for Jonah's tattoos because they're better than mine on every level.

[tavyliasin]

Disability Pride Month and BG3!

It’s Disability Pride Month! And you know what that means, right? No? Well it has been ages and I’ve long been casually planning a series of short (maybe) essays around the parallels to disability - and the clearer disability representation - throughout Baldur’s Gate 3 in both the characters and the story. So what better month than this to finally work on them and bring them out?

Whilst I do have some personal lived experience with disability, this doesn’t account for every type of condition or all the ways that different disabilities affect so many of us. Two people with the same condition can have quite a different lived experience, and even the condition itself can vary significantly. So what I mean to say here, loves, is that if you have a differing opinion, or there’s something I’ve missed, or you’d just like to add your thoughts - please do just that! 

I welcome hearing from all of you about how you relate to the game through your own lived experiences, and what the characters can mean to you. Representation isn’t always clear, but honestly I think when we look closer we can see parts of all kinds of experiences reflected through the characters and story. So, what I intend to do is create a series of essays, looking in depth at the potential parallels we can see in each of the main companions that I’m most familiar with (unfortunately I don’t know Minthara well enough to include her in this, but I would welcome input from others!) and then perhaps some of the other characters. (Edit - all pieces completed for now, next year I may add more!) These pieces are not meant to be diagnostic in any way, or claiming “this character has this illness”, but instead is a look at how the characters and their stories and details can be similar to real world disability and health, and how different people might find ways to relate to their experiences through this.

Links to the Disability Discussion Posts

Karlach - Terminal Illness (Completed) Wyll - Sudden Physical Change (Traumatic Incident) (Completed) Gale - Chronic Illness, Autism (Completed) Astarion - Complex Needs, Specialised Diets, and Addiction (Completed) Lae’zel - Ableism, Eugenics, and More Neurodiversity (Completed) Shadowheart - Memory Difficulties, Depression, Fluctuating Chronic Pain (Completed) Halsin - Carer Fatigue and The End Of The Path Of Healing (Completed) Gortash - Invisible Disability and Visible Mobility Aids (Completed)

--- I'm not sure how quickly I'll get through posting these as I'm having a tough time with my own physical health right now - isn't that ironic? - but I do intend to get through at least this list by the end of July in between fic writing and other projects.

If you would like to suggest other characters, storylines, or disability related topics in BG3 please let me know! I'd love to hear how you all relate to the game and the characters from these angles too, and I might be willing to add things to this list if I can.

Lia's Disability Experience

As a little peek behind the curtain (and for full disclosure that I'm not an abled person here to talk over disabled experiences) without giving you too much of myself on the single plate, my lived experience is with an unpredictable chronic pain condition as well as a few other chronic illnesses and disability issues. I'm a wheelchair user, partially ambulatory (essentially I can shamble around in my home with assistance but outside the house I rely on my wheels), and my most prevalent symptom is constant pain. I have made vague references to these things in a few works and the experience does provide me with some fic inspiration for a couple of works. I'm far too familiar with Loviatar's embrace, but I feel this is something that can be used to my advantage at times like these where I can examine the characters and storylines from angles that abled people might not consider.

Your Input!

I really would love to hear from all of you - what other characters do you feel reflect some of the lived experiences of disabled people? Are there any that you connected to? Did you find the game was accessible for you to play as a disabled person? What do you wish you saw more of in the game or in games in general? This month really is an important one for awareness and understanding, as well as finding things in ourselves to be proud of that don't fall into the categories of "inspiration porn" or the kinds of internalised ableism that can drive some of us to push too hard to work against our conditions instead of with and around them leading to more issues.

Remember - The Disabled Community is the one minority that anyone could become a part of at any time. Advocating for our rights could also be advocating for your own future or that of a loved one.

[leavethesydney]

#kuroshou - A Snake and A Cat Meet At The Airport - fluff and teasing 😋🫶🏻

Someone could call this unfortunate luck. Kuroo would call this a day ruiner for sure. Daishou at first called it twisted humor.

Kuroo sighed heavily, his usual smirk nowhere to be seen as he glared at the departure board that taunted him with a list of flights that were no longer an option. Daishou, had similar plans to pout over the flight board. To his (dis)pleasure, he saw the likes of a past highschool rival.

Daishou isn’t one to give up an experience to jab Kuroo Tetsurou. He would love to dust off the unopened note in his phone of insults. It had been months since it had been opened (which actually is quite a lie). He opens it frequently, in fact, chuckling to himself and entertaining the idea that he could jest with this annoying man again. Since they both blocked each other on socials, Daishou frequently thought about reaching out, but never did. Today almost seemed like fate to him.

"Well, well, well, Kuroo. Look at us now, all that time avoiding each other just to be stuck in a terminal," Daishou drawled, leaning casually against a nearby pillar.

Kuroo cursing to himself refusing to turn around. "Oh joy, my day just got a thousand times better," he muttered sarcastically. This was more to himself than anything.

