#I am the mask and the wearer

[aropride]

im about to start bashing my head into a wall thinking about covid what the fuck is going on . how do people not care . i dont understand at all

[dimsilver]

Just started thinking about how Apen and Lockwood really need to meet each other (the trauma. the leadership. the suicidalness. the healing.) and then realized the combinations of Berlyne and Lucy and Enel and George are both completely right and completely terrifying

[necarion]

Nobody fucking believes me that putting on a mask helps the wearer stop coughing and sneezing.

Coughing and sneezing are generally caused by the body trying to clear irritants. And very frequently, this irritation is exacerbated by dusts and pollens in the air. So by wearing a mask, you can cut down on the thing that is further triggering your cough and sneeze. Further, masks also condition the air and make the air you're breathing in moister, which reduces further irritation of the lungs.

If you were dusting, and the dust was making you sneeze, you could put on a mask and make the sneezing stop. (Note: a startling number of people also refuse to believe this, even though it's really obvious that "keep the dust out of your face" reduces "sneezing because there is dust in your face".) If you're already irritated, you can end up getting triggered by a lower threshold of dust.

When I have a cough, one of the first things I do is mask up, even when I'm entirely alone. Because if I'm not actually sick, the mask will often cut the coughing to zero (especially if my cough is asthma-based). And if I am sick, it'll cut it dramatically (and reduce post-nasal drip, which causes more coughing).

I have convinced exactly one person of this. Yes, masking is uncomfortable. (It helps a lot if you have a comfortable mask, though.) But also, so is coughing a lot, which also happens to spray gross stuff into the air.

For your own sake, put on a mask and stop complaining about how uncomfortable you are because you keep coughing.

I promise, it really works.

[snipefr]

I need a masked dragon. one whose mask is their face and who is constantly switching for a different mask but none is any more or less real than any other

[fujouppy]

god i am such a blogger im so proud of that .

[dollfat]

i literally need to be seen.

[jaspvids]

The Diagnosis Of David

Disclaimer: I am by no means a mental health professional. This is just a meta-analysis.

What do we think of when we think of David?

His values of kindness. Optimism. Hope. Conviction. Passion. His drive to do his best every single day. The way he always makes an effort to reach out to others.

But also:

Attachment issues. People pleaser. Rose-colored glasses wearer. And at times, though the fandom doesn’t want to acknowledge it — Selfish. Unstable. Rude. Hypocritical. Kind of a dick.

See this video I made;

He’s complex, so let’s try to unpack him, and figure out what he’s got going on under that floof.

On David’s Childhood

David has been through a number of traumatic events in his childhood, most notably:

Witnessing Jasper fall to his near-death.

Finding Jasper, and being almost mauled by bears during the escape.

Clown school was apparently very bad, given the flashback-like reaction he had when it was mentioned. I’m unsure of his age when this occurred, however.

The fight with Jasper at the cave before they parted ways.

Losing Jasper. He says Cameron told him he was picked up by his parents, but I’m not convinced it’s not just his mind trying to erase painful memories.

As far as what we don’t necessarily see in the show, but can infer, David’s father was either not present or not great. He dreamt Cameron was his real father, as seen below.

And we all know Cameron is an awful father figure to begin with.

Yet, that’s better to David, apparently, than whatever he had at home. Which implies it was likely a pretty bad situation.

This can also be backed up by his attachment to the camp — growing up (and even now) it seems to be more of a home to him than his actual home.

That’s a home that hasn’t ever been mentioned, by the way. Contrary to Gwen, we know absolutely nothing about his family. He hasn’t talked about them once, if I recall correctly.

David is often open with emotions, if not wearing his heart on his sleeve. So why would he never mention his family and home?

We know why.

Even as an adult, he has retained this attachment to Cameron (who has in turn, continued to use this attachment to his benefit). He gets very excited about helping Cameron change in “keep the change” — because he needs to believe people who hurt him can get better. Otherwise, it’s too painful to bear.

The Loss Of Jasper

Part of his childhood, but significant enough to warrant its own section.

Jasper and David had a very interesting relationship. We’ve seen in the past that David was pessimistic, foulmouthed, and hot-tempered, directly compared to an optimistic, peppy, popular Jasper.

But then Jasper saw Cameron’s real self, and David received a modicum of praise for what was likely the first time based on his reaction. And so, they basically did somewhat of a switcheroo.

(David takes on many traits of Jasper after this experience, showing that he does admire him at the end of the day. I believe these traits are the foundation of David’s many masks.)

Despite the whole shebang, further episodes show us that they form a strong bond (or maintain one, we don’t know what happened before the first Jasper and David episode.)

What makes this friendship especially crucial in David’s development is that I believe Jasper was the first person to truly stand up for David.

David is, as we have seen, easily manipulated. Jasper picks up on this, and knowing Cameron’s just trying to use his best friend, tries to take Cameron down.

Jasper essentially died trying to protect David.

If Jasper hadn’t died, I don’t think David would have ended up as gullible and dependent as he is. If he had the more rational and realistic Jasper by his side during the rest of his developmental years, I believe things would have ended up much, much differently.

