#it's kind of difficult to figure out the minor differences due to Things and how that would actually go into effect

[orcelito]

Fixing my dialog up

Blurgh

[lilliaace]

I have zero idea how old you are, so I'm going to try to make this as easy to understand as possible.

Keep in mind, I'm 30, been involved heavily in the BDSM community since 2012, and am a health educator, kink educator, and fetish educator. WITH THAT OUT OF THE WAY (and having worked in healthcare for damn near 10 years), let's get into it.

There are SAFE ways to explore potentially rough or 'dangerous' quirks, kinks, fetishes, and/or BDSM related curiosities that DO NOT involve fantasizing and/or romantcizing serious harm to people.

Case in point, the porn community has RUINED and destroyed the fact that there's an actual difference between "CNC" (consensual non consent"), "free use", and "rough sex". Let's educate EVERYONE here so there's no "but what about"-isms.

Free use: Consensually telling your partner "you can have sex with me any time outside of barrier/parameters pre-established (like can only occur inside the home), but the scene can stop at any time if I drop a safe word (like "pineapple" for lack of better phrasing, thanks Tiktok).

Rough sex: Roughly engaging in sexual acts with partner, often involving teeth, scratches, some kind of impact play device (like a paddle or whip), possible electrical play (like a tens unit or violet wand), possible fire play (with proper safety involved to not leave serious burns), possible ice play (again, proper safety to not leave permanent damage), etc. THERE IS A STRONG EMPHASIS ON SAFETY AND CONSENT to keep everyone as safe as possible. Some communities refer to this as "edge play" as in "you're walking the knife's edge with safety". But some people interpret "edge play" as "orgasm denial and control", so read the context when you come across this type of play. Safe words can still be dropped to end a scene.

CNC (consensual non consent): Formally known as biastophilia, it is the fetish or kink (strong orgasm desire) to sexually harm a cause serious injury to a partner. It can be as 'light' as SEVERE verbal degradation (not going to put explicit examples here, think of a verbal abuser from a partner that involves dehumanizing) or as severe as rape/sexual assault (forcing your organ in them), broken bones, etc. When it come to the porn scene, a lot of CNC scenes are DIFFICULT to shoot (attempt rape, gang rape, rough shoving between sexual partners, severe sensory overload OR deprivation, attempt kidnapping, blow jobs to the point of vomiting, potential no lube anal sex, organs prolaping on the penis due to trauma, etc.). There is a reason why even PROFESSIONAL ACTORS in the adult industry (XXX) have serious trouble shooting a lot of these scenes and require SIGNIFICANT aftercare. MANY tap out, again due to the psychological natural consequences that happen during these scenes.

Once you are legally of age (again, I'm making this post for a safety perspective for ALL blog viewers here), you can SAFELY and LEGALLY navigate BDSM circles to learn HOW to manage all three above (Fet...e, local workshops, local munches, reading books about how to do these things safely, watching interviews online with real performers and sex workers of all kinds, safely navigate XXX spaces online, etc.).

If you are legally a minor (17 and younger for most areas, it's when a court no longer deems you a dependent on your parent/guardian figure, NOT age of consent), STAY THE FUCK OUT OF THESE SPACES UNTIL YOU ARE OF LEGAL AGE! It is fine to have curiosities, fantasies, kinks, fetishes, etc. develop during your pre-teen and teen years because your hormones are going crazy. IT IS NOT OKAY to force yourself into these adult spaces.

Child predators(creeps) exist, point blank. Adults who want to do horrible things to pre-teens and teens exist, point blank. We want to keep minors out of these spaces TO KEEP Y'ALL SAFE. Stop pretending that "you're the exception" to grooming or anything like this. YOU ARE NOT. Child predation is an EPIDEMIC online for a reason.

DO NOT FORCE YOURSELF into BDSM spaces, kink spaces, and/or fetish spaces online. IT IS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY!

For the love of fuck, drop the radqueer bullshit that's just straight up albeist nonsense and a slap in the face to those who suffer from these real life horrific things that often lead to severe cptsd, ptsd, potential victims of child trafficking, victims of child creeps/predators, etc.

People have sadism thoughts. People have masochistic thoughts. It's about HOW YOU LEARN to SAFELY navigate these waters with a CONSENTING partner when BOTH of you are legal adults. This is why BDSM safety workshops and spaces online exist.

[redux-iterum]

Token ask!! Take this opportunity to ramble about any Redux character(s)

Shoot, the one I REALLY want to ramble about is a massively important character for the third arc and would contain so many spoilers if I talked about them... honestly, a lot of the characters I could discuss have their most interesting points be spoilers for the rest of this book! Hmmm....

