#and i want everyone to be able to bind as safe as possible

[velvetvisionsaurora]

Alpha ATEEZ x Assistant Omega Reader

Warnings: omega reader, alpha ateez, scenting, heats, ruts, slow burn, eventual smut, forced command, more to come!

When Y/n accepts a position as assistant to alpha K-pop group ATEEZ, she's prepared with professional skills and scent blockers to hide her omega status. What she's not prepared for is the immediate, inexplicable connection she feels with all eight members—a resonance that defies her careful boundaries.

As Y/n becomes eerily attuned to their needs, her suppressed omega nature begins to emerge: purring for the first time in years, responding to alpha growls, feeling safe in ways she never has before. When a protective incident reveals the depth of the members' attachment to her, Y/n must confront the possibility that what binds them together is something ancient and profound.

Authors note: 😳 You all blew up the fic, lol. I’m glad everyone loves it! Unfortunately though the Taglist is currently closed! I’m so sorry everyone! Thank you for all the reposts and love! Keep leaving comment on your thoughts! I love reading them. 💜

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Masterlist

Chapter 3: First Day

The two weeks following your job acceptance passed in a whirlwind of activity. Between giving notice at your previous job, packing up your belongings, and saying goodbye to your roommates, you'd barely had time to process the magnitude of the change you were about to undertake. Manager Minwoo had been in constant contact, sending over contracts, employee handbooks, and preliminary schedules to help you prepare.

Now, as you stood beside the small moving truck that contained your life's possessions, staring up at the ATEEZ residence, reality finally hit you. This was happening. Today, you were officially starting as their assistant, and this beautiful property was about to become your home.

You reached up to check your scent blocker patch, a gesture that had become almost ritualistic in its frequency over the past two weeks. Working and living in such close proximity to eight alpha idols meant you couldn't afford even a moment's lapse in concealing your omega status.

Taking a deep breath, you picked up the small box containing your immediate essentials and approached the front gate. Before you could even press the intercom button, the gate swung open, revealing Kim Hongjoong waiting on the other side.

"I saw the truck pull up," he explained with a warm smile that made your heart skip. "Welcome to your new home, Y/n."

Hongjoong had been watching the driveway periodically all morning, trying not to seem overeager about your arrival. When he finally spotted the moving truck turning into their street, he'd immediately headed downstairs, ignoring Wooyoung's knowing smirk and San's amused comment about "eager alphas."

Now, seeing you standing there with a box in your arms and nervous anticipation written across your face, Hongjoong felt that same inexplicable pull he'd experienced during your interview. There was something about your presence that resonated with him on a deeply instinctive level—something his alpha senses recognized even without being able to detect your scent.

"Let me help you with that," he offered, reaching for the box in your arms.

"Oh, thank you," you replied, relinquishing it with a grateful smile. "It's not too heavy, just some essentials I wanted to keep with me."

Hongjoong noticed the way you unconsciously touched the spot behind your ear—where a scent blocker patch would typically be placed. He understood the precaution; many industry professionals, regardless of their status, wore blockers to maintain privacy and professionalism. Still, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about what your natural scent might be.

"The others are inside," he said, leading you toward the house. "Fair warning: they're a bit excited about your arrival."

Your stomach fluttered with nervous energy at Hongjoong's words. During your interview, you'd only met three of the eight members. The prospect of meeting the remaining five—all alphas with strong personalities according to everything you'd read and watched about them—was both exciting and intimidating.

"I'm looking forward to meeting everyone," you said, trying to project confidence despite your nerves. "I hope I can live up to expectations."

Hongjoong glanced at you, his expression softening. "Just be yourself. That's what impressed us in the first place."

Before you could respond, the front door of the main house flew open, and Wooyoung burst out, his face lit up with enthusiasm.

"She's here!" he called over his shoulder before bounding down the steps toward you. "Welcome, Y/n! We've been counting down the days!"

You couldn't help but laugh at his exuberance. "Thank you. It's good to see you again, Wooyoung-ssi."

"Just Wooyoung, please," he insisted, falling into step beside you. "We're going to be seeing way too much of each other for formalities."

Inside the house, the remaining members had gathered in the living room, curiosity drawing them together to meet the new assistant who had made such an impression on Hongjoong, San, and Wooyoung. Seonghwa had insisted on cleaning the entire common area that morning, despite their housekeeper having done so just the day before.

"You're fussing," Yeosang had commented quietly, watching Seonghwa rearrange the throw pillows for the third time.

"I'm ensuring we make a good first impression," Seonghwa corrected him, though he couldn't fully explain the strange sense of anticipation he felt. The way Hongjoong and the others had described their immediate connection to you had piqued his interest. Such reactions were typically scent-driven for alphas, yet they'd been clear that you wore blockers.

Now, hearing Wooyoung's excited exclamation from outside, Seonghwa straightened, smoothing down his sweater and assuming the composed posture that had earned him the nickname of "pack mom" among the members.

The front door opened, and all eyes turned to see Hongjoong enter, carrying a box, with you and Wooyoung close behind.

You stepped into the living room and immediately felt the weight of seven pairs of eyes focused intently on you. Despite having seen each of these men countless times in videos and photos, being in their presence was an entirely different experience. The collective alpha energy in the room was palpable, creating an atmosphere that would have been overwhelming if not for the genuine warmth in their expressions.

"Everyone," Hongjoong said, placing your box on a nearby table, "this is Y/n L/n, our new assistant. Y/n, you've already met San and Wooyoung, but let me introduce you to the rest of the team."

One by one, he indicated each member. "Seonghwa, our eldest." A tall, strikingly handsome man with gentle eyes nodded politely. "Yunho." A sunshine smile from the tallest member. "Yeosang." A slight nod from a man with delicate features that belied his alpha status. "Mingi." An enthusiastic wave from a member with a deep voice. "And Jongho, our youngest." The final member, compact but radiating strength, offered a respectful bow.

"It's an honor to meet all of you," you said, bowing formally despite Wooyoung's earlier dismissal of formalities. "I'm looking forward to working with you and supporting your schedules and activities."

Seonghwa found himself unable to look away from you. The moment you'd walked into the room, something had shifted in the atmosphere—a subtle change that his alpha senses detected immediately. Despite not being able to catch your scent through the blockers you wore, he felt an inexplicable draw toward your presence. It was unlike anything he'd experienced before, a strange mixture of protectiveness and recognition that made no logical sense.

Beside him, he could sense similar reactions from the other members who hadn't met you yet. Yunho was practically vibrating with friendly energy, while even the typically reserved Yeosang seemed unusually attentive. Jongho's posture had subtly straightened, his eyes tracking your movements with curious intensity.

"We're glad to have you join us," Seonghwa said, stepping forward to properly welcome you. "I hope the guys didn't overwhelm you during your interview."

"Not at all," you replied with a warm smile that sent an unexpected wave of satisfaction through him. "Everyone has been very welcoming."

There was something in your voice, a gentle confidence that immediately put him at ease while simultaneously intriguing him. Now he understood what Hongjoong had tried to explain—there was indeed something special about your presence that transcended typical first impressions.

You found yourself particularly drawn to Seonghwa's calm, composed aura. Where Wooyoung radiated chaotic energy and Hongjoong exuded leadership, Seonghwa projected a nurturing stability that immediately made you feel at ease despite the intimidating circumstances.

"We've prepared a welcome lunch," Seonghwa continued, gesturing toward what you assumed was the direction of the kitchen. "But perhaps you'd like to see the guesthouse first and get settled a bit?"

"That's very thoughtful, thank you," you replied gratefully. The prospect of having a moment to collect yourself before diving into social interaction was appealing. "I would appreciate a few minutes to bring in some essentials."

Yunho immediately stepped forward. "We can help with your moving truck," he offered with an easy smile. "Between the eight of us, we should make quick work of it."

"Oh, you really don't have to—" you began, but were quickly interrupted by multiple voices insisting they wanted to help.

"Consider it part of our welcome," Jongho said, speaking for the first time. His voice was unexpectedly gentle coming from someone with such a strong physical presence.

"Eight alphas with nothing better to do on a Sunday," Mingi added with a grin. "Either we help you move, or Wooyoung convinces us to try another one of his 'genius' prank ideas."

"Hey!" Wooyoung protested, though there was no real offense in his tone.

You couldn't help but laugh, already feeling the tension in your shoulders beginning to ease. "Well, when you put it that way, I'd be grateful for the help."

The next hour passed in a flurry of activity as all eight ATEEZ members helped transport your belongings from the truck to the guesthouse. What should have been a simple moving process quickly evolved into something resembling organized chaos, with good-natured bickering over who would carry what and Seonghwa's increasingly exasperated attempts to direct traffic.

San found himself volunteering for multiple trips, drawn by the opportunity to learn more about you through your possessions. The small collection of books—a mix of business references, fantasy novels, and memoirs—spoke of a curious, multifaceted mind. The carefully packed box of houseplants suggested nurturing tendencies. Each item offered a glimpse into who you were beyond the professional facade.

"You have good taste in music," he commented, noticing your vinyl collection as he placed it carefully on the shelf you'd indicated. "I love this album too."

"Really?" you replied, lighting up with genuine pleasure at the shared interest. "It's one of my favorites. The composition is so layered—you discover something new every time you listen."

San felt a warm satisfaction at having found this connection with you. "Exactly! That's what I always tell Wooyoung, but he doesn't have the patience to listen to anything more than twice."

Your laugh in response sent an unexpected wave of pleasure through him—a reaction so visceral it momentarily caught him off guard.

You were both surprised and touched by how thoughtfully the members handled your belongings. Jongho carefully carried your boxes marked "fragile" as if they contained priceless artifacts rather than simply kitchen dishes. Yeosang, despite his quiet demeanor, took charge of organizing your books and music collection with surprising attention to detail. Mingi enthusiastically placed your plants around the living area, declaring they "improved the energy" of the space.

Even more surprising was how quickly you felt at ease in their presence. Despite being surrounded by eight alpha idols, you found yourself laughing at Wooyoung and San's playful banter, gratefully accepting Seonghwa's practical suggestions for furniture arrangement, and appreciating Hongjoong's careful respect of your space and preferences.

"Where would you like this?" Hongjoong asked, holding up a framed photo of you with who he assumed were your parents.

"On the side table, please," you replied, watching as he placed it carefully on the surface, angling it slightly before stepping back.

"Your parents?" he inquired with gentle curiosity.

You nodded, a fond smile crossing your face. "Yes. They live in Busan now. They're both teachers."

There was something warm in Hongjoong's expression as he regarded the photo. "You have your mother's smile."

The personal observation, delivered with such quiet sincerity, sent an unexpected flutter through your chest. "Thank you. That's what everyone says."

By early afternoon, the moving truck was empty, and your belongings were distributed throughout the guesthouse. What would have taken you the entire day to accomplish on your own had been completed in just over an hour with the enthusiastic help of all eight members.

"I can't thank you all enough," you said sincerely, looking around at your new space, already beginning to feel like home. "You've made this so much easier than I expected."

"That's what pack—I mean, that's what teammates do," Yunho quickly corrected himself, though the slip didn't go unnoticed by the others. There was a moment of awkward silence before Seonghwa smoothly changed the subject.

"The welcome lunch should be ready now," he said. "Unless you'd prefer some time alone to settle in?"

You considered the offer. While part of you did want to begin unpacking and organizing your new space, the genuine warmth and welcome you'd received made you reluctant to cut short this initial bonding time. "Lunch sounds wonderful, thank you."

"Excellent," Seonghwa said with a satisfied smile. "I prepared japchae and bulgogi—I hope that's alright?"

"You cooked?" you asked, both surprised and touched by the gesture.

"Seonghwa-hyung always cooks for special occasions," Jongho explained with a hint of pride in his voice. "And new pack members definitely qualify as special."

"Team members," Hongjoong corrected firmly, giving Jongho a pointed look that made you wonder about the significance of the distinction.

The main house's dining area was impressive—a large table that comfortably seated ten, with expansive windows overlooking the garden. As you took your seat between Yunho and Yeosang, you couldn't help but feel a surreal sense of displacement. Just two weeks ago, you'd been having ramen in your tiny apartment with your roommates. Now, you were sitting at a table with ATEEZ, about to share a meal that Seonghwa had prepared specially to welcome you.

"I should warn you," Yunho said in a conspiratorial whisper, leaning slightly toward you, "once you taste Seonghwa-hyung's cooking, the company cafeteria will never satisfy you again."

You laughed softly. "I'll consider myself warned."

As Seonghwa and Hongjoong brought out the food—far more dishes than you'd expected—the atmosphere around the table was relaxed and welcoming. The members fell into a natural rhythm of conversation, effortlessly including you without making you feel put on the spot.

"So, Y/n," Mingi asked as he passed you a dish, "what made you want to work in the entertainment industry? Specifically with idols?"

Hongjoong found himself particularly interested in your answer to Mingi's question. He'd reviewed your resume thoroughly, noted your previous experience, but the "why" behind your career choices hadn't been something they'd explored deeply in the interview.

He watched as you considered the question thoughtfully before answering, struck by how naturally you fit at their table despite having just met most of them today.

"I've always been drawn to creative environments," you explained, accepting the dish from Mingi with a grateful nod. "There's an energy in the entertainment industry that you don't find anywhere else—this blend of artistic expression and structured business that creates something meaningful."

