#because Context can often tell you EVERYTHING about why something happens a certain way

[3liza]

"why do you talk about something awful so much" it has surprised me quite a bit as I've gotten older but the 2000s-2010s SA culture has only become more relevant to current events and media as time goes on, i assume from the natural watershed effects from people aging into their 30s and making media properties that go on to become incredibly influential. I was never a big poster there, I was a lurker 99% of the time and had zero influence on the site, so it's really not personal for me except for stuff like Dropsy, since I was there for the original thread. the SA millennials started popping up in noticeable ways as early as 30 Rock (recall the "lemon party" recurring joke for example) and as the younger members age into their prime output years we're just going to keep seeing more of it.

[lesservillain]

My Beloved Monster and Me.

eddie munson x cryptid!reader

cw: smut, blood, wounds, death, inhuman!reader

a/n: just a little something i’ve been wanting to write for a while. figured why not make it my come back post.

Eddie felt the life draining from his body. Sure, it hurt. But it was merely an afterthought with the way you were making him feel as you rode him with reckless abandon.

He knew better than to venture out in the woods alone with all the mysterious deaths that happened in Hawkins over the last few years. Wayne always told him there was otherworldly things lurking around this town.

Eddie wasn’t afraid, though. Nothing anybody could say to him would keep him out. He knew nothing would come after him in the woods. And if they did, they wouldn’t last long enough to know what hit them.

“Uuuugh, fuck,” Eddie moans, voice horse from the way your teeth grip his throat. He could feel himself slowly slipping away, his climax reaching its impending peak at the same pace.

The thrill of dying in such a way is what kept Eddie coming back here. Back to where he knew you would be, in this clearing.

He didn’t know exactly what you were, mostly because you didn’t speak to him. The most he got out of you was a few chirps and expressive gestures. But if he had to guess, he’d say you were some kind of vampire.

He knew you’d killed others before him. Stumbling upon a fresh kill of yours by pure accident being the reason you’d even cross paths. And even after this whole…situation, became a reoccurring event.

But, one thing Eddie was certain of, was that he was the only one you were giving this “special treatment” to. It even seemed that you’d been excited to see him here recently.

The moan that vibrated against the skin of Eddie’s neck sent chills down his body. He could tell you were getting close to cumming, knowing the signs tour body gives him now after all of your times together.

Eddie musters his strength and does his best attempt in slowing your movements. Thankfully you give in without much fight, and Eddie is able to adjust himself just enough to where he can thrust up into you.

The crunch of forest floor under his shoe is barely audible over the sound of your wails of ecstasy. Removing yourself from Eddie’s neck, you let him bounce you on his cock, the hot blood dripping down his neck from the wound.

Everything becomes a sensation overload to him, Eddie speeding up briefly before all movements come to a halt. His grip would be bruising on a normal human, but it’s wouldn’t leave a mark on you.

His hot cum fills up your now warm cunt, the blood from his body flowing through your veins and bringing you back to an almost alive state of bodily function. Eddie didn’t understand it, probably never would. But, something about his blood pumping in your veins made him feel special.

Your body slumps, arms wrapping around his neck as you lay onto top of him. He can feel your tongue gliding across the wounds you gave him, the punctures closing at an unnatural rate that he’s learned to accept. No scars either, thankfully. That would be hard to explain if they did, considering how often he comes to see you now.

Eddie wraps his arms around you tight, to which he is met with more happy chirps from you. You look up at him, mouth bloody, but still as beautiful as ever. He leans in and lets his lips meet yours, the irony taste of his own blood stinging his tongue.

“Missed you, sweetheart,” Eddie says with a dimpled smile. You nuzzle into him and Eddie beams, hopeful that it meant you were staring to understand him. He’d been trying his best to teach you to communicate, but teaching the english language was even harder than learning it yourself.

“Eddie.” His name coming from your otherworldly voice would send chills of fear down his spine in any other context. Instead he feels his heart flutter in his chest, practically beaming with joy.

thanks for reading 🖤

[historicity-was-already-taken]

Welcome New Followers Post xiv

gonna make this bullet points of Things to Know because deadlines, but hi! welcome!

-this is not a jewish identity or a jumblr blog. i am a jewish person and a holocaust historian, so my content often overlaps with those realms of tumblr

-this is first and foremost a public history blog. public history and public historians do history for the public. we're passionate about transmitting complex historical topics from the academe to the people, and we're in constant (one-sided lmao) conversation with entities such as: film writers and producers, textbook writers, government bodies, journalists, etc regarding the construction of public memory, and the responsibilities that entails

-you don't have to ask if something is ok to reblog. I appreciate the thought, but unless I turn off reblogs or specifically ask people not to engage in certain ways, you're fine, that said:

-I do see and read all tags, replies, and rbs. I consider them public, and I often respond to them as new posts. If you want to engage with me and don't want others to see, then send me an ask which includes the words "please respond privately"

-You can should disagree with me and tell me when you think I'm wrong! Now, I won't lie, years of existing as a young-appearing hyper feminine (i like skirts and bows and sparkly shoes it is what it is) female, Jewish historian have made me defensive and bitey af, and I often misread neutral tones as "coming for me" tones and respond in kind. I apologize for when/if that happens to you, and I assure that, once I realize you're not coming at me in bad faith, I will feel horribly guilty.

-There is a learning curve here. I don't have any desire to gatekeep my blog (it's the opposite tbh), but I do use high level terms which can have multiple meanings in different contexts. I actively try to avoid using impenetrable academic jargon in this space, but sometimes that jargon is the only appropriate phrasing available. In those cases, I urge you to do some research and poke around and then, if you still don't understand what I mean, DM me.

-I am a white, American woman. I am actively anti-racist, and anti-bigotry in general, but there will be times when I do or say something clueless or privileged. If you see that and you have the energy, please tell me! I want this blog to be a welcome place for all,* and I appreciate call-outs as an opportunity for (un)learning.

-Building on that, this is an anti-bigotry space which I'd like people of all demographics and identities to feel comfortable engaging with.* That said, I don't play nice when some random corner of tumblr rolls up in here and barfs their shit all over my posts.

-I am a cringe millennial. I started this blog in 2011, when I was 21, had just finished college, before I'd heard back from any graduate schools, and before I had much resembling a career. I am currently 34. It's fine. But a lot of you are in your teens and 20s and are just starting on your careers, so like, please don't negatively compare yourselves to me or get self-deprecating when/if you want to contact me. We all learn and achieve at different paces and that's ok.

-My book, The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto, will be released in Fall 2025. Trust me I will be screaming from the rooftops and you will not miss the announcements lmao.

-If I don't reply to an ask or a DM, it's not because I hate you. There are 800 reasons why I may not reply, and none of them are personal.

and finally

-I am not your Good Leftist Anti-Zionist Jew. I am not here as a rhetorical cudgel for left-wing anti-Semites who seek out Jews with politics similar to mine to then use as a weapon against other Jewish folks. Don't fucking do it.

*That does not mean that everything I post here will make you feel comfortable. History isn't supposed to make you feel comfortable. Sometimes, it can and should make you feel actively uncomfortable, because that discomfort/cognitive dissonance means you're learning (keep your cognitive dissonance temper tantrums tf away from me, tho). It does mean that I, as an individual, want you all to feel that this is a space where you are welcome to learn and ask questions.

i tried to use bullet points to keep this short, and i failed miserably. on brand.

[guardingthegalaxy]

Okay, so I'm on what's probably my nineteenth read through of one of the MCU Infinity War books and there's this part that gets me every time and reminds me why Vol. 2 was so significant in both Nebula's and Gamora's stories when it came down to being sisters.

So, for the context of this scene, it hasn't been long since Thanos took both of the girls, and they are training with each other but Nebula is struggling with a certain move and Gamora decides to help.

"Why would you help me? Nebula asked. "Thanos—"

"Father," Gamora corrected.

"— Father wants us to try and beat each other. We should be opponents, not friends."

"Opponent, friend." Gamora said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "We are sisters first. I will look out for you."

Nebula responded with a small, shy smile. "Always?" she asked.

"Always. Now let me show you that roll."

Gamora broke her promise and Nebula's trust as they grew older. And that's the main reason why Nebula grew to resent her. Gamora made a promise all those years ago and broke it. She turned her back on her. We already knew Nebula wanted to have a sister because of the "You just wanted to win, and I just wanted a sister!" line in the movie, but we didn't quite have the full picture, we weren't told how in the early days they supported each other and genuinely cared.

