#and a lot of time i feel i don't deserve to asl for support or to be loudly angry or hurt because i haven't *seen* the war

[that-angry-noldo]

i remember last year, during the beggining of the summer, i thought the war would be over by the beginning, maybe by the end of the autumn. i can't imagine it ending anymore.

[fanaticsnail]

Every day I wake up and think "Why is there no Childhood Friends Doflamingo x Reader fics?" and every day one of my Discord friends tell me "because Kid Doffy would literally treat Kid Reader like someone beneath him cus everything is still fresh for him" but I bring you counterarguments for the Childhood Friends Doflamingo x Reader story:

1. He meets Reader after his house gets burned down. Reader is Rosinante's age, so eight years old. It's when DQ brothers are being beaten by the thugs; kid Reader gets a bat and protects him and Rosinante from the thugs who were beating on them over bread

2. she brings them food from the restaurant her parents own - home cooked - and meets Homing & Mrs Donquixote, who encourage Doffy & Rosi to befriend her but Doffy remains careful

3. Doffy has confused feelings about Reader but she's only ever treated his injuries (the first human not to hurt him) so he decides Reader is "his human to protect" not "human to enslave" yep he has groups in his mind, little crazy baby flamingo boy

4. Reader teaches Doffy & Rosinante to climb trees. Doffy comments that's what monkeys do, but Reader teases him that whether it is what monkeys do, he still can't reach her if he doesn't climb. Doffy accepts the challenge. He doesn't take long to get the hang of it. Right when he is nearly at the top, he nearly falls but Reader grabs his hand and pulls him onto the branch. I think this is where Doffy starts having a little crush on Reader. He doesn't realise that's what it is.

5. I don't know Ace, Sabo, Luffy I know Doffy, Rosi & Reader. Sure they would not be as wild as ASL since the thugs in North Blue are probably much more deadlier than in East Blue, but they'd be good thieves.

6. Reader is so gentle with Rosi and Doffy gets jealous and says his brother is a crybaby and Reader shouldn't help him, he needs to learn on his own. Reader just blows Doffy a raspberry which makes Rosinante giggle - the first time Rosinante has laughed since their house burned down

I just think if we just put in some thought, it can be plausible for Kid Doffy to have Kid Reader as a friend in his childhood days. He'd feel challenged by a "human", someone younger than him, and want to prove his heavenly status, why he's better. Reader just nods along with it and is kind to them both. They don't do any sort of competitions, they just co-exist.

Kid Doffy is like a street cat. He bites and scratches, and tries to claw your face off, but it's cause he's been through terrible shit and he doesn't trust strangers. He needs patience and kindness.

The fic would require just some patience and kindness I think, for the childhood part of their story, so Doflamingo by the end of it considers Reader precious to him to the point he thinks he is the best person to protect her. That it's his duty. He'd probably call himself her heavenly guardian or sth in his mind when he reaches that point.

Of course, that then can turn into him becoming very possessive of Reader as they grow up (Doffy even when becoming the young 10-11 year old leader seems to stick to one headquarters in that timeframe) and his crush from childhood evolving through time from protectiveness into a wish for a romantic relationship.

Anyway, kid Doffy & kid Rosinante deserve to have a friend during that terrible time, and they both latch onto that little amount of kindness, they appreciate it a lot. Doflamingo only realises it later down the line how much it meant for him Reader supported him.

They show appreciation for that differently later. Doffy comes into the restaurant Reader inherited from her parents all the time and makes sure everyone in the North Blue knows that's his territory, and the place where his crew gathers to celebrate things. He always sends Reader gifts such as jewelry, and kisses her on both cheeks whenever he sees her, using the excuse of it being a custom in Dressrosa to his advantage. Rosinante shows his love with hugs. When he sees Reader when he's Corazon he just hugs her. He doesn't give a shit.

Also, Reader & Kid Law & Baby 5... Reader would feed them all the food and pamper them.

Doffy can't go without Reader's home cooked meals. Food is very important to him, I think, after experiencing starvation. He probably invites her to join the crew as their chef cook when they head for the Grand Line. If not...

Well, kidnapping you is always an option 🤣

(he would lie about what happened to Rosinante. either that or get completely drunk and cry in your lap, confessing everything. You know what, I like the latter. Let the big man cry. I love pathetic drunk Doffy.)

- Yandere Doffy Anon

Okay okay okay okay okay. This was gorgeous. I am in love, and all of the relationships with all of the kids, and the coddling of Rosi. Yes. Please. I love their relationship, the silent confusion in the "what is this feeling" -> it's addictive, and I love it. "My human to protect" WHERE DO I SIGN UP????

Here is my interpretation of what childhood friendship would look like with Doflamingo.

What about a young son of a celestial dragon having regular interactions with a contractually bound daughter of another celestial dragon? And then he's taken away from you by his father? Doflamingo x f!reader image.

Your parents schedule regular playdates with one another so your faces do not grow lost on you both over time. From toddlerhood, to childhood, your friendship grew with your betrothed spouse as you both read with one another, and made puzzles and sculptures together. He pulled your hair, you brushed off his glasses, he bit you on the hand, and you cried to your maid.

You are a bit stuffy and spoilt, but what child of the pinacle of society isn't? Similar to Doflamingo, it is your birthright to be treated with the utmost respect and worshipful adoration.

But your heart becomes kind.

When becoming lost in a crowd of unfamiliar faces, the kindness of a stranger who knew nothing of your face changes you from a prissy young miss to a girl spun in webs of charity and compassion.

It makes the young Doflamingo disgusted seeing you interact and thank his servants when they fix you and him lunch. Conversing so freely with the chaperone, asking questions about his children, it makes the eight year old sick. He'd rather trick them into being scolded and thrashed.

When Donquixote Homing defects, the ties that strung you together lay severed and desolate. The friendship between you forbidden, but your mind often wanders into what had become of him. You both had this unspoken hatred and the closest friendship with one another any two children could have.

Inseperable.

Until you were separated.

It took four adults to restrain you from running to him in the council chambers. Hearing Doflamingo had returned with Homing's head, you had nearly lost yours with glee at his return. When he was denied a rise in reinstating his former title, you were overwhelmed with a grief beyond your years in capacity.

