#so my empathy extends only so far

[evviejo]

i've been slowly ploughing through essays that people wrote as part of the mock exams we held at the school where i work, and with each and every single piece of writing i grade, the urge to murder someone grows

i mean, yes, they are learners, they are doing their best, and yes, the topics they were given were a little silly

but if you insist on taking a c1 level cambridge english exam in the next few months, i would highly recommend learning how to use the present simple and that information and advice are uncountable nouns

for fuck's sake

[mr-nicegirl]

estradiol laced weed is sooo enticing to me btw.... pcos havers (cool ones that can hang obviously) and transfems would be sooooooo unstoppable i fear....

[explodingfridge]

Look i realize that saying “just be less anxious!” is one of those trademark sayings of the uninitiated and the non-anxious. But they are right to an extent. Being aware that you are anxious and then being able to look at it and go “I am overreacting here” is a big part of it.

Also not hyping yourself up about being anxious about something so that you are then inevitably anxious about it.

(I say this because my sister - who notoriously could make friends with a brick wall for most of her childhood - has decided that she is awkward and bad at socializing, and thus has become awkward and bad at socializing. It is not the inherent trait she seems to think it is, but literally just a self fulfilling prophecy at this point.)

[galene-gothic]

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⊹ ! ೀ Pile 1 ꒱

You have dealt with situations not turning out the way you wanted them to despite heavily investing into them. These situations in fact, made you feel very naive and taken advantage of. Ugh I just heard “a woman’s loyalty is tested when the man has nothing and a man’s loyalty is tested when he has everything.” I also suddenly got a vision of a TikTok that I saw a while ago. The man in the video was saying that if a woman stays with him at the lowest point of his life, he’d leave her when he gets to a high point because she clearly doesn’t respect herself 💀. It doesn’t necessarily have to do with a man or boy but it could have been a similar situation. You invested a lot into someone or possibly even multiple people and you were incredibly generous. The value was being provided only one way i.e. only you were the one bringing ANYTHING into the connection but you were the one being treated as though you didn’t have any value, as though you didn’t bring anything valuable into the connection or this person’s life. It definitely could have been an experience with multiple people for some of you. I was earlier hearing ‘without me’ by Halsey in my head and now I’m hearing that song, I’m not sure about the title I’ve only heard it through reels and TikTok. It goes something like “It’s not your fault I ruin everything and it’s not your fault I can’t be what you need.” This is honestly very sad, this person or people used to rely on you when they were sad but when they were enjoying life and had happy moments, they didn’t really share those with you, they didn’t spend those with you. It’s like when they experienced really good and happy moments, they just disappeared, and despite everything that you were offering them, they wanted a ‘happily ever after’ with other people. They used to take what you had to offer and use your resources to their benefit but they didn’t want you, they didn’t offer you anything of value, they didn’t even truly appreciate your value and only used it.

There definitely was this feeling of insecurity because why didn’t they see your value and treat it as such despite you doing, and offering so much? It was just a really bad investment on your part because all you were doing was wasting your time and energy by depleting your time, energy, and resources on an ungrateful person. I really wanted to use the b-word just now but I stopped myself. I’m feeling angry on your behalf here. You did everything with a very pure and affectionate heart. When you were doing and giving anything at all, you were being genuine with it. It was a very innocent kind of love that you were extending yourself with. You were sensitive to their needs and almost psychically picked up on things in regard to them, and even if you didn’t, you actively tried to because that’s just how pure hearted you were and their stinginess… gosh. They didn’t even try to invest in you at all, did they? You seem to have questioned your value and worth back then. Due to how you were investing into the connection with a sense of innocence, you were wounded like a child is. Let me explain it to you, kids have not seen enough of the world so when they get scolded or punished by their parents, it’s easy for them to question themself and believe that they must’ve done something wrong. They also forgive the trespassers again and again because that’s just how pure kids tend to be but whatever kids experience during their childhood sticks with them on a very deep level and is inevitably going to affect them as adults. You experienced a similar experience back then. It hit your inner child quite heavily. “How long could we be a sad song, till we were too far gone to bring back to life. I gave you all my best me’s, my endless empathy and all I did was bleed as I tried to be the bravest soldier. Fighting in only your army, front lines don’t you ignore me. I’m the best thing in this party. You’re losing me and I wouldn’t marry me either, a pathological people pleaser who only wanted you to see her.”

That’s ‘you’re losing me’ by Taylor Swift. I keep on hearing the part that goes “my heart won’t start anymore, my heart won’t start anymore.” I feel like you genuinely cannot bring yourself to feel anything for this person or these people anymore because when you were, they were abusing it. While I was writing ‘abusing’, I mistakenly typed ‘anus’ and that describes them pretty well :D. Despite having experienced all of this, you haven’t hardened. In fact, you’ve softened more. The more pain that you had to experience, undergo and heal from, the more pure hearted, innocent, loving and childlike you’ve gotten. Somehow, your inner child has healed and feels more comfortable expressing themself after everything you’ve experienced. There’s also an acceptance of your own contradictions here. You’re quite misunderstood and have always been. I just heard “I was a mature child so now I’m a childish woman.” You’ve always been mature yet childish. Some of you are incredibly mature on the inside but might be very childlike in the way you live and express yourself externally while it may be the other way around for the rest of you. Also, you have likely embodied both of these sides at different points of your life. There could have been a point when you wanted people to take you seriously because you were very mature on the inside and another point when you wished you could express yourself in a lighter, softer, and more playful manner because you were very sensitive and soft on the inside but on the inside, you ended up expressing yourself as more serious. Having embodied both of these, you are aware that others will criticise and misunderstand you either way, and that you won’t be happy with yourself either if you don’t accept your own contradictions and aren’t comfortable with being misunderstood so now, you don’t really care about whether someone misunderstands you.

“Sometimes I can’t even understand those perceptions, it feels unfair at times but the misunderstandings that make up the countless versions of me. All of them are ‘me’ in the end.” I feel like most of you are perceived as childish and are in fact very pure at heart but having been taken advantage of has caused you to develop a cautious approach and not commit to situations recklessly, and that’s a strength of yours. You also do not really give too much importance to a happy ending anymore. You don’t seek belonging and joy from others anymore, and are fine keeping to yourself and are very careful with the situations, and people that you invest in. The thing is, you’re not exactly closed off. You’re still open, pure hearted, loving and affectionate but it’s just that you’re finally more impatient. You can now leave situations as easily as you entered them if the other person doesn’t seem as invested. You know that you deserve a pure, loving and affectionate connection that is innocent, playful and genuine where you’re always chosen, and can always choose them and share a lot of intimacy with the other person - friend, lover, whatever. So when you don’t see things going to that direction, you don’t mind putting an end to things. You’re not willing to settle for anything except the most genuine and pure form of love, and connection because you know that you can provide it. You want to be treated as softly as you treat people and have them stick with you through thick, and thin with proper investment and to adore you, and value you affectionately and genuinely. You are unwilling to accept anything less than that. Having experienced whatever you experienced, you’re aware that you have a lot to offer but that giving more does not equal to receiving more so you don’t try as hard anymore. You’re still the same, you still try to extend yourself generously and provide value to the other person wholeheartedly but even now, you notice one sidedness, and it doesn’t bother you because you choose to either leave entirely and not invest any further or just pull away, and are not committed to trying and investing anymore. You are fine with getting away from people now.

You are alright with people not seeing your value and missing the opportunity to be in your close circle. You just don’t invest heavily into situations for a long time anymore. You try initially because you’re naturally a giver and are incredibly generous but when you feel like you’re not receiving the same, you don’t even question your worth or think about “why?”, you just let them. Also, this generosity of yours is not a method of finding belonging. It kind of is but it is more about how you feel about yourself rather than how others see you. You want to be kind and generous because you just naturally are a giver, and you find a sense of comfort in how much you do for the world, how much value you provide and how much good you put out into the world even if you don’t have anywhere you find belonging, and joy, even if you don’t have those personal connections. Instead of chasing a ‘happily ever after’ and joy, and fulfilment through external sources and connections, you chase purity of spirit, genuineness and generosity. There’s this mantra coming through but I’m not sure how it will resonate. The following includes mention of the hindu god ‘Shiva’ but even if you’re christian or muslim, or any other religion. I need you to take the message and try to interpret it rather than shunning it completely just because you don’t believe in the god or religion. Let me give you a little piece of advice before we move onto the mantra, if you find anything from other religions or concepts that you don’t follow, believe in or understand but it’s something that resonates with you, could help you going forward and just help you lead a better life, take it. The mantra goes “om tryambakam yajaamahe, sugandhim pushti vardhanam, urvaarukamiva bandhanam, mrityur mukshiya mamritaat.” It translates to “om, we worship the three eyed one (lord shiva), who is fragrant, increasing the nourishment (spiritually). From these many bondages (of samsara aka worldly cycles) similar to cucumbers (tied to their creepers). May I be liberated from death (attachment to perishable things), so that I’m not separated from the perception of immortality.”

I feel like many of you have already reached a point in which you understand that attachments are illusionary. If you haven’t yet, you will. You care about your soul and the truth of it - the purity, essence and nourishment of it more than you care about worldly cycles, and things that are perishable i.e. attachments which is why when you aren’t receiving love, don’t have personal connections or are misunderstood, even if it bothers you, it doesn’t. Your soul is whole and immortal, and so is love and joy, and it’s also ever present as long as one can maintain their soul and its true essence so you are just focused on that. Religions and spirituality both put an emphasis on love, and purity and I don’t mean purity as in not being allowed to enter temples during your periods, etc. but instead that they put an emphasis on remaining loving, always leading with love and keeping the heart as light as a feather. You are doing that and you’re spiritually aligned. Obviously with the hurt that you’ve faced, you sometimes may feel heavy or have felt heavy in the past but you have a loving spirit that is still pure at its core and you maintain it with utmost reverence, and that’s your strength. I was earlier getting the quote “do you know how much anger it took to be this gentle?” And now, I’m getting the bridge of ‘solo’ by Jennie coming through. “After the relationship, romance and emotions there’s breakup, tears, regret, and longing. I like being alone because I should be true to myself. Like the flowing wind, like the stars above the clouds. I want to go faraway, I want to shine brightly.” That’s the energy that you seem to possess, you know what you offer and deserve now, and you let go of any attachments that make you feel less than. If you aren’t here yet, you can be. All the best 💞. You’re doing really well. When it comes to your wounds, you are a stubborn one. You’re really persistent and determined to make things work, and are so busy doing so that you don’t notice when the other person has already given up.

You put in work diligently from the start to the end with consistency which is why it hurts more when they give up because you put so much effort into it. You also have long term intentions or even if you don’t, you put in work as though you do because you naturally are long term oriented and you maintain loyalty consistently without a single slip on your part so when the other person gives up, you feel really betrayed and hurt. Lifelong connections are beautiful because they require work and both parties not wanting to give up. You are willing to make things work by putting your all into whatever it is that you want to succeed because of your long term oriented approach. You don’t just give up without trying, you don’t give up without a fight, you can’t because you just value it so much and want it in the long run so the awareness that when someone wants something in the long run, wants someone on the long run, they won’t just run away when things get hard and they have to put effort in is something that wounds you because people have been too easy to give up in the past. You seem to have dealt with a lack of loyalty from others too and what is upsetting is that you were loyal to them. What seems to have happened is that you met someone (possibly even multiple people for some of you) when they were going through a time of discontentment, stagnation, apathy, isolation, boredom, yearning, etc. and you were present for them consistently but when they got better, they left you behind while you were still putting in work and trying, and they didn’t explicitly tell you that they had given up right away. You fell victim to the classic method of being wounded until you couldn’t try anymore. The wounds could have come from their carelessness, negligence, lack of gratitude or acknowledgement of all that you had done and been for them, or well all of the above.