Here, just for fun, since he doesn't have too much going on that could spoil stuff for the future, let's talk about Snowpaw!

So Snowpaw is a somewhat difficult character to write. Not due to his disability, mind you - that's actually the easiest part to work scenes around, even if it can be challenging to make sure I write deafness properly. What's really a trouble is his personality. He's an agreeable, friendly, quiet kid with a pretty healthy sense of confidence. What that means is, he's not very interesting on his own. He requires someone else to be in the room to be notable. His disability is the most significant part about him. He uses that to bounce off of other characters, and thus have something to do in the story. If he was a completely normal apprentice, he'd have a different personality so he and Brackenpaw weren't just the exact same character, because as it is, they're pretty close to each other. Brackenpaw hasn't gotten much time in the spotlight for that reason.

I'm a bit disappointed with myself that the deaf character's main thing is "deaf". It wasn't intentional, but that's how it turned out. I suppose I could argue that his way of communication makes for potentially interesting scenes, but that's still reliant on his disability. Him being a minor, nearly background character could kind of excuse it? I'm not willing to make that concession, though - god knows we have enough deaf characters who exist to check a diversity box and do nothing else. I'd like to do something more special with our silent snowflake. I'm just not sure what.

I guess all I can say is that I do genuinely like the idea of Snowpaw. When he's around other characters, it's fun to figure out how to include him in the conversation or how he'd notice something when he can't hear it. But a completely silent character with a mild, pleasant personality is going to end up feeling like they should be in the background, not apprenticing under one of the deuteragonists.

[doin-just-fine]

The People Wanna Know: Dissociation

Q: “How do you tell when you’re dissociating, and what kinds are there?”

A: 🛸 Great question! When figuring out my plurality we had a few questions about dissociating and how to tell the difference between that and being lost in thought and blah blah blah. SO! Here's what we've got for you!

🛸 Many people will describe dissociating as "checking out" which is super vague and leave a lot of questions as to what exactly that means. Not to mention that some people just kind of live in a state of dissociation and don't have a reference of "normal" so I will try to give you both. What does it mean, feel like, look like to dissociate? Meaning: Dissociating happens when there is too much stress for the mind to handle. Things like a traumatic event can cause dissociation or just everyday mundane situations that lead to dissociation like going on auto pilot when you're driving or reading a book. Immediately after a traumatic even it's that feeling where time slows and nothing feels real like you're watching the events around on a tv screen instead of being there in persons. I think what most people wonder about or need clarification on is random moments of dissociation due to an over active trauma response. Most systems experience long term trauma that puts them in a constant state of fight or flight. This causes them to have a very overactive stress response when they are finally in a safe environment. Sometime people feel as though they dissociate for no reason, others over things most would consider minor stressors, on top of the majors stressors that just come with life. Having an over active stress response like this can lead to dissociation disorders like derealization (feeling like the world around you isn't real) and depersonalization (feeling like you yourself are not real). These occur typically when someone lives in a state of dissociation more often than not but can also be used to describe the the sensation dissociation at any given time.

Feeling: This varies person to person/system to system. As previously stated you have the feeling of the world around you not feeling real and the feeling of you yourself not being real. You can also feel both of these at the same time which can be very disorienting. This can lead to struggling to follow conversations or can feel like you're half listening to someone but splitting with out actually splitting your attention externally. It can feel like playing a 1st person video game. It can also feel like not processing information in real time. Dissociation is basically a disconnect from your surrounding, mind, body, emotion, identity, and memories. Dissociation can look like any one of these things on it's own or in combination with another. For us it's typically an emotional dissociation rather than a personal or surrounding feeling. In moments of stress our emotions turn off and we don't really feel things as they happen. If we're lucky, only in hindsight can we break down what we were feeling if at all. This can look like no feelings period or being calm cool and collected only to breakdown later about the stress. For those of us who don't experience a constant state of depersonalization or derealization, dissociating can be easiest to identify after the fact. Dissociation can affect the memories of an event making them difficult to recall or align correctly, something you only notice after the event has passed and you try to recall it, or feeling your emotion switch turn back on and having everything hit you at once but only when you feel safe again, or tuning back into your surrounding and realizing you missed your bus stop. Dissociation can also feel inward. Like you are retreating into you mind. Things may feel far away or even sound far away. If you can hear your headmates talk in your headspace, dissociation can be retreating internally and being pulled into headmate thoughts or conversations. This is one we observe in our partner system. We'll be talking to them and we'll see their eyes glaze over or they don't response and when we grab their attention they'll say something along the lines of "people are being loud" or "people are having big feelings". This kind of dissociating is also what switching can feel like for some.

