#I'm not listing all the characters. there's too many

[cripplecharacters]

Is there any list of stuff you wanted to see more in autistic representation? I'm autistic and I'm quite "stereotype material": white savant male good at STEM and who's not aroace but don't want a partner, and it bugs me that it's always like that, so I wanted to know what other people would like to see when I try writing autistic people.

Hi!

Honestly, I just want more autistic characters in general. There are hardly any!

Here are some things that I have never seen represented:

characters with mid-high support needs, both related and unrelated to autism

characters who use AAC [link to post about high/low/no tech aac] and who struggle to communicate

characters with cerebral palsy, tourette's, intellectual disability, or any other common comorbid condition that's not ADHD

characters who don't live with their parents

characters who don't infodump or know a lot of facts about their special interests, just that their interests are the things they engage with

characters whose special interests aren't "useful" to their life

characters with "unusual" sensory needs (for example i always see characters who hate loud noises and bright lights, but i know many autistic people in real life who are not bothered by those or actively seek them out)

characters misdiagnosed in childhood with ODD or another common misdiagnosis, or neglected as a "difficult kid" even if they have higher support needs

characters who use gait trainers, adaptive strollers, or manual tilt in space chairs

characters who have a supportive community or know multiple other autistic people

adult characters in day programs

queer characters, especially ones whose sexuality or gender is difficult to separate from their autism

characters who have harmful stims and not only when they're upset

characters who are not big. (this might seem weird but there are a surprising number of tall/large/imposing autistic characters, especially those with higher support needs; that's not what every autistic person looks like!)

So Many More!! If every autistic writer made a character who was just like them, each one would have at least one autistic trait that has not been represented before.

Mod Rock

Hello!

To be honest, just characters that don't generalize autism. On one hand you have "representation" that's all "all autistics are boys, 12 or under, who like trains and barely speak" and on the other you have "hi, I'm a very low/no support needs autistic who is very socially acceptable and lol like imagine liking trains instead of having Real and Cool special interests like me" (sometimes it's overdone to the point the character quite literally doesn't have any autistic traits). Too much autistic representation made to combat a specific stereotype just ends up shitting on the people who do in fact exist. Some people say that "ahh all autistic rep is those damn boys with they trains!!" but I don't think anyone would say that this kind of representation is actually good or thoughtful - not because of the train or the boy, but because these characters are barely treated as humans most of the time.

We need more complex representation of all parts of the spectrum, from successful savants in STEM to "obviously disabled" autistics who are intellectually disabled, have huge mobility delays, and stim at all times, to "everyday" people who just have their special interest, don't get social cues, and are kinda awkward.

I'll take a "stereotypical" character that's actually explored and developed properly over a cardboard that's there to be a "subversion of autistic stereotypes" any day.

mod Sasza

Hi,

I largely agree with the mods above. Mostly I want autistic characters treated like people and not plot devices.

But I wanted to say specifically: I want autistic characters of color. I am basically begging to see more autistic characters who are not just white people. We exist too, and really I barely see characters who have autism and aren't white.

Also, I want to see autistic characters with romantic and/or sexual partners. I feel like autistic characters are often desexualized or infantilized in a way that has them only rarely having a partner.

And I also want to see autistic characters whose special interest[s] isn't "useful" to their life, it's just there. Just part of their life. Like, it isn't their job. I feel like that's often a default.

Like Sasza said, we really need more complex and thoughtful representation of the spectrum. I don't need 'subversion' of autistic stereotypes, not particularly.

The subversion itself would be an autistic character being more than a plot device and portrayed with thought and care to the things that make their life difficult, the ways their autism affects the way they interact with others and the world, the things that make the person unique and themselves, and not just focusing on one of those aspects and ignoring everything else.

Hope this helps,

mod sparrow

[mimiri22-6]

(edit: I was rereading this post again before I rb it off and

Sally's refusal and instance on staying in Berlin isn't made worse because of Cliff's bisexuality and the prosecution that would happen, but her refusal and instance on staying is made worse because she is not privileged or spared prosecution. She would be one of the first to be prosecuted herself. By not leaving and by Cliff not staying, Sally is going to get prosecution alone.)

Just found out just how many "minorities" the Nazis targeted. It was so many minorities they pretty much became majorities in my mind. Including sex workers. And even more angles regarding sex. You've had sex out of wedlock? You procreated with a race that is not Aryan? You've had homosexual realations but changed your ways? You've had sex without knowing if they were Aryan or not?

Mental illnesses, learning disabilities, being physically disabled, being too smart, being introverted

The list just kept going. We just wanted to know what a symbol ment after the ending. But they had a symbol and color-and color combinations-for everything under the sun. Even other "Aryans" weren't safe. Nazi soldiers on the clock weren't safe.

When people say it wasn't just Jewish people being targeted, they mean it wasn't just Jewish people being targeted.

All this to say no one, No One, in Cabaret was safe. The navy men. The smuggler. The sex workers. The nightclub workers. The nightclub goers. The landlord. The Jewish fruit stand owner and the bisexual white man.

(edit same time as the first, just thought it would work better here: speaking of Cliff, even after he flees Berlin and goes back to America or gets stuck in France, he's going to get swept up in the future war anyway. Wether it be draft(I don't remember if the draft went around for WW2 but it seems like it might've), being in France when it gets invaded, or just the complete change of the world directly after and during the war, Cliff was also not spared even thought he tried to escape the ripple effect. No one, No One was free)

I can't think of a single person or character that has a free, clear path to surviving other than the rich, small-minded Nazis on top of the pecking order who are never seen in the musical.