In fact, for some of you, they could have been wounding you actively by treating you as if you were a burden and talking to you in ways that scarred you. In many cases, it could have been both. Whether their approach was passive, active or both, it was equally bad and you didn’t deserve that. You simply just knew that love and connections were hard work, and were willing to put that in. You knew that things aren’t always easy but you still tried until you absolutely couldn’t anymore. Once you finally gave up, you had to consistently put in work into your own betterment in order to heal the wounds that were inflicted on you back then. You’re showing strength even when I’m trying to tap more into your wounds. Despite how wounded you were, you persisted with courage. You learned from your previous failure and wounds, and endured the pain and managed to get better eventually. I feel like at some point, you tried to maintain strong routines in order to get better and it worked wonders for you. You gained clarity on your past, present and future as well as a desire to be present, pleasant and proud. One thing is for sure, you started wanting to focus on the present moment and make the most out of it. You released your emotions and saw where change was needed, and created those changes. You left the past behind you and grew emotionally to the point of feeling almost enlightened. Now, you’re self aware, focused, content, grateful for what you already have, try to be present, accept yourself and situations as they are, and know your responsibilities and try to carry them out properly. Also, you reflect to learn but try to be and are present. The journey to get here wasn’t an easy one, the path was really rocky and rough with twists, and turns but you still made it. Pat yourself on the back, you’re doing so well. Thank you so much for reading. I hope that the reading resonated and that it provided you with the answers, and guidance that you wanted and needed. Much love and take care 💋.

⊹ ! ೀ Pile 2 ꒱

Your strength is that you’re a protector and provider, and your wound is that people either don’t see it, take it for granted or are intimidated by it. Also, a very interesting thing that was happening when I was shuffling for you was that I wanted to channel ‘strengths and wounds’ but I kept on messing up and saying ‘strengths and weaknesses’. I feel like it was because your wounds have caused you to feel really weak or have created a weakness within you in some way. Don’t worry, we’ll look into it properly so that you can heal these parts of you and reclaim your power. I just heard that audio “they gonna hate me regardless, that’s why I do what I do.” Also, you’re more of a man than most men are 😭. You’re naturally a protector and provider, and I’m picking up on a lot of passion from you including an emphasis on sexual intimacy. Currently if you’re single, this can simply manifest as feeling horny frequently or/and masturbating a lot (or well just craving that orgasm even if you’re unable to touch yourself) but you’re definitely very passionate in romantic relationships, likely physically affectionate in other ways outside of sexual intimacy as well. You’re friendly and charismatic, and approach others with a fairly soft yet a bold and almost flirty demeanour. I feel like you’re this way with your same sex friends more than anyone else. You have a strong aura and it is because you possess a lot of integrity. ‘Substance over form’ is the kind of person that you are and that’s your strength. You’re really solid on the inside possessing courage, generosity, principles, ethics, a sense of responsibility, maturity, passion, loyalty, so on and so forth. You have turned out to be a strong person with a well rounded and strongly grounded character despite everything that you’ve undergone instead of letting it turn you bitter, and resentful. I’m hearing ‘easy on me’ by Adele. “Go easy on me baby, I was still a child didn’t get the chance to feel the world around me. I had no time to choose what I chose to do. So go easy on me.”

“There ain’t no room for things to change when we are both so deeply stuck in our ways, you can’t deny how hard I’ve tried. I changed who I was to put you both first but now I give up.” Some of you could have childhood trauma - endless sacrifice for your parents while some of you didn’t have parents and did everything to please your guardian(s), and the rest of you dealt with bullying or aggression from others and the ones who don’t relate to any of the above could have lost someone (possibly multiple people) and they could have been acting very egotistically, making you feel weak but it was not exactly your loss even if it may have felt like it at the time. Some of you may have hit the lottery and dealt with all of the above 😍. You could have also lost someone who you sacrificed a lot for. I just got the word ‘everyone’ and earlier at the beginning of the reading I had received the word ‘burnt’. Did you at some point feel like you lost everything and were burnt by everyone? You may have also felt as though you sacrificed a lot, too much of yourself for others in the past. “So you can love me, hate me, you will never be, never be, never be me. Try me, I’ll break free, you will never be, never be, never be me.” The song is literally titled ‘rebel heart’, I feel like back then despite any feeling of weakness and despite surrendering for the sake of peace, and feeling as though you lost, you knew that you hadn’t. You were rebelling from within and not egoistically but by channelling all your inner strength. You’re really confident in yourself now. I’m trying to dig up your past but you’re showing me how great you are in the present. You know that no one can ever be you. “I’ve tasted being the bigger person, I’ve also tasted matching energy. I recommend no contact.” You value your peace more than anything. You are ethical, reliable, long term oriented and seek excitement, and passion in long term matters rather than by seeking fleeting thrill. In fact, the more safe, stable and grounded a connection is, the more passion, excitement and joy you experience.

You do not feel any desire to wander or be unfaithful, your passion is reserved for just your significant other and your significant only. Like, you don’t even get tempted 💀. For example, if you’ve been in a relationship with someone for years, you’d rather try to experience new sorts of passion and excitement with them rather than get connected with someone new, and ruin something beautiful that you already have going and even if that’s not possible in grand ways just the fact that they’re loyal, and that you share a stable, safe and grounded connection is enough for you to be able to find passion, joy and excitement in the littlest of moments. You don’t get tempted or attracted to others. Also, you watch your character because of who you are as a person and who you want to be rather than to impress anyone. You may be someone who tries to avoid wandering eyes even when you’re single and just really try to watch your character in every way that you can because you are, and want to be a certain way. You’re a really well rounded person - you seek peaceful resolution and if you don’t find that, you seek peace even if it is by yourself, you don’t mind compromising, and have in fact, sacrificed majorly in the past. You know how to make amends with situations by now and you also have a side within you that’s like “I am me, you are you. If you do me dirty, fuck you” but your ethical peace seeking side overrides this. You’re loyal and try to maintain a strong character for yourself rather than for impressions, and are passionate as well. Also, you’re very romantic and care deeply, and genuinely about your partner. You want teeth rottingly sweet romance i.e. the shoulder kisses, climbing up the fences to get into some forbidden property, candlelight dinner, watching fireworks together and you going “so pretty” while looking at the different designs in the sky while they look at you and repeat your words, basically the whole nine yards. You’re also highly capable of it. You’re willing to do anything and everything for your partner as long as it doesn’t go against your morals.

I wonder if many of you are elder daughters or something because there’s so much about sacrifice, maturity and provision. I don’t mean to be a misandrist but I don’t think that I’ve ever met a man this well rounded and with such a strong character. You could have always sacrificed and done so much for your family, provided so much to them, and just been so mature and responsible from such a young age that that’s just who you are now. I wouldn’t be surprised if you already are or will provide financially for your family in the future. “I knew you, leaving like a father, running like water.” It doesn’t mean that your father or any parent left you (though it could be) but that you didn’t feel safe and stable with them so you have become a stable, and reliable individual to feel safe within yourself and to find a partner who provides the same qualities to you. Looking at your wounds, you feel like people let you go too easily. They often chose other people too. Oh my god, I just started hearing ‘the other woman’ by Lana Del Rey. It seems to have been a pattern for you. You were in contact with them in a very consistent manner so it could have been a friend who was using you as a placeholder for a romantic relationship until they found someone to commit to 💀. You are very diligent and have basic human decency so when someone is in your life, even if it is not a situation with commitment involved, you do whatever you can for them and are very present so when you were not fully claimed but not fully let go of, and had them let you go after finding a romantic relationship, you felt really manipulated. By this point, you don’t really question your worth anymore but back then, you wondered if you were unworthy of being chosen and committed to. For those of you who do not resonate with this, when it was time for people to make choices, their loyalties seemed to lie elsewhere. Even the closest connections that you had didn’t live up to their potential and in fact, you felt deceived.

“How long could we be a sad song till we were too far gone to bring back to life I gave you all my best me’s, my endless empathy and all I did was bleed as I tried to be the bravest soldier. Fighting in only your army, front lines don’t you ignore me, I’m the best thing in this party (you’re losing me) and I wouldn’t marry me either, a pathological people pleaser who only wanted you to see her, and I’m fading thinking ‘do something babe, say something. Lose something babe, risk something. Choose something babe, I’ve got nothing to believe unless you’re choosing me.’” “I can’t find a pulse, my heart won’t start anymore for you cause you’re losing me.” “My heart won’t start anymore, my heart won’t start anymore.” You feel as though you’ve never been able to develop and share deep intimacy, and love with someone that is pure and whole, and where you choose each other again and again. I just heard “she has other friends that she likes better”, you’ve just felt as though everyone chose and enjoyed other peoples company more, and that you were let go of so easily as though you were worthless. “If you feel too abandoned by others, it’s because you’ve abandoned yourself” ofcourse, it’s okay to feel bad about being abandoned and used. ‘Enough for you’ by Olivia Rodrigo is coming through. “Stupid, emotional, obsessive little me. I knew from the start this is exactly how you’d leave. You found someone more exciting, the next second you were gone and you left me there crying, wondering what I did wrong and you always say I’m never satisfied but I don’t think that’s true cause all I ever wanted was to be enough. Don’t you think I loved you too much to be used and discarded? Don’t you think I loved you too much to think I deserve nothing? So don’t tell me you’re sorry boy, feel sorry for yourself cause someday I’ll be everything to somebody else and they’ll think that I’m so exciting, and you’ll be the one who’s crying. You always say I’m never satisfied but I don’t think that’s true, you say I’m never satisfied but that’s not me, it’s you cause all I ever wanted was to be enough and I don’t think anything could ever be enough for you. No, nothing’s enough for you.”

You felt as though you abandoned yourself and didn’t have any boundaries or standards just because you wanted to be chosen, and loved back then and you’ve forgiven yourself for that, and grown into your power immensely by strengthening your character and I’m so incredibly proud of you but the shame, guilt, regret, and pain that you experienced back then was on another level. You felt as though you failed to maintain loyalty to yourself and choose yourself. There was this sense of having lost yourself due to a desire to be chosen mixed with a feeling of inferiority. You felt inferior and powerless in the connection or well, connections but even after they ended, you felt inferior and powerless, in fact, now that you could see things more clearly, you felt more inferior, powerless and ashamed of yourself. You lacked direction back then and were misdirecting your energy into trying to receive love, and be chosen by acting inferior and slowly started believing it yourself because others treated you like such when you could have been improving yourself, your skills and your life instead. You felt like you betrayed yourself. The song ‘I’ll never fall in love again’ by Dionne Warwick is coming through. “What do you get when you fall in love? A guy with a pin to burst your bubble. That’s what you get for all your trouble. I’ll never fall in love again. I’ll never fall in love again. What do you get when you kiss a guy? You get enough germs to catch pneumonia, after you do, he’ll never phone ya. I’ll never fall in love again. Don’t you know that I’ll never fall in love again? Don’t tell me what it’s all about cause I’ve been there and I’m glad I’m out. Out of those chains, those chains that bind you. That is why I’m here to remind you. What do you get when you fall in love? You only get lies and pain and sorrow.”

You’re a deeply romantic person but due to how genuine you are, how much you offer and all the deception that you’ve faced. You are more focused on your daily routines, money, career, work and study. You might also have a wound regarding skills. You want to develop skills and you know you have it in you but you just haven’t been able to, you just aren’t being able to, you’re being told to keep going consistently. You’re probably rolling your eyes externally or internally at what I just wrote because it’s not like you haven’t tried to develop these skills consistently because you have but that no matter how much you have tried, you just haven’t been able to but you’re still being encouraged to keep going. Having experienced all that you’ve experienced, you’ve become very self and character focused. You care a lot about other people’s character as well as your own. You have high standards now and until you meet someone who matches them close to perfectly, you are not interested in any sort of romance. You really do want to find this person though because you have so much love to give and genuinely want to experience the soft mushy gushy romantic, and passionate kind of romance. You want to experience a soft romcom movie and ‘fifty shades of grey’ kind of romance at the same time with just one person for the rest of your life but it is very important for you to be able to respect, admire and rely on that person. Passion is very important to you in romance and life in general. Due to how you’ve had to take on really responsible roles throughout your life and always hold this sense of responsibility, and duty within you, and how sacrificing and resolution seeking you can be despite a very hot, and strong fire within you. You need a partner who’s more of a man than you are. Someone who is a good leader, passionate, charismatic, go getter, action oriented, loyal, grounded, ethical, responsible, reliable and romantic. Someone who lets you be bratty and express anger, and also doesn’t take advantage of your problem solving, peaceful and resolution seeking nature.