Daishou responded despite hearing him clearly, “What’s that--. I couldn’t hear you?” Nevermind that. “Is the terminal cramping your style, no one to yap their ear off? Is that where you’re headed off to? Planning another one of those games again. Are you off to beg on your knees for Ushiwaka to take part?”

“I don’t beg on my knees, you snake-eyed mosquito. I will offer him a spot on the team, and that’s not even who I am meeting with.” Kuroo halts his words wondering why in the hell he is even explaining this to Daishou Suguru of all people.

“Why am I explaining this to you?”

Daishou smirks, “You know Tetsurou, don’t let this get to your head, but I almost missed how defensive you got in our conversations.”

“Says the person who blocked me on everything.”

“You’re chronically online, I needed my peace.”

“I am not always online--. THAT’S A PART OF MY JOB.”

“Not a week ago, you were getting in fights with rando’s for their take on volleyball. I have more than one account dumbass.”

“Look, we’re trapped in this terminal for who knows how long… I don’t know what I did to the universe to have you comment on my social media habits. And I’d rather take residence at gate Z row 9000 than hear any more of this. Could we please talk about something else?”

Kuroo and Daishou began with small questions-- How’s Mika?, Is there actually going to be a tournament with Ushiwaka? What has he been up to recently? Small business, coaching?

“You know, you saw this at first as the universe punishing you- trust me, I had similar thought when I first spotted your unchanged ‘iconic’ hair”, Daishou gave a white lie.

Kuroo already lost the softness he began to grace Daishou with.

Daishou backed off with the snarkiness, “Buuut, maybe this was the universe wanted us to reconnect and be somewhat amiable…” Daishou glanced around. He backed down from the white lie completely. He missed his rival. He fully admitted it, and couldn’t keep it hidden.

“Oh? Really?” Kuroo's eyes let Daishou know he’s never going to live saying that down. “And what should we do with this new found friendship and soulmatism? Huh???” Kuroo’s smile wide with mischief and jest.

“Ok fuck you! I say one semi-nice thing and you can’t even be the least bit normal.”

Kuroo, catching Daishou off guard putting a hand to his accusatory point catching his hand as of to hold it (Daishou immediately getting him to drop his hand as he notices the hold Kuroo has on him), “Ok, Ok, Mr. Flustered, we’ve got hours in this airport together. We were doing so well. As much as I hate to admit it, speaking with you seems much more of a pleasant time than staring at weather reports and flight announcements, or even checking in with colleagues right now.”

They sat down and began to strike up conversation again, minutes later it quieted down as Kuroo felt the hours of work catching up to him. He gave in to sleep taking refuge into a familiar shoulder. Something that a first was foreign until memories began flooding back. Daishou smirked down thinking to himself. When he’s like this I begin to remember all the things that I loved about him, and it seems he’s doing great for himself. I almost wish it were me he was meeting up with, and maybe I should offer to play.

As Daishou’s soft thoughts of Kuroo (who was dreaming of a past Nohebi game and facing his old rival again) flooded through his mind, the announcement came on over the crackling intercom, signaling that flights were resuming.

Daishou nudged Kuroo, “It’s time to part ways rooster head.”

Kuroo lightly pushed himself off Daishou, with a faint blush regarding the position he was in just before.

“You know, you could join in on this game too if you’d like. As long as you swear to play fair.”

“You know how I play Tetsu, but I have toned it down a bit. I’ll play fair.”

“So you’re in?”

“If this was a long con to get me in your games… It worked.” Daishou rolled his eyes.

“It wasn’t trust me, if anything YOU weasled your way in. Here’s my card… Don’t make me regret giving it to you.”

As they made their way to their respected gates, Daishou held the card with a soft smile. He sent a fast text before his row was announced to board

Daishou to Kuroo:

Look, playing the others sounds nice and all, but when is a respective rematch between me and you?

[checkoutmybookshelf]

Nickleheads, Knights, and Harry's Half-Vampire Ex-Girlfriend

We were introduced to Michael Carptenter as a Knight of the Cross back in Grave Peril, but this is where we really get a good sense of the Knights as an organization within the Catholic Church, and it's where we learn about who they're there to...save, strictly speaking, if possible, but let's be real. They kill Denarians to try to keep cursed silver bits off the streets. This is going to be relevant literally for the rest of the series as far as anyone knows. Oh and also, somebody stole the Shroud of Turin and Harry's half-vampire ex-girlfriend is in town. Let's talk Death Masks.

Spoilers abound below the break, so head's up if you're on your first Dresden read through and don't want MASSIVE THINGS SPOILED.

Also, Content Warning for sex, blood, and violence. Take care of you first and we will catch you on the flip side if you choose to skip over this one!

You cannot say that the worldbuilding in the Dresden Files is anything but thorough, and apparently that also includes shitty daytime TV personalities, because Harry opens this book by basically having a low-key anxiety attack while trying not to take out every single piece of technology in a television studio during a "debate" between himself, Mort Lindquist, and Paolo Ortega. It's literally the opening to a bad joke: A medium, a vampire, and a wizard walk into a TV studio to discuss whether paranormal creatures and beings are real.