And with our own rich, small minded, bigoted, powerful, Nazis on top of our world right now? I'm afraid everytime history sings because it sure does love to rhyme. That is to say, it is not just lgbtqia+ members and immigrants being targeted. When you add up all the inches they take, it eventually turns into a foot, turns into a yard, turns into a mile, turns into 900 miles. Leaving behind 1%.

Money makes the world go around

the 1993 onwards productions of cabaret hit so much harder with the canonisation of cliff being queer. because he has everything to lose just like everybody else. staying in berlin means risking his own prosecution.

it makes sally’s refusal and insistence that they stay in berlin even worse. she’s in a position of privilege here where she can live in ignorance as her loved ones are prosecuted and possibly (likely) killed. and that includes cliff.

[lancestrollsgf]

# STOP LOOKING AT ME WITH THOSE EYES ! YANDERE! AXEL KOVACEVIC X READER, WRITTEN

introduction master list request list

# WARNINGS: not a good interpretation of a yandere (not intense), lowercase intended, female! reader, use of y/n, spelling/grammar errors, possible OC axel and gullible reader, established relationship, messy writing, and maybe bad descriptions. good ending!! + a cute extra scene at the end

# SUMMARY: you decided to follow your boyfriend to the torment he was participating in. due to not making many friends in highschool in croatia, being in a new environment and country could be a possibility to make new friends, but by the way axel is acting, he doesn’t seem to like that.

# AUTHOR’S NOTE: i did have to watch season 6 again to really get a good intro on axel again, i also did some research/watch interviews, hoping it is right. in this axel is 16 years old and is from croatia, balkans. meaning that axel is going to school in croatia and went to hong kong for training with sensei wolf. i know that it wasn't shown but pretend that axel and reader actually had time and would at least in someway interact with the other characters (more like just miyagi do). i apologize for this being on the short side, i’m still trying to get the hang of writing again. word count: 1100. here is the link of the song the title is named after!

# REQUESTED: YES

axel has been your boyfriend for a while now, and you've always been by his side—more voluntarily than anything, considering how hard it was for you to make friends in your high school back in croatia. it wasn’t that you were unlikable, just that people didn’t seem to care enough to get close. axel was different, though. from the moment he noticed you, it was like you were the only person in his world.

when he told you he was leaving for the tournament, you didn’t hesitate to follow. a new environment, a new country—it sounded like an opportunity, a fresh start. maybe this time, things would be different. maybe you could finally belong somewhere. but axel… he didn’t seem to like that idea.

it started small. a hand on your lower back when you tried to talk to someone new. standing just a little too close when another competitor greeted you. answering for you when someone would ask a question. his grip would tighten, his voice always calm but firm, a quiet reminder.

stay close to me.

you brushed it off at first. axel had always been protective. he said it was because he knew what people were really like— how they used and discarded others when it suited them. you didn't want to believe that.

but then came the glares. the cold, sharp eyes watching every interaction you had. the way his jaw clenched whenever someone so much as smiled at you. the way his mood soured whenever you laughed at someone else's joke.

then the words.

"we're leaving soon, don't get to close"

"they're pretending to be nice, they're trying to get to me"

"i'm the only one who understands you"

at first, you tried to ignore it. axel had always been intense— possessive, even —but he had his reasons. he didn't trust easily, and he never let his guard down. but now, that wasn't just directed at his opponents in the tournament. it was now aimed at anyone who got too close to you.

it started off small. a hand on your wrist when you lingered too long in a conversation. a sharp look when miguel or hawk cracked a joke that made you laugh. the way he always seemed to position himself between you and someone else. like an unspoken barrier.

at first, the others found it ammusing.

"man, your boyfriend's intense," hawk had said nudging miguel after axel all but dragged you away from a conversation. "you sure he let's you breathe?" miguel had given you a sympathetic glance, but he didn't push. sam, on the other hand, did.

"you know that you can talk to whoever you want, right?" she asked one afternoon when axel had stepped away for a minute, due to his sensei wanting to have a conversation with him.

"i know," you had said, but the words felt hollow. because deep down, you knew it wasn't about permission. it was about him. about the way axel saw the world— how he believed people couldn't be trusted. and more than anything, it was about his fear of losing you.

but it couldn't go on like this.

that night, after most of the competitors had gone back to their rooms, you found him outside, leaning against the railing of the balcony of your shared rooms. the bright active city lights reflected in his eyes, but his expression was unreadable.

"you're mad," he said before you could even open your mouth. "i'm frustrated," you corrected, stepping closer. "axel... you have to stop this. i want to be here with you, but i can't do that if you keep pushing everyone else away." his grip tightened on the railing. "i'm not pushing them away. i'm protecting you."

"from what?" you asked, starting to get irritated. "from people being nice to me? from me finally being able to have the chance to make friends?"

he turned to face you then, his gaze sharp but conflicted. "people lie. they act friendly, they pretend to care— but in the end, they always let you down." his voice was steady, but there was something beneath it. something raw. "not everyone," you said softly, reaching for his hand. "not me."

for a moment, he didn't move. then, slowly, his fingers curled around yours, his grip firm, but not forceful. "i don't want to lose you," he admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "you won't," you promised. "but you have to trust me the way I trust you."

axel exhaled sharply, looking away. you could tell it wasn't easy for him, to let go of control. but after a moment, he nodded. "...alright," he muttered. "but if they give me a reason to not trust them—"

"i know," you interrupted, a small smile tugging at your lips. "you'll be watching." a smirk ghosted across his face, and for the first time in a while. his presence didn't feel suffocating. it felt grounding.