You tend to be fairly submissive on the outside despite the inner strength you possess so you need someone who is happy with themself and doesn’t feel the need to dominate, and belittle you in order to feel better about themself. I’m not going to lie, due to how passionate you are, you have a very competitive and resentful side to you but also you’re very peaceful, and forgiving. You truly are such a well rounded person. You might attract a lot of hostility and aggression due to this. People can pick up on your inner drive but you seem to harmless on the surface that they try to crush your spirit because they just feel a sense of competitiveness, hostility and aggression towards you without any real reason and you have a strong character on the inside so you don’t break externally but instead usually maintain peace so they don’t understand why and how you’re so unaffected 💀😭. You want a partner who can handle your angry and difficult sides, the ones that are deeply passionate. You cannot settle for just anyone because now that you’ve grown as a person, you’ve grown into your character and strength, you get really bad vibes from most people, and notice their faults and flaws quite easily. ‘CO2’ by Prateek Kuhad is the song that I’m getting here. “Maybe it’s the way that you can see what I’m missing what I can never be.” “Maybe it’s the man that you see in me.” Most people won’t be able to live up to your standards due to how high they are but they’re just normal to you because you can live up to them so you don’t need to lower them. You need to look at things differently now, you’re not unworthy, things are better now, life is brighter now. You are likely to intimidate people once they start seeing your character more clearly. The closer that they’ll get to you, the more that they might feel inferior or like they don’t live up to what you need them to be. You can be critical to some extent because of how high your standards are even for yourself but it’s coming as a strength of yours. Only accept those who are actively trying and being able to live up to what your standards are. If someone gives up or doesn’t try, trust me, you’re better off. Those who think that they’re not enough, they know themselves more than you know them because they experience consciousness from within themself, because they can hear their own thoughts and know about their own actions, and tendencies so believe them when they talk or act like they’re not enough. Right now, I’m getting that while you’re capable of romance, you’re focused on consistently bettering yourself, improving your lifestyle, your career, money, routines, work and studies. You are on the right path. It’s okay to want romance but don’t ever lower your standards by even just an inch or a millimetre because you can live up to your own and you deserve an equal. Thank you so much for reading. I hope that the reading resonated and that it provided you with the answers, and guidance that you wanted and needed. Much love and take care 💋.

⊹ ! ೀ Pile 3 ꒱

(TW: Mentions of abuse, sexual assault, etc.)

Some of you have daddy issues or some kind of issue caused by aggressive people but there’s a strong theme of boys and men here. There are so many scenarios coming through, you’re obviously not going to relate to all of them. For some of you, you’ve just dealt with aggression, threatening your sense of belonging while some of you have dealt with abandonment from either or both parents or just an absence of them, there are even mentions of abuse here for some of you if your parents were present. An angry father or parental figure? If not, you have had terrible experiences with the male gender. It could be something as simple as having boys make fun of you in middle school. These incidents have wounded you really deeply. I’m having a really hard time putting all the scenarios down. There’s definitely some sort of a deep wound when it comes to belonging - be it family, home, community, school or work. Also little incidents grew into real big ones that I’m hearing traumatised you. For example, you got with some guy, that changed the entire trajectory of your life. The thing is, you received a lot of intolerance from everyone for a major part of your life. It escalated close to abuse, violence and bullying at some point, and for many of you, it could have had something to do with a guy. Don’t get me wrong, it would have been a part of your life either way. People just have been so aggressive, unruly and intolerant towards you for no reason, you didn’t deserve that but I will explain how it could have had something to do with a guy for many of you. For example, you got into a relationship with some guy, you could have been heavily criticised by other people who also liked and wanted him considered you to be ‘not good enough’ for him just for this guy to break up with you in a disrespectful manner with no regard for you whatsoever, and after that, I’m getting that either the aggression and bullying from other people intensified or the effects of the previous unruly treatment started affecting you intensely.

Many of you have dealt with an abusive situation even if it’s just emotionally though it could have been physically for some of you (by parents, romantic partners, etc.) Do not invalidate your experiences ever because even if others might think that it was not abuse, it definitely was. It affected you so deeply, I’m not even being able to express it properly. I’m just crying right now. If you didn’t deal with any of the above situations. Though, I believe that many of you have dealt with all or at least majority of what I’m mentioning. Then, you dealt with guy friends who were using you for an ego boost and acted as though you wanted them so bad if you simply tried to keep the friendship going or tried to fix things instead of ending them. Guys have made you feel really preyed on. People in general have but guys especially. Some of you could have even dealt with men trying to assault you sexually. It could have been something as simple as someone forcefully kissing you as a child or making you watch porn. Something like this could have happened when you were a teen or an adult too but I just got that since kids are the most vulnerable, it likely happened to many of you as kids. Oh my god, no way. I just heard “he doesn’t like cougars, he likes little kids. He stopped liking me when I turned eighteen.” I feel like your life has always been this way. Having people walk all over you and treat you like shit but it got especially worst in your teen years. I’m not sure what happened at fourteen and seventeen specifically but seventeen was your last straw, and your experiences all the way from when you were fourteen contributed to finally realising the truth. In fact, your experiences before that contributed too but I’m picking up that mistreatment and aggression were/felt the most extremely during your teenage years. Any childhood abuse or mistreatment, or instability, you realised the truth of all of that through what you experienced during your teenage years. People genuinely just lacked compassion towards you and you had to deal with a lot of loneliness.

It is like anytime that you were not keeping to yourself and connecting with others, they were abusing, using and mistreating you. People used to treat you aggressively, make fun of you and mistreat you for their own sick sense of enjoyment, in order to boost their ego, and have fun. I’m so sorry, you didn’t deserve all that. Even when you were with people, you were very lonely and felt insecure, and lacking due to the way they used to treat you and once you finally got away, you felt incredibly insecure, unstable, and lacking but you chose that over mistreatment from others and that’s how you grew. “Don’t be afraid to stand alone. Don’t be afraid to stand outside your comfort zone. I know it’s hard away from home and it ain’t easy all alone.” You had a strong thirst for knowledge from since you were a kid but during this time of loneliness, it transformed into a need. You were seeking truth and clarity because you genuinely needed it to move forward but you have always possessed some sort of a divine knowledge. Which is why you were able to be so compassionate, still and passive at the face of such mistreatment, aggressiveness and lack of compassion. Divinity exists within all of us and you were aware of that. So you naturally acted like the bigger person until you couldn’t anymore but this breakdown caused you to get closer to your own truth. You started realising that while it’s good to learn through external sources, true knowledge and wisdom is something that we are just born with, and that anything else that comes through, it should come from within. For example, we are not born racists, as kids, all we want is to receive and give love, and we are active, and full of life, that’s the only knowledge that truly matters - the ability to be yourself in your highest, most divine and purest form. You also realised just how shitty the treatment that you received in the past was and how lonely, and insecure you were.

You may have felt at home with these people or shared a community with them but even so, you decided to act with integrity and do right by you even if it required loneliness or/and isolation. For some of you, after all of this had passed, you met someone who you felt really at home with but for some reason, you still had to logically act out of fairness and had to reward them with the consequences of their actions rather than with negotiation. The trajectory of your growth has been amazing. One of your strengths is your sense of hope and faith. You felt like you’d never get anything good in life and that your life was doomed, and that you’d be lonely and empty forever but you still kept going, and you managed to get better so now you have hope and faith regarding life. Back then, you just wanted to feel better, get better and now, you have so now you have a sense of direction, you’re focused on nourishing yourself. You are connected to your core essence and are comfortable with your vulnerability, and sense of nakedness i.e. your authenticity. You’re nourishing and loving yourself wholeheartedly in any, and every way possible though. Yes, there’s always room for improvement. Like, for example, you may do your skincare, workout and do your work diligently but you may not eat all three meals so you could work on that, etc. But definitely, you try to make sure to eat even if you’re busy because your nourishment means a lot to you. You might be unable to have all three meals but you try. You’re very intense in terms of romance and also really romantic. but you don’t try to put in time, energy, and effort into romance anymore unless the other person comes to you first and is consistently present, and shows promise of a solid future but you’re very content being alone. You in fact, really enjoy it. You are on a journey of self discovery and improvement, and understand yourself and love very deeply due to how much time you’ve spent alone, by yourself, in contemplation, and soul searching.

You’ve drawn out a lot of wisdom from within yourself. You’re spiritually enlightened and don’t mind being alone or different. Even if it is difficult, even if you’re considered to be difficult, you want to be yourself. “Share my life, take me for what I am cause I’ll never change all my colours for you. Take my love, I’ll never ask for too much, just all that you are and everything that you do.” You’re aware by now that it is nothing except self betrayal to try to earn love by changing yourself because even if you manage to receive love, they won’t be living ‘you’ and if you don’t win them over, you’d have lost yourself in the process, and would feel terrible about yourself so you’d rather be alone but yourself. That one bible story is coming through here. “Jacob agreed to work for seven years to marry Rachel, the woman he loved but was deceived by her father Laban and ended up marrying her older sister, Leah. Though he fulfilled his time and eventually married Rachel too, Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. Seeing that Leah was unloved, god allowed her to bear children while Rachel remained barren. With each son she bore, Leah hoped that Jacob would finally love her - naming her first Reuben, saying, “now my husband will love me”, her second Simeon because “the lord has heard that I am hated”, and her third Levi, thinking, “now my husband will become attached to me.” However, Jacob’s heart did not change. When she bore her fourth son, Judah, Leah no longer pleaded for her husband’s affection but simply said, “this time I will praise the lord.” You seem to be aware of the fact that love that is not freely given can never be earned so you don’t even try. If you found the kind of love that you desire, if you found someone who loved and cherished you, you would be intensely passionate and romantic, honestly to an extreme but that’s because, that’s just who you are. You’d indulge in it very deeply. You’d experience the feeling of being ‘drunk in love’.

“With you, there’s silence in a crowd. There’s a little unconsciousness, with you, because of you.” You’d make an intense lover who loves incredibly deeply but you’re not interested in trying to earn anyone’s love in order to channel your romantic energy. You might in fact, have these sides of you pretty hidden. All of you have different kinds of personality but all of you have a very meek one. Some of you are more of the silent kind, some of you may be talkative when with others and might seem really social, and some of you might manage to do both but if you do have a talkative and social side, there’s this thing about you in which once you are out of that social situation, you struggle to stay in touch with others, isolate yourself and randomly disappear. Also, the more time that you spend in a social situation and with certain people, the more silent and internal that you tend to get. I’m loving all the messages that are coming through for your strengths. We don’t see through our eyes, we see through our minds. Our eyes are just a medium for us to perceive the external world and interact with it. There’s so much in the world about ‘finding god’ or ‘figuring out the meaning of life’, people just want to know where and how it all started, and where and how we will all end up after death so they seek god but do they really manage to find divinity? Most people don’t because god made it so simple yet so tricky to find them by choosing to reside where they’re currently residing i.e. within each person. Most people aren’t able to comprehend that divinity can reside within them because they think that figuring out the mysteries of life and receiving answers is much more complicated than that, and that’s okay but they’d easily find divinity, god, whatever they want to call it if they only turned their vision inside and looked within themselves. Most of you are aware of this truth so you try to keep yourself as clean, good and pure spirited as possible because divinity should not reside in a dirty place. It does not have to be conscious awareness or conscious trying but you’re just incredibly internal and have learned so much from going within yourself that you’ve found your guide there, your divinity itself and you’re well aligned with your life purpose. If you’re not quite there yet, you soon will be. Thank you so much for reading. I hope that the reading resonated and that it provided you with the answers, and guidance that you wanted and needed. Much love and take care 💋.