Over the decades, you wondered what had become of him. Your heart had been broken when your father renounced your coupling. Each time a potential spouse was presented to you, you would shut it down with haste. Although you were only young, you spoke with such indignation regarding your disdain for such an alliance. What if this one was taken from you too? Nothing would ever match up to him.

They would never be Doflamingo, and you refused to be the spouse of anyone who didn't meet his equal. His insanity mirrored a darkness in your heart that you had since clothed in kindness. He was your absolute, the stop at the end of the line. He was yours, and you were his completely.

When Tsuru had invited you to the first gathering of seven warlords of the sea, you had no idea what to expect. No matter what you prepared yourself with, your readiness mattered not for the sight that was to welcome you in. Charity was your character, and your humility is what made you the chosen celestial dragon the world government asked to converse with the most.

Pink feathers, rosy glasses, blonde hair, and a sinister grin you had long since burried, had your chest swell and eyes flood with every emotion. Silence was all you offered in your shock, your face shrouded behind a veiled cloth you often travelled with.

You knew exactly who you were looking at, and he had no idea it was you. The way his presence demanded attention, his sinister playfulness with Sir Crocodile and Tsuru, the way he openly taunted the former Marine Hunter Mihawk: each motion captured your soul and held you hostage.

It was only when Tsuru had asked you to speak did you stifle the warmth in your chest. You knew Doflamingo would likely hold disgust for the Celestial Dragons due to their lack of restoration, and you chose to ignore him - just as he ignored you.

When your attendants removed the veil from your extravagant headpiece, the first sound to travel through the realm was a collective gasp. You were young, a woman, and incredibly beautiful. Nothing any of the seven warlords were expecting was anything amounting to a single scrap of you. And you chose to play coy to the slack-jawed blonde in the corner.

After speaking your well rehearsed speech, Tsuru thanked you with her head bowing low, encouraging the other marines to pay their respects in kind. Sir Crocodile offered you a polite bow alongside Kuma and Jinbe. Mihawk tipped his hat to you, which you nodded in kind.

Immediately rising to his feet, Doflamingo's arms hung limp as his lips lay parted and almost quivering. His hands shook, his shoes feeling like lead in lieu of leather, and he finally stood before you. Your attendants sprung up to your side, your guardians guiding their hands to the hilts of their weapons: only ceasing when you hold up your own hand to stop them.

With that same hand, you hover it in front of Doflamingo's face, guiding it in an intimate expression without ever colliding with his skin. He rises his own, mirroring your motions and causing your eyes to flutter shut. An inaudible movement of your name courses through his lips, no sounds to voice them other than a single breath.

"Time has not been kind to you, mi amor," you whisper, Doflamingo's knees buckling at the tone your voice had grown into. It was the greatest symphony he had ever heard, the voice of his childhood friend blossoming into the bloom of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

"Time saved all it's kindness for you, mi querida," he managed string together beneath his petrification.

The room was silent, all watching in awe as the most detestable inhabitant in the council chambers was brought to his knees with a single look from a powerful woman. The familiarity had Tsuru's stomach tighten, wondering if extending an invitation to you was in her best interest. Although, seeing Doflamingo behave with his absolute best manners had her lip twitch up at the corner.

He was yours again. A man who was once everything, became nothing, and built himself up to something again. And he was yours.

And he couldn't be happier to be in your presence once more. Why else would he have fought so hard to rise to the top? For mere power alone?

No. That is far too simple. He is far from simple. It was for the chance to be once again worthy to stand in your presence and kneel at your feet as an equal in potential matrimony. But would you still have him after all the time that had passed between you?

Only you held that answer.

Edit to add, I got distracted by the roast chicken and forgot to add the tag list. I'm sorry everyone.

Tag list: @mfreedomstuff @daydreamer-in-training @since-im-already-here @gingernut1314 @writingmysanity @sordidmusings @i-am-vita @indydonuts @feral-artistry @the-light-of-star @empirenowmp3 @racfoam @sunflowersatori @carrotsunshine @skullfacedlady

[tarot-by-e11e]

Hello! I hope you are doing well! I would like to participate in your new game, please.

My initials are ASLS, leo sun. Emojis (I'm writing both because they are too different hahaha) recently used in WhatsApp: 😍👎🏼💀👉👈, tumblr: 😁💓💗😭🎊.

3 things I'm learning to love about myself:

My smile, how I look in pictures and my feelings. In all three cases I'm learning that it's all mine, if that makes sense, the first two were insecurities created by people around me, the way my sister's smile didn't need braces for example and how her smile looks really pretty in pictures, that kind of thing, I'm learning that my smile actually isn't bad and never was, I'm learning that it's my smile period, and why would a smile you're giving with your everything be ugly? About the pictures I try to pose in front of the mirror type, "Would this look good?" hahaha and the last thing, I have always been very honest with my feelings, but if saying "I don't like it" or "I would like to do this" made my loved ones uncomfortable then I would keep it to myself, I am letting out what I really think and feel, tactfully but not holding back things that should come out.

Unexpected favorite song:

Okay, but there is any romantic song, but there are a lot that i love. Hm... maybe, Fly Love by Jamie Foxx, Enchanted by Taylor Swift, and Committed by No Guidnce.

My important goal:

I want to learn to finish my homework first and then enjoy my time, I've always done it the other way around and well, I always end Sundays sitting doing homework and I'm tired of it 🥴, I want to sleep earlier and learn new things, a new hobby and things related to my career.

Thank you so much and take care 💓

Hi ASLS,

Thank you so much for participating in my new ask game.

I actually felt said when you don't think your smile doesn't look pretty, then proceed to describe your sister's smile. My dear, how you smile whenever you're laughing or happy is the prettiest smile that you have! But I really am happy that you're working hard to love your smile.

Those are very interesting songs! I'll listen to them after interpreting the rest of the ask requests.

It's great that you want to learn to how to manage your time productively so that you can enjoy your time while still being able to finish your homework early.

These are the cards I pulled out for you: 2 of Wands, Lovers, 3 of Swords

The first card suggest for you to strategize, particularly, to curate your lifestyle from the ground up. I'm hearing establish a sustainable healthy daily routine that works in your favor. There are a bunch of time management, productivity hacks and beat procrastination videos online. You simply need to plan out and decide how you're going to establish your daily routine being listing down which habits do you want to establish in your system.