Unfortunately, our vamp also takes the time to challenge the Wizard to a duel, which the White Court is all too happy to accept as a way out of the war that Harry started. To complicate matters further, the Shroud of Turin has been stolen and the Knights of the Cross, Denarians, and Susan are in town, so Harry isn't having a terribly good week. And then he also has to stop Nicodemus from beginning a plague.

Honestly, so many things about this book ANNOY me. Listicles were, at one time, popular on the interwebz, so let's go old school here with the irksome stuff.

Kinky Vampire Sex As a Lifesaving Measure. All right. I get that vampires being sex coded isn't new; from early works like the Vampyre to iconic classics like Carmilla and Dracula to modern reimaginings like Interview with a Vampire and Twilight, vampires have been sex coded. I think what irritates me about this example is the framing. Like, we can't just have "my girlfriend is half vampire and we have kinky, mind-blowing vampire sex," no. We have to have "My control is slipping and I will literally murder you if you don't...*checks notes*...tie me up like a hog for slaughter and sex the evil vampiric tendencies out of me." Like...IT'S A FLESHY BUNDLE OF NERVES, NOT A MAGIC WAND. CAN WE PLEASE NOT FRAME THIS AS "HARRY DRESDEN'S MAGICAL ANTI-VAMPIRE PENIS"????? And just to clarify: I'm not out here to kink shame anyone. My objection is to the hypermasculinity and toxic masculinity of the framing of this sex scene. We can still have kinky vampire sex, but maybe let's have it be enthusiastic and fun rather than "If we don't bang right now, one or both of us is going to die." There is an element of coercion there than I don't love, especially not when the author then also frames it as "my dick literally saved my girlfriend's life." If you want kinky monster sex, the just have kinky monster sex. Don't make it weird.

Heroic Sacrifice Is Fine Because I Had Terminal Cancer Anyway. Hello Ableism, My Old Friend. The trope that a chronically ill, terminally ill, or disabled character dies to save an able-bodied character is inherently ableist, full stop. It straight out SAYS that the able-bodied life we have saved is more valuable than the disabled life we lost. And not only does Butcher have Shiro pull this, we get a back-dated letter at the end from Shiro to Harry going, "Hey, I knew I was dying and I hope that makes you feel better about me being horribly tortured to death on your behalf. Dressing up what is essentially a "bury your disabled" trope in a heroic sacrifice does not make it less ableist and shitty. (For those of you who want more on disability tropes and why they're ableist, I have written a literal book on it, and also please see this TV Tropes page.) I don't have a lot to actually SAY about this one, other than endlessly screaming into the void about the blatant ableism throughout this series and wondering why the HELL I was surprised when Butcher disabled and fridged Murphy. Please join me in screaming, there will be throat coat tea afterwards.

Medical Science Failed? Let's Try Religion. I get that Marcone is as guilty as it is possible for a sociopath to be over not being able to fix a little girl's coma--and we're just going to skim over the ableism and objectification inherent in her being a literal plot point; she could be a broken lamp and this plot point still works--but my dude...SERIOUSLY??? You are Gentleman Johnny Marcone. You have the resources to get the best doctors in the world in the room, and when that doesn't work, you have the resources to get the best scientists on the problem. You even have the resources to get the best magical healers in the room if you want to. But no. You rolled religion and went for the freaking Shroud of Turin. Which would make sense for Nicodemus or any of the Denarians, but for the mobster who business-ified the mob? I suppose this does set up Marcone's slide to the Denarians later in the series, but his WHOLE THING is being the calculated businessman. I don't love this. I also don't love the history of miracle cures in religion being used to moralize illness and disability, but frankly this little piece of scene is too small to really dive into for that.

So yeah, this book is weird about sex, it's ableist, and it's weird about moralizing illness and disability. And that is so obnoxious because we don't HAVE to be weird about this stuff. Plenty of other books manage to address these topics without getting cishet white boy weird about it.

This is also the book where Harry is half tricked, half coerced into taking up Lasciel's coin, and that's a whole thing for the next several books too.

Was there stuff I liked about this book? I mean, objectively yes. Ivy--The Archive--is never not tragically delightful on the page, and the vampire duel at Wrigley Field is damn fun. I also really LIKE Sanya and Shiro on the page, they're great characters with surprising depth for secondary characters.

I will also admit to a deep love for the Denarians. As villains, they're powerful, unhinged, scary, and delightful, and the Nicklehead books are, in general, some of my favorites of the series. Skin Game and Small Favor in particular are my top two in the series.

Overall, however, Death Masks isn't one of my favorite Dresden books, and it really leans into ableist tropes that drive me up the flippin' wall.

[kringas]

Some thoughts

Stewing tonight on many things about identity.

The Internet (social media especially) encourages and validates constant seeking of identity.

People are encouraged to identify as SOMETHING not someone.