[wahbegan]

God it would be so much easier if we still lived in SMALL FUCKING TRIBES LIKE WE'RE SUPPOSED TO you can't say shit nowadays without a trillion implications you did not fucking mean to make went to make a post about how sometimes i think we take sanctity of life a bit too seriously and stopped myself when i realized that y'know out of my little utopia fantasy land, here in the real world, only very scary people say shit like that

[bitchy-craft]

PICK A CARD: messages from your spirit animal

Hello and welcome to this pick a card! In here I will give tell you what your spirit animal would like you to know. I hope you all find this fun and interesting!

masterpost > paid readings > patreon masterlist

for the extended version of this reading and 80+ exclusive and extended pac's check put my patreon

Pile 1:

Trust your instincts

Stay calm in the storm, only then will you come out on top

You should look deeper beneath the surface

Be patient, timing matters, sometimes your needs take a bit longer to show up

Take a leap of faith, we’ll be there to catch you

Change is coming, make sure to welcome it all

Step back to see the full picture, you don’t pick up on a lot of things

Be still and listen, only then will your questions be answered

You already know the answers deep down, stop seeking them elsewhere

Wander with purpose, only then will you learn

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Pile 2:

You are braver than you feel and think

Your voice has power, use it for once

Don’t fear your wildness, it is there to bring you far

Move around as if you own the world

Set clear boundaries, only then won’t they never be crossed again, at least not easily

You are truly unstoppable

Shine unapologetically, believe me, you won’t seem arrogant, not even in the slightest

Dance with confidence

You’ve survived worse, you can keep going, you’re strong

Be bold. Be loud. Be real. I’ve told you so many times before

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Pile 3:

It’s okay to feel a lot, that empathy is unique

Let your heart soften, don’t force it to be hard

Grieve. It’s needed and sacred

Forgive yourself first before you forgive others

Release what weighs you down, it’s not needed to keep carrying it

Your softness is not your weakness

Tend to your inner child

Be gentle with yourself, only then can you heal

You’re safe, so open up again with the people around you

Flow, don’t force it

extended reading > paid readings

[avelera]

One of your posts mentioned something about viktor not truly acknowledging Jayce's workload when it came to him being a Councillor. Could you please elaborate on that?

Sure. I mean, maybe if I went back through and did an exhaustive rewatch, I'd find something to contradict the point, but as far as I can recall, the closest Viktor ever comes to saying that Jayce might be overworked is when he calls his time going over the shipping manifests for the Hexgates a waste of time because they should be working on innovations to help people in need (ie, Viktor obfuscating once again that he is dying and wants Jayce's urgent help but framing it in such a way that it sounds like a long-term societal problem instead of a short term personal one, so it goes right over Jayce's head).

And look, let me preface this by saying Viktor is actively dying at this point. He's sick, and in pain, and terrified, and he feels abandoned by the most important person in his life. I'm not saying it was wrong of him to not acknowledge Jayce's workload, or bad, or in any way not understandable. Jayce is an adult too and Viktor was definitely suffering more at that point than him.

But on one of many rewatches, I did note that when Jayce says, "Sorry, I have a lot on my plate lately." it is objectively true. And Viktor doesn't even acknowledge it. Being a full time councilor and promoting Hextech and working in the lab and trying to help Viktor and dealing with a civic crisis that could lead to outright civil war, etc etc everything else happening in S1, it's no wonder Jayce is snippy and on edge at the bridge, the guy should be on the edge of collapse quite frankly.

And Viktor doesn't care. He thinks Jayce's time on the Council is a waste of time, so he doesn't acknowledge the burden of it. That includes not acknowledging the fact that the Hexcore would have been destroyed and Viktor's one hope for a cure gone with it if not for Jayce's power and influence now. Jayce only became a Councilor to advance their research and help Viktor, but Viktor doesn't once acknowledge this and seems actively angry and jealous about it.

By the way, this isn't a case of one of them is right and the other is wrong, it's just a case of two very human people being human. It's very well written. But Viktor's lack of empathy for the challenges Jayce is facing means he's also not seeing how much of what Jayce is doing is for his benefit, how many burdens Jayce is taking on for Viktor's sake.

Viktor's emotional arc at the end of S1 includes a lot of feelings of abandonment by Jayce which are objectively not true. If he acknowledged Jayce's workload, he might also come to the realization that he's not abandoned, that Jayce is entirely focused on him just in different arenas. Maybe it would give Viktor the impetus to say "Hey, I don't want your help as a Councilor, I want your help in the lab because I'm scared and alone and dying and I'm about to make some very rash decisions because of all those feelings." Instead of just sucking it up and going it alone, which eventually leads to Sky's death and Viktor's collapse into utter hopelessness and resignation towards his own death.

And by the way, this isn't conjecture that Viktor is bad at seeing how much people around him care for him. Sky is another example of this. Viktor is so focused on extending his own life that, to paraphrase Heimerdinger in 2.07, he's not using the time he has to be with the ones he loves.

Later he will weep and rage at how he completely missed out on knowing Sky as a person, he completely missed out on knowing she cares for him. He'll craft an entire specter of her to keep him company as a result of this guilt in S2, because he can't live with the guilt of the fact he objectively missed out on spending time with the real woman when she was alive. And that is another version of what he's doing to Jayce in S1, by not seeing that Jayce isn't ignoring him, he's desperately trying to help in every way he can and the workload is burying him.

[crunchybeards]

I'm sure this has been beat to death by now, but my favourite aspect of Sam as a character is the fact that he truly does encapsulate one of the most pervasive themes in the game, the theme of being humane. Sorry for the really long ramble but I just wanted to get this off my chest and just genuinely commend the game for what it does with its protagonist. Be warned for spoilers for the whole game and some endings.

From the begining, Sam is shown to be an empathetic character, despite being a pseudo-silent protagonist. As different as every route can be, Sam always feels some form of very human remorse. He feels remorse over killing cursed individuals when he reflects in the mirror. He feels remorse for fucking up the ritual and damning the astronomers. He feels guilty over taking the resources of people who have become cursed, even though he knows that they won't be using them anymore. At least once per playthrough, he experiences some form of remorse towards another party.

As far as a reach as it is for me to say this, I personally saw the dialogue options that players can pick as Sam's own thoughts and the specific thoughts that you choose to pick are the thoughts that become fully realised and are added to his overall character for that playthrough. There are often a lot of dialogue options that are negative or reactionary. Yet every single time, there's at least one positive one, one where he feels empathy, one where he believes there is hope for an individual despite how bleak the situation may seem. Or at the very least he chooses to be civil and non-discriminatory towards a cursed person.

As grotesque as the game is and as twisted as the Cursed become, they're still human, they're still people even if not physically apparent. And 9 times out of 10, they still behave like people. My favourite aspect about the game is that there are some characters that seem like they're too far gone, that they only wish to hurt people and yet if kindness is extended towards them, they can still be saved. We see this with the hidden-away garage. The fish and chips shop. The Cursed are still willing to trade and salvage the situation as best as they can. They're making the most out of a shitty situation despite struggling interally with their sanity and adjusting to newly formed bodies.

Choosing to be humane at the end of the world is one of the best things about Sam's character. Nobody would hold it against him if he were to kill cursed individuals indiscriminately. There are several characters that he can befriend who have done the same like Hellen. But being given the option to negotiate, the option to talk and to extend an olive branch, he takes it. He talks to cursed individuals who are lucid, he even befriends a few like Joel. Even in the ending where he becomes a swarming mass of arms and feels overwhelmed by his new ever expanding form, even though he is so scared, he took a moment to calm himself down, pick himself up and get to work helping people. Even as a borderline Lovecraftian being, he actively chose to be the driving force for good. Even though the prior examples I listed are choices that can be made by the player, this ending proves that Sam is a genuinely good and humane person. In the 104 Gods ending, the gods still destroyed parts of humanity and even divided it further. In the Screaming Sky ending where the astronomers ascend into a unified god like entity as the Exhaulted Four, they were actively destroying the planet and killed random people in an unpredictable bloody purge. Every other instance of people being presented with this awesome change, they were destructive, unintentionally so due to insanity, but ultimately destructive. The sole exception to these realities is Sam. When he's aware of what he's become, he helps, he becomes the Saviour of Humanity. He could've been like any of the 104 Gods, start his own cult/ community, be the supreme ruler of Earth because like with the gods, who could stop him. But he didn't, and that's what truly does differentiate him. The Gods could've been lucid and with how they actively do rule over the earth in their respective zones, it appears as though they are. And yet we have Sam, a god in his own right, but is a good person (well except for the Perfect Ritual ending where he overwhelms the earth Xin Amon style but I attribute that to losing himself completely as opposed to his character's intention).

As corny as it may sound, Sam truly does choose to be kind as opposed to choosing the 'right' option of caving into fear and attacking enemies/ isolating himself. To Sam, being a kind person is not dependent on appearance, it isn't dependent on what you can personally get out of helping another person but it's about being a helper of your fellow man, regardless of everything that is happening. No matter the route, no matter the player's input, that humanity is always there and I admire that about him.

Tldr:

[thanksbutno98]

The Adventures of Molly (Part 1)

John Price x wife!reader OC

Summary: The Price’s family dog gets into just as much trouble as the rest of them.

Authors Note: To make up for my lack of including Molly in my fics I decided to dedicate one to her. I’ll be doing one or two more of her through the years as the Price children get older.

Warnings: Swearing, injury, pregnancy, not edited

——————

It was a windy spring day as you and your family stood in the small shelter where the new litter of puppies were housed. You and your husband John Price were finally pulling the trigger and getting the dog you always spoke about. It had been a dream to have lambs in your large plot of land but in order to do that you needed a herding dog.

So here you were, picking one out together. You brought your four year old son Jj and two year old daughter Evelyn. Jj was enamored by the mother dog who birthed the litter while Evelyn was giggling over the puppies wrestling.

“The mummy puppy must be so sad.” Jj was on his tip toes trying to get a better look over the wired fence.

The female blue merl border Collie was curled up in the far corner with a single one of her pups laid on her back by her head. The others were running around and playing. Letting out little yelps and high pitched barks as they tackled each other.

“What makes you say that?” John inquired wondering what his son was getting at.

“People are taking her puppies away. Mummy would be so sad if someone took me and Evie away.” Looking up into John’s matching sky blue eyes Jj had a serious expression on his face. His eyebrows were knit together and full lips fixed in a frown.

“He makes my heart swell and ache at the same time.” You whispered to John.

“Intuitive little guy.” He whispered back.

The two of you were immensely proud that teaching your son empathy wasn’t a challenge. The boy came hardwired carrying about others and now you knew that extended to animals.

“That’s why it’s so important we take good care of the pup. So his mama never has to worry.” Squatting down John spoke softly yet seriously to his son.

He didn’t realize that single sentence seared itself into his son’s mind.

“I’ll walk her every day, feed her lots of treats, and she can even snuggle in bed with me.” Shaking his head admittedly you could see your son was taking this seriously. At four years old he seemed to understand the importance of taking good care of a dog that some adults struggled to grasp.

“Which one do you think, John?” You asked your husbands opinion not knowing what attributes made a good herding dog.

“That one!” Jj’s chubby finger pointed at the sleeping puppy laying on her mothers back.

The small pup had a similar blue merl coat as her mother only she was tri-colored. Her little face was an almost lilac grey with pure white running up her snout and disappearing to the back of her head. One eyes was hugged with a crescent shape of tawny fur while the other had a single dot above it. Her ears matched perfectly with black fur at the point and tawny fur on the inside. The pale grey fur that ran along her body matched her mother’s with the black speckled spots and splotches of pure white.

“You sure? He seems a little. . . lazy.” John, now standing back at his full height, was scratching the back of his head watching how the five other liter mates wrestled and totted around clumsily.

“She’s just sleepy and needs a cuddle.” Jj reasoned with John.

“Oh let him have her.” Bumping John with your hip he continued to look at the sleeping puppy not completely sure this was a good choice for the dog’s intended purpose.

“C’mon! She’s my best friend! She loves me already I swear she does!” Jj was bouncing up and down while pulling on John’s belt loops. Hooking his fingers into the loops Jj arched his back and let his head fall back.

“Pleeease daddy.” Bearing his teeth Jj lightly swung back and forth as he dangled himself backward.

“Okay fine.” John caved. Seeing his son ask so cutely was enough for him to give him what he wanted.

“Can we meet that one?” John pointed to the tiniest of the liter who was sound asleep and making little yipping noises as she dreamt.

“Yes, go right into that pen and I’ll bring her right over for you all to meet.” The elderly woman motioned to the empty pen behind you that was used to introduce the puppies to potential families.

You all piled in and John was giving you a funny look. Rubbing his back you tried to silently reassure him this puppy was fine. That he was being a good father by entertaining his son’s opinion.

Soon enough the small tri-colored border collie was placed on the opposite side of the pen as you. She wobbled on her tiny paws and then turned back to look in the direction of her mother. It was the cutest noise she let out lightly yelping and then howling for her mother.