You paused, wondering how much to reveal. "As for working with idols specifically... I admire the dedication it takes to succeed in this industry. The training, the performances, the constant growth and reinvention. Being able to support that process, even in an administrative capacity, feels fulfilling to me."

Yeosang, who had been quietly observant until now, spoke up. "That's a thoughtful answer. Most people just say they want to be close to celebrities."

You laughed softly. "Well, I won't pretend the opportunity to work with artists I respect isn't exciting. But it's the behind-the-scenes work that actually interests me the most—helping create the structure that allows creativity to flourish."

Hongjoong nodded, a look of approval crossing his face. "That's exactly what we need—someone who understands both sides of the equation."

As the meal progressed, you found yourself relaxing more and more in their company. Despite being surrounded by alpha idols, you felt neither intimidated nor out of place. There was something about their dynamic—the way they interacted with each other and with you—that created a sense of belonging you hadn't anticipated feeling so quickly.

Wooyoung kept you laughing with dramatic stories of their trainee days. Yunho shared his enthusiasm for an online game you also happened to enjoy. Jongho impressed you with his thoughtful questions about your previous work experience. Even the quieter Yeosang offered occasional comments that revealed a sharp wit beneath his reserved exterior.

Throughout it all, you were acutely aware of Hongjoong's attentive presence at the head of the table. Though he didn't dominate the conversation, his subtle guidance of the discussion and the way the others naturally deferred to him in certain moments spoke volumes about his leadership style.

Seonghwa, too, commanded your attention in a different way—his nurturing energy evident in how he ensured everyone's plates and glasses were filled, how he gently steered the conversation when it veered toward topics that might make you uncomfortable as a newcomer.

Seonghwa couldn't explain the satisfaction he felt watching you enjoy the food he'd prepared. Each appreciative comment or pleased expression sent a wave of alpha contentment through him—a primal response to providing for... for what? You weren't pack, weren't family, weren't anything beyond their new employee. And yet, his instincts were responding as if you were something more.

He caught Hongjoong's eye across the table and recognized the same confusing mix of emotions reflected there. Something unspoken passed between them—an acknowledgment that whatever this strange pull was, they both felt it.

"I hope the guesthouse has everything you need," Seonghwa said, turning his attention back to you. "If there's anything missing or anything you'd like changed, please don't hesitate to let us know."

"It's perfect," you assured him with a warm smile that sent another inexplicable wave of pleasure through him. "More than perfect, actually. I still can't believe I get to live there."

"You even have a good view of the pool," San commented with a grin. "You should see how the sunlight hits the water in the late afternoon—it's beautiful."

"Maybe we should have a welcome pool party," Wooyoung suggested enthusiastically.

"We’re in the middle of preparing for a comeback and tour," Jongho pointed out. "Plus it’s barley summer.” 

"Details, details," Wooyoung dismissed with a wave of his hand. "We have a heater for it."

You laughed, the sound light and melodic. "That sounds lovely Wooyoung. I’m not much of a swimmer though, more of a sunbather.” 

"I could teach you," both San and Wooyoung offered simultaneously, then turned to glare at each other as Seonghwa rolled his eyes.

---

After lunch, Hongjoong suggested showing you the office where you'd be primarily working. The others dispersed to various parts of the house, though not without Wooyoung extracting a promise that you'd join them for movie night later if you weren't too tired from moving.

"Don't feel obligated," Hongjoong told you quietly as he led you toward the office. "Wooyoung can be... enthusiastic. But everyone understands if you need time to settle in."

"I appreciate that," you replied, touched by his consideration. "But I think I'd like to join, if that's alright. It seems like a good way to get to know everyone better."

Hongjoong smiled, a glint of approval in his eyes. "It is. Just be prepared—movie selection can get competitive around here."

The office, which you'd briefly seen during your interview, had been thoroughly prepared for your arrival. Someone had placed a small vase of fresh flowers beside the computer.

"Seonghwa's touch," Hongjoong explained, noticing your gaze on the flowers. "He thought it would make the space feel more welcoming."

"That was very thoughtful of him," you said, genuinely moved by the gesture.

Hongjoong showed you the filing system, the scheduling software, and the various communication channels used by the team. Though you'd received preliminary information from Manager Minwoo, having Hongjoong walk you through everything personally made the overwhelming amount of information seem more manageable.

"Your first official day is tomorrow," he reminded you. "Today is just for getting settled. But I thought you might want to see where everything is located."

"I appreciate that," you said gratefully. "It helps to get oriented before diving in."

Hongjoong hesitated, then added, "I've scheduled the first few days to be more training than execution. You'll shadow Manager Minwoo tomorrow, and then gradually take over responsibilities as you become comfortable with them."

The consideration in his planning touched you. "Thank you. That sounds perfect."

---

As evening approached, you took some time alone in the guesthouse to unpack essentials and freshen up before the movie night. You'd just finished arranging your toiletries in the bathroom when there was a knock at your door.

Opening it, you found Seonghwa standing there with a small basket in his hands.

"I thought you might not have had time to go grocery shopping yet," he explained, holding out the basket which contained fresh fruit, some snacks, a carton of milk, and a few other breakfast essentials. "Just to tide you over until you can stock your kitchen properly."

The thoughtful gesture caught you off guard. "That's so kind of you, Seonghwa-ssi. Thank you."

"Just Seonghwa is fine," he said with a gentle smile. "And it's no trouble. I remember how chaotic my first day moving in was."

As you accepted the basket, your fingers briefly brushed against his. Despite the scent blocker preventing any pheromone detection, you felt a strange electric sensation at the contact—a momentary connection that seemed to surprise Seonghwa as much as it did you, judging by the slight widening of his eyes.

He recovered quickly, however. "Movie night starts in about thirty minutes in the main living room, if you're still planning to join us."

"I'll be there," you promised, still feeling slightly off-balance from whatever had just passed between you.

With a polite nod, Seonghwa turned to leave, then paused. "Y/n," he said, turning back slightly. "I'm glad you're here. I think you're going to be good for the team."

Before you could respond, he continued on his way, leaving you standing in the doorway with the basket in your hands and a strange warmth spreading through your chest.

The main living room had been transformed for movie night. The large sectional sofa was now covered in blankets and pillows, with additional cushions arranged on the floor. The impressive entertainment system was queued up, and various snacks and drinks covered the coffee table.

"Y/nnie!" Wooyoung exclaimed when you entered, patting the space beside him. "We saved you a seat."

"Don't feel obligated," Yeosang said quietly from a nearby armchair. "There are other options if you prefer."

You smiled at the consideration, opting for a spot on the sofa between Yunho and Hongjoong—close enough to be sociable but not directly next to the exuberant Wooyoung, who pouted briefly before bouncing back.

"We're still debating the movie," Hongjoong explained as you settled in. "It's between an action thriller Mingi wants to see and a new fantasy film Yunho's been recommending."

"What about you?" San asked, genuinely curious about your preference. "Any vote to break the tie?"

You considered for a moment. "I'm fine with either, but I do enjoy fantasy if it's well done."

Yunho pumped his fist in victory while Mingi groaned dramatically. "Next time, we're watching my pick," he insisted, though there was no real frustration in his tone.

As the movie began, you couldn't help but marvel at how quickly you'd been included in their ritual, as if you'd always been a part of it. The easy camaraderie, the playful bickering over snacks, the comfortable silence that fell as everyone became engrossed in the story—it all felt surprisingly natural.

Halfway through the film, you became aware of a subtle warmth beside you. Hongjoong had shifted slightly closer, though still maintaining a respectful distance. There was something comforting about his proximity—a sense of security that made you sink a little deeper into the couch, your tension from the busy day finally beginning to dissipate.

Across the room, Seonghwa watched this development with thoughtful eyes, noting the way Hongjoong's typically alert posture had relaxed in your presence. Something was definitely happening here—something none of them fully understood yet, but that all of them seemed to be feeling in their own ways.

As the movie reached its climax, you stifled a yawn, the exhaustion of moving day finally catching up with you. Hongjoong noticed immediately.

"You've had a long day," he said quietly, his voice pitched so only you could hear. "Feel free to head back to the guesthouse whenever you need to. No one will be offended."

The consideration in his words warmed you. "Thank you. I think I'll stay until the end, though. I'm enjoying the film."

What you didn't say was that you were also enjoying the company—this unexpected sense of belonging that had developed over the course of a single day. Despite the challenges that surely lay ahead—maintaining professional boundaries, keeping your omega status concealed, navigating the complex dynamics of eight alpha personalities—in this moment, you felt that you'd made the right decision in accepting this position.

As the credits rolled on the movie, you stifled another yawn, the exhaustion of moving day finally catching up with you. Though you were enjoying the company, your eyelids had grown increasingly heavy throughout the last thirty minutes of the film.

"I think I should call it a night," you said, reluctantly rising from your comfortable spot on the sofa. "Thank you all for such a warm welcome today. I really appreciate everything you've done to help me settle in."

"It was our pleasure," Seonghwa responded with a gentle smile. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day."

"Do you want someone to walk you back to the guesthouse?" San offered immediately, already half-rising from his seat.

You smiled but shook your head. "That's very kind, but it's just across the garden. I'll be fine."

"The path lights are on a timer," Hongjoong informed you. "They should stay lit until you're inside. If you need anything at all during the night, don't hesitate to call or text any of us."

The protectiveness in his tone sent a small flutter through your chest. "Thank you. Goodnight, everyone."

A chorus of "goodnight" and "sleep well" followed you as you made your way to the door. You could feel multiple pairs of eyes on your back as you departed, but it didn't feel uncomfortable—just attentive in a way you weren't quite used to yet.

The night air was cool against your skin as you walked the short path back to the guesthouse. True to Hongjoong's word, the garden lights illuminated your way, casting a gentle glow that transformed the landscape into something almost magical. In the distance, the Seoul skyline twinkled, a reminder of the city beyond this peaceful oasis.

Once inside your new home, you went through your nighttime routine on autopilot, too tired to unpack anything beyond the essentials. As you carefully removed your scent blocker patch and cleaned the area behind your ear, you couldn't help but reflect on the day's events.

Eight alphas had welcomed you into their space with a warmth and ease that defied your expectations. Despite your precautions, despite your carefully maintained professional boundaries, something about being with them had felt inexplicably right. There was a connection there that you couldn't explain—something that went beyond the typical dynamics of a workplace relationship.

"Don't read too much into it," you murmured to yourself as you applied a fresh blocker patch. "They're just being nice to their new assistant."

But as you finally slipped into bed, your last conscious thought was that there seemed to be something more at play—something neither you nor they fully understood yet.

---

Back in the main house, the eight members of ATEEZ remained in the living room long after you had departed. An unusual silence had fallen over the group, each lost in their own thoughts about the newest addition to their household.

Hongjoong was the first to speak, his voice thoughtful. "So... what does everyone think of Y/n?"

The question hung in the air for a moment before Wooyoung broke into a wide grin. "I told you all she was special! Did you see how quickly she fit in? It's like she's always been here."

San nodded in agreement. "There's something about her... I can't explain it. When she's in the room, I just feel more... I don't know, centered?"

"I noticed that too," Yunho admitted, looking slightly confused by his own reaction. "I only met her today, but I already feel this weird need to make sure she's comfortable and happy. Is that strange?"

Jongho, typically the most reserved of the group when it came to expressing feelings, shifted in his seat. "It's not just you. I felt it too. There's something... familiar about her presence."

Yeosang, who had been quietly observing as usual, leaned forward. "It's unusual for all of us to have such a similar reaction to someone, especially when we can't detect her scent through the blockers." His brow furrowed slightly. "Has anyone else noticed that we're responding to her almost as if..."

"As if she's pack," Seonghwa finished for him, voicing what several of them had been thinking but hesitant to say aloud. "Even though she's just our assistant."

Hongjoong ran a hand through his hair, processing the implications of what they were all describing. "I felt it during her interview. That's why I was so certain she was the right choice, even beyond her qualifications. Something about her just... resonates."

"I'm in love," Mingi declared dramatically, flopping backward onto the couch and throwing an arm over his face. "I'm completely, utterly in love."

Wooyoung pointed at him triumphantly. "See! That's exactly what I said two weeks ago! And you all thought I was exaggerating!"

Seonghwa rolled his eyes, though there was no real annoyance in the gesture. "You're both being ridiculous. You barely know her."

"And yet," Mingi countered, sitting up to look at Seonghwa directly, "you can't deny you feel it too. I saw how attentive you were at dinner, hyung. You barely took your eyes off her."

A faint flush colored Seonghwa's cheeks. "I was being a good host," he defended, though his tone lacked conviction. After a moment, he sighed. "Fine. Yes, there's... something. I don't know what it is, but I felt it the moment she walked in."

"Do you think she's an omega?" Jongho suggested thoughtfully. "Maybe her blockers aren't completely effective, and we're picking up subtle cues?"

San shook his head. "Those high-grade blockers are pretty effective. Besides, we've been around plenty of omegas before and never had this kind of collective response."

"What about a beta?" Yunho offered.

"Same issue," Hongjoong said, his brow furrowed in concentration. "We've never reacted this way to anyone, regardless of their status."

Yeosang, who had been quietly contemplative, finally spoke up. "There's another theory...fated mate to the pack."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to him.

"Fated mates..to the pack? That’s just stories," Wooyoung objected, though he seemed more intrigued than dismissive. "Fairy tales parents tell pups."

"Most legends have some basis in reality," Yeosang countered.