Finding ways to increase social capital and gain validation in microcommunities at the expense of their real self.

(in dynamics where this behavior becomes problematic, think people spreading misinformation about autism, when they're called out or questioned on this behavior when, rather than acknowledging the social validation and attention from the microcommunities, they change focus to broader culture: "Why would anyone want to be autistic?")

The Internet encourages chronic insecurity in identity which leads to lashing out against people whose identity appears to threaten their own. Especially when the people with the "opposing" identity are confident and solid in this identity, which appears to the person with an insecure identity as.

In an attempt to fit themselves into these identifies they broaden and shift the identity to fit themselves while also finding and shaping an opposing identity (which is picked up with equal fervor by those who feel rejected)

This is bad but I don't have a solution yet. Unfortunately I don't have those powers to fix all people ever. I see it everywhere. Everywhere. I can't escape it. The moment you begin to see how over-identification impacts interactions online and also in general with queer people you will want to die, it's everywhere. You will never get away from it.

I have heard this take on it a few times but can't remember who it originates from, but I saw recently someone point this dynamic out in how (as they, a white man, put it) young white women from wealthy backgrounds identify with things that allow them to identify with that oppression rather than acknowledging their white privilege. I'd argue that white people of all ages and genders do this lol.

In micro communities where oppression and discrimination and suffering is not a neutral thing but a morally good and correct thing (a belief not just progressives have, conservatives also do this hence their obsession with framing themselves as the real victims) and where victimhood is unchanging, inherent, beyond material reality, oppression olympics are real! Who wants to win a gold medal?

A very very sweet and lovely friend was telling me about how she had to step away from a mutual aid organization because it was revealed they were like, majorly misusing funds. They mentioned how the person doing this was a brilliant social media marketer for the project and was also a big fan of shutting down any questions, feedback, or critical thinking about the use of money in the organization by weaponizing their identity. We both discussed and found that we've been in similar dynamics where this happened. We also discussed the need to resist feelings of guilt in situations like this because weaponizing that guilt is what's happening there. I however think also that it has to be something that we change as a culture because social pressure also impacts this feeling.

I also have some terminally online thoughts on lesbianism... Controversial sorry.

Lesbophobia and transmisogyny are extremely similar, it is very stupid to deny this and very stupid to fail to recognize the commonalities both in theory and in reality.

This is the controversial one --> Many self hating bisexuals who identify as lesbians arguments about why straight trans men are actually um totally lesbians are the exact same arguments as your run of the mill homophobic-transphobe. This probably shouldn't surprise you. It is vile lesbophobia and transphobia should not be marked down as simple silly discourse. Please examine why every single discussion online about lesbians is obsessed with getting them to have sex with men!

Lesbian separatism is ultimate irrational and impractical but I see how it happens. The unique combination of misogyny and homophobia is something incredibly alienating, and the lesbian nature of excluding men is something that is pushed back by everyone all the time, as I think many people feel that lesbianism is an existential threat to their identity, as it actively undermines the patriarchy.

When it comes to interpersonal lesbophobia I think the most by the numbers, but definitely not by severity, I've faced has been from cis bisexual women, in the form of rude comments about my sexuality, unicorn hunting, a lot of weird underhanded comments about particularly masculine women. There are a few types of this particular type of lesbophobia because there is one that seems to view my sexuality as something "wrong" and rigid, that shows that I am not progressive, and must be changed, and a second type that seems deeply self conscious about her identity and lack of perceived "queerness" and projects this onto me. I've had many interactions of the second type but I'd say the most common type of person is a slightly older late bloomer cis bisexual woman in a polyamorous relationship with a cishet man. Either way, it is an intensely uncomfortable dynamic to be in and I refuse to date women who are actively in a relationship with a man now. Trans bisexual women in my experience make the occasional similar snide comments but significantly less of them. This is very interesting to me. I'm trying to examine more of why this might be but putting myself into conversations like this as a passive observer instead of pushing back is unpleasant so I should probably stop that.

Severity wise, a trans man online recently threatened to rape me because I rejected him. I wonder if that was gender affirming for him 🤩? I uninstalled lex AGAIN.

Anyways that's all I have to say about this. I am having a manic episode. I am seeing a psychiatrist Wednesday morning. I walked to 7/11 a little bit ago and was really fucked up because I felt like I was passing the same building over and over again. This is probably not a good sign. Amen.

[katy-legacyluxury]

Community Comforts

Living at Katy Legacy means enjoying spaces that feel like home both inside and out. The firepit lounge space is perfect for winding down or gathering with friends, while the amenity center offers a place to work or relax with comfortable lounges and work spaces. These homes offer great flexibility with three and four-bedroom layouts, ideal for families of all sizes. If you’re searching for affordable 4-bedroom homes Katy vicinity, this community provides both comfort and convenience. You’ll be able to enjoy cozy evenings by the firepit or productive days in the modern amenity center, all while being part of a welcoming neighborhood. It’s all about having the right space for work and play.

