#all-inclusive solutions

[webuniseo]

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[punemy-spotted]

So, like. Here's the deal.

I'm going to be the first person in line to tell you to write your story, write your catharsis, write your narrative. You deserve to be seen, deserve to show yourself off to the world if that is what you want.

The first person who will read your stories is going to be you, and everyone else is honored and privileged to walk through the world you create and see through your eyes. But that's the fucking point.

POC writers are not writing to exclude — we are writing to include. We are practically begging y'all to see us as people.

Every argument I've seen about why people don't write BIPOC Readers has boiled down to, "well I just don't have the experience" and here's the question I have to ask you: Are you reading the same stories I am?

You want the experience? FUCKING READ IT. Y'all will recommend reading smut to learn to write better smut, so read the stories BIPOC writers are writing to learn how to write inclusively.

All of this pearl-clutching about not wanting to engage in stereotype, not wanting to put forth a false narrative — READ AND REBLOG AND UPLIFT BIPOC VOICES THEN.

The stories are there!!! They are waiting!!! We have always been here. We are in every single fandom you are in.

We aren't even hard to find!!! Y'all are in the inboxes of BIPOC writers way too often to act like we're some sort of ✨rare bird✨ only seen when the astrological conditions are right. All the time y'all spent justifying your lack of inclusivity could have easily been spent reading the fics written by the people whose inboxes you've been filling.

[chaos-of-the-wilds]

love when people say "women and afabs" about some shit that does not apply if you have been on testosterone for more then a year

[whilomm]

just bc of stuff going around i was suddenly reminded of one of the stupidest bits of bi discourse i saw, no idea if it was widespread at all or if it was just a few very loud and adamant ppl, where ppl were so angry about pan stuff again that they decided that the best way to defeat the evil pans was to make bisexuality The Most Inclusive and said that it was biphobic+nbphobic to define bi as ANYTHING BUT "attraction regardless of gender". no "attraction to multiple genders" thats NOT ALLOWED ANYMORE bc of course sexualities are basically just markers of How Inclusive You Are™ and not like. guidelines for what sorta ppl ur into right.

so it was like. okay im nonbinary and attracted to men a lot and women a good bit and other nonbinary ppl a lil less usually so im bi an-

"dont you mean you are attracted to people REGARDLESS OF GENDER? because that is the ONE TRUE DEFINITION OF BI"

Uhh. no gender is. definitely a factor, not in a full stop way or nothin its a lil wibbly but its not regardles-

"then you arent bi and its kinda biphobic and nbphobic that u are insinuating bi is anything but The Most Inclusive with full attraction equality for All Gender :/"

...okay then uh. what i am, a nonbinary person attracted to multiple genders, but not REGARDLESS of gender, supposed to call myself?

"idk just die ig"

[clareguilty]

So many radical groups will try and lure you in with some kind of vague moral argument that manipulates your emotions and tricks you to into absolving your guilt/fighting a common enemy/taking a moral highground and let me tell you a majority of those groups lead to facism in some way or another

[inartconstructions]

The Benefits of Turnkey Interior Design Streamline Your Home Makeover

In the realm of modern interior design, turnkey solutions represent the pinnacle of convenience and sophistication. Turnkey interior design is a comprehensive service that delivers a fully completed and functional space with minimal involvement from the client. This all-encompassing approach is particularly advantageous for those seeking a seamless transition from concept to completion without the stress of managing multiple contractors or design decisions.

What Is Turnkey Interior Design?

Turnkey interior design refers to a service model where the designer manages every aspect of a project from inception to final execution. This includes planning, design, procurement, installation, and final styling. Essentially, it is a one-stop-shop solution that provides a complete, ready-to-use space. Clients benefit from a streamlined process and a cohesive design that reflects their personal style and preferences.

Key Benefits of Turnkey Interior Design

Streamlined Process: With turnkey solutions, clients avoid the hassle of coordinating between different vendors and contractors. The designer handles all aspects of the project, ensuring a smoother workflow and adherence to deadlines.

Time Efficiency: A turnkey approach saves significant time as it consolidates various stages of the design process into a single, efficient package. This is ideal for busy individuals or businesses looking to minimize downtime during renovations.

Consistent Aesthetic: Turnkey designers ensure a unified aesthetic by overseeing every detail of the design. This results in a harmonious and professionally executed space that aligns with the client’s vision.

Cost-Effective: While turnkey solutions may appear more expensive initially, they often prove cost-effective in the long run. The holistic approach can minimize unforeseen expenses and provide clear budgeting from the start.

The Turnkey Interior Design Process

1. Initial Consultation

The journey begins with an initial consultation, where the designer meets with the client to discuss their needs, preferences, and budget. This phase is crucial for understanding the client's vision and setting the project’s direction.

2. Concept Development

Following the consultation, the designer creates a detailed design concept that includes layout plans, material selections, color schemes, and furniture choices. This concept serves as the blueprint for the entire project.

3. Design Finalization

Once the client approves the initial concept, the designer moves on to finalizing the design. This involves detailed drawings, selecting specific products, and finalizing contracts with suppliers and contractors.

4. Procurement and Scheduling

With the design in place, the designer handles procurement of all necessary materials, furnishings, and fixtures. They also schedule the installation process, coordinating with various trades to ensure timely completion.

5. Installation and Execution

The installation phase involves the actual implementation of the design. This includes setting up furniture, arranging decor, and ensuring all elements are installed according to the design specifications.

6. Final Styling and Touch-Ups

Once the main installation is complete, the designer performs final styling and touch-ups to ensure the space looks polished and ready for use. This includes arranging accessories, artwork, and any last-minute adjustments.

Choosing the Right Turnkey Interior Designer

Selecting a qualified turnkey interior designer is crucial to the success of the project. Here are some pointers to help you make the best decision:

Experience and Expertise: Look for designers with a proven track record in turnkey projects. Their experience will be invaluable in managing the complexities of the design process.

Portfolio Review: Examine the designer’s portfolio to assess their style and the quality of their work. Ensure their aesthetic aligns with your vision for the space.

Client Testimonials: Seek feedback from previous clients to gauge the designer’s reliability, communication skills, and overall performance.

Budget Alignment: Discuss your budget upfront and ensure the designer can deliver a solution within your financial constraints. Transparent pricing and clear agreements are essential.

Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to a successful project. Choose a designer who listens to your needs and provides regular updates throughout the process.

Trends in Turnkey Interior Design

Sustainable Design

Sustainability is a growing trend in interior design. Turnkey designers are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable practices into their projects.

Smart Home Integration

Smart home technology integration is starting to become a typical component. Turnkey solutions often include automated lighting, climate control, and security systems, enhancing both convenience and energy efficiency.

Personalization

Personalization is at the forefront of modern design. Turnkey designers are focusing on creating spaces that reflect the unique personalities and lifestyles of their clients, ensuring a more meaningful and engaging environment.

Conclusion

Turnkey interior design offers a comprehensive and efficient solution for transforming spaces with minimal client involvement. By managing every aspect of the project, from initial concept to final execution, turnkey designers deliver a seamless experience and a beautifully cohesive result. Whether for residential or commercial spaces, turnkey solutions provide convenience, consistency, and a high level of professionalism.

For those looking to revamp their environment with minimal hassle, turnkey interior design is an excellent choice that combines expertise, efficiency, and elegance.

[familythings]

The Responsibility of Schools for Bullying Phenomenon. Tips on what Parents can do to protect Children from Bullying

Anytime I hear about bullying, it takes me right back to my school years. Back then, kids had no clue that their mean behavior had a name. They didn’t realize that what they were doing was called bullying. What I remember is that the kids who bullied others often did it out of jealousy. They targeted guys who were treated well by their parents, dressed better, and had more pocket money. They also…

[trans-androgyne]

Genuinely, what happened to “feminism is for everyone”?

That’s the feminism I grew up with: encouraging people to recognize that fighting sexism and restrictive gender roles helps folks of every gender. We’d push back on the idea that feminists hate men, pointing to inclusive feminist literature and how many men are feminists.

Now, there are so many people insisting that the solution to patriarchy is to openly hate and ostracize men no matter what. Why? What is the benefit? It’s certainly not effective in fighting oppressive structures to exclude half the population from your cause on the basis of immutable traits. It may feel cathartic to say horrible things about men and try to punish them for your frustrations with patriarchy. But the only actual effect I see is the increasing right-wing radicalization of young men, who are being told that the left hates them for the way they were born and presented with an abundance of proof that it’s true.

Why are we going back to treating men and women as different species? It doesn’t fix things to say “well women are the good gender and men are the bad one” this time. If you sincerely want to dismantle sexism, you’re going to have to unpack and let go of all sex and gender essentialism—even that which considers women inherently pure and men inherently immoral.

[caparrucia]

Full offense and pun fully intended, but I genuinely think the very existence of "dead dove, do not eat" was a fucking canary in the mines, and no one really paid attention.

Because the tag itself was created as a response to a fandom-wide tendency to disregard warnings and assume tagging was exaggerated. And then the same fucking idiots reading those tags describing things they found upsetting or disturbing or just not to their taste would STILL click into the stories and give the writer's grief about it.

And as a response writers began using the tag to signal "no, really, I MEAN the tags!"

But like.

If you really think about it, that's a solution to a different problem. The solution to "I know you tagged your story appropriately but I chose to disregard the tags and warnings by reading it anyway, even though I knew it would upset me, so now I'm upset and making it your problem" is frankly a block, a ban and wide-spread blacklisting. But fandom as a whole is fucking awful at handling bad faith, insidious arguments that appeal to community inclusion and weaponize the fact most people participating in fandom want to share the space with others, as opposed to hurting people.

So instead of upfront ridiculing this kind of maladaptive attempt to foster one's own emotional self-regulation onto random strangers on the internet, fandom compromised and came up with a redundant tag in a good faith attempt to address an imaginary nuance.

There is no nuance to this.

A writer's job is to tag their work correctly. It's not to tag it exhaustively. It's not even to tag it extensively. A writer's sole obligation, as far as AO3 and arguably fandom spaces are concerned, is to make damn sure that the tags they put on their story actually match whatever is going on in that story.

That's it.

That's all.

"But what if I don't want to read X?" Well, you don't read fic that's tagged X.

"But what if I read something that wasn't tagged X?" Well, that's very unfortunate for you, but if it is genuinely that upsetting, you have a responsibility to yourself to only browse things explicitly tagged to not include X.

"But that's not a lot of fic!" Hi, you must be new here, yes, welcome to fandom. Most of our spaces are built explicitly as a reaction to There's Not Enough Of The Thing I Want, both in canon and fandom.

"But there are things on the internet that I don't like!" Yeah, and they are also out there, offline. And, here's the thing, things existing even though we personally dislike or even hate or even flat out find offensive/gross/immoral/unspeakable existing is the price we pay to secure our right to exist as individuals and creators, regardless of who finds US personally unpleasant, hateful or flat out offensive/gross/immoral/unspeakable.

"But what about [illegal thing]?!" So the thing itself is illegal, because the thing itself has been deemed harmful. But your goddamn cop-poisoned authoritarian little heart needs to learn that sometimes things are illegal that aren't harmful, and defaulting to "but illegal!" is a surefire way to end up on the wrong side of the fascism pop quiz. You're not a figure of authority and the more you demand to control and exercise authority by command, rather than leadership, the less impressive you seem. You know how you make actual, genuine change in a community? You center harm and argue in good faith to find accommodations and spread awareness of real, actual problems.

But let's play your game. Let's pretend we're all brainwashed cop-abiding little cogs that do not own a single working brain cell to exercise critical thinking with. 99% of the time, when you cry about any given thing "being illegal!!!" you're correct only so far as the THING itself being illegal. The act or object is illegal. Depiction of it is not. You know why, dipshit? Because if depiction of the thing were illegal, you wouldn't be able to talk about it. You wouldn't be able to educate about it. You wouldn't be able to reexamine and discuss and understand the thing, how and why and where it happens and how to prevent it. And yeah, depiction being legal opens the door for people to make depictions that are in bad taste or probably not appropriate. Sure. But that's the price we pay, creating tools to demystify some of the most horrific things in the world and support the people who've survived them. The net good of those tools existing outweighs the harm of people misusing them.

"You're defending the indefensible!" No, you're clumsily stumbling into a conversation that's been going on for centuries, with your elementary school understanding of morality and your bone-deep police state rot filtering your perception of reality, and insisting you figured it out and everyone else at the table is an idiot for not agreeing with you. Shut the fuck up, sit the fuck down and read a goddamn book.

[greenthestral]

Unleashing Innovation and Infrastructure: Driving Sustainable Development with Goal 9

Goal 9 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. This goal recognizes the crucial role that these three pillars play in advancing economic growth, fostering technological advancements, and promoting sustainable development worldwide. By investing in resilient infrastructure, encouraging innovation, and promoting inclusive industrialization, Goal 9 aims to create a foundation for sustainable economic growth and enhance the overall well-being of societies. In this article, we delve into the significance of Goal 9 and explore the transformative potential it holds for a better future.

The Power of Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainable infrastructure is not just a luxury but a necessity for any thriving economy. It provides the necessary foundation for economic activities to flourish and communities to thrive. This type of infrastructure encompasses various sectors that are vital for the functioning of societies, including transportation, energy, water, and telecommunications.

