#and sometimes others don't see it the same way

[hannah-snow]

Never met such a person as an adult, but I know people who do.

I know someone who is a care worker for autistic adults. The adults he took care of seemed to be capable in some ways: they knew their care plan, and they knew how to cook, but they sometimes ran the risk of burning themselves.

I know someone whose sister is autistic, semi-verbal and will probably never live alone.

I know someone whose brother is the same.

I almost worked for the Seashell Trust once, a British establishment that caters to highly impaired adults.

I do think that adults like this are largely Not In Society, less because of stigma these days (one would hope) and more because they simply can't access the adult world like others can. Certainly it would be interesting to see the statistics of profoundly impaired adults and see if there was an increase or decrease.

But those adults do exist.

However. I also don't think autism reduces mental capacity per se. I'm working with a non-verbal five-year-old right now, and he is very intelligent. Like, scary-smart. He can match up anything, build lots of things with the lego and train-tracks, and do imaginative play in age-appropriate ways. He can write some letters. He can sequence numbers up to 20. He has an appropriate level of self-consciousness for his age. He doesn't talk, but that clearly doesn't mean he doesn't think, or problem-solve, or communicate.

I do think, in general, the label we give to 'autism' is so broad that it is, functionally, almost meaningless. We give it to guys like Elon; we also give it to guys who can't talk and never, ever break out of their repetitive behaviours. We give it to children who have developmental delay, even if they don't display symptoms of classical autism like repetitive behaviours and stimming. One thing I think that we're desperately short on is a scientific, neurological understanding of what's going on. I think if we had that, we would understand autism a lot better, and classify it a lot better too.

[strawberrystepmom]

dante x f!reader. established relationship, a minor disagreement that ends up in hurt/comfort. | wc: 1.4k, reading time: ~5 minutes

“I’m coming with you.”

Your remark is firm while you practically chase after Dante who slumps down in the chair behind his desk for the briefest moment, pulling equipment from the drawers of his desk and putting it into his pockets. 

“No, you’re not.”

It irritates you how he won’t even look up, preoccupied with getting out of here. Your jaw slackens, eyes narrowing.

“Why not?”

Now he looks up, his own teeth clenched. 

“Because I’ve said no ten times and meant it every one.” 

He hates fighting with you. In fact, he hates telling you no about anything and you’re all too well aware of it judging by the way you seem to think you can wear his defenses down into a yes right now. 

Disengaging by looking down, he loads a few bullets into his guns which further irritates you. 

There’s no such thing as a truly unexpected job in his line of work. He gets calls at all hours of the day or night sometimes, reporting to wherever he needs to be to take care of business, but you don’t understand why he won’t let you come. It’s midday and he’s clearly playing coy about the threat level of whatever is out there meaning there may be a need for help.

Laughing sarcastically, you stand in place in front of his desk. 

“It amazes me how you are never this serious about a no until it has to do with what I want.”

Whipping his head upward so fast his hair falls out of place against his forehead, the man you love more than any other curls his lip and points all five of his fingers toward you, eyes wide.

“And it amazes me that you’ve never bothered to wonder why I'm so serious about it. How many times have we had this exact conversation?" 

There has never been a time where he’s raised his voice at you and he has no plans of starting now but you are seriously testing his patience. 

You fold your arms across your torso and raise your brows adversarially high. "I wish you’d just admit it’s because you think I'm weak and can't protect myself. Your little liability."

Finally, you push Dante to the point of a frustrated, humorless chuckle punctures the tense air of the room. You flinch in place, averting your eyes from him to other corners of the room that seem a lot easier to look at. Walls don't have eyes that pierce to your very soul the way his are right now, feeling them even if you don't see them.

"Will you please stop thinking the worst about me? I know better than anyone you can take care of yourself." 

He scoffs, another ironic chuckle following it. 

"In fact, this isn’t even about you. Have you ever thought for even a second that I keep you away from my jobs because I don't know what I would do if something happened to you? That nobody does?" 

You look up and he looks directly at you, brows furrowed. 

"Yeah, I've been called out about it before. By Trish and Lady and everyone who has ever seen the way I am when it comes to you." He shakes his head, rising from his seat behind the desk, reaching across it and grabbing your trembling hands. "They’ve all had the same thing to say about how you can't be around because my focus becomes keeping you safe."

He looks away from you, retreating to somewhere distant in his mind. 

"I catch myself thinking about a world without you sometimes and it's dark and heavy and...and I know I couldn't do it if I didn't have you."

"Do what?"

"Any of this.” He waves his hand around the waiting room of Devil May Cry dramatically. “Exist."

"Dante..." 

You click your tongue, chest aching at his words. They’re well meant but even the faintest insinuation of him stumbling into the bad shape he was when you first met makes you feel hollow.

"I mean it, sweetheart. You could come up with a hundred arguments and probably already have but I wish you wouldn't waste your time arguing with me about what the truth is. It’s not that you're weak, it's that I'm weak for you."

Now you feel like a real problem, pouting like a little girl while he airs out the truth. “Stop it.”

“No, you stop. Let me tell you how I feel and maybe, just maybe, actually listen to me for once.”

Pushing your fists against your eyes, you take a deep breath and allow the pressure of your knuckles to keep the levy holding back your tears from breaking. You probably look as pathetic as you feel standing there like this, shoulders slumped inward and breaths coming in staggered pants. 

Merciful man that he is, Dante never lets you suffer for long. 

You hear his footsteps round his desk in the  same pattern you memorized a long time ago, his warm arms coming to cradle you even if you won’t look at him. Your body naturally leans against his chest, fists pressed against his shirt, face hidden. 

“You’ve made me a man, not just someone pretending to be half one.” He unburies your face to kiss the tip of your nose, pulling you against his chest to bury your head beneath his scruffy chin. “And you’re one thing I wanna keep safe forever because of it. Is that so wrong?”

Shaking your head no, you sigh in lighthearted defeat. How can you put up a fight, especially when he is safely nestling his beating heart in your hand? You protect it, he protects you. 

It’s not all that bad of a deal when you really think about it. 

“You’re starting to give me a stomach ache,” you joke, lifting yourself up on the tips of your toes to kiss him. It’s a little brush of lips against lips, far less searing then how you usually approach. 

Still, it says everything. The pair of you remain locked together - two bodies and one shared soul - refusing to part even to continue the conversation. 

“Sorry for thinking the worst.” 

Your apology is only slightly muffled, mashed between his mouth and yours. He parts his lips to reply but chooses to kiss you instead, tongue dipping between lips he could not successfully exist without. You’ve given his world more than color, you’ve breathed life into every last corner of it. The least he can do is tell you so once in a while. 

Smiling against your lips, he stops for a breath and backs away enough to look down at you. 

“Let me know next time that happens so I can get ahead of it, okay?”  

A lighthearted reminder, sealed with another small kiss. The tension in the room gradually soothes itself, minute by passing minute. The safety of his arms even improves your mood slightly, your fists pressed against the center of his chest rather than over your eyes. 

“Please stay behind and let me come home to you in one piece.”

Chewing the inside of your cheek, you fight the urge to insist you need to continue fighting for your place in his life. He’s telling you clearly that you’ve earned it. 

“Alright,” you acquiesce, raising yourself up on tippy toes to kiss him again. 

Opening your mouth to continue speaking he shoots you a look, not venomous or dangerous, but serious. He doesn’t wanna argue about this again. 

You lean into him, big eyes staring. “Fine, God, okay. But you need to call me as soon as you’re done because I don’t know what I’d do without you either and cannot think about it so please don’t make me.”

Dante nods, chuckling. 

“You’ve got yourself a deal.”

Later on, after you’re less emotional and he’s home safe and sound, you’ll admit he’s right. You’ll mutter against his hair that he’s not merely a good man but the best one for thinking of you the way he does and that you constantly question if you deserve it or not. He’ll whisper to you that nobody has ever deserved it more, rocking you gently until you fall into a fitful sleep and leaving him awake for a little longer. 

Only then will he find himself alone enough to silently thank whatever force brought you, this stubborn, beautiful woman, into his life to save him. He’ll insist to this same force that he’s only making up for lost time by protecting you from danger to begin with. 

It happens every time.

[asce-of-hearts]

Grumpy BF!Geto who despite loving you with all his heart can't help but be a little mean sometimes.

Grumpy BF!Geto who talks all condescending to you whenever you don't understand the simplest things, making you feel all small and stupid.

Grumpy BF!Geto who loves to tease you and call you names in that suave, purr-like voice he has. Who feels like he's making fun of you every time he speaks.

Grumpy BF!Geto who all of your friends hate

Grumpy BF!Geto who calls you weak when you get sick, but the same one who cooks your favorite food just so you won't leave your bed.

Grumpy BF!Geto who rubs your lower back for hours on end whenever you're on your period. Or simply when you've been sitting around too long and it hurts.

Grumpy BF!Geto who loves to kiss you when fucking, who is always slow and tender, whispering praises as you cry from how big his cock feels inside you.

Grumpy BF!Geto who hates reverse cowgirl because he can't see your face.

Grumpy BF!Geto who rolls his eyes whenever you suggest a show, a movie, or song, but who watches it all the way through with you. His attention zeroed on the television whenever he isn't staring at your beautiful profile.

Grumpy BF!Geto who fakes resignation as he hands you his black card whenever you eye something at a store for too long. And who gets actually angry when you get all coy and refuse to take it.