And when you think about it, as much as Gamora too was a victim of Thanos, we also know that Gamora did often look down on Nebula and did not see her as an equal (which was probably part of the reason she was Thanos' favourite), otherwise there would be less reasoning for Nebula to hate her so much. I think it was only as she grew older that she became more aware of what she was doing and started to care again. The guilt began to eat away at her once she opened her eyes and saw that everything was all wrong.

In Vol. 1, we see her care for Nebula the strongest. Once Gamora thinks she has a way out, she wants Nebula to go with her too so she's safe.

In Vol. 2, I think Gamora's guilt soon turns into denial because she now "doesn't care" what happens to Nebula and swears blind she hates her until Nebula tries to kill her but fails and tells Gamora exactly how she feels. And then it's like "Oh shit." And now that's out in the open, they can finally show that they care and be the sisters that Nebula had always wanted them to be.

You don't even understand how happy I am that this book exists. I love Nebula anyway, but after reading something that's canon and has the first two Guardians movies written in Nebula's point of view, I just want to hold her tight and protect her even more. I'm so happy she got a happy ending, it just saddens me that she wasn't able to get one with her sister.

[doomsdaydicecascader]

In that case, then, the "death as a good ending because you're no longer in HS" is essentially a big lampshade hung on the nature of fiction itself? I can't help but feel like that has to tie into something less thematically self-referential, but I admit sometimes the comic gets really into its own narrative sandbox and that goes a little over my head. Thank you for the response though, and have a good weekend!

yeah! like, i think a lot of the purpose of homestuck is just to be self-referential. and i think hussie agrees! take this formspring answer for example:

So what is the idea? I don't feel like elaborating on it THAT much now, because I would probably type forever. Basically, it's about building an extremely dense interior vocabulary to tell a story with, and continue to build and expand that vocabulary by revisiting its components often, combining them, extending them and so on. A vocabulary can be (and usually is) simple, consisting of single words, but in this case it extends to entire sentences and paragraph structures and visual forms and even entire scenes like the one linked above. Sometimes the purpose for reiteration is clear, and sometimes there really is no purpose other than to hit a familiar note, and for me that's all that needs to happen for it to be worthwhile. Triggering recognition is a powerful tool for a storyteller to use. Recognition is a powerful experience for a reader. It promotes alertness, at the very least. And in a lot of cases here, I think it promotes levity (humor! this is mostly a work of comedy, remember.) Controlling a reader's recognition faculty is one way to manipulate the reader's reactions as desired to advance the creative agenda. In this case I'm not exactly sure what that agenda is all the time, and in truth there probably isn't any serious agenda there. This story, though at times seeming diabolically put together, is still pretty light reading after all. if anything I'm just striving for a certain pitch in density with the all the multithreaded symbolism and endless internal reference. Think of it as a symphony and everything I've referred to as belonging to a vocabulary are really just notes, working together in a really complicated harmonic structure.

this is a thing stories already do, building a vocabulary out of plot beats and callbacks, characters facts and themes, i've described storytelling before as "like building a pyramid and then slowly, piece by piece, taking it apart" - it's sometimes used derogatorily, like when a callback is a little bit too obvious, to be an obvious callback in the third act (see: crazy ball in psycho goreman, the thing that sparked this line of thought originally)

but homestuck takes this idea really, really far, in that it will actively redefine what these beats mean solely for the joy of doing so, and so you can only really trust what a story beat means in the context of what it means in homestuck. i think its really cool. the only thing ive ever seen that does something similar is petscop, it's a very cool thing to do that i dont think a lot of people really catch on to, and it can create something that lasts even if people dont understand why it works the way it does

[obsidianpen]

speaking of ai and the way that it's sort of, distinguishable from the human work... anon that works in digital advertising (if i remember correctly) pointed out that ai has a specific writing pattern and splits the “posh/overly peculiar” adjectives and words that sound unnatural. this isn't related to greyana (?) in any way, (and i'm sorry if this sounds a little out of context but i'm the anon on whose ask you responded with voldemort's character chart <33 MADE MY NEXT FEW WEEKS LITERALLY) but i just wanted to ask— since i've been reading fanfictions ever since i've gotten a phone, basically, and i've seen numerous amount of them in past couple of years that i've been reading them, but your specific style of writing is so.. i loathe that i don't know how to describe it, but it's so refreshing, somehow. because you have flawless words for everything, your sentences never seemed nonsensical or just thrown-in, and from reading your work alone i can tell that you're literate ASL. like— quality's immaculate, but at the same time i understand everything because the themes and the emotions are so brilliantly depicted, and don't even get me started on the characterisation, like i said.

and i'm so sorry if this all sounds so so confusing but 😭 what i wanted to ask is do you maybe have any advices on how you started out, how you manage to do it so well, is it all just pure practice?

since part of the reason why i mentioned AI writing at the start is because i feel like what i write can be considered as something an AI would write, because my first language isn't english so whenever i write, it often happens that i search “[word] synonym” and then i use a synonym of a word because i don't want my sentences to sound too— idk simple? like i feel like without doing that, the fanfic would sound like it's written by a 13 year old since my vocabulary's not really all that yet, but simultaneously sometimes the synonyms i use instead aren't really appropriate to be used in the context of the word that goes afterwards, sentence as a whole, etc.

all this confusing mess aside–

i really hope ur doing okay and taking care of yourself bc you're taking care of us lots these days in a way <3 (since i've seen lots of people who basically live off of reading the asks you respond to so frequently despite having loads of responsibilities in real life as well WHILE writing for us at the same time + under sm sm pressure. like. you're awesome literally idk how you do itt 😭i've never, not once seen you respond to anybody rudely no matter the question and no matter how insistent people are that you update to the point where it's overwhelming. ur literally my comfort author <//3 )

🥹 I love everything about this submission, thank you anon (though I am certain I have been rude to some people, mostly in jest, but these things happen when prodded) 🖤 and thank you for the comments about my writing, I do try really hard 😭

but in your case, since English isn’t your first language, I would say you should find a beta reader who is a native English speaker to be your proof reader, sounding board, etc! A real person to talk things through with. Much more helpful than anything AI can do, because they can help brainstorm about the plot too!!

[razorblade180]

Clearing the Air

[Context- Post Lantern Rite final act]

Navia and Clorinde: *walking*

Furina:….

Clorinde:Is something the matter?

Furina:Huh? Oh, no. Just enjoying the mountain air on the way back.

Clorinde:Really? You’ve seemed a little lost in thought.

Navia:I know why~ Perhaps someone was hoping for a personal escort home by my partner ?

Furina:*red* That would be ridiculous! I didn’t even plan on seeing him today!

Clorinde:That doesn’t mean you can’t have wishful thinking. If you wanted him to escort you rather than us you could’ve just said so.

Furina:Don’t word it like that. I’m actually really happy to be traveling with the both of you. It’s not something that happens often. Honestly…it’s a little surreal.

Clorinde:…I hope you know I consider you a friend.

Furina:….What?

Clorinde:I can tell you’ve kept your distance from me and by extension, everyone else that was heavily involved with your old life. I can’t say I know for certain what goes through your mind, but I hope you know you are closer to us than you think.

Navia:She’s right. Starting over doesn’t mean you have to leave everything behind. I know things between us might feel a little awkward for their own reasons, but I don’t hate you at all. If you ever need help or simply want to hang out, I’m more than happy to. And if there’s anything we need to clear the air for, it’s best to do it openly. Clorinde and I learned that the hard w-

Furina:I was hurt.

The two young women turned around to see Furina standing still, her face red and tears stinging her eyes as she tried not to cry.

Furina:This feels so petty to bring up; especially considering how happy I am to free, but… *trembling*

Clorinde: The trial?

Navia:…Oh.

Perhaps Navia didn’t want to think of it, or maybe it was because too much happened that day to properly ponder it? Whatever the case, it was the forefront of her mind now that she witnessed Furina furiously wiping her tears away. Navia remembered Furina crying back then too. Everyone did what they believed to be best for the situation; that was little consolation for how feelings fanned the day. Navia knew all too well that emotions don’t settle even in the presence of valid reasoning.

Clorinde took the first step, walking up to Furina and pulling her into a hug. In truth, she could think of many reasons why the girl kept her distance. For years she stood as a sword for Furina, but near the end…

Clorinde:I must’ve really hurt you when I drew my sword against you, didn’t it? Regardless of the reason or the outcome, I’m sorry.

Furina:I never thought it’d be you. I understand why it happened; I really do! I do even hate you! Gods, I could never hate you, so why does it hurt to think about all the time!? Why can’t I just let it go!?

Navia:Because no one could. In the face of a crisis, everyone you thought you could depend on, the people who were said to support for your efforts, they all didn’t just turn against you. They- We left you no way out; alone on that stage with no help.