Transportation infrastructure is essential for connecting people, goods, and services. By developing sustainable transportation systems, countries can reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve accessibility. Investing in efficient public transportation, such as buses, trains, and trams, promotes the use of clean energy and reduces reliance on individual cars. Additionally, sustainable transportation infrastructure, including bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly walkways, encourages active modes of transportation, leading to improved public health and reduced carbon footprint.

Energy infrastructure plays a crucial role in powering economies and societies. Transitioning to renewable and sustainable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. By investing in sustainable energy infrastructure, countries can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, improve energy security, and promote the development of clean technologies. Moreover, decentralized energy systems, such as microgrids, enable communities to have reliable and sustainable access to electricity, even in remote areas.

Water infrastructure is essential for ensuring access to clean and safe water for all. Sustainable water management involves building resilient water supply and sanitation systems that minimize water loss, prevent pollution, and promote efficient water usage. This infrastructure is crucial in mitigating the impacts of droughts, floods, and water scarcity, which are exacerbated by climate change. By investing in sustainable water infrastructure, countries can improve public health, enhance agricultural productivity, and preserve precious water resources.

Telecommunications infrastructure, including broadband networks and digital connectivity, is increasingly becoming indispensable in today's interconnected world. Access to reliable and affordable internet services is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare, and social development. By investing in sustainable telecommunications infrastructure, countries can bridge the digital divide and ensure equal opportunities for all. This infrastructure also facilitates the adoption of smart technologies, enabling efficient management of resources, such as energy and transportation systems.

Building resilient and sustainable infrastructure has numerous benefits beyond the obvious environmental advantages. By efficiently utilizing resources, sustainable infrastructure reduces waste and promotes resource conservation. This, in turn, leads to cost savings and improved economic efficiency. Additionally, sustainable infrastructure creates jobs across various sectors, from construction and engineering to renewable energy and technology. The development and maintenance of infrastructure projects generate employment opportunities, stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment rates.

Investing in sustainable infrastructure also helps to address social inequalities and promote social inclusion. By improving access to basic services, such as transportation, energy, water, and telecommunications, sustainable infrastructure enhances the quality of life for all citizens, irrespective of their socioeconomic status or geographical location. Access to reliable transportation allows individuals to access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Reliable and affordable energy services empower communities and improve their overall well-being. Furthermore, by providing access to clean water and sanitation, sustainable infrastructure ensures better health outcomes and reduces the burden of water-related diseases.

Sustainable infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy and a cornerstone of sustainable development. By building resilient and sustainable infrastructure in sectors such as transportation, energy, water, and telecommunications, countries can efficiently utilize resources, minimize environmental impact, and enhance the quality of life for their citizens. Investing in sustainable infrastructure creates jobs, stimulates economic growth, reduces inequalities, and promotes social inclusion. It is not just an investment in the present but a commitment to future generations, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Fostering Innovation for Progress

Innovation is a driving force behind human progress and is crucial for addressing the pressing challenges of our time. Goal 9 acknowledges the need to foster innovation and technological advancements as a means to drive sustainable development. By encouraging innovative solutions, societies can tackle complex issues, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, while paving the way for a greener and more inclusive future.

One of the key contributions of innovation lies in the development and adoption of clean technologies. As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy, innovation plays a vital role. It enables the creation and implementation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and advanced battery storage systems. These innovations help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable energy production, thereby mitigating climate change and its detrimental impacts.

Moreover, innovation drives sustainable consumption and production patterns. It encourages the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly products and processes. Through innovations in design, manufacturing, and supply chain management, businesses can reduce waste generation, optimize resource utilization, and minimize environmental impact. For example, innovations in packaging materials and recycling technologies can help to reduce plastic waste and promote circular economy practices. By embracing sustainable consumption and production, innovation supports the efficient use of resources and reduces the strain on the environment.

Innovation also facilitates knowledge transfer and collaboration. Through sharing ideas, research findings, and best practices, innovation promotes learning and the dissemination of information across borders and sectors. It enables countries and organizations to learn from each other's successes and failures, accelerating progress towards sustainable development. Collaborative platforms and initiatives foster innovation ecosystems, where diverse stakeholders can come together to solve common challenges. These platforms promote interdisciplinary approaches and create synergies between different sectors, such as academia, industry, and civil society.

Furthermore, innovation drives economic growth, productivity, and competitiveness. By investing in research and development, countries can foster innovation and create an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and creativity. Innovative ideas and technologies lead to the creation of new industries, businesses, and job opportunities. This not only stimulates economic growth but also contributes to poverty reduction and the improvement of living standards. Innovation-driven economies are more resilient and adaptable to change, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Innovation also plays a critical role in promoting social inclusion. By addressing the needs and challenges faced by marginalized communities, innovation can reduce inequalities and enhance social well-being. For instance, technological innovations in healthcare can improve access to quality medical services in remote areas. Similarly, innovations in education, such as online learning platforms, can provide equal educational opportunities to individuals who are otherwise unable to access traditional educational institutions. By embracing inclusive innovation, societies can ensure that the benefits of progress are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background or geographic location.

To fully unleash the potential of innovation, it is crucial to create an enabling environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. This includes investment in research and development, intellectual property protection, access to financing, and supportive policies and regulations. Governments, businesses, and civil society organizations must work together to create innovation ecosystems that nurture and amplify innovative ideas and solutions. By fostering a culture of innovation and providing the necessary resources and support, societies can harness the transformative power of innovation for sustainable development.

Innovation lies at the heart of human progress and is integral to achieving sustainable development. Goal 9 recognizes the need to foster innovation and technological advancements as essential drivers of positive change. Through innovation, societies can address global challenges, promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, and facilitate knowledge transfer. Embracing innovation enhances productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth, while also promoting social inclusion and a greener future. By investing in innovation and creating an enabling environment, societies can unlock new possibilities and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous world for current and future generations.

Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization

Industrialization has played a significant role in shaping economies and societies throughout history. It has been a driving force behind economic growth, job creation, and technological advancements. However, traditional industrialization has often come at a cost to the environment and social well-being. Goal 9 recognizes the need for a shift towards inclusive and sustainable industrialization, which takes into account both social and environmental factors for long-term development.

Promoting sustainable industrial practices is crucial for minimizing negative environmental impacts. Traditional industrial processes often lead to pollution, resource depletion, and increased carbon emissions. Sustainable industrialization aims to reduce the ecological footprint of industrial activities by adopting cleaner and more efficient technologies, optimizing resource use, and minimizing waste generation. For example, industries can implement energy-efficient production methods, invest in renewable energy sources, and adopt circular economy principles that prioritize recycling and reuse of materials. By doing so, countries can achieve economic growth while minimizing harm to the environment.

Furthermore, sustainable industrialization focuses on reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change. The industrial sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, mainly through energy consumption and the burning of fossil fuels. By transitioning to low-carbon technologies and practices, countries can mitigate their carbon footprint. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient processes, and adopting sustainable transportation and logistics systems. Sustainable industrialization aligns with global climate goals, such as the Paris Agreement, and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale.

Resource efficiency is another essential aspect of sustainable industrialization. Traditional industrial practices often result in the inefficient use of resources, leading to depletion and waste. Sustainable industrialization promotes the adoption of resource-efficient technologies and processes that minimize material waste, optimize resource use, and promote recycling and reuse. By implementing strategies such as eco-design, life cycle assessment, and industrial symbiosis, industries can reduce their dependence on finite resources and create more sustainable production systems.

Inclusive industrialization is a key component of Goal 9, aiming to create decent jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and provide equal opportunities for all. Traditional industrialization models have sometimes led to social inequalities, labor exploitation, and inadequate working conditions. Inclusive industrialization seeks to address these issues by promoting fair and decent employment practices, ensuring safe working environments, and respecting workers' rights. It also focuses on providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their gender, age, or socioeconomic background. Inclusive industrialization encourages the empowerment of marginalized communities, the promotion of skills development, and the support of entrepreneurship, fostering economic inclusivity and social well-being.

Moreover, inclusive industrialization promotes the localization of industries, particularly in developing countries. By encouraging the growth of domestic industries and supporting local entrepreneurship, countries can reduce their dependence on imports, strengthen their economies, and create sustainable job opportunities. This localization of industries contributes to the equitable distribution of wealth, reduces inequalities, and enhances economic resilience.

To achieve inclusive and sustainable industrialization, partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society are essential. Governments play a crucial role in formulating policies and regulations that promote sustainable industrial practices and ensure social inclusivity. Businesses need to embrace corporate social responsibility, adopt sustainable production methods, and prioritize the well-being of workers and the environment. Civil society organizations can advocate for sustainable practices, monitor compliance with regulations, and promote dialogue between different stakeholders. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are key to fostering inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

Goal 9 highlights the importance of inclusive and sustainable industrialization for long-term economic growth and social well-being. By promoting sustainable industrial practices, countries can minimize negative environmental impacts, reduce carbon emissions, and improve resource efficiency. Inclusive industrialization focuses on creating decent jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and providing equal opportunities for all, addressing inequalities and promoting social well-being. Achieving inclusive and sustainable industrialization requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society, as well as a commitment to adopting cleaner technologies, optimizing resource use, and respecting workers' rights. By embracing inclusive and sustainable industrialization, countries can lay the foundation for a more equitable, resilient, and environmentally conscious future.

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships

Collaboration and partnerships are essential in achieving Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The involvement of multiple stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and civil society, is crucial in mobilizing resources, expertise, and technology to accelerate progress towards sustainable development. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as effective mechanisms for fostering collaboration and driving sustainable development initiatives.

PPPs enable the sharing of risks and responsibilities between the public and private sectors. Governments often lack the financial resources and technical expertise required to undertake large-scale infrastructure projects independently. By partnering with private companies, governments can leverage their expertise, funding, and access to technology. Private sector partners, on the other hand, benefit from the stability and long-term vision provided by government involvement. Through PPPs, the risks associated with large-scale projects can be distributed more evenly, making them more attractive to investors and lenders.

One of the key advantages of PPPs is the facilitation of knowledge exchange and innovation. The private sector brings valuable industry experience, technical know-how, and innovative approaches to infrastructure development. Governments can benefit from the private sector's expertise in areas such as project design, financing, and operations. In return, governments can provide a conducive policy and regulatory environment that enables private sector innovation and investment. This collaboration fosters the transfer of knowledge and best practices, leading to more efficient and sustainable infrastructure projects.

PPPs also enable the mobilization of financial resources for infrastructure development. The private sector brings additional funding sources, such as equity investment, project financing, and access to capital markets. This helps to bridge the infrastructure financing gap that many countries face. By pooling public and private sector resources, PPPs can attract the necessary investment to undertake ambitious infrastructure projects that may otherwise be financially unfeasible for governments alone.

Furthermore, PPPs can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure development and operations. The private sector's focus on cost-effectiveness and performance can drive innovation and improved service delivery. Private sector partners bring a results-oriented approach, which can lead to better project management, increased efficiency, and enhanced service quality. This can translate into improved infrastructure access, reduced costs, and enhanced user experiences.

Inclusive growth is a crucial aspect of achieving Goal 9. PPPs can help ensure that the benefits of infrastructure development reach all segments of society. By incorporating social and environmental considerations into project design and operations, PPPs can address issues of equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. For example, PPPs can prioritize the inclusion of vulnerable populations, promote gender equality, and minimize negative environmental impacts. This requires transparent and accountable governance frameworks, robust monitoring mechanisms, and meaningful engagement with local communities and civil society organizations.

To foster successful PPPs, governments must create an enabling environment through supportive policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks. This includes establishing clear legal frameworks for PPP contracts, providing transparent procurement processes, and ensuring fair and equitable risk allocation. Governments also play a crucial role in safeguarding public interests, ensuring accountability, and maintaining the long-term sustainability of projects.

However, it is important to note that PPPs are not without challenges. Complex procurement processes, contractual negotiations, and the need for risk management can be demanding. Furthermore, there is a need to strike a balance between private sector profit motives and public interest objectives. Proper governance, transparency, and effective monitoring are essential to address these challenges and ensure that PPPs deliver sustainable and equitable outcomes.

Achieving Goal 9 requires collaboration and partnerships between governments, private sectors, and civil society. PPPs serve as effective mechanisms for mobilizing resources, expertise, and technology to accelerate progress towards sustainable development. By leveraging the strengths of each sector, PPPs enable the sharing of risks and responsibilities, facilitate knowledge exchange, and mobilize financial resources for infrastructure development. Through inclusive and well-governed PPPs, governments and businesses can create an enabling environment for innovation, invest in sustainable infrastructure projects, and ensure the inclusive growth of economies.

Overcoming Challenges

While Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure holds immense potential for sustainable development, there are several challenges that must be overcome to realize its objectives. These challenges primarily revolve around funding and investment limitations, particularly in developing countries, as well as the need for access to technology, knowledge, and skills for all nations.

One of the primary hurdles in achieving Goal 9 is the lack of funding and investment in sustainable infrastructure projects, especially in developing countries. Building resilient and sustainable infrastructure requires significant financial resources, which may be lacking in many countries, particularly those with limited access to capital markets. Mobilizing funds for infrastructure development requires robust policies, regulatory frameworks, and innovative financing mechanisms. Governments must create an attractive investment climate, providing incentives and guarantees to attract private investments. International financial institutions and development banks play a crucial role in providing financial assistance and technical expertise to support infrastructure projects in developing countries.