— extra scene funny and cute!! (y/n and axel are sitting with miyagi do in this scenario and they have a good relationship with them in this scene.)

the shift in axel hadn't gone noticed. while he still had his moments—hovering nearby whenever someone got a little too friendly—he wasn’t shutting you off from the rest of the world anymore.

during a lunch with all the teams in the tournament, miguel nudged hawk and nodded toward the two of you. “dude, i think your little intervention worked.” hawk smirked, taking a bite of his food. “told you. y/n just had to remind him that she’s her own person, and won’t go anywhere.” hawk replied quietly.

demetri, who had been wary of axel ever since the tense standoff, finally realized enough to sit at the same table again. “so, we’re actually allowed to talk to you now?” he teased, raising an eyebrow.

axel shot him a look, but there’s no hostility behind it. “don’t push it.” tory leaned back in her chair, smirking. “hey, progress is progress.”

even sam, who has been quietly observing, gave a small nod of approval. “it’s nice to see you with us instead of watching from a distance.”

you squeezed axel’s hand under the table, and for once, he didn’t flinch away from the attention. instead, he met your gaze, a silent understanding passing between you.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

the end!!! 😄😄 if anyone from the better norris series is reading this, part three is coming soon! just trying to get through the axel requests, which i am open to more requests, before posting the third part. ( i am working on part four rn )

[itsgiovanna]

playing for love (chapter 3)

pairing: fem!character x mason mount

summary: injured and lost, mason mount begins his recovery with the help of adeline alderidge, a tough yet brilliant physiotherapist with secrets of her own. he becomes determined to break through the walls adeline has built around herself. but some wounds don’t heal easily, and the closer they get, the more mason realizes she might need saving just as much as he does.

notes: i'm so happy so many people are enjoying!!! really, it means the world. here's another one to cheer you up and thank you 🤍 :)

word count: 3.2k

warnings: cursing, angst.

teaser |chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4

Adeline sat at the small wooden table in her living room, her laptop open in front of her, a notebook filled with scribbled notes and a half-empty cup of coffee she’d long forgotten. The morning light filtered through the window, casting a soft-glow over the space, but her attention was fixed solely on the screen.

She had worked with athletes before — semi-professionals — but never someone of his level.

A Premier League footballer. An England international.

This was different. The stakes are higher, the expectations heavier, and Mason? He wasn’t making things any easier.

She tapped the end of her pen against her notebook, exhaling slowly. Mason Mount was guarded. Irritable. Completely uninterested in her presence. Not that she expected him to be overjoyed about working with a physiotherapist — especially one who had been assigned to him rather than chosen — but the coldness in his eyes, the short responses, the way he made it clear he wanted nothing to do with this whole process… It didn’t exactly set a promising journey.

Adeline had learned to navigate stubborn patients before. But, Mason Mount? He was a whole different kind of challenge.

A sudden giggle pulled her out of her thoughts.

On the floor, just by the couch, Lilith sat cross-legged with her stuffed animals spread around her in an organized mess. She was speaking in a serious voice, clearly in the middle of a conversation between her toys.

“No, Teddy, you can’t eat all the biscuits! It’s not fair to Bunny.” she huffed, arms crossed as if truly scolding them. “We share in this house, ‘kay?”

Adeline felt her lips twitch into a small smile despite the weight pressing on her chest.

Lily. The biggest reason why this job mattered.

Her usual routine was simple: drop Lily at daycare in the morning, pick her up in the late afternoon, spend the evening together.

Her heart clenched at the thought of missing their usual evenings — cooking dinner together, bedtime stories, Lily’s constant chatter filling the flat.

She needed this opportunity. But, at what cost?

Her eyes flickered back to her screen, back to the scans of Mason’s knee. The damage was significant, but the surgery had been successful. Now, it was about getting him to trust her, to listen, to push past the frustration and actually engage with his recovery.

Her fingers tapped against the table as she read the list, then underlined the last point "step 5: slowly reintroduce movement".

Mason didn’t strike her as the patient type. He’d want to push harder, move faster, prove to himself that he wasn’t broken. That was the real battle. Not just the physical recovery — but getting him to accept that it'd take time.

She sighed, glancing at Lily, who was now making Bunny and Teddy hug it out, completely unbothered by the world around her.

Her pen was poised over the notebook, underlining key points in her notes, when she suddenly glanced at the clock. Her stomach dropped. She was late. Again.

“Shit.”

She was juggling too many things at once — her bag, Lily’s tiny backpack, her keys between her teeth — when Adeline finally swung the door open, only to freeze mid-step.

Because standing in the hallway, just locking his own door, was him.

Elliot Sinclair.

He was new to the building, had moved in a couple of months ago, and ever since, Adeline had definitely noticed him. Tall, dark-haired, built like he actually used that gym membership most people just don't mind. Always dressed effortlessly in fitted sweaters and well-tailored trousers, like he walked straight out of a magazine.

And he had this smile — like he knew exactly how good he looked but wasn’t an asshole about it.

“Morning, Adeline.” His voice was smooth, polite, just like always. His green eyes flickered down to Lily, who was hopping beside her mum, struggling to get her arms into the straps of her backpack. “And good morning to you, Miss Lily.”

“Hi, Mr. Elliot!” Lily beamed, finally getting the backpack on and standing up straight, proud of herself.