Look: Not all dissociation is visually identifiable but if it is it typically look like the person not moving, staring off into space, speaking but clearly internally preoccupied, confusion. They may look like they aren't listening or maybe they look a bit lost. They may have a slow response time or may lose track of their thoughts a lot. But for some, like us, they can just look "normal". Looking normal is a survival technique. Some people, like us, were brought up in an environment where fully checking out was not safe. Some people never disconnect from their surrounding because they had to be aware of everything around them all the time. This is valid. The brain is an amazing thing and is capable of multitasking even if that multitasking is being aware of your surroundings while also checking out from them. I do it all the time.

🛸Differences between Dissociating and: - Brain fog: Brain fog is just general confusion and slow thinking and processing. This typically come without feeling like the world or yourself isn't real or difficulty recalling the moments of brain fog or feeling disconnected from your emotions. If one prone to dissociation the feeling brain fog can lead to dissociating. - Being lost in thought: Being lost in thought can be a form of dissociation. However, there is planning your day and then theres dissociating about your day. Planning your day feels like your actively participating in it and dissociating about your day feels like your disconnected from it.

🛸I hope this was helpful! This is what we've gathered knowledge and experience wise on the topic of dissociation. If you have anything else to add pls reblog with your additions so people who need the recourse can see it! If you have any more questions about dissociation or if you need any clarification leave a comment or ask me directly!

REMEMBER: You're gonna be ok. You're gonna figure it out. Be kind and gentle with yourself and others. Asks are open. Have a nice day.

[hebimoonlightwrites]

Im gonna be bad and request another NSFW with the summer prompt 🛀 with Haruomi <3 <3 😳😳 Can you make it soft and cuddly kind of NSFW,I just think it s something Haruomi would do with his Freader after a really long day at Raimentai then Paradox Club!

Writer's corner: Heyy! Sorry again for being very late at posting your request, sweetheart! It kinda took me some more time, as I wanted to make it perfect. We both know how difficult Haruomi is, aww♥ (but we all like him anyway!). As usual, let me know if there's something you want me to change or fix! Thank you for requesting!♥ Enjoy~

mc's pronouns: SHE/HER (FEM!reader)

Words: 979

Warnings: Soft NSFW!! (PLEASE, MINORS, DO NOT INTERACT!), kinda NSFW, mostly cuddly and teasing

☀️𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐨𝐦𝐢☀️��𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐄𝐌!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐖)

🛀: Having a bath together (NSFW)

That night the moon couldn't be seen, as the wind blew and the clouds were hiding its light with their shapes. Haruomi's steps could be heard more than usual, as his shoes were moving occasionally hitting some puddles on the ground. The streetlights were making the rain drops on Haruomi's black hair sparkles in the night. His hair was messy but fluffy, while his amber eyes, lost in his own thoughts, had an hint of tireness in them. It was evident: the only thing Haruomi wanted after that long day- first at Raimentai and second at Club Paradox- was to get to home and relax. He could still hear Club Paradox's music and noises in his ears, as he was now alone, walking home. 

As he got home, he could only find you laying on the couch, your soft lips softly parted as your breathing was regular. Your cute eyes closed and your soft hair all over the pillow your arms were sweetly hugging. Haruomi smiled slightly at the sight of your cute body laying there. He let out a soft chuckle, almost not audible: "did you try to stay up and wait for me...?", he got closer and patted your head softly. As a response he received a mumble. He smiled slightly and kissed your forehead, as he whispered: "you're so stubborn.. I had told you to go to sleep early... you worked so hard, yet you stayed up for me...". He then sighed and walked to the bathroom, noticing that you had already prepared his clean clothes and the bathtub for him. Haruomi only sighed and smiled slightly again, his amber eyes looking for your sleeping figure again. That's when he noticed that you were slowly waking up: "Babe..?", you whispered with a tired voice. As you stretched your body, moving your arms up, his piercing eyes moved on your cute expression and on your belly visible due to the top. After some seconds Haruomi noticed your clean clothes next to his ones, they all folded in the bathroom.

"Why are your clothes there too?", he asked. The black-haired man had actually understood... "Didn't you have a bath yet?", he continued, standing in front of the bathroom, holding the door's handle with an hand, his head turned to look at your figure. You stood up, scratching the back of your head, getting your hair messier but fluffier too. His amber eyes sparkled.. you were too cute, even that way. His lips curved slighty in a smirk. "No.. I was waiting for you.", you smiled and got closer, your hair looked like a cute cloud, one of those which were covering the moon that night. The only difference in Haruomi's eyes was that that cloud of your hair wasn't hiding the beautiful light of your eyes and personality. He couldn't see the moon that night, but the sun in your eyes, shining the brightest. He sighed: "You want to cuddle?", he asked without any hesitation. You blushed but nodded smiling. 