In addition to financial constraints, ensuring access to technology, knowledge, and skills is vital for promoting innovation and industrialization. Developing countries often face challenges in acquiring and adopting advanced technologies due to limited resources and technical capacities. Bridging the technology gap requires collaboration between developed and developing countries, as well as knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Developed countries can support developing nations by providing technical assistance, capacity building programs, and access to affordable and appropriate technologies. This can help accelerate industrialization, promote sustainable practices, and enhance productivity in developing economies.

Moreover, promoting innovation and industrialization in a sustainable manner requires a coordinated global effort and the commitment of all stakeholders involved. Governments, private sectors, civil society organizations, and international institutions must work together to create an enabling environment for sustainable industrial practices and infrastructure development. This includes establishing supportive policies, regulations, and incentives that encourage innovation, promote sustainable practices, and ensure the equitable distribution of benefits. Collaboration between stakeholders is crucial to foster partnerships, share best practices, and overcome challenges.

Furthermore, addressing the challenges of Goal 9 requires a focus on capacity building and human resource development. Developing countries need to invest in education and skill development programs to build a workforce that can drive innovation and effectively participate in sustainable industrialization. This includes promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship development. By equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, countries can create a pool of talent that can contribute to the advancement of sustainable industries and infrastructure.

International cooperation and support are essential for overcoming these challenges. Developed countries have a responsibility to assist developing nations in achieving Goal 9 by providing financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building assistance. Global partnerships, such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Bank, can facilitate knowledge exchange, provide technical expertise, and coordinate efforts to promote sustainable industrialization and infrastructure development worldwide.

In conclusion, while Goal 9 holds immense potential for sustainable development, several challenges must be addressed to realize its objectives. These challenges include the lack of funding and investment in sustainable infrastructure projects, the need for access to technology and knowledge, and the importance of capacity building. Overcoming these hurdles requires the commitment of all stakeholders involved, including governments, private sectors, civil society organizations, and international institutions. By mobilizing financial resources, promoting technology transfer, and investing in capacity building, countries can overcome these challenges and move towards inclusive and sustainable industrialization and infrastructure development.

Success Stories and Best Practices

Achieving Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure is an ongoing endeavor, but many countries and organizations have made significant strides towards its realization. These successes serve as inspiring examples and models for others to follow.

One notable advancement towards sustainable infrastructure can be seen in the construction of renewable energy projects. Solar and wind farms have gained momentum worldwide as countries recognize the importance of transitioning to clean and sustainable energy sources. These projects not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to energy security and independence. Governments and private investors have been increasingly supporting the development of renewable energy infrastructure, leading to significant growth in the sector. This progress highlights the potential for sustainable energy systems to drive economic growth, create jobs, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Innovation and technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in achieving Goal 9. Technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) are being harnessed to enhance the efficiency of transportation systems, optimize energy consumption, and improve urban planning. For instance, blockchain technology can be utilized to create decentralized energy markets, enabling the efficient exchange of energy between producers and consumers. AI-powered systems can optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall efficiency of transportation networks. These innovative solutions are transforming the way infrastructure is designed, operated, and maintained, leading to more sustainable and efficient outcomes.

Collaborative initiatives and frameworks are providing guidance and support to countries in their pursuit of sustainable infrastructure development. The World Bank's Infrastructure Prioritization Framework is one such example. This framework helps countries identify and prioritize infrastructure projects based on their potential economic, social, and environmental impact. It provides a systematic approach to decision-making, enabling countries to align their infrastructure investments with sustainable development objectives. Collaborative efforts like this facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and best practice sharing among countries, accelerating progress towards Goal 9.

Furthermore, various organizations and networks are working towards promoting sustainable infrastructure and innovation. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), for example, supports countries in developing and implementing sustainable industrial policies, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization. The Global Infrastructure Hub (GI Hub) works with governments, private sectors, and international organizations to develop infrastructure projects that are financially viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.

These success stories and best practices serve as inspiration for others to follow in their pursuit of Goal 9. They demonstrate that sustainable infrastructure development is not only feasible but also beneficial for economic growth, job creation, and environmental preservation. By highlighting these achievements, countries and organizations can learn from each other, replicate successful approaches, and adapt them to their specific contexts.

However, it is important to recognize that there is still much work to be done. Despite the progress made, there are still significant infrastructure gaps, especially in developing countries. The challenge lies in ensuring that sustainable infrastructure development is accessible and affordable for all, particularly in regions with limited resources. This requires continued investment, innovative financing mechanisms, and the transfer of technology and knowledge to bridge the infrastructure gap.

Significant strides have been made towards achieving Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The construction of renewable energy infrastructure, the utilization of innovative technologies, and the implementation of collaborative initiatives all contribute to the progress being made. These success stories and best practices serve as inspiration and models for others to follow in their pursuit of Goal 9. By continuing to prioritize sustainable infrastructure development, countries can create a more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally conscious future.

Conclusion

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure are essential pillars for sustainable development. By investing in sustainable infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive industrialization, countries can create a foundation for economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. Achieving Goal 9 requires strong partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, and the commitment of governments, businesses, and civil society. By harnessing the power of sustainable infrastructure and unleashing innovation, we can pave the way towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for all. Let us seize the opportunities presented by Goal 9 and work together to build a better world.

[nothorses]

when the other grads in my residency program & I were deciding how we were gonna make decisions together, and how we would make sure everyone got a voice in every decision that was made, we ran into the obvious problem of, like, not everyone can be present for every conversation. and not everyone wants to be.

we had meetings every other week, which gave us 60 minutes to talk about and settle everything from dishes and cleaning responsibilities in our shared living spaces, to social gatherings and shit, to much more serious matters that came up. There were around 20 of us. We couldn't just kick the can down the road every time someone didn't come to a meeting- and we never had full attendance, even though it was technically "mandatory".

Our solution was to share the meeting agenda ahead of time, so everyone had the chance to decide whether they needed to be there or get someone to advocate for them if they couldn't make it. At the meeting itself, the people there could make decisions and take action. If someone didn't show and didn't make an effort to be a part of the conversation some other way, they forfeited their right to be a part of the conversation; they'd have to bring it up at the next meeting if they wanted to revise anything. In the meantime, that decision would still stand.

Our current government isn't really A Democracy in the sense that it isn't oriented towards justice or the inclusion of all voices, and it's not as fair as the system 20 leftist grad students came up with to resolve cleaning disputes.

But it blows my mind when the same people who think a vote = full responsibility for a particular candidate's actions also insist that abstaining from a vote is somehow abstaining from all responsibility.

You could have been at the meeting, dude. You could have advocated for something even slightly better. It's not your fault what exactly people decided in your absence, but you don't get to act like you didn't have a choice to let them make it.

[fyodior]

⌕ pairing: dad alpha!toji fushiguro x daughter omega!reader

⌕ warnings: BLOODCEST, reader goes into heat, piv sex, use of dad/daddy/papa, kind of subspace-ish but just bc of heat, knotting, toji is guilty as hell, a/b/o stuff like pheromones/scent/slick, toji is a dominant alpha, crying. dead dove do not eat! MINORS AND AGELESS BLOGS DNI YOU WILL BE BLOCKED

⌕ word count: 2.7k

MORE A/B/O-TOBER HERE!

This was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime. You and your beloved father had planned this vacation months ago, with the hopes of finally having a full two weeks of father-daughter alone time you two had so desperately been craving recently. Between both of your demanding jobs, respective social lives, and other various responsibilities, you barely even got to see each other anymore, outside of when you both came home at night. It had been a rule that you were to eat dinner together every night, and you had upheld that for a long time, but it had gotten to the point where it was no longer feasible.

So, the solution to missing each other? A two weeklong trip to the beach town of your dreams, at an all-inclusive resort that your wonderful dad had spent months saving every last cent to pay for. He had said it wasn’t right to force his beautiful daughter to pay even a single dime for this trip. It was his gift to you. Your gift to him? Just your presence and love.

To be quite honest, you and your dad had a… less than conventional relationship. Your friends found it odd that you still lived with him even though you were plenty financially stable enough to go out into the world on your own, and would surely have much more freedom in doing so. But you just couldn’t leave your beloved dad. Not when he loved you the way he did, cherished you and pampered and spoiled you at every turn. Who in their right mind would ever give that up? Certainly not you. You made it a point to never mention to others that you still slept in his bed every night, put to sleep by his strong arms wrapped tightly around you as you breathed in each other’s familiar scents.

When planning the vacation, you had made sure to schedule it in a timeframe where you would not be in your heat. They had always been fairly regular, so you had just done the math and planned it for when you’d be in the clear. Toji was more than happy to do so, as he wanted you to enjoy this trip completely uninhibited, especially from something so debilitating as a heat. Toji himself wasn’t too worried – in his older age, his ruts had slowed down pretty significantly, and even then, they weren’t ever severe enough to truly hinder his day-to-day life too much.

To say the vacation was much needed would be a vast understatement. The stress of busy lives had melted off both of your shoulders as you basked in the sun on white sand beaches, calmed by the sound of the waves lapping against the shore and sipping fruity cocktails served in coconuts. At night you’d go out dancing, grinding against each other in a drunken haze amongst people who didn’t know your familial relations. Sure, the age difference was apparent, but they didn’t know Toji was your dad. It was so freeing. And if he had kissed you soft and sweet on the dance floor? That secret would go with you to your graves.

Of course, with your luck, the magic couldn’t last forever. In the afternoon of the fifth day, you had started to feel… odd. Twitchy. A little foggy. Your skin felt hotter than normal, but you chalked it up to too much time in the tropical sun. The strange tingling between your legs was just because of… something. Whatever. Nothing was to ruin the vacation of your dreams, so you’ll ignore, ignore, ignore. No need to pay attention to such silly things.

Until it got worse. You had uncharacteristically asked Toji not to cuddle you to sleep that night, which he found profoundly odd, but your skin felt like it was on fire. The thought of anyone else touching you, even your dad, sounded like hell.

And then… even worse. In the wee hours of the night, you woke up gasping and whining. You felt hot all over, a sheen of sweat coating your body. Everything ached, your head felt fuzzy and sharp at the same time, and you could barely breathe. The worst, though? You were so painfully horny, your cunt throbbing and leaking, it was pure misery. There was no denying it anymore – you were in heat. Immediately, you began to panic. This was not supposed to happen.

The only thing you could think to do in your haze was shake the man next to you awake.

“Dad, daddy, please wake up,” you whined, shaking him by his arm.

“Wha- what it is it, sweetheart? Everything okay?” Toji mumbled gruffly, eyes still closed and clearly still mostly asleep.

“I’m in heat.”You could barely get the words out, speaking suddenly feeling impossible.

That woke him up quickly, lurching up. What? W-what do you mean?”

“Heat,” you repeated. “I-I’m in heat,” you damn near cried.

The heat pooling between your legs was getting more unbearable by the second, groaning as you cupped your hand over your throbbing pussy.

“Why? How? We-we planned around it!” he stuttered, staring at you with wide eyes. It was unmistakable, the presentation – despite never seeing you in one for long, he had witnessed the beginning phase of it multiple times.

What really tipped him off, though was your scent. The whole suite reeked of your sickly-sweet scent, pheromones emanating off your shivering body in droves. To say Toji wasn’t affected by it would be a lie. In fact, he scooted back in the bed to try and escape the potent yet divine odor, but there truly was no escape.

Toji wants to panic, unsure of what to do in this shocking moment, but it’s clear you’d beaten him to it. Hyperventilating and scratching at your skin, the panic of an incident so interruptive really settling in. He had to comfort you, and fast.

“Hey, hey, sweetheart, calm down,” he attempts, gathering you in a tight hug to try and soothe you. “It’s okay, I promise. Daddy’s here.” That was the problem. Only daddy was here – no heat partner in sight. While you had no real partner, you had a few alpha friends who didn’t mind helping you out during your heats to ease the pain. Of course, those same friends were a plane ride away, and it’s not like you could ask the alpha next door if they could knot you.

As his eyes trailed down your body, he gulped when he saw the crotch of your sleep shorts was soaked in slick. Fuck.

Fat crocodile tears ran down your burning cheeks as you sobbed in his arms, and all Toji could do was hug you close and rock you side to side. With you so close to him, he had no choice but to inhale your bleeding scent, and he wishes he could rip his nose off. This is not good.

Resigning himself to the situation at hand, Toji sighed. There’s only one way out of this – unless he just locked you in the suite to suffer through your miserable heat alone.

“Calm down, baby, daddy’s gonna help you, okay? Daddy will help you.”

“R-really?” you sniffled, pulling back to look your dad in the eyes, gauging his sincerity.

“Of course, baby. Daddy’s gonna make you feel all better, okay? No need to worry anymore.”

Saying that Toji had never had thoughts like these about you before would be far, far, from the truth. In fact, he’d lost count of the times he’d jerked off in the shower to the thought of burying his cock so deep inside you, you couldn’t breathe, but he always watched the cum swirl down the drain in shame. And you, the same. Your fingers never felt as good as you’d imagined Toji’s would. Even though you were closer than the average father-daughter duo, the two of you had never crossed that line. At least, not yet.

But now, your brain was so addled by this primal state that the implications of what your father was promising you meant nothing. All you could think about was relief.

Toji gulped. There’s no going back now.

“Lay on your back, baby.”

You quickly do as your told, movements far from graceful as you fell from his arms and stumbled back on the bed. Maybe he could just get away with a quick fingering – maybe that would put you back to sleep for now.