“That’s quite the bag you’ve got there. Off to save the world?” Elliot chuckled.

Lily gasped, as if she’d been caught in a secret mission. “How’d you know?”

“Lucky guess.” He winked.

Adeline cleared her throat, clutching Lily’s tiny hand in hers.

“Morning, Elliot. You heading out?”

“Yeah, work calls.” He lifted the leather briefcase in his hand, his watch catching the light. “And you? Big day ahead?”

Adeline hesitated, not quite sure why she suddenly felt… nervous.

She spoke to people all the time. This was normal.

But something about the way he looked at her — genuinely interested, not just asking for the sake of politeness — made her stomach flip.

“Uh, yeah. First session with a new patient today.” she answered, shifting the weight of her bag on her shoulder.

“Physiotherapy, right?” Elliot nodded, intrigued.

“Yes.”

“Must be rewarding.” he said, eyes warm. “Helping people get back on their feet.”

Adeline blinked. Most people didn’t really say things like that. They either assumed she did massages all day or made some joke about her working with sweaty guys.

But Elliot… he actually seemed to get it.

She cleared her throat again, feeling the heat creep up her neck. “There’s a mix of highs and lows.” But, before Elliot could say more, a known voice cut through the hallway.

“Well, hello.” Adeline groaned before even turning around. She strolled down the hall, coffee cup in one hand.

Stella.

“Oh, Ady.” she drawled, stopping beside her with a dramatic sigh. “You never told me you had such a fit neighbor.”

Adeline wanted to die. Right there. On the spot.

“I suppose I’ll take that as a compliment.” Elliot chuckled.

“You should.” Stella replied, giving him a once-over that was far too obvious.

Adeline needed this moment to end. Immediately.

“Well, we should go.” she rushed out, gripping Lily’s hand a little tighter. “We’re already late.”

“Right. Have a good day, both of you.” Elliot smiled.

“You too, Elliot.” Adeline muttered before practically dragging Stella towards the lift.

The moment the doors closed, Stella burst into laughter.

“God, Adeline. You like him.”

“What? No, I don’t.”

“You so do.”

“Can we not?” Adeline groaned, pressing the button for the ground floor.

“Are you kidding? He’s gorgeous. Tall, dark, polite, successful — what’s his deal? Lawyer? Architect?”

“I don’t know. Finance, maybe?” Adeline shrugged. “He’s always in suits.”

“Oh, even better. A rich, hot neighbor? Babe, this is prime romance novel material.”

“Stella.”

“Adeline.”

Adeline sighed, praying for patience.

Stella just smirked. “Alright, fine, I’ll leave it — for now. But, one day you’re gonna admit I was right.”

Adeline rolled her eyes. Like that would ever happen.

“Now, let’s talk about something far more important,” Stella continued. “I’m taking Lily today, and before you argue — yes, you need me to, and yes, you’re going to accept it.”

And just like that, the conversation smoothly transitioned to Stella’s plan to help with Lilith.

But no matter how much Adeline focused on her friend’s words, she couldn’t quite shake the way Elliot had looked at her.

(...)

Mason sat on the edge of his bed, the TV droning on in the background. He wasn’t really watching, just trying to drown out the mess of thoughts in his head. The injury, the disappointment, the endless pressure. His leg was still sore, the heavy weight of frustration pressing down on him.

A sports program came on, the ESPN logo flashing across the screen. Mason’s eyes drifted lazily to the TV as the host started talking about him.

"Mason Mount, still struggling to make an impact at Manchester United after his move from Chelsea. Following a difficult start to the season, and now, a injury that’s going to keep him sidelined for a while, the question is: can he come back from this?"

The words hit him like a slap. He could feel his blood boil as they moved onto clips of his missed shots, his poor performances. The commentator, as usual, was so eager to make it sound worse than it was.

"Come on..." Mason muttered under his breath, his grip tightening on the remote.

Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. With a grunt, he hurled the remote across the room, the clattering sound echoing off the walls as it hit the floor. His chest was tight, his anger bubbling up, and he hated that this was how it was playing out. He wasn’t supposed to be in this situation.

The door creaked open just as he leaned back against his pillows, still seething.

“Mate, you alright?” Ben’s voice broke through the silence, and Mason looked up to see his two best friends, Ben and Declan, standing in the doorway.

Ben grinned, looking around the room. “What, did you lose a fight with your remote or something?”

Mason couldn’t help the small huff of laughter that escaped him. “I’m fine.” he muttered.

“Sure you are, mate.” Ben said, tossing a sideways glance at Declan. “We just thought we’d swing by before practice. Check in on the walking wounded.”

“How’s it going, mate?” Declan gave him a quick, sympathetic smile, his hands in his pockets.

“Not great.” Mason replied honestly, rubbing his eyes. “It’s been a hell of a couple of days.” Ben flopped down into a chair, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

“We’ve been planning a trip, actually.” he said, leaning forward, clearly excited. “Something to take our minds off football. Thought we’d do a lads’ weekend in a couple of months, when you're good to go. Get away from the madness for a bit.”

“Yeah, somewhere warm, maybe a beach. You’ll be back on your feet by then, no problem.” Declan joined in.

“I hope so, but we’ll see.” Mason leaned back in the bed, his eyes scanning the ceiling.

“We’ve all agreed, you’re coming. No excuses.” Ben shot him a smirk.

“Yeah, yeah.” Mason replied, trying to smile. “If I can even walk by then.”

