#international epilepsy day

[roamwithahungryheart]

Today is International Epilepsy Day. Friendly reminder to my fellow epileptics to make sure you take your meds today

[anonymouslydisabled]

International epilepsy day falls on the second February every year, this year it falls on the 12th. If you consider yourself a disability ally or are curious to learn more about seizures, I'd really appreciate you doing even one simple thing to learn more about epilepsy on this day.

A few ideas are to watch this short film on epilepsy, trigger warning for injury and like a tiny little bit of gore? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfy4_mq_yX8

Learn about the different forms of seizures, especially non-convulsive ones like atonic and absence seizures.

Learn about drug-resistant epilepsy

Learn about historical figures who likely had epilepsy like Harriet Tubman and how their disability impacted them.

Learn seizure first aid, one in ten people will have a seizure in their lifetime and this information could be life-saving.

Tag any posts with flashing lights with #flashing lights and really aggressive neon colors with #eyestrain.

If you're posting this content on YouTube add text that says what time the person can skip to for the flashing lights/eyestrain to be done.

If you're posting on tiktok have at least a 5 second period with big text that says "flash warning/eyestrain warning" before the flashing lights start.

If you're posting on instagram make the first slide something with large text that reads "flash warning/eyestrain warning".

Learn someone's epilepsy story. You can find some of these on epilepsy websites like epilepsy society and epilepsy foundation.

Donate to an epilepsy organization such as the ones mentioned above!

If you know somebody with seizures, reach out and ask them if there's anything you can do to accommodate them.

Never wear any sort of accessory with a flashing light on it such as a headband or glasses.

If you have seizures or epilepsy feel free to add on to this list!

[totallynotaterrorist]

Me, noticing that I missed International Epilepsy Day by 44 mins, in a midnight train and completely drunk: • O •

[murderousink23]

02/12/2024 is Fasching 🇩🇪, National Productivity Day 🇮🇳, Red Hand Day 🌎, International Epilepsy Day 🌎, International Darwin Day 🇺🇸, National Plum Pudding Day 🇺🇸, Lincoln's Birthday 🇺🇸, National Lost Penny Day 🇺🇸, National Clean Out Your Computer Day 🖥🇺🇸

[subby-sab]

Today is 12th of February.

Today is Hug Day, International Epilepsy Day, Argentina Carnival, Uruguay Carnival.

[cbphysiotherapy]

This International Epilepsy Day, we stand united in embracing the unique journey of individuals with epilepsy. Let us encourage the challenge of misconceptions, reduce stigma, and celebrate the diverse experiences that these individuals go through.

International Epilepsy Day 2024

[lemonyfrog]

I miss my dog. I can’t believe she passed away so soon.

[witchthewriter]

Hey! I'm sorry to bother ya, but I saw that Requests were open, and I wanted to know, how would Simon react if they had a S/O with epilepsy, and he caught them having a seizure? You don't have to answer if you don't wanna, I thought I'd just ask! Have a nice day/night/evening, and don' forget to drink water and take breaks, breathe! Love ya, Hun!

tw: mentions of violence, blood, stabbing, angst, seizure, epilepsy and describing of seizures.

Simon had known panic. He had seen it in men's eyes as he thrust a knife through their ribs, knowing their death would come after.

Simon had known panic. He'd seen it in his fellow soldiers, even his fellow Task Force comrades. The way Soap's knee would bounce hearing the next mission. Or when Gaz's nose would flare for a moment before jumping from the plane.

But Simon had never known panic like this.

In the home you shared, with the couch you chose and the pillows you both 'fought' over, he found you.

Your body was uncontrollable, the way your face looked nearly made him drop to his knees. Bile rose in his throat. This was what filled his nightmares. He hadn't known how long you were like this; ten, twenty, thirty minutes? He had only run to the store. But in this moment he couldn't think straught.

It was like his soul left his body. Looking down on him from above, watching himself drop the grocery bags and rush over to you.

Simon checked your mouth: there wasn't anything in there. His soul, now following him, watched himself do everything he had learned in training.

"Come on love," he growled. Beads of sweat starting to drip down his face. Eyes focused so hard they started to blur.

"Please," he had gone through all the steps and now was holding your hand. Pleading both internally; to any gods that would hear him, to the universe, to your giardian angel.

And to you, yourself. To be strong. Because you were his, and he was yours and he could not go on without you.

"I love you goddamit," he grumbled, pressing her hand against his cheek.

Like a siren's song, Simon's soul slammed into his body as soon as you came to.

"Wha-" you started to get up but was held gently down.

Without a moments notice, Simon knew you needed to be calmed, to know where you are and who you were with. Cooing and soothing you, Simon moved the hair from your face and explained what happened.