The next card talks about balance and unity, particularly in your priorities. If you want to have a healthy and sustainable daily routine, make sure that it's not all work in one day, and all play in another day. Make sure to schedule small snack breaks and mini stretch breaks throughout the day. Remember to curate a daily routine that will support your desire to have a healthy and sustainable study/work-life balance.

Finally, the last card suggest for you to acknowledge your losses and limitations. It's okay to feel sad that you don't look a certain way. It's okay to not reach a certain weight in the scale because you're built differently. It's perfectly fine to cry about what you couldn't physically become.

Having those feelings are valid and normal, okay? Learn to accept what you're incapable of, so that you can refocus your energy on things that you do have control of.

You're not obligated to look a certain way to deserve to feel pretty. You don't have to weigh a certain number to feel good about yourself in a healthy manner. You don't have to be perfect to be worthy of love.

This is as far as I could interpret for your reading. Thank you so much for being my participant!

Feel free to tip me in my Buy me a Coffee account (to show support) ahehe [Not required, but most grateful if you did]~ (This reading is for entertainment purposes only)

[numinati]

VENEER TECH+ MOD

So.... I'm sure y'all know by now...

I hit 20 members on Patreon a couple weeks ago, and to celebrate it, I released a content dump. It had really small CC in there, but one of the things included was a career mod I had made. Because that was the thing I spent the most time on, I posted about it on Twitter, and it did a lot better than I thought it would.

Now there's like 230 more of you and it's kind of one of my staple mods. 😭

I seriously want to thank y'all for all the love and support you've given me over these past few weeks. This still feels so surreal and I'm not fully able to articulate how I feel, but I appreciate you all so, so much.

After getting some ideas, I decided to expand the mod even further. Now, along with the career, you get 2 traits, corresponding pie menus, a rabbithole interaction, and a second version of the career with altered wages. Enjoy!

TRAITS

Veneer Tech

Were you the child who gave their parents makeovers they didn't have the heart to tell you were bad? Do you want to feel as important as a doctor but don't want to waste your time on boring topics like gum disease? Are you a sadist? If you fall into any - or all - of these categories, you'll love being a veneer tech. Just because you ain't on some board doesn't mean you can't make board money! All you really need is some glue, gloves, and Invisalign, anyway! Hell, if people cared about taking advantage of people, half the businesses out now would be closed. Shops shut all the way up. You deserve to get your bag too, right? ...maybe your first investment should be a lawyer.

Located in Lifestyle

Young Adult - Adult

Finessed

Description is a surprise since it's new!

Gameplay Trait

Child - Adult

30+ buffs for each trait

Custom icons

Base game compatible (BGC)

Finessed trait is sad asl, I'm not even gonna lie 😭

Veneer Tech trait goes along with the veneer tech career, which means certain career buffs reference that specific mod

How to give sims the Finessed trait:

To give sims the 'Finessed' trait, you have to use the Veneer Tech introduction. Once the introduction is used, target sims (the sims you're talking to) will automatically get the trait. That's if it's positive, though...

Veneer Tech sims will get between $250-$500 for each positive introduction!

PIE MENUS

Five interactions for Veneer Techs, four interactions for Finessed sims

Both located in More Choices

Custom Pie Menu icon

Not going to spoil the buffs for these, but I do hope you guys have fun with them. <3

COMPUTER INTERACTIONS

Located in More Choices

Exposing the Veneer Tech and Announcing a Sale are one hour

Updating Terms of Service is two hours

Hosting a Seminar is two to four hours

Veneer techs get $5,000 and a small follower gain from hosting a seminar and $200 simoleons from announcing a sale, while Finessed sims also get a follower gain from exposing scammers.

RABBITHOLE

Get Veneers Removed...

You're in pain. You're in agony. You're in a perpetual purgatory of stank breath. And you want out!

Under Travel, Finessed sims now have the option to get their veneers removed:

They'll scroll for a little bit to check in with an actual dentist before heading out for three to four hours.

Once they come back, the Finessed trait will be removed and they can start a new, scam free life

Celebratory buff and notification

Currently free, though you guys know I love realism... >:)

VENEER TECH CAREER (LOWERED WAGES)

The same career, just with lowered (better) wages.

When I first made the mod, I forgot that the Simoleons per hour were... well, hourly. I don't know why, like if I was tired or something, but that lead to the top level in the career giving sims $60,000 a day, which means $420,000 a WEEK... and since there's usually 4 weeks in an in-game calendar year that means $1,680,000 a YEAR...

I know veneer techs get a lot of money, but at some point this gets absurd. 😭

So I altered the hourly wages a bit. They're still wayyy more than average sims get for their jobs, but not like $21,000,000~ every human year.

Level 1 -> $250 (from $500)

Level 2 -> $500 (from $1,000)

Level 3 -> $1,000 (from $5,000)

Level 4 -> $5,000 (from $20,000)

Celebrity Scammer Branch -> $10,000 / M-F (from $50,000 / M-SN)

Seminar Leader Branch -> $7,500 (from $25,000)

If you still want the higher wages, they're still available with the original mod! <3 This is just for people who want a little more of a challenge. (emphasis on little, lol)

Last but not least, the original mod:

VENEER TECH CAREER (ORIGINAL)

Were you the child who gave their parents makeovers they didn't have the heart to tell you were bad? Do you want to feel as important as a doctor but don't want to waste your time on boring topics like gum disease? Are you a sadist? If you fall into any - or all - of these categories, you'll love being a veneer tech. Just because you ain't on some board doesn't mean you can't make board money! All you really need is some glue, gloves, and Invisalign, anyway! Hell, if people cared about taking advantage of people, half the businesses out now would be closed. Shops shut all the way up. You deserve to get your bag too, right? ...maybe your first investment should be a lawyer.

This is a base game rabbithole career with four levels and two branches.

I do hope y'all enjoy!

Levels:

Barbershop Baby

You just got your online certificate from the 6 hour seminar your favorite TikToker hosted and are now ready to service the streets with your dental expertise. The only problem is you don't have no expertise and are not a dentist.

But if that didn't stop your "mentor", why should it stop you? Try and make something shake for a little while. Worst comes to worst, you gotta flee the state... or the country...

...you really should look into that lawyer, friend.

Shade Room Famous

Due to the rampant amount of horror stories you have, your face is now plastered all over The Shade Room, the largest urban gossip blog in all of the US.