“It’s okay if you miss your mummy. I’m right here.” Jj kneeled a foot behind the tiny pup with his right hand outstretched.

She turned to look at Jj, tilted her head to the side, took a single step forward and sniffed the space right before his hand. Taking another step she gave him a better sniff then a little lick. There was a few second pause as the gears in her little head turned and then it seemed like she made up her mind. Trotting forward she climbed into Jj’s lap, circled a few times, then plopped down and went to sleep.

“Told you she’s my best friend.” Jj spoke in a tiny voice trying not to wake up his new companion.

“Seems like a perfect match.” The elderly woman smiled sweetly seeing this adorable display of two babies finding their forever family in each other.

“I can’t say no to that. She curled up on him in seconds.” With outstretched arms John barely glanced at you. He was snapping picture a second later which you would end up hanging up in your downstairs hallway.

“Got a name picked out?” The elderly woman asked you and John.

“Molly. Her names Molly.” Jj spoke with the sweetest smile plastered across his young face.

——————

“Jj, where’s Molly?” John asked as he entered his son’s room.

Jj’s room was rectangular shaped with his door located in the right corner. These forest green walls held where Jj loved to play with his toys the most. There was a birch desk in the right corner across from the bedroom door. It was new yet still had marker stains and smudges of water color paints. There was a navy blue rug in the center of the room with a recent stain from when Jj threw up all over John.

In the center of the wall that shared the bedroom door was Jj’s twin sized bed. His bed stuck out to bisect the room and had two night stands on either side of it. After that was his closet door. There was a toy chest at the end of the bed and a dresser on the far wall between the two windows.

It had been a week since you brought your new family member home. Jj kept to his word and walked her every day. The only thing was, he kept battling you and John constantly that Molly needed more treats and should be allowed to snuggle in his bed. She wasn’t house trained yet so it was a firm no from you both. You also told Jj she wouldn’t be allowed on any furniture, that she would have her own dog bed. This made your son throw an absolute fit. That didn’t stop you from finding Molly hidden under his covers fast asleep.

“I think mummy has her.” Jjs voice could be heard from the opposite side of his bed. Little did Jj know you were the one who sent John to go find Molly.

John couldn’t see Jj since he was clearly hiding. There was a soft lapping sound of something being licked that gave the four year old away. Walking around the bed John saw his son lying on his belly with Molly lying right next to him. Jj had a jar of peanut butter opened and his hand coated in the sticky substance as Molly licked it clean.

“The good peanut butter, really?” With a straight face John asked.

Jj slowly looked up with a sheepish smile.

“She should have the best treats. Her mummy would want that.” Jj tried to reason.

Sticking his full hand back into the jar he lathered it up again and offered it to Molly. John was partially annoyed for his son’s lack of listening but he couldn’t deny how cute Jj looked being sweet to their new dog. Dressed in his fire truck pajamas with multiple dog toys lying around him.

“Jj that stuffs expensive.” John chuckled.

“I’ll eat the bad peanut butter, I don’t mind. I want Molly to have the tasty kind.” Getting up to kneel Jj gave John a toothy smile that didn’t reach his icy blue eyes.

Jj was unsure if he was in trouble but if he was it was worth getting his new best friend a yummy snack. Jj went to lather his hand again but gasped when John grabbed the jar off the floor and screwed the lid back on.

“Daddy-“

“If she has anymore she’ll get sick. Like the time you wouldn’t stop eating m&m’s.” With a smirk John motioned for Jj to get up.

“Mummy shouldn’t have left them out.” Jj explained to John as if he wasn’t the one to have his son throw up all over him from eating way too much candy.

“Go and wash your hands. Then we can take Molly out back and let her run around off leash.” John started to laugh as Jj gasped in excitement and ran out his room to go wash up.

“Molly you’re gonna love this!” Jj squealed from the bathroom.

To John’s amazement the 9 weeks old puppy trotted after his son. She breezed right by John like he didn’t exist and was fixated on the little boy.

——————

“Jj! The peanut butters missing again.” You called from the kitchen.

It didn’t sound like a warning but it was. And soon enough your son appeared in the kitchen doorway looking guilty. Next to him was your new puppy who had been a part of the family for four months now. She had grown incredibly fast and no longer looked like a puppy. At the rate she was growing she’d be the same size as Jj in a few months.

“Can we get a ‘Molly’ peanut butter?” It came out as a whine.

“We have one.” You reminded your son and motioned for him to hand over the nice glass jar.

“But it’s gross.” Jj complained as he handed you the overly priced jar.

“Dogs shouldn’t be having all this sugar. It’s not good for them. That’s why we got her a sugar and salt free one.” You were surprised to see Jj roll his eyes and you could feel the sass about to come which was unlike the normally agreeable child.

“Don’t worry Molly I’ll make sure meanie mummy isn’t giving you that gross stuff.” Petting her head Jj ran for the back door.

“Slow down.” John chuckled as Jj ducked between his father’s long legs and ran into the yard. Molly barked and ran after your son clumsily.

John was just walking into the house from work. He was dressed in beige cargo pants and a green t-shirt that was tucked in. There was a stack of files in his hand that he tossed on to the kitchen table before coming over to greet you.

“Where’s the little gremlin?” John looked around for his daughter.

“Napping. She’s been a menace today. Laughing like a maniac every time I said no and then doing whatever it was right in front of me.” The thought of you dealing with that all day made John chuckle.

“Sounds like she takes after you.” The cheeky comment had you dodging his hello kiss.

That didn’t seem to deter your husband who pinned your arms to your side from behind and pressed his body against you so you were half leaning over the counter. Your bum was firmly pressed to his crotch while his hands were getting very close to your breasts. John kissed your cheek over and over until he was sick of it and went for the other one. He picked you up slightly, your feet hovering a few inches above the floor as he continued his assault.

“Let go.” You giggled and wiggled in John’s grasp.

“DADDY!!” The sound of your son shrieking had John dropping you and full on sprinting for the door.

You were right behind, your chest tight and an instant panic kicking in. Jj was sweet and a tough little boy. He hardly screamed unless it was from laughter. The only times he screamed your names was when Evelyn was taking his toys or the few times she bit him. This type of scream was very uncommon. Your son sounded scared.

You and John were running like hell to your son who was much farther away from the house than he was normally allowed. The rule was if you weren’t outside with him he was not allowed near the pond or past the soccer net. Right now he was at the edge of the forest stumbling back to his feet.

“Are you okay.” John had his hands on Jj grabbing his shoulders and jostling him around to look at him.

Jj was covered in mud but only on the front of him. It looked like he must have belly flopped into a puddle or something.

“Molly chased a fox into the woods! YOU HAVE TO GET HER!” Throwing his head back Jj began to wail.

Fat tears rolled down his face and he plopped down to the ground on his bum and weeped pathetically into his hands.

“Molly’s mummy would be worried about her!” Jj shrieked and tugged at his hair realizing this all of a sudden.

You had just caught up at this point catching the latter half of the conversation. That’s when you saw Molly dive through the woods seemingly chasing after something. If she was to get lost in there you weren’t sure you and John would be able to find her. Without thinking you took off into the woods after Molly. You followed the sounds of her barking. Ducking under branches and leaping over fallen trees you followed after her as fast as your legs would take you. Eventually you saw her again growling and barking up a tree a good distance into the woods.

“Gotcha!” You scooped the pup up into your arms. You were huffing and puffing trying to catch your breath. Turning back you realized you couldn’t see your house anymore.

“Oh, fuck.” You turned back around trying to see if there were any land markers so you could find your way back.

You couldn’t hear or see it but Jj was now lying on the ground crying hysterically at John. John was doing his best to try and calm the four year old down.

“We lost mummy and Molly!!” Jj could barely see straight with how the tears blurred his eyes.

“They’re not lost.” John glanced back at the house.

This was not a good situation for him. Jj was probably right and you were lost in the woods, that would be so like you. The only thing stopping John from going and finding you was the fact Evelyn would be left by herself in the house while she napped. But John knew the worst thing that could happen was she cried waiting for you to come get her. Picking up the sobbing four year old John began his trek through the woods to find you.

It didn’t take long you were about a quarter mile in the woods sitting on a fallen tree holding Molly.

“MOLLY!” Jj wiggled aggressively until John placed him on his feet.

Sprinting over Jj slammed into your thigh and started hugging the sleeping puppy.

“Molly I’ll never lose you again!” Your little boy started to cry half way through his sentence. Laying his head on her soft fur he began to weep all over again.

“I’m sorry Molly’s mummy! I’ll keep her safe!” Jj cried into her fur, a guilt you didn’t realize he was carrying spilling out.

“Found you quick.” John placed a kiss to your head and then squatted down to hug Jj.

You wrapped John and your little boy up in a hug as he continued to cry until he was too tired to walk back. John carried the now sleeping Jj while you carried Molly.

“I’m surprised I found you so quick.” John spoke softly as you made your trek back to the house.

“I decided to just sit down and wait for you. I thought if I tried to find my way back I’d only get more lost.” You shrugged.

“He’s so much like you Y/N.” John whispered and placed a soft kiss to the top of Jj’s sleeping head.

“You think?” You asked wondering what John meant.

“Crying over Mollys mum maybe being worried about her. I would’ve never thought that way as a kid. But you? That’s all you. The caring so deeply it leaves you guilt ridden.” Johns words made your heart swell. It felt amazing to be seen on such a vulnerable level and how your son had inherited some of your traits.

By the time you were back at the house Jj was waking up and asking for a snack. You sat him at the kitchen table and gave him apple slices and peanut butter. You and John realized quickly that the snacks you gave Jj were shared with Molly. So now you had to make sure every snack was dog friendly.

“Jj I’ve got a question for you.” John asked his puffy eyed little boy.

Jj hummed devouring his snack and getting peanut butter all over his face. Molly was lying just beneath his feet chomping on an apple slice.

“What do you think about Molly’s mummy? You bring her up a lot.” Sitting next to his son John took one of the apple slices and ate it.

“She would want Molly to run and play all the time, eat the best treats, learn stuff like how to sit and shake. She’d want Molly to have the comfiest bed and all the snuggles in the world.” Speaking with his mouth full Jj pretended to drop another apple slice that was quickly eaten by his best friend sitting under his feet that didn’t reach the floor.

“Why do you say that?” John followed up.

Jj paused for a second and looked up at John and then at you. You were standing on the other side of the kitchen getting lunch ready. John’s line of questioning had you curious to hear what your son was thinking.

“If Mollys mummy took me, mummy would want her to do stuff like take me to the trampoline park and get us fancy peanut butter. Or special snuggles, big fat kisses, and let me and Evie sleep in her bed sometimes.” Jj waved around his apple slice dipped in the brown sweetness.

You squeaked lightly hearing your son’s words. It was involuntary how tears welled in your eyes and a rock formed in your throat. Your lip began to quiver knowing that’s how your little boy saw you. That you would want only the best for him and he knew that. Taking a deep breath that came in rather sharp you wiped your eyes quickly.

“I love you more than anything in the world Jonathan.” You were making your way over to your son and soon hugging him tight and placing kiss after kiss to his cheek.

Jj giggled and tried batting you away. Giving up he hugged you back his sweet laugh filling the kitchen.

“Seeeeee mummy gives me snuggles.” Jj stuck his tongue out at John who was chuckling at you two.

“Good lad.” John ruffled the little boys hair and then plucked an apple slice with extra peanut butter and gave it to Molly.

——————

“MUSH!” The Price children shouted in unison.

Jj and Evelyn Price were sat on the bright blue sled at the top of the small hill to the right of their homes driveway. It slopped down and became flat for about twenty yards before the thicket of trees that hid the property from the street. Jj had tied Molly’s leash to the end of the sled so she could pull them down the hill. Molly was officially full grown at 32lbs and spry. Today was her birthday making her a year old.

Jj, who was almost five, was dressed in a red snow suit with the hood up and pulled tight. He had lime green mitten on and matching boots. Evelyn, a few weeks away from being three, was dressed in a pastel purple snow suit with a pink scarf and hat snuggly on. She refused to put her hood up and wore Jj’s old dark blue boots that were a size too big.

“Jj!” Evelyn whined at the fact Molly wasn’t moving.

“Molly, mush!” Jj tried again, kicking his feet.