With Jasper’s death, there seems to be nobody else at camp who knows of Cameron’s crimes, or possibly, doesn’t want to speak out about them. Nobody to stand up for him. Nobody to redirect him.

So there’s nobody to stop the unhealthy-attachment-train from picking up speed.

Cameron And David’s Relationship

Cameron is manipulative and abusive towards David. This even becomes physical:

Despite this, David continues to idolize him as is seen in many cases of abuse. He works his ass off maintaining Cameron’s camp. Cameron’s approval makes or breaks him, because this is the man he sees as a father, unfortunately.

In addition, David is unable to let go of the hope that Cameron can change, because he’s convinced himself that deep down Cameron is still “good”, based on his skewed perception of him. And we all know how that ended.

But as Diane from Bojack Horseman once said —

And that is David’s problem — he wants so much for there to be a “deep down”, that there will be a day where Cameron showers him with praise and throws signed adoption forms at him, etcetera.

He judges Cameron not on who he actually is, but who he wants him to be. And so, the unhealthy attachment remains.

(Which is, of course, incredibly destructive to his mental health.)

Other Things We Know About His Mental Health, From Canon

We know he takes meds.

We know he has (sometimes dissociative) panic attacks.

We know he has been seen to suddenly snap, even to the point of violence.

My Final Conclusion: C-PTSD

(As the trauma has been not just one event, but many over the course of his life, and among other reasons, I believe CPTSD fits better than PTSD.)

David meets much of the criteria, most notably:

Lack of emotional regulation

Dissociation

Flashbacks

Anxiety

Guilt and shame

Distorted perception of abuser

Relationship difficulties

Okay this was long I’m tired good night.

[riderofthemist]

I am asthmatic. In my case, it's not disabling, it's just a pain in the neck once in a while. Every time I mention I have asthma or someone sees my inhalator, they ask if it's not a problem for me to wear a mask while being asthmatic. Every. Single. Time. And every time those people are not mask wearers. I don't know if they ask this question to do small-talk or if they genuinely care about my well-being but I always answer the same thing. No, for me, it's not a problem. Conversation's over. But if I told you that actually, sometimes it is a problem. Sometimes I have a hard time breathing, and with the mask, it can soon be pretty uncomfortable to the point where I can't focus on anything and feel dizzy. And when it happens, I would love to be able to remove my mask to just like... breath. But I can't. And you know why I can't? Because people aren't wearing a mask. If I answered that, would you start wearing mask? So that I can breath when I need to. So that I can take a break when I'm having an autistic crisis. So that I won't be afraid of doing a panic attack and having someone taking off my respirator. And so that every other disable person who needs to take off their mask for a moment or just can't wear a mask can live.

[kryscent]

tsuki no hikari ☆ 2

an: it's 1.45 I promise I will format this later today. please have these crumbs as I have awoken from the depths of tumblr trenches - school has been cooking me but I am the chef now

pairings: opla!zoro x gn!reader

wc: 1.5k

content briefing: slow slowburn. canon typical violence (description and dialogue). the east blue saga. lore heavy!reader. multi-chaptered work so expect fluff, angst and suggestive content ahead. alternating povs. the reader used to go by the name hikari but is not an oc (i promise its for the plot)

synopsis: a vigilante of sorts, you roamed the east blue without any particular aim, until one odd mission pulls you back into a part of your life you'd almost left behind, meeting someone you'd almost forgotten.

previous | next

When you trench-crawled into the circus tent, Zoro was mostly taken aback by how invisible you were to his notice – he didn’t even know you were there until you got to your feet, staring at him, before walking right out. The other part of him was rattled by the shockingly familiar kitsune mask on the side of your head, resting at your temple and streaked with sandy dust.

An unnerving stillness, he has to turn to look to know if you’re behind him by a half-step, or leaning on the wall with him. It messes with him – his senses are sharpened as far as they can go, from years of gruelling training and meditation, and yet, you dodge and elude every barricade of his perception with hushed ease. It's achingly intrusive, a nagging thought at the edge of his memories.

It's when you introduce yourself – as a Shimotsuki scholar, not specific to the swordcraft of the village but the region; shinobi – that the nagging ebbs away to the recesses of his consciousness, clearing the path like the rising tides at dusk washing away sand that had settled at noon.

The sifted sand settles, murkiness giving way to diaphanous caustics when he realises where he had last seen that shroud; that kitsune.

Porcelain white, ribbons and curves painted in bleeding crimson in crescents, meandering around the eyes, looping into the temple and swirling the swell of the cheek.

Turning away after receiving the Wado Ichimonji from his sensei; the day is dim, cloudy; gaze rising from the sword in his outstretched hands to sweep mindlessly over the students in funeral garb – a white belt over their black gi replacing the usual emerald – his eyes catching onto the bone white mask in a sea of solemn faces; his stomach dropping at the haunting expression of the wearer, or lack thereof, shadows bending into the crevices where their eyes should be, hands folded neatly on their lap.

When Zoro isn’t spending hours upon hours in solitary training, he doesn’t have much to do – he used to spend time running through the forests, climbing trees and jumping into slow, deep-enough rivers with Kuina – he now lacked that companion. A companion. Not that he thinks company was necessary to have fun, of course, but it’s whatever.