But to your surprise and mine tool - it seems like the saying about all attention is true, because people are now lined up your block waiting for the Smilez special.

Guess all you can do now is make sure your career lasts longer than your teeth.

Viral on TikTok

Fame looks nice on you, doesn't it? At least online fame does. After getting some shine on Shade Room, Hollywood Unlocked, The Neighborhood Talk, and even more, you've managed to rack up one million followers on TikTok. You're almost ready to release your own seminar!

Be careful, though, newfound fame brings newfound opposition. And with your multiple medical and ethical violations it won't take much to get unplugged.

The Plug

After all of the hours of hard scamming you put in, you've done it. You've got the fame, the fortune, the mid-tier rapper/influencer connections, and about 21 different YouTube videos about your crimes.

The only thing to do now is sit back, count up, and not get indicted.

And hey, if that doesn't work? At least you're making enough for a one way to Jamaica.

Branches:

Celebrity Scammer

Now, about that mid-tier clientele you had...

They are all big time now. And so are you! You've 'hustled' and 'grinded' your way to the big leagues.

No more barbershops. You're doing Future's teeth in the back of your mansion. Their teeth may decay, but your star certainly isn't!

It doesn't even matter how many people say you scamming. Or how many horror stories have turned into full on nightmares.

You're the Dr. Miami of teeth now. Can't nobody say anything about that!

Seminar Leader

Now, about that seminar you said you were gon start...

You did. In fact, the only two options on your website are to book and to, well, book.

In doing so, not only have you managed to stack up even more, but now you look wise and charitible to 5% of Instagram users. Win win!

It doesn't matter if most people think you still scamming. Or the fact you don't send out all the invites to people who signed up.

You're a business person now. Can't nobody say nothing about that!

*+.~

I definitely want to expand this in the future (keyword: future 😭), but I'm happy where this is, especially for my first major gameplay mod!

Let me know if you have any issues! 💕

Thank you to:

Dessims4 for her Trap House build; you can find their Patreon here

Jasmine Raditz for her Motel build; you can find her Patreon here and YouTube here

SimmerDownDee for the "wobbly/falling teeth" buff; you can find her Tumblr here

@mylittleniesh for "Jaw Makers University"; you can find their Twitter here

SpareKiy for the "veneer breath" buff; you can find her builds here and Instagram here

DanitySimmer for her modding tutorials; you can find her Patreon here and YouTube here

Mirai for their modding tutorial; you can find their Patreon here and Tumblr here

...and a big one to y'all for waiting so long! 

Now go wreck havoc for me!!

IMPORTANT!!

IF YOU HAVE THE ORIGINAL VENEER TECH MOD FROM THIS POST, YOU DO NOT NEED TO REDOWNLOAD! The files are included here so people won't have to go post-to-post, the mod itself is completely unchanged.

You'll need XML Injector by Scumbumbo for some interactions. I've included the download here, but I'd also recommend going to his page to show support <3

You can find it on my Patreon:

[nellie-elizabeth]

Grey's Anatomy: Wedding Bell Blues/Happily Ever After (19x19/20)

Oh goodness. There are a lot of things about this that I really goddamn hate, but... plenty I loved, too!

Cons:

Jo and Link. Look, I'd honestly love to feel differently about this. It sucks to have a character like Link, who I used to greatly enjoy, turn into someone that I just don't want to spend time with anymore. I liked Jo and Alex, and I liked Amelia and Link. I have never once thought these two worked as a romance. And when they had their big love confession and kiss in the rain moment, I honestly felt nothing. Total numbness and boredom. Plus, Link seemed like such an insensitive jerk about Jo flirting with her patient, Sam. Just grow up and get over yourself, dude.

Simone and Lucas is great and I'll compliment the drama later, but I still think Trey should have... existed as a character more leading up to this point. It was such a non-choice, such an obvious conclusion. I would have liked a bit more wedding shenanigans, and a bit more of an understanding of who Trey is as a person, in order to enjoy this more fully.

Meredith and Nick... I knew I was going to be annoyed about it, and I was right. At least we see Meredith having her own goals and passions in Boston, but my god, that whole apology to Nick, and wanting to build something with him, was just so joyless and boring to me. I just don't think he's an interesting character, and I never, ever have.

For the most part, I am all for Bailey getting that award, but it did feel sort of weird from the outsider perspective, like... the people who are not personally friends with Richard Webber or Catherine Fox or Miranda Bailey have to be sitting there like... wait a minute. They just arranged this whole nice little surprise for their personal friend? The Catherine Fox award is named after Catherine Fox, a woman who is married to Miranda Bailey's long-time friend and mentor. I'm not saying she doesn't deserve this accolade, of course she does! I just couldn't help but think of the people who aren't in this clique, wondering how fair this really is.

It remains to be seen what will come of Teddy, but yikes, if they actually kill her just when she was starting to become vaguely tolerable to me (due to reduced interactions with Owen), I'll be pissed. So unnecessary, Grey's.

Also: sorry, but Richard maybe having another relapse and drinking again is just boring to me at this point. I feel like whenever they run out of things for Richard to do in the story, they either bring back Catherine's cancer, or they have him drink again. Enough already.

In the category of things I wish we could have seen, I was a little sad that we didn't get some sister time with Amelia, Meredith, and Maggie. Especially as a wrap-up on this season for Amelia, who has been undergoing these feelings of abandonment.

Pros:

Jo learning ASL, yay! She's simcoming, which basically means she's signing and speaking at the same time, meaning her grammar has some issues, but it's still so cool to see that on the show, and I hope it continues.

Despite my feelings of clique-i-ness with the whole Catherine Fox award thing, I did think it was enormously sweet and empowering that Bailey got the award for her work in training people on abortion care. This show has never been afraid to go political, and it was such a nice capstone to a season where Bailey had to suffer so much harassment and pain. I did think about Addison, though: surely the award should have been jointly granted to her as well, for the same reason? Meredith giving that speech, Ben showing up last minute to support his wife, Bailey's surprise about it all... very moving and sweet, indeed.

It could be a cool way to keep Meredith connected to the show with intermittent appearances, this idea of her new breakthrough in Alzheimer's research, something that flies in the face of all understanding in the field, including Derek's research. She's going to be off doing science things, trying to get funding and keep hold of her reputation as she shakes things up, and she can pop up once or twice a season to update us on the chaos of her life. I like this for her. Drama, but not drama we need to be constantly paying attention to. I can imagine her working hard and becoming even more of a legend, and taking care of her kids, and living her life.