“You’ll be fine. You’ve got this.” Declan gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

Just as Mason was about to respond, the door opened again, and Adeline stepped into the room. Her presence immediately changed the atmosphere, her calm demeanor cutting through the tension.

Ben, always the cheeky one, didn’t waste a second. He stood up, flashing her a grin.

“Oh, I see… this is her, huh? The one who’s gonna fix our mate up.”

“I’m here to help, yes.” Adeline raised an eyebrow, her cool expression not missing a beat.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Declan.” Declan, ever the polite one, extended his hand with a warm smile.

Ben, on the other hand, gave a small wink as he took a step closer.

“Ben. Good luck with this one, Adeline.” he said, his grin teasing, though there was a hint of genuine admiration in his voice. “He’s a tough one.”

“Nice to meet you both, boys.”

Mason rolled his eyes slightly, already bracing himself for whatever would come next. His mates were clearly a bit too comfortable.

“Alright, well, I think it’s time to get to work.” Adeline said, glancing back at Mason. “Shall we start?”

Ben leaned in toward Mason with a wink. “Good luck, mate. We’ll leave you in her capable hands.”

“Yeah, take care of him.” Declan said, nodding seriously. “Catch you later.”

The door closed behind them, and Mason was left staring at Adeline, a mix of frustration and reluctance settling in. This wasn’t exactly how he imagined his recovery would go, but here he was. Time to face the music.

(...)

Mason sat on the edge of the treatment table, gripping the sides with both hands as he tried —really tried — to focus on the exercise Adeline had set up for him. His leg ached, the resistance band wrapped around his foot biting into his skin as he attempted another slow lift. He exhaled sharply, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

“This is pointless.” he muttered, dropping his leg back down with a huff.

Adeline, standing beside him, barely flinched at his tone. “It’s not pointless. You need to strengthen the muscles around your knee to stabilize it.”

He rolled his eyes. “I know how injuries work.”

She crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. “Oh, do you? Because, right now, it looks like you’re giving up before you’ve even started.”

Mason clenched his jaw, glaring at her. She was pushing him, and he didn’t like it. She wasn’t one of those physiotherapists who offered sympathy or let him get away with half-arsed attempts. No, she was standing there, waiting — expecting him to do better.

“I’m not giving up.” he gritted out.

“Then prove it, Mount.” she said smoothly, adjusting the band’s tension before stepping back. “Five more repetitions, no complaints.”

He wanted to argue, to snap back with something snarky, but instead, he exhaled through his nose and lifted his leg again. The burn in his thigh was immediate, his knee stiff and uncooperative, but he pushed through. Adeline watched closely, her gaze sharp.

It was strange — he was used to people watching him, analyzing his every movement on the pitch. But this was different. He wasn’t performing, wasn’t at his best, and yet she wasn’t looking at him like he was broken. Just… fixable.

He pushed the thought aside, focusing on finishing the set.

As soon as he was done, he dropped the band with an annoyed sigh, leaning back on his palms. “There. Happy?”

Adeline checked the angle of his knee and nodded. “For now. But we’ll push further tomorrow.”

Mason groaned. “You’re relentless.”

“It’s part of my job.” She smirked.

Before he could come up with a response, her phone buzzed on the table beside her. She grabbed it quickly, glancing at the screen before stepping away to answer.

Mason wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but the room was quiet enough that he could hear the soft tone of her voice. Whoever was on the other end, they were clearly important.

“No, it’s alright, darling.” Adeline said, her voice dropping slightly. “I’ll be there later. Don’t worry, everything’s fine.”

There was a pause. A softness in her expression that Mason hadn’t seen before.

She hung up and turned back around, slipping her phone into her pocket like nothing had happened.

“Is everything ok?” Mason raised an eyebrow.

“Just sorting a few things.” Adeline shrugged.

He eyed her for a moment, something about the way she deflected making him curious. But he wasn’t about to pry. Not yet, anyway.

“Well.” She said briskly, checking her watch. “That’s enough for today. You did alright.”

He scoffed. “Alright?”

“Considering you acted like a sloppy teenager, I’d say it was a decent effort.” She smirked.

“Cheers for that.” Mason let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head.

Adeline only smiled, grabbing her notebook and writing down something down before stepping towards the door.

“See you tomorrow, Mount.” she called over her shoulder.

Mason watched her go, his mind still stuck on that phone call. There was something she wasn’t saying. But then again, he barely knew her. It wasn’t like she owed him an explanation.

Still, as he ran a hand through his hair and glanced at the clock, he realized something.

The sessions weren’t getting any easier. But for the first time since the injury, he wasn’t just dreading them — he was thinking about them.

About her.

And that was unfamiliar territory.

(...)

The flat was quiet when Adeline stepped inside, the kind of silence that settled deep, reminding her of what she had missed. She dropped her bag by the door, exhaling as she toed off her shoes. The warm glow of the small lamp in the living room was the only source of light, casting soft shadows on the walls.

Stella was curled up on the couch, scrolling through her phone, but at the sound of Adeline’s arrival, she looked up with a small smile.

“She tried to wait for you.” Stella said gently, tilting her head towards Lilith’s room. “But her little eyes kept shutting, poor thing.”

“What time did she fall asleep?” Adeline’s chest tightened.

“About half an hour ago.” Stella replied, standing and stretching. “She kept asking if you’d be back soon. I told her you were working hard, but you know how she is.”