Slithering a hand down your sleep shorts, Toji shivered when he felt how soaking wet you were. Pressing the tip of his ring finger just at the rim of your hole had you whimpering, head falling back against the pillow and gripping his arm tight.

“More, please,” you groaned, eyes screwed shut.

“Okay, sweetheart.”

His ring finger slipped into your hole with shocking ease, absolutely no resistance. Clearly your body was well beyond desperate. The gasp and groan you let out was one of pure desperation and distress. The thick finger inside you surely felt nice, but it was still only one – you needed much more.

“More, more,” you whined, gripping his wrist and attempting to force him further inside you.

Toji’s heart pounded in his chest, dread filling his entire body and chilling his blood as the realization that his fingers would almost certainly not be enough. Even worse, the lethal combination of your scent, slick, and whines sent blood rushing south. Fuck.

A second finger dipped inside you, and he began slowly pumping them in and out of your hole, scissoring his fingers apart in a hopeless attempt filling you up enough to beget enough relief. It was simply futile.

Whines and whimpers filled the suite as you bore down on his fingers, taking it into your own hands to push him further inside you. The arousal churning through your veins was intolerable and it just wasn’t enough.

Throwing your arms around his neck, you yanked him towards you, making him stumble and almost collapse on top of you. Hot, frantic breaths fanned across his face as you pressed your forehead against his, involuntary guttural groans escaping your throat.

“Dad, please,” you begged. “P-put it in.”

His heart stopped, blood running cold at your desperate request. Once you crossed that line, you could never go back. Hearing your pained moans though, was addling Toji’s judgement.

“Honey, I…” he started, fingers still pumping in and out of you in hopes of keeping you slightly satiated. “I don’t know…”

Toji fought hard to maintain his composure, but the fact of the matter was, he was still an alpha - and a dominant one at that. Though middle age had relieved him of some of the more undesirable, undeniable traits of such a label, he was only human. One could only fight biology and primal instinct for so long.

“Fuck it.”

Pulling away his fingers despite your protests, he roughly yanked off your shorts and panties, flinging them off the side of the bed before throwing your legs over his shoulders. Tugging his boxers down just enough to pull out his aching cock, wasting no time at all as he forcefully thrusts into you, bottoming out immediately. Your cries were almost certainly loud enough to be heard outside your room, but neither of you could give less of a fuck.

Guttural groans tumbled out of Toji’s mouth as he basks in the feeling of your tight, wet heat clenching hard around his length, thrashing underneath him. Despite his considerable endowment, you had not a single complaint, your pussy clearly frantic to be filled.

“Daddy!” you cried out, throwing your arms around his neck and panting deeply, chest heaving.

“It’s okay sweetheart,” Toji assured, resting his forehead against yours. “Dad’s got you. It’ll be okay.”

It’s not long before he’s building up a considerable rhythm, fucking you hard and deep as you keened underneath him with a constant stream of whimpers and cries. The wet, sticky sound of skin on skin was sweet music to Toji’s ears, encouraging him to pick up the pace – something you were more than happy about.

The primal alpha instincts in him had him digging his nose deep into your neck just over your scent gland, huffing your potent scent like the sweetest drug, soaking up your pheromones that emanated from you. He wasn’t even aware of the way his own pheromones had mixed with yours, the musky odor clouding your senses. It was like you were made just for him, and he just for you. Your pheromones swirled together and encased the both of you in a blissful bubble of primitive desire and ecstasy.

The sex was messy, sloppy, and uncoordinated, having lost any sort of real rhythm in favor of frantically rutting into you, heavy balls slapping against your ass with every desperate thrust. A tiny voice in the back of Toji’s head, what was left of his rational mind, wondered if maybe your heat had catapulted him into rut, but that was no concern to him in the moment.

All you needed, all he wanted was to satiate your burning desire and arousal, to curb your instinctual need to fuck and be fucked, if only for a little bit.

Wanting to feel you deeper, Toji leaned forward to press your knees to your shoulders, allowing him to bury himself deep in your pussy, his tip kissing your cervix. So caught up in the ecstasy, a familiar yet bygone word escaped your lips.

“Papa!” you exclaimed, throwing your head back and gasping.

Papa. A term you had given up well over a decade ago, indicative of how far gone you were. How you had reverted to nothing but pure instinct, recognizing the man fucking you as what he once, and always would be, to you.

Toji almost came right on the spot. A strangled moan came from his throat, his arousal increasing tenfold.

“Say it again,” he demanded, voice deep and gruff.

There was no need to tell you twice. “Papa! Papa! Papa!” you chanted like a perverted spell, entirely unaware of what you were saying, much less the implications.

And Toji does something he swore he wouldn’t do – without halting his movements, he cupped your cheek and crashed his lips against yours. It was messy, all teeth and tongue and spit, but he could no longer keep himself from kissing his sweet, sweet daughter.

“Papa’s got you, baby,” Toji mutters against your lips, punctuating his words with hard thrusts. “Papa’s gonna make you feel so much better.”

The overstimulation of pheromones, messy kisses, and the hardest fuck you’ve ever had, had you hurtling closer and closer to what you so badly needed.

“Gonna come,” you whined, gripping his cheeks and pulling him in for a sloppy kiss.

That had Toji’s heart racing even faster, scared he’d go into cardiac arrest at this point.

“Come for me, baby,” he encourages, kissing you back. “Come for Papa.”

Your next words yet again brutally took him by surprise.

“Knot me, daddy, please.”

Fuck. How is he supposed to deny that?

As your own orgasm crashed over you like a suffocating wave, screams and moans piercing Toji’s ears, he continued to fuck into your oversensitive pussy deeper and deeper until he began to feel the familiar swelling at the base of his cock. And soon enough, he’s damn near howling as he spills hot, sticky cum into your welcoming cunt, balls spasming as they empty themselves inside you. Neither of you were in the right mind to reckon with the potential consequences of that.

Toji’s thick knot had swelled to full size, stretching to a point that had you whimpering, hugging your dad close.

“Hurts Papa, it hurts,” you whined, tears gathering in your glossy eyes.

Toji quickly kisses the tears away, cradling you as best he could. “I know, sweetheart, I know. It’ll go down soon, okay? And we can get some rest, you and me.”

The alpha was far from prepared for how many more of his knots were in your future.

[clinicse]

DCİDENTALCLİNİC - DEVASA+ (3)

Are you considering enhancing your smile and wondering about the costs involved? If so, you’re not alone. Turkey has emerged as a popular destination for dental procedures, particularly for implants and veneers, thanks to its affordable prices and high-quality care. In this post, we'll explore the pricing of dental implants in Turkey, providing insights into what factors influence these costs. Additionally, we will dive into the world of dental veneers and crowns available in Antalya, showcasing their benefits and how they contribute to an overall radiant smile. 

İmplant turkey price

When considering dental implants, one of the most crucial factors that patients assess is the cost. İmplant turkey price are generally more affordable compared to many Western countries, making it a popular destination for those seeking dental treatments. The average implant turkey price can range from $300 to $800 per implant, depending on various factors such as the clinic's location, the expertise of the dentist, and the quality of materials used.

Another important aspect to consider is the all-inclusive packages offered by many dental clinics in Turkey. These packages often cover the entire treatment process, including pre-operative consultations, post-operative care, and sometimes even accommodations. This makes the overall dental experience not only economical but also convenient for international patients traveling for treatment.

It’s essential to conduct thorough research before selecting a clinic. Reading patient reviews, verifying the credentials of the dentist, and understanding what the quoted implant turkey price includes can help ensure a successful and satisfying dental procedure. With the right information at hand, patients can make informed decisions regarding their dental implants and en

Dental veneers antalya

When considering dental veneers Antalya, it's essential to understand both the aesthetic and functional benefits they offer. These thin shells of porcelain or composite resin are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, providing an enhanced appearance. Patients often choose veneers for their ability to correct issues such as discoloration, minor misalignments, and gaps, significantly improving their smiles.

The cost of dental veneers in Antalya can vary depending on several factors, including the type of material used and the complexity of the case. Generally, the prices are more affordable compared to many Western countries, making Antalya a popular destination for those seeking cosmetic dental treatments. Additionally, many dental clinics offer packages that include consultations and follow-up care.

For anyone considering dental veneers, it’s best to consult with a qualified dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. They will provide patients with an understanding of the procedure, the expected results, and any potential risks. With the right guidance, achieving a perfect smile with dental veneers in Antalya can be a rewarding experience.

Dental veneers turkey

When it comes to achieving a perfect smile, dental veneers offer a transformative solution. In Turkey, the rise of cosmetic dentistry has made it an attractive destination for those seeking affordable and high-quality dental care. The process of applying veneers involves the placement of thin porcelain shells over the front of the teeth, which can enhance their appearance and address various aesthetic concerns.

What makes Turkey a popular choice for dental veneers Turkey is not just the competitive pricing but also the high standards of dental practice. Many Turkish dental clinics have state-of-the-art technology and experienced professionals who specialize in cosmetic procedures. This combination allows patients to receive top-notch care while enjoying significant cost savings compared to procedures in other countries.

Patients from around the world visit Turkey for dental veneers due to the country's reputation for excellent service and patient satisfaction. With personalized treatment plans and a focus on aesthetics, Turkish dentists help individuals achieve their desired smile. Whether addressing discoloration, gaps, or misalignment, veneers in Turkey can provide a stunning and natural-looking outcome.

Dental crowns antalya

When it comes to enhancing your smile, dental crowns are a popular choice among patients seeking both aesthetic and functional improvements. In Antalya, the demand for quality dental services has surged, particularly for procedures like dental crowns. These crowns are custom-made caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth, providing strength and support while also improving overall appearance.

The benefits of choosing dental crowns Antalya are numerous. Not only are they crafted from high-quality materials, but the cost is also significantly lower compared to many Western countries. This means you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile without breaking the bank. The combination of skilled dental professionals and modern technology ensures a high success rate and patient satisfaction.

Moreover, many clinics in Antalya offer comprehensive packages that include consultations, x-rays, and post-treatment care, making the entire process seamless.

[sunboki]

— HELLION INN. a Stray Kids fiction

🌖 : Lee Minho x implied! fem. reader

TROPE. dystopian! au, enemies to lovers, monster! au, apocalypse! au, “we have to get along to survive��� au, angst, high stakes

WORD COUNT. 10k ⭑ 50min read

WARNINGS. gory descriptions, cursing, descriptive violence, implied intercourse, death, a dubcon kiss, talk of vomit/vomiting, lots of mentions of death, one mention of k*lling oneself, parasites, murder, inclusion of fire, injury, usage of guns, injury, knives, reader and minho are “hunted”, mature themes

AUG'S NOTES. it’s finished! i wanted to cry (out of happiness!!) closing the last part :) i truly love this piece, and, though it certainly isn’t all too lovey dovey compared to alternative fics of mine, i was so incredibly fortunate to be able to write for themes i adore! i hope my enthusiasm was able to be conveyed in the subject of monsters/apocalyptic au’s!! please enjoy<3

PLAYLIST.

SYNOPSIS. Receiving an ominous letter in the mail, a monster invades Seoul minutes later, carrying an uncanny sense of smell despite its blindness. Countless people have been slaughtered already, and with your letter as the only meager explanation to this madness, you find your feet leading towards the one place it said was safe: Hellion Inn.

or alternatively :

Minho won’t let you die. Not if it means letting this Monster get him or hell’s dawning itself. You’re going to survive. Together.

Run, something is coming. Go to Hellion Inn, you’ll be safe there.

Something? What is something? A terrorist attack? War?

Never had such a letter arrived at your doorstep other than this Tuesday, with the morning sunlight peeking through half-opened blinds casting your pajama-clad frame in its cascades.

And again, you reread and reread, questions raging in a distorted frenzy amidst your once just-wakening mind. 

Little were you aware what would come. What already roamed Seoul’s streets, approaching closer, closer. 

One objective resides in too many possibilities. 

Find Hellion Inn. 

.

.

.

Stuffing the letter in your pocket serves as the most sensible solution while you go over your options. If you didn’t have a clue about what dishes would be cooked, you’d check the ingredients first.

And yet, upon turning on the TV, you find your meal already served. 

On a platter, dripping with blood.

“This just in, an unidentifiable entity is making its way through Seoul in a rampage. The creature is highly dangerous. It appears to lack vision, and speculation has deemed it relies upon its smell to discern other beings. The creature has not been detained at this time. Under no circumstances should citizens leave their residences, and in the case you’re on the street, please evacuate to the nearest shelter immediately. Further information will be released.”

Your blood runs frigidly cold, enough you swear you could’ve turned to ice.

All of a sudden, war or a terrorist attack doesn’t sound nearly as daunting as before.

A monster. Ruthless, bloodthirsty. 

Monster. 

Instantaneously are news sites everywhere exploding, posting footage, pictures, and accounts of the creature each second. 

More and more and more until-

It all goes dark, your home plunged into a black abyss meagerly sustained by the sun’s rays, phone in hand ultimately powering off. 

Electricity down. Fully.

This isn’t like a usual predicament of a public threat, not something you’re prepared for, nor something anyone was prepared for. There’s no drill for a monster, no tsunami shelter or high rise building to reside upon. 

Was it obliviousness? Or were you all simply sheep to a ravaging wolf?

The latter seemed most convincing.

An exhale. No, a growl is what breaks your train of thought. Like the chuff of a tiger, curdling in its throat. 

Above. 

You can’t even bring yourself to move, can’t bear to breathe in fear you’d give yourself away as a shadow covers that once hopeful sunlight.