Rancid memories of Navia crying out for the sake of her father’s defense came rushing back. She begged only for the law, her people, and her very own friend to ignore her pleas. She had held that resentment for ages. Even towards her own father. Of course Furina was still upset deep inside. Saddened by this realization, Navia began tearing up herself and ran over to hug Furina tightly.

Navia:I am so sorry. We should’ve talked about this sooner. I always kept looking from the perspective of the flooding incident and how you feared what I might think, instead of…I’m sorry!

Furina was speechless. All three of them ran out of them ran out of words and just stood on the trail, hugging as if they’ve been reunited after a long journey.

xxxxxx

It took a little longer than expected, but the trio finally made it back to Fontaine. The trip definitely took a turn for the quieter, but it was comfortable silence; one could even say healing. As they entered the city, they were surprised to see Aether approaching them. The boy was about to wave happily until he noticed redness under all of their eyes.

Aether:Ummm

Clorinde:We’re okay. It was a longer trek than expected. Although for you it appears to be rather simple. Back and leaving as we just arrived.

Paimon:We’re pros at that. But…maybe we should’ve journeyed together? Did something scary you all in liyue!? Oh, or did you eat something deceptively hot?

Navia:Hehe, never change Paimon.

Paimon:Okay?

Furina:As nice as this moment is, I’m way too exhausted to keep it up.

Navia…Partner, could we trouble you to walk Furina home? I have one more errand to run.

Furina:Wha-

Clorinde:And though I’m off duty, I have to report in that I’m back in the city.

Aether:That’s fine. I’ll happily escort you. Paimon-

Paimon:Yeah, yeah. Paimon knows. Just don’t be long! Let’s go Navia. Many hands make light work.

Navia:Thank you Paimon.

Aether held his hand out as the group waved before going off. Furina, too tired to question things, took Aether’s hand and began walking away with him; going as far as to lean on him.

Furina:Please excuse my manners.

Aether:I don’t mind. You feel lighter than before. Finally dropped some more emotional baggage?

Furina:Maybe a case or two. *gets closer* I know it’s late, but can you please make me dinner? I have plenty of macaroni in the cabinet.

Aether:How about I use my ingredients and make you a full blown satisfying meal?

Furina:Yes~

xxxxxx

Navia:Way to read the room.

Paimon:This song and dance happens every other week with someone. At this rate, we’ll probably stay the night in Fontaine. Is our room still available? Although it’s probably just going to be Paimon’s room tonight.

Navia:Absolutely. I’ll even make the two of us dinner.

Paimon:Yes~

[noperopesaredope]

A Guide to “How Are You?”

So, I’m autistic, and of course, I can get slightly confused by certain social situations. But I’ve discovered that many others across the spectrum are confused by a very specific common greeting (at least, here in the US, where I live): “How are you?”

Other variations of this include “how ya doing” and “how have you been?”

This has confused many, and from what I’ve heard, it’s something that’s mostly in the States, so there’s also a cultural disconnect at times. Many have said that this question is dumb, since, if you answer honestly, it turns out that “other didn’t actually want to know” and “they only asked to make themselves feel good.”

However, as a neurodivergent person who has been studying many neurotypical social norms and cues for many years now, I believe that that is slightly untrue. Most neurotypicals who ask this question do care about having a relatively honest answer and are often curious about how others are doing, however, “how are you” is still a question that has some very simple “rules” to it. In this post, I will be explaining the purpose of this question, and how to properly answer it in a way that others will find acceptable. It can be confusing at first, but once you understand the underlying intent behind it and know how to properly respond, it is very simple.

Intent Behind the Question:

A common reason people say this as a greeting is because they have essentially conditioned to say it. Everyone who uses this phrase has grown up hearing it all the time as a common greeting, similar to “hello,” thus creating a subconscious link between the phrase and saying “hello.” This has caused many to develop a knee jerk reaction to saying this where they greet someone. They are often saying by pure instinct rather than to be polite.

However, there is also a second reason many people say “how are you” as a greeting: they do legitimately want to know how you’re doing. “Now wait just a minute,” you may be saying, “it seems like everyone expects me to just say ‘fine’ as a response rather than how I’m actually feeling!” This is partially true, however, it’s a bit more complicated than that.

From what I can tell and based on my interactions with many neurotypical folks who ask this question as a greeting, they are perfectly okay with hearing how you actually feel, and don’t often mind it when it’s bad news. You don’t need to say that you’re fine, it’s just the easiest response.

What many don’t want to hear is all the details. The question is more meant to be a basic read on your current mood and how you’ve been in general lately, not everything that is currently happening in your life. They just want a short, simple answer with not to much context.

How to Answer:

The second part of this is a better explanation of exactly how one is supposed to answer the question in a way that is honest without overdoing it.

As I previously mentioned, the purpose of the question is to gauge how a person is feeling with a short, concise response. This means it’s good to answer honestly, but keep it brief. A good way to keep it brief is to explain how you’re doing in a single sentence.

Examples of this:

“I’m doing fine.”

“I feel great!”

“I’m kinda sad...”

Another thing that is typically an expectation and a way to keep it short is to not get all into exactly why you are feeling the way you’re feeling. The only reason it might be okay to get into it is if you haven’t see the person in a long time and are having a conversation with them or if they are someone close to you.

People may mostly care about how you are feeling, especially since that can affect how they should interact with you, but a lot of strangers don’t care quite enough to hear about your personal life and whatnot. It can admittedly feel like oversharing if you get a little far into it.

So, here are some samples for types of responses you can use to answer the question honestly:

(Feeling neutral or don’t want to talk about it) “I’m fine.”

(Happy about something) “I’m doing great!”

(In a bad mood) “I could be doing better/Things aren’t great right now.”

These are the most common types of answers and fit with a variety of things. They are short, brief, concise, and honest, but they also don’t explain to much about why someone is experiencing said emotions.

These are the most simple ways to answer the question. The main reason that “fine” is such a commonplace answer is because it’s very neutral. It’s not always that people don’t want to hear your honest answer, they’re just not expecting it. Most people don’t feel like sharing that much about how they’re feeling, so it can catch people off guard a bit.

But there are ways to answer honestly whilst simultaniously not putting people off, and that is by keeping it brief and straightforward without too much explanation.