Molly looked back at Jj and then squatted and peed. It had become obvious over the year together Molly was sweet but not the smartest dog. Jj would become shrill whenever John called her dumb. But even he at times blankly stared at her when she ran into the glass door for the hundredth time.

“Ew.” Evelyn’s nose scrunched.

“Wait here, I have an idea!” Jj got off the sled and ran over to where you and John were shoveling the driveway.

It was a snow day for daycares and schools leaving you and the children home for the day. John called out saying he had family matters to attend to which was truly playing with the kids in the snow. You two just had to get the long drive way cleared first.

“Where are you going?” Sticking his shovel into the snow John watched Jj hop off the small mound of snow forming along the driveway as you two shoveled.

“Mummy I need a tennis ball.” Jj ran straight into you, his feet catching on some ice and unable to stop himself.

“Careful.” You slipped at the force but caught yourself before you took Jj down with you. Reaching into your pocket you gave Jj the tennis ball you grabbed before heading outside.

“Thanks!” Grabbing it with both mittened hands Jj turned and went to run back to Evelyn. She was lying down flat in the sled with her tongue stuck out trying to catch snow flakes.

Jj took two steps away from you then slipped and fell backwards. Before you or John could ask if he was alright he was slipping while he got back to his feet and was off running again.

“Evie look!” Jj waved the tennis ball around.

Still lying on her back Evelyn turned her head to look at her brother. Once again Jj tripped a few feet away from the sled and face planted into the snow. Lifting his head up with a face covered in snow Jj watched the bright green tennis ball begin to roll down the hill. Evelyn sat up quickly to check on Jj.

“You oka-“ Evelyn began to ask but went flying backward hitting her head off the sled.

The tennis ball rolled right past Molly and she took off after it. In her haste the sled slowed her for only a second so she pulled harder to catch up to the bright green ball quickly rolling down the hill.

“MUMMY!” Evelyn shrieked at the top of her lungs.

Her tiny mittened hands gripped the edges of the sled as the sky and tree tops whizzed by. The uneven grooves of snow sent her small body bouncing up in the air and colliding back down against the plastic of the sled.

“EVIE!” Jj was scrambling to his feet and began chasing after the sled as it flew down the hill with Molly still pulling it.

The sound of crunching snow echoed in the little boys ears as he ran after his baby sister. He was running extremely fast in his mind and would catch up to her in no time.

The screams caught you and John’s attention. It was comical to watch the sled lurch forward and then take off down the hill quickly behind Molly. Jj was running so slow you wondered if he was even trying. After a few steps he fell face first into the snow again so hard he slid down the hill a couple feet.

John dropped his shovel and ran after Molly and Evelyn before she was dragged to the street. You made your way over to Jj who was struggling to get up after falling so many times.

“You okay?” Jj heard your voice over his shoulder.

He stayed laying there face first in the snow not willing to get up yet.

“Yes.” His sweet voice was muffled against the snow.

With a small laugh you picked him up and set him back on his feet. Jj’s cheeks were tinted from the cold snow that you were brushing away. He could feel it sticking to his eyelashes but you soon had those cleaned off too. Looking to the bottom of the hill Jj saw his father walking up the hill with Evelyn on his hip and the sled under his other arm. Molly was trotting behind, jumping and trying to take the tennis ball Evelyn was holding.

“Smart idea, Jj.” John praised as he made it to where you and Jj were.

“You okay Evie!?” Jj asked clearly worried.

“That. Was. WICKED!” Throwing her hands into the air you and John laughed at her reaction.

“I’ll stand at the bottom of the hill and your mum will get you two set up.” John placed Evelyn down and then handed you the sled.

“Really!?” Jj was now bouncing up and down at the prospect of you and John joining in on the fun.

“And then when we’re done with sledding we can build a snowman.” You added which had Evelyn cheering.

“I want to build a snow dog so Molly can have a friend!”

——————

“How you feeling little man?” John was just walking into Jj’s room.

Jj who was now six had caught the flu and was held up in bed. He was curled up under his blankets with a pile of tissues sitting on his night stand and a few had fallen to the floor.

As soon as John opened the door Molly busted through with so much force the door slammed into the wall. She dashed across the room and jumped into Jj’s bed not caring if she squished him in the process. Standing over the boy she frantically licked his face which made him squirm and giggle.

“Someone missed you and I thought you could use a buddy.” It made John’s heart flutter seeing how much Molly and Jj meant to each other.

Molly had been whining at the bottom of the stairs all day wanting someone to open the gate and let her upstairs. Evelyn entertained her for a little but they both grew bored of one another. You tried to take Molly for a walk but two steps out of the door Molly became a statue. She pointed herself towards the house and you knew it was because she wanted Jj to walk her, not you.

“You sick of Evie? She can be a pill can’t she.” Jj ruffled the scuff of Mollys fur while he spoke in a mock deep voice.

“Get some sleep.” John gave Jj a kiss to the top of the head and the ruffled Mollys head.

Molly circled a few times and then laid herself on top of Jj’s legs. The two fell asleep quickly and Jj was finally able to get the rest he needed.

——————

It was quiet, much quieter than John was use to. The kids and you must be out shopping or running errands. This was a rare occasion and John was ready to seize his moment of solitude. So he thought this would be a good time to make himself a sandwich.

Piling the lunch meat high and adding an extra slice of cheese John squished the sandwich down enjoying the sound of the crisps crunching between the bread. Next John poured himself a glass of milk to go along with the blueberry danish he grabbed as dessert. Setting off to the living room John placed his plate and cup on the coffee table.

Molly who had gotten a bit rounder over the years was napping on the chaise lounge of the U shaped couch. John use to shoo her off furniture and usher her over to her dog bed but had given up in recent years. The children invited her on the couch or their beds whenever he wasn’t in the room. You had even joined in, having Molly nap with you on the couch or in bed when John was abroad.

“John.” Your voice called from the back door as soon as John turned on the television.

Falling back into the cushions John groaned in disappointment. He almost got away with having a snack, that you considered a full meal, by himself. Looking down at the delicious sight in front of him John sighed and accepted defeat. Now he would be sharing this with his kids once they saw it.

“Coming.” John called back.

Getting up from the couch John made his way to the kitchen. He saw your kids carrying a large brown paper grocery bag each. That’s when John remembered you asked him what he needed from the grocery store before he headed out that morning.

“Thank you, darling.” John gave you a sweet peck to the lips.

He hated shopping and it was especially difficult with the kids. They were either at each other’s throats or asking for everything they knew they couldn’t have and whining about it. It almost always ended in a quiet car ride home because John demanded silence and if there was a single peep there’d be consequences.

“Can you two go clean up the yard toys please?” You asked your children as you began to put away the groceries.

“No.” Evelyn spoke sweetly, smiled and began to walk down the hall toward the living room.

“Oi, don’t be cheeky and go pick up the toys.” John was flabbergasted by her response.

“Why ask if I don’t have a choice.” Turning on her heels the sweet demeanor flipped to a sour one.

“You’d rather I boss you around?” You asked unable to hold back your laugh.

“I’d rather not do it at all.” Evelyn grumbled, slipping her shoes back on and heading out the back door.

“Molly!” Jj called from the back door for her to come join them outside.

“Think she’s napping.” John told his son only to eat his words.

Molly appeared at the end of the hallway and slowly, very slowly, made her way out the back door to join Evelyn and Jj.

“Think she can walk any slower?” You asked John who just walked in with the rest of the groceries bags hugged to his chest.

“Laziest dog I’ve ever met. To think we were going to use her for herding.” John chuckled.

Placing the bags on the counter John dipped out to grab his food and eat in the kitchen. That way he could chat with you and still enjoy his snack. Entering the living room John wasn’t sure what he was expecting now that he thought about.

His plate was licked clean and even his glass of milk was drank.

“No wonder she was moving so slow.”

——————

“MOLLY!” John’s voice echoed in the house as he shouted like a banshee.

“Jesus, John you’re going to burst a blood vessel.” You had waddled into the kitchen from the living room at the sound of your husband losing his mind.

You were eight months pregnant and feeling irritable with your husband today. John hadn’t done anything but for some reason just the sight of him had been ticking you off since this morning. Once you saw what he was shouting about you felt your blood pressure spike.

“MOLLY!” You shrieked.

The shoe rack you kept by the back door was flipped over and every pair of shoes had been torn to shreds. Molly didn’t discriminate. She went for your heels, sneakers, slippers, and crocs. The kids shoes and Evelyn’s ballet slippers were decimated. John’s boots, trainers, and a few hats were also casualties.

“That damn dog!” Picking up the sole to his expensive dress shoe John flung it forcefully at the tattered remains of hundreds of dollars of shoes.

“I’ll go find her.” You stopped John from storming upstairs and shouting even more.

“Why weren’t you watching her?” John hissed in your face.

“Why weren’t you watching her!” You snapped back.

“I was busy!” You knew it was just a fit of rage that John was turning on you but you didn’t appreciate it. As if on cue your little girl kicked in your belly as you prepared to verbally eviscerate your husband.

“Yeah, and I was over in the corner twiddling my thumbs! Oh wait I was cleaning your mess in the living room with swollen fucking ankles.” Your venom had John putting up his hands as if saying he gave up and then he took a deep breath.

“Sorry. Let’s go find her and make sure she didn’t eat any of this. Then it’ll be a vet bill on top of it all.” John gave you an apologetic smile and hugged you to say sorry.

His hands rubbed your large belly and lingered on the little feet kicking away.

You stood there with your arms crossed over your chest and refused to hug him back. With a kiss to your lips that you didn’t return you both made your way up to Jj’s room where Molly most likely was. Once up on the second floor and down the hallway you could see Jj’s door was shut which was unusual.

Everyone in the house kept their bedroom doors open unless they were changing or sleeping. Knocking firmly John didn’t wait for a response and tried to open the door. Only it didn’t budge.

“Jj you can’t hide her in there.” Rattling the door by the knob John then knocked again a little louder.

There was silence behind the door. You and John shared a look and then you nodded for him to go ahead. With the tips of his finger John searched the top of the door frame for the skeleton key you hid up there. The sound of the key turning in the lock finally elicited a response from the eight year old.

“IM NAKED!” Jj blurted out as you and John entered his room.

Jj was standing on the far left corner of his bedroom fully clothed. His bed bisected the room blocking you or John from getting to him quickly. The closet door popped open for a second but Jj casually leaned against it.

“What’s in there?” The gravel in John’s voice rumbled from his chest.

The look John was giving his son had Jj gulping in suspense. The young boy was trying his best to stay straight faced but he realized how much better his sister was in moments like this.

“Nothing.” It surprised you how smoothly Jj spoke.

“You sure about that?” You followed up.

Jj wouldn’t even look at you. It was one thing to fib to his father but it felt impossible for him to do it to you.

“Jonathan, look at me.” You told him sweetly.

John was slowly rounding the bed. Jj had his eyes locked on his father. Slowly he pressed his back fully against the door no longer pretending like he wasn’t hiding anything. With a frown on his face Jj apprehensively looked at you who was nodding your head for him to give up.

“We just want to check if she’s okay. We’ve never punished her before and we aren’t going to start now.” Trying to reassure Jj didn’t seem to work.

“Whatever it is she didn’t do it.” Jj blurted out at John who was now standing directly in front of the boy.

Realizing he had lost Jj decided he wouldn’t go down without a fight. Grabbing the door knob Jj rushed forward opening the door behind him. Throwing himself at John Jj bear hugged his father pinning his arms to his sides.

“RUN MOLLY!” Jj shouted holding on as tight as possible so John couldn’t run after her or free his arms right away.

When Jj realized his father wasn’t struggling he looked up at him. John’s icy eyes looked amused and he had an eyebrow quirked down at the eight year old.

“I commend your tenacity.” John chuckled and then nodded with his chin for Jj to turn around.

Letting go slowly Jj then turned quickly to look at Molly. Molly was lying at the bottom of Jj’s closest chewing on his brand new football cleats.

