#flux support needs

[themogaidragon]

Support Needs Pride Flags

PT: Support Needs Pride Flags /end PT

These are all disabilities inclusive, since the my former ones are exclusive to autism (link). These flags are inclusive of all disabilities.

Disclaimer: support needs aren't monoliths, they don't have clear ends and starts, the definitions presented here are just attempts at defining what they are.

More information and ressources about support needs on @birdofmay on this post (link).

Here is the Wikipedia page (link) about basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLS).

High Support Needs

PT: High Support Needs /end PT

High Support Needs: inability to live independently, requiring global support with BADLs and IADLs. This can include frequently or consistently requiring support with: self-feeding, cooking, bathing, functional mobility, transportation, basic grooming, putting on makeup, continence, toileting, getting dressed, completing tasks, housekeeping, managing medication and money, transportation, etc.

Can be abbreviated online or in writing as HSN(D) for High Support Needs (Disability) or HS(D)P for High Support (Disabled) Person.

Moderate Support Needs

PT: Moderate Support Needs /end PT

Moderate Support Needs: ability varying to live independently from person to person, requiring support with IADLs and some BADLs. This can include frequently or consistently requiring support with: cooking, preparing meals, self-feeding, completing tasks, transportation and mobility, toileting, washing one self, getting dressed, housekeeping, managing medication or money, using communication devices, grocery shopping, pet care, etc.

Can be abbreviated online or in writing as MSN(D) for Moderate Support Needs (Disability) or MS(D)P for Moderate Support (Disabled) Person.

Low Support Needs

PT: Low Support Needs /end PT

Low support needs: ability more often than not to live independently, requiring support uniquely with IADLs. This can include frequently or consistently requiring support with: balancing a checkbook, cooking and preparing meals, pet care, housekeeping, managing medication or money, shopping, transportation, getting started on some tasks like organizing a garage sale or arranging to move from one house to another, etc.

Can be abbreviated online or in writing as LSN(D) for Low Support Needs (Disability) or LS(D)P for Low Support (Disabled) Person.

Flux Support Needs

PT: Flux Support Needs /end PT

Flux Support Needs: ability fluctuating to live independently, requiring support at fluctuating intensity with BADLs and/or IADLs, so much that it cannot be considered low, moderate, high or in between those. Fluctuations can be random, have causes, vary in length and frequency.

Can be abbreviated online or in writing as FSN(D) for Flux Support Needs (Disability) or FS(D)P for Flux Support (Disabled) Person.

Moderate to High Support Needs

PT: Moderate to High Support Needs /end PT

Moderate to High Support Needs: inability to live independently, requiring support bordering between moderate and high. This includes but isn't limited to: being on the high end of MSN, being on the low end of HSN, requiring support with most of BADLs but not globally, requiring support globally with BADLs but moderately, etc.

Can be abbreviated online or in writing as MHSN(D) for Moderate to High Support Needs (Disability) or MHS(D)P for Moderate to High Support (Disabled) Person.

Low to Moderate Support Needs

[pt: Low to Moderate Support Needs /end pt]

Low to Moderate Support Needs: significant difficulty to live independently, requiring support bordering between low and moderate. This includes but isn't limited to: being on the high end of LSN, being on the low end of MSN, requiring severe support with IADLs and a few or mild support with BADLs, etc.

Can be abbreviated online or in writing as LMSN(D) for Low to Moderate Support Needs (Disability) or LMS(D)P for Low to Moderate Support (Disabled) Person.

[leavingautumn13]

clowning on the one teammate whose most useful move seems to be destiny bond

[irregularbillcipher]

with medical bills stacking up and my short term disability benefits likely ending in about a month i have to be saving money a bit, so i can’t buy anything from the studio bad egg campaign, but if anyone who follows me gets that sick new bill figurine, please post photos, that thing looks so cool

[scorpius-rising]

Was going to do a big response to the person who wrote this, but I checked and they're a terf, so kinda glad I can just block and move on

[opencommunion]

in one of the most densely populated places in the world, housing has become a critically scarce resource as the sadistic colonial forces pursue a strategy of domicide — "the deliberate and systematic destruction of living spaces, targeting intimate places of residence so that any form of stability, physical or emotional, is replaced with a feeling of constant flux."

Nine out of ten people in Gaza are now internally displaced, including @mohammedhaboubsblog's family. I started talking to Mohammed earlier this month after his twin sister Farah was injured in the Al-Tabaeen school massacre on August 10th. Their family's campaign was vetted by 90-ghost here.

They're currently being charged astronomically high rent to keep a roof over their heads as Farah recovers. Their landlord is threatening eviction tomorrow if they don't raise the remaining $763 for September's rent in time:

It would be disastrous for Farah to be displaced and homeless again while her injuries are still healing. If you can spare any amount to help this family, they need our support urgently. If you can't donate please show your solidarity by sharing widely.

Please note the conversion rate! This campaign is in Swedish krona. $5 USD = kr52 SEK

[alanshemper]

20 Jewish students were arrested at Brown University for peacefully protesting by doing a sit-in to call for a ceasefire in Gaza on Wednesday, November 8.

There is a GoFundMe to help with their legal fees, which is currently struggling ⬇️

Thank you for being here in solidarity with us, we feel you and appreciate your support. We encourage you match the donation you gave us to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), linked below. Because legal fees are still in flux, any excess funds will be donated to PCRF.

https://www.pcrf.net

[rodolfoparras]

Okay, just hear me out. What if Price’s wife is weirdly into it and the two team up and fuck/degrade Price together? 🥴

Price’s wife should be horrified, she is horrified but there’s also a small part of her that can’t help but be turned on because she has never seen her husband be this wrecked.