Hopefully this was helpful to anyone who might need this.

~~~~ Anyways, that’s how to navigate the question “how are you?” I was gonna make this a one off thing, but I’m starting to consider making this a small series or something. Basically me as an autistic person explaining certain social ques and stuff based on what I’ve observed overtime. All the posts would take a very analytical viewpoint, as I didn’t learn some of these things in the same way neurotypical people did: I just overanalyzed stuff. So I have the advantage of both being able to communicate with my fellow neurodivergent folks in a way we all understand, and I also have a complex understanding of some of the social stuff.

So what do ya’ll think? Should I make this a little series? And if so, what should I cover?

[creature-wizard]

New Age, "Fear-Based Consciousness", Assimilation, & Genocide.

I can appreciate why the concepts of "fear-based consciousness" and "separation consciousness" are useful heuristics for some people, to a certain extent.

If you grew up in an environment permeated by xenophobia, where everything slightly different from your culture's norm was dismissed as demonic, perverted, subversive, or whathaveyou, recognizing that you should be suspicious of any sentiment like this is an important part of deprogramming yourself.

On the other hand, for people who don't really understand the history and dynamics of things like colonialism, it's incredibly easy to overuse this concept and apply it inappropriately; EG, to minority groups simply trying to resist forced assimilation. They don't really understand how it's cultural assimilation, and how cultural assimilation is genocide. They are often making the mistake of treating culture as modular; IE, they believe that people can simply unplug their old spiritual beliefs and plug in better, more "enlightened" beliefs.

But as Jessica Price has explained, this isn't how it works. And yes, even though Jessica was talking about this in the context of how culturally Christian atheists behave, it 100% applies to New Agers.

Additionally, the very concepts of "fear-based consciousness" and "separation consciousness" often become weaponized in belief systems that are in fact fear-based.

Assimilation is carried out under the belief that the Other is a threat because they are Other. Assimilation is seen as a means of making them less Other, and therefore, less of a threat. Such is why Indigenous children all over the world have been stolen from their families, violently forced to speak English, violently forced to adopt Christianity.

Now, I don't think the average New Ager wants this kind of thing to happen. But I think they also don't understand that violence is inevitable when a marginalized group isn't allowed to say no to adopting the dominant culture's beliefs and customs. People who don't follow New Age beliefs are often demonized and dehumanized. And make no mistake, there are significant numbers of New Agers who believe that whoever they deem to be "regressive" or "reptilian" need to be executed. (And I'd be amiss if I didn't point out that many of them believe that Jews are especially likely to be reptilian aliens.)

This is all too reminiscent of regular old Christianity, which often promises unconditional love if you convert - but if you don't convert, you are seen as a threat to this allegedly all-loving religion and the benefits it supposedly gives, and must therefore be neutralized so you can't threaten its dominance. When people perceive their belief system as all-loving, they cannot fathom how anyone would want to resist it unless they were all-hating.

In New Age beliefs, the opposite of "separation consciousness" is "unity consciousness." To them, having everyone in "unity consciousness" is ideal. Unity consciousness is described as realizing that we are all one, but in practice it also means accepting New Age cosmology and metaphysics. It doesn't mean acknowledging that we're all inhabitants of the same planet and that our existences are ultimately interconnected and impact each other in ways most of us aren't aware of. (That, in fact, is something that New Agers are often in stark denial of, what with their belief in the Law of Attraction, which tends to deny the reality of things like systemic oppression and economic inequality.)

The notion of "unity consciousness" sounds good if you accept the premise that the root of conflict and oppression is the perception of difference. If you assume this, then it makes sense that conflict can be averted if people share the same spiritual beliefs.

One problem is that "unity consciousness," in all of its forms, can itself be used to justify and enable oppression. Oppressors can tell the oppressed that they shouldn't resist being exploited because they're all one, and the oppressed as just hurting themselves every time they try to resist. They can accuse the oppressed of engaging in "separation consciousness"

And of course, the philosophy behind "unity consciousness" overlooks the problem that it's not the perception of difference that causes conflict so much as the fear of difference. The concept of unity consciousness is therefore itself rooted in unexamined and uninterrogated fear.

It also overlooks the problem where oppression often happens as a consequence of certain people feeling entitled to a certain level of ease and comfort in their lives. Living the high life, so to speak, requires one to exploit the resources and labor of others. Differences are often used as justification for this. They could be real (EG, phenotypic differences such as skin color) or fabricated (such as the alleged mental inferiority of POC). And New Age fabricates many, many differences between people, whether claiming that some people are more spiritually evolved than others, or claiming that some people are actually evil aliens.

The notion that are more spiritually evolved than others is in fact used to justify exploitation, by effectively claiming that the more spiritually evolved you are, the more wealth and abundance will just naturally flow to you. If you're stuck working three low-wage jobs, it's because you haven't evolved enough yet and you aren't using the Law of Attraction right. The level of ease and comfort that relatively affluent New Agers live at is considered to be the fruit of spiritual enlightenment, rather than the fruit of labor exploitation under unjust systems.

So, while concepts such as "fear-based consciousness" and "separation consciousness" can provide people with useful frameworks under very specific circumstances, they absolutely fail when people refuse to take systemic harm into account - which unfortunately, the kind of people who are taught these terms are also taught to do.

Demonizing the outgroup (especially when said outgroup is marginalized) is bad. Resisting oppression and assimilation is not.

[galateaencore]

Writers Asks 8/26/2024

thank you @vossn for the procrastination opportunity

When did you start writing?

technically age 8 when I wrote a mystery/detective story that I didn't know how to finish. but I started making these "visual novels" about a group of animal friends who go traveling the countryside when I was 6ish, and honestly, counts.

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading more than what you write?

if I enjoy reading something, I immediately want to copy it but better, so no. that said, I'm not as good at humor as I want to be.

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

ughhhhh. certain circles would def clown me for thinking I could even try, but writing-style and philosophy-wise, Babel, Zhadan, McCarthy. within my fanfic genre I do genuinely like Sapkowski; I don't want to emulate him in everything, but the way he makes his worlds both esoteric and down-home familiar is paralelled only in Pratchett and the Strugatsky brothers.

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

my house lol. I mostly write (and do most other things) in bed. it's a california king with an unreasonably expensive but totally worth it italian silk and down blanket. the furniture is a mix of MCM, chippendale, ikea, and baroque (all 100% authentic because fuck you). it faces a north-side inner courtyard so is usually dark, and it has excellent sound isolation. the walls have my collection of watercolors, ink prints, embroideries, and Found Things. there is a nude woman with the head of a fish, a smoking chimney pipe, and two japanese schoolgirls walking away from the viewer, and a high-concept print of a bison herd from a lithuanian artist that is called the great migration. i don't listen to music. sometimes i light incense.

What’s your most effective way to muster up a muse?

sit your ass down and start writing

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

talking about one's own themes is a bit masturbatory, but that's what this tumblr is for. I always come back to small people surviving in big systems, the pull of one's own history, and coping with being a stranger. also, is fucking a theme? or is that a plot, or a narrative device?

What is your reason for writing?

graphomania

Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating?

honestly any comment leaves me shrieking. that said, my favorite thing about writing for rarepairs and small fandoms (and both) is that you're much likelier to attract other obsessed weirdos who get you on a cellular level. a comment from a person like that is my favorite type of comment.

How do you want to be thought about by your readers?

I mean, as being brilliant and their favorite, but that isn't saying much.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

I want every scene to feel like it's really happening, like you personally know the people talking, and like the narration isn't even there except when it's being beautiful and incisive. there's a point in talent and skill when the writing becomes both effortless and unforgettable, and clearly I'm not there because I can't even describe it without falling into meaninglessly broad adjectives and conceptual kitsch.

How do you feel about your own writing?

It's pretty good but not transcendental.

When you write, are you influenced by what others enjoy or might enjoy reading, or do you write purely for yourself, or a mix of both?

This is a stupid question: the reader doesn't know what they'll enjoy reading until they read it, and your one job as a craftsperson is to figure out what that is and give it to them. That it also happens to be something that excites you is why you do this job and they don't. In a fanfic context, I exclusively write weird formless shit that a mother couldn't love (The Blob of writing), but I *know* there is at least one weirdo out there who will enjoy what I post, and everything that I post is for them.

paging @dclcq and @holylustration

[radellama]

1, 8, 14, and 24!

1. Do you prefer writing one-shots or multi-chaptered fics?

Definitely a huge preference towards multi chaptered fics, as I tend to get long winded and my works become expansive. My one shots end up pretty long anyway, but I'll just write what feels applicable to the fic...