So, instead, he dedicates his time to discerning the weird, freakishly quiet student, who for some reason only appears for four months a year. He asked sensei why they visit so randomly, and he said it's because they travel to different villages to study different subjects in rotation by order of an Emperor of the Seas – which Zoro thinks is stupid: there’s only one subject worthy of dedicated learning, and that is swordsmanship. But whatever. (Implore. He’s only eleven years old. His worldview is green.)

“Hey,” he kicks a rock in your direction, where you’re advancing through the katas you’d apparently modified yourself, alone in relative silence aside from the sharp “hai” you raise at the end of each progression, and the distinct whoosh of your wooden katanas whipping through the air.

You pause momentarily, nodding in acknowledgement, before resuming and beginning the next set. “When did you first come here?” he asks, drawing his foot out to the pebble to drag it back to him, to kick it around. “Last year,” you hum, breathy from the exertion of holding out two swords. The year she died. You probably didn’t get to meet her, he ponders numbly, kicking at the ground a bit harder. (You did. Kuina knew you, and liked you well enough to speak to you more than once. But it is not for him to know yet.)

“What's your name?” he asks, staring at you. You tilt your head mid swing, wondering what to say. “Dunno, but my Sofu used to call me Hikari.”

“How old’re you?’’ You raise a brow at the barrage of questions, sweat trickling down your hairline. “Eleven.”

Oh. Same age. She was a year older. She is twelve this year. Would have been.

Despite your fluid movements, whetted but poised, there’s that creepy stillness that he doesn’t like – you complete each move decisively, firm, but you’re still nimble, light footed. Like a bird preparing to take flight, a cat arching its back before leaping away. ‘Ready to run away from a fight at a moment’s notice,’ he thinks to himself, nose upturned with contempt, ‘Like a coward.’

He decides he doesn’t talk to cowards, because they’re weak, and walks away right as you turn at the lack of response, sudden silence, rock flicking at your ankle.

That was the first and last time he ever bothered to approach you.

He observes how you stand close at Luffy’s right, Nami on his left, nodding along to his requirements for his dream ship. Your light footfalls down the wooden boardwalk to the shipyard contrast his careless ones as Nami suggests sneaking away with one, and he stops in his tracks.

‘You want to steal a ship?’ Luffy, for once, has no trace of a smile on his lips when talking to them. Nami only sighs, exasperated. ‘How else did you think we were gonna get one? Pay for something we can’t even afford?’

‘There’s a lot of hardwork and effort that goes into the craft,’ you murmur dimly, casting a sidelong glance at the numerous workers – their arms glistening, shirts sweat soaked and dusted with sawdust from carving wood in the hot sun – and you square your shoulders, standing upright. ‘It’s not…fair to that labour; to take advantage of what they reap.’

‘The awesome ship that's gonna get us to the Grand Line,’ he counters, voice firm as he nods in agreement with you, ‘–is as much of a member of our crew as the rest of us. And if we’re going to get a great ship, we’re gonna get it the right way.’

‘Yeah you can pitch that to the salesman, I’m sure he’ll strike a deal with that story,’ she shoots back, glaring at the both of you with her voice dripping with sarcasm, but it doesn’t register. He beams, throwing finger guns. ‘Exactly!’ Zoro’s eyes fall to you as you laugh lightly, shaking your head, before Luffy pulls you along by your hand without much protest from your side.

‘So what’re we actually going to do?’ he rests his wrists on the hilt of Wado, watching you go. ‘I don’t know,’ Nami drops her arms against her side. ‘Guess we’ll just have to scope out and see how lax the security is around here,’ she tilts her head with a tired smirk.

‘Got it.’

Luffy knew you; going as far as calling you one of his best friends, despite not having mentioned you before. You seem to be… good, a lot like Luffy when it comes to big dreams and unshakeable morals. There’s a lot he doesn’t know about you, he surmises, looking away to peer at the multitude of handmade vessels, most with only a frame of wood to call a hull, and others, rarer, are honed to perfection. Like the caravel in front of him, a ram as a figurehead, with Luffy clambering up the makeshift scaffold staircase to get to it, with you in tow. His eyes stray from the ship to you, the relenting agreement to go wherever Luffy drags you, the glint in your eyes, the curve of your smile- stop.

Zoro knew there was something familiar about you, unable to put his finger on it until you introduced yourself fully, so he knows enough now. Cool. Normal.

It gets abnormal when he realises he wants to know more.

More than just your name, than what's good for him. For his goal.

Shaking his head imperceptibly to himself, he eyes up the catwalk, squinting in the sun as Luffy chats with someone on board, holding a rag. As the trio of you make your way down, he studies you (doesn’t even realise he’s doing it), paying heed to how you stay close to your captain and don’t say much at all in response to their conversation aside from amicable nods and sparse laughter.

‘Guys, this is Usopp, and he’s gonna sell us his ship – it’s the one,’ he nods solemnly, patting Usopp’s hand.

‘Uh– technically it’s not my ship, and I’m not a salesman,’ it sounds more like a question than a statement, and Nami narrows her eyes at him. ‘Do you even work here?’At her cynicism, the guy aligns himself, straightening his shoulders.