Grumpy BF!Geto who sometimes drives too fast to scare you. Because he likes the way you pout after a good scare.

Grumpy BF!Geto who hates your tears. Who believes nobody but him has the right to make you cry.

Grumpy BF!Geto who hates it when you give him any gifts, but who treasures all of the little trinkets and other stuff you've given him. He just hates it when you use your time and money on something as insignificant as his happiness.

Grumpy BF!Geto who gives you words of encouragement whenever you need then. Who knows just how to hug you when you feel sad.

Grumpy BF!Geto who with time, becomes less mean. Tamed at last.

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[elfwreck]

OpSec is important. Know who your friends are, and be suspicious of people who don't fit the patterns.

This is part of why why counterculture movements often have different names than people's wallet names.

It's much, much harder for them to track down your friends if your friends are Treefrog, Dave-O, Moonshine, Hawk, Specks, and Yo-Yo. (Dave-O might be trackable - if his name is actually Dave - but there are a LOT of Daves. And if Dave-O's legal name is Tom or Linda, they've got nothing to start with.)

In addition to the plan of "it's ALWAYS shut-the-fuck-up Friday," if they've overheard casual conversations, it's harder for them to act against an obvious nickname. They CAN get a subpoena for "John or Jane Doe, alias Treefrog," but that doesn't tell them where Treefrog works or lives. They can't look up "alias Treefrog" in the DMV records.

You should know that you have the option of resisting or running, but sometimes you're going to look at those and say "the person relying on me (child, sibling, grandparent, etc.) would literally die if I got locked up or skipped town."

Resistance is better, not just for the community, but for yourself - because as noted, while they give you immunity for what you say, if someone else gives them the same info, they can come after you for that.

If the cops are saying "hey, these people are not your friends; they won't protect you; why are you protecting them" - you're not. You're protecting yourself, and your sense of integrity, and you are not supporting cops, because whether or not "those people" are your friends, cops are definitely your enemy.

If you have to comply -

Lying is a big crime, and if they're asking you, they're probably asking other people. You have no way of knowing how verifiable anything you say is. Trying to lie to protect your friends is a bad idea.

Not knowing is not a crime. STFU-Friday doesn't just apply to you; don't ask people for details you don't need. "How were people going to get to the protest?" "I think Treefrog's friend Mouse was going to give some of them a ride" is one answer, but even better is "I dunno; I was gonna take the bus. How other people were gonna get there wasn't my problem." (But: better is just plain "I don't know." Don't volunteer info, even to clarify what you don't know.)

Grand Juries are skilled at getting coherent info out of incoherent, scatterbrained people - obfuscation through random barrage of irrelevant details is not likely to work. (Or rather, someone on the grand jury is likely to be able to see through that. And deliberately obstructing things, if they notice you doing it, is also a crime.)

They're often not looking for crime details; they're trying to understand the shape of the community. Who's the spearhead people; who makes decisions and who just tags along; where do people hang out and meet new people who want to participate; who comes up with the cool ideas; who's always a little over-the-top and nobody listens to that guy. Who is the emotional support person for the group. Whose houses do they think are safe and friendly. ...Who's struggling in school; who's desperate for a job; who's going through a weird breakup and worried about the future. Who lives on gov't support - Social security, disability, food stamps, etc.

If you're answering anything, only answer the exact question given, and do not elaborate. If you don't know an exact answer ("What time did Dave-O arrive?") - say "I don't know" or "I don't remember," not "maybe 5 or 6, sometime before dark." (Remember: If you say he showed up at 5 or 6, and later records say he showed up at 4:30, you have lied. Lying is a crime.)

The whole process is designed to confuse and intimidate you. Learn as much as you can about it in advance to mitigate that.

[ama3003]

The Cost of Sides

Character: Bucky Barnes

Requested: Yes! I didn't want to respond directly since it does contain some Thunderbolts Spoilers but I really hope you see this. If you do see this, please message me that you did so, I can have some peace of mind.

The request started with "Can I request a fic for Bucky please? I’m wanting lots of angst of reader and Bucky not seeing eye to eye after..."

Type: Angst

Summary: You and Bucky seem to be on opposite sides.

A.N: DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT THUNDERBOLTS TO BE SEMI SPOILED!!!!!!!!!

Again THUNDERBOLTS* SPOILERS ARE IN THIS FIC

3...2..1...

You met Bucky through Steve during the U.N. bombing fiasco—back when everything was falling apart and nothing felt safe.

From that moment on, you were in it with him. Every step, every fight, every quiet moment in the aftermath. He never had to ask; you were just there.

And when Steve died, when the weight of it all came crashing down, the two of you leaned on each other like you were the only solid thing left in the world. Somewhere in that grief, love happened. Slowly, then all at once.

After that, you were just… you and him. No big declarations. No drama. Just this steady, easy rhythm.

Sure, there were arguments—small ones, over stupid things like laundry or leaving dishes in the sink—but never real fights. Nothing that stuck. You could read each other so well it never got that far.

Until you played the video Sam sent you.

“Ladies and gentlemen, meet the New Avengers,”

And there was Bucky. In the center. Wearing his suit. Standing with them.

Your heart dropped so fast you couldn’t breathe for a second. Not because you thought he betrayed you or Sam though he definitely did—but because he let it happen. Because he stood there, quiet.

You didn’t want to pick sides. God, you really didn’t. But it felt like he already had.

He said he didn’t ask for it. Said he wasn’t even sure how it happened. But he kept showing up to their briefings, kept running missions with them, kept wearing that title like it didn’t burn.

And the worst part? The government—the government—was backing them. Funding them. Controlling them. You grew up watching them twist heroes into weapons. And now they had Bucky.

You tried to talk. At first, it was calm. Then it wasn’t.

Now it’s been fourteen months. And you barely recognize the way your fights stretch out, sharper, faster, more frequent. Less about the Avengers and more about everything that’s not being said.

You still love him. That’s not even a question. And he loves you. You know that. But sometimes love isn’t enough to close the space that’s growing between two people who don’t see the world the same way anymore.

You try. You both do. But it’s harder than it used to be. Way harder.

This morning, you show up at the compound with coffee in your hands, the paper tray trembling just slightly from lack of sleep—and everything else. It’s your way of saying sorry without saying the words. Not for what you fought about, but for the way it happened. For the silence after.

That’s how you find yourself stepping off the elevator and into the team’s living space chest still aching from the night before—just in time to hear it:

"Weren’t you going to talk to him?"

"I already did," Bucky says. His voice is low, tired. Like he’s already lived through the argument in his head too many times to want to say it again.

"And?"

"It went poorly."

You stop just past the doorway, your stomach twisting. You shouldn’t have heard that. But now that you have, you can't pretend you didn’t.

“You spoke to Sam?” you ask, stepping into the room fully.

Everyone looks up. The weight of too many eyes lands heavy on your skin. No one says anything. They don’t have to. Everyone knows what’s been going on—what’s been quietly breaking between you and Bucky for over a year now.

“I brought coffee for everyone,” you offer, your voice quieter than you meant it to be. It doesn’t hide the tension. It only highlights it.

Then, gently to Bob: “I got you decaffeinated tea.”

“Thank you,” Bob says, offering a soft smile, trying to smooth out the edges of the moment. But it doesn't do much.

You turn back to Bucky, heart in your throat. “You spoke to Sam?”

He exhales slowly. “Yeah. I did.”

“Why?” you ask. You already know the answer. You’re just hoping it’s not the one you’re thinking.

“To see if he would stop all of this,” he says, rubbing a hand down his face.

You stare at him, jaw clenched. “I told you he wouldn’t. Ross is breathing down his neck. He basically has his hands tied.”

Bucky shakes his head, frustrated. “That doesn’t give him the right to make this whole thing hell for us. It’s not our fault that Valentina decided to do all of this.”

You feel the words catch in your chest before they come out. “But you didn’t fight it.”

The room is still. Even the air feels heavy.

Yelena, sitting off to the side, casually adds, “You do know that he filed for copyright of the name.”

Bucky turns toward her, caught off guard. “Did he?” Then his eyes swing back to you. “See? We're not doing anything. He’s taking it too far.”

You feel heat rise in your chest. Not anger exactly—something messier. “Look, the Avengers stay with the one who has the shield. He has the right to start up the team again. And don’t forget—you’re the one who told him he should.”

“I never said that.”

You glare at him, the words hitting before you can stop them. “He vented to you, Bucky. You gave him advice. You told him Steve didn’t make a mistake handing him the shield. You told him to lead—to build something new. The Avengers. And now not only is there a new team, but you’re in it. With the same government that once tried to erase him. And you didn’t even try to understand his side."

He scoffs, voice rising. “Sam’s side? He’s the one who doesn’t want to speak to me! He’s the one who’s blaming me like I planned this!”

“What happened during that call?” you ask, arms crossed tightly in front of you like it’s the only thing holding you together.

“I told him—” Bucky starts, then shrugs, eyes flicking away. “I told him he was being ridiculous. That there’s already an Avengers team. That there’s no reason to start a second one.”

Your lips part, but it takes a second for the words to come. “So you basically told him to back off.”

“He’s making this really difficult,” Bucky mutters.

You feel something in you crack—quietly. You can't keep arguing. You lost all willpower. You grab your purse off the counter. “I’m not doing this right now,” you say, more to yourself than to him.