And since I'm mostly thinking about really big stories, chapters just work best for me. Plus, when I'm putting more effort into the chapters, I love to organise all the little details and developments I want for everything, micro and macro 😏

8. Do you prefer the beginning, middle, or end of a story?

Middle. It's where the meat of it is, where most the scenes I'm imagining as concepts will go... I enjoy beginnings and ends too, but to me a beginning or end being so memorable is due to remembering it with the context of the middle parts. If the middle isn't worth reading, why would I put effort into opening and closing it either, yknow?

14. how do you write emotional scenes? Do you ever feel what the characters feel? Do you draw from personal experiences?

Man. This is tricky to answer... I keep writing and rewriting my answer to this, but I don't think there's a way to keep it brief.

I'm autistic, so the way I approach and understand emotions is inherently different. I can understand what causes emotions, and I can understand actions informed by emotions, but there's something about emotional behaviour as a whole that I struggle with- for myself and when observing others. Writing emotional scenes in fiction is like a sandbox at times, I can do whatever I want; change the stakes, change the characters response, put limits on their behaviour in context... Anything. And this can make it easier, and harder. What I value the most when writing characters is that they feel authentic and driven. I want THEIR lived context up until that scene to inform the way they'd behave, and often I'll have character outlines for myself when writing bigger and more complex stuff to help with this. I don't really approach writing an emotional scene with the emotions at the forefront, I think I focus on the objective of that scene first, and then break it down into what characters will present internally and externally. Any emotions present will make themselves known, the same way the vibe of a house becomes a home as you start to live in it.

A lot of people are emotionally immature, too, so I don't find it very authentic (or interesting) to write scene upon scene of characters doing corporate therapy talk as they work through things. I don't mind the challenge of trying to construct something emotionally charged, I think I did a pretty good job in the first chapter of my star trek au to demonstrate the emotions of each character and how that conflicted and contrasted with everyone (and hope that it does it's intended job of outlining the characters and providing a base for how far they'll develop later in the story...) I usually know what I want and will spend time figuring out how it's going to happen, and fill in the emotional responses as I'm 'reading the room' of the scene. There have been times where I've written something emotional, and while understanding that it is emotional and putting effort into conveying it, I'm still very surprised when people tell me that it made them emotional. Idk, it's hard to really articulate this clearly, but in the same way I spend ages writing and rewriting dialogue for my characters so that it feels authentic and flows in the way I want, I do that with the emotions of the scene and how I want to demonstrate the characters reacting and processing the emotion. It's iteration upon iteration, built up over a lot of agonising over certain word choices.

I don't think I ever feel what my characters feel as I write them, I have a bit more of a detached feeling because I'm the author. I can feel sympathetic towards the characters, and understand or feel similarly, but I'm not them, so I won't feel it to the full extent... All stories are inherently voyeuristic, to varying degrees, and that sense of peering into a curated version of events and certain characters mindsets can be quite intimate. I'm just relaying that intimacy with the characters and story, and I feel my own way about it, which is different to the characters I'm writing, and probably very different to people who read what I wrote.

And as for personal experiences... I draw on them in a sense of 'write what you know.' And this isn't a literal 'only write what you yourself have experienced,' cause let's be real, even in biographical media, it's dramatised and you haven't literally experienced the exact same. Instead, talking more broadly, I know how I live my life as a person, and have been keenly watching, observing and joining others in their lives too. When you're writing creatively, you have to use that creative muscle to figure out how characters will react. Unlike my OC Harland, I haven't gone through a heartbreak and betrayal so great that it is a deciding factor in a war I want no part in- but, I have had to cut ties with people I used to call friends because they're acting in ways I can't understand or condone, I've felt stressed over when friend groups split and there's a background assumption that you need to pick sides, and I've felt the weight of knowing certain decisions I make will be responsible for more than just myself. I'm not Harland, dealing with the emotional climax of his story, but I am me, and I can use my lived/observed experiences to inform how he would act as a base, and construct him in all his complexity by comparing his reactions to mine. It's easy to go 'I wouldn't have done that;' so you gotta take the time to think on why you wouldn't have, and why that person did.

Anyway, you see why this is tricky for me to answer lol. I think there's some weird internal logic I have that makes me approach this kinda stuff from a more detached and critical view, so I have to put effort into understanding all aspects of what's going on. And that's just in my day to day, so at least when writing I can put those skills to use for something entertaining!

24. Worst writing advice anyone ever gave you?

This is hard, cause I try to ignore advice that I don't think is applicable, and promptly forget once I've moved on.

I guess I'll say something that I heard discussed a lot when I was studying film, and what I heard people parroting when I mentioned them, which was to 'not get tropey.'

I HATE that trope means the same thing as cliche to everyone, cause they're not the same. A trope is simply how you describe the particulars of a situation in fiction, and you can use them to help figure out what sort of genre your work belongs to and what your target audience will be. Trying to avoid tropes is like trying to build a brick house without bricks. Cliches, on the other hand, are when a certain trope has become so overdone that you know exactly how something will play out, and it's become stale due to seeing it too much. And in my observation, tropes become cliche when the writers are just copying what works without thinking about WHY it works, or how it applies to the narrative. You absolutely should get tropey with it, cause how else will you have a story? The important part is that you're not just going through the motions of what's commonly used in the type of story you're writing, and instead working on purposefully including what you put to page.

Idk if that's clear enough to those who haven't studied film/narrative in some capacity, so I'll say what my response was when students would ask for help avoiding tropes in their screenplays in our mentoring sessions: don't worry about the hypothetical audience reaction before you've finished writing the story. Don't think about tropes and cliches and whatever else we use when deconstructing a narrative to analyse it, you haven't got a finished story to analyse. Just write the story you want to tell, and be deliberate about it. Everything's been done before, but this story hasn't been done your way yet, so just focus on your writing first.

Send some asks from here

[lizzybeth1986]

A Breakdown of the Kiara Scene in TRR2 Ch 1

This is just me looking up all Kiki's dialogues during her infamous scene in Fydelia, the one that most people cite when they claim she is a fake and a "fairweather friend". She is often accused of rudeness and "believing the scandal" as if no one else did.

So...let's check her reactions to everything in that scene, shall we?

When the MC enters, Kiara and Penelope's reactions are the first to be shown:

(Screenshots from the Ashley Barrus-Gardner YouTube channel)

Kiara doesn't look too great saying this, but it's also a largely ambiguous statement that could just as well refer to her surprise that the MC could reappear after something that humiliating and reputation-destroying. Notably, Madeleine also gets to disbelieve the MC if she states that she was set up - yet the fandom hardly ever faults her for this.

The interaction with the MC begins with Penelope giving the MC an impulsive hug, and Kiara warning her of the consequences:

The MC's response to this is either a complaint about her believing they were all friends, or a snarky comment on Madeleine.

(point to note - nowhere in TRR1 do the MC and Kiara ever promise each other friendship)

In both cases, Kiara follows up by default with the explanation that the two are now ladies-in-waiting, and the first thing expected of them is loyalty to Madeleine, the future queen and the woman who chose them for this role:

There are three ways the MC can respond to this. Either with calm acceptance, or with a remark that makes it sound like she expects them to talk to her later on, or a flippant, snarky remark that clearly mocks them.

The first option is clearly the most acceptable one, because Kiara has already explained why she can no longer continue the alliance, and disregarding the explanation will cause nothing but further discord because they're not supposed to be even talking to the MC at this point:

Acceptance -

Expectation -

Mocking -

Kiara references what happened to the MC once - in the comment about the scandal...but clearly in a context that maintains they're expected to stay away from her. Clearly, once Madeleine stops making that a requirement, the two women don't hesitate to talk to her. Kiara doesn't exactly comment on the scandal otherwise, except in contexts where she is shocked that the MC is able to return to court.

She's very rude to the MC in the third option...where the MC herself is rude to her. You will notice that in the other two options, her words signify that she is more nervous about getting caught by Madeleine, which is also why she angrily cautions Penelope to rein in her enthusiasm to hug the MC.

One last thing to note is that Kiara didn't even have to do this. She was not obliged to approach the MC or give any explanations. She took a risk even in approaching the MC to inform her of the change. I don't see fairweather friendship or backstabbing in such a scene. I see a certain sense of integrity, an understanding that when she is breaking an alliance with someone, they deserve to know. And that she will do the right thing, and tell them - while also making sure she protects Penelope from possible consequences as well.

[khaire-traveler]