Also, in the interest of being entirely fair, I will clock one moment of Nick that I did enjoy. When Meredith tells him that the guy he found at her house is the kids' tutor, who also happens to be gay, his response is a frankly adorable, childish, "really?" Which I thought was sweet. Glad that Meredith hadn't randomly started dating someone new so quickly after settling in Boston, although to be honest whoever else she might have picked would probably be more interesting than Nick! Sorry!

I was surprisingly cool with the way they did the Maggie/Winston thing? At first I was annoyed, like, great. They're just going to fall into bed together and perpetuate the confusion and pain? But then they talked at the award event, and they had this gentle conversation about the potential for their future. Should they get divorced? Is that the best thing for both of them? I like how earlier, when they were on the plane, Winston defended himself and Maggie to Amelia, saying that it wasn't either of their faults alone that their relationship had taken this turn. That's some nuanced understanding of the situation, and I enjoyed it.

The plane thing was kind of ridiculous, over the top turbulence making all the doctors fear for their lives momentarily. It's the kind of thing we know for a fact Grey's is willing to pull, but I didn't really think the plane was going to go down, not with so much else the episode was trying to grapple with. But I did begrudgingly kind of enjoy Amelia and Winston holding hands, that was a nice little beat. And Bailey gets MVP once again for knocking the drink out of Richard's hand.

Back at the hospital, we've got all sorts of stuff going on. I continue to be impressed by how much the new crop of characters and their drama appeals to me.

First you've got Yasuda and Helm, going on an adorable date to Simone's wedding, kissing and giggling and problem-solving together when the flowers don't arrive for the ceremony. I loved seeing how sweet they were together. I'm sure next season will bring them their fair share of drama, as Helm is now Yasuda's boss, but seeing Mika running at full capacity, having enough sleep to do her job well, and seeing Helm so happy at the successful start of this new romantic relationship, and new chance at her dream career, was such a balm! They're pretty fun.

Simone leaves Trey at the altar, of course. Literally she's already started walking down the aisle when she decides she can't go through with the wedding. That's pretty rough. We learn how much she's doing all of this because of her long-dead mother, and when she learns that her mom met her dad after being engaged to someone else, she realizes her intended husband isn't the man for her. She and Lucas immediately fall into bed together, he literally helps her out of her wedding dress, which is just the kind of juicy soap opera goodness we love to see on this show.

Of course, things go bad when Trey shows up after getting in a minor car accident, and punches Lucas in the face when he realizes that he was a factor in Simone leaving. Simone talks to him and says, basically, that regardless of Lucas, marrying Trey isn't what she wants. I liked that they addressed that what Simone did hurt people. Trey and his family, Lucas... they all got caught up in Simone's indecision and struggles. It's a rough move, doing what Simone did, but the alternative being marrying someone you don't want to be with is, of course, worse.

Blue was a serious highlight for me of this episode! First there was his utter bad-ass moment of helping save a kid, and then bridging the language barrier (the mother and son spoke Spanish), and stopping CPS from getting involved. It turns out that the little boy Enzo ingested drugs that were left behind by a prior visitor to the hotel, not given to him by his mother. And then after that, he has a much less bad-ass moment, where he intubates Max when she suddenly starts to code, specifically violating her DNR order. It ends up in a situation where it's too late to go back and un-do what he's done, so they keep her alive, and Jules, with her medical proxy, is now going to be in the position of making decisions for her. Luckily, Max wakes up and they explain that she had a temporary thing going on and that she won't have to keep being intubated. Basically, Blue did a bad thing, took a huge risk, and it did pay off... but Jules's anger is completely justified. And what Blue did was a serious violation of medical ethics.

This is the kind of twisty dilemma that we love to see. It gave me early Grey's vibes for sure, Blue reacting with too much emotional instinct, his feelings of tenderness towards Jules, his own feelings about his mother coming into play... and Jules hating him for his decision but also loving him for saving her favorite person. I'm very into seeing where this goes from here.

And then... oh my god. Despite how much I will be annoyed if they kill Teddy, I will admit the very end of this episode hyped me up in a way Grey's hasn't managed to do in a very long time. Sam, the patient who has been flirting with Jo, ends up suddenly in distress and rushed to the OR. Teddy is the only attending in the room, and along with Yasuda and Lucas, and they're getting ready to do a life-saving emergency surgery. When suddenly... Teddy collapses. She's been having tooth pain for a while, but that's been our only hint that something was wrong with her at all. Our other attendings are scattered to the winds: at Boston, or making out in rainy alleyways, or whatever. So as Yasuda drops to the ground and starts trying to tend to Teddy, Simone shows up and along with Lucas, the two of them try to save Sam on the table. Owen is fetched by someone, and runs into the operating room to see a patient bleeding out on the table, the floor drenched in blood, and his wife on the floor, entirely nonresponsive.

Drama! I don't like Owen, but even I'm not heartless enough not to feel for him as he collapses to the ground and tries to wake Teddy up. What the heck is going to happen from here? I was getting Schmitt flashbacks, seeing that patient on the table, an attending coming into the room to see what his students hath wrought in his absence, but like... what were they supposed to do? This is some juicy stuff, and I'm looking forward to seeing the aftermath of it all whenever we get back to this show. Given the writer's strike, we may have a longer wait time than usual, but that's not the writers' fault!

In all, these final two episodes were truly a mixed bag. I am so annoyed about Jo and Link. I still strongly dislike Nick. But the drama that I enjoyed most was the stuff with our younger crop of characters, and I think that bodes well for the show's longevity!

7/10

[beerecordings]

How do we recognize ableist content like that? I've never been in situations like that, so something that look pretty harmless to me could be in fact quite shitty. I don't want to share stuff like that and be unaware of it, how do I learn?

well thank you for asking!!! but the first thing I’d like to do is make it clear that while I do trust myself to recognize many common ableist errors/choices, I do not pretend to be an authority on this issue any more than anyone else who’s done some research, talked with other people, and worked to recognize things. I need help sometimes too! Also I’d like to reiterate that I am able-bodied and people with disabilities are free to correct me.