"Okay... this will be your reward for the hard work.", he whispered as his hand caressed your cheek and his lips met yours. In a blink of eyes, you both were cuddling in the bathtub, your body on his, your skin in contact with his. The water in the bathtub wasn't too hot, but warm enough to let you both relax. You could feel his big and strong hands moving up and down on your back, slowly and sensually. Haruomi liked to tease you as he playfully moved his fingertips on your skin in cicles. Your lips occasionally met, just like your hands massaging his chest. Both of your eyes staring into each other, as your love wasn't fake, but real, authentic. Even if Haruomi wasn't an extroverted man, his love for you was pretty visible. Everyone knew that he would have done even impossible things to make you the happiest woman alive. And you knew it was true. You would have done your best.. you would have given all you had to him...

"Was that a shiver? Hehe..", he whispered and chuckled as you suddenly shivered softly at his touch. You could only giggle nervously. But Haruomi's defensive part spoke for him: "You want to get dressed, babe..?", he whispered with a tone of voice different from his usual one. It was low, it was soft and lovely. You shook your head: "N-no... I...", you moved your head on his chest and you could hear his heartbeat being relaxed yet strong, as if he was living one of the most important moments of his entire life. Suddenly you could feel his hands moving on your skin, reaching your thighs and lower back. His caresses felt like heaven.. no, better... his caresses were heaven for you. You sighed softly and closed your eyes, feeling as if nothing else mattered in that moment, but you both being together that close. You could feel his breathing against your head, his lips occasionally meeting your hair and, even if you weren't looking at him, you knew he was getting lost in the scent of your shampoo, closing his piercing amber eyes as his nose was meeting your hair for the umpteenth time. You smiled. Your arms were wrapped around his neck, your lap on his, and your hands caressing the back of his head, your fingers moving through his black hair. 

"Are you sleeping?..", he whispered before playfully biting your ear: "Don't fall asleep here or you're gonna get a cold, you dummy sleepyhead..". You chuckled and snuggled against his bare chest again. You loved his skin's scent too much and you really didn't want to move away, not that moment. Haruomi softly moved his hands on your lower back again, before sighing: "If you want...", he said with a lower tone of voice.

"We could keep going later... in bed."

©hebimoonlightwrites_tumblr Please, do not copy my contents nor repost it without my permission.

[toytanks]

You asked for billford prompts. Could i request something of them meeting while ford is on the run in the multiverse? Maybe them meeting while bill is possessing someone and ford doesnt realize at first that its him.

done!! i got a little carried away so its a bit bill heavy haha 😅 read on ao3 here!

So here Bill was, minding his own business, actually doing something good for once (he knows, lame, right?) and of course Stanford “dreamboat” Pines had to show up and ruin his fun the one time Bill didn’t want his Fordsy around.

See, how it started was Py and the guys told him they were ‘worried’ and ‘concerned’ and ‘wanted to know if he was okay’ and all that performative stuff. Apparently he hadn’t come out in weeks and that they thought his feelings towards his Fordsy had gotten a little ‘obsessive.’ He’d tried telling them the obvious that obsession was beneath him like all mortal emotions but they wouldn’t budge. An ‘intervention’ they called it.

So, he promised that he’d do something different, go outside and set his mind to something else.

But what to do? Bill’s restless at the best of times so it was a difficult choice. While considering his options he got (very rudely) snared by a band of rampant energy. He ripped the offending thing off of him, snarling, before being struck with an appealing idea.

See, when dimensions explode violently and into pretty fireworks, some of the energy holding them together gets spaghettified into long strands of unbridled force that ping across the multiverse like a snapped rubber band, destroying everything in their path. This is, of course, hilarious, except for when they hit him. Unfortunately, due to his current preference for the physical plane, and the staggering size of the Nightmare Realm, they tend to hit him a lot.

Thankfully, it's little more than time consuming to beat these strands into submission. In a process not too dissimilar to human weaving (although he’d never admit the similarities) he can wrangle the energy into a more useful and less (fun) volatile form.

All this to say, he was removing a minor nuisance in his own self interest, and if it happened to also make the multiverse safer and happier, well Bill would just have to deal with it. After all, he could make the multiverse plenty unsafe and unhappy on his own terms later.

The form he chooses is not one he’s been in in a while. It is long and serpentine, with hundreds of thousands of short, stubby legs, harkening back to the human notion of a millipede. Although he came first, of course. The only resemblance to his more snazzy form is a transparent triangular mask hovering over his front end.