When your eyes fully opened, you smiled up at him; you head in his lap, "Hey there, handsome," you said weakly.

Simon guffawed.

"You scared me to death! I thought, I though- fuck!" The tears starting to stream down his face faster now, happy and relieved. Safe. Safe. Safe. You were safe.

"Well I apologise," you said faintly. A small smile on your lips. a hand slowly coming up to cup his face.

"I love you too Simon."

[roamwithahungryheart]

Today isn't just Galentine's Day, it's also International Epilepsy Day. And tomorrow, yes, it's Valentine's Day, but for those who may not know, St Valentine was the patron saint of epilepsy!

So really, when you think about it, my fellow epileptic gals and pals, we get two whole days to be loved and appreciated for how unique and wonderful we are. Whether it's love from a friend, a partner or a family member, feel the love and be a little kinder to yourself today, tomorrow and as often as you can 💜💜💜

[isabeljkim]

by popular request: my 2024 awards eligibility post (now on my blog)

so yeah i wrote a bunch of stuff this year but this is the stuff i think is The Best! So you should read these three short stories and if you go "this is great, isabel j. kim, this makes me feel real human emotions and experience joie de vivre or perhaps the opposite of joie de vivre in a good way" then please consider nominating or voting for me on Stuff.

note that the locus award is specifically Open To Everyone, wink.

anyway ok stories, descriptions and links under the cut, in no particular order

Zeta-Epsilon, in Clarkesworld's March 2023 issue Nonlinear spaceship heist. Here's an exerpt: Start at the cleave of it, not at Zed’s meat death or Ep’s centuries-long destruction, but at the moment that Zed halves his own mind and walks away. Or as was reported in the internal memorandum, the moment when Pilot-Commander Zeta San Tano killed himself at his infinite post on the M.K.S. Epsilon, leaving behind an empty airlock and a crippled starship unable to communicate, limping its way home after battle, carrying a full complement of soldiers.

The Big Glass Box and the Boys Inside, in Apex's January 2023 issue Fae, lawyers, and inadvisable queer romance with your officemate. Here's an exerpt: Their power is how they can turn you into one of them. That’s the trick of it, see. You can go in with your swords and sacrifice, you can go in with your red heart and good intentions, and they will grin with their white teeth and say, “Welcome to Grey & Tender, LLP. We’re so glad you’ve agreed to join our summer class. We’ll be sending you the paperwork shortly.”

Day Ten Thousand, in Clarkesworld's June 2023 issue This one is about..oh, just read it. (tw: sui). Here's an exerpt:

A man who will be given a second name in ten thousand years and a man whose name will be forgotten sit in a forest, or perhaps a grassy plain, or perhaps a cold tundra. It is a biome that will not exist in ten thousand years but whose footprint will be pressed into the earth and folded over.

The first man—Dave, let’s call him Dave—says, “Are you sure about this?”

The second man says, “Which one of us has epilepsy and can see the future, you or me?”

[mayfast]

Chapter 3 WIP (Unbetaed)

Crumbs for the the TigerSeal and SeaMonkey fans. So if you've been wondering where I've been, I got diagnosed with epilepsy. So I got put on some meds that make me hella tired. Like all the time. I would sleep 15 hours a day if you let me. So it's been a struggle to get this next chapter up and rolling. But I'm close to finishing it. Afterwards I'll send it to my Beta (I feel so cool saying that), then I'll get it all posted on AO3, God bless that site.

Enjoy~

__________________________

“Jake Sully,” Somehow, he’s been expecting this all night. But he still wishes he could have another day to mentally prepare himself. He throws a casual look over his shoulder to spot Ao’nung behind him, glancing at him almost shyly.

            “Yes?” He sighs. He doesn’t want to give him the wrong impression, he’s started liking Ao’nung more. After he got over the Metkayina calling his daughter a freak, picking a fight with his kids, and almost killing Lo’ak. But hey, everyone makes mistakes, right?

            “I want to court Spider.” He’s blunt and staring Jake in the eyes. Almost like it’s a challenge, like he’s ready to fight. Jake can almost appreciate the little spitfire, but after the tongue lashing from Norm and Max earlier…he’s caught between a rock and a hard place.

            “Yeah?” He acknowledged with some gravel in his voice.

            “…Yes.” The other held some confusion in his eyes. His blue eyes wandering over Jake’s slumped form, trying to get a read on him. “I don’t know what I’m doing though.” This draws a snort out of him. Took a big man to admit when he’s lost. Maybe Ao’nung is maturing.

            “How so?” He raised an eyebrow and patted the ground beside. He had decided to take a little detour back to the center beach, where the adults are still celebrating, after laying Tuk down for bed. He was going to send Spider, Kiri and Lo’ak to sleep when he got back, but he wanted to give them a little more time with their friends. Now the current bane of his existent came and found him.