But behind you, his voice calls out, rough and wounded. “You’re not even going to hear me out?”

You stop. You turn. Slowly. “I’ve been hearing you out for fourteen months, Bucky,” you say. “Every time. I’ve listened. I’ve tried to understand. But you signed on with them. What more is there to hear?”

He steps forward, like being closer might help you hear him better. “It’s not like that—”

“No?” Your voice trembles, but the anger in it keeps it from breaking. “Because it feels like exactly that. And fine, let’s say you didn’t sign up for the politics, but you’re still here. Standing next to them. Like that shield and that name didn’t come with blood and pain and history.”

His shoulders tense. His jaw tightens. That flash of guilt flickers in his eyes again—but he swallows it down too fast. Again.

“This isn’t about Sam.”

You almost laugh. “Everything is about Sam.”

“I didn’t want this,” he snaps. “But sometimes we don’t get to wait for the perfect cause to show up. The world’s on fire. Sam had time—he could’ve acted. But now he’s creating this new team out of spite.”

You look at him like you don’t recognize him for a second. “And sometimes you don’t even realize you’re helping the very system that tried to erase your best friend from history...That tried to bury you.”

He flinches. That one lands. You can see it in the way he goes still.

You take a shaky breath. “Sam bled for that shield. He earned it. But they made him prove himself again and again. Until he was almost broken. And now you’re smiling for the cameras next to the same people who happily tried to hand that legacy to John.” You glance at Walker. “No offense.”

“Some taken,” Walker mumbles. You ignore him.

Bucky’s face darkens. “I haven’t forgotten what they did. But I haven’t forgotten the threats out there, either. This team… it’s not perfect. But we show up. Sam’s team haven’t shown up at all.”

“And when they do?” you say, stepping closer. “Are you really going to go up against Sam? Against his team? Over a name?”

“If that’s what it takes.”

It feels like a punch to the ribs. You stare at him, voice soft and hollow. “And what about me?”

That shatters something in his expression. You see it—the flicker of fear he tries to bury but can’t. Because this time, it’s different. You’ve fought before—circling this dilemma for months, both of you carefully pretending it lived outside your relationship. Like you could keep love and ideology in separate rooms. But this? This is the first time the line disappears. The first time it feels personal.

And you can’t pretend anymore.

“We’re a family, Bucky. After Steve, it’s always been us three. And now you're ready to go against him? Over a group name that we both know belongs to him.”

“I want to be where I can help,” he says, quieter now. “Sure, the government backs us up, but we're not letting them control us. We're on the right side."

Your eyes burned, but you refused to let the tears fall. “And what happens when the lines between right and wrong blur, Bucky? When the people you’re working with start justifying things again?"

He doesn’t answer right away.

You lower your voice, barely above a whisper now. “What happens when history repeats itself?”

He looks at you, offended. “You think I’d let that happen again?”

“I don’t know,” you whisper. “And that’s what scares me.”

The silence hung there like a bruise. No one said a word.

Silence settled between you again, broken only by the muffled sounds of the team whispering amongst themselves, trying not to be obvious, failing miserably.

You turned toward the window because it was easier than looking at him. Easier than seeing what was—or wasn’t—left in his eyes.

Your voice came out quieter than you meant, cracked at the edges.

“I can’t follow you into this, Buck.”

You heard him breathe in—sharp, like maybe he hadn’t expected that. Or maybe he had.

“I never asked you to,” he said. But there was something in his voice. A break. A catch. Something small but real.

And somehow, that made it worse.

You nodded, once. No drama. No grand speech. Just… done. Then you turned and walked toward the elevator.

No one stopped you.

You felt their eyes on your back. You felt his most of all.

The elevator dinged open, and you stepped in stiffly, trying to keep your hands from shaking and your heart from breaking right here in front of them.

The doors started to close.

He still didn’t move.

Still didn’t say your name.

And that? That was the part that broke you. He was letting you go.

Only when the doors shut and you were alone did your shoulders slump. Only then did the breath you'd been holding finally let go—and it came out shaky.

You didn’t cry. Not yet.

You pulled out your phone, meaning to call Sam. Ask if you could crash for the night.

But your screen lit up before you could type.

Your lock screen.

That damn photo.

You and Bucky, wrapped up in each other, grinning like idiots. Some blurry picture someone else had snapped at some rooftop barbecue. He had his arm around you, his mouth near your ear. You were laughing like the world wasn’t ending.

Back when things still felt easy.

Before sides. Before names meant more than people.

Before all of this.

You stared at it, and your chest ached. Actually ached.

Different times. Different battles. Same man.

But maybe not the same love.

You’d followed him through hell and worse. You would’ve followed him anywhere.

But not this time.

Not into something that went against everything you believed. Not when it meant losing pieces of yourself just to stay close to him. Not when it meant standing against the memory of the only real family you've ever had.

Ahhh, I seriously love getting Bucky requests—they're always my favorite to write!

Also, I know this whole Sam vs. Bucky situation has stirred up a lot of emotions, but honestly, their friendship is so strong that I doubt it'll last long.

Anywhoooo I hope you enjoy this one! Love you all and thank you for all the support!!!!!

Pleaseeeee send me more requests (I'm on a Bucky roll right now lol)! And to those who have requested don't worry I'll get to yours soon!

[revolutionsingingintherainnn]

i've seen a lot of people talk about lando fans needing to touch grass because we're mad about that picture, but you don't understand why we're mad. honestly, i have no reason to this, but i do need to get this off my chest.

a lot of lando fans (myself included) tried to ignore the way mclaren has been treating lando off track, as well as on track. we're not going to touch the subject of on track here. we're only talking about off track here. their instagram page has more oscar/oscar's car or joint pictures than that of just lando. they do post lando, but it's always in the second or the third slide. it's not the front of it, so it looks like they're posting oscar more.

now, the issue with that picture is that its fine that they clicked the picture. mistakes happen, oscar saw that he was covering lando, and he moved over for another picture where lando was visible as well. so, we, as fans, know that there are two versions of that picture that exists. what bothers us is that they not only posted it on their instagram with a heartfelt team related caption, but also made it their twitter header.

now, the instagram thing could have gone multiple different ways than the one mclaren chose to do it. they could have added a funny caption instead, or they couldn't done a little drawing of lando, just something cute, something funny, something that feels included. instead, they chose a picture where lando is completely covered. like, when i first saw the picture, i didn't even notice that lando was behind oscar. so, they chose that picture, they chose that caption, and on top of that, they chose to only tag one driver out of the two drivers they have.

and then, to go on and make that picture their twitter header? knowing full well that there is a version of that same moment where lando is, in fact, visible? that speaks volumes.

it took them over 2k comments on instagram before they changed their header picture on twitter, and before they tried to do damage control by posting lando more.

i'm not saying that the team should stop posting oscar or something. do not twist my words. i'm saying that there should be a balance of how much they post each driver, and if they're posting a team picture, it should include the entire team.

seeing that picture, as a lando fan, it is really disheartening. to us, it feels like the team have forgotten him, or put him on the back burner. to us, it feels like they have a bias and they're not being subtle about it. it kills us because we have seen lando hold his team higher than himself, work for the team instead of himself, count every win as the team's, and every loss as his own. we have seen lando do that for years, but mclaren seem to have completely left him in the trenches.

for every "mentally weak" comment regarding lando that comes up in the press, there are other drivers and other teams that are saying it's not true and are defending lando. his own team never say a word. for every mistake or bad quali/race position, lando blames himself and mclaren let him take the brunt of it from the media and the fans, and then a week later, come out with a small article somewhere about how it was actually the team's fault, not lando's.

people underestimate the power of social media sometimes. you think it's not a big deal that lando's being posted, just in the second or the third slide? sponsors only look at the face. the face on their instagram page is not lando. the way they're promoting both drivers differently is clear, and it's clear because that what we're seeing, what's being shown to us. mclaren are trying to be subtle about it, but their subtlety left the conversation a long time ago.

the narratives that they push about lando being weak, having reached his highest potential already, buckling under pressure, all of it could be debunked if the team spoke out about it and supported their driver. they're not, so these narratives are being shoved down people's throats. the hate comments on their own instagram posts are vile, and it doesn't take that long to put out a statement that those need to stop, that the fans don't know what's going on behind the scenes, and that the fans have no right to judge a driver on things they can't do. it's not that difficult, but it really seems like mclaren would rather burn to the ground than support their driver.

i don't expect everyone to understand this. i know there's going to be people who come at me and say that i'm being a conspiracy theorist or i'm overthinking this or whatever. but, if you haven't seen a person, or have been a person, who has given your all to someone or something, and get close to nothing in return, this is the type of behaviour that cannot be ignored.

[redwinewhiteroses]

What are their thoughts about you?

You can try this reading for romantic AND platonic connections. I have included romantic messages but you can always just omit them when checking for a friendship or a familial relationship. However I made this reading specifically for romantic connections.

Image 1

Queen of Cups, Nine of Cups, Nine of Wands reversed, The Moon, Four of Wands | The Devil

Happy, Happy rev/Loyal Heart rev/Give your relationship a chance/Getting to know each other

They think you are an incredibly compassionate person. They know that you are very gentle and loving as a person. You treat people with kindness and you consider people's feelings at all times, and you are never reckless when it comes to dealing with anything that involves emotions. They think that you have a lot of love to give to the world and at the same time you are secure with great self-love as well. You radiate love all around you effortlessly and you care genuinely. They also think that you forgive easily or has a soft spot for loved ones, and you might be sensitive when it comes to matters of the heart. You might have a delicate nature and you might be artistic too.