"But fated mates are rare," Jongho pointed out. "And usually, it's between two people, not... eight and one."

Seonghwa's expression became thoughtful. "There are some historical accounts of pack fated mates—one individual destined to bond with an entire pack rather than a single alpha or omega."

Hongjoong's eyes widened slightly before he shook his head dismissively. "Let's not get carried away here. Pack fated mate? We just met her. This is just the excitement of meeting someone new who happens to be competent, professional, and..." he hesitated, "...beautiful."

"Ooooooh," Wooyoung immediately pounced, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You think our new assistant is beautiful? How scandalous, Captain!"

Hongjoong glared at him, though a hint of color rose in his cheeks. "Go to bed, Wooyoung."

"But it's only—"

"Now," Hongjoong insisted, pointing dramatically toward the hallway, though there was no real heat behind the command.

Wooyoung's grin only widened. "You didn't deny it."

Hongjoong rolled his eyes. "She is objectively attractive. That's not the point. The point is that we're all getting ahead of ourselves with these fated mate theories when the simplest explanation is that we've found an assistant who fits well with our team dynamics."

"Then why did we all feel it so strongly?" San asked, genuinely curious. "I've never had that kind of immediate connection with anyone before."

"Nor have I," Yeosang added quietly.

Hongjoong sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I felt it too. I'm not denying that there's... something. I just think we need to be rational about this. Fated mate to a pack is the stuff of legends, and we're talking about real life here."

Yunho frowned slightly. "Should we ask her if she is feeling the same thing?"

"Absolutely not," Hongjoong said firmly, shifting into his leader role. "First of all, we don't know what this is exactly. And second, she just started working with us today. The last thing she needs is eight alphas overwhelming her with intense feelings based on a connection we can't even properly explain ourselves."

Seonghwa nodded in agreement. "Hongjoong's right. Whatever this is, we need to proceed carefully. Y/n is here as our assistant. We need to respect that professional relationship first and foremost."

"So what do we do?" Wooyoung asked, looking uncharacteristically serious. "Just pretend we don't feel anything unusual?"

"No," Hongjoong replied after a moment of consideration. "We acknowledge that there's something special about her presence in our pack—"

"Team," Seonghwa corrected gently. "She's part of our team, not officially pack. Not yet, anyway."

Hongjoong nodded, accepting the correction. "In our team. But we don't pressure her or make her uncomfortable. We give her space to settle into her role, and we observe. There's no need to rush anything."

"What if she doesn't feel it?" Jongho asked quietly, voicing the concern that had begun to form in several of their minds. "What if it's just us?"

Seonghwa's expression softened. "Then we accept that and continue to value her as our assistant and hopefully, our friend. Connection or not, Y/n deserves to be treated with respect and given the freedom to choose her own path."

The others nodded in agreement, though there was a noticeable tension in the air—a mixture of excitement at the possibility and anxiety about the uncertainty.

"For now," Hongjoong concluded, "we focus on making her comfortable in her new role. We support her, we welcome her, but we don't overwhelm her. Agreed?"

Murmurs of agreement came from around the room, though Wooyoung couldn't resist adding, "But I still get to be friendly, right? That's just who I am."

Seonghwa rolled his eyes fondly. "Yes, Wooyoung, you can be friendly. Just don't be... too Wooyoung."

"I don't know what that means, but I'm choosing to be offended," Wooyoung replied with a dramatic pout that quickly dissolved into a grin.

The tension broken, conversation gradually shifted to other topics, though thoughts of you remained at the forefront of each member's mind. Whatever this connection was—whether fated mate bond or simply an unusual team dynamic—it was clear that your arrival had shifted something fundamental in the ATEEZ household.

---

In the guesthouse, you stirred in your sleep, turning onto your side as a strange dream played through your mind:

With purple eyes, you purred as you made a nest in your room made up of hoodies, blankets and pillows. Eight distinct scents surrounded you—sandalwood and ocean breeze, vanilla and cedarwood, citrus and clean linen, light musk and cherry blossoms, cinnamon and dark chocolate, earthy soil and pine, bergamot and ginger, fresh apples and mint—creating a harmonious blend that felt like... home. 

Your eyes shot open as you woke up, your hand immediately going to touch the blocker patch behind your ear to confirm it was still in its place.

You haven’t made a nest or fully purred in years. And you definitely have never had omega eyes as you did it. 

Shaking the dream from your mind, you lay back down to sleep, tomorrow would bring your first official day as ATEEZ's assistant, with all the professional challenges that entailed.

Next>>

Taglist: @paramedicnerd004 @ateezswonderland @sassy-snassy @frankielou02 @rosydipity @starz-choisanii @giiouis @vikc @mxnsxngie @woohwaholic @alexanaguma @nkryuki @multifandom301 @green-moon @uhh-awkward-rightt @phantomslutz @lostxxgirl @mdurir @m00njinnie @ramadiiiisme @yukichan67 @lcvejjoong @fumaluvr @addi-3 @aerixfixoff @cherrysainttt @thuyting @flambychan @herpoetryprincess @littlexbunni @vtyb23 @soobieboobiebaby @marsofeight @yungiswife @yunyunrin @aceshiho @desi2go @intowxnderland @btch8008s @rileylovescats @darkdayelixer @miniverse-zen @hartsablaze @h0rnyp0t @hartsablaze @yungiswife @giiouis @0-beemzy-0 @prettypeachprincesz @awkward-fucking-thing

Taglist is currently closed! I’m so sorry! 💜

[iridescent-solstice]

Yandere Asra Alnazar x reader based on an idea me and @stickystickyduck came up with 🙆🏻‍♀️🙆🏻‍♀️

Setting it back down on the table Asra sighs dreamily to himself. Mauve coloured eyes fixate on the crystal ball held safely within his arms. A soft glow reflecting in them as said eyes blink away tears that he refuses to shed tonight. No, this is a joyous moment; he reiterates to himself. Even if you wouldn't quite agree with his methods.

Despite that fact, he still feels bad for what he’s done . . . He didn't want to do this. Really, he didn't. Never was he one for being so straightforward, but you pushed his hand too far this time . . . So stubborn, you wouldn't listen to his pleas, not even his demands for your safety and then you left. Dashed away with nothing more than a mere note that said not to follow you . . . You left him. He couldn't just let you go like that . . .

Ran away. Far away to a place you thought he wouldn't be able to follow you to . . . Unfortunate for you though, there's no place left on Earth nor the arcana realm that he wouldn't follow after you to. Now, with an arm loosely holding the ball close, he hums to himself as he softly strokes the side of it that's closer to his face. The lilac fog that fills the orb parts without struggle at his command and reveals the apple of his eye. The one that filled his heart with delight and gave him purpose. You. He's admiring you . . . Holding it as gently as possible. Almost handling the crystal as if at any moment it could shatter from just the breeze of a wind. No . . . not the ball, but rather what's inside it has captured his attention.

A tenacious grip on his mind that not even the count's request for his presence could order him out of. The court's magician? Please, Asra has better things to do with his time. Better people to spend such precious moments with . . . You. You're what he wants to spend his time with. But unfortunately, that sentiment wasn't shared like he wanted it to be.

But that is preciously why he's so cautious when handling the glowing orb that lays within his arms. Cradled to his chest and swaddled in his magenta coloured and gold-tasselled shawl. If you look close enough, the magic swirling inside the translucent crystal ball isn't enough to hide the figure laid crawled up inside it. Shivering from the cold inside, you tuck your hands under you neck trying to gather warmth in your sleep. He might not be able to warm you back up but atleast here . . . you're safe. Safe from the plague. Safe from Lucio. Safe from everyone trying to force you away from him.

His eyes are glued to you. Worried that if he looks away for even a moment that you'd wake up and try to escape. The other courtiers might not respond as well to your meddling as he has. Though he's sure that the veins of violet fire that binds your limbs will be enough for now to subdue you inside. Like a delicate sculpture that must be preserved, Asra admires it silently. Waiting for you to wake up and grace him with your presence. Narrowed eyes watch as the crystal’s surface refracts light, casting ethereal hues upon the person inside. I sure hope you like surprises . . .

[ ᴅɪᴠɪᴅᴇʀꜱ ʙʏ: @princessantisocial]

I fear this drabble is a little half-baked and has a long way to go, but it's just an introduction into this one au i'm planning. Been doing a lot of stuff lately so my brain is more than just a little tired and frazzled 😅 That being said though I hope this isn't too bad. I do plan on coming back to this when i'm feeling a little more up to it. As always thank you for reading tha blog, I hope this was up to par with my usual shennanigans haha 🙆🏻‍♀️

[exo-raskreia]

Thoughts on 261 & More Utahime Potential Ideas

WARNING: MAX COPIUM + MANGA SPOILERS

Ok, I know everyone's been losing it lately. I tried to keep calm when the 261 leaks dropped. I'm very disappointed & shocked as well (Gojo... ｡ﾟ( ﾟஇ‸இﾟ+)ﾟ｡ ).

However... The latest developments have also caused me to ascend to a higher state in Delulu Land & this is my hardest cope yet.

First off, it seems to be implied that Gojo chose to become a monster by killing the higher-ups, thinking that he was finally going as far as (stooping as low as) Geto did for his ideals, but didn't want his students to see. And yet, they wanted to be there with him, not wanting him to carry the burden of becoming a monster alone—they would too by going through with the Horrible Plan™. So, miss me with that "Gojo wanted to die & reunite with his best friend" nonsense. There is too much at stake here & Gojo gave his all for his students and allies. Yuuta is currently risking his life too, for his friends & to carry Gojo's burden (let's go a little easier on him, guys, & Maki too, since she was against this plan; mainly for Yuuta, but still. Hakari looked disturbed too...).

This whole thing's a mess, though. What is Gege doing? Why hype up Gojo only to reveal such a horrible plan? Is he playing with us 'cause he's a sadistic freak or could it be there's something more to it? That he's setting up for something else? I've mentioned this before, but could it be that Gojo is truly meant to return at a crucial moment? When all hope seems lost? As it did feel a bit random to reappear during Todo & Yuuji's fight...

WARNING: Harry Potter spoilers!

Nitta must've stopped any further bleeding from Gojo's brain & Yuuta's body, so he, Shoko, & Amai must be keeping them healed & safe. I wonder if they're keeping an eye on the possibility Gojo could regain consciousness. I once mentioned this in a Tweet, but could Gojo be in a similar state as Harry Potter after getting hit by the Killing Curse, seemingly "dead" but actually in a state of limbo where he had met Dumbledore's soul in a place resembling King's Cross Station?

In Gojo's case, he's at an airport where he met his dead comrades (whether it's actually them or just Gojo dreaming, is uncertain; if he is dreaming, then wouldn't that mean he's still alive?). He's given a choice to metaphorically "board a plane" north or south, to return as someone new or to stay as he is. In the Buddhist-inspired JJK verse, north could mean enlightenment, so will Gojo choose that path, as many have theorized? It's uncertain if going north means choosing to live and/or ascending to a higher state (godhood), & if going south means straight up dying/reincarnating or simply returning to his misunderstood self, but I hope Gojo chooses whichever is best for his return. One that will possibly make him stronger but finally gaining a new perspective that will break the barrier between himself & others? Or maybe weaker but finally able to fight alongside the others (especially if he makes a Binding Vow)?

As such, Gojo's body was healed by both Shoko & Yuuta, & since his head had remained intact & on his body throughout the whole ordeal—which is required for RCT to work—could it be he could regain consciousness at some point with his own RCT? Yuuta only has 5 minutes to fight in Gojo's body but it's unknown what would happen once they are up. There are the risks he could die or stay stuck in Gojo's body, both of which are atrocious. However, in order to survive, could Ui Ui do a soul swap before the 5min mark, if/when Gojo revives? Or could it be both souls would automatically switch back? Either way, if the danger is out of the way, would Shoko then be able to perform the operation again to switch their brains back?

However, do the sorcerers really think they can defeat Sukuna in less than 5mins before Yuuta's back to the operating table? This is so convoluted, so I'm not sure how this would go. 😥

Anyway, I've been delulu theorizing Utahime could really have an important role in the Shinjuku Showdown arc here and here for a while now, whether it's to help in Gojo's revival or something else. Even with this latest shocking development, my ideas still stand.

Once again, neither Utahime, Ijichi, & Gakuganji were present at the strategy meetings in the flashbacks, especially the one with the Horrible Plan™. While Gojo wasn't present either for said plan, he was informed of it later & he commented he didn't intend to lose, so he didn't really care what would happen to his corpse anyway. This could mean that Utahime & the others were later informed too but at that point, it may have been too late to stop it. Maybe that's why Utahime had that somber expression in chapter 222. She knew what could happen and DID NOT agree with it, so while everyone was cheering Gojo on with happy expressions, she wasn't. I wonder if she had expressed her disagreement to Gojo right before meeting up with the others or something, as this other panel still makes me curious.

Gege didn't have to include her here but he did. She looks nervous... I once made a silly post on both GojoHime panels in chapter 222 here.

Anyway, Ijichi wasn't even present which is kind of strange while Gakuganji is typically so serious anyway.

At this point, one's inclined to believe that maybe they really were up to something else. It's too suspicious and obvious that these 4 were not a part of any of the important strategy meetings with the other sorcerers. It seems deliberate on Gege's part. Which is why these new delulu ideas come into play.

MAX COPIUM FROM THIS POINT ON.