The younger man sat down on the beach as Jake observed the sky. “I… I don’t … There’s a lot.” Ao’nung breathed after a moment. His shoulders slumping, mirroring Jake’s posture.

“Well, find your first question.” He laughed, turning to watch Ao’nung roll his eyes, tail twitching as he digs his fingers through the sand.

“Is Spider old enough to be courted?” He questions after a moment. His gaze fixated on the sand below him and his ears are pinned back, distraught. Jake can almost feel pain. Dating someone younger than you can be a risky game, especially when they’re a different species with different aging practices.

“Dating.” Jake corrects him and looks up at the sky again. Finding the star that supposedly his first home orbits around. “We call it dating. And yes, he’s old enough to go on dates with you.” Norm’s going to tear him a new one. Max will stitch him up just to tear him a second one.

“It’s where you do courting practices, but you don’t mate even if you think your ready, at least not yet, he’s not old enough for sex, okay?” It feels dirty coming out of his mouth, like ash and acid. Yet, he needs to set some boundaries, some lines in the sand. He’s the only one here who understands how human teens work, kind of.

“Okay.” Ao’nung nods, good, he sounds accepting.  “How do I court the human way?”

“Why do you want to do it the human way?” Jake finds himself suspicious. Not that anything Ao’nung says doesn’t make sense, but why is he going so left field for someone’s who’s so different from him. Jake had to learn the Na’vi way, because he was on Eywa’eveng. Ao’nung doesn’t need to go out of his way to learn another culture.

“He’s ashamed to be human.” Ao’nung tells him after a moment of internal debate. He’s confident in his answer, sounds like he and Spider have already had a conversation. “I don’t want Spider to be ashamed of what he is, or who he is. So, I want to prove to him that I accept all of him. Even the parts he doesn’t like so much.”

            He’s not exactly sure how to feel about this. It’s a lot for his jar head to take in. Ao’nung trying to do this the right way. And shouldn’t Jake want the best for Spider? Someone who wants to make him happy and feel like he belongs? Still, shouldn’t that have been him? What if Spider end up with Daddy issues and acts out later in life? He could get self-destructive, well more self-destructive, or codependent on Ao’nung.

            “Humans are different from Na’vi, Ao’nung, you know this. From how they look, to how they show affection.” He grabs Ao’nung by the shoulder, needing the other to look him in the eye. “They can’t form a tsaheylu, ever. Are you okay that?” Because he doesn’t want Ao’nung to regret his decision ten years down the line and start resenting his baby. It would be unfair to both of them.

            “With him, I don’t need one.” Ao’nung clasps a hand over his forearm. The grip just as tight as his hand on the Metkayina’s shoulder. “I want him the way he is.”

            It soothes a part of his soul. Jake’s gone through most of his life without a bond. But after experiencing it, he’s not sure he could go back. It was like an addiction. The peace of mind his mate gave him. A safe space that only he and she were allowed to curl up into. Ao’nung would never have that.

            “If you’re serious about this, I need to warn you that humans don’t mature until twenty-five. That means he’s still changing a bit, figuring out who he is.” Jake retracts his hand and throws it over his bend knee. “I wouldn’t change being with Neytiri for anything, but I was twenty-two when she and I bonded. I was still figuring out my place in the world, but she helped me through it. Spider may not be the same person he is now.”

            He notices the way Ao’nung closes his eyes and smiles. “Then he is like the sea. It’s never same.”

[serpentface]

so sorry if youve talked about this before, but what is hidije? (mentioned as something Palo ysed as epilepsy treatment in the past). And id love to hear anything else about traditional medications/drugs used in this universe in general!

It's an alchemical Concoction that has fine particles of silver as a core ingredient (which is widely believed in the region to have broad purifying qualities) along with ground black pearl (specifically thought to ward off curses and evil spirits). This is why prolonged use can result in a form of argyria.

Epilepsy is at least understood as originating within the brain, so attempted treatments mostly target the head and are often the same treatments used for migraines. The two other main components of hidije are a type of willow bark (which can relieve headaches), and the leaf of the hidijenum tree (which has some sedative effects). Other herbal and medicinal components may be added as needed for the individual patient. The ingredients are boiled in wine and consumed in small doses on a regular basis.

In Wardi medical theory, the silver and pearl are spiritually purifying agents that may weaken the evil spirits that cause epilepsy (as well as most forms of disease), while the willow bark and hidijenum leaf treat the physical damage and improper bloodflow to the brain that these spirits cause. This condition is permanent and the spirits cannot be fully expelled, but regular treatment will weaken them and assist the body's natural self-purification processes, and thus should reduce the frequency of seizures.