They think that you might be serious about loyalty and relationships, and the very fact makes them think that being loved by you will be healing and nurturing, and anybody who has your attention is incredibly lucky to be blessed by your healing presence. They see you as someone who deeply embodies femininity and quiet grace.

You might remind them of their mother sometimes, if not it's the warmth you have maybe in your words, presence, thoughts and expressions that remind them of motherly and pure love.

They think you are mature, the way you deal with problems with compassion and understanding. Maybe you don't judge anyone on a whim and you don't arrive at conclusions without proper consideration. This nature of yours put them at ease and makes them feel accepted. They might also feel safe in your presence. Your behaviour, character and the way you present yourself makes them think that you might become a good mother someday or you already are. Even if you are not, you might have that effect on people and they really appreciate that.

If you are already in a relationship, then they are so proud to have you by their side and really grateful too. I heard proud to call you mine. Your value is well-known to them, that is obvious. They believe they won when it comes to you and that they have gained everything they could possibly want from a romantic partnership. You might be a wish fulfillment for them. Maybe they wanted you for so long and to know that they can finally have you brings them a ton of satisfaction and appreciation for you. You bring them a lot of pleasure. There's a lot of satisfaction in your relationship.

For those of you aren't already in a relationship with this person, they want to win your heart somehow😭 I don't know if they will act on it or how quick they want to, but they are trying to attract you and manifest you into their life somehow. It is because of the belief they have of your value. They know that you will add to their life and make them feel better in every possible way.

They can see that you love yourself and know your worth and they are aware of it too. They can see it and they absolutely love how much self-respect you have. Even if you are someone who is more introverted or shy, they think you are confident in your own unique way. They can't help but see that, the quiet grace and strength you possess whilst being soft and gentle.

They might think you are successful too, in one specific way or in many ways. One thing that really stands out is the value they see in you. They see great value, maybe you are exactly who they were looking for all this time, or they think that what you have and who you are as a person is undoubtedly the ideal partner for anyone who wishes to experience love. There's a lot of admiration for you in their eyes.

I'm thinking of this scenario, let's just say you are playing a match, a sports event of some kind and your person is on the sidelines watching you and they are like That's my girl! with visible satisfaction written all over their face. That's so adorable :)

I get this feeling that for very few of you this person could be a secret admirer of yours. I'm thinking of Ladybug and Cat Noir typa situation😄 where you both are oblivious of the fact that you crave and admire each other. So instead of initiating a relationship you still look at each other and think your union is a very difficult reality to achieve and to win you is only a dream; a dream that obviously brings a lot of contentment and joy.

However you might act defensive at times. Maybe you are just protective of your energy. Maybe you are not open to relationships right now or you are just not ready. They think you are wounded in some way, weak and way too exhausted due to something. I wonder if you've given up something recently. It's also like you do not wish to pour your energy into things you believe won't work. Maybe your person is paranoid that you might not even give them a chance. They feel very let down. I wonder if they think that you don't have enough energy right now, maybe you have a lot going on in your life.

They also think you are a bit hesitant or maybe it's them. I think your past experiences doesn't allow you to trust anyone easily or you got hurt badly and now your boundaries are pretty strong. They sense a feeling of subtle fear, hurt and powerlessness from you. I wonder if you are running away from this person for some reason.

There's something standing between the both of you and I think it's hurting you both. They might think that you are fragile in some way and that you are in need of protection. Someone might have an avoidant attachment style in relationships.

There's this slightest hint of trauma and painful memories here. A bit of fear and a lack of clarity too. They think unlocking joy is possible with you but they think something is missing. It's like they can't see everything about you. There is something that they haven't yet figured about you or it's just worry standing in the way of happiness.

For some of you, they might think that ultimate happiness with you is an illusion and they might not be able to have it. Or it's just doubt, fears and nervous energy thinking it will all go wrong. They think you have to be more open if you intend to deepen this relationship. Can we have everything we want, a happy ending to this chapter and then begin the next together? This seems to be a constant thought on their mind.

Another thing I'm getting is this person might be living in a different country; a long distance relationship. So they think that things will only work out when you finally close the distance between you.

Finally they think you should let go of worrying and try to cheer up. Maybe try to let go of whatever is hurting you.

I can't help but think something. Take this only if it resonates. There could've been past cheating or betrayal of some kind between you and this person, because of which they think happiness isn't as easy to gain with you. I wonder if lies were spoken or some form of deception or concealing information happened here. There's a little hesitation when it comes to relaxing, enjoying or being lighthearted with you.

With the devil being at the bottom, nine of wands, moon and the oracle card reversals make me think that there is an illusion of some kind. Addiction, obsession or some toxic attachment might be relevant to you or them. Even issues that relate to mental health struggles.

However if you don't share a history with this person, it's mostly just doubt and anxiety they feel about the future of this connection. They are looking for clarity and wondering about the chances of having a potential commitment with you but at the same time questioning if they could/should trust you; if their loyalty will be returned and if it's time to be happy and rejoice.

Other confirmation messages :

Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aries, Capricorn, Jupiter in Pisces, Neptune placements, Chiron placements, Venus in Aries, Exalted Jupiter

Trophy wife/husband

Past mistakes should not be repeated

"Love is when you protect each other"

Drugs, addictions and unhealthy obsessions

Stalker vibes (but mostly secret admirer vibes)

"Hiding your truth"

"We should be more honest to each other"

Unhealthy attachment styles

Being attracted to partners who heal past scars

Bleed on people who didn't cut you

Image 2

Five of Wands, The Hierophant, Death, Seven of Wands reversed, Ten of Swords reversed | Eight of Cups reversed

Orphaned/A leg up/Message in a bottle reversed/Religious factors/Reconciliation

A little disclaimer here, if you are asking about someone with whom you have a smooth relationship with little to no conflict, then this isn't the group for you. You should DEFINITELY choose another.

For others who know deep down that you've chosen the correct group according to your situation, please be kind to yourself and try to be kind with this person you are asking about too. Healing is possible and everything is going to get better. Please try to cultivate peace and love. With that being said, let's get in to your reading.

These thoughts are really heavy. There's a lot of conflict here. They probably fought with you constantly or you did. So their thoughts about you are tainted with contempt or more so anger.

There might've been a divorce, an ending or a great strife between you and this person. This conflict still goes on in their mind even despite physical separation.

Hatred is a strong word, I don't think they hate you, but they find it hard to forgive themselves or you.

There could've been disagreements or compatibility issues in your relationship that caused you both to be at each other’s throats.

Differences in spiritual practices, religious beliefs, culture, family traditions or even elders influencing your relationship with this person might be one of the causes of this deep running conflict.

Your beliefs could've been significantly different, even morals, ideals and expectations of life might not have aligned well. If you took one step forward, they might've disagreed with you on that, if you took one step backward they still would've disagreed. What I'm trying to say is that there's no way you could've won, and there's no way they could have won. There's no winner here, but you both want to be one.

It's like that. A constant pull and push, unwilling to compromise, and not grounded enough to acknowledge mistakes. They think that in whatever way you involve yourself with them, it always inevitably end in more chaos.

For some of you, this could be an elder, a parent figure or mentor that you are asking about. For others this is a marriage or a commitment you once had. A marriage proposal maybe was turned down or called off.

There is no doubt that this has been a life changing event for both parties involved. I don't think this was easy for you or them, but now they might believe that this was for the best. They think that maybe this separation was a blessing in disguise and an opportunity to move forward with a fresh start; to find people, places and situations that truly align with you and them.

I wonder if some of you are asking of a deceased person, I don't read messages about that, so I won't dive deep into details.

They are tired of thinking or feeling. They have given up truly. They feel judged, defeated and they are doubting themselves and right now they are doubting you and every one. This might sound harsh, but they have lost faith. They have stopped fighting after fighting for too long. Now they have finally come to a realization that it was a waste of time, energy and resources to engage in conflict. It's not even about admitting defeat anymore, they are just DONE.

They might be receiving a lot of criticism from their family and loved ones including you and a lot of hate from strangers too. You could be experiencing similar reactions too.

There might've been overstepped boundaries here. Taking things too far comes to mind. What started as a small problem or a fight might've escalated into a web of misunderstandings and conflict, soon leaving no place to exit peacefully. Two conflict cards in one reading, repeating 5s, two major arcana and all the cards here indicate a lot of unresolved conflict, friction and hopelessness. Their thoughts of you are clouded with chaos; they can't even start tackling them, it's a huge mess to handle.

But the worst is over, they have just begun the process of regenerating. There's a long way to go and it's definitely not a beginning they have, they have just escaped ruin. They are in a complete disaster. I wonder if you have betrayed them or they were betrayed by someone they trusted the most. They have finally accepted their fate, understood their mistakes and failures.

This person could be in jail too or serving a sentence of some kind.

They feel a deep sense of loss, like they don't belong where they once used to. They feel unsupported, but support is the very thing they need right now.

They think that making peace about this situation is the only thing they could do right now.