‘’Course I work here! I’m the Chief Officer of Encrustation Removal and Aviary Waste Disposal.’ To his credit, his confidence is unwavering and Luffy nods, jaw-dropped, along to the contrived title. ‘He scrubs barnacles and cleans bird shit,’ Zoro calls bullshit, scuffing his boot against the planks.

Usopp falters, but soldiers on. ‘But…I do know the person who owns it – owns the whole shipyard ‘fact,’ he smirks, gripping Luffy’s shoulder and giving it a firm shake. ‘She’s my best friend; rich rich. I can take you to her, if you’d like. Help strike a deal maybe?’ Nami smiles at the swordsman, and he shrugs noncommittally. Deals? Now that was something she could get around.

‘I’d love to meet her.’

kryscent '24

do not copy repost etc. likes and reblogs are most definitely appreciated!

dividers by @cafekitsune | gif by @divineandmajesticinone

taglist: @gaslysainz @janedoe-69

taglist is open! lmk if i missed out on your tag <3

[kyntypes]

I am beyond sick of the discourse and division in the alterhuman community.

Whether it be about misanthropy, "TikTok therians", physical therians/otherkin/nonhumans, fictionkins, otherlinks, quadrobics, masks, gear, nonhumans who are also human, etc., it's just so frustrating to see the divide the community has.

I thought that the alterhuman community would be a bit more accepting of the "weirdos", even the slightest bit of taboo, or those who have differing opinions in general about alterhumanity. Dead wrong.

It feels very human in some regard to me to want to divide individuals into groups, and to put them into boxes. If you're a quadrobist, or a mask-maker/wearer, I've noticed that often they're regarded as less alterhuman and/or nonhuman for simply doing those things. Same with therians who see their physical body as human. They're seen as less nonhuman because they've embraced their human condition. There's a hint of a superiority complex I notice in some posts because they are fully nonhuman. Cool. I'm genetically nonhuman, but I don't put those down who have human bodies. They belong in the alterhuman community themselves. And vice versa. Just because you've embraced your humanity doesn't mean the being you are interacting with also should. Mentally ill or not, they deserve respect.

I've also noticed that otherhearts are often pushed to the side because they aren't non-human, otherlinks are told off because of their voluntary identity, ableism is rampant within the therian community, misinformation is being spread at a rapid rate on popular platforms, etc... it's exhausting.

I just wish the community would come together more often, and actually embrace our differences. I'm talking asking questions, and wanting to learn more about someone's identity instead of shutting it down. Be involved with each other. Don't be so quick to label another being. Alterhuman children are still alterhuman, and also deserve a voice. Nonhumans aren't the only beings in the alterhuman community, and so much more.

Disclaimer: This is just my opinion based on what I see on Tumblr, and outside of Tumblr. This isn't directed at anyone per se, however, I just wanted to share my viewpoint and see if anybody else agreed. I could be wrong, and my brain is being nitpicky, but again, this is just my perspective as a nonhuman who'd count as a 'holothere'.

[wesleysniperking]

Sniper King is a soldier and a warrior, not an imitator. Put some respect on his name!

I was arguing with someone on Reddit (big surprise), and they were trying to tell me that Sniper King (yes, Usopp) was wearing a sun god mask because he was trying to emulate Luffy. But I am convinced that one of the reasons why—and there are indeed layers to this, not just surface level—is that the sun god mask signifies Usopp’s allegiance to Luffy (or Sun God Nika). Usopp donned that mask as a warrior to prove that he was a soldier ready to fight alongside and for Luffy.

What these Usopp haters miss is the deeper cultural significance of the mask. In many African traditions, masks symbolize spirits of the dead, totem animals, and other supernatural forces. They are deeply rooted in animism, the worship of the natural world. A mask might represent a nearby river, an animal, or a deceased ancestor. When Usopp puts on the Sniper King mask, he’s not just hiding his identity—he’s transforming into a new entity, embodying the spirit of a warrior.

This transformation aligns perfectly with the idea that Usopp is trying to grow and become someone stronger. Oda himself has said that Usopp would be African, and in African cultures, masks are used to initiate transformation, allowing the wearer to influence the spirits they are appealing to or offering thanks to. During a performance, the masked masquerader transforms into the spirit or entity represented by the mask, with their identity reinforced through song and dance. (Hmm…hence that whole thing with the Sogeking opening sequence and theme song)

So, the sun god mask Usopp wears isn’t about imitation; it’s about praise, admiration, honor, and acknowledgment. It’s a physical mechanism for Usopp to initiate his own transformation, symbolizing his commitment to fight alongside Luffy. There’s so much more depth here, but I’m standing firm against the notion that Usopp was trying to mimic Luffy. That’s a load of cow dung. It’s amazing how often I end up arguing with Usopp haters. They should just admit their bias instead of trying to stamp it as "objective." No way is it objective when you’re trying to convince an Usopp fan that Usopp’s worthless when he clearly isn’t.

Like seriously. People forget that Usopp is a storyteller. And that Oda said if the Straw Hats were in the real world Usopp would be African. I’m so with (a firm supporter in) this animistic beliefs narrative.

More thoughts on the subject of Usopp, Africa, Going Merry, and what it has to do with Water 7 and the narrative:

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3 - unrelated link

Link 4 - unrelated link

outside link that brings home a point

usopp community I created. feel free to join.