No component of hidije is an actual anticonvulsant, and there are no direct and efficacious treatments available for epilepsy, just mitigation methods. Hidije consumption may provide a degree of physical comfort and relaxation via its sedative qualities, and (aside from argyria when used for many years) does not have harmful effects in typical doses and frequencies. Overuse can result in physical dependency on the sedative hidijenum, especially in more expensive forms of hidije in which the plant matter is alchemically refined.

---

Traditional medicine in Imperial Wardin is a very broad body of knowledge and folk belief. The underlying theory is related to other cultural applications of body taboo/spiritual pollution/curses, and supplemented by a degree of rigorous medical scholarship in the region (which peaked during the reign of the 3rd Burri Empire).

The core conceit is:

The body and spirit exist in a natural balance. The spirit physically inhabits the blood, and its proper flow through the body ensures normal bodily functions. The body is constantly bombarded by sources of pollution and has some internal defenses (healthy blood is a purifying agent, spitting can expel minor evil spirits, curses, and wandering ghosts invited by invocation via speech, and urination is the body expelling day to day spiritual impurities). However, the body is highly vulnerable and must be protected from uncontrolled metaphysical vulnerability in order to avoid curses and spiritual pollution. When cursed or spiritually polluted, the flow of spirit/blood is interrupted (either systemically or to certain points in the body), which can cause physical ailments (as well as more spiritual concerns). There are several kinds of evil spirit in the world, one of which causes disease. These are called dagia. They feed on the spirit in blood as tiny, invisible parasites, which can result in various ailments and contagious disease, depending on how much of the blood is infected and where pure blood flow is interrupted. Infection is much likelier when metaphysically vulnerable/polluted, but their entrance of the body is physical and occurs through orifices and wounds. Systemic infections by dagia result in contagious disease. Lifelong afflictions such as epilepsy are generally caused by dagia entering the body while in the womb (especially via the mother having been cursed), and permanently sealed into one's very being during the exceptionally metaphysically vulnerable moment of birth. Therefore, the dagia cannot be truly expelled, but may be subdued and restrained through proper treatment. (By this same virtue, a central part of any midwife's job is to dispel any curses on the infant, ensure its immediate purification, and magically shield it during its vulnerable period. Wealthier mothers may hire priestesses devoted specifically to this practice)

Diseases are both spiritual and physical in nature and thus require both spiritual and physical treatment (the lines between the two are not always well defined). In Hidije, the ingestion of silver is purely spiritual- it's not thought to act directly on the body but to purify the spirit. The willow bark and hidijenum are thought to (and do) interact directly on the body, and to help heal physical damage caused by the interruption of pure blood flow.

Treatments are a wide range of herbalism and other traditional medicines (animal parts are used as well and have a litany of ascribed benefits), strict cleanliness regiments (which double as spiritual purification), and dietary regimines. Bloodletting is used to remove bad blood polluted by dagia at certain points in the body in the case of serious infection (this is distinct from the ritual bloodletting used in prayer, which is an offering of one's pure blood/spirit. Dagia infested blood is an impure substance). A treatment similar in form (though not very similar in theory) to acupuncture is used to gently treat the blood in less dire circumstances, or as a preventative measure.

All this combined results in treatments that range widely between those that would be supported by evidence based medicine, those with ambiguous/no effect, and those that actively make things worse. All in all this system is not wildly effective but has its benefits, and is far from the worst medical system for the setting.

Main strengths

The dagia disease model understands the physical entry of disease into the body (while not directly conceptualizing microbes), leading to safer handling of infectious disease (even including barrier methods protecting the nose and mouth when in proximity to illness).

Many of its treatments are based in direct evidence, acquired both via longstanding cultural knowledge and more recent medical experimentation. This system is fluid and methods of treatment are readily reshaped when confronted with new knowledge (though not the core theoretical elements, which are rooted in religious belief and change on a more gradual scale).

As with herbalism in general, many of the herbal elements have direct physical effects on the body and may be beneficial (willow bark really does have mild pain relief properties, etc).

Wound-cleaning is understood as of utmost import (a wound is more vulnerable than orifices to the entrance of evil spirits, as it directly exposes the blood). Strong alcohol and vinegar is used to clean wounds and avoid infection (not the absolute best method, but one of the better available in this setting).

alchemy (as a form of proto-chemistry) exists and is effective enough to isolate and concentrate naturally occurring compounds with beneficial elements (ie salicylic acid from plants can be refined into a smaller and stronger doses than can be acquired in direct consumption of plant matter) (there's also some pretty damn strong drugs available by the same virtue, mostly in the form of opioids and stimulants).