Adeline swallowed the lump in her throat. She wanted to see Lilith, to wake her up just for a moment — to press a kiss to her chubby little cheek and whisper apologies into her curls. But she knew better. Lily needed her sleep. And that only made the guilt feel heavier.

“I hate this, Ella.” She sighed, running a hand through her hair.

“I know you do.” Her friend gave her a knowing look.

“I feel like I’m barely seeing her. What’s the point of doing all this if I can’t even be here for her?” Adeline lowered herself onto the couch, rubbing her face.

“You are doing it for her, Ady. This job means better opportunities, more stability. And you’re not alone. I’m here. Lilith is happy, she’s loved. She’s not going to resent you for working hard.”

Stella sat down beside her, nudging her shoulder.

But that didn’t stop the ghosts from creeping in. The voices from her past saying that she’d ruined her life by keeping Lilith.

"You’ll never manage."

The memory of her father’s cold stare. Her mother’s disappointment. The way they turned their backs on her the moment she decided to raise her daughter alone.

"You won’t be able to do this. You’ll fail. That little girl deserves better than you."

Her throat tightened, her fingers curling into the fabric of her jeans.

“Adeline.” Stella’s voice pulled her back, gentle but firm. “You’re an amazing mom.”

“Sometimes, I don’t feel like one.” Adeline forced a breath, blinking rapidly before turning to her friend.

“Because you’re exhausted. But trust me, Lily adores you. And when she wakes up, you’ll still be her favorite person in the world.”

Adeline nodded, though the weight in her chest didn’t lift.

Stella patted her knee before standing up, grabbing her coat. “Alright, I should get going. I'll wake up early tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” Adeline murmured, standing to walk her to the door.

“Always.” Stella shot her a wink. “Oh, and by the way… I still think you should try and have a bit of fun outside of work. That neighbor of yours? Very easy on the eyes.”

Adeline let out a soft, tired laugh, shaking her head. “Go home, Stella.”

“Fine, fine." Stella grinned. "But you should think about it. You deserve something good, babes.”

And with that, she was gone, leaving Adeline alone in the quiet once again.

She glanced towards Lilith’s door, contemplating sneaking in just for a moment. But instead, she walked to her own room, changing into something comfortable before slipping beneath the covers.

She had a long day ahead tomorrow.

(...)

[mellohiizz]

was gonna do a full post with more designs, but it's already taking me way too long to post these, so whatever. here's some of my uu designs. <3 they're very basic, and i will do a more detailed sheet with different arcs (?) in mind, but it will take me way too long, i fear. so you can have those for now. ^_^ they're all from like... a month ago? maybe more.

[firecoloredwater]

I think in this case, it has to actually be a question of "to what extent was gender play an inherent and necessary part of the bodice ripper in the late 1960s?"

Because like, the sexism is most extreme in Dragonflight, and it was very firmly established in "Weyr Search," which Wikipedia tells me was published in 1967.

That's where we get Fax's harem of abused wives, and... I don't think we ever get anything like that again, actually? Like I don't think Meron or Chalkin or any other evil antagonist character gets to collect women to abuse; generally they seem to either be paired with an evil girlfriend (Meron/Kylara, the Oldtime weyrleader couples) or no wife is mentioned at all. Definitely nothing dwells on it like "Weyr Search"/the beginning of Dragonflight does.

There's plenty of other sexism after that point, like... uh, everything. Basically everything. But "Lessa is kept isolated and not told how mating flights work in order to keep her helpless" and "the Harper Hall doesn't allow girls to be apprentices" feel like a different flavor to me? They're close equivalents to things that were happening in the US and in Britain in real life at the time.

I started quoting from Wikipedia's Timeline of Women's Legal Rights for examples but there's too many actually, so I'm just linking it.

Anyway, I would say that gender play is, if not strictly necessary, then at least strongly desired as a facet of bodice rippers, because have you seen the entire concept of omegaverse. When we weren't comfortable using real genders for this people just flat out invented fantasy genders to use for it instead. Sometimes sentinel/guide gets used the same way, as does psychic wolves and of course Pern dragon colors.

But I don't think bodice rippers are necessary to explain it.

Looking through that Wikipedia list, the late 60s and early 70s had a lot of countries and states changing their laws to allow abortion if it was to save the life of the mother, and a few mentions of birth control being made legal for married couples; it's specified at least once in Dragonflight that Fax deliberately keeps his wives pregnant in an attempt to kill them, and Lady Gemma does indeed die.

There are a lot of entries about women fighting for the right to careers (horse jockey, reporter, stewardess, bartender, lawyer) and equal pay, and in the late 70s we get Dragonsong and Dragonsinger.

I don't (in my quick peek during work) see any mentions of laws or court cases about directly equivalent situations to the whole "Lessa isolated in the Weyr, taught nothing useful and not allowed to speak to anyone that might be on her side" thing, but like... that's pretty hard to legislate. Given that abortion rights, the right for women to own their own property, and the right to have jobs and equal pay were all recurring themes, I think it's a safe bet that 'abusive husband/father/other male family isolates a woman and sabotages her education and friendships in order to control her' was probably something in the general feminist consciousness at the time.

So. basically. Anne McCaffrey was absolutely coming from a bodice ripper background, and that's why we have mating flights, but I think the rest of the sexism was mostly because all of it was happening in the world around her as she wrote, and so she wrote about it.

i still think that one of the worst things pernese history implies is that if you had a society where misogyny is supposed to be gone or at least greatly reduced and then took away their technology and put them in a hard situation they would re-evolve hardcore misogyny again, where women are clearly and obviously seen as lesser and can't have some jobs or be leaders. it's lazy, it implies that misogyny is because of something inherent about women, and it doesn't even make sense in the context in which it's presented.