Using longer arms not directly connected to his main body, he pulls out and sets up his loom.

Certain foolish amphibians and seven-eyed brats would not think he’d the patience for such a task. Bill thinks they should try shutting their mouths before they talk about something they don't understand.

Rolling his eye, Bill had set to work.

Now, back in the present, he finds himself staring down at the very human he’d been trying to take his mind off of. Great.

It's not particularly a surprise-- he’d known it would happen like he knows that in 15 years the human will almost be the death of him. Hard to surprise an all-knowing being, you know? --but it's a nuisance all the same.

Ford, for his part, doesn’t seem to have the good sense to notice his annoyance and run away pleading for his life. This does not surprise him.

What does, is the fact that Fordsy doesn’t seem to even realize it's him, either.

It's almost insulting. What kind of devotee doesn’t recognize when his God is standing right in front of him? It is, of course, a simple thing, that Bill can’t possibly fault him for (not that he won't try). He simply figures Fordsy didn't spend enough time with him on the upper planes to recognize him on feel alone. So be it, he’s not too heartbroken about losing that future. Especially since Ford’s awed expression promises that this route will be fun too.

“Hello there.” Bill says to him, making sure he doesn’t sound too much like himself. Wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise too early!

And then Fordsy goes the most adorable shade of pink at being noticed by something so otherworldly, and Bill decides right then that maybe he doesn’t ever want Ford to learn the truth.

[peachy-cheeks]

We Still Have Time (week one)

week: arrival | two | three | four

word count: 1,785 words

characters: gojo satoru x afab reader; (minor: Miwa Kasumi; Nishimiya Momo)

warnings: nsfw! also a little angsty and contains spoilers from chapter 222

a/n: well... against my better judgement, i'm making this a six chapter series. i'll go slow since i do want to know where gege is taking this whole thing... its just been a really good writing week and ive been thinking about sleepy sex so! enjoy!

The first week of Satoru's return was a volley between enervation and relief. The dust around his release was gradually settling and the days steadily filled by establishing a rhythm of hypothesizing, strategizing, then training.

Week one of five. A collective, unspoken countdown was the tensed thread between the students, mentors, and the other sorcerers caught in the mix. The recognition of this D-Day prompted vigilance amongst the group and a want to be at their fittest, god forbid, if anything were to go awry.

Vigilance... this was a double-edged sword as you had incrementally lost more sleep as the days drew on.

A lot of your immediate, guttural fear in understanding the gravity of life now had dissipated, so you figured. But the unpredictable stretch of sleeplessness made you aware that fear, at least for you, had manifested as wakefulness.

Satoru, on the other hand, was wakeful out of making up for lost time. So much had happened in those three weeks of his absence. So much... due to his absence. He tasked himself with carefully vetting and reaffirming his alliances, even in the small group of allies present. It would take a while for him to lower any kind of guard... sadly, even with you.

His insomniac habits manifested in him sitting, standing, pacing... while yours were placing all of your might into keeping your eyes shut and, unsuccessfully, attempting to sleep. The common trait between you both being an overactive mind, continuing to hypothesize.... strategize... in preparation for another day of conditioning.

It had been six days since his return. Most of those nights had been spent like this... minds cloudy and unable to shut off for needed restoration.

Your first night next to each other was spent cradling the other, sharing the typical warmth that you both missed. Despite the clinical and unfamiliar environment of your emergency shelter, pure exhaustion and desperate clinging allowed you both to sleep tightly in each other's arms like swaddled babies.

Night two was also warm, but much less peaceful as you both fidgeted, switching positions seemingly every 20 minutes seeking deeper comfort. Energy and focus regained from the night before gave way to a mutual self awareness that the weeks apart allowed your bodies to become more accustomed to sleeping alone than not.

At one point your eyes finally felt as heavy as your spirit. The image of Satoru's tired face peering at you from under his own weighty lids and lashes lulled you closer to sleep. Only moments later, your eyes begrudgingly opened, subconscious sensing the slightest movement.

Your blurry vision could make out the image of Satoru's naked, broad and defined back facing you. So still... apart from paced breathing; slow enough to know that he wasn't in panic... but noticeable enough to make you wonder what was keeping him up. Unfortunately, you had several ideas.

"...you okay?"

He unexpectedly tensed, slipping out of his mental solitude. You could feel him thinking, really contemplating how to answer, which in many ways told you some of what you already knew.

"no... not really. more tired than anything."

An honest answer said with a faint smile. He looked a bit over his shoulder to catch a glimpse of your face which was paying him every last cent of exhausted attention you could.

"me too... "

Your voices matched in whispers as if to not wake yourselves up.