Physical parasites are generally well understood (though infections by microscopic parasites will be assumed to be dagia).

[cbphysiotherapy]

Today is a day to celebrate the strength and resilience of those living with epilepsy. 

On International Epilepsy Day, let's spread hope and positivity for their brighter future.

[multiplicity-positivity]

Here’s some positivity for systems who have seizures!

Systems of all sorts deserve to be supported and uplifted in the system community. Those with epilepsy or who experience non-epileptic seizures (NES) are important members of this community and their presence here should be welcomed and cherished! This post is for every system in the plural community who has seizures!

Shoutout to systems who have regularly experienced seizures since they were young!

Shoutout to epileptic systems who need photosensitivity warnings, lack of flashing/strobing lights, and other accommodations in order to live happy lives!

Shoutout to systems whose seizures are caused by internal processes or electricity in their brain!

Shoutout to systems who have recently had their first seizure!

Shoutout to systems who aren’t sure why they have seizures, or who haven’t been able to receive an explanation from their healthcare provider!

Shoutout to systems who carry seizure cards or educate others on how best to help them if they have a seizure!

Shoutout to systems who have to avoid media content that they would otherwise enjoy due to the possibility of it triggering a seizure!

Shoutout to individual members in systems who have seizures more than the rest of their headmates!

Shoutout to traumagenic systems whose trauma history caused them to develop epilepsy or have NES!

Shoutout to systems who suddenly became epileptic later in life!

Shoutout to systems whose seizures make it difficult or impossible for them to work, attend school, keep the hobbies they want, or pursue their passions!

Shoutout to those who are epilepsy advocates, or who fight for accessibility rights for those who experience seizures!

If you or anyone in your system experiences seizures, we are wishing you hope, rest, comfort, and stability in your future! Please don’t be afraid to ask for help or accommodations when you need them - you deserve to live a life full of joy and happiness, and it’s okay (and so important!) for others to make changes or exceptions for your health and safety.

Remember to take it easy from time to time and try to treat yourself and your system with patience and kindness! Know that you will always have a place in the plural community, and we are so happy to have you here! Thank you so much for reading, and have a wonderful day!

(Image ID:) A pale orange userbox with a cluster of multicolored flowers for the userbox image. The border and text are both dark orange, and the text reads “all plurals can interact with this post!” (End ID.)

[spyramy]

Thinking about the layers in Harry's cataclysmic brain event at the start of Disco Elysium.

1. The surface layer: the man drank so much he gave himself brain damage and now contains only traces of his past self.

2. Except it's not him piloting this new start, instead the wheel is being given to someone else (the player) to fill in the blanks with their own preconceptions and intentions.

3. Having said which, there is no definitive 'Harry' to return to. Much as we gain and lose parts of ourselves everyday, and *learn* to be ourselves much more than we are ever born to be. And the skill tree mechanics, encouraging you to level up skills to reward your curiosity more than improve your gameplay, reflect this better than I've ever seen it done.

4. Apart from where alcohol is concerned, because Harry's chemical dependency breaks through and intercepts the player's game as Electrochemistry. One cannot forget one is an alcoholic. And the day one task "find booze and drink it" will remain with you all through the game if you choose not to fulfil it. Even if you internalise the "wasteland of reality" thought, essentially sobriety, that nerfs your skills and nullifies all gameplay effects from alcohol. It is still there.

5. On top of which, in the Church while you're dancing, a failed check will lead to Harry having a seizure, and learning that what killed his memory may run deeper than drinking yourself to brain damage. Or even that, knowing that he has some sort of epilepsy, he intentionally triggered a huge seizure through alcohol/drug overuse in an attempt to either die or "not be this animal anymore"

6. It also begs the question, is there something more seriously wrong with Harry? Some of his internal voices, like the Necktie, read more as psychosis than internal monologue. His ex wife describes him as 'crazy' so I think it's possible all this predates the incidents of the game. Is this illness fatal?

7. Even if he is a seriously ill man, it kinda hardly matters in the scope of the game in which The Pale is eating the world. Harry's condition may be the microcosm of this; a long neglected problem, exacerbated by human behaviour, encroaching in on a beautiful, complex, loving, imperfect experiment, while the inhabitants bicker and infight, unaware that it will all be over much sooner than they think.

8. NOT TO MENTION the implication that Revachol herself being deeply connected to Harry, that Harry is her instrument, she took control of him and bestowed upon him the grace of a clean slate. That very palpable spirit of Revachol watches over the whole game, and maybe that is who the player is supposed to be.

9. Other things about European romanticism and post-war and cold war shaping of European cities, identities, lives and legacies, and how I've never seen a game inhabit this so well. The craters in our cities are the craters in our souls etc etc. I literally have to stop now.