The second thing to notice is that SOMETIMES these things are context-dependent. For instance, while I usually gag to see Jameson made into like the son of somebody the same age as him, if you’re actually writing an au where Jameson and maybe another character or two are actually children to another character, that can be pretty cute!!! In that case an adult is not being infantilized and he is not made into a child because of his disability - he’s being made into a child because he’s a literal four-year-old and that’s the premise of the story (and he still can’t talk). Alternatively, maybe Jameson needs extra attention and love and protection from older brothers after a traumatic event - but at some point, that Jameson should begin to regain his independence, should still experience a wide range of emotions, and should not be condescended to about his emotions or ability to function alone. However, please be careful with this… don’t use context to make excuses if you’re actually pulling ableist shit.

I think that list I gave in the post I made is a good (but not comprehensive!) starting point for some of the things to look for that are offensive to people with disabilities (some of these are specific to mutism). Let’s take another deeper look at these points:

Before reblogging something with Jameson in it, for instance, ask yourself - does this infantilize the character?

Is Jameson unable to function alone in society beyond the reasonable limitations we would expect of a person with a disability? Is Jameson babied to a ridiculous degree by the other egos? Does Jameson only experience basic emotions? Does Jameson ever stand up for himself or display “unpleasant” and unromanticized emotions such as anger, desire to isolate, desire for violence, ugly grief and sorrow, etc? Disabled adults are still ADULTS. Don’t treat them like little kids!!! If you want to portray Jameson’s trauma reactions - and you should!! he’s been through a lot!! - make sure this is more complex than just reducing him to a sweet needy baby who needs a hand to hold twenty-four seven. He should have ugly reactions too and be more complex than sad sometimes because he’s disabled and needs more attention. Otherwise you are infantilizing his mutism and romanticizing his trauma.

Does this erase Jameson’s disability completely or partially?

I have had people tell me it’s okay to erase Jameson’s disability because “they just wanted him to have a cute British accent.” I have had people to tell me to “chill out” because it “isn’t a big deal” that people erase his disability. I’ve heard people say “I couldn’t really get into Jameson for some reason, he just wasn’t my favorite character - so I decided to make him my own and give him new powers and let him talk and now I like him a lot!”

FUCK OFF M8

DON’T WRITE HIM IF YOU AREN’T WILLING TO INCORPORATE HIS DISABILITY AND YOU HATE DISABLED CHARACTERS. WHY ARE SOME OF U LIKE THIS. HOW DARE YOU qUITE FRANKLY

DO NOT SUPPORT CONTENT WITH A SPEAKING JAMESON UNLESS ANTI IS ABOUT TO SHOW UP AND CUT THAT BOY’S THROAT OR MAYBE IT’S AN AU WHERE SOMEBODY ELSE HAS THE DISABILITY BUT I’M NOT A HUNDRED PERCENT SURE ABOUT THAT ONE -

When you erase Jameson’s disability, you are telling every disabled person who might come across your writing that there is something wrong with being disabled and that they need to be fixed, as well as warping your own perception of the disabled people you will meet in your life. Do not use magic spells to erase Jameson’s inability to vocalize. Do not just decide you prefer a vocalizing Jamie.

Is this a respectful and accurate representation of a character who cannot vocalize?

If you are not disabled, you probably should not write pieces deeply exploring his relationship with his disability, because you just can’t do it right. I’m tired of seeing people write like ten thousand words of whump about how sad Jamie is about being disabled and how he longs desperately to just be normal like everyone else!! If only he didn’t have to sign!!! And he never seems to make any progress at accepting himself, he never seems to have any righteous anger at the people who treat him like shit, he always seems to let himself be comforted by other people telling him how to perceive himself instead of coming to terms with it with the help of both others and his own internal development. Incorporate his disability, and yes, it’s okay if it upsets him that other people react poorly to his inability to vocalize sometimes, but avoid stories which focus on him dealing with his disability exclusively if you are not disabled. If his disability is the only thing that ever makes him sad or makes him experience a negative emotion, you have fucked up again and you are using his disability for whump points like an asshole instead of seeing him holistically. I get upset sometimes because I see people will get prompts about JJ and it will be like… “job interview!” so they write one where Jameson gets turned down for a job because of a disability or it will be like “mourn!” and it’s about how he mourns his lost voice and “spell!” is about Marvin trying to fix him and just….. I guess it’s okay to write that stuff every now and then, but it’s a BIG RED FLAG if someone takes every single prompt or thought about JJ and makes it about him being sad about his disability.

Is this a respectful and accurate representation of sign language?

Please be aware that Jameson speaks BSL, not ASL! I think most people mess that one up just because they don’t know, not because they’re ableist, so it’s great to spread awareness! If you are writing something about Jamie, though, you really should know. You should also try to learn a little about the way people sign and just do some research! Also, when writing Jameson, be aware of the signing. If he is in another room than Jackie, then remember that Jackie can’t “hear” him. You just forgot he couldn’t talk! Double-check your work or ask someone to beta and this one is avoided easily. Be open to someone pointing out “actually, Jameson couldn’t do that, he was downstairs!” and work to accommodate him.

If I were unable to vocalize, would I be offended by this representation?

Many of us have disabilities of our own. Think about the things that bother you and how they apply to mutism or even other disabilities like Chase’s depression. One thing that always helps me (though I am not in a wheelchair!) is comparing this to people in wheelchairs. Would it be okay for me to write a fic where a person had their legs magically fixed after a lifetime of not being able to walk and then everybody liked them better and they finally found purpose? Would it be okay for me to write ten snippets in a row about how sad they are they can’t walk? Would it be okay for me to just decide they can walk now because I’m annoyed when I have to write in their wheelchair? Is it okay for me to say that they can’t wheel themselves around or that they use magic to move at all times and would not be able to move at all if someone were not pushing them or they lost their magic? Is it okay for everyone to treat the person like a helpless baby because they can’t walk? Honestly, I think we know more than we think if we take a moment to critically examine. Trust your gut.

Does this contain common problems in portrayal of characters with disabilities/mutism such as derision or lamentation towards sign language, making the character defined entirely by their disability (always a cheerful character except when reminded of their disability, for example), having other characters explain things about their disability to them, or treating the character as childish, needy, and unable to function in society because of their disability?

Pretty self-explanatory, but well worth repeating.