He’s basically fucking himself onto your cock, chest flush red as he uses all of his arms strength to support his weight, sandy brown hair soaked in sweat and sticking to his forehead, while labored breathes escape his lips.

Her thighs subconsciously squeeze together and she can even see you with a small smirk on your face while gradually slowing down the movement of your hips.

“I think she wants to join in. What do you think pretty? Should we let her?”

Price can barely register what you’re saying, mind still hazy and desperate for any sort of relief. He doesn’t even realize he’s saying yes before his own wife is making her way over to their shared bed where him and his lover lay.

Theres a string of words she want to say as she quickly shuts the door behind her, a flux of emotion bubbling up in her gut as she walks over to the bed, and a burning need to touch price as she crawls over to where the two of you lay.

“Please please please” Price says, doesn’t even know who he’s begging at this point as he bucks up onto your length, begging for any sort of release he can get

All of sudden her voice hardens, gaze turning sharper as she utters the words “Look at you John, acting like a whore, wasn’t my cock enough for you hm?” She says as she delivers a slap to his ass cheek, the noise sounding throughout the room as he sobs into the sheets

“Sorry sorry so sorry ma’am” he sobs, head shaking back and forth, mind absolutely delirious while still continuously being skewed onto your cock

“Answer her properly John”

“Such a cockhungry whore you are john, one cock wasn’t enough, needed two to fill this hole up isnt that right”

“Yes yes please need - please anything..anything” he says hands almost threatening to rip the sheets with how tightly he’s gripping onto them.

[bnxxshthealien]

something’s wrong with UNIT

ok, something’s really bugging me about the new version of UNIT (in doctor who season 1/14)

In their first few appearances in nuwho (in rtd1) the Doctor was very clearly cautious of or completely against unit (e.g. in the sontaran stratagem, it felt like he had to fight unit more than the sontarans). Which absolutely makes sense: their military methods go completely against the Doctor’s typical behaviour.

And then Kate Lethbridge-Stewart came into it. In her first season (s7), she tried to murder a group of refugee zygons. The Doctor tried to interfere, which resulted in a kind of botched partition. This predictably collapsed in s9, and Kate addressed the situation by attempting genocide. And the Doctor was rightfully pissed.

Since then we haven’t seen much of Kate, other than Flux / Power of the Doctor, in which she has zero meaningful characterisation. (i don’t wanna hate on s13, i do like it, but there’s not really anything interesting to say here)

Then there was the Giggle, which I think did a good job: we got to see a kind of raw version of Kate, which showed a contrast between the dangerous side of her and the way she presents herself, which suggests that she has listened to the Doctor and worked on herself.

But then we have the Legend of Ruby Sunday. The Doctor just walks into unit like they never did anything wrong and fully supports everything they try to do. I mean, it’s nice, it’s fun to watch all the characters get along, but aren’t there some things you need to address??

anyway. i’m hoping this is intentional. 15 is getting a bit too carefree after the bigeneration (he keeps stepping on things etc.) and I suspect the sudden switch in attitude towards unit is RTD’s way of showing how this can be a problem. I suspect in Empire of Death, unit are going to make a bad move and the Doctor will remember why he used to be cautious of them.

[justaghostingon]

Shi Qingxuan and the Quest to Win the Heart of the Hot Ghost

A beefleaf au to soothe my soul since i’ve reached “that” arc in the series

It all begins when He Xuan makes a mistake. A mistake that almost cost him centuries worth of work

He accidentally saves Shi Qingxuan in the wrong form!

He meant to save him as Ming-xiong, the trusted best friend, but due to an unexpected flux from Taicang mountain, he couldn’t control his form, and slipped into his true form.

Fortunately shi Qingxuan did not see him transform, and he was able to quickly get out of sight to change back

Unfortunately, Shi Qingxuan interpreted He Xuan suddenly appearing, saving his life and then leaving as a sign that He Xuan a hero!

His hero!

His Ghost king who wants to be friends just like Hua Cheng and Xie Lian!

But he’s shy! That’s why he ran away! So its Shi Qingxuan’s job to seek him out and thank him.

And treat him to dinner, and go out on the town, and hold his hand… you know, sworn brother stuff!

Shi Qungxuan might have a bit of a crush.

And Ming Yi, good old best friend ming yi, has to listen to all of it. Every excruciating detail, every inch of his face painted with such flowery language he wants to throw up.

Is he jealous of himself? No way! Not a chance! He’s just worried shi Qingxuan will put sowmthing together before its time!

At first ming yi hopes it will go away, a passing fancy, if shi qingxuan never sees he xuan again

But shi Qingxuan is way more determined than ming yi was expecting. He hunted down his layer, and threw his favorite foods down into the sea as an offering

How did he know he xuan’s favorite foods? They were ming yi’s favorites too! Did he know???

He xuan had to throw him off his trail, so he shifted in to his true form, just to reject them and throw him off the scent.

Shi Qingxuan then asks what his favorites are

He xuan panics and says super rare dishes like “cinnamon” and “corn” thinking the fetch quest will deter him.

It does not. Instead shi Qingxuan drags ming yi on a quest to find a whole nother two continents just so he could bring back food for his new “friend”

And of course, he brings his trusty friend ming yi with him. So ming yi has to go on his own impossible quest

He xuan has just about had it with this, ans vows never to appear before shi Qingxuan again, except…

Shi wudu comes to visit him.