[unfortunately-obsessed]

Bruce be like "Brucie Wayne is a persona, a mask, the Batman is the true me." And okay, okay, when he's on a gala in front of the cameras with that million dollars smile, playing the undoubtedly airhead? Yeah. That's a mask, fake, artificial.

Oh boy but when he's Batman, he's performing too. It's true that he get to be a little shit more as Batman, scaring goons left and right for the giggles, and then being the actual menace that he is by taking down villains that Superman couldn't. But he still is performing, he's setting up himself to be a myth, "more than a man", something that criminals can fear and that gives hope to little kids

And I mean all that as, the mask and the wearer are one. And I mean it as, there's an audience to perform to, the curtains are open and people are waiting

So when he is his truest self?

6 AM and he just came back from patrol and Alfred is giving him the lecture of his life and suddenly he is but little kid that spilled juice. When all his kids are home, playing and laughing, and he feels like the the most blessed of men. When Talia kisses him and he forgets the sky is blue until his lungs run out of oxygen and it might as well rewire his brain. When he gets to see people that otherwise wouldn't get the chance getting dignity– a stable job, good working conditions, great houses, to be catered. When he gets to watch a boy be reunited with his parents, all three crying, eternally grateful grateful grateful

[lotties-ashwagandha]

WE NEED MORE OF THE GODDESS WEEMS CULT IMAGINE THE READER ACTUALLY STARTING A CULT WITH HER STUDENTS AND DOING SOME KIND OF "PRAYER" WHEN LARISSA WALKS IN AND IS LIKE "I'm too old for this-" AND GIVE THE READER A GOOD SCOLD ABOUT IT BUT CAN'T HOLD IT AND EVENTUALLY LAUGH IT OFF BUT IS SERIOUS ABOUT ENDING THE CULT BUT READER IS LIKE "Hmm maybe" PLEASE STAND FOR THE GODDESS WEEMS CULT 🛐🛐🛐

HAHAHQHAGAG BYE I LOVE THIS OK HERE U GO ANON:

-

CULT ACTIVITY?

pairing: teacher!reader x larissa weems

word count: 809

notes and warnings: ok so I loveee this request but I edited the plot just a bit,, I’ve made it so that reader and her students are pranking Larissa w pretending they started a fr cult lol

You had never really intended for any of it to go this far.

It had started as a joke between a few of your students, that you were so infatuated with Larissa Weems that you would be starting a cult for her. Larissa had found out, and after ensuring that you were just embarrassed enough, she had let it go. You were sure she had already forgotten about it.

The semester was soon to be ending. After the incident with Marilyn Thornhill and the Hyde, everyone was a bit shaken up, and classes would only be continuing for another week or so. You had determined that your students were in desperate need of some fun — everyone was still so jumpy, and your classes were unusually quiet.

Every year, at the end of the semester, the principal of Nevermore was required to observe each class to check the teachers’ performances. Students were also meant to submit review forms for each professor, which had been submitted the week before.

Today was your day of inspection. Larissa would be sitting in on your last class of the day, for which you had prepared little homework for the students to do.

Instead, you had gone into Jericho and bought 25 black capes and 25 black masks. They were now in one of the drawers of your desk, waiting to be revealed as all of the students of your last class of the day filed into the classroom.

Once everyone was seated, you looked at the clock — you had only a few minutes before Larissa would arrive.

“Good afternoon,” you said, and within moments the classroom grew silent. “Today I’ve prepared for you all an extra special assignment.”

Murmurs erupted through the class, whispers about quizzes and essays. You held back a laugh, for your plans were so much different than what they had suspected.

“Some of you have been spreading jokes about a Goddess Weems cult. While I know it may be disappointing that such a thing does not and likely will not exist at Nevermore, Principal Weems will be joining us for this class period, and I think we’re all due for a bit of fun,” you explained, beginning to take the capes and masks out of your desk. “Today we’re going to be pranking our favorite principal.”

—

Larissa knocked lightly on the door to your classroom, giving everyone a moment to settle before she crept in.

She furrowed her eyebrows — the lights to the classroom were off, and the students stood facing her as shadowy figures, dressed in cheap Halloween masks and Dracula-esque capes.

Larissa flipped on the lights, and upon seeing you at your desk in a Jack O’Lantern mask and cape, she could hardly stifle a laugh. “Am I being initiated into a cult or something?”

A few of the students broke into quiet laughter, for which they got scolded by some of their classmates. After a moment everyone said in unison, “All hail Goddess Weems. We pledge our loyalty to the wearer of Crimson Lipstick Number 10 from Walmart. May her followers be blessed.”

Larissa glanced around in disbelief, crossing her arms. “Well, I suppose it’s about time you all realized how wonderful a principal I am.”

At this you broke, in hysterics as you took off your pumpkin mask. “We haven’t even gotten to the choreographed dance yet! Was it at least a bit creepy when all the lights were off and we were just standing there?”

“Oh, this was meant to scare me?” Larissa teased, coming to stand across from you at your desk.

“I thought it was very terrifying!” Said Eugene as he took off his zombie mask. “I haven’t been this thrilled since half of my bees flew away and battled an enemy tribe.”