hey, I’m Hellenistic-polytheistic-curious (not sure if people say that) and I saw a post where you were talking about how the gods aren’t dangerous and you don’t need to be like afraid of praying to them, and I was wondering how you, like, interoperate myths where gods do punish people for stuff like not worshipping them (anymore/enough/etc)?

I’m guessing it’s similar to the Christian Bible (which, not to trying to be disrespectful somehow that’s just something with which I just have experience 🥲) where, since it’s apocryphal, you just kinda accept some things and reject others due to that nature, but I wanted to ask.

Also, does one have to be certain to worship? Sometimes I worry I’ll get into it and fall out and then feel guilty or be afraid. Or that they’ll sense that I’m unsure and then feel as though I’ve been dishonest, or feel betrayed, or just think I’m not worth it because I’m not devout,!something like that.

thank you if you read/reply to this!!!!💖and sorry for the anon ask lol I’m just kinda too nervous to do it publicly

Hey, Nonny! Thank you for the ask, it's absolutely no trouble for me to answer!

Honestly speaking, Hellenic Polytheism differs from person to person. Unlike Christianity, there is no correct way to worship - no "set of rules", if you will. A lot of how worship is today can be seen in ancient times as well; people worshipped pretty much entirely different from each other simply based on which city or region they lived in. Each city and region even had myths that were unique to them! Most myths we have today actually stem from Athens (this is why Ares is often depicted very negatively in most of these myths; he was NOT favored in Athens and was considered anti-Athenian).

When it comes to mythic literalism (accepting myths as 100% real and factual), it's mostly unsustainable in worship to believe each and every myth out there, in my opinion. The reason for this is because myths, as a whole, were not generally seen that way, even in ancient times. They were stories that taught lessons, described why certain unexplainable things happened, and/or told of what a certain god might be like and why (as well as where they came from). It's definitely up to the worshipper how to interpret mythos. You can pick and choose what to believe, you can believe everything, or you can just straight up believe none of it - it's really truly up to you. I would suggest, however, looking into historical context of these myths first. Many myths written about the gods and their wrath were based on why people should respect the gods (or authority figures in general) and what happens when you don't do that. Their purpose served mostly to prevent people from going around yelling "fuck you" to the gods when they didn't get what they wanted - be respectful, and the gods shall respect you in return. Of course, that is just one of many interpretations, and you are more than welcome to believe what you will.

In reality, the gods are very kind. So long as you aren't be openly antagonistic (going out of your way to be disrespectful, cruel, rude, etc.), they aren't going to be upset with you for not knowing certain things, not worshipping 24/7, etc. They are actually very forgiving, despite the reputation some people (ahem, TikTok, ahem) give them.

To use my own experience as an example, I am rarely consistent with my worship. This winter was especially tough for me faith-wise, and for the most part, I basically didn't give any/many offerings at all. When you're having a crisis of faith, I always recommend communicating that with the gods; I think it just helps to be open and honest with them. It's like how you'd tell a friend if you needed space; it's just good to communicate with each other. They completely understood my situation and let me take the time I needed to regain my faith. When I needed to reach out to them, they were happy to communicate with me again, but when I needed some space, they were willing to provide that for me.

The gods do not abandon or scorn you for doubting their existence; they understand that faith is challenging to have, especially in a world where being religious and spiritual are equated with lacking in logic and reason. There is nothing wrong with doubt. It's actually a very healthy and normal thing. If you didn't doubt things in religion at least some of the time, you'd never have the opportunity to grow in your faith and worship. I also ind that once you go through a trying period of faith with the gods, it solidifies your belief in them all the more. ✨

All of this is basically just to say: do what feels right to you. The gods will understand if you need a break from worship or want to look into other religions. They're not ones to hate or reject people solely based on being unsure of their beliefs. You can be as uncertain as you want; they aren't going to judge you for that.

My best advice to you is, if you feel called to it, just dive right in and give worship a try. Don't be afraid to get your feet wet because, in all honesty, you have absolutely nothing to lose from it. No harm will come to you. The gods are not vengeful against their followers for losing faith, not worshipping them 24/7 (in fact, I hardly ever give daily offerings to the gods; I just offer when I have the time and energy to do so, and they don't mind), etc. You have nothing to fear.

I hope this helped and gave you the answers you were looking for! Please don't hesitate to ask me more questions; I am always happy to help. ☺️🧡

[ragebear]

ok we do NOT need a little word for every action in a comic panel. You do NOT have to write poke when someone pokes another person. In fact, you shouldn’t. This is a huuuuuge pet peeve of mine and I’m going to explain why.

This is a bad adaptation from manga and manhwa; Japanese and Korean have mimetic words. They also have true onomatopoeias - for example, doki doki (どきどき) is the Japanese mimetic for “doing something with a beating heart” and is the onomatopoeia for the sound of two heartbeats. Another example is jiro jiro (じろじろ), which is the Japanese mimetic for staring intently at someone or something. Japanese and Korean (as well as others) are chock-full of them, and you see them in manga and manhwa all the time as these little “sound effects” associated with certain actions, feelings, or environments. As English speakers who read manga and/or manhwa, we’ve been increasingly exposed to them thanks to their rise in popularity - especially as webcomics/webtoons. In their native languages, mimetic sounds have linguistic significance, and add value and information, usually conveying a feeling more than an actual sound.

The issue is that while we do have onomatopoeias in English that add value (think bang, whoosh, splat, click; the difference between slap or smack and thok or pow, etc etc), we do not have many mimetic sounds in the same fashion. The English equivalent of doki doki is surely tha-thump or ba-bump, but think: what is the English “sound effect” for staring at someone intently? If you said stare, that’s not an onomatopoeia or a mimetic sound, and that’s the exact problem I’m talking about. There isn’t one.

Unfortunately, translators - who are often amateurs and/or non-native speakers of the original language, especially in the case of webcomics/webtoons (though we thank them for their service) - come across these and try to patch them into English, perhaps for fear of leaving something out if they’re omitted, but they have no appropriate equivalent. So, one finds oneself looking at a translated comic with a drawing of a person poking someone else and having a little “sound effect” that just says poke. People have become so used to seeing them in manga and manhwa that it’s gotten into many an English-language author’s head that they’re “supposed” to be there in most, if not all, circumstances - that everything needs a sound effect, even when there isn’t anything that makes sense to use.

The reason this bothers me so goddamn much is because it’s so completely and totally unnecessary in so many ways. If one is publishing a comic - a visual medium - one’s readers should be able to tell what’s happening by the images alone, or at least get the gist of it. Yes, there are exceptions, like when one has to provide some kind of insight into a character’s mind, or provide context for a situation, or dialogue, etc. But these things should be as brief as possible because one shouldn’t overwhelm the image with text (looking at you, Warren Ellis) - there needs to be balance. Adding unnecessary “sound effects” clutters a panel and adds no valuable information in English, which is a huge issue in comics because the economy of space matters so much when you have so little room. Moreover, these “sound effects” (when used in English) are indicators of 1) an inability on the artist’s part to visually convey something; 2) a lack of confidence in their ability to do so; or 3) a lack in confidence in the intelligence of the readers. All are bad signs, and more than one can be occurring simultaneously, but the third is the absolute worst. I can’t be only person who sees something like poke as a “sound effect”, rolls my eyes, and goes, “Well, yeah. No shit.” This is not a feeling one wants to instill in one’s readers.

The TL;DR of it is that if you’re publishing a comic in English (originally or translated), do not look to non-English comics for guidance when it comes to this “sound effect” stuff, because much of it simply does not translate. Even if you’re publishing more in the style of manga or manhwa. Look instead to comics originally published in English, by native speakers of English - you’ll very quickly learn what is and is not necessary in order to convey information and value.

[mortalityplays]

that's not really what my post is about, but whatever I'll address it

like I said, I have rarely (if ever) seen anyone actually say 'republicans and democrats are just as bad as each other'. when I have seen people express anything reasonably comparable to that sentiment, it's been from fringey libertarian or sovereign citizen types. not what I'd describe as major cultural influencers. granted maybe this is a selection bias thing because I try not to follow total dipshits, but I'm unconvinced that it's in any way a dominant line of discourse

what I do see plenty of is people expressing frustration with the DNC, criticising specific candidates, criticising specific policy positions, etc. it should not need to be said that criticising two things for two different reasons does not equate to 'these two things are exactly as bad as each other', but it's very often in the context of those specific criticisms that I see posts going around about how important it is to recognise the positives and don't listen to the haters and get out the vote. every time biden backtracks on something and people get justifiably annoyed about it, I see an accompanying wave of anxious "the dems are good overall though!!!" posts that I cannot imagine are anything but obnoxious to frustrated democratic voters who are trying to have a conversation about what needs to improve.