Shi wudu wants to recruit him, ming yi, to keep he xuan away from his brother. To stop this disastrous crush before it destroys everything

He even offers to support ming yi’s own endeavors to court shi qungxuan, because clearly that’s ming yi’s goal here.

“This is that is that important to you?” Ming yi asks

“He xuan and shi qingxuan together would be the worst thing to ever happen to me” shi wudu says (not exactly in those words, but its what he xuan hears)

And suddenly he xuan sees a perfect opportunity to hurt shi wudu in a way that is intense and long lasting

Forget physical torture! Let him watch his brother fall for his greatest enemy!!!

So he begins to court shi qingxuan in his true form. Offering gifts of precious treasures from the sea bottom, eatinf his food, giving him the smoldering look that shi qingxuan will not shut up about to ming yi

Only one problem: he xuan is a little too good. He knows all of shi qingxuan’s favorite things from being his best friend, and bringing them up in courtship…that’s kinda creepy

He doesn’t want to come off as creepy. He needs this to go well.

So he tries to dial it down, but he’s not nearly as good as he thinks

Because one day shi qingxuan looks ming yi right in the eyes and goes “you know there’s nothing that would make me love you any less right? He xuan?”

And ming yi/ he xuan, realizes he’s been caught

But he’s also got a boyfriend, and shi wudu’s worst nightmare has come true, ao its all good

[sanctus-ingenium]

I'd looove to hear a little about your worldbuilding process if you don't mind sharing. How do you go about it? I know you have shared in a few posts already but just wanna know moree. Also where did it all begin? What inspired you? (eating it all uppp!!!)

hi!! I know I wrote a big long thing like last year or the year before about the process to making a setting but I cannot be arsed to find it rn so here's some disconnected thoughts

Overall I don't really make Headworlds or Worldbuilding Projects the way a lot of people do (which is why u keep hearing me say 'setting' over and over) because mainly what I make are stories in the order of characters -> plot -> world. those three things have to serve one another in that order of importance, so the world itself bends to serve the narrative. for example, ultimately idgaf where the holy beasts' skeletons come from, that is not important because the beasts are basically just a big plot device to serve the story. i can make some post-hoc justifications for their existence (and i did) but at the end of the day it will not and does not matter how they work or where they come from. the world is full of mysteries that will never be solved because the characters are not in a position to solve them. aside from a single border conflict, the world outside the mezian empire is nebulous and unimportant.

I don't enjoy working in a world -> narrative order because what I want to produce isn't just a series of info posts or artpieces about a setting, but a closed and self-contained story which is the justification for the entire world's existence. Headworlds that are all world and no character don't interest me.

So basically in the process of worldbuilding, I have to serve the story. A while back I made a post about continental history around Inver, all these wars and occupations and schisms and so on. All of those exist solely to provide a particular political climate, justification for Aquitan's theocratic structure, and the spread of the southern church north into Inver. I already had the idea of this church, that it would be integral to the country as a main political faction, so now I have to figure out how it got there and the political ramifications of that. It's all worldbuilding for sure, but it's a support structure underneath the story about how that church eventually changes world history, because i wanted to write a story about a church lol.

I guess if I wanted to explain The Process for a world -> characters setting i'd just be giving you How To Write A Story 101 lol. But basically: I think of a concept which interests me (big mechs yay). Then I think of a conflict that might arise (where does the fuel come from? who controls that supply? what might that do to the concentration of power in this area?). Then I put a character in what I consider to be the most interesting position to observe the effects of this conflict (a knight, an enginesmith, an exile), and honestly the main plot generally writes itself after that. I extrapolate the hook from that.

In terms of characters, I try to avoid calling them 'ocs' because in my mind 'oc' tends to be a very static stand-alone thing. Like I couldn't make a useful ref sheet of my characters because they are all changed by the story. I couldn't say 'he has a carefree personality' because in a few chapters no he fucking won't. in the same way i struggle a LOT to talk about my Siren setting which as close to a specbio 'headworld' as i'm ever gonna get, because I am worldbuilding in vastly different time periods at once in a world which is always changing, i can't make a post about for example a map of Siren because that's just a map from one era, I'd need to make a dozen maps to show how things change, how time affects it all, etc.

Because nothing is ever static and everything is in flux, pretty much the only way I can handle a setting like this is, again, just to focus on a few small stories centered around a cast of characters separated by time (i have... 4 distinct stories in Siren. maybe more). this is actually a frustrating barrier to me sharing any information at all about this place lol i'm the struggler

Where did it all begin? When I was 11 I used to write stories in my copybooks in class. There has never been a time where I was not making stories and where my stories were not the only important thing at all to me, superseding literally everything else. I learned how to draw digitally in 2011 because I wanted to draw my characters.

What inspires me? Everything lol. I actually don't have time to Consume Media much, I struggle watching movies or tv and I mostly hate video games because I would much rather be productive and sitting and watching a screen feels like a waste of my time. but I like reading books because I can take them with me on my phone. I get ideas from all sources but mostly non-media sources, like obviously mythology but also my history with the church and my scientific education. Usually nonfictional sources interest me the most (i was going to write a whole story that was a post-apocalyptic plague plot based on canine transmissible venereal cancer haha and even to this day that's where "the Immortal Hound" title comes from, little easter egg in inver)

[fliflaflux]

Sharess Caress with Astarion - a little analysis

CW: The following text deals with coping with the trauma of sexual and physical violence.

» When you met his eye for a moment, there's a look about him that reveals he's a milion realm away «

The scene with the Drow twins is often discussed - But what was astarion thinking in agreeing to the whole thing in the first place? I try to analyze a little what might be going on in the head of our favorite vampire. Might is important here, because of course I cannot know exactly.