No shadow, but a thing. A monster. 

How did it get here so fast? How.. how the hell is this happening?

The sound of tiles shifting on your roof makes your fingers twitch, eyes stuck wide. 

The worlds apex predators turned into the prey. 

Each pound of your heart lies evident in ringing ears, listening to those low, horrendous gurgles, repeating that same chuff before it shifts again.

Again and again, and you’re unmoving.

Leave. Run. Anything. 

Yet, you can’t move a muscle, glued in place.

Until you do, and your legs act before you can process a thing. Grabbing for items, whatever it may be. Mind unable to process in its frantic state.

No. No.

A plea as your hand wraps around the doorknob, beginning down the apartment complex’s stairs in rapid descent, listening to the slow growls of the creature.

Don’t look behind, just go.

A mistake you find yourself making even when a life is on the line.

Your life is on the line.

And when you spare that single glimpse, murky lifeless eyes stare blindly back at you, bulging from its skull as if they never were intended to be there. Skin a hallowed, fleshy tone — ligaments hung awry. 

Disorderly, distasteful. If you look close enough, you swear you could’ve seen a beating heart, watched the oxygen cells rush through a pumping bloodstream. 

Gaping jaws hold copious teeth, ant-like incisors residing on either side of a ceaselessly smiling mouth, the corners of what appears to be lips ascending all the way up to nonexistent ears. 

Four legs, two antennae atop its head. At least two times the size of a human.

Horrific.

Never had such a thing appeared so terrifying.

With the letter clutched in one hand and your powerless phone in another do you run, praying that nonexistent vision truly is nonexistent.

Well, until a car alarm begins to ring, and you feel your stomach climb to your throat simultaneously.

Because it twitches. Not even a glance-sort of reaction. The entirety of whatever neck that monster hones twitches to look at you with a nausea-worthy crack! of its ligaments. Those jaws parted, a flattened nose breathing in.

And then it lurches, and you don’t think you’ve ever ran as fast as you did now.

Far, far. As far as you can go. 

It’s futile listening to gargled cries for help amongst rubble, the reaching of hands for your feet you can’t even spare a moment for as those scraping claws continue their perilous dance after you, scavenging on people as they go. 

So the second an intact person comes into view—a boy, looking about your age (and freakishly calm at that) with fluffy hair and rounded cheeks retaining such youth—you’re racing ahead before you can even think, ramming through those convenience store doors in a flurry of panic and fear.

“Monster— Monster- there’s a monster we have to go-“

“Do you like grilled cheese?” He mumbles, and you wonder if he’s talking to himself or you, no less asking such a question during this downright apocalypse.

“No, no there is—“ A shriek pierces the air in the distance, the clutter of debris alerting the monster’s proximity.

You, in a frantic attempt to redirect his attention, place either hand on his shoulders.

“A monster. There’s a monster out there and if we don’t hide, it’s going to kill us.” 

The boy licks his lips, cocking a contemplative brow before looking toward the freezer section. 

“Freezer?”

At this point the creature might as well be turning the corner, and you don’t need to respond for either of you to go running as fast as your legs will carry you, stuffing yourselves into the biting cold just as the bells above the entrance door ring.

Scariest part is this customer is intelligent enough to open doors.

This customer isn’t human. 

Like slow-motion you hear it. The pounding of your heartbeat in your ears, the lack of air in such a tight space, the monster’s rumbling.

Your hidden counterpart lodged himself into a freezer opposite to you, eyes squeezed shut the nearer clicking footsteps on tile sounded.

Click.

Click.

Click.

You don’t realize your eyes are closed until you open them, met with the monster’s face, hundreds of razor-sharp teeth lining its mouth, stretched into that same, chilling smile while it stares at you through the glass.

It can’t see you. It can’t see you. It can’t see you, You internally plead like a mantra, suffocating on the scream rising in your throat.

The loud clanging of a soup can the boy throws has the creature’s disfigured face whipping around, and you wordlessly communicate through mere terrified-eye-contact what either of you are thinking:

Run.

Without conscious you go flying, ramming past discarded groceries and tormented bodies into Seoul’s open roadway, void of any vehicle whatsoever.

Except for one.  

It’s a tow truck, key still lodged into the ignition, window broken with streaks of blood lining the door where a middle-aged man’s body had been dragged out. He rests lopsided below the front tire, abdomen severed in half.

Grotesque. 

“Car- Car!” You cry out, wildly gesturing for him to follow suit while you pry the driver’s door open, the monster’s frustrated growl enough motivation for the stranger to throw himself in as well.

In the nick of time you press down on the pedal, winding the wheel in a quick motion just as the hell-sent smashes itself from the shop, evidently angered.

“I’m Han!” The man occupying the passenger seat shouts, the hole through the windshield causing enormous amounts of wind to soar through the car and synonymously blur your senses.

“What?!” 

“My name is Han! Han Jisung!”

Squinting whilst looking through your mirror at the wickedly approaching Monster, you veer past as many obstacles as possible — most being corpses — as fast as the engine will let you.

“Oh! Uh, I’m Y/N!”

Han nods, grasp clutched onto his seat the more you speed increases, recklessly maneuvering left and right as if dodging a crocodile. 

Unfortunately, this wasn’t a crocodile, but a blood-thirsty beast wanting nothing more than to behead you. How sweet.

“Do you… Do you know how to drive?” He yells, and you raise your eyebrows, narrowly shifting past a shopping cart.

“If you count Mario-Kart as driving, I’m a pro!”

Han audibly squeaks his fear in response, eyes squeezing shut as if to not stare at the monster’s face nearing the mirror.

The speedometer cries out, vehicle shuddering as you near train tracks just at the edge of the city. 

Hopeful. 

Fleeting hope when the roar of a train’s whistle soars through the air, the look Han gives you doing little to sustain your already thinned sanity.

Perhaps you’ll die getting hit by a train than this monster.

Perhaps it’s better that way.

“We’re not gonna make it we’re not gonna make it we’re not gonna make i—“

“SHUT THE FUCK UP—-“ You screech, foot slammed as far down on the gas pedal as possible, the rumbling of the train’s engine deafening. 

“HOLY SHITTTT—“ The man screams, mouth ajar as you soar over the tracks, preparing for impact only for a hair of the train’s front barely brushing over the car’s bumper. 

Currently realizing you’re still breathing and not dead, you floor the brake, either of you launching forward in your seats while the endless train keeps the monster at bay on the opposite side. 

Both panting hysterically, you place a hand on your chest, hoping to slow down the terrifyingly fast pace of your heart — close to bursting out of your chest. 

Your passenger, Han Jisung, turns to look at you, eyes wide as saucers, a gradual open-mouthed smile growing upon his flushed, sweat-stricken face.

“That was.. sick.”

The flashlight flickers here and there, found in the tow truck’s trunk along with a med kit currently carried along by Han.

By chance did you end up in what remained of the red-light district, rubble dotting roadways as evidence of the Monster’s previous siege.

Amidst the held supplies, your pocket seems to ache with the weight of the letter, sitting there in its futile warning of what was to come, now arrived.

You hadn’t brought it up to Han yet, a persistent fear of blame lingering in the back of your mind. Was it your fault you didn’t react in time? Disregarded the letter?

No. There’s no time to regret now. Whatever past existed has been annihilated. 

Night is approaching, and with that comes rising unease and a desperate need to find shelter.

Seoul’s red-light district had always been a taboo for Korea’s upper class. A hushed word, quenched beneath harsh scolding and wrinkled noses at the mere mention.

As if their own well-off sons don’t get driven there on a daily basis, ignorant to their own affiliation as if it’s a genetically determined trait.

Quite funny how none of that matters now. Not when it’s the end of the world, that is.

Every (once) building looks the same. Rubble. Litter lines the roads, cars strewn awry, wrecked into buildings, run over people. 

A pattern lies in everything. 

This pattern consists of fear. 

Struck on faces, painted carelessly along torn apart surfaces and walls, splattering the cities ruby red.

Incessantly, you can’t help but fear. A natural biological response when in the presence of actual or perceived danger, inflicting sharp wounds throughout your body, mind on an endless neurological high of adrenaline-fueled paranoia. 

How could someone not be paranoid when they were being hunted?

“In here.”

Han’s voice pulls you out of your head, turning where he points to a brick building, multicolored beach towel draped over a window torn to shreds, soil from plants staining the cracks of tiles, floor a mixture of blood and bacteria. 

“It’s abandoned,” He notes, prying the creaking door open. 

Abandoned isn’t the word for it. The inhabitants left as most people did upon hearing the news of invasion, although they didn’t get far, you’re plenty aware of that. 

What a shame. Thinking they could escape, in their wake, slaughtered ruthlessly. 

Instead of abandoned, call it evacuated, barren.  

Inside, a radio runs in a constant string of white noise, the addition of broken air conditioning the only source of apparent life. Haunting, flickering lights cast the few rooms in an eerie, ghoulish green like that of a basement.

“I’ve been here before. There should be a mart nearby.”  

Allowing his remark to sink in, you pause, a slight grin drawing upon your lips. 

“You’ve been here before, in the red-light district?” 

Phrase lingering amusedly, he stops as well, shifting on his heel to grace you with a similar smile.

“What? Not everyone can stand high and mighty in this society. Plus, there’s no need to pretend anymore when death is so close by.”

Your smile drops, and you suck on the skin of your cheek, a loud breath through your nose enough to continue the descent.

Perhaps you should change the abandoned description. 

Just then, from the corner of your eye do you see a figure emerge, the glinting edge of a kitchen knife barely brushing your shoulder blade before you dodge to your left, the attacker colliding with an ironing board.

Mere seconds later the figure rises to their feet, identified as female, adorning lanky limbs and skin as pale and zombified as the surrounding room. Her lips are cracked and purple, eyes nearly black, blanketed with equally raven hair reaching the floor in length.

The girl looks like a creature, barely alive with the lack of coordination in her loose stabs, alienated stare vividly murderous. 

Only by narrowly pummeling into the wall do you manage to immobilize her, Jisung’s efforts stalled.

Liquid obsidian blinks back up at you from where you’ve caged her to the floor, her nostrils flaring in hasty breaths, your own panting ringing in your ears.

“Look kid- I’m not gonna hurt you, okay? Now if you calm down and let me—“  

A third of the steak knife puncturing the side of your thigh veers your head back, choked scream jostling your nerves tenfold. Bubbling blood slips from the wound, trickling warmth dizzying you into a foggy spell.

It’s not until a low bang! sounds that her arm, raised for another strike, falls limp to the floor, looking behind you to find Jisung holding a pistol, silencer attached to the muzzle, aimed directly at the girl below you. 

Immediately, before you can release the unheralded screech compressing your lungs, Han hoists you up by your elbows, the jarring movement beckoning a squealed sob you bite your tongue containing.

Snatching clothing from a closet behind the door, the man rips the fabric using his teeth, returning to your slumped frame.

Reminding you to hold your breath, he aligns the makeshift bandage prior to tying it, your reaction becoming quieted as your eyes roll back.

And the world falls into a dark abyss. 

By the time your lashes flutter open again, searing light invades your vision, the urge to open your eyes aiding a roaring headache.

Although, it appears you’re still in the same room, alternatively relocated to a futon on the floor, leg propped up using folded pillowcases and books. 

“You’re up.”

Han enters the room, two metal cans of mashed spam and rice held in either hand, one of which he gives to you. 

“You were knocked out cold,” He laughs, eyes crinkling at the corners, uncharacteristic to the fact he just shot someone.

“The shirt should staunch the bleeding. Eat.”

Staring down at your meal, you glance up, stomach churning in an unsightly manner merely considering food.

But you eat anyway, gulping the bites down despite the nausea.

“And the girl?” 

Han takes a bite, scraping every last grain from the noisy tin without so much as a shiver.

“I took care of it.”

It’s your turn to laugh, confusedly surveying the teenage-boy-looking friend of yours.

“What are you? A hitman?”

He clicks his tongue, eyes thoughtfully flickering to the ceiling. 

“I’m.. somebody who really wants to survive.”

All you do is return his tight-lipped expression.

Yet, truly accounting for your introduction, there’s a whole lot you don’t know about him. His past, his goals. What his life was like before. 

He comes off as cheery and good-natured, disposition claiming he wouldn’t hurt a fly. 

You’ve come to realize that isn’t the reality whatsoever. Because Han Jisung is exactly what Han Jisung said he was.

Somebody who really wants to survive. 

You can relate to that.

“So.. Random note, random warning, no location?” 

“Pretty much.” 

Seated beside you, Han surveys the letter, reading over the contents a few times before folding it back up and handing it to you. He’s redressed your wound, utilizing the medical kit’s antiseptic and gauze to wrap the skin.

“Hellion Inn,” Han repeats softly, brows knitted. “Never heard of it.”

You shrug once more from your place on the ground, leg still propped while he squats to your left.

“If anything, it’s likely it was destroyed if it’s an actual Inn,” He mumbles, tapping a puffy bottom lip with his index, earning your half nod before you pause.

“We can still try it though? We can find a stick or somethin’, I’ll use it as a crutch.” 

This time, it’s his turn to nod — rising up with a somewhat-assuring: “I’ll be right back” before leaving the room, returning after a few moments with a table leg, nearly comical in the proud manner he lifts the wood, jagged edges evidence of his severing with a knife. 

After copious laughter do you glance at him, brow cocked. “This is really all you’ve got?”