"'...kinda difficult being out... the dark feels different here..."

He was overstimulated. Likely had been since the moment he was freed.

"...'m gonna take a walk..."

You couldn't stop him. Maybe it'd help to let him run through the scenarios and varied endings of what was to come without feeling your presence there.

"okay."

"i'll be right back, promise."

"...it's okay... i know."

Night three took you both by surprise, after finally finding a way to stay more static in sleep. You two counted it as a win, only waking up briefly every other hour, eventually crashing into REM around 6am and, remarkably, sleeping until noon.

"They've been sleeping for a while... should someone-"

Momo intercepted Kasumi's understandable concern as they walked passed the room where you two rest.

"Don't bother... they both look like they haven't slept at all. It's really starting to show in their under-eyes..."

Nights four (better) and five (worse) resumed the disordered pattern with bursts of consciousness segmenting ounces of sleep. As one slept, the other watched.

Night six. It had nearly been a week, a torturous one, and the determination you both felt to catch up on your debt rivaled the overactivity of your anxieties.

Deciding on a new method, Satoru laid toward you in a fetal position; his face inches away from your exposed midriff. Exhales from his nose lightly tickled the shown skin, subtle evidence of his vitality comforting you but not enough to take your sleepy gaze off of the wall. Your palm rested on the crown of his head, fingers lightly playing in the snowy tousle of hair.

He forgot how much he loved this sensation.

With powerful arms wrapping around your waist, he closed the distance between your belly and his face. The pressure of his exhales warmed the surface of your stomach as other sections were blessed with delicate, apologetic kisses. Your fingers massaged the top of his head as his lips pressed further into your skin. His hands reached under your shirt to lightly stroke the expanse of your back and draw you in closer. His desire to suffocate in you halted only by the need to propose a question. Or rather, a solution.

"Can I have you?"

His words followed by another kiss caused a stir in your lower stomach and elicited a hitched gasp from your lips. The pent up rage, mourning, and raw, reactionary emotion had way-sided the common physical desires you had for each other. Desires that you two were unable to express and act on for weeks.

"Of course."

His tongue dragged across small areas leading to your hipbone, punctuated either by a kiss or playful bite. Your vocalizations motivated him through his sleep deprivation.

Pushing at your hip to lay you flatly against the futon and hiking your thighs up and apart, he continued to mouth at your pantyline and inner thigh. You felt drunk off of the lack of sleep and the soothing touch his soft lips provided. His wide hands gripped the back of your thighs, practically pinning them to the areas of the futon around your torso.

Sleepiness stole the memory of your panties slipping off of you. A louder moan fell out of you as his tongue reached the bare and wet folds of your core. While you lazily wondered how he had so seamlessly reached the most vulnerable and sensitive part of you, his tongue dragged deeper across your entrance. Two thick fingers followed, pushing slowly into you.

"...'his okay?"

His lips barely parted from your body, breaking to gauge where your stamina laid. The two digits, surrounded by the wet love that streamed out of you, curled upwards to press against your g-spot.

"fuck... yes... 'toru... yes..."

Your affirming voice and the squeeze of your walls around him intensified the rush of blood to his groin. His hips pushed into the surface below him for friction, moans traveling from his throat, to his mouth, and against your clit. He looked towards your face with deceivingly innocent eyes and when your head wasn't titled back in ecstasy you caught a glimpse that melted you onto him further.

Satoru's persistence despite the lack of rest inspired you to muster strength to reach into his hair again and offer the most provocative tug you could. Your nails sweetly scratched at his scalp before firmly tugging, pushing his lips closer to you. Precum dampened the font of his sweatpants and the pace of his fingers quickened, plunging deeper inside of you pushing you closer to the edge.

Pleasure and sleep pulled at your brains as you drew closer to a climax.

"wait... wait."

You felt Satoru's grasp on your thigh loosen and he immediately stopped, raising his eyes to yours. You pushed to drop your thighs and motioned for his lips to meet yours in a messy, languid kiss. The shift of his body pressed the dense muscle of his torso into yours. His painfully stiff and covered length rubbed against your soaked cunt and across your thigh as he slowly settled next to you.

Your hand idly reached beneath his waistband to cop a feel and slowly expose him. The wet tip met the air and your thumb pressed into the ooze before you stroked up and down. He held onto your face, hungrily kissing and mumbling into your cheek.

"mm... mmuh... fuck..."

He relinquished himself to the feeling of your palm and fingertips massaging the pink tip of his cock for an all too brief moment. Tearing away, he turned you to your side, spooning you, and snuck a hand between your legs to feel your wetness again. You felt his hardness as it poked at your buttocks before slipping between your inner thighs. Wet fingertips reached under your shirt to roughly knead at your breasts and lovingly pinch at both nubs.