First of all, what will I be referring to when I write about Astarion's trauma?

» "In the immediate aftermath of trauma, the victim's personality organization is disintegrated, and experiences of self and world are fragmented and chaotic. With the passage of time, the survivor's symptoms consolidate into recognizable patterns, such as intrusive memories, emotional numbness, and exaggerated startle responses." « (From: Herman, J. L. Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books.)

Or in short: it's a mess.

Trial-and-Error

Treating trauma is a complicated matter and in many cases requires the help of a therapist. However, I have not yet heard of any therapists in Faerûn - so Astarion is on his own (Or he and Tav.) So I theorize that he's trying the trial-and-error method to find his own boundaries after Cazador is defeated.

Trial-and-error methods in trauma therapy refer to the process by which therapists and patients try and adapt different treatment approaches and techniques to identify those that are most effective in addressing trauma sequelae and promoting healing. In this approach, therapy is viewed as an iterative process in which both therapists and patients experiment together to find the best treatment approaches that best meet the patient's individual needs, resources and responses.

It is important to note that trial-and-error methods in trauma therapy are typically not used in isolation but as part of a more wide-ranging therapeutic approach. Here's from the book "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk: » "The healing process often involves trial and error as therapists and clients explore different techniques and approaches to determine what works best for the individual." «

But the thing is that Astarion doesn't have a therapist. His approach of agreeing so quickly may be one to find his hard boundaries in order to be able to work with them. However, in this case he had no one to support him. No one to catch him when he started to disassociate (when he is miles away). Not to mention that jumping into bed with two strangers and his love might have been a bit too much of a jump from 0 to 100.

He certainly wants to have a 'normal' relationship with Tav, which includes sleeping together. Just because he is traumatized in this way doesn't mean that he doesn't want any more physical closeness. On the contrary: I even think that he really wants this unforced closeness out of his own desire. But he's not completely ready for it yet. But it's in character for him over the course of the game that he doesn't think long about the offer with the Drow twins, but agrees straight away. And completely overreaches himself.

Good or bad decision?

So is it a bad decision to suggest Astarion visit the brothel at all? No. I have and will always make it dependent on my player character and how it fits into the roleplay. Because Astarion agrees of his own free will. Part of his character arc is that he learns to make his own decisions and have his own experiences. This also means that he has the right to make wrong decisions. These can also be learned from in the process of healing. Every experience is important.

Cheers! -Flux

[numinous-scribe]

Rating: Mature Relationships: Batfamily & Tim Drake, Past Stephanie Brown/Tim Drake Warnings: PTSD, Chronic Pain, Seizures, Medical Trauma, Medical Inaccuracies, Implied/Referenced Torture, Past Character Death, Intrusive Thoughts, Implied/Referenced Self-Harm, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Flashbacks, Whump

Summary:

Tim can never go back, not to what he used to be, or who he was. The only thing he can do is move forward. But recovery is not a linear line. With both his physical and mental health in constant flux, Tim needs all the support he can get. It's not going to fix him, but maybe the cat he found in a dumpster is a start.

+++

It's here! My entry for @batfam-big-bang! This was so much fun, and thank you to my artist @kartsie!!

Extra under the cut

I mentioned in the end notes that @brothebro inspired some of Tim's scarring, and have received permission to share the picture since it was something previously only shared in the HHd server.

A thousand thanks again for allowing me to use some of these headcanons in my fic!!!!!!

[magnetic-regent-magneto]

Magneto and Science ↪      Part 1

the subtle hum of iron in blood, steel bending at his fingertips, the pull of Earth's core beneath his feet, wires and circuits speak, magnetic flux arcing between his hands, reading Einstein's equations, the muted thrum of power grids in distant cities, the metallic taste in the air before a storm, the distant buzz of high-voltage lines, the scent of ozone, strewn blueprint, the infinite spiral of energy, late night lights, monogrammed notes, wrapped books, late night discussions

↪     𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒

Magneto has many unfinished manuscripts and half-completed papers

⠀ ⠀𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐘: Electro and other types of magnetism, geophysics, interaction of magnetic frequencies with forces (plasma), theories on atoms / quantums / magnetism, mutant powers, ferromagnetism, fluid magnetism, metamagnetism, renewable energies, mechanics and engineering, Quantum-mechanical origin of magnetism, material science, space-centered development, the solarsystem, magnetars, earth's core and nature's magnetism, spacecraft propulsion based on manipulating planetary magnetic forces, Superconductivity Mechanisms, magnetic fibers (his suits)

⠀ ⠀𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀: Ambitious, albeit speculative, the interaction between quantum states and large-scale magnetic fields in plasmas. These theories suggest controlling the behavior of stars and cosmic bodies with magnetism—a kind of stellar engineering. Though untested, some astrophysicists have unknowingly referenced his work under pseudonyms in papers on solar magnetic field anomalies.

The science of Magneto and Gambit interacting creating a Magnetar or Black Hole -- not even Sinister mixes that.

His published works carry pseudonyms.

⠀ ⠀After his time on Asteroid M, various blueprints surfaced on inventions. Various particle colliders and electron molecule systems have been adjusted to the newly recognised modells.

⠀ ⠀His works push the boundaries of conventional scientific thought. Also quoting 'my powers' is ... debatable. (searching for proof of magnetic monopoles. reconcile the monopole with standard model inconsistencies, leaving behind cryptic hints for any physicist lucky (or unlucky) enough to find them.)