"they felt the need to protect women because they can get pregnant and they were worried about population," cool, give them like, a sense of high value around the weight and importance of pregnancy then, or if you want it to be something negative that people who can become pregnant face, add in heavy expectations around getting pregnant/ taking care of yourself or being taken care of during pregnancy.

[buttercupshands]

thought about this thing for a while

it was extremely interesting to just analyze myself and get like a tier list in my head

[trappedinafantasy37]

We did it guys! Minthara is in the top 100 most mentioned video game characters on Tumblr, sitting comfortably at rank 55!

With Astarion at rank 1 (cause of course), Gale at 5, Shadowheart at 6, Karlach at 8, Lae'zel at 9, Wyll at 12, Halsin at 16, Tav at 19, Gortash at 47, and The Dark Urge at 67. Baldur's Gate 3 is also the most talked about video game on this platform, as well as the 6th most talked about thing on all of Tumblr!

I wish Minthara was higher, but you know what, I'm happy she's on there at all! It is also interesting that she ranks higher than Durge and that Durge is that low on the list. It's also pretty interesting that there is such a discrepancy between Durge and Gortash as Durgetash is also the 67th most talked about ship on the platform. It is quite an achievement that our favorite drow is even on that list at all.

It is all just making me think back to some of the more dejecting AO3 statistics with Minthara almost being a blip, practically a statistical outlier in some ways. Even some insignificant side characters got more attention and adoration than her, or had numbers that would compare to her. But Tumblr is a much bigger platform than AO3, containing a much wider array of topics (including fanfics). So for Baldur's Gate 3 and Minthara to stand out that much is really saying something! Reading these statistics on Tumblr does go to show that one platform does not represent the entire fandom and that AO3 is only a piece of the picture.

[danwhobrowses]

5 Underrated Things or Tactics That May Aid Bell's Hells to Victory

Spoilers up to Campaign 3 Episode 116 below

Well Critters, it all comes down to this.

Vox Machina dismantled the Malleus Keep, killed Ozo (the Bozo) Kruft, and freed the Champion of Ravens which removed the tidal lock on Ruidus, and now the Mighty Nein have disintegrated the Weave Mind, completing essentially a full dismantling of the Kreviris Imperium, all of which quicker than I anticipated. All that's left is the Hallowed Cage, where Ludinus Da'leth and his inner circle are using his harness to try and fully destroy Liliana Temult. Bell's Hells begin a race against time to save her, but also a race to defeat Ludinus before he unleashes his intentions unto Exandria and its Pantheon with Predathos, and then decide for themselves what they do with the God Eater.

Suffice to say, and I dunno about everyone else but, I am terrified. I believe they can win but Ludinus is not to be underestimated, this second harness means he may be stronger - and he was already the strongest wizard alive - and have access to more powers compared to his simulacra, plus Predathos may come during or after this battle, which can put the Hells in a weakened state. Matt has likely prepared his best and worst for this final battle too, but the Hells aren't Lv. 20 combatants like the other groups; there's no 9th level spells, no Divine Intervention, and the group lost their cleric ~20 episodes back, so even though VM and the Nein were ultimately successful within 1-2 episodes having to use both of their auto-succeed Divine Interventions from their two clerics in the process, this is the battle. And with that is a ridiculous amount of tension for Ludinus and for what comes after. For all we know, the cast may've already recorded ahead enough to have finished the final fight, maybe even finished the campaign (though I hope not, partly because I don't want it to end yet but also I feel like the dawn of the new era should be explored regardless of what choice the Hells make, plus some characters could use a bit more resolution after the big fight and the pressure of stakes and time sensitivity have been alleviated) but for us it's a nervous wait, and a wonder of what can be done to win and what choice will be made to determine the future of Exandria, Ruidus, their faith and their people. So, this is my indulging into that first part, 5 lower-key things or tactics that might not have been initially thought of that could make things easier to defeat Ludinus.

Liliana, the Inner Circle, and the Arcane Battery Provided that the Hells make it in time to stop Liliana from being totally destroyed by the harness (which is very possible since Laudna does have that tracking spell on him since Aeor, it's all about speed and not running into enemies) she will still be without her magic to fight. Ludinus' inner circle holding her down is comprised of Reilorans but also other Ruidusborns, and that's something the Hells can expose. Liliana cannot fight, but Ruidusborns can take spell slots from each other, so Liliana and any KO'd Ruidusborns from the inner circle can be used as spell slot fuel for Imogen and Fearne. Ludinus also gave a 9-slot fully-charged Arcane Battery to the Hells in order to trigger Delilah within Laudna for his escape, the battery can help recharge Laudna's slots too which makes this tactic handy for the witches of the group.