They fear a lot of things; they fear the good things and the bad things. They might be avoiding you but it's not just you. Whatever this conflict has been about it has impacted their entire personal life and wellbeing.

All in all, their thoughts about you are in a negative light and I believe it will remain this way for a while. They are hurting a lot and you might be too.

This song, the lyrics might have something you need to know.

Other confirmation messages :

Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, Aries, Saturn in Leo, Saturn in Aries(Debilitated saturn), Gemini, Aquarius, Libra, Debilitated 7th lord, Mars in 1, 4, 7th houses, North Node in 1st house, NN and SN in the 1/7 axis, Weak jupiter or moon, Sun in 7th house, Fire dominant

"Red flags are not pretty decorations for you to admire; they are warning you for a reason." (From the oracle guidebook)

Anger issues/Repressed anger

Unresolved problems due to miscommunication or lack of communication

My way or the highway

Failing to compromise

Ego clashes

A significant commitment

Grave consequences

Left or right?

Confusion and indecision

Deeply hurt and feeling betrayed

I do not feel understood at all

Burning fire

Unsupportive family/friends/circle

African/Indigenous/South African/New Zealand/Aboriginal person/Native American

You shared a special song with this person, and at one point of time it was your song

Too far gone/Gone girl? (Movie maybe)

Contempt

Conspired together to bring someone down

All hope is lost

Competing with your partner

It never gets easy. I give up

Self-expression and need to be recognised

Doesn't get each other

Problems within an institution affecting you and this person

Marriage set up by elders against your wishes

Patience, love and understanding is required

Grew up alone/Missed family most of the time

Religious disputes, family being related to a specific religious position in society

Family clans or something? (Thinking of China, Japan, Korea, Philippines too)

Catholicism

That is all for your reading. I know it was a bit heavy and painful, but those were the messages that came through. Now the circumstances for everyone who chose this group will vary in intensity, although the thoughts and feelings remain quite the same.

Please, please be gentle with yourself 🩷

Image 3

Ten of Cups, King of Cups, Queen of Cups, Temperance, Justice | Three of Cups

Milk and Honey/To be fair reversed/Mending reversed/ Stay optimistic about your love life/This could be the one

The amount of cup cards here is crazy. These are not thoughts they have of you, these are feelings 💌😭 They too run deep.

Reminds me of this post I saw somewhere. The difference between these phrases is huge in a writer's pov,

I love you

I love you

I love you

I love you

Do you see it? I really hope you do, cause it's so wholesome and heartwarming. Thoughts with deep feelings etched to them is what's going on here.

All the tarot cards here in one way or the other speaks of counterparts, soulmates and destined partners, feel free to use whatever term you believe in. Your person thinks you are the one. Period. There is no doubt in that🙈 Also mirroring energy is quite strong here, so I'm thinking you too could have similar thoughts and feelings towards them. 10, 11, 14, 9 could be significant.

They feel protective of you. When they think of you, their heart probably breaks a little, not with sadness, but with the sheer intensity of their adoration for you, maybe they even shed a tear in secret🤭 They are soft for you.

They are committed to you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, you name it, in all ways they are yours. All that they have, they are yours. That is what they think of you. They are loyal af. They only have eyes for you.

If you are not already in a commitment with them, they want it right now. It's not even a question to them, they just know you are the one for them and I'm pretty sure looking at these cards, you are in a happy relationship with this person you are asking about. If not you might see the possibility of a great connection yourself. Their feelings are pure and very clear. They love you like they love no other.

Oh my gosh, leave the reading and go listen to this song, this is exactly what's on their mind. This is what they'll tell you 😭

I'm wondering if this is someone's first love, like you both could be the first love for one another. I'm thinking of teen romance too. Honestly feels like an all-consuming love. Feels like sweets, candy and ice cream. 🥰🍬🍭🍨

They crave love and marriage with you and they dream of building a family with you. They want that fairytale ending with you, the happily ever after. There is a vision of having a beautiful future with you, fulfilling all of your desires whilst achieving their own dreams and having a lasting relationship with you. They feel a strong sense of connection with you and a deep sense of belonging when they spend time with you. You bring deep emotional fulfillment to them, one look at you and probably their day is fixed and all their worries gone, in just an instant.

They might want to spend all their time with you, in fact if given the choice they would be incredibly happy just to be by your side from morning to night. They probably are by your side right now, probably cuddling or holding your hand or something haha. I don't think they'll leave you alone even for a brief while. Man, they are in love with you, they won't ducking leave you even to go to the grocery store😂 If they are given the choice, they'll happily be your shadow.

Happy wife, happy life comes to mind. You know the phrase Dylan Sprouse says to Barbara. You might even have a relationship dynamic like that. Your person might be your biggest hype man, maybe they are not that vocal about it, but believe me they are.

You really make them want to have kids with you. You know that clip where Ryan Gosling says that he knew he didn't want to have kids with no one else, but with Eva Mendes or something like that. Your person might have had a realization similar to that. They have actually had many realizations about you, group 3.😅 I'm so sure of it. Those are beautiful realizations actually.

Also all these celebrity couples makes me wonder if you are one yourself haha. I mean there's this slightest chance you are. Or maybe there's already a lot of eyes on you and your relationship. The connection you share with each other is so profound that it might pique people's interests all the time.

They are devoted to you, gentle with you in all possible ways, probably cooks for you and feeds you. Woah they just love taking care of you. At the end of the day, they just want to listen to you about how your day went. Reminds me of Benny Blanco making it all about Selena in every way possible way. They just want you to be happy. You are their sun and their whole world revolves around you. You are their happiness, all they want and need.

You might be married to this person, at least few of you who pick this group. This person is all about family. They are a good person through and through, probably a little sensitive but has a heart of gold. Values your commitment deeply, but most importantly values you over anything else. Would probably jump into a fire to save you. They are locked in.

Probably highly compassionate, talks to you softly and tries to understand you patiently at all times. They try their best to be the man/woman you want.

They might just get you, intuitively. They just know what to give you, how you want it and when you want it. It comes naturally to them. Their love for you is obvious and their only hope is for you to receive it.

They might show up in a very balanced masculine and feminine way. So in one time they will show up in an incredibly refined feminine(we are talking about energy here, not gender) way; taking care of you and healing you with the softest touch, and another time they'll be by your side being protective in the most direct and assertive way possible. But every time they show up, they do so with love. Maybe you are this way too.

You guys probably might share a creative hobby of some kind, maybe you play/listen to music together, create art together or something like that and they deeply enjoy the time you spend with them doing activities like that.

I do believe that they just love spending time with you at home. Maybe you both are a bit introverted and homebodies. You might balance each other in a beautiful way. Everytime you spend time with each other, they feel a sense of purpose and ease about living life.

With all these thought mixed feelings they have of you, there's also their rational mind making a conscious effort to always do the right thing. They think you deserve fairness and honesty above all. I believe they give so much importance to your worth and it's always one of their priorities to honour that and always treat you fairly. They are incredibly honest with you because they know you deserve that. I'm pretty sure they would always want to share everything with you; their thoughts, feelings, experiences, stories etc. What I'm trying to say is they will bare their soul to you so that nothing is hidden from you. They value transparency, and they either think you are like that already or they just really appreciate that quality. They just wanna do right by you.

There's a strong commitment shown in these cards. Loyalty and honor so powerful you'll feel respected at all times. You might already know this and if you don't, they'll make sure to let you know through their words and actions continuously, not to convince you, but only because this is all they wish to do in this lifetime; to be by your side and treat you right, love you with all that they have.

There's a final message for some of you. Maybe you are not in it as much as they are. The number of times balance showed up in this reading is uncanny. Makes me wonder if you are not as invested in this as much as them. Or it's just that you haven't quite succeded in giving them the same fairness that they have provided you. Nothing wrong with you, it's just that your person is very abundant, so even if you are giving a lot back to them, it still feels less in comparison.

They might be trying to be even more optimistic about you and this connection. They are having faith about love, and so should you. Maybe this is something they want you to know.

Also they probably think you'll be their last. Maybe that message holds a lot of significance to someone here. They might've said it to you.

Other confirmation messages :

Cancer, Pisces, Sagittarius, Libra, Gemini, Exalted Jupiter(Jupiter in cancer), Venus in Cancer, Venus in Scorpio, Exalted Venus(Venus in Pisces), Jupiter nakshatras in big 3, Moon or Jupiter in 1st house, Venus in 4th or 7th house, Venus in Taurus or Libra, Sun-Moon synastry(ex you are a cancer moon and they are a cancer sun), Venus, Moon, Jupiter in good dignity in 1,4,7,10 houses

Sensuality, connection, and passionate romance between lovers; sweet moments of understanding; and love among friends and family are all here for you to savor now. Your heart's calling will be answered. Let your thoughts and feelings be sweet with gratitude and you will be nourished with the honey of abundance. (From the oracle guidebook)

Morticia Addams and Gomez

Reciprocity is a beautiful thing in love and relationships

You make me wanna be a better person

True romantic at heart

Divine timing is at play here

You are the exact person/partner/lover they have been looking for all this time

Feels so right

Mexican, Mexican-American, South American, Eastern Europe

Highschool sweethearts

Friends to Lovers

Love to drink together? (Sorry, that's so random lol)

Has a cosy TV show you watch together

Justin Bieber fans

Model career

Until my last breath

Undeniable chemistry

Poetry/Poetic/Love letters

Two peas in a pod

Met at school/college/college party

Different ethnic backgrounds, but similar temperaments

The color burgundy and black (Goth subculture)

Recently married/engaged

Honeymoon

Drinks (A special drink that is symbolic)

Magic, Alchemy, Shamanism?