⠀ ⠀𝐓𝐇𝐄 "𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓": Electromagnetic Biophysics. A term coined to describe the phenomenon of magnetic fields influencing biological systems. It is oftentimes also used otherwise in sociopolitic studies.

He has funded numerous scientific research projects, often under pseudonyms. He is but a benevolent supporter ... (He gets along with Doc Ock and Bruce Banner occasionally)

⠀ ⠀Genosha utilised a large portion of his blueprints on renewable energies. The entire city layout was revolutionised for the purpose and therefore an almost "Solarpunk" city.

In later years, scientists call upon him for cross-referencing work and data in molecular and frequency studies. Also, sometimes he is also good for checking if a supercollider has a hole...

⠀ ⠀He does not like nanotech as it is more difficult to grasp.

⠀ ⠀Imagine some human scientist not realising they are basing all their work off of Magneto, the scary mutant terrorist. You try to avoid his study but you keep finding the name.

Scientific Magazines with his name and interviews

Young Mutants in school writing papers on him, or reports and they write him letters and he replies to their questions.

⠀ ⠀"We need to call him" - "We are NOT calling Magneto"

Some geophysicists unknowingly reference his work, citing unexplained phenomena in magnetic field fluctuations that were actually on him.

⠀ ⠀Sometimes you have to part the person (a mutant terrorist and villain) from its work -- or something.

[canonicallyobserving911]

“I’m still in love with you but... I needed to learn how to love myself too!”

Fanonwriter2023 on AO3

Where CANON and FANON collide!

Season 7 FANON Speculation: Buddie Multi-Chapter Fanfic - Hiatus Reading: “I’m still in love with you but... I needed to learn how to love myself too!”

Chapter 34 is now available on AO3.

This is an EPIC LOVE STORY!

“I’m still in love with you but... I needed to learn how to love myself too!”

Currently 34 chapters completed: 1.583M Words; Rated: Mature

Please note: Chapter 33 was so big; I had to divide it into two separate chapters. Chapter 34 is now available on AO3; therefore Chapter 33 should be read first.

___________

Here's a snippet from Chapter 34 of a conversation between Buck and Eddie while they discuss Buck's career options.

___________

After several seconds of silence, Buck continues. “It’s just… you sacrifice everything for our family and I—I know my career is in… flux, disarray or hell, honestly at this point I don’t even know what to call it but you’re supporting me through it. At one time I thought firefighting would be all I’d ever have because I never thought about any other options. But uh… the job with The Food Network came out of nowhere and it’s a real opportunity for us. If I take it, I’ll get to set my schedule the way I want it and um… I’ll only have to film episodes 12 weeks out of the year and the best part is…” He trails off and kisses his husband’s lips. After he lays his head back on top of the pillow, he admits, “I can still be a firefighter if I want.”

“That’s true but amore mio, you don’t have to thank me. We’re in this together and there’s no place else I’d rather be.”

“But Ed—die, if we move to New York…”

He leans down and kisses his lips to interrupt him and after he pulls back, he admits, “We talked about this, you and Chris are my dream and everything we do and each decision we make… it’s for our family. I can be a Critical Care Paramedic in Los Angeles, New York City or San Gimignano, Italy. My career dream of becoming a paramedic already came true and you were there with me every step of the way. Therefore, being a Critical Care Paramedic is a bonus and I can do it anywhere and you know what else?”

“What?”

“One of the best things about our jobs in fire and emergency services is… our skills are in high demand and we can transfer to another department and we won’t miss a beat. Fighting fires and caring for wounded and injured victims can be done anywhere in the world.”

Will Buck decide to leave the LAFD? 🙃

If he does, will he decide to become a world-renowned chef on the Food Network TV show "All About Pasta?" 🤷🏽‍♀️

Will the Diaz family move to New York City? 👀

___________

This is an EPIC LOVE STORY!

Fic Summary: Months after Buck and Eddie were hit by the same lightning strike; they’re still struggling with the aftermath of it.  But before they make their love confessions, they’ll spend time getting to know themselves as individuals first. Eddie learns to enjoy the simple things in life as he participates in activities on his own and with new friends while Buck learns the rest of the 31-year-old deep dark family secret about his conception and birth. Their journey to forever is still a work in progress but once they finally admit they’re in love with each other, everything that follows their love confessions will be cataclysmic.

__________

Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1 - Eddie makes a new friend while Buck receives devastating news regarding the sperm donation he made for Connor and Kameron.

Chapter 2 - Buck does a lot of research to learn more about the abnormalities found in his red blood cells and Eddie starts a new therapy journey that’s all about him and not the traumas he’s experienced.

Chapter 3 - After more than a month, Buck and Eddie finally spend time together outside of work but it doesn’t end well and they part with a lot of uncertainty regarding their places in each other’s lives.

Chapter 4 - Eddie has a few realizations about his life which causes him to consider moving back to El Paso, TX while Buck continues to be reminded of his past which causes him to take an impromptu road trip across America.

Chapter 5 - Both Buck and Eddie have difficult conversations with their parents and Buck finally learns the truth behind the reason why his mother despised him while Eddie finally tells his mother about the way she tries to control him.

Chapter 6 - More than two weeks after Buck pushed Eddie away after suggesting they needed a break; Eddie decides to try again. Eddie’s there for Buck when he’s at his worst just like Buck was there for him when he was at his worst and he won’t let Buck give up.

Chapter 7 - After Buck’s mental breakdown, Eddie has his back the same way Buck had his when he had his own breakdown more than a year ago.  They share several vulnerable and emotionally intimate moments with one another and they begin to realize their small, sweet and caring gestures matter just as much if not more than any grand gesture ever could because these are the foundations of a long-lasting love relationship.