Asking from your place beside him, you brace more weight onto the makeshift crutch, granting Han a side-long glance.

“If I had more I’d use it,” He huffs, watching you hobble slightly but remaining upright with worried brows, hands poised to stabilize your steadying adjustment.

That’s most important, you deemed, no matter how puny. A drag to the team means death; you won’t be that drag.

Tomorrow morning you’ll head out. Find somewhere else to occupy whilst searching for Hellion Inn.

The one remaining routine amidst the apocalypse is time, and as the sun cracks above a horizon once able to be admired and not envied, you’re helped to your feet, gathering bags slung over each other's backs. Additional clothes, torn tablecloths. Anything of even insufficient use.

You don’t think these streets had been this quiet since your grandparent’s time, with bustling citizens and raging business overtaking wherever you look. Now, it might as well be a ghost-town. No more cries for help, no more groans and moans in agony.

And yet, it’s almost unsettling as it is reassuring. Suffering has ceased. Cries for help drawn to a close. 

Peace within death.

Trekking for only about a mile feels tumultuous, the ache already coiling in your bones like snakes seen slithering through rubble, waiting for rats to swarm decomposing carcasses in search of easy victims.

Seoul has become a jungle, eat or be eaten. It’s only a matter of time, a split-second ignorance, that can have you eaten. Perhaps by the true Monster, perhaps by your own kind.

The sight of broken columns and french doors parted in what looks to be a hotel in front of you redirects your focus, granting Han a hum of acknowledgment. His hand reaching for the pistol in a fashioned holster, yours coming to the kitchen knife held in your bag.

Wary, but slow steps paired with your hobbled ones make for the small bout of stairs, buzzing of flies caught in flurries littering goosebumps along your arms.

Something about this place is abnormal. That much is known. And if this is the so-called “Hellion Inn” (or what remains of it), your hope for sanctuary plummets in tandem with the temperature upon stepping in. 

Cold. That dead, stale kind of cold, warmth from the heart void, no longer beating.

Matchstick providing barely enough light, you carefully pry open the squeaking doors in the second doorway, blade wielded close to your being. The putrid odor of decay perplexes your gag reflexes, allowing Han to take the lead in his observing endeavor. 

Abruptly, your foot smushes against something below, and when you look down only to be met with a lifeless hand there, bulging, horror-stricken eyes staring back up at you, you hurriedly bite your lip to conceal the bubbling scream clawing from your throat, frothing like a brewing cauldron. 

Han can only grimace. 

It was here. You’re not sure when, but these wounds — these corpses mercilessly ripped apart — aren’t the doing of humans.

A bone chilling thought surfaces in your mind.

What if the monster is still here?

Your traveling companion spins around on his heel, hands placed on his hips. Honeyed irises momentarily flit between your paled frame to the obvious terror staining your features, his eyebrows raised.

“Hey, I know it’s scary, but the monster’s likely gone by now, and if we can find someone or a sign that’ll redirect us then maybe…”

His words trail off, suddenly all too familiar with the sound of chortled breathing ragged in his ears. Exhales stenching of rotted flesh, the scraping of sharpened claws on the floor.

And how you’re not staring at him, but above him. 

Your palms slowly reach up to cover your mouth, taking the tiniest step back manageable.

“..It’s right behind me, isn’t it?”

Yet, before the Monster can swipe a clawed hand and hack off a limb, deja vu strikes in the form of another gunshot, not silenced, booming,

It soars right past your shoulder with pinpoint precision to land within the Monster’s side, collecting a shriek in return. The beast flails wildly as Han races from its clutches towards the unknown savior of his.

Fluffy hair, a torn, mud-stained jean jacket over his shoulders, white undershirt equally unkempt. The four of you survey the monster’s descent deeper into the hotel, not appearing to execute anymore attack attempts.

For now.

No less, you’re helped outside in your wobbly state, the shot-gun boy leading, another seeming to take up the rear behind you and Han. His companion, maybe. Just as you and Han are.

Sharper features oppose the shotgun-carrying boy’s downturned eyes with inquisitive, apprehensive ones. Lighter hair, jeans bagging by his shoes, white tee’s once graphic design smudged, unrecognizable. His own weapon lies in spiked boxing gloves, nails seemingly ruptured through the cushioned layers.

And when his eyes meet yours, you feel fire in your veins. Blazing, warming you from your toes to your fingertips.

“You guys alright?”

Shot-gun boy, introduced as Kim Seungmin, speaks first, spinning on his heel to regard either of you. Though, it’s hard for your mind to stay attentive, the feeling of Seungmin’s companions’ eyes incessantly boring into your back causing a wary twitch of your fingers. 

“Lee Minho.”

His voice breaks you from that apprehensive spell, that watchful gaze of his surveying both you and Han with an unimpressed exhale.

“Don’t slow us down,” He scowls, shouldering past Han, lips drawn into a tight line. He heads for their own vehicle, a worn down truck narrowly resting in better condition than your earlier tow truck by the tracks.

Real friendly.

Seungmin, a tad bit more benign, gestures with a curt nod to the vehicle, ushering your injury-wielding self to sit in the passenger seat with Minho as driver, Seungmin and Han taking the truck’s bed.

Just then does the Monster make its return, bursting from the hotel in a seemingly rejuvenated spirit from before, gaping jaws aching to be filled.

You could only hope your flesh wouldn’t be the filler.

“This is why I hate introductions,” Minho, already slamming his foot onto the pedal, grumbles, not granting a response upon tires burning rubber over dusty roads as you speed off – a replay of your ride with Han on loop each time you see the Monster in your mirror.

Approaching closer, closer again.

It seems food becoming involved is a common theme, jarred when the truck swerves in front of a supermarket. Seungmin shouts from the back as he and Han race ahead, beckoning you two to follow them, your steps lightly hobbled with feeble help of the makeshift crutch.

“The hell do I have to be on babysitting duty for?” Minho, lifting your arm over his shoulder, grovels, and you fight the urge to whack him with your crutch, making through the desolate supermarket. 

Weapons in clutch, it grows taxing trying not to grimace hearing clattering glass, the mental picture of those bulging eyes doing little for your already queasy stomach.

“It’ll hear us!” 

With your horrible luck intact, this already dislikable stranger ends up being the same soul you're lodged into a bathroom stall with.

Minho hisses, furrow of his brows causing his face to scrunch with distaste, the loud clatter of soup cans and chip bags alike resounding from outside in the thick of the Monster’s carnage.

“No, it’ll hear you. More people means more death, and lucky for you, I’ll be off your hands in no time.” Now it’s your turn to retort, the man lacking of his usual boxing gloves, strap of Seungmin’s shotgun over a shoulder instead.

Wriggling yourself from his grasp, you hesitantly slide the notch to the door, movement only stopped by Minho’s lingering hand grabbing your sleeve. 

“And what the hell are you doing?”

“I’m repaying a favor.”

Weighing your ability to walk well, you snag the shotgun from his shoulder, granting the man a wink and a: “Thanks for the shotgun”, before slipping from the stall, leaving his starstruck figure in tow.

Ignoring the biting ache in your thigh thanks to a discarded crutch, you savor cool metal beneath your fingertips, watching the blur of the other two boys racing past the Monster’s attempts of attack. 

“Hey! Ugly fucker, over here!” You shout, chilled seeing blind eyes rip your way.

Cocking the gun, your eyes narrow, focusing the sight on its head and–

Bang!

Echoing around the supermarket does a copper bullet gnash into thin skin, puncturing straight through, shell casing crinkling onto the floor below in tandem with a low groan of the creature.

Minho bursts from the bathroom moments later, still sporting a starstruck visage. Han and Seungmin go thundering right past back to the truck, the wild goose chase persisting. 

What wasn't persistent was Minho’s arms wrapping around your back, hauling you over his shoulder like a sack of rice whilst chasing right after his counterparts.

As much as you’d like to thank him, your thigh still hurts like hell.

“Yah! That- hurts- asshole!” Shrieked between his hurried footsteps, you smack his shoulder blade defiantly.

Hopefully that serves as a thank you.

However, escaping is far from reach, and feeling presumably safe is equally residing far from grasp when, after finally being able to inhale without a stutter to your lung halfway down the road, the sharp snap of a tire blows.

And the truck flips over.

It was one thing maneuvering from the flipped car, shards of glass embedded in your skin beckoning pinpricks of blood, and another continuing on foot to wherever the two acquaintances planned to lead to.

The largest of things, however, was learning the name of this apparent destination.

Hellion Inn.

With Seungmin sustaining a minor head injury, Han luckily unharmed, and an also unharmed Minho reluctant to aid in being your temporary crutch, you’re given plenty of time for interrogation along the way — wondering just who the hell was responsible for the letter. 

As far as their replies go, not a soul knows.

And at this rate, you can’t bring yourself to care about pestering for answers anymore, not with Minho’s aggravating complaining and equally as irritating, stupidly good-looking side profile.

So, the torturous walk to this supposed ‘Inn’ prevails, which, turns out not to be an Inn at all. Instead, it’s this metal, bus looking contraption, like a trailer.

Silver of the exterior tarnished, it hides within a surrounding forest entryway, vines curling around door fixtures as if with time, what remained would be swallowed by the greenery.

From the bus two more men exit, and you can’t help but wonder if this so-called Hellion Inn has just as many residents as an actual Inn.

Christopher Bahng and Seo Changbin introduce themselves hastily, quick to rush back into the bus and retrieve a medical kit. After enduring both the painful removal of glass, your reopened wound stitched, and Chris’s heart wrenching smile of assurance (followed by a pat to your kneecap after, ensuring an imminent heart attack on your part), you’re finally invited inside, introduced to the others.

Three more. 

It’s a clown car. Definitely. 

Yang Jeongin, Hwang Hyunjin, Lee Felix. Boys- no, men, with features you’d like to deem frustratingly attractive. 

Maybe photoshoot, not a clown car.

No less, the seven interact with ease, Han intermingling as if he’d been by their side for eternity. A bonfire, expertly lit behind the bus hidden amongst foliage to conceal smoke, provides warmth in the night.

Cold, just as it’s always been. Even more so with autumn’s presence.

Yet, you find your eyes falling right back to him.

Minho.

Man of fire, whose gaze on yours feels like your ribs cracking apart, as if his fingers bend your windpipe every which way, rendering no air into your lungs. He is fire, licking at your skin in the most deplorable of ways.

And you crave it.

If he were Hades, you’d eat the pomegranate seeds like a fool just to feel his eyes on you again and again.

Selfish.

When he looks at you, you feel selfish. Perhaps it’s the stakes, perhaps your heart has grown too weak, beat too fast it falls for any and all. Adrenaline-induced love.

You aren’t naive like Persephone, aren’t blindsided by curiosity.

That latter is a lie. Especially when you shift on the log, purposefully scooting closer to catch bits and pieces of his conversation with Jeongin, listen to the perfect pitch of his voice, aided by the crackling of flames before you.

You wonder if touching him would rival those white-hot flames. Scalding your fingers till you grew numb. 

You’d take that bet.

Fluffy fabric placed over your shoulders makes you flinch in place, sympathetic eyes of chocolate meeting yours.

Honeyed. Chris.

“It’s cold, stay warm,” He ushers, crouching to take a seat on your left.

Then do you register his actions. A blanket, the material a survivor of water’s toil and plenty of stains. But it’s warm, durable, and most importantly, sweet. Chris is sweet, you decide, a bit like this warm blanket.

Your nod of thanks doesn’t feel like it even slightly compensates for his kindness, though, for now, it’s enough.

Tomorrow, Chris, Changbin, Minho, and Jeongin will relocate the flipped truck. Haul it back, fix it up again. That’s what your sensible mind discerns, seemingly adopted into the group like any other as sleeping arrangements in the bus are modified for both you and Han.

Strays, huh.

A flickering gas lamp keeps your gaze glued to the ceiling where you lie, watching shadows twirl like a strange ballet along the walls. Near the front of the bus does Chris sleep, Changbin glued to his side, Felix tucked beneath his arm.

It brings a smile to your lips, watching them. Even Seungmin, with his more boundary-oriented persona, close to the others, his hand brushing against Hyunjin’s shoulder, Jeongin’s head. 

Human beings, after all. Even when it all falls apart. And maybe, maybe in monsters as well, there is human. The need to be close, to feel skin on skin. 

Counting heads, you find one missing.

“You should be sleeping.”

Minho flicks a lighter on and off, waiting to relight the gas lamp. He squats down in front of you, jeans stretched over muscular thighs.

Your brow furrows, wondering if he’d been here this whole time amidst your ignorance.

“Are you scared?”

His words dull your ability to reply, retort something smart. But, the tone keeps your mouth shut. Cool and calm, like when he spoke to Jeongin by the fire. Not taunting, nor instigating.

“No.”

The words are a lie, unveiled in the crease of a dirt-stricken face, chapped lips pulled taut.

His pinky finding yours verifies that fire theory. From the tips of your toes to the very top of your scalp you feel it. 

Scorching. Hot.

Your skin seems to melt from your bones, but only you can see it.

There are lots of questions to ask. Wondering, hope. Why?

But he beats you to it. It seems you’ll have to get used to that characteristic.

“Go to sleep. Nothing can get you here.”

A lie, you know it well. Any second that monster can stumble here. Smell you, turn the perfect corner to find the bus, sheen shimmering beneath a full moon. Ravage each and every one of you beneath claws and blood.