“MOLLY!”

~~~~~tag list~~~~~

@exhaustedpotat0 @glitterypirateduck @ivymarquis @crazymela @what-0-life @boredfairy4 @hihhasotherfixations @stephanswhxre @shanjisan @k4es @luvleywrites @kita03-0 @midwesternwitchery @aleynaleia @suckerforbassist @misshoneypaper @theaonlax @blackstar9005 @tooterbutt @havoc973 @maladaptivedaydreamingbum @freshlemontea @cosmoscoffeee @sae1kie @ohworm-writes @ghostslittlegf @fanficwriterlover @arminarlertssword @faceache111 @azu21 @thirstyb-ches @nini-11-08 @sgtgarricks @kiki-is-hy perfixating @mayflysdie

[prying-pandora666]

ATLA Fandom and its Rejection of ATLA’s Messages

Can we talk about something for a moment?

The ATLA fandom loves to go on and on about all the ways the characters are “toxic” and who “deserves” redemption, in ways that are completely at-odds not only the messages and themes of the show but also in ways that are simply incompatible with being imperfect humans.

More than that though, there’s a complete failure or unwillingness to engage with philosophies unfamiliar to them. No effort to try and broaden their understanding. No, it’s all about pearl clutching.

Look at this:

Pretty funny little meme. Was posted on Reddit. Not that far-off from what actually happened in the episode.

Now let’s look at a couple of the comments.

The first commenter outright claims that a remorseless person doesn’t deserve forgiveness. No elaboration. No reasons given for why they disagree with Aang in this moment. It’s just stated as fact and several people uncritically agree. It is assumed that Aang’s thinking is wrong and everyone should agree.

You can see my comment countering this blanket statement, and bless the commenter below me for tying this back in to what Aang said. Understood the assignment! Succinct and to the point.

But then look at this:

The thing that really gets me about this is not only that they ignore the entire message of the very episode being shown here, but that they wholly condemn Aang’s (and his people’s) way of thinking as cowardice or a failing driven by fear. It frames Aang counseling Katara to not murder a man for vengeance as him somehow wanting Katara to stay afraid??? What???

Is it any wonder so many people twist and misrepresent this episode and its lesson?

No wonder then that so much of the fandom—and indeed even NATLA—is full of apologists for the Fire Nation despite their horrendous actions. The irony being that the one Fire Nation character the fandom widely condemns and refuses to extend empathy towards is the same one who expresses the very same sentiment contrary to Aang’s beliefs!

Remember what little Azula said about Iroh surrendering at Ba Sing Se?

The Fire Nation are the ones who believe in vengeance and violence. This is why Zuko thought killing Yon Rha was what she needed. It’s what he’s been taught. It’s what he and his sister were raised to believe. But the show is explicit about the fact that this is wrong. Iroh ends up living in Ba Sing Se peacefully! No revenge necessary!

The Air Nomads, meanwhile, teach forgiveness as a way to cultivate peace within yourself. Of course Aang reflects this teaching. And although Katara isn’t able to fully forgive Yon Rha (nor does Aang feel she has to), she is able to let go of her anger and find closure. She spares Yon Rha. She turns the other cheek. She moves on. Aang is explicitly shown to be right.

You don’t have to agree with all the messages of the show, but can we at least try to engage with them?

[ihaznoclue]

Happy Birthday My Dear

Cool and shaded from the midday sun, the Autobots headquarters hummed softly beneath the Nevada desert

The day seemed very normal, misleadingly routine, WheelJack hasn't blown anything up in the last 24 hours, Agent Fowler hadn't contacted the base and there has been no sightings of any Decepticons

Already, the day seemed to be a miracle

Today, however was different, it's not the silence of the base, not because the calm but you finally turned eighteen on that specific day today

You hadn't discussed it much though, no streamers, no big confetti cannons and no big party

Making it a huge deal was not what you wanted to do, given that the Autobots don't actually celebrate birthdays, you thought

How can one celebrate their birthday in an underground base, in the middle of the desert of Japser Nevada

Or you thought so

'You're up early" Said a deep, well known voice that always commanded comfort and respect

Optimus Prime was standing tall and close to the ground bridge controls, his optics shining with a gentle blue gaze, his figure tall and strong but somehow at ease

"Yeah" You said with a rather bashful shrug "I didn't get much sleep today" You confessed

Optimus started to study you with a tilt of his head "Are you having problems?" He asked which caused you to pause in your steps

"No.. It's just, it's my birthday today, turning 18" Then a paused occurred

Optimus then approached with a quiet dignity, lowering himself just enough to avoid requiring you to crane your neck upwards to him

"In that case, let me be the first, if not the only to wish you a very special birthday"

You smiled to him "Optimus you didn't have to but thank you"

He briefly averted his gaze before returning it to you "Don't human birthdays symbolise the passage into adulthood?" He asked

You gave him a simple nod "Yes, legally an adult, strange isn't it?"

"Being older has it's honors, in growing as a person" He then carefully extended his servos and opened it up "And if you permit it, I have something I'd like to show you little one"

You blinked, confused "Okay" You spoke, getting up in his servos as he stood back up

Shortly after he activated the ground bridge, the colour swirled as it lit up and you both emerged onto the desert sand but no just any desert area though

The sun was just starting rise behind the far-off rocks and there was little rocky ledge that overlooked a huge expanse of an unspoiled beach

Pastel colours of lavendar, orange and gold were used to paint the sky alive, it was a peaceful haven

Optimus then lowered himself into a sat position and remarked "I discovered this location a long time ago while conducting reconnaissance, I felt it was appropriate for this special occasion"

You let the moment speak for itself as you sat next to him on a rock that warmed by the sun light, the silence was fully, not empty

"I didn't think you guys really did birthdays" You said softly

Optimus glanced towards the horizon, his optics flickering slightly "In the conventional sense, we don't but the rejoicing of life? Of turning points? That applies to everyone and Additionally, your position among us is acknowledged"

Your throat tightened, blinking a few times "Thank you Optimus, this means a lot"

He then looked in your direction "You have faced more in your youth than many of my kind did in centuries, you have shown courage, empathy and wisdom, traits not earned by time alone"

Then, he gently took something out of his small compartment, it was a ting object

It felt smooth and a little warm to the touch, like a crystal

It was captivating how it captured the light of the sunrise in front of you

"It is a fragment of Cybertronian energon, refined and inter" He explained "It holds no power but it is.. a symbol.. of resilience, of light in dark places"

You held it like a treasure "You're giving it to me?" You asked which he then gave you a nod

"it is yours now, as a reminder that even in the unknown years ahead, you carry your own light, happy birthday my dear"

You didn't say anything for a moment, looking at the crystal in your hands, just leaned against him and he didn't move away from your touch

And you felt really seen for the first time that day or perhaps ever, not by a special not alone, not by a guardian

But from a prime himself.. and your very own soulmate..

-A<3

[pnutbutter-n-j-elyy]

Free VCHA TW: Mentions of Suicide, Eating Disorders, Unconsentual Surveilence and Self-Harm

I don't even know where to start...

My heart absolutely breaks for VCHA right now.

Hearing about everything they’ve been through- the self-harm, the gained ED's, the surveillance, the suicide attempts- it’s devastating.

Especially when those girls minors as well.

No one, especially young girls, should ever have to endure this kind of pain just to chase their dreams.

The fact that KG is filing a lawsuit to terminate her contract says so much about the conditions she’s been facing.

This isn’t just about one group or one company- it’s an industry-wide problem.

And let me preface-

before anyone starts directing all their anger at J.Y. Park, it’s crucial to understand that he isn’t the one pulling the strings- especially in the subsidaries.

Yes, he’s the face of JYP Entertainment and a prominent figure in the industry, but he’s not micromanaging every decision or daily operation involving artists like VCHA. Decisions about trainee management, promotional schedules, or group dynamics are typically made by a network of executives, managers, and staff within the company. J.Y. Park might set the tone as a founder, but the way the system functions extends far beyond him.

Instead of focusing on hating or blaming one person, we should direct our energy toward challenging the larger system. This isn’t just a “JYP problem”- it’s an issue ingrained in the ENTIRE entertainment industry, where idols are often seen as products rather than people.

Real change requires dismantling the exploitative practices and structures that allow mistreatment to happen, no matter which company is involved. Let’s shift the conversation to fight the system that perpetuates this harm, rather than focusing on an individual who is only a visible part of it.

These are kids debuting in hyper-competitive, high-pressure environments, with their lives micromanaged for profit. The secrecy VCHA endured pre-debut only adds to the emotional strain. I hope this lawsuit opens more eyes to the toll this industry takes on these artists.

This year alone has been a disaster for the industry. There have been countless reports of idol abuse, mistreatment, and even deaths linked to the extreme pressures idols face. The tragic situation with VCHA is just another example in a long line of issues that need to be addressed. The exploitation of minors and idols in general in the K-pop industry is a problem that can’t be ignored any longer. It’s beyond time for a widespread reckoning, where the industry shifts its focus from maximizing profits to truly caring for the well-being of its artists.

I hope KG’s lawsuit, along with the attention that this case is receiving, opens more eyes to the toll the industry takes on its artists- especially those who are still so young.

These idols deserve more than just our admiration; they deserve our empathy, our support, and a system that treats them as people, not products. My heart goes out to KG and the rest of VCHA, and I pray they find the healing and support they so desperately need.

They are worth so much more than the system that’s failed them.

#FreeVCHA #ProtectOurIdols

(tags are to spread views quicker)

[haechvn]

Too Intense

Pairing: Shuri Udaku x F!Reader

Warning: Y'all gone hate me cause Shuri rude asf. You have been warned. I'm actually tryna hurt yall feelins. Angst.

Word Count: 1.1k+

Summary/Request: Toxic!Shuri. That's it.

Author’s Note: I wrote this a while ago but I wasn't too sure about it. I tweaked it a bit and now i'm in love. Lmk if yall wanna be on my taglist. Love yall

Taglist: @blkgworlamplified @wakanda-forever-andotherfandoms @theblacksuccubus

The cold, sterile smell of the hospital was almost too familiar by now, a stark reminder of the pain and confusion that had become a constant in your life. Shuri had been rough with you during a training session. Her strength, normally a reassuring presence, had become uncomfortably overbearing, and you found yourself sidelined in the hospital for a few nights on many different occasions. The bruises and aches were secondary to the emotional turmoil of being so close to her yet so far away.

When you were finally released, the confrontation you dreaded sought you out. Shuri had locked herself in her room, unable—or rather unwilling—to face you. Her absence was a silent scream of regret and discomfort, and you could feel the coldness of her avoidance cutting through the air. Her usual self-assured demeanor had cracked, revealing a vulnerability she refused to acknowledge.

Her newfound lack of empathy was one of the hardest things to endure. Shuri often acted as if her own hardships were so monumental that nothing could compare. It became a habit for her to dismiss your struggles with an almost casual cruelty. “Wow. It’s so sad you argue with your mom every day. Where’s mine? Oh, right. I’m done listening,” she would say, brushing off your pain with a shrug. It was as if your problems were trivial compared to the grand scale of her own trials.

This lack of empathy extended to how she handled your relationship, particularly when it came to her interactions with RiRi. Shuri was constantly talking about how beautiful RiRi was, her voice dripping with deliberate poison, meant to provoke jealousy and rage. Despite her attempts to downplay it, her actions spoke volumes. The tension built until it reached a breaking point. One night, the emotional strain pushed you too far and you lashed out at her with every fiber of your being. It was a desperate act of frustration and pain, the culmination of feeling constantly belittled and manipulated.

Shuri looked you dead in the eyes after that you spoke out against her behavior, her gaze cold and unwavering. “You aren’t more important than my work or anyone else in my life,” she said with an icy calm tone. “If you can’t handle that, then you should just leave me alone. Spend the money I give you and keep quiet.” The words cut deep, and the gesture that followed—a transfer of two million dollars to your account—was a bitter reminder of her ability to detach from you emotionally while trying to compensate with financial means. The way she used money as a substitute for emotional connection only deepened the rift between the two of you. Her financial generosity was supposed to be a balm for the wounds she inflicted, but it only served as a stark reminder of how transactional your relationship had become. The many millions of dollars she has transferred to you over the years were a testament to her belief that money could mend what her words and actions had shattered.

Her refusal to even be intimate with you became a weapon she wielded with precision. One morning, you had simply greeted the Dora Milaje with a soft “hi,” and Shuri’s reaction was swift and harsh. “I didn’t like the way you spoke to them,” she declared, her tone final. “No sex tonight. Matter fact, don't touch me for a week.” The punishment felt petty and unjust, a way for her to reassert her control and punish you for perceived slights.