Shoko has shocked us all with her very blasé attitude about the Horrible Plan™, that even Gojo said he was hurt annoyed by it. Either she was bottling it all up (she really did seem worried during the battle...), fully trusted Gojo in not losing (but she should've assured him?), or maybe, just maybe, there's a tiny possibility that she's hiding something. Could she have another plan?

Whether she does or not, Shoko is not part of my delulu ideas this time. I'm done. I had mostly brought her up before because of the possibilities & how much others hyped her up for it, but my delusions have always mainly revolved around Utahime. Shoko thankfully did her part already by helping heal Gojo's body & now it's Utahime's turn to take care of the rest.

Sure, Gojo could return on his own through a Binding Vow and/or his own RCT that should be working again, but as I brought up before in my first aforementioned delulu post, what if Utahime boosts his RCT to quicken and strengthen it? Nice and simple, right?

Or, what if Utahime's singing will finally come into play? As I also mentioned before, what if Gojo can hear her in the limbo & will be guided back by her voice? Like the luring of a siren? Will she call him by (first) name? Shrine maidens can summon spirits & gods, so if that applies to the JJK verse, could Utahime perform a ritual to reach & summon Gojo's soul? Especially if he chooses enlightenment? Now, I would hope this wouldn't be a temporary thing...like he returns to help one last time before departing to the heavens in a godhood state or something. Oh, Gege, u better not...

What if her singing does have healing abilities? But even more crazily, what if they're not physical, but spiritual? Could Utahime restore both Gojo's & Yuuta's souls to their bodies? Could she help Yuuta's soul remain safe once the 5mins are up?

For all this to happen, Utahime would have to be in the medical room. Where is she currently? Is she on her way? Is she still out on the battlefield possibly boosting the remaining sorcerers (well, hardly anyone left, tbh)? If she's headed to the medical room with the intent to help Gojo, I imagine it'd shock Shoko & the others. Would they know what she intends or not? Would they think it's possible? Would they try to stop her?

This is super insane & bordering on headcanon (lol, I warned you), but wouldn't it be amazing if she could have possibly managed to achieve Domain Expansion during her long absence in the manga post-Shibuya? What if it was kept a secret from all? What if as soon as Gojo laid his Six Eyes on her after his unsealing, he knew? What if that's one of the things they were cultivating, planning around, during the time-skip? Could it have offensive abilities involving her voice, like a siren? Like maybe she can make the enemy do her bidding or de-buff them? What if it's the opposite & instead has healing/buffing abilities? Any ally inside it would be in a state of max HP? Now, whether she would use it to actually heal Gojo or in combat, who knows.

I once read a wonderful one-shot fic in which Utahime achieved DE by finally accepting everything about herself, which included her suppressed feelings for Gojo. I know it's fully delulu but do we really know Utahime's full abilities? How is she a Semi-Grade 1 sorcerer if she can only buff (unless her CT is seen as good enough to warrant the rank)? Come on, Gege, stop wasting her character potential.

Remember that Sukuna still hasn't been taught about love? Based on Yorozu's version of it, his idea of love is to become vulnerable enough to connect with others & not feel lonely anymore by being defeated in battle; basically, get humbled, lol. He thought only Gojo could teach him how to overcome the barrier between himself & others deemed weak. But how would that be now, if Gojo's possibly in a state of limbo? (Is it another hint to his return?) The only other people that could possibly teach Sukuna are pure-hearted souls like Yuuji or Yuuta, the latter whom has also experienced romantic love. However, Yuuta just "discarded" his humanity by choosing to become a "monster", so Sukuna may throw that in his face. Taunt him & the other sorcerers for going against their ideals to defeat him.

What if it's not one person, but multiple that will teach Sukuna? Nakama power, y'all. What if Utahime could be one of those? She's the most pure-hearted sorcerer besides Yuuji. Her love for her students, helping Gojo whenever he asked despite her "hate" towards him, her not getting that Mei was asking for money to promote her in S2E1 (and Mei didn't even push it as if knowing Uta would never agree), her not being informed about the assassination attempt on Yuuji at the Goodwill Event by Gakuganji & her students (not even by Gojo, who suspected something), & she wasn't even present at the meeting for the brain switch plan...

It's like Utahime is being protected and/or her comrades know that she would never support all this immorality. She's a selfless person, often seen risking her life or attempting to for others in her little screentime. Not to mention that her CT is literally named after a love song. If romantic love were to be addressed at all in this fight, besides Yuuta, could Utahime play a role there? Her giving her all to help Gojo while Gojo had done his all to protect her during his fight with Sukuna? (You know, since it's still too sus that Sukuna doesn't know about her CT... Gojo entrusted Ijichi, the man he trusts the most, to keep Utahime safe for her ritual...)

I've talked about this image before but I may have discovered something interesting: the Angel Number 3612. Gojo's revival could be on the horizon... I elaborate in this post.

(Shoutout to some other amazing theories out there on Utahime's potential in helping Gojo. As a shrine maiden here & here, or even as Buddha's wife here, for example. These are seeming more & more plausible to me now, since Gege mercilessly threw a wrench at us in 261... I'm coping hard).

Having a plan unrelated to Gojo's revival is still possible. One thing I've seen thrown around is what if Utahime & team will try to stop the merger? If we go with the idea that Utahime has healing abilities for spirits, could it be that she could help restore Tengen's soul or something, like at least bring her back to her previous state before Kenjaku took over? Help her regain consciousness if she lost it? (FULL DELULU, I KNOW).

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Utahime's only a minor side character, I know that 😮‍💨. Her having such an important role & any other formidable abilities may seem like a reach, but at this point, I need something to hold onto. I don't wanna lose hope like several others have. It's hard but... As long as it's not 100% confirmed that Gojo's dead, then there is still hope... There's still so much we don't know... His choice of north & south is still up in the air, his answer to Geto's old question, his reaction to everything that happened during his time in the Prism Realm, what happened in the Prism Realm, what he did during the one month time-skip... Gege, come on...

The fact Sukuna still doesn't know about Utahime's CT is something I can hold onto, right? I will ride this wave until it crashes onshore.

[xnewtiebooty]

Newtmas headcanons, some NSFW (Post-Death Cure, AU in which Thomas time travels to save Newt/or WICKD found Newt and revived him.)

. They are extremely codependent and obsessive, mainly on Thomas' end. He can't stand being away from Newt, not being able to see him. If he doesn't know where Newt is, he spirals into panic. He feels like Newt could just slip between his fingers again at any moment.

. Newt has a love/hate relationship with Thomas's unfaltering attention. It used to be all he ever wanted, was for Thomas to look at him, but there are times at which he feels ready to explode. He's sick of feeling treated like an incapable child, or like he's something fragile. One day, he snaps, and they get into a huge fight over it. He storms off, and Thomas is shocked and hurt but realizes Newt is right. Thomas tells him he'll try to give him space, when he needs. Newt apologizes, acknowledges that it's partly on him, and that he'll try to communicate what he needs better from now on. That he understands the need to be together- really, of all people, he does- and how much of a comfort it is for Thomas, but that he needs space to just be "Newt" sometimes, not just "Newt & Thomas."

. They both have nightmares about that night. Newt dying.

. Because of this, they can't sleep without the other. They always need to be close and able to reach out and touch the other for reassurance.

. Newt avoids mirrors. Often, he'll see his reflection and see the version of himself afflicted by The Flare. Bordering on inhuman, pupils blown so wide they eclipse everything else, stark black veins trailing up his face and neck.

. Thomas knows this and always makes it very clear to Newt how he sees him. That he's the most incredible person he's ever known. That he's the glue that binds everyone together, the one they turn to when they need comfort and advice. That he's beautiful, and that Newt isn't a monster. That Thomas loves/loved even that version of him.

. Newt will often find himself slipping into the same patterns he experienced during The Flare. He'll grow short-tempered, feeling like he's ready to boil over and scald anyone who dares get too close. He'll ruminate and become obsessive. When this happens, he showers in ice cold water, the shock helping to bring him out of the dark haze and ground him in reality. After these episodes, he is completely drained, and simply collapses into bed. Thomas will find him and join him, softly carding a hand through his hair.

. Thomas makes sure to say "I love you" at every opportunity. He never wants to miss another chance, given that he wasn't able to say it to Newt before. When he died.

. Thomas is extremely touchy. He prefers to be holding Newt in some capacity, touching him at all times. Newt secretly very much enjoys this.

. Having sex helps to pull the both of them out of the haunted echoes in their heads, bringing them together as closely as humanly possible and being able to convey their love for each other when words fail them.

. Newt will sometimes ask to be restrained in some way. Sometimes Thomas will bind his arms behind him, others he'll just pin him down with his full strength. Newt needs the reassurace that he can't hurt Thomas even if he somehow were to lose control and Crank out. At first Thomas is hesitant to do this. The last thing he wants to is potentially hurt Newt. But he realizes it makes Newt feel secure, safe and comfortable. They both grow to enjoy it very much.

. Thomas is the most gentle, attentive service top. He is more than happy to sit back and let Newt take control, or to take charge when the other needs that feeling of security. He and Newt both know he secretly loves it when Newt dominates him however <3

. He felt shame in it for a long time, but Thomas finally forced Newt to admit he just wants to be taken care of. There's nothing quite like giving himself over to the other man and allowing his brain to shut off. He doesn't have to be the responsible one or the one providing for others for once.

. Newt will often gently talk Thomas through it and tell him how proud he is of him, how good he is, and how much he loves him. Thomas melts at the praise.

[amayadartan]

14

Chapter 13

Arch makes a revelation....

In pic starting from top and going clockwise - Arioch, Olly, Cruz, Abriella, Dartan, Arch, and Amaya in the center

“Would anyone like the good news or the bad news first?” Arch asked, looking around the room and now seeing they had been joined by Arioch. “And don’t you ever do anything like that again, or you’ll not be the one having fun in Caligo.” There was something about the glow that flashed around the mage that made everyone a bit uneasy; and Arioch just nodded, not sure he wanted to find out what the fuck the mage really was.

“Bad. At least that way the only way to go is up.” Olly finally answered. He figured someone had to, and he wanted to get Dartan away from Amaya as soon as possible.

“We are going to need to keep them closer together.  If he’s far from her again, we’re going to have a repeat of the asshole’s behavior.  I’m sure they can be in different rooms, but not different wings of the castle.” Arch answered, which made every other male’s jaw tick. “However, I believe that I’ve figured out the key to why they are here.” Brows rose and glances were exchanged around the room.  “The spell worked exactly as it should have.  Whether she was to be bound to Dartan “Dar-tan” or an angel “Dare-ten” is debatable, but the spell worked exactly as it was designed.  The spectre is just an egotistical asshole, and she the unwitting victim of a pronunciation issue.”

Abriella’s brows knit together.  “It was a protection spell for her hunting for some kind of relic from Earth.  Why would they now be in Imperium and bound together as mates?”  The logic was escaping her, but she was sure Arch had figured that out as well.

“Whatever it was she was looking for, it’s now here for some reason.  It wouldn’t be the first mystical or magical item from Earth to find its way down here.  It could even be in the Palace itself, although I have a feeling it’s closer to wherever they were teleported in at.”  Abriella nodded in understanding, now starting to put the pieces together.  “Binding the angel or asshole, in this case, to her ensures that the weak human doesn’t die here or get abandoned because the selfish prick decides to trace off home.  This explains why Dartan couldn’t trace with or without her, and why none of us could do so with either of them as well. It also explains why he can’t be far from her, if he tries to abandon her, he goes insane and has to get back to her.  His presence was there to be protection.” Arch explained as Abriella and Cruz both rubbed the bridges of their noses in unison, something that amused him.  Sometimes for being so different in personality, they were very much the same in action.

“So, how do we break it?” Olly asked, still not happy about the fact that Dartan would have to be moved closer to Amaya. Currently he had put himself physically between the two of them. He was going to see to her needs and protection personally, and once it was over, he’d take care of her in Imperium.  He’d already made up his mide.  Fuck the spectre and whatever he wanted.

“She has to find whatever she was looking for.  Wherever it is here in Imperium, until it is found, she’s bound to him.”  Arch said plainly, as if it was the most simple thing in the world.  

"Is there any way to keep this idiot from getting her killed?" Olly asked, looking over to where Amaya lay in the bed.  Dartan already seemed to be doing a fine job of injuring her, she didn’t deserve to die because her spell was fucked six ways to Sunday.  It would be easier if they could just kill him and keep her safe themselves.  He and Arch would be able to do it.  Maybe even draft Cruz into it.

"Abriella or Cruz are going to have to make her immortal.   We can't let her go back topside anyway, not after all she's seen down here and could accidentally spill.  She can't live out the rest of her life down here as a human, she’s too fragile.  It’s not like we don’t have other newb immortals."  Arioch's voice from behind Olly had all heads turning.   He wasn't wrong, and they all knew it.  

"He's right.  Like your friend Delilah, she will need to become immortal and reside in Imperium from now on." Arch agreed.  It seemed new residents were multiplying faster than rabbits in the Palace.  Or chinchillas, given the gardens newest residents. 

"That will not be a problem, it’s done.  Who is going to help her with that adjustment?" Abriella looked around the room expectantly. She knew her friends, those not already helping others who had just arrived in Imperium would no doubt help, and even some of those who were helping probably would pitch in.

"I can as we're searching." Dartan’s dejected voice came from the floor.  As much as he'd been infuriated at her for fucking up his life, at least it would go back to normal when it was over.  Hers was now forever changed. 