“That’s…. so very interesting,” you nodded, attempting to picture how bees would have a ‘battle.’

“Class is dismissed early today,” Larissa announced, and your class broke out in excited whispers.

When you nodded, they all began to rush out into the halls.

“I’m not sure if I should be flattered or concerned,” Larissa teased. “I must admit, I’ve never been pranked by a teacher before.”

“I’m honored to be the first,” you teased, taking off your cape before going over to wrap your arms around her.

“I could fail your faculty inspection for cult activity.”

“You could, but then I’d get fired, and you’d have no one to bring you coffee to your office every morning.”

“I could get an assistant,” she teased.

“Yes, but they would buy the cheap coffee grounds. I splurge for the whole $7 pack.”

Larissa laughed, her voice airy and angelic.

“Besides,” you added with a small smile, “you like having me around.”

“What do you mean? All I did was marry you.”

You shook your head, grinning. “And now we have an entire cult.”

———

taglist: @cartoonpeoples @thedeconstructionist @cordeliass @paulsonsratched @goodeday2u @traumatisedfangirl @mayfair-fleur

[covid-safer-hotties]

Your Rights to Wear a Mask in Public in Nassau County - Published Aug 14, 2024

Follow the link to help or take action!

Politicians across the country, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, have voiced support for enacting mask bans under the guise of stopping crime. On Long Island, Nassau County has already enacted a broad, overreaching mask ban. This comes as COVID-19 continues to surge and protestors face continued, unrelenting doxxing and targeted surveillance.

Here’s what you need to know.

Are there mask bans currently in effect in New York State? Nassau County’s “Mask Transparency Act” was signed into law on August 14, 2024 and went into effect immediately. Ballston Spa, a village near Albany, has passed its own mask ban targeting protestors. It remains legal to wear a mask or other face covering elsewhere in New York State.

Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have both publicly expressed support for enacting mask bans, and New York Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz introduced a statewide mask ban in May, but the bill has not yet proceeded through the legislature and is not in effect.

What types of face coverings or masks will be affected by this law? Nassau County’s mask ban language is vague and does not differentiate between medical masks like N95s, KN95s and surgical masks, and other types of masks or “facial coverings” including niqabs, burqas, wrapping a scarf or bandana around your face, and costume masks.

What is the penalty if I am arrested for wearing a mask? Violating Nassau County’s mask ban is considered a misdemeanor, and those arrested can be subject to a $1,000 fine, one year imprisonment, or both.

Is there an age restriction in the Nassau County mask ban? No, a person wearing a mask or other face covering of any age, including children, can be charged with a violation of Nassau County’s mask ban.

Can I be stopped by a police officer just because I am wearing a mask? In Nassau County, yes.

Officers are supposed to have “reasonable suspicion” that you are engaging in, or intend to engage in, criminal activity in order to stop you. However, Nassau may try to apply this broadly to include wearing a mask while driving, wearing a mask while gathering in a public place – such as a bus stop, block party, or protest – or knowingly allowing or helping people who are masked to gather in a public place.

Do I have to remove my face covering if an officer asks me to? Police cannot force you to take off your mask unless you are stopped in a vehicle or they have reasonable suspicion that you are engaging in or intend to engage in a criminal activity in Nassau County.

Can I be arrested just for wearing a mask in Nassau? Law enforcement officers need probable cause to arrest you – meaning they must have solid evidence based on objective circumstances that you have committed, are committing, or are about to commit a crime. However, Nassau’s broad bill language could allow police to interpret probable cause to include something as banal as wearing a mask while gathering in a public place – such as a bus stop, block party, or protest – or knowingly allowing or helping people who are masked to gather in a public place.

Are there exceptions for people wearing masks for health or religious purposes? Yes. The Nassau legislation states that it:

“…shall not apply to facial coverings worn to protect the health or safety of the wearer, for religious or cultural purposes, or for the peaceful celebration of a holiday or similar religious or cultural event for which the wearing of masks or facial coverings are customarily worn.”

The “health and safety” exception applies only to those who are masking to protect their own health and safety, and does not apply to those who wear a mask solely to protect others. For example, someone who wears a mask for the sole purpose of protecting a family member who is immunocompromised from exposure to illness is not legally permitted to wear a mask in public under Nassau County’s mask ban. It also doesn’t allow those who are sick – with a cold or flu, for example – and may be contagious to wear a mask to protect others and prevent the spread of illness.

Law enforcement must respect the religious practices of everyone they come into contact with. If you wear a niqab or burqua, you should not be required to remove your religious garb unless absolutely necessary – for instance, should you be arrested, law enforcement can mandate your face is unencumbered if your photograph must be taken. If you are made to remove your niqab or burqa, you can request that you be able to do so in a private room with female officers, and where male officers are not present. Currently, Nassau County does not have codified policies governing how law enforcement must engage with people wearing religious garments such as niqabs and burqas, and decisions about religious head and face coverings are left to the discretion of the police department and sheriff’s office.

Do I have to prove my religious or health reasons for wearing a facial covering to law enforcement? No. Law enforcement cannot make you provide a doctor’s note proving your health reasons for wearing a mask, nor force you to disclose private health information.