Chapter 8 - Buck, Eddie and Chris all have their own therapists and during their sessions, they reflect on their pasts while they’re in the present so they can prepare for their future together as a family.

Chapter 9 - Buck and Eddie are there for each other when Buck has to testify as a witness during the trial.  But by the end of it, they’ll both realize their individual and shared traumas are going to keep resurfacing until they talk about them, deal with the fact that they’re in love with one another and face the fact that they can’t live without each other.

Chapter 10 - As Buck and Eddie finally begin to confront their past traumas, they realize how much they need each other to fill in the gaps of their memories.  Additionally, the universe screams at them for what appears to be the one hundredth time so Buck can realize he doesn’t have to ‘find it’ because he already ‘made it’ and Eddie’s reminded tomorrow isn’t promised and he doesn’t have to die alone if he doesn’t want to.

Chapter 11 - A “virga” or dry thunderstorm is in the forecast but once the rain starts, the thunderstorm happening outside won’t be able to match the storm brewing inside between Buck and Eddie.  It’s the universe’s final scream and when the tumultuous winds begin to blow, they’ll have one last chance to hold onto everything they’ve built over the last six years or they’ll lose it all forever.

Chapter 12 - Buck and Eddie have always shared a deep physical attraction and an emotional intimacy that’s unmatched but now that they’re in a relationship, they’re learning how to navigate the romantic intimacy they’ve been waiting for six years to explore. The love they have for each other is a once in a lifetime, soulmate, love of their lives type of love that transcends space and time.

Chapter 13 - While navigating the newness of their romantic relationship, Buck and Eddie take advantage of every moment they spend together. As their individual lives, people from their pasts, time constraints and the possibility of losing each other again make attempts to interrupt and interfere with their journey to forever, they love, care for, support and hold onto each other even tighter to withstand it all.

Chapter 14 - Buck and Eddie can see the lights at the end of the tunnels regarding the results of Buck’s Cancer Screening along with everything else they’re dealing with. But are the lights they see exits to the tunnels or are they headlights on different runaway trains that are speeding towards them in an effort to interrupt their forever?

Chapter 15 - Buck and Eddie have known they were exactly who the other one wanted in a partner since they met six years ago when they agreed to have each other’s backs. They’re in a romantic relationship, they’re both preparing to ask the other one to spend forever with them and by the end of the seventh week into their relationship, together they will plan their most important and greatest adventure for their future.

Chapter 16 - As Buck and Eddie begin to prepare for their marriage ceremony that will take place in Rome, Italy in December 2023, they start planning their first international adventure as a romantic couple. Even though Chris is still the only person they’ve told about their relationship, several people who know them have already witnessed the love they share and as the days continue, others will witness it too.

Chapter 17 - As Buck and Eddie get closer to departing Los Angeles for their international adventure, a moment in time will remind them; life is fragile, tomorrow isn’t promised and every second of everyday should be cherished because everything can change in an instant. The result of that realization will cause them to hold onto each other even more.

Chapter 18 - As Buck, Eddie and Chris prepare for family gatherings before and during the Thanksgiving holiday, the “Santa Ana Winds” start to blow and all sorts of expected and unexpected familial drama ensues.

Chapter 19 - As Buck and Eddie get closer to their wedding day, the universe begins to align everything so that some of their parent and children's relationships are strengthened while others come to an abrupt end.

Chapter 20 - With only 14 days remaining until Buck, Eddie and Chris depart Los Angeles, CA traveling to Rome, Italy, for their first family adventure, an early morning conversation about “tying up loose ends” helps Buck and Eddie realize there are still several things left unfinished on their ‘To Do’ lists. The question is will there be enough time to complete all of them?

Chapter 21 - Buck, Eddie and Chris are finalizing their ‘To Do’ Lists, double checking their itineraries and packing their suitcases in preparation for their trip to Europe so they can board their flight that departs Los Angeles, CA on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 3:25PM.

Chapter 22 - While Buck, Eddie and Chris spend the first 8 days of their European family adventure in Italy, their primary reason for going will be fulfilled as well as several others they hadn’t considered or anticipated.

Chapter 23 - As the Diaz Family continues their Italian family adventure, they’ll say, “Ciao” or hello and goodbye to a lot of things almost immediately after they become an official and legal family.

Chapter 24 - After Buck, Eddie and Chris arrive in London, England on December 24th; the Diazes immediately start preparing to spend their first family Christmas together. During their stay, each of them will hear a few choice words that will be the life raft to get them home to complete their searches to be seen and to be found.

Chapter 25 - After spending more than two weeks in Europe, Eddie, Buck and Chris are back in Los Angeles and they’re getting ready to attend Maddie and Chimney’s New Year’s Eve party. During the event, they have plans to make two surprise announcements but the question is, who’s really going to be surprised, the Diaz family or their found family at the 118?

Chapter 26 - Buck and Eddie are once again faced with their greatest fear of losing each other but this time it could be permanent and if it is, then they won’t be able to spend the rest of their lives together.

Chapter 27 - After Buck resumes therapy, he’ll continue to face the fact that he “DIED” in March 2023 and during those sessions, he’ll learn about the 7 stages of grief. As he continues his healing journey, Eddie will be right by his side just like he promised and the Diaz family will start to deal with their three minutes and seventeen seconds loss as a family.