"NO!" Arch's voice was firm and at a higher volume than normal.  He was quite sure he was not the only one in the room that felt that way, but would currently be the one with the most tact. "Olly and I will both help her.  You will just stay close enough to retain your sanity, and Arioch will make sure you stay in line" Arch turned to face the spectre.  "I understand you did not ask to be involved in this, nor did you intend for her to be injured by your actions…TWICE…but things are as they are.  When this is done and you go back to your life, she will stay with us.  We will help her.  Cross me and I will make you regret it, eternally."  Again Arch glowed and everyone, including Cruz and Abriella, backed up. 

Arch turned to Olly, their eyes meeting for a brief second and there was something unspoken that passed between them.  "I will go prepare the room next to my old one for her.  I'll move back to it for a while.   That old wing will be quiet and peaceful." Olly nodded to Arch then turned and headed off leaving Arch to finish up anything else that needed done for Amaya.  

Cruz's eyes narrowed at his oldest and closest friend slightly. "Isn't that just down the hall from your potions lab, Arch?"  His head tilted.

Arch winked before turning back to Abriella. "You know, old friend, I think you might be right.  How fortunate.  I might have to move to my old room right off it."  He didn't even try to hide his grin.  "Now, how long before we can remove her from the infirmary, dear?  I don't want our guest to feel like a prisoner."  

Abriella had to fight laughing.  No one could ever say that the males in the palace were not devious, or that she did not adore every single one of them for it. "Tomorrow.  And we will need to get Dartan set up with quarters down the hall.  Far down the hall." She sighed and looked to the spectre, "the only reason no one is going to cause you pain is that we now know that it will cause her pain.  I can only guess that you were spared the effects of the mushrooms because you lacked a corporeal form.  However, let me assure you of something, you pull another stunt like today and once the spell is complete, I will take supreme satisfaction in introducing you to my demons in Caligo. You will behave and remember that she did not ask for this situation any more than you did.  And she is NOT your wife."  Abriella’s eyes swirled silver then went completely black before returning to their normal hazel.  A sardonic smile graced her lips before her attention turned to Amaya and her expression softened.   A soft kiss was placed on the human's forehead then the Queen disappeared.

[hai7ani]

I just wanted to say how grateful I am—and I’m really happy that you like Ring True! And to everyone who liked Floral Remains and Braiding A Mistake, thank you as well. I'm really in a bind right now because not only did Tumblr terminate my account, but they might have also flagged my IP and/or device, so I can’t post anything. I’m playing it safe by reaching out through asks instead.

I’m really sorry for bothering you like this—and on your account, no less! I don’t know if I’ll be able to recover mine, but if push comes to shove, I’ll focus on restoring my fics instead. That’s why I’m extra grateful that you have Ring True saved.

I was wondering if anyone had reblogged Floral Remains or Braiding A Mistake—I was careless and didn’t keep a copy, so I’m hoping to track them down. I might have to crosspost my fics elsewhere after this mess.

Honestly, I’m this close to throwing my shoe at Tumblr. I’m going to shoe them for stressing me out fr. 😤😤😤

୨ ran mei / umaeihwa ୧

hi no worries! tumblr is really a bitch sometimes :( i'd freak out if my account got wiped too 😭

did you have any specific tags you used to post your writings? it's still possible to track down a tumblr post on google even after the blog is deactivated/etc and it'd be easier to find if you had a distinct tag for your works (but it's only possible if another blog had reblogged it to their own blog). i tried searching your username up as well as your other two works and i saw it in the description but i couldn't find it when i pressed into the website,,

i'm sorry i can't help further, i didn't reblog your other works on my blogs so i don't have a copy :/ but what i can do is help you get the message out ! all the best, feel free to reach out if you need any help :>

sorry for clogging the tags, i'll remove it from the tags after a few hours :>

[hazardworld]

SEASON. TWO. OF. MONSTER. TOWN.

Anyway, you asked, I delivered. We’re starting out the season with an unconventional (though one of my favorites) point of view, right where we left off.

Chapters will be interspersed, as I’m currently also writing a big fic on Ao3 about a summer camp for superpowers, which you can find here.

If you haven’t read season 1 of Monster Town, feel free to click these links:

WB: 1.2.3

Season 1: P1.P2.P3.P4.P5.P6.P7.P8

Let’s get into it!

——————

Claudia Henderson stress-cooked.

Being the one 1950s house making lesson her Ma taught her that she deemed legitimately useful, she turned it into a coping mechanism.

It helped that she was naturally good at it, even from the start. With a list of the Machiavelli Pack recipes and her southern Italian taste buds, cooking became chemistry she could eat.

(And of course, she was great at maths and sciences)

What was nice is that something good almost always came out of it, as if some sort of god aligned the planets so her stress coping lead to good karma. For example:

The night before her first SAT in junior year, she made a mostaccoli so dense it forced her to pass out mid-cram. (She wouldn’t’ve gotten any sleep otherwise)

She panicked so badly the night before junior prom she made a 7-layer deep dish casserole that completely distracted Pa from the skimpiness of her dress

When she forgot to get Christmas gifts for everyone she baked cookies: those cookies were then hid and scavenged for around the house for weeks

When a 12 year old almost killed her and her friends through their minds, she was able to soothe everyone with homemade pastina (a childhood favorite)

On her 18th birthday (+Pack line ceremony) most of the delicious sandwiches were made by her notion of using her sleepless insomniac night to her advantage.

She baked the best lasagna she’d ever made before opening her dream college letter: she wanted to open it over a favorite meal

About 30 minutes ago, she’d received a call from Eddie Munson, saying they apparently had Jason Carver tied up at the Byers house and needed somewhere safe to keep him.

Besides the fact that they apparently had come in contact with Jason Carver and had to tie him up—to keep themselves safe, Claudia knew the kids better than that—Joy had been over at her house when she’d gotten the call. They were discussing a death vision she got on the plane from Alaska, one about Jason Carver himself.

Claudia was smart, and so was Joy. They both knew that no matter the circumstance, the moment a banshee got a death vision, their fate was sealed within 24 hours. Otherwise, she would’ve gotten visions about Will, Max, or any of the kids in the various situations the’d been put through these past years—Claudia couldn’t really keep track at this point.

Either way, she knew Joy’s dream had to do with Jason being torn up in the Upside Down (or whatever the kids called Henry’s Realm). If that were the case, how was he still walking, talking, and breathing? It wasn’t physically possible for that to happen.

That’s when she’d gotten the call.

Joy had run off back to her house to make sure everyone was okay, while Eddie and Argyle drove Jason over to the Henderson house. As she waited, Claudia started stress-cooking.

She started with cookies: easy and delicious to many palates. She took some pre-prepped cookie dough from the fridge and rolled it into balls before putting a tray of 12 into the oven to bake. She calmed slightly from the warm scent of sugar melting.

Claudia jumped when the doorbell rang seconds after. Quickly, she moved to the front room and opened the door to a panicked Eddie and a grinning Argyle, both holding a bound, subdued Jason Carver between them.

Claudia raised an eyebrow.

"Did you sedate him?" She put her hands on her hips, and Eddie and Argyle made awkward eye contact.

"Maybe?" Eddie offered, sheepishly shrugging. Claudia laughed and yanked the ropes binding Jason to himself.

"Good. It’ll be easier to tie him to my chairs that way." When Jason got close to her, she winced at the smell. He smelled like burning, molting fish flesh.

It was awful.

Talk about bad people.

“Come on in,” she looked around, hopeful her neighbors weren’t looking through windows at the moment. “It’ll be easier to talk inside,”

“So, boys, what was the issue this time?” Eddie and Argyle made eye contact again.

“He tried to kill Lucas?” Argyle offered.

“He didn’t try to kill Lucas!” Eddie tried to cover, “He just tried to sirenspeak him!”

“John said he did that while pinning Lucas up against the wall, by the neck,”

“Wait, shit, seriously?”

“Boys!” She held up her hands in surrender “doesn’t matter. Obviously it was bad enough he needed to be tied up. Now, we need to make sure he’s secure,”

She had Eddie and Argyle help her tie the body to one of her good sturdy kitchen chairs, so she’d be safe when he woke up.

"Thank you again Mrs. Hen—" Eddie tried to apologize, but she stopped him mid sentence.

"Claudia, dear."

"Thanks, Claudia," Eddie grinned, and started to make his way back to the door.

"Bye! Thanks Mrs. Dustin’s mom!" Argyle grinned and waved, before shutting the door behind them.

Claudia let out a sigh, before looking at the unconscious body at her dining table.

The cookies beeped, breaking her out of her thoughts.

The smell of warm cookies actually evened out and made the dying fish smell worse simultaneously, Claudia noted in disgust. Something seriously had to be wrong with that child for him to smell that bad.

Jason started to wake while she was putting in her second batch. At first, he tried to undo his bondage, then bounce the chair around, and he also tried biting into the rope, but it was all no use.

“Those are extra strength for werewolves, hon. There is no use in trying to escape,” she said while still placing dough balls.

“Who…who are you?”

It occurred to Claudia they had never formerly met.

“Mrs. Henderson,” She replied formally. She’d be cordial, of course, but he wasn’t one of Dustin’s friends.

“Dustin’s Mother…” Jason said slyly. Claudia noted some sort of vocal undertone to his speech, as if it was just slightly warped in some way. His scent took a bit of a sour turn, too.

Claudia turned to the stove, poured herself a large pot of water, and set it to boil. She took out her bag of dry pastina pasta and set it aside for later.

“Is that a problem?”

“You knew my father,” Claudia snorted.

James Carver? Of course she knew him. Not only was James one of the most popular people in her high school years, but he was also best friends with her arch nemesis, Chris Harrington.

“Of course I did, he went to my high school. He was very popular, you know,” was what she told everyone unaware of her deep hatred for the two.

“And you weren’t,” Jason said bitterly. Claudia turned to stir the hot water again, in hopes of it boiling faster. “How would you like to be?”

Some sort of damp scent filled the air, moldy and mildly sour.

“Join me, Claudia Machiavelli. Tell me what you know.”

Quickly, Claudia caught on to what the scent was, and she smirked.

“I’m great, thanks, Jason. I’d prefer to keep my secrets, you know?”

She heard a growl from the corner—strange behavior for a siren—as she poured the pasta into the pot.

Small stars cooked fast.

“You’ve been tainted by the other one, haven’t you?” Jason spit, and Claudia chuckled.

“He could have…tainted me, that’s true, but it wouldn’t really matter, now would it?” Claudia strained the pasta, before moving to sit at the table. Jason’s face was hard to read, but he smelled like a mix of interest and fear. Also, something else familiar that Claudia couldn’t quite place.

Claudia actually did know Steve imprinted (or as Jason wanted to say, “tainted”) on her, and a while ago at that. She had a master’s in child and adolescent development, and due to attending a monster-inclusive school, was able to conduct her thesis on how different monsters develop and interact as young. Even if Steve didn’t explicitly express signs of imprinting, Claudia could see the nuance.

The most obvious sign (at least to her) was how easy it became for him to call her ‘Ma.’ Usually, sirens imprinted first on their parents. Because Steve had Chris Harrington for a father, it wasn’t completely unexpected for Steve to have a lack of parental figures in his life.

The second thing Claudia noticed about Steve was how her touch was very calming, almost grounding to him. Her touch meant he physically knew where she was, and that (because she was with him) she was safe.

Besides, as a species, sirens weren’t typically touchy-touchy, so anytime Steve made little gestures—hands on shoulders, noogies, high-fives, even the uncommon hug—it was a clear sign of claim and imprint.

He was also vulnerable with her—not necessarily a trait of imprinting, but it still mattered—which meant there was a level of trust there above many other people.

“Why—why would it not matter?” Jason asked, attempting to be confident even though it wasn’t working.

“You understand I’m a werewolf, correct?” Claudia asked, and Jason nodded. “Well, my father is currently our pack alpha. When he turns 70, he will enter retirement, and I—his oldest child—will take his place. Because of this, at 18, I was cursed to never be magically convinced, so all actions as a pack alpha could be my own. Do you know what that means, Jason?”

Jason shook his head, and Claudia smirked as she stood up to dish out some pastina (she’d forgotten the egg, but it’d have to do).

“It means, Jason, that no matter what has made an imprint on me, no one, not even them, can use sirenspeak on me. You will fail every. single. time,” She grinned at him. “Now would you like some food? You look like you haven’t eaten in awhile,”

Claudia sat down in front of him with his plate of pasta and a spoon. She fed him a mouthful, which hilariously he didn’t reject in the slightest. She was expecting him to be stubborn and her to have to go through a few locomotives, but he immediately dropped his jaw to receive food.

Before she could feed him a second mouthful, she received a phone call from across the room.

«Claudia?» came Jim Hopper’s voice through the receiver.

"Hello? Jim? Is everything okay?"

«Yes. Just letting you know me and officer Callahan are on our way to pick up the Carver kid»

“Wonderful, thank you so much!”

She hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Why doesn’t the pastina have egg in it?” Came Jason’s voice from across the room. The distortion in it was slightly stronger now, somehow.

Wait, Jason hadn’t ever had pastina before, right? Because he shouldn’t know its name, nor the fact that it was always supposed to have scrambled egg.

“What?” She asked for clarification.

“Pastina, you always made it with scrambled eggs,” Jason frowned.