They also cannot make you provide evidence of your religious affiliation or religious practices.

How can I fight back against mask bans? Get Involved and learn more:

Disability Rights NY Mask Bloc Long Island COVID Advocacy NY Jews for Mask Rights Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Find your local mask bloc Take Action No New Yorker should not have to fear that leaving home in a mask or face covering – whether for health, religious, or privacy reasons – could lead to harassment, intimidation, or arrest.

Tell lawmakers to reject mask bans and protect New Yorkers’ health, religious, and privacy rights.

[rosemarytales]

Clothing colour symbolism in The White Queen

So. I was looking at this image and wondering why Richard stands out so much in terms of colour and what it might mean, which led me down a rabbit hole. I discovered that there's one too many coincidences to be casual.

So, here's my theory about each character and what their clothing says about them and their motives.

Richard Duke of Gloucester

Richard, throughout the first episodes of the show, is mostly seen wearing either blue or Edward's trademark colours (cream, white). Blue signifies loyalty, a trademark of Richard ("Loyaulté me lie") and that loyalty is to Edward.

After Edward's death, he is seen wearing a darker shade of blue (blue + black = loyalty and grief). He is wearing full black after the deaths of Edward his son and of Anne.

Edward IV

Edward wears mostly cream or beige. It could be interpreted as white (purity), in some cases even as yellow (generosity). I haven't found much about cream: maybe it was normal nobility clothing, even though the most common association with nobility is royal purple.

The most interesting thing about his outfits is when other characters match him to show their loyalty to him, most notably Elizabeth and Richard, but also George after his betrayal of Warwick.

Sometimes, him and Elizabeth alternate, with one scene where one is wearing cream and the other light blue and viceversa, which may represent their loyalty to each other. I think, but I am not sure, that the one who is wearing cream is the main focus of the scene, whereas the blue-wearer is showing their support. But I don't remember the context of the scenes, so this is just conjecture.

His colours are always light though, be it yellow or blue.

George Duke of Clarence

I would have expected George to wear a lot of green, considering it is the colour of envy, so I was quite surprised when I realised he didn't so much (he still does sometimes, though). I had noticed, however, that in his introduction scene, while both his brothers are wearing cream/beige (matching), he stands out with orange clothes.

What does orange represent? "Worthwhile ambition". Checks out.

He sheds the orange definitively by the time he joins Edward's side again (as shown in the top picture) and he wears progressively lighter clothing, possibly showing his redemption? By the time of Isabelle's death and his own, he is only wearing a white chemise. He is visibly wearing the chemise under black clothes (grief) at the masked party.

But, do you know who wears a lot of green?

Richard Earl of Warwick

Do I need to explain this one? He envies both Edward and the Woodvilles for the power they hold.

He wears some yellow, which represents generosity, so long as he is keeping up friendly appearances and up until his betrayal of Edward. He does not, however, wear white, because the last thing he wants is peace. He is just acting like it for what he thinks is Edward's sake.

Queen Elizabeth

White is the colour of peace (in the first scene she is trying to make peace with Edward). We also see specks of blue (loyalty), probably to her dead husband.

However, she is most often seen wearing yellow (generosity), most notably at her coronation, white (purity) and light blue (loyalty). Much like Richard, she often matches with Edward.

Queen Anne

Anne is quite funny. She changes colours quite a lot, sometimes matching Richard, her sister or her father, other times not matching anyone else.

I think it shows her loyalty is to the people she loves and not to loyalty itself, unlike her husband. However, she is also ambitious and follows her own agenda, but she's always careful not to step on any toes.

She is loyal, generous, reliable and sometimes envious, which all shows in her clothing throughout the show.

Literal Queen.

Margaret Beaufort

Say what you want about her, but I am in love. Her strength of character is incredible and she is so funny, but this is unrelated to the post.

Black = the colour of grief. Her character arc is loss and gain, but the latter only comes into play in the literal last minute of the show. So loss of everything and subsequent grief.

Red = the colour of martyrdom. She is the most pious and self-sacrificial character in the whole show.

Blue = undying loyalty to the House of Lancaster, despite the risk it poses to her life and that of the people around her.

Jacquetta Woodville

Blue all the way down. Her loyalty is not to a house, or to a King, but to her daughter.

Isabelle Neville, Duchess of Clarence

Lots of green, like her dad, but mostly in a lighter shade, showcasing innocence.

She is also quite envious of Elizabeth, but not to the point of starting a war about it, so less envious (therefore, less green) than her father.

In her case, green might even represent youth.

Anthony Woodville

Brown, the colour of honesty, stability and reliability.

He is not afraid to speak his mind to Elizabeth ("your marriage was fake"), but he is also her rock throughout the show.

[kate-bot]

OKAY SO I've gotten two asks about my Noisette cosplay AND THANK YOU SM FOR THE KIND WORDS !!!!!!!! It was sm fun to make this cos, so I will gladly explain everything I did in hopes that it might help someone else!! also both anons please share your cosplays with me when theyre done i would love to see them....