The Transportation System in Katy, Texas

Getting around Katy is simple, with easy access to major highways like I-10, which connects you straight to Houston. This makes commuting straightforward, even if traffic can get a bit heavy at times. You’ll also find plenty of local roads that help you avoid some of the main congestion points, and they’re generally well-maintained. For public transit, there aren’t a ton of options, but nearby Houston’s METRO Park & Ride services offer some alternatives. The city is also pretty bike-friendly in certain areas, so that’s another way to get around. Whether you’re driving, biking, or catching a ride, Katy’s transportation setup is designed to keep you moving smoothly.

Katy Mills in Katy, TX

Katy Mills is the place to be if you’re in the mood for some serious shopping or just want to explore a huge variety of stores. This indoor outlet mall has a little bit of everything, from big brands with great deals to unique specialty shops you won’t find everywhere. Whether you’re looking for clothes, shoes, or electronics, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. It’s also great for families, with an arcade, a movie theater, and even a mini-train that kids love. Food options are all around too, so you can grab a quick snack or sit down for a meal. With so much to see and do, Katy Mills is an easy spot to spend an entire afternoon.

Texas Original Opens Katy-area Medical Cannabis Prescription Pickup Location

The opening of Texas Original’s medical cannabis pickup location in Katy is a huge step forward for patients in need of alternative treatments. This expansion means easier access for those in Houston’s western suburbs, especially terminal and palliative care patients seeking relief without heavy opioids. Partnering with Buena Vida Hospice shows a real commitment to compassionate care, and it’s clear there’s demand—with over 20% of their patients relying on cannabis. It’s unfortunate that chronic pain isn’t yet a qualifying condition under the Compassionate Use Program, as this could help even more people. For now, though, the new Katy location is a valuable resource for those eligible, bringing hope and support to the local community.

Link to map

Katy Mills 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, TX 77494, United States Get on I-10 E in Harris County from Katy Mills Cir 4 min (1.2 mi) Continue on I-10 E. Take TX-99/Grand Pkwy to Clay Rd. Take the Clay Rd exit from TX-99/Grand Pkwy 5 min (5.3 mi) Continue on Clay Rd. Take Peek Rd to Visionary Dr 6 min (2.3 mi) Katy Legacy Luxury Rental Homes 5103 Visionary Dr, Katy, TX 77493, United States

[paralogram]

Each mannequins believe themselves to be the sole existence in their world until they found each other at the edge of their colliding universes. Maybe it’s the isolation that makes them long for company, but they’d do anything to see each other again. Unfortunately, none of this is supposed to happen and both universes will find a way to correct itself at all costs.

Follow two mannequins into the colliding worlds of reimagined geometry and physics.

cw: implied group suicide, implied death during childbirth, implied terminal illness, implied chronic illness, implied self destruction.

This blog is an archive for information, if you have any questions or comments please send ask to @kervl-klear

[narrie]

it's tragic,

but why wouldn't you be able to have chronic illness and terminal illness at the same time? why would those cancel out?

i feel like unfortunately it's way more common to get both bc ur immune system is already struggling

[blueberrynihilism]

My review of Juice Wrld's Rich and Blind.

Juice Wrld was and still is a really important artist to me, in that, he, like I do, had so much potential. However, he suffered from severe depression from a young age, which as much as it didn't impair his skills, meant that I only got to experiencing his craft for a few years. When he died in 2019, a year which was beyond disastrous to me, I had just begun to fall in love with his work. I'll never forget the day I watched Spider-man Into The Spider-Verse on the day he passed. "Hide" featuring Seezyn came on in the movie, and it just broke me. "Rich and Blind' is a song in which Jarad speaks about the internal conflict of having plenty in material possessions and the like, but simultaneously feeling a void from within, and not knowing why it's the case, when there are seemingly plenty of reasons to be happy. The first half of the song contains some really nihilistic lyrics,: "I know they lace pills, I bought them on purpose", a truly melancholic and borderline suicidal admittance of not holding one's life in decent regard anymore, as a coping mechanism from the discomfort. A lot of people have said, and rightfully so if I may add, that Juice Wrld's music, particularly those recorded near his death became a little monotonous in that they all revolved around substance abuse, depression and the difficulty of living with this reality. But honestly, I feel like that was probably the best depiction of living with this cloud of your head - after a few weeks, months or even years you begin to stop feeling shitty about feeling shitty. "I know I have a purpose, but I dont't see the purpose" is another scathing reflection on this lack of direction, and the sheer vulnerability that arises from knowing that even though you know you're here for something, you just can't find that drive, and the line along with a few others is delivered with such a casual cadence, again, emphasising this nihilistic view of life, or just not caring anymore.