here's the crux for me: I do not think that gassing people up about how much good the dems could hypothetically do when they're in power, then downplaying their failures and barking at people who ask for more, is an effective strategy to keep voters. sure you can probably fire up a new generation of college students once or twice with the idea that this is their epoch defining fight and once you take back all these institutions everything will change for the better, but what happens next is essentially a prophecy failure: most of the big goals don't materialise in the short term, and the small wins approximately counterbalance the small losses. then people either double down and become the ones posting big dreams for the next generation, or they lose faith, lose interest, and disengage. people blame the Trump years for the acceleration of fringe groups, political dropouts and radicalisation but if you actually talk to the people involved in those movements you find a very significant contingent who pulled hard for Obama or Bernie and became totally disillusioned when it didn't transform their political environment.

there is a very common assumption I see when people start arguing about this stuff: if you are mad about the dems not delivering on their promises or not authentically representing their voters or whatever, that means you don't and won't vote for them. but why do you think people are SO frustrated? why would someone who is genuinely apathetic about politics be specifically and meticulously annoyed the way that left leaning voters get about the DNC? most people I know are vocally mad BECAUSE they vote democrat, and they don't feel respected or listened to by their representatives. telling people who already vote blue, who are already feeling marginalised and talked over, that their expectations for the party are harming the political discourse, will not retain voters. and listen, let's allow for a certain proportion of dedicated anti-electoralists. you're not going to win them over with nag posts or utilitarian arguments about average net total progress. it is not an effective strategy, it only appeals to the starry eyed college kids on their way to disappointment and to the people who have already doubled down who are already in your corner.

anyway my actual post wasn't about this. ironically, it was about the fact that even I, a non-american who cannot vote in american elections and will never vote in american elections, get scolded for criticising the DNC. my point was that 'calling democrats and republicans just as bad as each other = active voter suppression' has the same energy as the people who yelled at me on twitter in 2019 for joking that I would never vote for biden no matter what. people outside your boiling crab pot also have opinions on your political system, and they are going to talk about them, and they are not responsible for motivating voters on your behalf.

people really do post like "saying republicans and democrats are just as bad as each other* is a voter suppression tactic" as if nobody outside the US could possibly have a view on the matter

* I've never seen anyone actually say this, but weirdly it comes up like clockwork any time the DNC are criticised from the left

[delu-jean]

𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞? (𝐏𝐭 𝟐)

(Akaashi x fem!/reader) -> Angst/Fluff? -> 3.2k 

Synopsis: Akaashi is strolling through Tokyo, and on that day, meets a boy who looks all too familiar. One whose eyes remind him of you. 

Part One: Is He Mine? 

Part Three: Is Her Mine? (Part. 3) 

Notes: Part two as promised! Maybe I’ll make a part three (haha >:)). Be sure to comment if you would liked to be tagged for the next part, and reblogs are always appreciated. 

-> Also, for those tagged in this post, I’ll tag you in the next as well ^^ 

“Y/n...please tell me.” 

“T-tell you what?” you asked nervously, as he felt just the same. Inhaling his breath, hoping he could keep calm. 

“Is...is he mine?” 

---

“Is he who’s?” 

“Mine Y/n...is he mine?” 

You stared at the gentleman. Though his question was reasonable (?), that was the first thing he was going to ask you?...after all of those years?...years of torment, resentment, and whatever else. Maybe you were overreacting, but yet again, you were a woman who stood by her morals. And that being the case, your instincts had said your reaction was as reasonable as his question. 

Some part of you wanted to snap. To holler at Akaashi for asking such a ridiculous question, yet the other part...was scared. You felt anxious when thinking of a proper answer. Was Ryu his?.... If taken out of context, he could’ve been asking if Ryu belonged to him, and of course he didn’t. Ryu wasn’t an object that could be owned by merely anyone. He was his own person, and that being the case, wasn’t something that could’ve been held down. Yet even though you could’ve interpreted it that way, you knew what Akaashi really meant. Yet you didn’t exactly have an answer. 

“Ryu?” 

“Yeah...” 

Akaashi seemed suspicious. He could tell you were hiding something, and even though very obvious, he didn’t want to assume. Hoping that you would confirm things so that you both could talk it out. Yet here you were, not giving him a response. He was confused to say the least, shouldn’t the answer have been easy? Ryu looked exactly like him, and plus, him not having a father was another takeaway. Using those facts should’ve given him enough confirmation. 

But then again, maybe the answer wasn’t as easy as it should’ve been. What if Ryu wasn’t his?...what if Akaashi had made an assumption out of impulse, because of a lingering feeling he had. One of which you sparked for him to feel. 

Maybe he was being delusional, and instead, was trying to make an excuse. An excuse to spend another minute, even a second with you there. Ryu was important to him as well. His or not, he respected that you had started a family, and was glad Ryu was a part of it. He adored Ryu, but he also admired you. Speaking of Ryu, the boy then clung onto you. He seemed confused about the interaction, and tried asking for clarification. 

“His? *GASP* Am I Akaashi’s brother!? Momma, you never told me!” he smiled happily, ecstatic at the news. 

“Eh-no dear, he’s not your brother,” you chuckled, for him to ask: 

“Then what did he mean? What did you mean, Akaashi?” you then stared at Akaashi. You knew he was smart enough to play things through, and even so, you still panicked the slightest bit. 

“I was wondering if you would be mine for the night, along with your mother. We could go grab dinner, or ice cream even,” you looked at him in shock as his eyes seemed determined. Needing an answer, and willing to get it in whatever scenario possible. 

“But what about Kuroo?” 

“Oh my, I forgot about that,” you then glanced at your watch. 

“Kuroo?...but how-oh….” Akaashi then thought about how you and Kuroo were very close friends. So close that sometimes, he would even find you hanging out with Kuroo, over himself. Though it wasn’t because you liked him (in that way), rather, you were both very good friends. Akaashi let it be since you both had mutual trust, and Kuroo was someone he was also friends with. Besides, Akaashi also respected your personal life with others, and so did you for him. 

They still talked till this day, and not once had Kuroo mentioned you having a child. But to be fair, Kuroo never mentioned you. That being because both you and Akaashi had broken up, and it would’ve been an uncomfortable topic. Still, Akaashi found it strange. If Kuroo knew, wouldn’t Bokuto have as well?...meaning that Akaashi would’ve known by now? His thoughts continued to trail as you looked at him in disbelief. 

You did have plans with Kuroo, but then, you also had a couple hours until he’d come around. Even so, you didn’t want to spend that time with Akaashi. He was one of the last people you needed to talk to. The grudge which still stood in your heart, clenched with each second he stood there. The anger which he had gifted you, was something that was eager to return. As you had thought this, you then stared at your son. He seemed thrilled to be with such a man, as he gripped onto Akaashi’s hand in excitement, saying: 

“Yay! We get to eat together!” 

“We’re going to have so much fun!” 

“Let’s try some bubble waffles!” 

You then remembered that even if you had felt that, your son instead felt joy being with Akaashi. And that being the case, you didn’t have the right to take that happiness away. After all, Ryu was not yours either. He wasn’t someone you could drag away from events, just because you had conflicts with a person. Though there were times where doing so was appropriate, was now really such an event?...not even you could answer that. But even though you couldn’t, his smile which brightened the mood, had answered for you. 

“Okay buddy, slow down. Fine, we can go with brother...Akaashi. We’ll meet Kuroo sometime later, just let me text him.” 

“Okay mom! Akaashi, Up!” you then eyed the boy, for him to insist regardless. 

“Please mom! He’s so tall, and I can see everything-” 

“Ryu no-”

“Sure, what not?” Akaashi then grabbed the boy, placed him on his shoulders, and secured his legs with his hands. You then sighed. If Akaashi had agreed, what could you do? You then texted Kuroo, grabbing your bag firmly as Akaashi spoke: 

“I know a place where we could grab ramen. If not, we could instead-”

“No, ramen is fine,” you said in a stoic tone. 

“Okay...then let’s get going.” 

---

The walk to the outdoor stand was awkward. Well...for you and Akaashi at least. The last time you two spoke, was the day he broke things off. He never reached out to you during that time, and now...here you both were. Expected to have a lengthy conversation, and to enjoy yourselves. Key word, “expected.” Though it would’ve been nice if you both could have talked care free, it wasn’t going to happen. That event occurred when both parties have mutually moved on. From Akaashi’s perspective, he still had lingering thoughts, yet kept them to the side. Going on with his life as he expected you did yours. Though he thought you had moved on, you had thought differently for different reasons. 

Even though you both had your differences, Ryu was there. Entertaining the both of you separately. He complimented you one second, and played with Akaashi the next. You had never seen Akaashi so enthusiastic with a child before. Though he wasn’t going all crazy, and acting like a kid himself, he was being a lot more open. Talking back and forth with Ryu, giving nice remarks, and also rewarding him...with that beautiful smile he bestowed. 

Even so, you tried to ignore it. Remembering that this entire ordeal was for Ryu, and not for your observations. 

“We’re here. What do you want Ryu?” 

“Hm, could I get the one with Tonkatsu? I’ve been craving it all day!” 

“Haha, sure buddy. And...you, Y/n?” 

“I’m not hungry, you guys go ahead,” Akaashi then sighed, obviously not believing you. 

“We’ll get two Tonkatsu ramens, along with Fukuoka ramen.” 

“Sure, that’ll be $18.35 please.” 

“Debit-”

“Um...I can pay for both Ryu and I,” you said, as you tried scrambling for your wallet. Akaashi then tapped the machine, placing his hand on your own (the hand in your purse). 