Claudia had never made pastina for Jason. Even if it was at some sort of school potluck, it was never clear she brought it, and Claudia knew for certain his parents wouldn’t have told him even if it was.

Claudia caught a whiff of that eerily familiar scent once more and all the pieces clicked:

Jason didn’t know pastina or more specifically, her pastina.

Jason’s obsession with Steve and finding out her secrets related to him and the party.

Most damningly, the fact that he knew her full maiden name even when she only introduced herself under her married one.

In front of her may have been the shell of Jason Carver, and he may have been calling some of the shots, but this was not Jason Carver.

This was Henry Creel.

————

👀

S2P2!

Anyway, if you caught it, Claudia was involved in the original Vecna-ing with the Creel family. How so? You shall find out!

Also for reference, Claudia’s the principal of Hawkins Elementary. (She’s also heavily neurodivergent but that’s a topic for later)

(If you’re wondering what pastina is, it’s a dish made with star pasta, scrambled egg, and Parmesan cheese. It’s SUPER nostalgiac for many Italian Americans)

Tag list: @estrellami-1 @cookies-and-doom @beckkthewreck @dbquills @impeachy @sassysleeplord @ironydude @bowl-o-queerios @221b-fandom

[star-writing]

Decided to start posting some of my short stories of various ideas and OCs of mine and my friends

Walking over to the new kid, I could tell they weren’t doing too hot.

“Hey kid, you ok?” I whispered. Everyone else was asleep so I didn't want to wake anyone up.

“Yeah. I’m fine. Just not tired.”

Just looking at them I could tell that was bullshit. I wasn’t going to say that yet though. The kid looked ready to stab me at any moment. Wouldn’t blame them though.

“You need a place to sleep?” I asked, figuring they just missed out on getting a hammock. “I don’t sleep much anyway so you can have mine.”

“No. I’m ok. You need to sleep.”

“Kid. When I say I don’t sleep much I mean I only sleep once a week and even then it’s usually during the day. Go sleep. I’ll even sing you to sleep.”

“And what do you get out of it?”

“I mean, hopefully a possible friend would be nice. If not that then at least an ally. I’ll watch out and make sure no one bothers you.”

“Why should I trust you?”

“I mean it’s up to you. I know nothing about you except that you’re new on the ship and I know you haven’t slept in the last couple days. You need to sleep, so go sleep. I’ll sit within view and make sure none of the idiots aboard mess with you. When you wake up I’ll either be up top or still in the same spot. Most likely same spot.”

“Can you show me where the hammock is and where you’ll be?”

“Yep.” Standing up, I offer my hand to them to help them up. We walk over to where my hammock is and I point to the beam straight across from it. As they get into the hammock I notice them, or maybe her, struggling to breathe right.

“Please for the love of the ocean. Don’t tell me you’ve been binding this entire time.”

“What?” They looked scared. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I’m going to turn around. When I turn back around I expect you to have bandages in your hands. If you need help let me know. You wouldn’t be the first one I’ve had to help with this.”

“Umm. Can you help me a little?”

“Yep. Front or back?”

“Front. So you know a safer way to manage, you know, this,” waving a hand around their chest area.

“Yeah. A different style of ‘binding’ that’s not about restricting but more of support. I’ll help you in the morning with it ok? Tonight though, nothing. Imma be blunt. Ya tits need to breathe.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry you have to do all this for me.”

“One. Don’t thank me for doing things like this. It’s part of my job and I’m just being a decent person. Two. All I’m doing is what I wish someone had been able to do for me. Help me and show me how to be better. I can tell you haven’t had an easy life. I want to help you.”

“My names Artemis.”

“Ashton Hayden at your service.”

After helping them with the bandages and grabbing my spear. I sat where I showed them I would. I could see where Artemis would be sleeping and would be able to block anyone who tried to disturb them. I cast a quick little one way silence spell. And explained how it worked.

“So any sound made within the circle can leave. But no sounds from outside will be able to be heard. That way in the morning you can sleep. Would you like me to demonstrate?”

“Yes please.”

I showed them how they could still hear me from outside but not the other way around.

“Any song requests?”

“Up to you.”

“Ok.” After they got in the hammock and were comfortable I sat down and started singing, putting a tiny bit of siren charm into my voice.

As I saw Artemis falling asleep, I knew I’d be the one to watch over them. They were now part of my pack. And heaven have mercy on anyone who harms my pack.

Resting on the pole. I sat and watched. Making sure that Artemis was safe and could sleep peacefully

[aquanutart]

We're going to try to carefully lower its HP with Night Shade, which does a fixed amount of damage equal to the user's level!

Moltres immediately traps Ghoulie in Fire Spin!! Oh no! I totally forgot how the bind attacks work in these games! We can't do anything for several turns!

Ghoulie finally manages to pull off a Night Shade! But we need to recover!

I'm using one of the Super Potions I chose not to drop earlier!

We manage to get in another Night Shade, but then Moltres uses Fire Spin again! We are getting low on health!!

We can't attack anyway, so how about I try throwing an Ultra Ball? But it misses!!

I try throwing another one, and get the same message. I didn't see this message in later games and I'm trying to remember if it means something specific. Maybe I have to weaken the Pokemon further before it'll go into the ball at all?!

I think another Night Shade would knock it out, so let's switch out! (Looking at it now, I feel like maybe it wouldn't have? It might have left it with just a tiny bit of health... it's easier to judge looking at the screenshot than on the small screen! >.<)

Shocking manages to paralyze Moltres!! Okay... this is a bit of a risk, but I think one Swift would do just enough damage to bring it down to--

AAAAAAGHHH!!!!! Okay, I feel like I messed up--IIRC as a kid, I caught Articuno and Zapdos on the first try, and I was sweating bullets for the whole battle--as a kid, I probably would have been so scared of knocking it out that I wouldn't have taken the risk of using Swift and would have kept throwing balls (or maybe I would have been able to judge that I could still safely use another Night Shade?)

BUT!! That's why I saved, right?!!

This time, we paralyze Moltres and use Swift first! Swift does NOT crit this time, and does exactly the amount of damage I had intended before!

After using Night Shade twice again, let's see if the ball misses THIS time!!

ALL RIGHT!!! FIRST TRY!!! \;;O;;/ So my original strategy was valid...!!

I'm going to believe that Moltres rose again and I caught it the second time. Much of this feels like I'm being given a second chance to live the experiences I missed in childhood.

Moltres is also said to bring early spring, which is welcome to me, as I always count down through winter. I feel like I'm able to live again when the snow melts and the world comes back alive, and warm weather activities start again and let me reunite with everyone I didn't see over the winter. I feel like I'm living again in so many ways.

I also encounter another Venomoth, and this time I manage to catch it!

I name it Resilient because it resisted the Ultra Ball three times. I also think there's something beautiful about something so delicate being resilient.

At this point, I want to play and play until I get through Victory Road. I want to see my other Pokemon and beat the Elite Four with my original Pokemon on my original Game Boy after 27 years.

But I am already an hour late for a Pokemon Day event I want to go to, and I also want to get the Pokemon Illustration Contest 2024 TCG promo cards, which are being given out today only.

That alone might not have swayed me from continuing. But at my current age, it actually kind of physically tires me out to play video games for a long time. I can tell I need a break.

So I stop and save and turn it off, wishing and wanting as much as possible to believe that after all this time, my Pokemon will wait for me a little longer.

I was talking and I mentioned that I have my old Game Boy and original Pokemon cartridge. I said, "I think they still work."

I was told, "The internal batteries on the Game Boy cartridges have run out. They're all dead."

"Oh," I said, trying not to show how crestfallen I was. I felt like I was losing nerd cred for not knowing that, although I never kept up with that type of info anyway. I'm here for the fantasy and imaginative aspects of games, and tend not to follow the competitive or technical details.

I tried not to feel anything as I went home. If they were real animals, I reminded myself, I would have had to say goodbye long ago.

But like so many other people, Pokemon was my childhood. It was all I thought about and dreamed about, and the closest thing I could imagine to heartbreak was the knowledge that they weren't real. I spent nearly all my time writing longhand self-insert Pokemon fanfiction--far more than I spent actually playing the game. My Pokemon were with me in my imagination wherever I went. I started playing Pokemon Blue when I was 5, and the last time I had played it was probably when I was 9 or 10. I remembered I had turned it on again one more time after that, not to play it, but to look at my childhood Pokemon.

It was during high school, after a move overseas that completely upended my life, and I was struggling with the crushing blow of being taken away from everything I knew and trying to make sense of anything (least of all adolescence) in another language. All I wanted was to go back to childhood and have everything go back to how it was before.

Seeing my Pokemon, just as I'd left them, had comforted me. I had looked at their stats pages, taken photos of them with my digital camera (that I don't even know if I still have), and then turned it off without doing anything.

That was probably 9 or 10 years after the games came out. It had been a long time since then. I had long since taken the AA batteries out of my Game Boy Color and left it untouched. I didn't even have AA batteries anymore.

It had worked then. But now it had been 27 years... I thought about not trying to turn my cartridge back on. As long as I didn't turn it on, I could believe my Pokemon were still there, the way I remembered them.

On my day off, which happened to be Pokemon Day, I googled and read that some people on forums and Reddit were still able to play their original Pokemon games.

Then... it was possible. I went out to buy toothpaste. At the store, I asked where I could find AA batteries.

It was a big thing for me to be able to go to the store and buy things myself. When I moved at age 13, I felt like something went wrong with growing up. It was difficult to follow what people were saying, and people didn't always understand what I said either. I had been introverted even in English, but now I had enough negative experiences that I became afraid and stopped trying to talk to people altogether.

I threw myself into video games and reliving childhood memories. The internet was where I could communicate in my first language and understand. I lived online and didn't interact with the real world. On the internet I felt like I was understood and could find people who shared my interests the way I did, but in the real world it always felt like I could get hurt if anyone knew me.

I realize now that I could have had a better experience overseas if I'd known how to adapt and socialize, but this was not something I knew even in English, and trying to learn in another language made it ten times harder. I'm sorry now for missing out on interactions that I know I could have had, but I just didn't know how. I wouldn't know how until I learned, and it took me a long time to learn.

I grew up online, in the company of others who had trouble fitting in with the real world, even in their own language. Those experiences shaped me, and the friendships I've made and support I've received online are invaluable to me. The internet gave me a way to live, and through it I learned how to interact with others. But in many ways, for many years, it felt like my life was put on hold and I stopped growing up.

Several years ago I moved back, to not far from where I was born, and I was able to work for the first time. I began to interact with people and feel like I had a place in the real world.

After shutting myself away for so many years, every little step I made out in the world felt terrifying. But every little thing I did on my own made me feel like I was living for the first time.

Even something as little as going to the store and buying a pack of batteries.

I was directed to a shelf at the end of an aisle, and found myself looking at a rack of lithium AA batteries. Did they not sell the old kind anymore?

I walked around to the other side and was relieved to find the familiar black and brown Duracell batteries I'd known from my childhood. I felt more confident about putting in a battery that looked the same as I remembered. The smallest pack they sold was an 8-pack for $12.99. I really didn't need 8 batteries. I didn't have any other devices that used them.

I thought, what if I turn it on and it doesn't work and I'll have wasted $12.99?

I also thought we might already have batteries. I might be able to say, "Mom, do we have any batteries?" and she'd pull out two AAs from a drawer somewhere and I'd save my money.

But somehow I felt like part of what was important about this was being an adult and being able to buy my own batteries.

Yet... what if it just ended up making me sad? Was it better not to know?

I went to the checkout with just the toothpaste and stood hesitating at the edge of the checkout line.

If I didn't get the batteries now, and it turned out we didn't have any batteries, I wouldn't try it. I knew I would just put it off until even more time passed, and then... "Are you in line?" someone asked me.

"No," I said, and I turned around and went back to the shelf.

I bought the batteries.

At home, I took out my original Game Boy Color from the drawer where I left it, the one my dad had surprised me with when I was 5 years old and that I had brought overseas and back.

I put the batteries in and turned it on without a cartridge first to make sure the batteries were inserted correctly. The Game Boy logo scrolled across the screen and it made the familiar blinging Game Boy startup noise. I turned it off again, satisfied.

I took out my original Pokemon Blue cartridge, momentarily having to remember which way it went in, and slotted it in.

I turned it on, watched the whole Pokemon Blue intro out of nostalgia, and then pressed START.

My heart leaped for joy.

MY POKEMON!!!! MY POKEMON ARE ALIVE!!! 🥺🥺🥺

My original Pokemon, that were with me in 1998 when I was 5-6 years old, are still with me 27 years later. I want to cry!!! I love the old sprites, I'm SO happy to see them again 😭😭😭 the Pokemon look so little and cheerful at the same time, which I love 🥺🥺🥺 I know there are people with many more hours on their games, who have leveled all their Pokemon to 100. But these are my Pokemon who were with me through my childhood, and I spent many more hours making up stories about them than actually playing the game. I'm so happy to see them again 😭😭😭

All I want is to see my Pokemon. My other Pokemon are in boxes. Now, how do I get to the nearest PC? Where am I?

Oh... Oh. I have to confess something. When I was a kid, I was scared of the dark cave areas, and whenever I got to them, I stopped playing for a while. (I was stuck at Mt. Moon until I was like, 7.) So I never actually beat the game.

And here I am on Victory Road, with the team of Pokemon I was taking to the Elite Four, without an Escape Rope.

The only way for me to see my other Pokemon is... to finally make it through Victory Road, after 27 years?!