However, this song has probably one of the best examples that of Jarad's ability to contrast pessimism with optimism in the space of a few verses, while also somehow seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, even when you're sure the light is merely a flashlight. One of my favourite lyrics from the song "This is dedicated to you if you felt the lowest of the low, I know how it feels, you don't wanna struggle anymore", and "Keep my eyes in the sky, 'cause that's where I'm moving", where his way of trying to motivating his fanbase who may have had similar experiences he's had, by letting them know that it gets better, even if it doesn't seem that way. It's hard for me to get out of bed, let alone find the energy to write this review, but I felt I had to at least get this done, because depression is like a malignant tumor; it just gives you the impression that nothing matters, even when that isn't the case, which can unfortunately deprive the world the light you have within. Even I find myself dealing with the existential crisis of knowing what I can bring to the world. People always tell me that they see great things in me, but I have to be honest, sometimes I struggle to see that myself. However, the reason I share this is because even if just one person reads this, someone who maybe has similar issues they're facing, maybe they can be reassured to keep moving forward, even when they don't feel like it. Regardless, always find a way to bring positivity in the world. Yes, life is really gross, you may have a voice or six that want you to cross the road without looking both ways, and we'll all have our hurdles, some that may as well be chronic, if not terminal. But what you can control is the output you put into the world. Jarad probably won't get to hear or see this, but regardless of his struggles he managed to inspire a generation that feels hopeless and scared of the future, and his legacy will live forever, or at least for as long as I'm alive.

I guess that's the point of this first review, in that, it's more about the power and importance music has in my life. Some days I'll feel bad, and like I hate myself, but regardless of that, I can at least try to make the lives of those around me a little less shitty, even if it's just as a cheerleader. This December will mark 4 years since he passed, and even though it still hurts a bit, his work helped me in ways I cannot contain in a few paragraphs, and I feel that deserves to be cherished not mourned. Out of 10, I'd give it a 7.5 - it's not the most groundbreaking song ever, but there are a few instances where that can take the backseat, seeing that the gravity of the subject matter is more important. It's a tough listen, but honestly, I feel like it's the best way to actually come to terms with the internal conflict someone in such circumstances wrestles with each day. I plan on using this platform as a means of spurring you on wherever in the world you are, because yes, it gets better, but you have to at least try, and I guess that just be my way of giving myself a reason to get out of bed each morning.

-alphadoradus

[linka-from-captain-planet]

Rana/Neve Headcanons (aka Evidence) below cut

Ship name - "raneve" just because it flows nicely. For the traditional top-first-in-the-ship-name sorts, it is definitely Neve metaphorically if not literally

Repressed - my hc is that Rana comes from a traditional family and doesn't have hangups about being a lesbian, per se, but has hangups about "flaunting" it (read: living her life like a normal person). She's also just generally reserved and struggles to reach out and take what she wants (more satisfying work, Neve)

Libido - I interpret "terminally horny" as the like, fandomified fanficified constantly oversexed kind of thing so the middle ground between that and "no libido" is "average sexual appetite." These are busy women with Work To Do, they are not stopping in the middle of a case to finger in the alley.

Romantic - both of them land in the middle ground because on one hand they'll eat their own hands before they express emotional vulnerability in public willy-nilly but also they're incapable of not bleeding out how obsessed they are with each other. Romantic and PDA being polarities fucks me up on this because I think they feel kinda gross about how romantic they are in private (cuddling, bubble baths, gits, the works)

Mentally Ill and KMSing over being in love - self-explanatory but also see below re: functionality

Doomed/Blessed - I was absolutely gobsmacked that Rana doesn't die in this game. In contrast, Neve's plot armor really saved the day for her because she's Going Thru It. However Neve can possibly get everything she wants in the end, while Rana in the sacrificed-Minrathrous ending loses her job, home, AND chick with no resolution

Weapon/Weilder - idk what this means tbh but Neve will go to bat for anyone

Nightwear - kind of a fumble bc lbr, Neve is typically passing out in the dirty clothes she wore that day and her canonical jorts. But she has the aura of someone who'd wear a fancy nightdress, especially if she had an easily-flustered lover to taunt. Rana has actual nightclothes but she's so no-nonsense ,it's probably just a typical cami-short set or whatever unisex bullshit the Templars issue

Jealous - Neve has a bit the self-defeating "she'd be better off without me" jealously that she deploys any time she observes another woman wanting a piece of Rana's ass (often). Rana is just not the jealous-jealous type, but I find it hard to describe her as "chill" in this context since Neve is the most disorderly part of her life that probably makes her feel insane. Neither of them is beating someone up for trying to buy the other a drink in the bar, but both of them are managing to die mad about it somehow

Game - Rana has 0 game but could have bitches if she wanted, meanwhile Neve has mad game but 0 bitches. Women generally like Rana because she's attractive, earnest, friendly, and employed, so she doesn't really need 'game' to obtain sex or dates when she wants them. Meanwhile, Neve uses her game and overwhelming sexiness mostly to deflect attention. Her status as a local celebrity/troublemaker/crypid sort of scares the hoes and her status as a scared ho herself results in her being chronically bitchless and also in denial about being lonely/touch-starved

Functional - a big part of their appeal is that Rana is as Certified Normie while Neve is constantly going through The Horrors, mostly her own feelings. Unfortunately I couldn't give Neve a soggier-loser rating bc she still manages to be extremely competent and functional despite this

[whimsykeii]

A(ntelope) Tribe Customs

Ever wondered about A’lathei’s tribe and their customs? Well, look no further! I will put this under the cut but here is a picture of A’lathei and all her siblings.