Do not show derision towards sign language (though a villain might, if it was clear that they are the villain and doing something wrong!). We have already discussed the complexities of lamentation and I suggest that you avoid that as well, especially if you are going to make his character flat. If you are not disabled, you really can’t portray it well, and it’s ableist to focus so much on the disability that you do not give the character any other complexity. Do not make the disability the “tragic backstory” of the character’s life. Complexity is important because it means you are seeing the person as more than their disability! You should know things about the character other than “they are happy and sweet and sugary and never get angry or make mistakes!! except sometimes… they are sad because they can’t talk uwuw poor baby” you look that shit in the eyes and you tell it to fuck off, you hear me? It’s great to have a sweet, nice, sugary baby brother Jameson as long as he is more complex than that, with real independence and abilities of his own and complex emotions and character! His disability should not be his one weak spot or his tragic backstory or some shit!

ALSO DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT REFER TO JAMESON AS “THE MUTE.”

like dude even “the mute man” is pretty fucking shifty because why do you feel the need to define him by that??? but definitely not “the mute moved down the hallway” i will block you on sight and you will deserve it that is SO offensive would you call a person who can’t walk “the cripple???”

Don’t have a speaking character explain things about disabilities to characters with disabilities. Speaking characters should not be condescending towards the character about much of anything, really, or else you’re infantilizing - if you need someone to explain things, obviously that’s okay, but do it in a way that recognizes that this is a mature and independent adult.

The character with a disability should be able to function in society past the limitations that are to be expected. No, Jameson isn’t going to magically start talking, but if he wants to go on a walk alone, he can. Let him do things like writing or texting. Don’t be afraid to give him a cool job and awesome hobbies. Let him have independence. If you can’t imagine JJ living on his own because he can’t speak, you’re doing it wrong. Look for signs that Jameson is capable of things other than making tea and kissing his brothers good night.

It’s okay to have a Jameson with a slightly childish personality, and I love it when he’s a sweet boy! But there should be more to him than that. I’m just going to say it - you know when Jameson is being treated like a baby. You know the difference between infantilization and a nice friendly man with sweet cute hobbies and interests. You can see it. Trust yourself. Don’t buy it when you see it and if you’re writing him, make sure there is complexity instead of just sugar-sweet with a sugar-sweet filling. He’s an adult. Remember that and remember that it’s harmful to pretend otherwise.

Geez, that was a rant and a half. Again, I am not the perfect authority. But there are some tips.

Does that help at all?

Feel free to add on to that if you have seen specific things in the fandom that I might not have seen or you have a disability and have experience with being discriminated against.

[iphyslitterator]

Movie Thoughts: CODA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CODA_(2021_film)

What a completely lovely film. It's a classic coming-of-age story that feels like it could have been made any time in the last 20 years: charming protagonist, family ups and downs, climactic musical number where you reach for the Kleenex. A strong formula executed well, and within this good movie is great representation. (For the record, I'm a hearing person with minimal exposure to deafness on TV and even less irl.)

I was fascinated by Ruby's liminal status: she's traditionally "able-bodied," and in her family, that makes her the minority. The scene where she has to put in headphones because the rest of her family is being noisy -- she needs accomodations! I appreciate that the rest of the Rossis only spoke in ASL; I honestly don't think I've ever seen deaf characters who don't speak out loud for the benefit of the hearing characters and audience. (And the singular spoken word at the end hit perfectly.)

The Rossi family partly feels like if Easy A had given Olive's parents more screentime. I loved them. Hilarious, deeply frustrating, lots of love even though they make mistakes. The fishing co-op plotline was interesting, and Ruby and her family had a legitimately challenging dilemma between work and college. I don't begrudge the movie for wrapping it up quickly and happily, though, especially because it's implied that they're going to make the business work with the help of the community. They've put in the work to become respected community leaders, and now, as Leo wanted, their neighbors are going to have to adapt to them for a change.

Finally: I cannot get "Both Sides Now" out of my head.

The Nominations

Adapted Screenplay (Sian Heder): A good nomination, though too cliched a story to deserve the win. I wonder, how do you grade ASL in a screenplay category? Does the script just have English that the actors sign, or is it more involved? Do the physical movements count as part of the script?

Supporting Actor (Troy Kotsur): Aah, he was so good. Peak dad energy, embarrassing and kind, and a consistently compelling screen presence. It's easy to see why he got nominated. He's the first deaf man nominated for acting; Marlee Matlin, of course, is the only deaf woman, and she became the youngest Best Actress winner when she won for Children of a Lesser God (the first Best Picture nominee directed by a woman (Randa Haines)).

Best Picture: This is exactly the kind of diversity the expansion of the field was designed to include (and not just the deaf actors -- there are still fewer than 20 Best Picture nominees with female directors). I'm thrilled this movie is getting more exposure from its nomination.

[omglr]

patiently momming the shit out this fuckin' potential serial killer...

You're now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi!

You both like feminism.

You: hi

Stranger: hi

Stranger: asl

You: 33 f

You: canada

You: you?

Stranger: m22 canada

Stranger: feminist?

You: yes

You: you?

Stranger: fuck no

Stranger: feminism is sexism and hatred of men, why would I support it?

You: meninist?

Stranger: not really

Stranger: just knowing the truth

You: where do you get this information from?

Stranger: online

You: ok

You: have you considered.... reading a book?

Stranger: no

Stranger: because with the ability to be anonymous online people will say the truth without fear of being outed for it.

You: interesting

Stranger: yeah

Stranger: Feminism isnt about equality, its about hatred of men and female superiority

You: ok, if you say so

Stranger: how is it now?

Stranger: not*

Stranger: women demanding a safe space free of men is seen as just fine

Stranger: a male only space is seen as "sexist"

You: uh, do you think their aren't men only space though?

Stranger: feminism cries about male dominance in politics and management positions , but when it comes to male dominance in jobs like trucking, mining, construction etc, feminists dont say a word

Stranger: there is men only, and to feminists thats seen as sexism

You: you seem a little worked up

Stranger: I mean, Boy scouts of America now allows girls in... wtf its the BOY scouts, girls want to be a scout? there is a thing called girl scouts of America too

You: yeah girl guides is a much better organization anyway

You: they also accept boys

Stranger: LMAO wow what guy would joint girl guides.