But the letter, no, Minho says you’ll be safe here. That Hellion Inn will be your safe haven. 

Tonight, you choose to believe that, falling asleep with his pinky twined with yours, his back to one of the side booths, focus trained on your features.

Safe.

“Hnn..” 

Insistent poking to your cheek abducts you from your dream, bleary eyes straining to open. Jeongin sits up, bracing himself with his hands, youthful smile stretched over his face watching you. Meanwhile, the hellspawn guilty, Hyunjin, can’t help but laugh cheerily.

“Wah— I wish I had a camera!” Ebony strands peek from beneath a white ball cap, his voice carries from the bus for Felix’s head to peek in, echoing Hyunjin’s laugh with his deeper baritone.

Similar to Chris are you met with Felix’s kindness, his lithe form slipping past the bus doors to gently smooth back your bed hair, utilizing a hair tie on his wrist to bind the unruly strands before patting your head.

It’s easy to ache for anyone’s touch, you discover.

In the early morning, the car was retrieved by Minho, Chris, Jeongin, and Changbin, the low chatter of voices outside evidence of their progress restoring the once flipped vehicle.

When you step out, Changbin hands you a tin of steaming soup as meager breakfast you’re quick to thank him for, bringing the spoon to your lips whilst lingering near the car, watching them flit about, handing each other tools and screws alike like busied ants.

“You just gonna stand there or help out? Last time I checked you weren’t worried about appearances.”

Instantaneously, Minho becomes his normal, annoying self with each snidely sarcastic remark, cocked brows urging you to retaliate.

Unfortunately, your barely conscious mind can’t formulate something smart back, so you resort to serving as the tool-supplier, handing different ones here and there from a stool near where the Man of Fire works on the popped wheel.

His new title, apparently.

Man of Fire.

“Wrench.”

“Did you just call me a wench?” You scoff, eyes wide with shock at the murmured comment. 

Perhaps you were blindsided after all by his nice face.

“Wrench.”

Or not.

Begrudgingly, you extend the wrench, scowl embedded in your expression he can’t help but crack a bemused grin at.

Attaching the wrench to a bolt to crank does his vein-littered forearms flex, and your throat feels unnaturally dry, forcing yourself to focus on something else in order to school an unaffected facade.

Nevertheless, by night, he’s.. different. Lacking cockiness, harshness.

Unspoken things, like when you’re stirred from sleep, dazed gaze settling on Minho across the bus, his fingers tenderly patting Changbin’s head when he stirs awake. They speak in hushed whispers alternative to Changbin’s boisterous presence. 

And sometimes, amidst the other seven, you’re the one beneath his comforting hand. Those times nightmares plague your sleep, his careful hands tracing your knuckles, slow circles over your skin urging you back into the solace of sleep.

To you he doesn’t talk, just hums a low melody, wipes unshed tears from your waterline. Seeing his face makes you want to cry more, so you can be scooped into his hug.

Though, you doubt you’d ever let go, so you never allow yourself more tears. Maybe that’s for the better.

Because while you’re so selfishly enamored as night falls and he becomes that doting figurine bathed in moonlight, Minho is endlessly selfless. Wordless, but selfless.

The guardian of the night, sustaining a semblance of care and safety that silently engulfs the bus each time a star twinkles within the sky.

Then again, risks are always present. Missions out for food, stashing of possessions in case of invasion.

Windows of the bus covered, the group convenes that evening, leant over a book on the floor, huddled with knees held close to chests. Sharing things of value, adding more.

An old journal, spine tattered and moth-eaten. Inside looks to hold the secrets of the world, hidden within yellowed pages, hurried writing of smudged ink.

All of it, from the Monster’s mannerisms, exterior, presumed weaknesses. Written, documented. How such information was gathered is beyond you. Intricate, detailed.

Study after study, page after page. 

In two days, you’re arranged to head out with Chris for a medical restock. The pharmacy isn’t too far from the Inn, and it’ll only be a few hours of collecting before returning back.

The morning of, Seungmin hands you his shotgun, and Chris takes Minho’s—the Man of Fires’—nail-wielding boxing gloves. Two backpacks, one goal.

Fortunately, the journey isn’t too grueling, filled with quiet conversation and query till barely divisible characters reading ‘PHARMACY’ come into view, slipping into the hollowed, whitened confines of a once thriving business.

Eerie, with medication strung awry, unknown blood splattered along a wall behind the register.

It’s almost funny how the money there goes untouched. What use is it now?

Captured within your peripheral does a door become of topic, shielded behind a hanging towel in the far corner of the pharmacy that you slowly pad over to inspect, fingers tentative in nudging to the side. 

Though, it’s the sudden flick of lights, electricity, that makes you gasp, flashlight of little necessity as you part double doors.

The sight makes your heart stop.

Because beneath the disguise of a pharmacy rests a drug-den, a laboratory, first and foremost.

“Uh.. Does Seungmin have this in his journal..?” 

Building long since redlined by the look of it, Chris is quick to join your side, muttering an awestruck: “Holy shit” you would’ve laughed at if it weren’t for your combined surprise. 

Though, he places an arm in front of you as your foot moves to step inside, instead advising the muzzle of your shotgun to lead you, clearing the area before feasting on this monstrosity.

Countless test tubes litter every surface in sight, but it isn’t mixtures, isn’t a combo of products.

It’s insects, piled with them.

Many deformed in gruesome ways, trapped inside the tubes. Chris, hastily pulling an old camera from his bag, snaps photos, the shutter’s sound echoing around the room.

Yet, you can’t help but notice a near uncanny resemblance.

Incisors, bulging eyes, like the Monster.

No, it wouldn’t be. A mega ant? No, that thing is far from solely ant with its hulking size.

“Don’t you think this is just.. odd? I mean, they’re already up to their noses in cash from the drugs, I’m sure, so why the.. ants?” 

Chris exhales slowly through his nose, shaking his head.

“My guess is as good as yours. And calling it a ‘guilty pleasure’ just makes me nauseous, I mean look at them, they’re.. infected.”

Fungal growth is clear as day, that’s agreed. The true question rests in reason.

Just what were they doing here?

The longer you linger, the more unsettling it becomes.

Because somehow, your gut can’t shake that resemblance to the Monster.

Your walk back to the bus is quiet, shrouded in nerves and a wanting for familiarity. Safe to say you both sigh in relief seeing that silvery, unmoving vehicle.

It’s almost comical how the uneasiness spreads, like whatever fungus altered the insects, contorting them in disfigured shapes, features. Overtaking the nine of you similarly.

Merely thinking about it gives you chills, Chris’s description, as you’re coddled into the bus with the others to explain, doing little for the vomit tempting your throat.

Effortlessly, your same silence washes over the others, paled as they acknowledge the identical resemblance you’d conjured before.

“You don’t think..” You’re feeble in attempting to disprove the suspicions, trembling of your fingers stilled only when Minho’s index traces your wrist. 

Though, it isn’t night, and the look he grants you makes you wish for his touch even more.

Assurance, worn within the grooves of his face, repetitive stroke of his fingertip over a hammering pulse.

“I do think, show me the picture again.” Seungmin beckons, hurriedly flipping through his own notebook as he narrows his eyes on the photo Chris shows. 

Seungmin, you learned, used to be an entomology major in Seoul’s most prestigious university. Studious, with a bright future nearing.

Interesting how easy those aspirations can crumble apart within a day, within seconds.

But there’s no purpose in reminiscing, is there?

Now resorting to gathered notes of the past, he finally stops at a page, finger glued to the scribbled notes. His other hand reaches to the photo, pointing to a tiny label taped to a test tube halfway outside the frame, writing messy and uneven, barely legible against the blur of the camera.

Ophiocordyceps unilateralism, or, in easier terms, zombie-ant fungus. 

Thanks to Seungmin’s insight, his knowledge dictates the occurrence as “a fungus capable of infecting the mind of its host while simultaneously altering its body.”

So, in a horror-movie-esque, freakish way, a parasite. 

Jeongin pipes up, and you swear at least four of you flinch at the sudden sound of a voice against leaden silence.

“But the Monster’s too big to be an ant, right? How could the—“ 

“What if it wasn’t an ant, but another animal? A bigger animal. Some scientific breakthrough where the host was able to be taken over, not by an ant, but by something bigger.” 

The entirety remains consumed in a stillness, taking in the revelation they’ve just come to. 

Fear is almost palpable. Nearly able to be tasted, smelt. 

Han’s leg bounces anxiously, dirty fingernails reaching to claw at his hair, tearing at his scalp with visible shuddering Chris’s warm palm hopes to ease, placed on his shoulder.

“We’re being hunted by a parasite.” He croaks hoarsely in disbelief, tone pathetically cracking in terror. 

A parasite, yes. This, however, is different. 

The monster lurking through Seoul was planned, arranged accordingly under the guise of law and human greed for motive unknown.

A lone pharmacy, meant to cater to human health, now manufacturerers of human destruction.

This parasite is man-made. 

Your spirit could’ve been staunched easily, dampened by the weight of discovery. Grown unwilling to fight anymore, unwilling to try surviving.

Who are we if not going for each other's throats? Why must someone’s greed become everyone else’s problem?

Something so selfish, so horrid it grew out of control, festering like a seed of hatred in one’s heart till spiky leaves and branches poured from their lungs and suffocated them.

For a moment do you entertain the doubts, the scornful attitude over the boiled egg in hand. An early breakfast the day after the realization, with the nine of you seated along the bus’s roof, legs swinging off the side while watching the sunrise. 

You feel like the only people in the world. 

And a bit longer seeing shades of orange and crisp blue bleed across the sky does it feel like it’s all worth living for once again.

So instead, you adapt.

Jotting down more details about the fungus, figuring out ways to combat it. Continual stocking of food, the usual.

Fixing things, keeping up with communication. Laughter and smiling, momentary glances to that Man-of-Fire making you clam up, just like before.

At least that was predictable. 

A continual gas lamp, those same quiet visits of his within the night. And, more often than not, you’d find Minho’s pinkie linking with yours while he slept, without a nightmare or sleepless night as explanation. 

In the mornings, you’d pretend like it never happened. Go back to cat and mouse, square one.

Hold my hand, but keep quiet. 

I don’t want you to leave.

Plenty of things echo through your mind as dawn arises, when your lids twitch and disoriented eyes flutter open to find him beside you, peacefully asleep.

Most days, he’s gone by dawn, somewhere across the bus sleeping, leaving your groggy mind to configure his touch as a mere dream.

No matter the awe, your body betrays such an occasion, and you fall right back to sleep again hoping he could read your mind, keep that contact beneath the blanket.

Unbeknownst to you, the moment your eyes close, his eyes open.

But you’re already asleep when a gentle index traces your cheek, his lips parting with a slow breath. 

“Pretty,” Is whispered, failing to echo around the bus in its hushed volume, a pinch of normality within the chirping of birds, the breach of an emerging day peering over sparse clouds.

“Hm?” 

He wasn’t anticipating your response, breath catching in his throat.

“Hi Minho,” You murmur gently, greeting his surprised disposition as your lips wind into a tiny smile. 

Involuntary. Lips quirking upwards the longer you hold eye-contact.

And surprisingly, Minho cracks a smile too.

It’s feeble, barely divisible apart from the twitch of his lips. Your thumb traces the crinkle, too sleepy to speak, too comfortable to act. 

“Hi there.”

His hand returns your touch, finding your cheek to rest on, savoring the feeling of your skin on his, his on yours.

Stay here, don’t go.

I don’t want to be left alone again.

His brisk glance at your lips has your nerves buzzing beneath such a gaze.

Knowing, obliging.

Obliging as his head tips, as yours complies. Capable of fitting like the perfect puzzle as—

Seungmin mumbles something unintelligible in his sleep, and it’s all a dream once more how Minho slips from your hands as if he was never there in the first place.

Three and a half months at Hellion Inn passes in a flash. Research on combatants to the zombie-ant fungus prevalent, plenty of days spent crowded in the bus, throwing around possibilities and idyll conversation. 

Monster sightings have become sparse, with the vast majority of reports informing of its scavenging of the city’s copious bodies.

A sense of relief until it runs out of flesh and craves more, which is where your apocalypse began all over.

Starting with that same, chillingly bellowed chuff at least half a mile out from Hellion Inn.

You don’t think you’d ever seen the eight of them move so quickly. Gas lamp extinguished, weapons cocked and loaded with ammunition ready to fire. Minho’s studded boxing gloves, Seungmin’s shotgun, Chris’s dual pistols. Plentiful traps arranged about the bus, ones you never anticipated having to utilize up till tonight.

How foolish you were.

However, the bus’s roof isn’t caved in by a claw, the nine of you intact for the remainder of the restless night, void of any more sound from the Monster. 

Then again, the torment is far from yielding, with those same, restless nights becoming avidly frequent, Minho’s soothing capabilities tested as a nightmare per week triples in number.

In those times, you find comfort in each other, comfort in bodies snuggled together, in shared pain and happiness. In as much comfort support allows in the thick of a never-ending hailstorm. 

As for you, you find that longing has folded itself into squares of eighteen from a once meager eight. Folded over and over that, the greater the paper grows with each parted fold, the greater that longing burns. 

Burns, like the smoke billowing from a fire outside.

Location of the slow-to-set sun leads you to believe it’s around 3pm, your figure slumped to the floor of the bus.

Though, the missing factor rests in a lack of eight others who currently occupy the fire outside for dinner.