[lumalilies]

this is just us feeling through things with our words. there's vague mentions of trauma.

we're starting to realize the biggest thing our trauma tried to take from us was hope. especially with the kind of sustained trauma we had, you really start to lose hope that trusting people is worth it. you find ways to make it work where you don't have to trust. you find ways to make it work that let you be on your own where you can control things.

and you know deep down, we want love. we want rest in each other. we want to be out-of-control happy and safe enough inside that we don't feel like we have to try. we want to be truthful without the first thing on our mind being the consequences.

when you lose hope, you feel like you've endured enough pain that you don't want to risk enduring any more. you want to just stay free of it, no matter what you lose.

you keep yourself away from the world, to hold onto something that feels secure for once. and when you're surrounded by trauma, being able to do that is...really really nice. it's freeing. it's the closest thing to relief we could find.

but then you see people happy together. in that faraway place, it feels like a star you're marveling at from behind glass. it doesn't even make sense that it's possible given your memories of how people treated you, but you can't take your eyes away from what it looks like to be happy. you want to get closer. yet you feel the glass, it's so so so thick, reinforced in layers over years and years.

and the warmth inside is more intense than anything you can remember. it's scary. you don't feel ready for it in the way everyone else is.

the thing is. there's no way to shatter all the glass at once. it's a defense mechanism that repairs itself in the presence of fear, and to dive headfirst into the star - into all the feelings you left behind - is as scary as it gets. when you're traumatized, almost every experience can short-circuit to terror.

so you find ways to get closer - without getting closer. you feel around the glass for indentations you can push on. with years of work, you learn to act in the ways that let you be nearby and unnoticed. then you learn to act in the ways that let you be celebrated and appreciated. you push so far into the glass that you're right next to the star.

but you're still behind glass. a bubble still has walls.

what it is to stand in the heat

we made the glass because we were bitter. because we were betrayed. that is what we left behind in search of something better. to stand in the heat again is to be angry. to be filled with grudges and longings for revenge. to be one second from rivers of tears. to be enveloped in shame and embarrassment. to be jealous beyond belief. to crave power. to be mistrusting, to be on edge, easily irritated, easily annoyed, quick to snap back, quick to rage, ready to scream. ready to fight. ready to win. ready for anything.

deep down, what we know inside. is if we want to trust again, if we want to feel like we're really here, with everyone else, without glass in between.

we have to start standing in the heat. we have to be mad. we have to be toxic. we have to be unhealthily self-protective, we have to be overwhelmed, we have to be bitter. there's no other way to start, because that's where we left off.

that's the bind. you can't really be like that in most situations, and we don't really want to. we know how much toxicity can hurt and we don't want that.

and that's thing. it's not the place we want to stay forever. i just know it's the place we need to start.

i guess you have to surround yourself with people who know what's up, you have to make bad mistakes and get called out, you have to be held to a standard in a way that lets you stick around. you have to learn how to recover without leaving, without layering glass.

we have to learn how to act from our heart again. how to recenter everything we learned about being respectful to those who deserve it, standing up for what we believe in, being who we want to be - so that it comes from our heart.

the challenge is, you get a lot of positive reinforcement for the ways you learned to act from behind glass.

in order to trust, you have to know what it's like to be trusted. people have to meet you where you're at.

it's hard. i don't have any answers writing this, other than to say this shit takes time and i'd like us to be more proud of how far we've come considering where we came from, even if what's left is so far.

also no matter where you're at you're beautiful for being there, remember that. there's no better or worse places, just places that keep us from what we want.

and we wouldn't be standing where we are if we didn't have hope. our hope is like embers. it's fueled by the same stuff as fury. wouldn't have it any other way.

as a side note, this is kind of why i'm excited about getting into toxic yuri i could see it being a really good thing for us actually

[pmmechanicalny4e]

PM Mechanical

P&M Mechanical, Inc. was one of the first HVAC businesses in the Fairfield and Westchester counties in 2000. Turn on the air conditioner to solve the problem. Among the most vocal supporters are well-known energy firms like Con Edison and Eversource. HVAC contractors in New York Green thermostats are finding their way into more homes. Do you want a security system set up? Kindly get in touch with P&M Mechanical, Inc. right away. We will finish the project regardless of the cost.

hvac contractors ny Choose the maintenance plan that best suits your needs and budget out of the three available options. It could be wise to stock up before prices continue to rise. It will profoundly influence who I am. Experiment with different strategies until you find what works best for you. If you purchase all three of these items at once, you will receive the best deal. Having an HVAC system that is not operating correctly is just not practical. Call us at any time of day or night if you have any kind of plumbing, HVAC, or related issue. Customers are important to Port Chester, New York-based P&M Mechanical Inc. We are always available because of our office's strategic location in Port Chester, New York. Our needs are completely ignored here. Physicians and nutritionists are aware that a large number of CEOs follow extremely strict diet plans. Having a wealth of new concepts at one's disposal is a commendable quality. We are pleased to carry on the long-standing heritage of our small, family-run business of offering our clients high-quality items. We won't give up until we've fulfilled our greatest dreams and made everyone happy, especially our customers. You will make mistakes if you speak up. Never hesitate to get in touch with us if you ever find yourself in a financial bind and think we could be able to help. The HVAC businesses in Connecticut and New York were excellent, but I haven't heard anything about a final decision yet. Keep your grip tight at all times. Property insurance is available to owners of both residential and commercial real estate in the states of New York and Connecticut. We have almost every kind of HVAC system in stock. Making sure there would be enough space between the house and its neighbors was a crucial aspect of the planning process. We became much more dedicated to satisfying consumer needs when we hired HVAC experts. We will not give up until we have looked into every possibility because every second matters. All brands and models of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment can be installed, serviced, repaired, or diagnosed by our knowledgeable professionals. I'm going to presume that Connecticut has visited a climate control room, even though I really doubt that the majority of Americans have. Naturally, I might be completely mistaken. No matter what kind of storm hits your neighborhood, our services will keep your home safe. Why? Stay inside till the weather improves. Anything that the weather delivers is irrelevant. Regardless of the weather in New York City, our skilled experts can swiftly fix any building's air conditioning system. It is entirely your responsibility to make sure your air conditioner is dependable. Air conditioning is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature.

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Our HVAC services are unmatched, as many satisfied customers in the New York and New Jersey areas can attest to. We should have no problem completing the task before the deadline with these extra details. Our ability to surpass client expectations in a timely manner has been the secret to our success. No matter how big or small the task, we can handle it. If this arrangement is ever contested in court, it will be fiercely defended. You'll have to prove your value in some way. If we are not able to unite and stay consistent in our devotion to our principles and goals, all we accomplish will be in vain. Our website contains a plethora of information for anyone in Connecticut who is interested in learning more about HVAC systems. Our support staff is available to you at any moment if you have any queries or worries. Our HVAC business in Connecticut enjoys an excellent reputation because we genuinely care about each and every one of our customers. Right now, our only goal is to obtain one of the fifty states. Are you trying to find a reliable HVAC technician? It's in New York City that you should be. If the issue doesn't go away, the HVAC system could need to be repaired or replaced. Are you having trouble finding a trustworthy HVAC technician in the New York–Connecticut area? You can reach P&M Mechanical Industries, Inc. for further details. Please get in touch with us if you ever find yourself in need of an HVAC specialist. Help is always available when you need it. Prominent energy firms like Con Edison and Eversource are among the most vocal advocates. Green thermostats are finding their way into more homes.

[pmmechanicalny3d]

PM Mechanical

In the year 2000, P&M Mechanical, Inc. was among the first HVAC companies in the counties of Fairfield and Westchester. When you turn on the air conditioner, the problem will disappear.

hvac contractors new york

Prominent energy firms like Eversource and Con Edison are among the most vocal supporters hvac contractors new york Green thermostats are finding their way into more homes.

Do you want a security system set up? Making contact with P&M Mechanical, Inc. is an urgent concern. We will finish the project regardless of the cost.

Choose the maintenance plan that best suits your needs and budget out of the three available options.

It could be wise to stock up before prices continue to rise. It will profoundly influence who I am. Experiment with different strategies until you find what works best for you. If you purchase all three of these items at once, you will receive the best deal.

Verify that the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems are all running as efficiently as possible. You can give us a call day or night if you have any kind of HVAC, plumbing, or related issue. P&M Mechanical Inc., located in Port Chester, New York, prioritizes its clients above anything else. Our office is located in a prime area in Port Chester, New York, which contributes to our availability 24/7.

Our needs are completely ignored here. It's general knowledge among medical professionals and nutritionists that many chief executive officers follow extremely rigorous diet regimes. Having a wealth of new concepts at one's disposal is a commendable quality. Being a small, family-run company that has consistently provided clients with high-quality items is something we are very proud of.

hvac near me

We won't give up until we've fulfilled all of our ambitions and pleased everyone, especially our customers. Merely putting your ideas down will not provide any outcomes. Never hesitate to get in touch with us if you ever find yourself in a financial bind and think we could be able to help.

The HVAC businesses in Connecticut and New York were excellent, but I haven't heard anything about a final decision yet. Keep your grip tight at all times. Anyone living in or conducting business in the states of Connecticut and New York is eligible for property insurance. We have almost every kind of HVAC system in stock. Providing enough distance between the house and its neighbors was a crucial aspect of the planning process. We became much more dedicated to satisfying consumer needs when we hired HVAC experts. We will not give up until we have looked into every possibility because every second matters. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment of any brand or model can be installed, serviced, repaired, or diagnosed by our knowledgeable professionals. I'd venture to guess that the great majority of Americans have never entered a climate control room, even if only a small number of Connecticut residents have. No matter what kind of storm hits your neighborhood, our services will keep your home safe. Why? Stay inside till the weather improves. Anything that the weather delivers is irrelevant. Regardless of the weather in New York City, our skilled professionals can swiftly fix any building's air conditioning system. It is entirely your responsibility to make sure your air conditioner is dependable. Air conditioning is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Our HVAC services are unmatched, as many satisfied customers in the New York and New Jersey areas can attest to. We should have no problem completing the task before the deadline with these new details. Our ability to surpass client expectations in a timely manner has been essential to our success. No matter how big or small the task, we can handle it. In the unlikely event that this agreement is ever contested in court, it will be fiercely defended. You'll have to prove your value in some way. If we can't come together and stick together in our devotion to our goals and ideals, all we accomplish will be in vain.

For citizens of Connecticut looking for information on HVAC systems, our organization is the greatest source. Our support staff is here to help with any questions or issues you may have, and they are available 24/7. Our HVAC business in Connecticut enjoys an excellent reputation because we genuinely care about each and every one of our customers. Right now, our sole objective is to take over one of the fifty states. Are you trying to find a reliable HVAC technician? This is where you should be, in New York City. If the issue doesn't go away, the HVAC system could need to be repaired or replaced. Are you having trouble finding a trustworthy HVAC technician in the New York–Connecticut area? You can reach P&M Mechanical Industries, Inc. for further details. Please get in touch with us if you ever find yourself in need of an HVAC specialist. Help is always available when you need it.

Prominent energy firms like Con Edison and Eversource are among the most vocal advocates. Green thermostats are finding their way into more homes.

[ihaveasolutionbutyouwontlikeit]

Generally speaking, I use the phrase safe adults with my kid, to indicate adults HE feels safe with, with continual pointing to examples, like his teachers, his best friend's Mum, his auntie, me, people we have talked and explored together with multiple conversations over his childhood that are part of his social sphere, and that a secret is the kind of thing that he could tell any and all safe adults of his choosing, especially if the secret itself is making him feel bad or sick. Unfortunately, he has had lived experience of a couple of scenarios where he needed to share a piece of information that did make him feel unwell and was exactly the kind of thing that needed to be brought to the attention of safe adults, so we use those as added examples now for procedural refinement (neurodivergent kid). My emphasis in these conversations with him were that this kind of secret can be shared with any and all safe adults if he would choose to do so, even if he wasn't 100% sure if it was that kind of secret, or just something that needed external verbal processing in a safe space.

When we discus privacy, it's usually around the emotionless bases of "this is what we do in society as a respectful and considerate community because not everyone is comfortable with seeing naked bodies running around all the time. Privacy is based around social consent. Secrecy is based around private consent. Consent and safe touch is something that is aimed and taught from early years in the state I live in, because it can take a long time for these concepts to sink in properly (and even at the age for five I have seen some kids blanche at being taught these concepts and realise that they have had their autonomy and consent invalidated by some adult figures in their lives already, and just... not know what to do with that information. Yet another reason community bindings are important, in creating multiple points of connection for children and youths to develop stabilising supports that are no just parental or family ties. It takes a village. The amount of information you get from children about their families while they are playing dolls in the doll house or drawing pictures in an art lesson that they will also just CASUALLY drop because they feel comfortable enough to verbal vomit in your presence is astounding. Kids need to feel safe to discuss unsafe things, kids need to learn about the differences between public behaviours and considerations and private behaviours and considerations. And the only way you can do that is by leaning in and teaching about those differences via play, stories, open developmentally appropriate discussions and just plain knowing that there are no stupid questions. Don't ever call a kid silly bad for what is probably a version of confusion or overwhelm. Be the safe space. Talk about ANYTHING they want to. or if they say something you're not sure about but you're not sure if you're the safe adults, ask them who their safe adults are and flag it with two or three of them, if possible. It's not weird. You could save a kid's life and mental health by just asking a few questions. Be the community you wish to see in the world.