The press of your ass against Satoru's lower stomach made him dizzy and he buried his face into the crook of your neck, entering you with a mutual desperation. Touches traveled across your lifted thigh, your breasts, throat, mouth, and hair. Slapped skin and heavy breathing created a lewd lullaby that further intoxicated you two. Tears welted up in your eyes as he fucked into you harder.

Repeated expletives and moans syncopated the sound of your bodies meeting. Your voice hit higher notes and your insides pulsated tighter against the pleasing friction. The closer you were, the foggier your consciousness was. Your climax gave way to a domino effect of Satoru giving his all then (abruptly, to you) pulling out to paint across your nether regions.

And then, silence. Slowing beats of your heart grounded Satoru.

“…Are you already asleep?”

“…mm..uhn…”

You hadn't quite made it down yet.

“Heh... gimme a second.”

With a pat on your rear, Satoru got up and searched for a towel. He returned to the beautiful image of you, blushed all over and unconscious.

“...What a dream.”

So few people were privileged enough to feel the careful touches that swiped your skin as he cleaned you. Even if for just that night, there was alleviation… some sort of pardon (or pity) for your souls. Satoru rested next to you, giving you a final watch before setting his eyes to the ceiling and drifting to wherever you were.

[frankenwolf1564]

MetaGate Red Fantasy: Shattering expectations

Y’all like giant women?

Following up on their AOE Drift, third party company MetaGate released Red Fantasy, a Masterpiece grade triple changing version of the Bumblebee movie’s Shatter. Yes, she’s a triple changer.

This is an absolutely gorgeous figure. There’s so much fine detail baked in it’s easy to lose yourself in it all. She’s damn accurate to the film, too. It’s not 100%, even ignoring the fact that it has to transform, but the biggest offenses are in pretty minor color work. Stuff like the vents on the front of her thigh not being painted on the inside, how the jet engines are done, those kinds of inconsequential details. Oh no, her knuckles aren’t red… Some of the sculpting is technically off, but you can chalk it up to stylization and compromise. Besides, her face is perfect. Everything captures her essence perfectly.

Articulation is solid! She definitely has her limits but there’s also a lot of poses you can get her into and that she can hold no problem, especially with the included stand. Her head is on a ball joint that itself is on a hinge to move up and out. Her arms can butterfly out at the shoulder, which is comprised of a hinge and a swivel, and her shoulder pads are on a series of joints that makes them easy to move out of the way. She has a second hinge below her shoulder assembly, a bicep swivel, and a single hinge at the elbow that lets her bring her forearm almost all the way up. Her hands are technically ball jointed, but it mostly acts as a swivel. Her thumb is on a ball joint with two hinges, and her other fingers are all double hinged, with her index being separated from the rest. She has an ab crunch, a waist swivel, and ratcheted hips that can go quite far either forward or back. They can spread a decent bit on another ratchet, there’s a thigh swivel, and her knees have a deep bend, even able to go forward a bit. She has a decent ankle tilt, but if you go a bit lower and move her whole foot it can go WAY deeper. Probably too deep… oh, and you can bed her toes. Honestly one of the only real hurdles you have when handling her is just how dang heavy she is. There’s a fair bit of die cast metal all throughout and most of her weight is in the top, making getting her standing upright a bit of a balancing act at times. Just a bit. Her thighs can also untab rather easily, but it’s a pretty non-issue. Mildly annoying at best and easily fixed.

As stated earlier, she is a triple changer. That might not sound like a crazy big deal, but you must remember that this is a movie triple changer, which on top of regularly going for drastically different modes to switch between, are a behemoth of a task to undertake due to the inherent nature of movie designs. Yet MetaGate did it. Twice! Their Drift had both the car and helicopter modes, and Shatter is a similar story. Both of her transformations are… they’re not bad, or even overly difficult, there’s just a lot going on. There is a certain flow to it, but it can be easy to get lost in the swirl of parts. Once you’ve got her past a certain point in any one conversion things start to snowball and fall into place faster and faster, but before then there’s a lot of “which way does this go?”. The included instructions are fine, but I also would not put it past you for looking up a video.

Her jet mode is definitely the lesser of her two alternate forms. Triple changers almost always see one mode compromised and this was it. Certainly not bad, but even a brief glance at the side reveals a lot of undefined details that don’t necessarily detract from the look, but don’t really add to it either. You can’t see much of the car though! The doors are still there but they don’t really read as car doors here. Again, you’ve got to remember what this whole figure is doing. If she just turned into a jet this would be a totally different story, but she doesn’t!