Cuban islands/Tropical island

The Moon Embracing the Sun korean drama

Complete each other's sentences

Dreams of each other

Holy Matrimony

Loving parents to kids

Building a cosy home together

Loves cosy gaming/Playing games together

This is a request. Please, please, please listen to the songs. You just really need to hear them🥹🩷

That's everything I have for you. Take good care of yourself and have a beautiful day! 💐🦋🌷✨️

[paintedrecs]

"Creative inbreeding" is such an apt term. It is, quite frankly, why I've pretty much given up on reading fantasy YA for the time being. A lot of the popular ones I'd been picking up - widely discussed, pretty covers, interesting summaries - are nearly indistinguishable from each other in terms of actual writing style.

Lead characters with copy/paste personalities. A love interest that hits all the popular tropes, even if the relationship doesn't really work within the story structure. A narrative arc that hits all the key stops along the way, like it's following a map. The same types of descriptions of food, clothing, towns, etc. I set the book down when I'm done and can't even remember who the author was without flipping back to that nicely illustrated cover.

I don't mean to criticize the authors, because obviously they're working hard, and it's amazing that they got their books out into the world. I'm just...tired of reading so many of the same stories, with different hats.

Part of it, I'm sure, is that people are writing what they think sells - and agents and publishing houses are probably picking up specific stories for the same reason. It's like Disney doing endless remakes of stories that were originally something creative and inspiring.

But you can tell when you're reading something that's sort of just...cobbled together from all the other books that person has encountered from within the same exact genre. They're assembling bits of everyone else's voices instead of developing their own. It might be readable, but it's not terribly memorable.

In one of my college lit classes, our final exam was to read excerpts from various literary works and write a short essay response identifying the authors and explaining our reasons. It wasn't a test to check whether we'd read and memorized everything by these authors - it was to see how closely we'd been paying attention to the ones we had read and discussed in class.

For instance, the Jack London excerpt wasn't from White Fang or The Call of the Wild - it was a paragraph from a short story we hadn't read, where you could pick up on setting, style, themes, tone, etc to say hey...I think this was probably written by him.

I still remember that exam because it was a pretty cool exercise that showed how distinct an author's voice can be, even for ones that carry over into different genres. (Jack London is a little bit of a cheat if you go "oh it's set in Alaska.") It's like hearing a song you've never listened to before and recognizing their voice, or identifying a painting without having to look at the signature.

And yes, you can see this in fanfiction, too: I used to enjoy trying to identify authors in fandom exchange festivals, before the anon switch flipped off and they were revealed. Sometimes I was wrong. Sometimes I got it right, and it was so fun!

My favorite fic authors do often have a distinct tone and style that they carry through their writing, even while drawing from canonical sources and keeping it "in character." Just like the paintings from two artists sitting next to each other in front of a bowl of fruit will depict the "same" subject on the canvas, but with their point of view and personality in the brushstrokes.

Which is all just to say that I agree, so strongly, with the need to not only read if you're going to write...but to read widely and across genres. Across time periods and languages, too: I very much recommend reading stories from other cultures and other countries, to develop a wider view of the world.

If you only read modern YA fantasy written by US-based authors, your stories are...going to sound a lot like theirs, even if you don't intend them to.

If you read a ton of fic, you'll probably learn how to write something that aligns well with what everyone seems to like and gravitate towards in fandom. Maybe that's the goal. But even if you don't have the drive or the energy to write or try to publish original works, all the advice from earlier in this thread will help you in fandom.

If you want to write a story that isn't an entirely unique concept but IS your unique voice, you have to develop that voice through wider experience.

I've seen fanfic authors brag about how they never read at all, fic or otherwise...and quite frankly, it shows. You can only improve through practice, and some of that practice includes studying and learning from others, which can really be as simple as just sitting down with a cup of tea and a stack of books.

They don't have to be "literary." They don't need glowing 5 star reviews. They should just be what books are meant to be: a way for you to dive into a whole bunch of different worlds and time periods and discover the huge range of creativity that's out there for you to enjoy.

fascinating that when you tell people "you have to learn the rules to break them" when talking about drawing/painting etc everyone nods and agrees but the second you say "you have to read books if you want to write better" there's a horde of contrarians begging to be the wrongest people ever all of a sudden

[ooooo-mcyt]

Desert Duo and Flower Husbands are such parallels to me because they have the exact same fundamental compatibility issues to me.

I've said it so many times before, but I'll say it again; neither Scott nor Jimmy were in the 'wrong' for their relationship issues, they were just different people. Scott is someone who heavily values stability and unity within a relationship, he wants to feel safe and mutually supported in terms of being a solid team. Jimmy is someone who heavily values personal freedom within a relationship, he wants to feel like he has space to move and follow his ambitions, and ideally a relationship for him would be supportive in terms of mutual encouragement but also very non-limiting. There was a lot of mutual affection and a desire to protect each other between Scott and Jimmy in Third Life, but Scott's fundamental need for stability left Jimmy feeling like he was being held back and stifled, and Jimmy's immense ambition left Scott feeling like he was being steamrolled and dragged into unstable situations he doesn't want.

On the other side of things, you have Scar and Grian. Grian is a very anxious person, he needs to feel on top of things, he needs to feel steady ground beneath his feet, and he has explicitly stated that what he wants is a partner, someone who he can trust and depend on and who actively lessens the burden of labor (both literal and emotional) on him. Scar, on the other hand, needs a lot of room for personal expression and individuality, relationships for him are about having a good time together, because Scar puts a lot of value into making the most of things and enjoying life, so Scar wants a partner who will let him be more independent and who is willing to just enjoy things with him. Once again, Scar and Grian have a lot of mutual affection, and in ideal circumstances (i.e. hermitcraft) they get on like a house on fire. But often you get the problem where Scar feels like he's being pushed into things he doesn't want and expected to 'change' while Grian feels unsupported and like he's left doing too much labor in their relationship.

Now, obviously, these are two different relationships, so a lot of the specifics are different, but I compare them because think Scar+Grian and Jimmy+Scott have the exact same very fundamental compatibility issues. Scott and Grian both view relationships through a lens of stability and serious partnership while Scar and Jimmy both view relationships through a lens of support through mutual encouragement while maintaining individuality. In both relationships, things they value in both their relationships and their lives generally are fundamentally incompatible in very similar ways.

Which, to be clear, doesn't override the love they had for each other, and these are things that can be overcome in ideal circumstances. But unfortunately an unending death game isn't a setting where working through fundamental relationship differences always feels worth it, or even possible.

And that's..not anyone's fault. I see so much side taking in fanon with both of these relationships, but the way I view them both, nobody involved has done anything wrong. There's no bad guy. Sometimes you're both good people, people who genuinely love each other, people who both have reasonable desires that they deserve to have met, and it still doesn't work, because you don't want the same thing, because you're different people and you don't have the life circumstances that make putting the effort into working it out feasible for you. That isn't a failing on anyone's part. Sometimes it's just the wrong person, or the wrong time and place. It's okay for something to just not work, and it isn't a personal failing on any party if they don't.

[luminesick]

Damian Wayne is the Robin of the Robins

Okay so we've all seen the, "Robin belongs to Bruce Wayne, but you Damian Wayne, shall be mind" in regards to Dick but idk I rlly feel like Damian is who all the Robin's live vicariously through. Like js hear me out

Dick Grayson: This one is self explanatory. Damian was LITERALLY his robin. I don't need to say more, but I will anyway. Dick loves that little guy so much, and he has so many thoughts about the Robin mantle being passed on to him. Dick knows Damian needed it, would be so much worse if he didn't have it. But he wishes Damian didn't need it to be fulfilled. He kind of understands how Bruce felt when he first made Dick, Robin.

Jason Todd: My personal (half the fandom accepts it) headcannon is that Jason and Damian both came from the league, so for Jason that's his first little brother (he met Dami before Tim). So while Jason is oh so very proud of his baby brother, he's also scared every night. Sometimes he paces around his apartment/safe house, damn near praying even though he hasn't believed in God for a long time, that Damian is safe. Another part of him though, the part that he shows to Damian, is how happy he is that Damian is 10x the Robin he was. Damian was properly trained before he became Robin, was taken under the wing of a former Robin and then was first out on the streets besides the first Robin. Jason loves seeing Damian on patrol, and just- having it together. He knows what he's doing. That's all Jason could ever ask for.

Tim Drake: Okay so this one is a teeny weeny bit more tricky, but I'll try. Tim is smart and intelligent because he had to be. He was smart before he was strong. Damian on the other hand, was born with a sword in his hand. He's very smart, yes, but it didn't come to him like it did for Tim. As for Tim, he had to train for every bit of strength he has. They're so different in that aspect (many others too) that it circles back into similarity. Another thing, is that a lot of people overlook the fact they both love(d) their parents. Tim loved Jack and Janet, and Damian loves Talia. But no one really sees the good in them. I don't know I feel like only Bruce would really get that Talia, Jack, and Janet had good in them. The rest of the family would hear "gone often," and "league" then make up their minds. Tim and Damian get it. They get each other. Then with Damian taking up the Robin mantle, Tim would be pissed, but then get it. He gets that Damian needs robin like he needed Robin. So he watches Damian swing from the rooftops, wearing red, green, and yellow, and he smiles. Smiles because Robin is in good hands.