“It’s fine. Afterall, I already paid,” you shook your head, but let it go as Ryu pointed to a table. 

“Come on! Let’s sit!” 

---

“Akaashiii~!”

“What is Ryu?”

“How do you know mommy? Mommy would never talk to a stranger, so that means you both know each other.” 

“Oh...well, um,” Ryu was truly a bright child. One who caught on a little too quickly. He really did remind you of his father. Quick witted, yet wise with his tongue. Being certain to use specific words or sentences, to ensure/secure his curiosities. 

“Well...mommy and Akaashi were very good friends,” you replied. 

“Ahhh. So if that’s the case, why have I never met him before?” 

“Well you see-” 

“It’s because I live further away from you guys,” Akaashi answered. 

“But so does Kuroo,” Akaashi then pondered, and placed his hands together. 

“Hm, I guess you’re right. Well, maybe your mother has an answer,” the two black haired boys, then stared at you. Both were awaiting for an answer, and yet both had different intentions. One wondering out of pure curiosity, while the other...was waiting for an explanation. One which could clear up any, if not every misconception. 

“Well sweetie, sometimes good friends have to part ways. Everyone has their reasons, but most of the time…” you then looked at Akaashi. 

“It’s because it’s for the better,” his gaze was locked onto yours. The stare was unreadable. It didn’t feel tense, yet it was. Was it cold, hurtful?...you wouldn’t have known. But what you did know was that Akaashi was good, too good at hiding his thoughts. So good that when together, he would let things slip without reaction. Sometimes that was a great thing...and others...not so much. 

“Why would it be a good thing? You both were best friends!” you then placed a hand on his head, patting it gently. 

“Well...friends have to grow up. That doesn’t mean you can’t see them again, but, what it does mean is that you’ll have some time...alone. And that time...is used for you to grow.” 

“Ahh, I see mom! Is that why we don’t see Kuroo often?”

“Haha, no sweetie. That’s actually because we live further away. If Kuroo lived in our city-” 

“He would be living with us, right?” 

“Hm...I guess so,” Akaashi then looked in the other direction. There was no tint of emotion, just...silence. 

“Akaashiiii, the ramen is here!” 

“Oh, is it Ryu?” 

“Yeah, it is!” your bowls were then slid over. Ryu stared at Akaashi’s hands, and at first, Akaashi wasn’t sure as to why. Ryu didn’t touch his food, and at first, he was worried that the boy didn’t like it, but then noticed he was holding a pair of scissors. Pointing them towards the gentleman. Though confused, he then caught onto Ryu’s gesture. 

“Dear I can-” before you could finish your sentence, Akaashi started to cut his noodles. Making them bit size for the boy. It seemed like second hand nature, yet something new to him. Though, you would’ve felt more comfortable doing it yourself, you weren’t complaining as the job was now done. 

“Thanks Akaashi!” 

“No problem Ryu. Now, let’s eat.” 

---

You all then finished your ramen. Though you had said you weren’t hungry, you couldn’t help but eat it. After all of those years, Tonkatsu ramen was still your favourite, and Akaashi still knew. He was glad that he remembered the littlest of details. Ones which may have been overlooked. Ones he made sure to be attentive to. Not only that, but he was glad Ryu had enjoyed the meal as well. He truly was your son as he had the same tastes as you. Akaashi found it quite cute, and found it even more adorable as he ran out of the restaurant, shouting: 

“Mom, Akaashi! I want to play at the park!” 

“Hm...it’s a little late buddy,” Akaashi said, for you to respond: 

“It should be fine. We’ll be over here watching Ryu. No funny business young man!” 

“Okay mommy!” the young boy then climbed the slide, as Akaashi sat on the bench. Patting on it, indicating that you sat beside him. And so...you did. Your legs together, hands as well, as your head looked down. He then sighed, asking: 

“Do you feel uncomfortable? I can move if-” 

“No...it’s fine. We’ll be leaving soon, so no need to worry.” 

“Is Kuroo picking you up?” you then nod as he did the same. 

“I see...so...how have you been?” 

“Oh...um...I’ve been okay. I’ve done better, but...yeah.” 

“Hm, I see,” you really didn’t want to be in this situation. Maybe for him, it seemed civil, but to you...it was awkward. Neither of you knew what to say, and neither did you try to hide it (successfully at least). Akaashi then twitteled with his thumbs. A rare sight you would see every once in a while. Akaashi was a well spoken person, and usually had something to say in a well mannered way. But when he didn’t, or didn’t know what to say, he would play with his thumbs. Hoping that something would spring to mind. 

“You must be having fun.” 

“Fun doing what?” he looked at you. 

“Playing with your thumbs,” you smirked, for him to put his hands away. 

“Not really.” 

“Hm...so...what have you been up to?” you asked, curious and yet not wanting to know. 

“Nothing much...just work and well, Bokuto and I still hang out from time to time.” 

“Ahh, really? I’m glad. You both were the bestest of friends.” 

“And still are,” he smiled, while watching Ryu climb the monkey bars. 

“Hm, you have a girlfriend yet?” he then paused for a moment, for him to answer:

“No...not yet. I haven’t found anyone interesting.” 

“Ah, that’s unfortunate.” 

Was it really?...you wouldn’t know how to think after today. If you hadn’t met Akaashi here...you would’ve thought otherwise. Glad that he hadn't found someone else, for his actions sickened you. Such a gentleman, yet someone so cruel. You would feel awful if he had grasped someone, just as tightly as he did to you. Sprinkling you with such intoxicating, yet graceful pleas, and yet he left you there to rot in such doing. Such a passionate man, yet that same person could find passion in such coldness. 

For the past years, you had found him to be utterly despicable. After that one event...you couldn’t help but think that. But even so, after seeing him with Ryu today...you couldn’t help but melt. The two were so sweet together, and even though you hated to admit, had a spectacular relationship within just hours. They really acted as the best of friends, and Akaashi seemed to enjoy it. Not only that...but his smile...it was one which was truly admirable. 

You then stared at Akaashi, while he watched Ryu. He really hadn’t changed. He was calm, quiet, and reserved. His posture was on parr with the rest of his body. His hair was styled more neatly, and actually, it had grown a bit, along with his height. His figure, a lot larger than what it was in university, and his cologne smelled of lavender, along with a hint of pepper. It was a strange combination, but it worked. He really had grown up to be even more attractive. And that being the case, it surprised you that he didn’t have a partner. Said attractiveness, along with the kindness of his nature...had drawn you in, and yet dragged you out. Leaving you in a confused, and undecided state of mind. 

He then took note of your stare, and grinned. Secretly glad that your attention had averted towards him, yet, he was trying to be subtle. You truly looked astonishing tonight. Even after a couple of years, you still looked the same. That same highschooler who he had fallen in love with, the one who had constantly supported both him, and Fukurodani. The only person who truly understood such a stoic man. That same girl he would forever hold a place in his heart for. Although, now you weren’t just a sweet girl, but now, a beautiful lady instead. 

Deep down, he would’ve wished for a space to open. Allowing such a lady to make way into his heart. Hoping said lady, would do the same. And maybe, just maybe...a prince could join you both as well. Making his thoughts come true in the utmost blessed way. 

He made sure you didn’t catch onto his stare, the one which he had latched onto you. His attempts were taken very seriously, as he didn’t want to make things too obvious. Unfortunately, you did catch him in the act, and turned away, embarrassed. 

“Hm,” he smirked, as you fished for your phone. 

Kuroo ᕙ(`▿´)ᕗ

-> ‘Are you still coming?’ 

-> ‘Of course. Sorry, traffic delays. I should be there in ten.’ 

-> ‘Okay...see you soon’ 

You were about to turn of your phone, to then see Kuroo text:

-> ‘Also...don’t worry too much. You can do this Y/n, good luck, and I’ll be there soon.’ 

You then smiled, and Akaashi took note, thinking: 

‘She’s probably talking to her…ah...’ he sighed at the thought, to then ask: 

“Are you talking to your husband?...you seem happy,” he smiled. Even though smiling was a happy gesture, he couldn’t help but make it the opposite. Making his grin, feel ever so agonizing. 

“Ah...well...that was Kuroo,” Akaashi then batted a brow, surprised to say the least. He’d only seen that look on you when you were vulnerable. Whether you were scared, or secretly happy. Regardless, that was only around him...not even Kuroo had seen such a stare. But now that he saw you in such a state, it made him question if you, and Kuroo were in a relationship. That being the reason why he never brought it up, and vice versa. 

“Oh...I see. So that means,” Akaashi then started to think. Yes, the younger child looked like him, but then, there was also resemblance between both Ryu, and Kuroo. They both had black hair, Ryu had a peckish, yet sweet smile (like Kuroo...minus the sweet-), and the bits of information fit logically. If you and Kuroo had Ryu, it would’ve made sense. 

Both childhood friends who had grown together, to then realize what they wanted after he...had left you. Starting a family, and being with each other?.... Ryu looked like he could’ve been Kuroo's, or anyone for that matter. But even if Akaashi would have liked to think that way, the connection was too uncanny to deny.

Even so, Akaashi was still suspicious. Wondering as to why Ryu would be so reluctant towards his father. Why he would call “Kuroo,” well…”Kuroo,” and just as to why you both lived so far away. Maybe you both had a situation?...but then again, wasn’t Kuroo on his way to pick you up? Akaashi was confused, and felt like he was over-thinking things. Maybe Ryu wasn’t his...and Akaashi was instead looking for something...that wasn’t there...nor his to compensate. 

“That means what?...” he then locked his eyes, with yours. Though he was someone who was hard to read, you could tell how desperate he was. His stare, piercing right at you, hoping he could get an answer. 

“Y/n...could you please tell me...if he’s...mine?” you then saw the sorrowful expression, which struck him. The guilt which seeped in, had dug even further. Not sure how to tell him, nor how to phrase things. Your hands clenched, inhaling slowed, as your body trembled. He seemed just as scared for your response, to then hear: 

“He’s-”

“He’s mine, Akaashi...Ryu is mine,” Kuroo said, for silence to then fill. 

For Those Who Wanted To Be Tagged/Reblogged/Wanted A Part Two! ^^ :

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