And there's a huge amount of dialogue options I have never seen that might give a whole heap of other perspectives...

[genderfluid-insomniac]

A safe haven amidst the raging storm // Six-Eared Macaque x reader 

You were walking around, headphones pulled over your ears to try and provoke some sort of inspiration for your work-in-progress story that you worked on in between your work hours. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw someone that you recognized from a city-wide incident a while ago perched in a tree and munching on some over-ripe mango or some kind of fruit. He seemed to not have a care in the world and happily napped on a sturdy branch. You figured it wouldn’t hurt to say hi, if he left then you’d respect that but after seeing him at random intervals you wanted to get to know him more. 

Walking over to the big oak tree, you stopped in front of him and looked up (part of you whisper yelled at yourself what the fuck you were doing). “Hi Macaque! How are you?” His eyes gave you a once over before taking another bite of fruit before smirking. "Huh, you know my name! Not even many mortals know it, usually you're all screaming my name, or some kind of expletive." He chuckles, the sound deep and full.

He smiles at you, bowing as he does, and when he tilts his face to the side, for a second you could see six glowing multicolored ears. "I'm wonderful…how are you?" He asks, standing up straight and turning to face you properly, his tail twitches from behind him. You could tell that he didn’t fully let his guard down whatsoever which was fair and kept his eyes on you, quickly surveying the area around you and quirking up his eyebrow. 

“Of course, I know your name. You're the Six-Eared Macaque, you're pretty well known and if you wanted to hurt me something tells me you would've done so already.” Macaque stared thoughtfully for a moment before nodding silently and agreeing with you. He finished off the rest of the mango and tossed it into a small hole next to the base of the tree, shifting his body so he could see you better. Your expression turned sour a bit upon remembering the days earlier events and sighing in mental exhaustion.

 “As for the latter, I could be better. I had a nocturnal seizure this morning and I'm still recovering.” He cocks his head. He's quiet for a few seconds, then speaks. "Sorry to hear that." His voice is softer than his usual one. "You gonna be okay?" He asks, his tail twitching. The shadow demon's never shown this much emotion, or any emotion, for that matter in front of any mortal. You could tell he didn’t completely understand what a seizure was but he knew it wasn’t good and you could appreciate someone for once not asking a million questions about your disorder. “I'll be okay....probably. I have epilepsy so I'll have seizures for the rest of my life so it's a disability but I'm still able to do awesome things!”

For everything that had happened at the end of last year’s semester, a lot of good has come of it like new friends who also had seizure disorders and you now had great excuses as to why you were late or couldn’t work (which you totally wouldn’t abuse). At the mention of your mysterious skills, Macaque perked up and swung upside down using his tail to anchor himself to the thick branch he was sitting on. "Awesome things, like?" He asks curiously. He's genuinely curious, though he's trying to hide it. His tail twitches a little more, and he moves a little closer.

Blushing slightly as you thought of what to tell him and internally debating over being entirely truthful or telling a white lie to save your pride. You turned around and leaned your back against the tree so you were looking out onto the horizon slightly, spotting some dark gray clouds but hopefully nothing too bad. “Singing, writing, aerial arts, and playing my guitar! Just some stuff. I'm not athletic but I am more artistically inclined.” 

That couldn’t be truer since you’d rather play songs till your fingers went numb rather than be able to run a marathon and you had no intention of being ashamed of your opinion. He smiles. "Impressive! I like it. You know, I can't dance, can't sing, can't do any of that art stuff you were just talking about." He laughs, a deep and thundering chuckle. "So I respect the hell out of anyone who can." 

Yeah right, you’d heard whispers of a theater performance being performed by a certain demon with impressive and shadowy powers which gave you an idea of who it was. A few days after you’d moved here and asked some people for fun places to visit, they spoke of a nearby center that hosted plays or passing art performances of all genres that currently hosted a curious newcomer that had a velvet like voice. 

“I can't dance either, I'm terrible at it. Also, don't you perform fantastic shadow plays? I bet you have an amazing singing voice as well.” To say that it hadn’t entered your mind would be a lie and the thought of him singing Feeling Good by Micheal Bublé was now being pushed down into a vault that you’d never open again-

"Oh, you're just buttering me up!" He playfully nudges you with his elbow, his tail wagging happily and now back upward. You were jolted out of your thoughts by Macaque again and looked up at him softly chuckling before a soft smile crawled up on his face. "But I appreciate it, thank you. You have such a sweet disposition, I bet you could charm the pants off of anyone you want."