Stephanie Brown: Before I explain, I'm like reaaaally confused on Steph and Tim's robin. I don't know if it was Tim than Steph than Tim, or Tim, Steph, Damian. (someone please explain it to me) But for either one, lets just say Steph was either not Robin yet and therefore didn't have any feels about it when Tim was Robin, or when Robin was given back to Tim, she was too jealous/busy doing her own thing. With Damian, the jealousy was back for only a second. But she's older, and more mature now. She gets why he's Robin. He's a damn good one, too. Whenever he does something crazy (in a good way), she sometimes thinks she never could have done that when she was Robin. As Spoiler? Yes. But as Robin? No. So I feel like she's crazy happy for Damian that he gets to be Robin.

Overall, Damian is not JUST Dick's Robin. He's an amalgamation of every Robin who came before him, and he's entirely himself at the same time. He's a way for all of the batkids to take Robin back from Bruce. Robin was never Bruce's, no matter how much he thought it to be. When Damian is out as Robin, he's not fighting crime for Batman. He's a symbol of hope. Of joy, and wit, and laughter, and resilience. And he's that for the people of Gotham, but also to his older brothers and sister. To carry on the legacy that they left behind for him.

[mortal-ethos]

I've found that other queer people genuinely don't understand that masc, trans masc people, and trans men struggle with this excessively. Once hegemonic cis people find out you're trans, they rarely treat you the same. You are instantly viewed as a guy with a vagina/a hysterical woman. You are seen only as your genitalia or as mentally ill.

I can't enter many lesbian spaces anymore because they don't see me as a lesbian and they don't care to. Because I can "pass" as a man in my everyday life from HRT, though any possible benefits I get up from that are devalued by how afraid I am everyday. By knowing that the minute someone learns I'm trans, I'm worth less than I was before.

I can't enter gay male spaces (well I'm not a gay man but I know many other gay trans men and trans mascs have struggled with this) because I'm a fucking fetish to many of them and they don't see me as an equal because so many gay men are fucking sexist for some fucking reason.

I can't enter many trans spaces because they only talk about trans women and don't want to hold space for trans mascs, or are dismissive of our issues, or sometimes literally forget we exist.

I've seen so many trans masc people get misgendered constantly in online trans spaces because EVERYONE FORGETS THAT NOT ALL TRANS PEOPLE ARE WOMEN.

I'm not safe in male spaces because I have to perform masculinity that fucking isn't who I am in order to be safe. I have to hide who I am and sometimes lie about who I am in order to keep myself safe.

I have to vet any place I go to extensively online beforehand if I know I will have to be shirtless or possibly using a public locker room or restroom. And many times I just decide not to risk it and I don't go. This includes the gym, public pools, amusement parks, beaches, etc.

Many trans masc people need to wear packers, yes often for dysphoria, but also for safety and there's a reason why many packers say they can pass the "squeeze test." Because transphobes have come up to trans masc people and sexually assaulted them so many times trying to "prove" that they're trans.

When I got my degree, in my final WGS class, I had to out myself as trans because all the other women in the class actively would not engage in discussion with me anytime I tried. Only after I came out in fucking class did they start to respond to me, because I was close enough to a woman to be allowed an opinion. Note, I am nonbinary but transitioned physically and socially and I present male because of my masculine gender expression. I am not bothered and do at times identify with being a woman, my problem is I was alienated for my gender expression and had to out myself in order to not be.

Fuck I CANT EVEN GO TO PLACES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS BECAUSE OF THIS.

In order for us to be seen and heard within these communities that we were previously extremely connected to and still feel that connection even as others sever it, we need to often possibly put ourselves in an unsafe position (as other people feel way too fucking comfortable with telling everyone they know that you're trans now) and explain ourselves fully (through not only personal history but also your fucking medical history) while others don't in order to be seen and heard - in order to connect with the communities that we never fucking left. It's the same thing like when parents say their "daughter/son died." I've always fucking been here, and I'm here now, just as the person I've ALWAYS BEEN. The person you accepted at the start but just didn't fucking see. And now you still refuse to see us.

Transmasc transition often involves so much loss of community. Especially if you already were in feminist or queer spaces before your transition. It's not true that we gain relevant social status within patriarchial structures by transitioning (if patriarchy supported the choices of those who they see as women to be anything other than a wife and a mother/to transgress gender-norms we wouldn't have to have most of these conversations) but we do noticeably lose social status within our own community. And along with that access to safe-spaces and ressources that we need for physical and emotional safety and well-being.

[sugussugar]

Satoru headcannons - ahh he definitely bends down and lowers his head for you to headpat him or put is ear closer so he can hear you better.

🫠🫠

AAWWW HIM DOING THIS W/ A READER WHO'S SHORTER THAN HIM (which, lets face it, is basically everyone because that man is A FUCKING GIANT) (this first bit can be read as him w a reader who's the same height/taller though, dw<3 #inclusiveorwhateva)

him asking for head pats would be so cute except he doesn't actually say anything, he just randomly comes up to you all crouched, waiting for YOU to give him the head pats first because he's fully convinced you guys are telepathic when it comes to each other. (but that's a story for another time)

i can imagine how awkward the first time would be: let me set the scene for you.

you're both home, it's a chill weekend and you're on the couch reading a book or swiping through videos on your phone, ect., and he just gets on his knees in front of you and leans the top of his head towards you.

obviously, you don't know what he's doing, but even when you giggle out a little: “Satoru, what on earth are you doing?”, he does not speak nor falter.

he holds that stance like he's being paid, you couldn't pry him out of it even if YOU were the strongest.

naturally, you start trying to guess what in the world he's doing since this is more than likely not the first time he's done something weird and expected you to figure it out.

you try kissing the top of his head, and that earns a happy hum, but he still neglects to move. you place your hand on his head and you can just tell you're getting warmer. (← “see, telepathic!?” - satoru, probably.) then you try patting and BOOM he's deadass purring like a cat while tilting his head up to meet your hand when you lift it.

and after that? it's just a habit. he doesn't say anything when he wants a head pat, he just leans the top of his head towards you and lets you do the rest.

and then him leaning down to hear you better??? (this part is targeted at readers shorter than satoru, sorry my tall bbys!!)

first time he does it is DEFINITELY during an argument.

it's not a serious argument, thankfully, just something rather silly like him eating your food or forgetting to do the dishes.

but silly or not, you're going off at him. you're in the middle of a string of insults when he leans down and puts his to his ear and goes: “what's that? can't hear you from all the way down there.”, he sleeps on the couch that night.

the second time, it's subconscious.

you two are standing in line at a cafe of some sort, talking about whatever when he suddenly leans down to hear you better.

the funny part is that neither of you notice. the cafe was rather busy and loud, so it made sense for him to lean closer.

after that, it's a back and forth. sometimes, it's sweet because it shows he's attentively listening and doesn't wanna miss a single word leaving that oh-so-beautiful mouth of yours. (←his words, not mine.)

but other times, he does it just to piss you off. he learnt his lesson about doing it during fights, and he does not wanna be sleeping on the small, uncomfortable couch when he could be sleeping beside his gorgeous spouse, but he loves doing it just to rile you up from time to time.

i hope i did your headcanons justice, lmk if this wasn't what you had in mind and I'll happily rewrite it for you <33 this was a very cute headcanon and i might have to turn it into a real fic....

[zvahlne]

hello everyone welcome to uh. welcome to my mixtape.

i posted about sharing/analyzing songs i associate with aphmau characters, and i'm starting off with one of my absolute all-time favorite songs for laurance:)

foreigner's god by hozier!! here is links if you wanna listen while you read: youtube / spotify

and now... i will tell you why... walk with me.... (this is going to be a long walk) (i have a lot to say about this one) (also i haven't gotten to season 2 in my rewatch yet but this is heavily based on how i feel about season 2. so i could be remembering some things wrong and i apologize for that...)

garroth sorry for borrowing you for my laurmau posting but i had to use this gif we're going on a walk please have mercy it's a really good gif

first just to get it out of the way

Screaming the name of a foreigner's god The purest expression of grief

she is irene [surprise pikachu]... i don't know what else to say about this. it is about the horror of falling in love with the divine (especially when you end up on the opposite end of divine through circumstance, for the divine) in our analysis today.