Yesterday, you and Jeongin took on a water restock, roaming about what seemed to be innumerable miles to repeat the walk with heavy packs of water all the way back, currently the cause of your exhaustion as you sleep into the evening the day after.

If only the sleep was peaceful, refreshing.

It’s not.

Well, it was. But not for long.

A shower, according to the flickering of your consciousness as you dream. Warm water droplets pattering on the tile floor underfoot, cleansing grime from your skin. Electricity.

And somehow, a peculiar name leaves your lips upon seeing a shadow behind the shower curtain.

“Minho.”

The sound of your voice is light in this dream. Awaiting, familiar. 

Yet, the pit in your stomach grows, unnaturally.

You find the cause when pulling back the shower curtain, that same, leering smile of the Monster staring back at you as it lunges.

Not Minho.

Your vision goes black, only able to hear the ringing screech of your scream, the heat of the shower now putrid metallic. Blood, replacing the water.

It fills your senses, suffocating you slowly but surely. Overflowing from your nose, your eyes, till you cry crimson.

A sharp twitch of your hand jars you awake.

You’re not bleeding, not in a shower, no Monster in sight. Although, you’d be lying to yourself to say you can just forget it all, act like nothing’s the matter.

More so when you see Minho—recalling his name uttered so sweetly in your dream—standing at the bus’s doorway, seemingly a witness to your horrors as he closes the door behind himself.

Ah. 

No, don’t look at me right now with that doting gaze, as if I’m something to be cared for, something delicate. 

For once I wish you away, so I don’t begin to cry, so my love for you doesn’t become my ruin.

“And it was- it was right in front of me and—“

He sees through you each time, through the toughened exterior, the shake of your head when he asks if you need anything, want to talk about it. 

He came in for an extra blanket, apparently. One long forgotten by now.

Spill your guts, but when it comes to him, you find your heart spilling with it. Words caught in a hyperventilating daze, your hands flail, eyes struck permanently bulging.

At some point, everyone starts to break. No time table to give you an estimate, forewarning.

It just bubbles until bursting.

“I don’t… I don’t want to do this anymore..” Voice a desperate plea, sobs wrack your body numb.  “Why can’t…” You begin, eyes flitting to Minho.

“Why can’t we all just die together?”

Heaved between sharp inhales is your face taken between calloused hands, his brows knitted.

“Cause who’s going to take our place? Who else is alive?” He whispers, kneeled upon the floor, staring at you nonsensically.

“This once, let me be selfish. I won’t let you die. You can’t die because I want you alive. Do you understand?” 

Slow to nod, bleary vision situates upon the man, cursing the dip to your usually strong tone — cracking, weakened.

“Can… Can I just.. forget?” 

His eyes flit to your lips if only for an instant, like that time a month ago, stolen. 

And for a moment, you think he may have just read your mind.

“Minho, please… I want to-“

Ah.

And he kisses you, and then, no, more. More and more, till you’re tangled up in sprawled blankets and sleeping bags. Smoke tainting the air from outside, calves dangling from his shoulders, toes curled. 

Minho makes you forget, forget and forget, leaving you to helplessly utter his name past chapped lips — till another round turns into what feels to be a lifetime. 

Your palms pressing to his jaw like a plea, head tossing back once more with a sound purely guttural. 

It’s sloppy, it’s clumsy. Sweat-stuck kisses to sweat-stuck skin. Nails digging into already moth-eaten clothing, his lips permanently pressed to your pulse, hammering and hammering in a wordless incantation of bliss. 

And yet, no amount of greedy, mindless sex, no amount of his doting kisses, his careful assurances, praises, can deter your mind from a reality unavoidable.

There’s no euphoria, no recovery your skin can even acknowledge as he flops to your side, both out of breath.

“.. Am I selfish for a pleasure I can’t even enjoy?” 

Silence breached, your eyes flutter closed, an involuntary tear slipping down your cheek where you lay upon the bunched sleeping bag.

This had been a dream, to be burned by the Man of Fire. Allowing his kiss to brand you, his touch searing every ounce of skin raw.

Little did you know you’d already scorched it all yourself.

Cruel. Irrevocably cruel.

Not even clarity grants your senses, emotion muddled between undergarments feeling too tight and grimy and the lack of fresh air rendering sticky bodies into a cold sweat.  

From beside you, his hand extends to your cheek, thumbing away the salty droplet with a weary smile.

“There is no selfishness, just… grasping onto what’s left. You’re not selfish for taking what you can get, not when everything is being taken from you.”

Hellion Inn was not your safety, it was the one gazing at you, the seven others outside. 

This is only a house, Minho is your home.

Fifth month arising, a conclusion is met. Amongst not-so-helpful input, bickering, and plenty of runs to libraries to gather more books on Ophiocordyceps unilateralism for a very studious Seungmin, he presents a possibility, an option.

Of its known enemies, the zombie-ant fungus doesn’t have many. There was the initial hypothesis on ways ants protect from the parasite, but with the Monster already infected, those methods were out of the question.

Then came the breakthrough.

Torrubiellomyces zombiae, or T.Z. An additional, fanciful word for a more powerful parasite. A Hyperparasitic fungi, zombie-ant fungus’ predator.

Create an ultimate beast without known opponents? Simply double the size, the power.

That’s where T.Z arrived, the species a core option for the Monster’s destruction. Get the spores on the Monster’s skin, and stay alive until it takes over and stabilizes the fungus’ infection.

Much easier said than done, which left room for the organized members of the group separating steps into phases.

Phase one focuses on collection of the spores. Extra photos Chris took that first encounter in the pharmacy unveiled the likely presence of the desired spores, which Felix, Hyunjin, and Seungmin have been elected to collect as Team C.

Phase two regards locating the Monster, introducing the presence of a harpoon gun (an idea Han loved (for the sole reason of fooling around with the harpoon gun)).

The point of the harpoon will be coated in collected spores, teams of three with three members each (A, B, and C) dispersed throughout the surrounding area the monster before Team A shoots.

And of course, courtesy of Han’s mention on what phase three should be: 

Run like hell. 

Phase two enacting in exactly a week, Hellion Inn spends its days in preparation, plaguing each breathing moment with gathering necessities and ensuring utilities are present.  

Between those lines comes the lividity.

Kisses in the night, his kisses. The shared cockiness, incessant teasing when the others are around as original as it comes despite such tenderness in private.

Your souls bared, secrets spoken into the air for only your ears to hear.

While the others sleep, you love till your heart hurts, watching him fall asleep against your palm where he’d kissed each of your fingertips minutes prior.

“I love you,” He whispers one night, his nose buried into your cheek with a heavy sigh. 

There’s not a single doubt within your mind, a hesitation, a hint of surprise.

Plenty of times it’s been said without words, repeated in the peck he presses to your skin.

“I love you too.”

And you repeat the words in a kiss to his lips. Slow, careful.

Savor. As if it were your last.

Dark clouds wrinkle your vision, spitting rain nothing short of irritating as you, Han, and Minho slip through cluttered underbrush.

Gathering of the spores had been successful by Team C according to the flare gun’s signal, and Team A—consisting of Changbin, Jeongin and Chris—tracked the location of the monster. 

Itaewon hasn't changed apart from the lack of bodies, assumed to be the Monster’s doing. Debris prominent, scavenging animals littering the streets without the usual congestion of people.

When the second flare blooms into shaded sky, that’ll be the indication the last stage: shooting the monster, is underway. For now, the three of you wait, listening in as hurried footsteps of Team C come thundering towards you.

Seungmin offers the vial, Minho lifting the harpoon gun to plunge into what appears to be an oddly shaped mushroom, your arm already lifted to the sky to fire Team B’s own flare gun.

Half way. Not done yet.

Now for Phase three, but, prior to the “run like hell” notion.

Jeongin is the retriever of the harpoon gun, angling through side streets past a lingering monster in the center to deliver the catalyst.

Almost there, almost–

His foot clashing against the metal of an alleyway trash-can disrupts that peace, and synonymously do you feel all breath held.

Chris was supposed to deliver the shot. Jeongin was supposed to make it to Team A unnoticed.

The world seems to grow mute, Han’s wrenching scream from beside you fallen upon deaf ears as the Monster’s gaping jaws beeline for Jeongin, claws extended, the boy kneeling to the ground.

Then, a ping! resounds, and your eyes are slow to open in fear his mutilated body would sit there, bright eyes lifeless.

It’s almost slow motion seeing it. Centimeters from Jeongin’s face does a palm outstretch, twice the size of his head, fingers twitching as if frozen in space.

Then you see it.

In the middle of that palm, the mere edge of the harpoon—only able to get halfway from its sheath—embeds.

Cavernous jaws of the creature part, incisors poised as if disbelieving of the matter itself. Disbelieving of the parasite taking over, altering its blood stream. 

Wilt.

White, almost decaying in the manner the alternate fungi destroys the weaker one, its muscles failing, body freezing.

You half anticipated the creature to at least try fighting in the meantime, land one last swipe. 

But the more time ticking past as you lean forward disproves any chance of movement, able to physically see the blood cells permeating the creature ashen, once curved claws diminishing simultaneously like that of crumbling embers.

Just then does Hyunjin’s voice breach your focus, curdled in urgency. It’s his cry that beckons Jeongin back to his feet, racing back after the others, tip of the harpoon still wedged within the Monster’s palm.

Oddly enough, as you watch the last of it dust into the wind as if melting, it doesn't feel real.

Too simple, uncanny. As if millions hadn’t extinguished in its horrid maw—a single parasite killing off the apocalypse bringer as easy as that.

Yet, it wasn’t easy at all.

Testing every last ounce of your wish for life, wish for a reality snatched from not just you, but eight others’ fingertips.

It was taxing. Surviving, experiencing the start of new love you didn’t think could sprout among a wintery wasteland included. 

But it did sprout, and the way you’re the first person Minho’s eyes drift to speaks that loud and clear.

Twin blossoms of the most brilliant colors, growing brighter the nearer they are. 

Closer than love, truly. 

We made it.

The Monster is gone.

There isn’t a word spoken as you make back for Hellion Inn, make back for home. The crunch of footsteps along gravel rings in your eardrums, breath exhaled from parted lips, matted, grease-ridden hair the least of your concern. No joyous shouting, no celebratory behavior in the slightest.

What is there to celebrate anyway? So many lives lost, too many to mourn.

Progression of your footsteps carries each soul with it, allowing them a final sleep in their eternal resting place.

Sleep well, Seoul. 

“It’s all over.” 

Whispered amidst roaring flames, you can only stare at the pharmacy as fiery flickers—vials, chemicals, ants included–swallow whatever has been left, torching hell’s origin once and for all.

One last stop. One last goodbye to all that was, the last chapter.

Without a word, Minho’s pinky links with your own.

sunboki, may 2022 ©

FIC TAGLIST. @linocvp1d

[nipply-castform]

love how doctors' new-patient questionnaires STILL ask "do you have sex with men, women, or both" as if the answer to that question actually tells them what they want to know. it wouldnt be that suprising if it was just the trans exclusionism, but do they not realize by this point that:

cishets have anal sex too

cishets have sex where the man is anally penetrated

cishets have nonpenetrative sex all the time

I feel the solution to this would be pretty simple. just give patients a checklist for what kinds of sex they have and include stuff like "penetrative anal (giving), penetrative anal (receiving), oral anal (giving), etc etc etc." Not only would this be more gender inclusive but it would ACTUALLY TELL the doctor what they need to know

just remove gender from the question entirely, otherwise you are quite literally making assumptions about the patient's sexual behavior that could affect their health and how your treat them

[buddhistmusings]

College campuses across the US have become sites of intimidation against Jewish people. The intellectual and institutional frameworks universities and their faculties have used to address issues of diversity and inclusion are failing to address this anti-Jewish racism, white supremacy, religious bigotry, and xenophobic fervor.

I have witnessed this spike in Jew-Hatred myself, as a non-Jew, and felt confused and uncomfortable. I'm at a place now where I'm fighting against it, but I'm hitting a wall because so many people who have been recently lured into white supremacy have convinced themselves that they're being white supremacist in the name of opposing racism. Their induction into antisemitic conspiracy and racism was performed using pseudo-progressive language.

For some reason, the idea of a universal antiracism is so commonly invoked but remains so controversial. For some reason, suggesting that peace is the number one priority is blasphemy. For some reason, standing up to both anti-Jewish and anti-Arab racism is not an option for so many. Choosing a side is so important, and when you choose a side, that's the kind of racism you're supposed to oppose, and I'm not comfortable with that. All of it is horseshit.

I'm not comfortable excusing violence against any group of people. I'm not comfortable suggesting that the solution to an ethnic conflict is shifting the balance of power so that a different side is able to do the killing.

Peace is a commitment and it's a fucking difficult one to maintain. It's intellectually easy, sure, but the whole world is constantly begging you to find someone to be violent against. Holding your ground on that commitment is difficult - just with other human beings! That's not even to mention how much more intent on violence so many people are against animals and nature.

That's enough of my rambling for now. Jews are human beings, including the Israeli ones. They're equal to us in worth and dignity, just like all human beings are. And, though I doubt it needs to be said to members of my audience, Palestinians are too. So are Americans, Europeans, Africans, Asians, etc. All war and all violence is bad, it can be really hard to avoid sometimes, but we really gotta do our best. Also, animals think and feel so be nice to them. And be kind to the environment too. Meditate more, smile more, bow more, and fulfill your social obligations. Drink more water, eat less meat, and love yourself a little more.