The physical and emotional barriers she built were sometimes more painful than the wounds from training sessions. Her constant criticism, whether it was about your strength or my interactions with others, was a manifestation of her own insecurities. She projected her frustrations onto you, making every exchange feel like a test of endurance rather than a moment of genuine connection.

The dynamic between you often felt like a constant struggle for validation. Shuri’s embarrassment over your perceived lack of strength was another cruel twist in the relationship. “Tighten up, what is the hell is the matter with you,” she’d scold, her impatience palpable. It was as if your struggles were a reflection of her own inadequacies and oh did she despised seeing you falter.

Shuri’s refusal to acknowledge her role in your issues, combined with her tendency to gaslight and dismiss every feeling you expressed, left you reeling. Her actions, from the callous remarks about any family issues to the cruel mind games she played with RiRi, spoke of someone who was deeply conflicted but unwilling to confront her own shortcomings.

Each time you thought you'd find a moment of understanding or solace in one another, Shuri would retreat back into her fortress of self-righteousness and emotional detachment. It was as if she viewed the relationship as a battleground, where the stakes were high and the only victory was maintaining control. Any attempts to address these issues were met with her trademark dismissal or cold logic.

In moments of clarity, you could see the cracks in her armor—the fleeting glimpses of vulnerability and the rare admissions of her own struggles. Yet, these moments were always fleeting, quickly buried under layers of her self-imposed duty and mental barricades. It was a dance between pain and disillusion, where love was twisted into a weapon rather than a source of comfort.

As you navigated the choppy waters of your relationship, it became clear that Shuri was trapped in her own cycle of paranoia and denial. Her inability to balance her personal and professional lives, combined with her tendency to prioritize her work over the connection you two once nurtured, created a volatile environment where genuine affection was often overshadowed by power struggles and emotional manipulation.

The realization of how deeply she was embedded in her own worldview left you grappling with your own emotions. You had to come to terms with the fact that your attempts to reach her or change the situation was no longer necessary. The love you once shared had become a thorn in your side. The high stakes were not just your feelings but your very sense of self-worth and emotional stability.

In the end, you were left to decipher the complexity of your union, trying to find a way to either bridge the gap or finally accept that this cycle of emotional manipulation and control was unsustainable. The journey was marked by moments of intense passion and deep pain, a testament to the intricate and often destructive nature of your once sacred connection. The combination of emotional distance, scheming, and outright cruelty created a relationship that was as painful as it was complex.

[gothicdolores]

Spoilers for killer of killers LOOK AWAY MY LOVES

Having said that;

How are the bad blood girlies and gays feeling cuz yall fucking won I feel 😖😖😖 yes we don’t quite have their clans affiliation confirmed but given that Dan took some of the only best parts of Predators and The Predator I’m wiling to bet there’s something there that will finally give us some bad blood lore beyond the books and comics

Alot of how they operate doesnt really feel all that honorable, and bet that this could just be the new status quo, but Ive said time and time again Dan is very deliberate with that he does w the yautja so far. I don't feel as if he's turning his nose up at the extended lore, but that he likes playing with parts that keep being pushed to the outskirts of canon and given them a proper moment

To include something from what looks to be a proper yautja codex that can be interpreted many ways is genius "go amongst the starts and seek out the most worthy prey, become the killer of Killers" that sounds very standard to what weve seen yautja do! Going out and finding the best - and it's only been one specific group that's taken that mission to mean literally take them

Now we got this opportunity to explore the fact that different yautja are interpreting that message differently and that's 👀 oh so interesting

Translator device babes HERE IS YOUR TROPHY CUZ DAMN LOOK AT THAT COLLAR THING

The fact that it translates yautja but not inter-human languages feels so........poignant idk to me it's always been apparent that in they KNOW humans are crafty and in a pack? Deadly, that's why it's always been a thing to pick out one from a group, going one on one

Which again lends itself to this idea that this particular tribe might not be on the up and up, as the idea that the humans refuse to fight each other seems to confuse them and king Daddy's only solution to that is to blow them up before the good folks around him start catching or empathy cooties

IM JUST SAYING

And I know a lot of folks hate when the yautja die, but the last few movies have made it look like that's a shitty thing to do, when, if done right, reminds us why these guys are obsessed with us in the first place

Not to be all The Indomitable Human Spirit but they have left survivors alone in the past BECAUSE we prove we are indestructible gremlins who won't stop until we literally drop. The yautja of the earlier movies weren't meant to be particularly heroic (but damn are they hot 🥵) but we could respect them on the grounds that they had limits and rules and respected us when we met certain criteria.

Scar, wolf, cruci, fugitive are more far nobler yautja in contrast, so of course we don't want THEM to die, but we mightve lost the reason why we actually want some of them to live if we get upset when every random asshole dies

me personally I love seeing yautja doing some dumbass thing and biting it THATS WHY I LIKE THEM they fuck up, they bleed, that's why I think Dan made it a point for the Clan Leader or whatever to be double teamed by our humans because at the end of the day 👀 hey man if your going to be axed by three little humans maybe you shouldn't be our leader MAYBE IDK

Which brings me to the other thing that's scratching my brain: I truly think this particular group of yautja are just straight up stealing other clans kills

The yautja guards and everyone directly around and taking orders from Gunnar have a very distinct look. I know some are saying the three yautja from the three stories share a trait but I straight up don't see it at all. They're all varied and weird. These hunters fell to their prey and their prey was picked up after the fact - particularly Torres

Bare with me; Ursa's yautja relied so heavily on their prosthetic that it was almost a crutch that she could take advantage of, I didn't find anything particularly weird about the ninja/samurais hunter outside of their facial appearance which could just be a variance, but the dogfight hunter did all that for shits and giggles, there was no way he could've gotten trophies from that, I truly think that yautja was a badblood who was feeling himself

But Torres was literally back home and long since awarded when he was hunted down. That was SO LONG after his fight that I feel like this group just looks up anyone who bested a yautja before and snatches them up. And it tries to the fact that in the credits for Prey, Naru is seen facing down a yautja ship the same as torres

I feel ursa and the samurai had the same experience of "winning" but getting snatched up at some later point - which leads me to say my next words not lightly:

I think this clan of yautja, if not bad bloods, operate like poachers

These aren't big game hunters, these aren't the yautja we've run in before, I truly believe this particular clan poach other yautja's prey and claim them for their own

Gunnar is very showman-y, he knows his people want blood and excitement, he offers himself as the ultimate opponent because if he didn't have the gonads to put himself on the line, why would anyone follow him, he's very glitzy and glamorous but in a yuatjan way. A single "winner" wouldn't cause him any trouble, so it's easy to say hell fight them, but we've seen a FAIR fight would absolutely make him look bad.

...the crops circles were cute btw

But anyway, all those parked yautja ships? This place might look like it's on yautja prime but I live in Vegas and I know a rave when I see it, these folks were out here for a good time not a long time

These yautja are carnies I SAID WHAT I SAID

They take what entertainment they find and dress it up nice but you can't tell me something wasnt off about this whole operation, there is a reason why these yautja freeze their prey instead of letting them go and I don't believe it's because Dan is making any sweeping changes to the more I really don't. He has his OC on the front lines, I will follow Naru anywhere

But what a delight guys! I could actually go on such a tangent about so much but these are my initial thoughts; by all means come scream at me or with me I have time tonight to enjoy it either way

[tr4nsvampyr]

Hello jonmund nation I can’t stop thinking about the way others (the nights watch, the free folk, ramsay etc) look down upon jon and tormund and how homophobic it feels like they didn’t need to write it this way

I can’t separate jon’s murder at the hands of the nights watch and their hatred of his empathy for the free folk in general from homophobia

because Thorne says things like “do you want to choose a man who’s been fighting the wildings all his life, or a man who makes love to them?” And yes, he is obviously talking about ygritte but the present tense and the way they bristle at jon’s closeness to tormund makes it way too easy to think that the nights watch is disturbed by them for more than one reason. Thinking about Jon being lured down into the courtyard and attacked for his “love of the wildlings” just ruins my brain chemistry

ALSO. There is a deleted scene between thorne and tormund that just makes this 10000X more impactful because tormund is essentially flaunting to thorne that jon will not let anything happen to him

LIKE IS THIS NOT JUST RIDICULOUS

AND in season 6 when jon reads ramsay’s letter which says “I will not trouble you or your wildling lovers” WHILE TORMUND IS SITTING RIGHT THERE??? LOVERS PLURAL???

that scene on its own is insane because the more uncomfortable jon gets and the angrier tormund does he starts to shift closer and is eventually in jon’s personal space responding strongly to the way jon is shifting in his seat and breathing heavily, and he is STARING DAGGERS into jon

as for the wildlings, their anger towards jon is expressed very often through homophobic ridiculing of his perceived femininity, calling him “pretty” as an admonishment (the person who calls Jon pretty before this is CRASTER) and this extends to tormund in the BIBLICAL scene where the lord of bones starts to mock tormund by asking if him and “the pretty crow” have sex implying that tormund is making himself sexually vulnerable for a crow.

tormund obviously reacts SO STRONGLY that he beats him to death right there, which can easily be played or laughs or like as a man he was just ultra offended by the idea someone would think that of him, but if there’s any vibe weve had from tormund so far I would not say they’d have us believe he would genuinely be that horrified by someone thinking that of him. to my deluded mind, his rage feels very much like someone who feels called out, like he IS attracted to Jon and hearing someone mock him for it is just too much.

When tormund later calls jon pretty, which has before only been said to him with venom, he says it with reverence and follows it up with praise of his ability.

anyway teehee

[crushedsweets]

Can you more info of Clocky's and Jeff relationship plss🙏🙏🙏

OK SO.

When clocky was infected by the operator and going on killing sprees, she would often pass out in random ditches or gas station bathrooms or other random places - and more than once, Jeff found her.

His very first reaction to her was that she was Really Fucking Cool. Total badass, covered in blood with that freaky clock eye and a smile kinda like his. And she’s huge, she carries around a machete, and he could just tell she was like him (in the operator infection sense)

So he would drag her to safer areas! Ensuring the police couldn’t get to her. Would dump water on her to wake her up. Usually she’d startle awake and start swinging, but he’d (sort of) get her to settle down

Eventually, she saw him as someone relatively safe. She didn’t realize his intentions were largely to have a killing buddy, but she figured he understood her position—traumatized and being used as a vessel by some greater being.

They grew to have a sibling like relationship, bickering and shoving and just messing around. He was her only contact for a while

When the proxies finally subdued clocky and got the operator out of her system, she began staying in the abandoned barn …. Where he happened to stay.

Cue more sibling and roomie drama .

BUT regardless, they do care about eachother a lot. Clocky is really really really grateful for anytime he’s saved her ass from the police, and Jeff just really enjoys her company. He was pretty excited when she showed up to the barn

He was kinda bummed when he realized she was done killing now that the operator couldn’t force her to, since in his mind, that was a huge connection for them . But he got over it

That’s why clocky had a really hard time with Nina. One, she knew they were both terrible for eachother. Two, she also knew that Jeff would be more likely to go too far. And the idea of Jeff eventually killing Nina like one of his many victims stressed her out, especially because Jeff wouldn’t listen to ANYONE.

but she feels just really … connected to him. Like that’s the brother she didn’t get to have, because her own was a monster. Jeff was evil in other ways, but never to her - if anything he had protected her, which makes him one of the first to ever extend her any help when she was denied it all her life. Having to sacrifice her relationship with Jeff because she can only turn a blind eye to his behavior for so long (behavior as in murder recklessness lack of empathy etc)

I mentioned in another post that a huge part of clockys character in my AU is learning to accept help because independence to the point of isolation is harmful, and Jeff’s one of the first stepping stones to her realization that she can trust, depend, and rely on others

I don’t think Jeff is particularly protective over her because he knows 9/10 she can hold her own against nearly anybody, but he cares about her. Jeff obviously has sibling issues and anyone he develops a sibling-like relationship to (aka clocky, Sally, lazari, Ben) are people he really cares about. It’s nice with Clocky because she’s near his age, while he usually has to play big-brother with the others (which is healing in its own right, considering Liu …….)