My biggest advice here would be to start getting comfortable talking with kids about proper names for body parts, what a safe adult is and helping them make a list with at least three adults, if possible, and check in/have discussions often. They don't have to be serious ones, just a "hey, I was wondering if you know the difference between safe and unsafe, private vs public, stuff that we are allowed and not allowed to do at home vs stuff we are allowed and not allowed to do at school/public space" is a good starting point. Short, consistent and recurring practice pays off. Use lots of examples if need be, and when in doubt, talk to a few teachers, doctors or childcare workers about what to do if you're worried or want to be prepared. Even good librarians would be able to point you in the right direction, too. Check out the resources and hotlines in your sphere and community. A lot of mental health ones will have good advice for you if it's bothering you enough. And they do web/online chat now too, which is convenient for screenshots as reference.

Hope this helps. 💛

How can we define the difference between "privacy" and "secrecy" in a way that children understand?

I saw a post go by yesterday that I don't want to dig up because there was a lot there, and I walked away thinking "That's not quite right, but can I articulate why?"

One of the things it said was to define, for children, that an okay secret is limited in time, and makes people happy. A not-okay secret is forever and makes people unhappy. I get that the idea isn't that this is the real line forever, so much as this is the line children need. Okay... now how do we define "privacy" within that scope? Are we promising children that adults never do anything in privacy that's a secret?? Because that's fucked up.

Also, there was a suggested rule about individual adults never being behind closed doors with a child alone, and I'm like "Have you never heard of single parents? Babysitters?" If you think the line is "approved adults" then you're missing that most abuse does come from adults the other adults thought were approved. Maybe it does take a village, but not every household has a village handy, eh?

I don't know. 90% of what was said in that post about how to help kids be prepared to speak up if they're abused was great - I 1000% agree age-appropriate, technically accurate sex ed should be started early and revisited often. If a kid is old enough to ask, they are old enough to receive an accurate answer in terms they can understand without euphemism and hedging.

But some of it seemed really off, and I'm still wrapping my head around how so...

I know some of it is... I was taught from a fairly young age that some kinds of secrets exist to keep others safe. The example - which made sense in context, I swear - was if a Nazi shows up at the door asking if I know where my Jewish friend is, I can and should absolutely lie about that, to keep their secret and keep my friend safe.

Now, that's... probably kind of an odd way of thinking about things for small children, I'll grant you. My parents were clarifying an otherwise hard stance on lying, specifically, and I appreciate that.

If we're talking about very small children, Nazis are perhaps a bit too complicated a concept to explain, but Stranger Danger isn't especially useful as the line when the call is coming from inside the house, so to speak.

Having a hard line on the idea that kids shouldn't have or expect any kind of privacy because secrets are bad is obviously too simplistic, and the post did acknowledge that by addressing the concept of boundaries for the adults having privacy without the kids in the room, which makes sense as far as it goes but doesn't address the children themselves being allowed privacy.

Children aren't stupid, they're just young. Ethics aren't simple, but we do need to keep things usefully clear. So... what do?

[pmmechanicalny1a]

hvac near me

P&M Mechanical, Inc. was among the first HVAC firms in Westchester and Fairfield counties at the start of the millennium. The issue can be resolved by turning on the air conditioner.

Prominent energy firms like Con Edison and Eversource are among the most vocal advocates. Green thermostats are finding their way into more homes.

Do you want a security system set up? Making contact with P&M Mechanical, Inc. is absolutely necessary. We will finish the project regardless of the cost.

Choose the maintenance plan that best suits your needs and budget out of the three available options.

Stocking up on hvac near me could be a smart move before prices continue to rise. It will profoundly influence who I am. Experiment with different strategies until you find what works best for you. If you purchase all three of these items at once, you will receive the best deal.

All three systems—heating, plumbing, and HVAC—need to be in good operating order. You can give us a call day or night if you have any kind of HVAC, plumbing, or related issue. Customers are the top priority at Port Chester, New York-based P&M Mechanical Inc. Our office is located in a prime area in Port Chester, New York, which contributes to our availability 24/7.

Our needs are completely ignored here. Physicians and nutritionists are aware that a large number of CEOs follow extremely strict dietary plans. Having a wealth of new concepts at one's disposal is a commendable quality. As a small family-run business, we take great pride in our longstanding legacy of offering our customers high-quality items.

We won't give up until we've fulfilled our greatest dreams and made everyone happy, especially our customers. Speaking your mind won't get you anywhere. Never hesitate to get in touch with us if you ever find yourself in a financial bind and think we could be able to help.

The HVAC businesses in Connecticut and New York were excellent, but I haven't heard anything about a final decision yet. Keep your grip tight at all times. If you operate a business or reside in New York or Connecticut, you are eligible for property insurance. We have almost every kind of HVAC system in stock. Providing enough distance between the house and its neighbors was a crucial aspect of the planning process. We became much more dedicated to satisfying consumer needs when we hired HVAC experts. We will not give up until we have looked into every possibility because every second matters. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment of any brand or model can be installed, serviced, repaired, or diagnosed by our knowledgeable professionals. Although I believe the majority of Americans have never been in a climate control room, I wouldn't be shocked if some Connecticut residents had. No matter what kind of storm hits your neighborhood, our services will keep your home safe. Why? Stay inside till the weather improves. Anything that the weather delivers is irrelevant. Regardless of the weather in New York City, our skilled professionals can swiftly fix any building's air conditioning system. It is entirely your responsibility to make sure your air conditioner is dependable. Air conditioning is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Our HVAC services are unmatched, as many satisfied customers in the New York and New Jersey areas can attest to. We should have no problem completing the task before the deadline with these new details. Our ability to surpass client expectations in a timely manner has been the secret to our success. No matter how big or small the task, we can handle it. In the unlikely event that this agreement is ever contested in court, it will be fiercely defended. You'll have to prove your value in some way. If we can't come together and stick together in our devotion to our goals and ideals, all we accomplish will be in vain.

For people of Connecticut looking for information about HVAC systems, our website is a terrific resource. Our support team is available to help you around-the-clock if you have any questions or issues. Our HVAC business in Connecticut enjoys an excellent reputation because we genuinely care about each and every one of our customers. Right now, our only goal is to obtain one of the 50 states. Are you trying to find a reliable HVAC technician? This is where you should be, in New York City. If the issue doesn't go away, the HVAC system could need to be repaired or replaced. Are you having trouble finding a trustworthy HVAC technician in the New York–Connecticut area? You can reach P&M Mechanical Industries, Inc. for further details. Please get in touch with us if you ever find yourself in need of an HVAC specialist. Help is always available when you need it.

Prominent energy firms like Con Edison and Eversource are among the most vocal advocates. Green thermostats are finding their way into more homes.

[pmmechanicalny1b]

PM Mechanical

P&M Mechanical, Inc. was among the first HVAC firms in Westchester and Fairfield counties at the start of the millennium. The issue can be resolved by turning on the air conditioner.

Prominent energy firms like Con Edison and Eversource are among the most vocal advocates. Green thermostats are finding their way into more homes.

hvac near me

Do you want a security system set up? Making contact with P&M Mechanical, Inc. is absolutely necessary. We will finish the project regardless of the cost.

Choose the maintenance plan that best suits your needs and budget out of the three available options.

Stocking up on HVAC near me could be a smart move before prices continue to rise. It will profoundly influence who I am. Experiment with different strategies until you find what works best for you. If you purchase all three of these items at once, you will receive the best deal.

All three systems—heating, plumbing, and HVAC—need to be in good operating order. You can give us a call day or night if you have any kind of HVAC, plumbing, or related issue. Customers are the top priority at Port Chester, New York-based P&M Mechanical Inc. Our office is located in a prime area in Port Chester, New York, which contributes to our availability 24/7.

Our needs are completely ignored here. Physicians and nutritionists are aware that a large number of CEOs follow extremely strict dietary plans. Having a wealth of new concepts at one's disposal is a commendable quality. As a small family-run business, we take great pride in our longstanding legacy of offering our customers high-quality items.

hvac companies near me

We won't give up until we've fulfilled our greatest dreams and made everyone happy, especially our customers. Speaking your mind won't get you anywhere. Never hesitate to get in touch with us if you ever find yourself in a financial bind and think we could be able to help.

The HVAC businesses in Connecticut and New York were excellent, but I haven't heard anything about a final decision yet. Keep your grip tight at all times. If you operate a business or reside in New York or Connecticut, you are eligible for property insurance. We have almost every kind of HVAC system in stock. Providing enough distance between the house and its neighbors was a crucial aspect of the planning process. We became much more dedicated to satisfying consumer needs when we hired HVAC experts. We will not give up until we have looked into every possibility because every second matters. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment of any brand or model can be installed, serviced, repaired, or diagnosed by our knowledgeable professionals. Although I believe the majority of Americans have never been in a climate control room, I wouldn't be shocked if some Connecticut residents had. No matter what kind of storm hits your neighborhood, our services will keep your home safe. Why? Stay inside till the weather improves. Anything that the weather delivers is irrelevant. Regardless of the weather in New York City, our skilled professionals can swiftly fix any building's air conditioning system. It is entirely your responsibility to make sure your air conditioner is dependable. Air conditioning is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Our HVAC services are unmatched, as many satisfied customers in the New York and New Jersey areas can attest to. We should have no problem completing the task before the deadline with these new details. Our ability to surpass client expectations in a timely manner has been the secret to our success. No matter how big or small the task, we can handle it. In the unlikely event that this agreement is ever contested in court, it will be fiercely defended. You'll have to prove your value in some way. If we can't come together and stick together in our devotion to our goals and ideals, all we accomplish will be in vain.

For people of Connecticut looking for information about HVAC systems, our website is a terrific resource. Our support team is available to help you around-the-clock if you have any questions or issues. Our HVAC business in Connecticut enjoys an excellent reputation because we genuinely care about each and every one of our customers. Right now, our only goal is to obtain one of the 50 states. Are you trying to find a reliable HVAC technician? This is where you should be, in New York City. If the issue doesn't go away, the HVAC system could need to be repaired or replaced. Are you having trouble finding a trustworthy HVAC technician in the New York–Connecticut area? You can reach P&M Mechanical Industries, Inc. for further details. Please get in touch with us if you ever find yourself in need of an HVAC specialist. Help is always available when you need it.

Prominent energy firms like Con Edison and Eversource are among the most vocal advocates. Green thermostats are finding their way into more homes.

[somajean]

Okay. I have a weird input on this one. My younger daughter wants to be a SAHM and tradwife. Not because it is easy but because it is the "right thing for her" she says. I gave that girl every avenue of artistic and educational freedom physically possible for me to provide. And I'm not upset she chose that life- but everyone around her says that she's choosing a hard job. Cleaning all damn day and night and cooking and sacrificing your sleep schedule to a child(s) on TOP of knowing material to help them learn, on TOP of intentionally binding yourself into a financial position? Yeah. It's hard work and terrifying. I have been, and I am, a single parent. This isn't the same as a SAHM but knowing what my child saw as she grew older, she was dead set on choosing that as her career.

And make no mistake, I firmly believe it is a career. It is laborious, breakless, often thankless work. And the only reason to do it is devotion and love, or fear for your own life and future. I find nothing wrong with the career of a SAHP but I think that the tradwife trends need to show the reality of it all that even if you aren't "going out to a job" or "handling the money" you are still working, and working more hours on average than your spouse. If your job is house mouse, safety nets and government protections often won't extend to you because you "haven't worked." If anyone below me has tutorials or resources, please PLEASE chime in on this. There is NOTHING wrong with going the tradwife route. But we need to get people resources for the job and make sure they know what they are walking into. We can be the resource that floats around and helps people with these things!

From my own single parent experience? Non exhaustive list here but just general things people should know how to do or find? Budgeting, deal finding at markets, haggling if it's in your culture, local food/shelter/counseling support locations, basic sewing, basic first responder or injury care, cooking, how to properly clean, how to allot time to tasks, dealing with burnout, how to exercise in a confined space, psychiatric services for checkups on you and the kids, diet and food health (this includes how to substitute food items for different consistency or picky eaters or allergens), how to structure a time table for yourself and the kids, resources to free books and stories, how to find safe local events, schooling and zoning information (trust me you'll absolutely need this wherever you live). Anything you want your child to learn in life, you need to model it, be able to teach it, or be ready to get the resources for someone else to help your child. If there is no appropriate resource available to teach SAHP these skills for a damn hard job, then we can make the resource, make it popular and send it on its way.

man the weird new romanticization of tradwife/sahm stuff is honest to god so fucking depressing. its so fucking privileged and white and evil. imagine being given rights and then complaining about them when meanwhile there are little brown girls who cant even get an education.

there are women trapped in abusive relationships who literally cannot get a divorce and even if they could they couldnt support themselves because they werent able to get an education and have no outside work experience. very frustrating and upsetting.

like this is coming from the working wife of a stay at home spouse, like i am not the home maker, thats not what i want from my life and what makes me feel fulfilled and happy. but thats something weve heavily discussed. we have different wants and needs and priorities from our work and home life balances. my partner has options and chooses this. but it scares the SHIT out of me seeing this whole "why did we ever fight for the right to work? i want to be a brainless wifey who spits out babies and slaves away in the home and only speaks when spoken to!" bullshit actually pick up because of social media is absolutely fucking horrifying. like its unironically so fucking scary.