Chapter 28 - Two years ago, Eddie was asked, “What are you afraid of?”; twice, once by Frank and once by Buck but he only answered one of them without deflecting. Since that time, he’s been to therapy and him and Buck got married but the question resurfaces when Frank asks Buck the same question and Buck asks it of Eddie for the second time. However, when Buck asks, his reasoning will be about something else entirely.

Chapter 29 - After Buck and Eddie have an emotionally intimate conversation regarding their dreams, they make several decisions that will affect their future. When everything falls into place, they’ll realize one of those decisions will result in them no longer being work partners.

Chapter 30 - In 2018, Buck and Eddie met at the 118 and after some initial apprehensions on Buck’s part, they became work partners and they agreed to have each other’s backs. It’s been more than 6 ½ years, a lot’s happened, they got married in December 2023 and they have the family they both chose. With Eddie leaving the 118 in 3 months and Buck getting closer to moving past his grief, what will him losing his work partner mean for him?

Chapter 31 - As Buck’s life hangs in the balance from what’s suspected to be another bradycardia event, Eddie’s by his bedside, their son is being cared for by relatives and their found family is in the waiting room. During this time, many questions will surface that could possibly lead to the truth but will everything be revealed before it’s too late?

Chapter 32 - On January 2, 2024, the figurative skies over the Diaz family became gray and filled with storm clouds. Buck’s recent trauma, Chris’ school project and Eddie’s paramedic studies combined with the attack on Buck’s life, all those things contributed to the grief they’ve been experiencing. However, as the middle of February approaches, will the dark clouds dissipate so blue skies can return?

Chapter 33 -Now that “New Beginnings” are on the horizon for the Diazes regarding their future as dual residents of the United States of America and Italy, Buck and Eddie review their career qualifications and they consider educational options for Chris.

Chapter 34 - Buck and Eddie are equals in their marriage, they wholeheartedly support one another and they agreed to discuss the big decisions that affect their family. Recent events have them facing a difficult one that will affect their dreams and Buck’s career, Eddie’s job location and plans for Chris’ educational future from both domestic and international perspectives are all included. While they’re visiting El Paso, TX, they’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option.

Chapter 35 - Will be posted within the next few days.

__________

Read chapters 1-33; they're available on AO3.

Continue reading on AO3

[kathaynesart]

What advice would you give to someone who really wants to get into writing/drawing comics, but doesn't know how or where to start? What would you recommend? Even if/ especially if they already have a decent history in writing and drawing

SHORT ANSWER: Don’t do what I’m doing with Replica haha! I’m breaking all my own rules with this comic but maybe we can use it as a good example of what not to do in my rant below…

LONG ANSWER: (below the cut)

Hoo boy… there are so many avenues this question could take. I assume you don’t necessarily mean entering the comic industry as a professional (there are far more experienced people you can ask about that). But simply drawing your own comics? I'll try my best to break down some of the basics I've picked up over the years. Note these are just my opinion and there is always room for other methods...

1. ASK YOURSELF WHAT KIND OF COMIC AM I DOING?

The first thing to consider is what is your intention with this comic? Do you want to tell a story centered around a preexisting fandom or tell a completely new story you came up with? What genre do you want to focus on? I'd recommend finding something that really sparks your interest, because you're going to be working on it for far longer than a regular art piece. Plus if you like it, someone else is bound to like it as well!

2. ASK YOURSELF DOES IT NEED TO BE A COMIC?

This may sound silly... but often times I find people fail to take into consideration whether or not the story they are telling works best with the medium they are considering. Had I done Replica as a fan fiction, I would be much farther along with it... but with comics there comes a wide range of subtle visual cues, parallels, and symbolism I can use that I wouldn't be able to show through writing. The written word also has many strengths that comics lack... it just comes down to what you want to be able to show in your story.

3. KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE

If this is your first time doing a comic, I recommend not overextending yourself with some grand epic that is going to take you forever (like Replica haha.)

Example: Years ago a close friend and I did a webcomic called Perpetual Flux that we were unable to finish. It went for about 2-3 years, was over 110 pages long, and yet we had only managed to get about 3 chapters into what would have probably been a +30 chapter story. We came up with this huge epic we wanted to tell and while it was a story we still wanted to finish, it just became impossible to continue as our lives and availability changed.

So start small! And take that experience you gain into bigger, future projects. Obviously I have not learned my lesson with Replica, but at least with this project it's something I can do on my own time and is supported by a wonderful community who keep me inspired. Speaking of which...

4. FINDING AN AUDIENCE

If it’s a story based off something with an existing fandom then half the work is already done! You just need to start interacting more with people in that fandom, and I mean really interacting. Talk to other artists, join Zines, leave comments, and share other people’s work. It can foster a community and help you be a part of the fandom so that people will be interested in what you have to share.

If it’s a new story you’re going to have to create your own community. Nowadays it’s easier than ever to get your work out there, but the competition for eyes is much steeper. What I find that works is rather than starting the comic cold turkey, draw out some highlights from your future story. Moments that have yet to unfold that might wet a random viewer's appetite for more. Kind of like… a trailer for what’s to come. Keep dropping those little crumbs of interest as you prep your comic to garner some interest and that way when you do start you may already have some followers who might share your work around!

5. CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Get into the habit of drawing and writing regularly. I know it can be a hassle and the last thing you want to do is make it a chore, but like exercising I find that the more I do it, the easier it is and the better I feel about it. Nowadays I feel weird if I'm not at least writing some script or drawing a few sketches towards my comic/projects every day.