Dunamancy One of Ludinus' most important tools for his plan has been Luxon Beacons, a device able to unravel even divine magic, but much like the Harness it can prove his undoing. Dunamancy hasn't been touched upon as much as early C3 hinted it could have, but for lack of a better phrase, the possibilities are still endless. The Hells have multiple Potions of Possibility at their disposal to aid with rolls, but they also were given a Sphere of Dunamantic Restoration by the Kryn, which will trigger the effects of a Short Rest and a health and spell slot recharge - which can be handy in a pinch and to reuse some once per short rest abilities. Ashton is the key factor though, I've mentioned it a few times already but we don't know if these items will behave differently with them, via their own internal dunamancy abilities. Given the unknown factor, that's why it's not deemed as much of a tactic as it is a Hail Mary, but it is one that could lead to Ludinus' own magic unraveling, and maybe even Predathos' too

The Whirling Dervish & Conditional Advantages In Vassalheim, Dorian received his family sword: Gambolcleft, the Vortex Blade. One of its yet to be used abilities involves a once a day repetitive use of striking an enemy, similar to how Ozo killed Vex, provided that they attack with Disadvantage. Dorian is already looking at a high attack roll given Gambolcleft's +3 to attack and hit rolls, and Master's Flourish means he doesn't have to use a Bardic Inspiration to stack a Blade Flourish (Defensive Flourish is probably best, the damage is also doubled by Gambolcleft), the only quibble is the disadvantage. Fortunately, most of the Hells have skills that can force Ludinus into conditions where attacks would do advantage on him: stunning and rendering him prone being most likely, but paralysis is possible if a Hold Person is successful. It would of course require his Legendary Resistances to be used up first, but if Ludinus gets stunned or knocked prone within Dorian's range, Gambolcleft could easily carve its way through him with continual hits, stacked potentially by Bless and Mark of the Messy End, for perpetual damage and make Dorian himself impossible to hit on his next turn. Stunning or Proning Ludinus also leaves Ludinus at the vicious mercy of the martial players, especially for conditions that auto-crit when hit.

The Hole (or the Bag of Holding) Occam's Razor. An old but gold tactic of the Hells could very easily be used against Ludinus too. The portable hole or the bag of holding are devoid of air, left in one long enough with it sealed would mean suffocation as have been the fate of many of the Hells' past opponents that they didn't have time to deal with. The Hole's downside is that a Strength check can lead to a creature forcing their way out, but the Hells do have plenty of skills that can impose disadvantage on Strength rolls and the aforementioned conditions could help that, Ashton's Hammer may also make it more difficult to unfold the Hole if its Immovable Rod is propped atop of it - but that'd be down to Matt's discretion. The Bag of Holding doesn't have the strength save, but it is smaller so it may not be able to fit him in it. I'm not sure if Ludinus can use Gate to escape either, dunno if that leads to the whole extradimensional rip thing that happens if you open one while in the other, but if he does it's a concentration spell so the Hells could just keep knocking him back from the other side, a bigger group of enemies in either also reduces the time needed before they suffocate.

The Harness and the One-Chance Polymorph Right now Ludinus is using a harness to destroy Liliana, comparing it to the one in Moleasmyr it'll potentially take about an hour to finish the process providing that this factor wasn't improved upon. However, removing magic within a being for a whole day only required a minute of contact in the Hells' one and maybe Ludinus', thus his creation and reason for long life and power can also be the key to his downfall. Holding Ludinus down for a minute is of course not as easy as it sounds but that's where Polymorph can come in. Polymorph lasts at most an hour, so as long as Ludinus is changed into a creature that can easily be restrained they can use the harness on it and remove Ludinus of his entire arsenal in order to finish him off without the risk of his high level spells. The tricky part is getting Polymorph to succeed; Wisdom is after all a Wizard's bread and butter, but there is a single gambit that could make it work. It requires all Legendary Resistances to be gone of course, and for Laudna and Braius to be conscious; Braius has a once per long rest ability to change a Wisdom saving throw to a Charisma one, which he used to allow Dorian to succeed in making the Dominox dance in the live show, Laudna's Void Puppet can force disadvantage on saves to those within 5ft of it, which will negate his magical resistance to just a clean roll. Orym can also use Hex to impose a disadvantage, which may be able to stack, but this would also hinge on Ludinus' charisma not being super high and if the Polymorph fails once it will likely not be able to be tried again.

The fight won't be easy, but there are avenues that can make it less dangerous, a strategy is very much required for such a foe. All the while my strategy remains keeping up the prayer circle. Deep breaths everyone.

[forcedhesitation]

crazy how he just ignores everyone else and speaks directly to wyll. it's like wyll is like one of the most important characters in this game, or something.

[zivaninja]

Blue Bloods finale things/spoilers under the cut that I wanted to yell about:

• Jamko parents!!! Parents!! Oh how far they've come 😭

• I'm going to miss Eddie Janko so damn much, that's my girl.

•Jack and Erin getting married!! They finally got their happy ending. And the looks on their faces at dinner as they decided to keep it to themselves was just so 💜😭

• Danny's face when Henry tells him to find his person to come home to. He already knows.

• Danny Reagan! Asking Maria Baez! On a date! And her saying yes! He doesn't need to go look for his person because she's right there besides him. And the look on her face when she agreed!!

[i-dreamed-i-had-a-son]

If there's one thing for sure about Transformers it's that those robots are autistic. I can't even *autisms your robots* because they already are. Sorry it's just how it is 😌

[sskk-manifesto]

:)

[apheliia]

addiel try not to get attached to inherently nurturing & encouraging, and therefore either somewhat or extremely parental, characters challenge (impossible)

[gob-lob]

Does anyone have any advice/starter recs for comics? Specifically TMNT and Spider-Man :] but tbh any character you're interested in

[serpentinegraphite]

Challenge: make a poll of your five fave characters of all time, then tag five people to do the same

Tagged by @sazandorable so I'm tagging uhhhhhh @delcat177 @oak-and-rowan @emrknght2 @slinkyinky and anyone else who wants to do it, just tag me, I want to vote on your blorbos.