Territory

The A tribe resides within the Wellwick Wood, in Eastern Thanalan, a few miles away from the southern most parts of the Black Shroud, where their totem animal resides. They can be seen hunting from various locations such as Thal’s Respite or even the recent swamp that has formed in the South Shroud.

Nunhs

The A tribe has one nunh at a time. A nunh is required to not only be the physically strongest man in the tribe, but the most clever or intelligent. It is the Nunh’s responsibility to ensure that the hunting grounds are conducive to the proper care and maintenance of the tribe. If the grounds are lacking, it is up to the nunh to decide a course of action.

The nunh is not the sole decision-maker for the tribe’s safety. The tribe’s two best huntresses, three healers and three oldest women also make up the council to decide the best course of action to take.

If a nunh is found to be lacking in his duties, he has a moon to clean up his act or face getting thrown out and exiled from the tribe. Violently. If a nunh falls ill, the council will assume his duties while he recovers. In the event of a terminal or chronic illness, the nunh will choose the tia who will assume his role in a bloodless rite of passage. The previous nunh will join the council as the new nunh’s personal advisor until he passes.

When succeeded by a new nunh, most former nunhs exile themselves after a short period of time, but the ones who do not are allowed to stay with the understanding that they are wholly ineligible to return to nunh status unless in extreme circumstances.

Hunters

Both sexes begin hunts unsupervised by the age of 12 and are expected to know their role in the tribe by 15. For the ones who take up conjury or crafting instead, are apprenticed by the most skilled of their craft in the tribe. In the rare event that there is no superior in their skillset, they will be sent to Ul’dah.

The most skilled huntress is usually a new nunh’s first pick in a mate, and she is also expected to assume a role in the council. She must display excellent senses, perception and skill in her chosen style of combat whether it be archery or melee. She must also show deep concern for the well being of her sisters and any kits that may be present.

A hunter’s quota is determined by population size and season. If there are pregnant women and extremely young kits, hunters will increase their hunting quotas to compensate for the lack of numbers and growing bodies.

Hunters also include the foragers, and the same rules apply. Kits are taught to forage as early as age six, with their birth mothers or the healers accompanying them.

Tias

A tia born into the tribe is not raised too different from his sisters and cousins, and the nunh takes a more personal role in his upbringing even if he is the son of a previous nunh.

A tia adopted into the tribe is also raised similarly, but with higher expectations due to his ability to diversify the gene pool.

A tia can leave the tribe as early as fifteen, the age of relative independence within the tribe, with the true mark of adulthood being twenty years of age.

Rites and Family Dynamics

The new nunh is celebrated with a feast and a dance performance from the five most eligible women in the tribe- the best huntresses, healers and crafters. See here (x) The nunh then declares his first choice and they spend the next week mating. After that, women are encouraged to approach him to mate. Both parties are allowed to accept or deny any advances from the other.

Most of the youth find the dance part of the ceremony to be the most embarrassing. Unfortunately, no nunh has been able to abolish this practice yet. A way for old people to ceremonially prank the new generation. Update: In previous ceremonies, the chosen five must dance for their new nunh or risk exile, but the Thalin line has decided to abolish that rule in favor of disqualifying unconsenting members for the first pick.

The women of the tribe raise the kits communally with the nunh, with useful skills usually being taught to kits by their birth mothers. A'khuzim trained A'sanri himself when he saw she had no talent for long-range weaponry.

The best way to introduce a Tia or any man to the tribe, regardless of context, is to have him evaluated by members of the council. If one of the more difficult members likes you, you will be welcome. Women unsurprisingly do not have such stringent vetting processes.

Any tias born to the nunh are encouraged to become nunh elsewhere or bring other tias in to the tribe.

Birth order does not guarantee any major position in the tribe, nor does position of the mother to the nunh. However, the children of the first bride are generally expected to be the most competent of all the nunh's children.

The nunh is treated differently depending on who you are in the tribe. There are no special greetings for the nunh's favorite wives or his children. Other wives, adopted tribe members and elders: wives will purr and bunt the nunh when formally greeting him. Adopted tribe members and attendants will lower their tails and ears in submission before addressing the nunh. Elders are given the inversion of the greeting wives are expected to give.

[yukidragon]

What if...Ok let's suppose that Alice begins a new life with Jack, these two have a happy time until the subject of children comes up, Jack is excited about this and begs Alice to start a family for which she accepts but during the early stages of pregnancy Alice has too many complications.

One day she decides to go for a checkup at the hospital but there they give her bad news.