Also, if you can make sure to update fairly regularly (something I also fail at with Replica haha, but at least I try to post little things here and there when time allows). It's important to let your followers know that you are still there and you care! It also helps keep you at the front of their minds. My fellow Apocalypse AU creators Cass and Tapakah0 are GREAT at this as they post a ton! It helps garner a strong community and a lot of continuous excitement! I wish I had that same energy and time but you'll have to make do with my old-lady pace of things, bless you all haha.

6. GRAPHIC DESIGN

Obviously as a writer and artist you're used to doing both... but with comics there's another aspect that can come into play. Graphic design! Whether it's your title, your font choices, the word bubbles, or the way you break down the panels, these area all things you should take into consideration. For example, every webcomic has panels, but they can vary tremendously in style. Because of Tumblr and the nature of the scroll method I chose to forgo the typical "comic book style" for more of a... loose storyboard feel where I care more about the angle of the shot within each panel rather than how these separated images link up to one another. Where as with Perpetual Flux, it was laid out on actual comic pages so we had to take serious consideration into how they fit together within each page. IngunnSara is also a great example of this more traditional method of paneling and it's gorgeous and difficult and they have my utmost respect for pulling it off with Hamato Wanderers! So I recommend looking to some of your own favorite comics and see what jives with you.

7. FIND A STYLE THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Also failed this with Replica haha, but to be fair I went right into it with the intent on learning the style as I went. But I recommend having some grasp on the style you want to use and whether or not it's a viable to be drawing over and over again for your comic (for example, if you make it too detailed it will take you far longer to draw!)

8. FORGET ABOUT PERFECTION

Perfection is a lie. There is no place for it in art, especially if you're just doing this for your own pleasure. Don't strive for it. Don't worry about it. Don't compare yourself. Just keep doing what you're doing and keep learning from it. You'll get much farther!

Ok... hopefully that helps a bit. I'm sure there's plenty more to talk about but I feel like I've talked enough for now. Thanks for listening to my TED Talk and lemmed know if you manage to get your comic off the ground :)

[talonabraxas]

Hekate )O( Talon Abraxas

Intuitive Astrology: Taurus New Moon May 2024

After the transformative waves of Eclipse Season, the Taurus New Moon on May 7th, anchors us into a place of nourishing stability.

We may feel the rising importance to slow down, ground our energy, and make time for stillness. Much may have changed and much may be in flux, but the welcoming energies of the New Moon guide us to rest, recharge, and find our center.

The Taurus New Moon and the Cycle of Nourishment

Taurus is the sign of the Bull. The Bull is nourished by the grass that it grazes on and in return, the Bull nourishes and feeds the soil with its manure. When things are in balance, this cycle of nourishment occurs, and everyone is able to get what they need.

When there is imbalance however, this is when the Bull feels insecure, angry, and even aggressive. Many people attribute Taurus to being a sign that is adverse to change, but really, it is more about this upset to the flow of nourishment. When the cycle is not flowing in harmony, that is when we see the more stubborn and rigid sides of its personality.

We can take this messaging into our own lives under the Taurus New Moon. How can we create a cycle of nourishment in our own lives? How can we bring balance to the flow of giving and receiving?

In this modern world, it is very easy to feel that our needs are not being met and that we are not being heard or fulfilled. It is very easy to feel the imbalances in this cycle of nourishment that nature seems to have figured out.

It is not easy, and for some of us, balance may feel impossible right now, but the Taurus New Moon is supporting us to take some steps.

And for most of us, our first step will be returning to the self. When we get still and listen to our own inner wisdom, when we start giving ourselves what we need, that is when synergy starts to flow. Creating this harmony really begins with us and our inner state of being.

The Taurus New Moon and the Planet of the Unexpected

Uranus, the planet of surprises, awakening, and sudden change, is very active under the Taurus New Moon. Its energy can create some upheaval that may be hard to navigate, or that may create a feeling of instability.

The thing with Uranus, is that it wants us to go with the flow. It wants us to get out of rigid structure and routine and to embrace something new. While this is not always comfortable, there is always something to learn when the wildcard energy of Uranus graces our lives.

If something unexpected arises under the Taurus New Moon, see if you can embrace the flow and allow yourself to be led, rather than trying to control. See if you can come back to yourself and focus on what you need to feel nourished. When we do this from a place of authentic truth, the cycle of nourishment begins to flow.

The Taurus New Moon and the Planet of Abundance

Jupiter, the planet of expansion and abundance will also be floating close to this New Moon too, activating the energies of the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction that we had a few weeks back.

The Jupiter-Uranus conjunction represented the beginning of a new, 14-year cycle. You can read more about this cycle here, but essentially, this is a time when we are all being encouraged to step into a new way of being. Jupiter and Uranus coming together is our signal that it’s time to ditch the old ways and embrace something new. It’s time to look to the future, and start shifting some of the ideals and values we have held.

Whatever surprising or unexpected events manifested for you at the end of April may rise up once more under the Taurus New Moon. More information or more to the story may come to the surface. You may even feel just more directed and guided with where you are heading.

The Taurus New Moon and the Bull as your Spirit Guide

While there is some wobbly energy attached to this New Moon, overall it is a beautiful reminder in our month to slow down and bring our focus back to nourishment. How can we nourish ourselves from the inside out? How can we then allow this nourishment to flow to others in a synergistic way?

If you need some guidance, return to the symbol of the Bull. It will be our guide not just under the May New Moon, but all the way through Taurus Season.

The Bull is a majestic creature that is believed to appear as a sign from the Universe that you are not alone in carrying your burdens. The strong, powerful Bull is a sign that the Universe is holding you, supporting you, and giving you strength as you journey on.