She moved with shameless wonder The perfect creature rarely seen Since some liar broke the thunder When the land was godless and free

"she moved with shameless wonder; the perfect creature rarely seen" he's thinking about aphmauuu... aphmau.... i love this for her. the "shameless wonder" reminds me a lot of early aphmau being absolutely goofy sometimes because jess was still playing it as minecraft ykwim? running around to attack random scorpions and having conversations with her dogs, getting excited over props in the villages she visited... yknow... shameless wonder. the shameless wonder of a gamer......

the second part just very much reminds me of the vibe of early minecraft diaries to me, it's a little hard for me to describe that. "when the land was godless" to me is like. you know aphmau/irene shenanigans. this song in my laurance playlist is a lot about the aphmau/irene shenanigans. i really wish i could explain this one better because it makes me FEEL THINGS but it's like. a vibe thing

Her eyes look sharp and steady Into the empty parts of me But still my heart is heavy With the hate of some other man's beliefs

her eyes.......

sorry what were we talking about

no but seriously i love this part for the specificity of "her eyes", because this is one of my favorite moments (this is from s2 ep 19 "her eyes" for those who aren't as laurmau-rotted as i am). "her eyes look sharp and steady into the empty parts of me" is so. it makes me so. when he comes back from the nether he's changed and he continues to change but she never looks away and that keeps him here. she doesn't turn away from him. she still sees him. but he's still empty. "but still my heart is heavy with the hate of some other man's beliefs" he's still a shadow knight, and he is still losing himself... "some other man" is the shadow lord/shad in this reading

Wondering who I copy Mustering some tender charm

^^^ laurance trying to be Normal all the while he is slowly losing himself... the experience of dying and coming back Wrong..... "wondering who i copy" being him thinking about who he was before he died in the nether. you don't come back from that the same guy unfortunately. you come back Wrong. no matter how hard you try to ignore it

my favorite part now !!!!

She feels no control of her body She feels no safety in my arms I've no language left to say it But all I do is quake to her Breaking if I try convey it The broken love I make to her

she feels no control of her body - both about the circumstances of the werewolf wedding specifically (because i am always there), but also about aphmau/irene stuff again to me

she feels no safety in my arms - laurance wants nothing more than to be aphmau's protector, to keep her safe, to make her feel safe, but how can he like this? how could she feel safe with a monster? is she safe around him? he wants that, he promises that, but is it true? laurance can't imagine she felt very safe around him at the wedding... or when he lost control of himself in scaleswind..... she feels no safety in his arms :(

i've no language left to say it, but all i do is quake to her - he used to bombard her with over-the-top flirtations, but now that he's really fallen for her, he stammers over his words. the weight of it is heavier. he loves her but suddenly that's too much to say. and --

breaking if i try convey it; the broken love i make to her - in his current state, his expression of this love is often twisted and aggressive (see: the werewolf wedding). but it's all he can give her, it's all he has left. their first kiss shouldn't have been what it was. she deserves better than that.

aand.. umm... yeah!! thanks for coming on this walk with me:) not all my lyricposting will be this long, this is just one i had a LOT to say about it and i wanted to put a little extra effort into the first lyricpost... hope you enjoyed !!

[tyrannosaurusprex]

Sometimes people say that Mark and Gemma were drifting apart before Gemma disappeared, which means that Mark and Gemma will not get a happily ever after, because the two of them were dysfunctional together, and innie Mark and Helly are a better fit.

I don't vibe with this line of reasoning, because we are only shown that Mark and Gemma had relationship issues after they started struggling with fertility. Longish post, because I cannot be concise, below the cut.

Mark Scout reacted to the fertility struggles with the same coping methods that we have seen from him time and time again: he tore apart the crib, just like he tore apart Gemma's photo and tore apart his own brain; and he lashed out at Gemma, just like he's been lashing out at everyone since Gemma disappeared; and he withdrew, stopped paying attention so much, just like he didn't really listen to Alexa on their first date, or just like he forgot to bring Ricken's book to the book reading, etc. Really, very typical stuff from him.

And my thing is...well. If it had been innie Mark and Helly struggling with fertility, would they not have had pretty much the exact same relationship issues?

Mark S and Mark Scout have the same unhealthy coping mechanisms, as far as I've seen. Mark S tore apart Petey's map, so why wouldn't he have taken apart a crib in his pain? Mark S lashed out at MDR after Cobel was harsh with him, and he was unkind to Helly after the calamitous ORTBO; why wouldn't he lash out at Helly in frustration if infertility was the problem? Mark S withdrew from the whole team after the ORTBO -- and if we're talking about not paying attention, well, he couldn't tell that Helena was posing as Helly even though Irving could. Why wouldn't he withdraw from Helly again if they were struggling with fertility instead? Hell, Mark S took the group photos with Petey off the desk and hid them in the closet, just like Mark Scout packed away Gemma's things and hid them in the basement. If innie Mark and Helly were married up above, and then Helly "died", why wouldn't Mark S pack up her things and hide them away as well?

As much as it's said that the innies and outies are different people, the two Marks, at the very least, follow a lot of the same patterns of behaviour. What I'm seeing is that if innie Mark and Helly were struggling with fertility, then Mark S would have reacted in the same way that Mark Scout did. The only factor that might cause a difference between the relationship struggles of o!Mark/Gemma and i!Mark/Helly is who Mark is in a relationship with. But I don't know, I don't think we've been shown that Helly has been able to revert innie Mark's destructive coping mechanisms, just like Gemma didn't seem to be able to with outie Mark.

Essentially, I don't think the argument that "Outie Mark and Gemma's relationship was falling apart, and therefore innie Mark and Helly are a better fit" really holds up. If outie Mark and Gemma's relationship was falling apart, it was because they were going through something that was really tough. And if innie Mark and Helly were going through the same thing, well, as far as we've seen, that would have caused their relationship to "fall apart" as well. It would be strange if innie Mark just overcame all of his unhealthy coping mechanisms with no explanation.

So if Mark Scout and Gemma are inherently dysfunctional, then Mark S and Helly are, as well. If infertility was the only reason that Mark Scout and Gemma became dysfunctional, then I think that's not really a strong reason to say that Mark S and Helly are a better pair.

For what it's worth, I don't think that outie Mark and Gemma's relationship was falling apart. They were struggling, for sure, but after the scenes where they snapped at each other, we saw them curled up together on the couch. Mark wasn't listening to Gemma the night she disappeared, but she rightfully prodded, and then he did listen, and when he told her he loved her, it looked and sounded genuine. I just think that either Mark would be an irritating guy to be married to, but whoever he is, if he's in love with you, he's in it for real.

This is not a post to say that Mark/Gemma is better than Mark/Helly. It's just to explain why this argument that I've seen doesn't hold up for me.

[betterbemeta]

Someone who doesn't give a crap about the current conditions of the world but still experiences some kind of personal embarrassment will definitely turn to the God Emperor Trump narrative and stay there regardless of what happens. Their need is not really for control over what they don't understand or care about but for Daddy Vindication to represent an ideal of security.

But somebody ELSE who is deep deep into the LORE and NARRATIVE of conspiracies because it's their social and intellectual commitment, will NEED trump to be a plot twist shill plant falseflag. Many even will stop being paid once they can no longer tap a vein for relevance, so they will NEED to find a way to ditch the conspiracy version of a lolcow once it stops giving satisfying milk... without alienating those who follow them so they can move on to the next thing.

Sometimes these people are the same person but other times, they absolutely aren't the same person and I think we'll see what for now looks like a unified thing diverge into multiple subcultures-- one more oriented in the social capital that Trump represents to some of his followers, and the other oriented towards making that sweet hay.

Is there anything that Trump could do that would make the conspiracy people doubt him?

No.

[ihopesocomicask]

I wasn't going to answer this, but I changed my mind, because in all honesty this suggestion is not helpful at all. Plus, I don't quite think it's fair to put the onus of responsibility on us to teach people what a butch lesbian is. If people actually care, the comic should prompt them to look deeper into it. If not, that's really not our problem.

You also suggest we change things without even specifying what would be helpful to change it to. How can we fix something to make it "less confusing" when all you've done is list things that are confusing but then follow it up with 'oh, but you shouldn't have to change these things'. I mean, you're absolutely right, we shouldn't but how do you want us to proceed exactly?

"Make it more clear that Storm is a girl" as in how, make her more feminine looking? MMM. No.

Storm's gender has only ever really been questioned on YouTube. And I'm gonna be honest, YouTube isn't exactly populated by people with reading comprehension. Or people who have the best view of LGBT+ representation.

This is evidenced by the amount of times it has been stated in the comments of the dub episodes that Storm is a girl and yet people have chosen to ask repeatedly to this day instead of just... Reading the dozens of other comments that ask the exact same question and get the exact same answer.

To be honest, we sometimes can't help but feel like some people don't like the answers that have been given and if they ask a few more dozen times, we'll finally just say that Storm is a male and Diamond is a female and the world will be set to rights. What can I say? YouTube and its commenters don't exactly have the best reputation when it comes to these issues. And I don't think we should have to hold the hands of these people either way. Google is free.

For reference, though, Storm is referred to with masculine pronouns exactly once. Which is when Hopeful spots her and assumes she's a male because of her mane. All the other times? She's referred to by she/her.

We can't exactly have characters regurgitate her pronouns an unnatural amount of times, and we can't exactly force people to read these pronouns either.

We're also only redoing the first two chapters and that's it. Storm's gender is stated in Chapter 3 where it's important. If people miss it, they miss it. But they can't say it's confusing when they simply aren't reading entire words in a sentence while simultaneously ignoring context clues.

Also, I don't know your reasoning as to why we "overestimate the amount of readers that know what butch means". The comic doesn't use the word butch, we do. So I fail to see where the confusion is on that front. She's a lioness with a mane, it's a naturally occurring phenomenon. Not exactly quantum physics.

The vast majority of our readers do know what butch means anyway. If people don't know, that's their problem. We're not gonna accommodate people who scratch their heads like cavemen instead of choosing to listen to the countless times they've been told Storm is a girl because they can't fathom that not all girls are stereotypically effeminate. - Cat