Alice must terminate the pregnancy since her body isn't supporting it, if she decides to go ahead she may die in childbirth or even worse... she and the baby may die, this will give Jack terrifies but doesn't take this life. Here three paths open up, one where they decide end up the pregnancy, another one triggers the events of "What If Alice Died In The Childbirth?" And the last one would be the worst...Jack loses them both, Alice and the baby die during childbirth...Jack is alone again

Haha... Y’all really love seeing those dark pregnancy headcanons, don’t you? I actually touched on how Jack would react if his sunshine died in childbirth before over here. I also made a post about a dark timeline where yandere Ian tried to go after Alice while she was pregnant here.

As I mentioned in previous posts, Alice wants to have a large family, ideally to give birth to her partner’s children after they are in a stable relationship that can financially support them. Even in Jack’s supernatural state where he has very little impact on the world, she would be keen on having babies with him if that was an option. I went into some detail about how that might go over here in a much fluffier pregnancy scenario.

Jack isn’t going to have to beg too hard to get Alice on board the baby making train. If anything, she would feel concerned that they might not be able to since that is something she really wants. Fortunately, Jack would no doubt encourage her that they won’t know if they don’t try, will they? It would certainly be a lot of fun trying!

Alice does have health complications due to her chronic illness, which is no doubt going to affect any pregnancy she has, even if she’s being treated for her condition. If it got so bad that the recommendation was to terminate the pregnancy... I honestly don’t think she could bring herself to do it. I couldn’t see her choosing to terminate an unwanted pregnancy from Ian in another unfortunate what if scenario I outlined over here after all, and this pregnancy would be very much wanted.

Jack wouldn’t exactly take this dilemma well either. On the one hand, this is his sunshine’s life we’re talking about. Then the life of their child. Can he really afford to lose either of them? There must be another way. There has to be!

As I mentioned in the sunshine dies in childbirth post, I think if that happened, Jack’s tether to the world would be their child. If they were both dead, he probably would be sent back to the VHS. If Alice and/or their baby died, that would result in very bad things and you can pretty much kiss all his healing goodbye. His mental state is going to fracture worse than before from such a tragedy on top of everything he’s gone through for the past 40 years.

Now, I’m gonna be honest with you. I hang out on the vanilla and fluffier side of things. I might consider darker what ifs, even a Bad End AU, but contemplating how it would go if Alice terminated a pregnancy, had a miscarriage, died during childbirth, or she and her baby dying... that’s a bit too dark for me. The furthest I’d want to go is her going through some complications, maybe even a close call, but both mother and baby pulling through okay in the end with Jack being extra clingy as a result.

Though, ideally, I’d like to imagine Jack and Alice having a big family and a happy ending, like the one I painted in this post (even if Ian wasn’t exactly happy in it). Sunshine in Hell ultimately is my attempt at a guarantee that my OTP is going to help each other heal from their scars and grow towards a brighter future together.

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars @cheriihoney @illary-kore @okamiliqueur    

[power-chords]

Something that doctors do not warn women about, and this is criminal, is that hormonal birth control can be the cause of permanent hair loss in women. (Same with pregnancy, unfortunately.) I would never have started the Nuvaring if I knew that ever attempting to come off it, or switching to another form of birth control, could result in multiple different hair loss outcomes. I had a completely full head of hair — just like my mother, father, and brother — until I was about 23, which was when I went on HBC. I had just terminated a pregnancy, which resulted in a significant shed about three months later. It grew back, as it does in most women, and was OK while I was on the Nuvaring uninterrupted. but when I decided to go back to just using condoms, the shedding started again and never stopped.

Very common story I encounter with women on Hair Loss Instagram. Their hair was fine until they stopped/switched birth control, or their hair was fine until they had children. Pregnancy hormones make your hair grow like crazy. And then you give birth (or abort, or miscarry), and the subsequent crash of those hormones triggers something called telogen effluvium, which is the medical term for “losing a shitload of hair all at once.” Some women don’t even notice it, depending on how thick their hair was to begin with, but it’s just about universal. Most of the shedding is concentrated around the temples, and in most cases the hair grows back and you recover normal scalp density within a year or two. But in some cases — more than you’d think — it never recovers fully. You get 75% or 80% of the way there, and then the next time around, Kid #2 or 3, maybe it’s 50%. Or the shedding switch gets turned on and never gets turned off again, AKA chronic telogen effluvium. And because hormones also play a role in immune function, you can get BOTH the scarring and hormonal kind of alopecia out of the deal, if you’re especially unlucky. (Hi.)

NOBODY warned me that there was a small but nonzero chance that HBC could fuck my hair up permanently. And like, the grief it has caused me? My god. I would do anything to undo it. As someone who never wants children, it’s grief that was probably completely avoidable, because it’s not like if HBC hadn’t done it then another pregnancy probably would have eventually. I’m in the Acceptance phase now so it’s fine, it’ll be cool when I finally make the jump and shave my head, whatever, who cares. But it sucked! Wish I had had access to that information! LOL