I've tried to link everything where I can, where I got stuff etc... I only rarely cosplay (although I am thinking of going as the noise in May Comiccon) and this was my biggest ever project so!! It's very trial-and-error! But without further ado

KATES EXTENSIVE(ish) GUIDE TO COSPLAYING NOISETTE FROM THE HIT GAME PIZZA TOWER!!!!!!! (warning its kinda long)

THE HAT

Okay i’m gonna be real my mum helped me so much she basically did all the sewing for me. Sewing is the fucking bane of my existence I hate doing it so much so we planned it out together and she basically executed it. Props to her for that she’s so real… She also wrote down what she did!! So i’ll just paste and colour that in for you to read!!

“The black material (seen in the above image) was originally a beanie hat that was picked apart to use as a template…

This was game changing basically. We had experimented with making the hat from scratch but it was far too difficult and we were both too stupid so we just unstitched a pre-existing hat and stole the template. The hat we cut up was one we had lying around for years so i cannot tell you where to get one from, but any beanie that is stitched together will work i guess! So I would recommend finding a hat that fits you snugly and doing the same thing!

…and the wool fabric that was utilised gave the finished product was stiff enough to be structurally sound.

I just got this from my local fabric shop, I would recommend wool over something like felt because it’s super sturdy and I was pulling on my mask a LOT.

Once sewn together, I attached a stiff card facemask to the front to help provide some structure, and to locate where the eye holes should be cut.

I think this picture shows it pretty well, my mum was able to curve the shape of the fabric to fit a pre-existing mask- we got ours from Hobbycraft, just one of those stringed white template masks yknow. We cut off the string, made the eyeholes a little bigger and just stuck it straight on!! I should mention this was pretty much all done with a sewing machine as well!

After that, we made two ears from a paper pattern, stuffed them and put some wire inside to allow them to be positioned, before sewing them onto this headband, which was then sewn into the hat. The bottom of each ear was also stitched to the crown to give it some additional stability and to secure the headband correctly in position (having fitted it on the wearer).

Yeah it was actually less of a mask and more of a headband!! That was what gave it most of the support and meant the ears would stay up, I’m not sure how it would work without it!! The ears were the only part that I could actually help with LMAO i just freehanded a little template, stuffed it, and then put in some modelling wire to make them able to be posed :)

Then it was a lot of hand sewing, and glueing the eyeholes to the mask to create a cohesive look.

AND YEAH that’s pretty much all it was! I also attached some little felt eyelashes to add to it as well. Honestly I could never come up with a step-by-step guide for the process because it was such a trial and error thing (i’d made two test-hats before we even came up with the method) but it was so fun!!

I would 100% recommend if you want the ears to stay UP to stuff them AS MUCH AS U CAN and/or put wire in them!! :) I also made some cute little bows to clip into my wig in the same fabric to make it more cohesive!! I also put a bow (and a bunny tail heheh) on the back of the dress too!!

THE DRESS

Super simple! I just found one online (okay for some reason the link has been taken off of the website, but just look up "overall dress" on google shopping and you will 100% find something super cute)- I made sure to buy the dress first, and then take it to the fabric shop to try and colourmatch the mask fabric as best as I could. Then it was just buying some big ol buttons off eBay and sewing them on!! (I could actually do that bit by myself, I'm bad at sewing but im not THAT bad)

EVERYTHING ELSE

Cute patterned knee-high socks cuz shes cute like that. Leg warmers, I think I got them both off of Amazon... Converse I got from Depop and I had wanted to buy a pair anyway so I was super stoked to get them cheap!! I chose converse over a pair of high-heels or Mary Janes just for comfort reasons, I was walking around loads at the con so... Everything else apart from the shirt was from Amazon or just. Somewhere online(I have no idea where to get fancy white gloves LOL) and the shirt was from Depop as well! I liked how frilly it was, re: Noisette is cute like that!!

oh yeah and the wig. I hate wigs it was awful. I have no idea how to style them. underneath the hat was the most awful bowl cut ever I just. It wasn't my best moment. Dont ask me about wigs please .

Also I should mention I got this bag for the cosplay (which I now use all the time cuz its so cute) because i needed space to store shit and I wanted something on-brand with her cafe... this isnt the exact link I used but I just got it off of ebay :P

PROPS

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of WIP pictures of my props but they were pretty simple to make!! The coffee cup was literally just spraypainting over a reusable coffee cup and using POSCA pen to draw on the front! Fun fact the cup says "To Peppino" because originally my boyfriend was gonna go with me as Peppino before the Cruetly Squad brainrot got to him so. YEA

And the tip jar was also pretty simple, I just painted on the lid a plastic jar (can't be glass, not allowed at ComicCon) and cut out a bit of vinyl to work as the sign. The cobweb was just hot-glued 3D printer filament, and the spider was made with foam modelling clay (literally the best thing ever if you're making small models like that) and i stuck him to the lid of the jar with Kandi string so he'd bounce around :]

AND I THINK THATS IT!! i may as well post a pic of the full cosplay since I dont think many people would have made it this far.... But I think it turned out pretty cool!! I got recognised a few times as well which was amazing!! (cropped out my bf cuz idk if he wants his face on tumblr gfhhfg)

SO YEAH!!!! if anyone has any questions please let me know.. but GOOD LUCK IN UR COSPLAY MAKING FRIENDS!!!! :D