It did seem like you were trying to sweet talk him but that wasn’t your intention at all and seemed like you’d hit a wall in terms of trust and genuine praise. There was just something that made it seem like he was amused but kept himself at a distance from others. “I'm not trying to charm anyone. I'm just speaking the truth but thanks!” You hoped that maybe you could make a dent in that wall and be close to him since you didn’t know many others.  

"Well, you got me charmed." He teases, grinning. He turns a little serious. "Well, if you ever need anything, let me know. I'll help. I owe you that, at least." He offers you his hand and you shake it. Happy to see a joyful expression on his face and matching one with your own.

“I'm honored. Any plans for today?” You jokingly bowed and lowered your head in a dramatic fashion, hearing a laugh come from you both. Since it looks like a storm was going to roll in you’d have to change your plans and head back home sooner than you thought. 

Macaque smiles, a genuine smile, which for him usually just means a softer scowl, however it appears more funny to you than it should. He just looked so fluffy but you had a feeling you should keep it to yourself.  "No plans in particular, but I'll probably find something, you know how I am." He lets go of your hand, his tail still wagging (still so cute). "You? Got anything on your agenda?"

“I can guess, you seem resourceful.” A light breeze blew through both of you and in reaction his fur bristled or at least it might have been the wind. “I have to finish writing a story I started and I took a walk to try to get inspiration, which I did! Hopefully, the storm tonight won't be too bad so I can get a good chunk of it.” 

"Oh, what's the story about?" He looks genuinely curious, his tail still wagging. It's unusual for him to show this much interest in someone according to the few times you’ve seen him.  "And yeah, this storm's supposed to be real bad." 

Well so much for being productive, you might have to be sure your house doesn’t flood or your roommate will have your head. “Hm, in that case I'll try to hunker down for the evening to stay safe.” Both of you looked toward the ever growing storm and could see rain in the distance covering the outskirts of the city like a mist. “And the story?” 

How could you phrase your plot so it was easily understandable without losing the fun and adventure? You hummed to yourself and looked up at the branches blooming with leaves. “The story’s about a poet who's been absent from society for a long time and trying to find themselves while adjusting to modern-day life.....” As you ramble on about your book, he quietly listens and wonders how you’d feel about his own tales. 

"Sounds interesting! When you get it done, let me know, I'd be happy to read it." You can see that it takes a noticeable bit of effort for him to smile genuinely at you but it was nice to see a little chip in the wall. Baby steps. Thunder boomed in the distance and you were concerned if he had a place to stay. “Do you have a place to stay safe from the storm? I wouldn't want you to get hurt if I can help in any way.” 

The way he flinched whenever thunder reigned down, guessing it was because of his sensitive hearing and having six ears. Speaking of, you were very interested in what he looked like without magic masking what he wanted to hide. You looked closer at the red mask coloring his face and at his gold irises that reflected your surroundings, curling his lips into a smug grin as he caught your staring. "And I've got plenty of places to ride out the storm. How about you? You got a safe spot to stay?" 

Macaque didn’t know you too well but in the short time had grown fond of you, not to mention anyone would be concerned if someone they knew were left out in a storm. Since you were relatively new, it didn’t hurt to ask and provide shelter to a new spark in the otherwise dim city. You brightened up and zipped up your jacket when a gust of hot wind came through, almost like a warning sign of the upcoming weather. 

“Oh good I'm glad you have a place. I should have somewhere if my roommate doesn't lock me out but I can always hide out in a nearby store until it dies down.” Ever since you got here, your roommate was very cautious of the weather and anything that could cause damage to your cottage. He shakes his head, sighing. "I don't understand how people can be so cruel, to just lock someone out in bad weather." He scowls, his tail lowering. "If you get locked out, come to me, yeah? I'll help you out."

You nodded and smiled, thankful for a safe backup plan and a new friend. A cold drop of rain hit your face and another and another before it was sprinkling. Looks like it was time to get home before you were soaked, pulling the hood of your coat over your head and running off as you called back to the celestial primate. Thank you! I will! Get home safe!”

It only took about 15 minutes to get home and you could see your home in the distance. Later as the storm rolls in and raindrops are starting to fall on you running home. By now thunder loudly rumbles right on top of you as you jiggle the doorknob only for it to stay locked. 

“Fuck! Please, please. Don’t do this! Fuck.” The door to your house was still locked and doesn’t seem to be opening any time soon. By now the storm had started in full force and you were deserted outside in a dangerous storm, the wind pulling and pushing you around like a rag doll in addition to being pelted by rain. Your only option is to call for Macaque and hope he’ll help you, or even hear you with the loud thunder and city ambience but it was your only shot.

The more thunder echoes over the rooftops of the city while the lightning strikes back a response. The clouds blacken, and you can feel the wind getting even stronger. You know for a fact this storm is unlike anything you can imagine. Your phone vibrates with a text from an unsaved number. A single word flashes across your screen.