You: idk, a kid who likes camping and cookies

Stranger: I do like cookies

You: yeah, cookies are great

Stranger: yeah

Stranger: women are also entitled and selfish and think they should get stuff just because they are a woman

You: i think the word entitled gets thrown around a lot to describe people

Stranger: women expect a man to pay for the date.

You: but its mostly about folks asking for respect

Stranger: but I thought you bitches wanted "equality" oh wait...

You: like millenials are real entitled

You: for wanting jobs that pay a living wage

You: says boomers

You: who dont want to pay a living wage

Stranger: yeah

Stranger: but you NEED a living wage

You: yeah, we all need a living wage

Stranger: but women are entitled and think they deserve only the best of the best of the very best men who will do whatever she says and wants and no matter what shes always right

You: this seems like a narrow focus on what women are like

Stranger: its the truth

You: like, this is a pretty shallow stereotype that might be true for like 10% of college girls

Stranger: lol its true for all girls

Stranger: girls are shallow

You: but i guess if thats who you put on a pedestal, shallow girls

Stranger: all girls are shallow

You: mmmm, i mean, you might be misinterpreting women's intentions

Stranger: how so?

You: like if i saw you at a coffee shop and over heard you talking this conspiratorial feminist is evil game, i wouldn't be interested in you

Stranger: Im not 6'0 or taller, im not ripped af and I dont drive a BMW, your not interested in me

You: eh, again, i didn't say that

You: i'm not interested in cars or money or height

Stranger: sure

You: or muscles

Stranger: sure

Stranger: so your a lesbian?

You: but i can tell a dude is a self loathing weirdo pretty quick

You: i'm bi

Stranger: ok

You: women are easier to date

Stranger: sure

Stranger: im 22 and still a fucking virgin

You: for me anyway

You: yeah, that happens

You: some folks are late bloomers

Stranger: LMAO no, women are shallow

You: alright, well if you want to believe that that's up to you, but your world view determines your world

You: so if you can't open your heart and learn to trust women, you'll probably keep thinking worse and worse thoughts about them

Stranger: well im not good looking so...

Stranger: LMAO trust women... that is horseshit.

You: and find yourself in more situations where you can prove yourself right

Stranger: women are nothing but cheaters and liars

Stranger: let me tell you something?

You: ok

Stranger: I met a girl on here 2 yrs ago, shes down in Tennessee, we kept in contact on skype, became friends, fell for each other, admitted our feelings, fell even more for each other, hoped to meet one day, have our first times, maybe end up married and be forever. She met another guy and threw me away.

You: so, you were 20 years old and an internet girlfriend ruined your life forever?

Stranger: nope

Stranger: it just proves how unloyal and unloving women are

You: idk, that sounds kinda stupid

Stranger: plus my 3rd ex cheated after a month, not to mention other BS she did, I'll share if you wanna know,

1st and 2nd ex never even liked me

You: like, i'm being pretty patient with you here

You: this self loathing rap is pretty pathetic

Stranger: lol its hatred of women

You: yeah, its called misogyny

Stranger: and feminism is misandry

You: eh, not really

Stranger: sure

Stranger: women are hypergamous whores

You: eh, i mean, if you and i were the only people on the planet, i would say men are toxic dudes who have little self awareness and say abusive bullshit with so little life experience its kinda tragic if not a little dangerous, and that women are extremely patient and nurturing even to weirdos who don't deserve it

Stranger: sure.

Stranger: if you think im ever going to trust a woman again your insane

You: i guess it was more advice for your sadness but its up to you

Stranger: im not sad

You: eh

Stranger: I just know the bitter truth of life

You: i mean you sound angry, but its obvious where its coming from

Stranger: yeah

You: lol, what is the bitter truth of life?

Stranger: that women are nothing more than shallow unloyal unloving whores who only care about themself, love isnt real. together forever doesnt exist

You: are your parents divorced?

Stranger: never married, dont know my father

You: what's your relationship with your mom like?

Stranger: its fine

You: does she love you?

Stranger: yeah

You: is she loyal to you?

Stranger: i guess. im her only child

You: would she give you her kidney if you needed it?

Stranger: idk, shes not in great health herself tbh

You: would you give her your kidney if she needed it?

Stranger: yeah

You: well that's good

You: have you heard much about internet feedback loops and how it can hurt your self-esteem?

Stranger: yeah

You: i kinda think you should look into your online peer group and figure out if thats who you want to be?

Stranger: Im not on any forums or anything like that

You: like... behind the "women are all cheating selfish shallow whores" is like "a woman would never be loyal to or love me or find me attractive"

Stranger: that is true

You: and that says something about you that isn't true

You: that you aren't unlovable

Stranger: Im not

You: eh, you probably are, or could be

You: just maybe chill with the incel stuff

Stranger: im not. for one im not anywhere near cute. That alone keeps love away.

I have huge trust issues. A short temper,

You: have you considered seeing a therapist?

Stranger: no

You: i've been seeing therapist for like 6 years, they are pretty great

Stranger: well I dont need one

You: what about the trust issues and the short temper?

Stranger: you cant fix those.

You: yeah, that's what therapists do

Stranger: and all it takes is one asshole to come along and destroy it

You: they help you work through those things

Stranger: honestly, I rather just blow up when im man

Stranger: mad*

You: eh, again, you do you, but this is real good advice honestly

Stranger: im fine

Stranger: as for trust issues, I tried to get over it, just to be fucked over again

You: eh, yeah,

Stranger: so I will stay single

You: i have had shit come up in cycles through my life too

You: its hard

Stranger: yeah

You: anyway bud, i should go, but take care of yourself, enjoy this summer :)

Stranger: yeah, but you know whats painful

Stranger: ?

You: what?

Stranger: seeing a hot af girl at the beach in a bikini and knowing I'll never get to smash that

You: dude, just see a sex worker

Stranger: I dont wanna pay for it

Stranger: or get aids

You: eh, don't be cheap and use a condom

Stranger: I am very cheap

You: ok, well, put a fuckin tin can in your room, and everytime you think to yourself "I'm unlovable" but a dollar in it

You: or what ever mean things your brains says to you

Stranger: I've got a peanut butter jar of like $400 change in my room. just because why not

You: yeah, well $400 will get you a good looking woman

Stranger: yeah.. or it can sit here and be mine.

You: or like half an xbox

Stranger: ok

You: ok, good luck

You have disconnected.