"SHELTER"

Your first thought is ‘how the fuck he did he get your number?’ but then you pushed your back against the wall and texted back.  “My roommate locked me out and secured the house. I can't get in! Help, please!” The moment you read the message a portal opens in front of you, and the dark shadow of Macaque extends his hand from the black void of the portal. "C'mon, hop in, I've got a safe place." 

His voice echoes from the portal, sounding much quieter and softer than his typical voice. A concerned tone came from him as he asked you to trust him and jump into the void of darkness to what you would guess would be his home. "C'mon! Do you wanna get sick?!" He waves his hand, encouraging you to jump into the portal. You hesitate at first but then jump in, allowing the cool energy of the shadows to engulf you and feeling your stomach flip upside down. “Alright. I trust you!”

You expect there to be a hard landing, but there's not- the portal just opens again, and you're standing in a large cavern, on a platform in said demon’s arms. Huge columns of rock tower above you, and light shines down from the entrance up above. "Here we are!" He declares, glancing around the cavern. It's very obviously Macaque's sanctuary, a place of power to him. He turns to you. "So?" He grins. "You like?"

You glance around in shock and awe, seeing some items strewn about like blankets and pillows as well as food in wooden bowls. It was cozy and fit Macaque’s aesthetic nicely. “It's amazing! I never would have guessed this place existed. I see why you like it, not too dark but with the right amount of shadows.” The cavern was rather big as it was the size of a studio apartment and in the far corner a flash of lightning caught your eye out of a small hole tilted outward like a makeshift room. 

He grins, opening his arms and turning around in a dramatic showy fashion. "Told you I was cool." He jokes, walking over to a table, and pulling a pillow off of it. He sets it on the floor in front of you and gets one for himself. "Sit down, make yourself comfortable, you're my guest." He says, smiling at you. His tail wags happily, and you would swear you could hear a faint little chuckle from him. You laughed gently at his hospitality and how different it was compared to his normal demeanor, it was quite funny. 

 You respond with a silent chuckle, “I never said you weren't. I actually think you're really cool and give off a mysterious yet curious vibe.” You sat down on the pillow and shrugged off your soaked coat, trying to not obviously laugh at his cute actions. How his tail happily swayed back and forth, how his ears flicked whenever a sound was heard, and how his laugh was full of mirth. Finally, visibly relaxing once you realized you were safe from any harm, whether it be hypothermia or being struck by lightning. “This place is amazing, I can tell why you call it home.”

"Thank you." He says sincerely, smiling at you. He pulls a blanket off of the bed, tossing it to you. "Why don't you wrap up, stay warm. We'll have to wait out this storm a while, but I'll keep you safe." He sounds genuine and concerned, which is definitely a change of pace from the usual way he acts. Your instincts are telling you to lean on him and feel secure, and you feel safe and protected. 

He's like a big, shadowy teddy bear. A thought that you never thought would pop into your head but couldn’t be more true in your opinion. He smiles at you, something stirring in his mind but you couldn’t tell if it was good or bad. "Are you sure you're okay? I wouldn’t want you to get sick on me."

“Thanks, you don't know how much I appreciate this. I am relatively new to this city so I don’t know many people here. I'm a lot better now that I don't have to worry about my safety for a while.” Smiling as you take the blanket and wrap it around yourself, moving closer to him since was the only source of warmth. You blew on your hands and rubbed them together quickly, bringing the blanket even closer around your shoulders. “So I'm not familiar with anything and I only knew the basics of how to stay safe. I didn't expect you to be so soft and fluffy, Macaque. Not to mention warm but I guess that's cause I'm all wet.” Softly laughing and smiling at him sweetly.

He blushes slightly, and chuckles. "I'm not that fluffy, now, am I?" He jokes, chuckling. He nudges you a little. "I was about to go and make some tea, wanna come along?" He asks, offering a hand as he stands up. "C'mon!" He glances outside, and the storm still rages. "You really gotta be careful in this weather. I'll teach you all about it eventually, and then you can be on your own." His tail wags, and he gives you a big, genuine smile.

“Sure! I'm coming! I'll try to help where I can.” Following along and rethinking if being alone is something you actually want. He takes your other hand, guiding you through the shadowy cavern, toward a door. He opens it, and you can hear the sounds of a raging fire inside. "It's gonna be fine, I promise!" He says reassuringly, trying to give you some peace of mind. He chuckles a bit and walks over to a tea brewing station. "What kind of tea do you like?" He asks, genuinely curious. "Tea of life, perhaps?" He giggles, and you sense some humor in him. He's still very much himself, but a bit warmer and easier going.