The car mode is much more cohesive, with most of the dedicated details going towards this form. You can still make out some robot at the front and the whole undercarriage is far from clean, which does mean there’s barely any clearance for her to roll. She’s packed tight enough as it is though.

She comes with a few accessories beyond the stand, with those being four missiles and a blaster. They do store in all three modes, but I neglected to photograph it. “Gun on top of car” is not particularly interesting, believe it or not. The stand itself is alright. There's a good range of motion but the piece that she pegs into is on a hinge that is a bit too weak to easily support her weight.

Overall, Red Fantasy has a few issues, certainly, but they’re easily forgiven considering the scope of what’s being done and how well they did it. She is shockingly clean and could have been so, so much worse. I have handled worse. I really can't understate just how impressive a figure like this. She could have easily been a disaster but she's not! MetaGate is very quickly proving themselves as a solid, reputable 3P company. And honestlyyyyy I'm kinda glad Toyworld went down their gutter, with their Shatter going along with them. That thing would have been a nightmare. This? This is a Fantasy, come to life.

[alleyskywalker]

How do you think ACOK/AGOT Theon Greyjoy would have gotten along politically and personally with his uncle Rodrik “the Reader”, as well as cousin Ser Harras Harlaw? For me, Theon’s relationship with his mothers family is one of the more notable missed opportunities for interesting personal dynamics (also, if the Theon Latecomer theory comes to pass, R’hllor help us all if poor Alannys never gets to hold her baby boy one more time)

Hi! Sorry it took me so long to get to this ask. It's true that the Harlaws are not very developed, being minor characters mostly.

Harras particularly we know next to nothing about. We know he's a knight, perhaps encouraged in that direction by the Serrett/Westerlands side of his family, he's a good fighter and seems on the all-business side of things (although this is taken very from off-hand type of comments). He does not appear to be married? Not sure what that says either way. He's actually, if I'm reading the family tree right, a cousin of Rodrik the Reader, which makes him Theon's like…second uncle? Or whatever that's called? However, he's younger than Rodrik it seems, given that he was good friends with Rodrik Greyjoy, Theon's brother. While it's difficult to project a personality from these scant details, I think the friendship with Rodrik probably doesn't bode well for Theon and him being friends. Even if Harras didn't personally participate in Rodrik's bullying, he's the kind of person who would be friends with a Rodrik and, even if we say he was younger and grew out of it or whatever, Theon would still have that association. Politically, however, I see House Harlaw sticking with the Greyjoy kids, whether Asha or Theon. If we assume that Rodrik didn't consider his bullying of Theon personal (and more as normal sibling hazing he'd do to anyone), Harras might also feel an honor/chivalry-induced drive (see knighthood) to support his close friend's brother and rightful heir.

Rodrik the Reader is interesting because we do know a little more about him, but we don't see him interact with Theon or anyone else much in the family, aside from Asha. Theon's favorite uncle in his childhood seems to have been pre-conversion Aeron, i.e. someone of similar personality to himself - social, charming, fun-loving, brash, lusty, etc. Rodrik in comparison would probably feel boring or uptight to Theon. Theon in ACOK would also probably be, or at least try to appear as, on a bit of an anti-intellectualism bend. Not because he's dumb or even "was a poor student" or whatever, but because he's just not nerdy or a bookworm, generally to begin with, and he's trying extra hard to fit in with the Iron Islands cultural slant, which IS somewhat anti-intellectual relative to the mainland. (I'm willing to bet this is half of where those "Greyjoys are working class" modern AUs come from lol.) In any case, Theon is not likely to appreciate the nerdy, secluded company Rodrik would offer.

That said…an uncle doesn't need to be a buddy, necessarily. If Rodrik wanted to bond with Theon for whatever reason and/or just happened to be in the right situation… He seems to be a pretty insightful and above-average-on-empathy type of person. Theon also really needs a stable and compassionate father figure, or any family member really, who could offer him emotional safety and support. Rodrik may not be perfect in this role, but he'd probably do better than a lot of other people, especially in the Greyjoy family. So assuming either specific effort on his end or the right type of situation, I think Theon might be inclined to reach for him, just because he's so obviously starved for love.

Politically, even more so than Harras, I think Rodrik could be safely considered a supporter of Theon, at least unless he's going up against Asha. If it's Theon vs. Asha…that might be a different, difficult sort of situation which I could see falling either way due to a number of factors.

[ignitesthestxrs]

hi! absolutely no pressure to answer if you don’t feel like it, but I’m just starting on adhd meds and trying to track the changes and trying to figure out if these particular meds are working well for me etc. so I’ve been asking around for other people’s experiences, and I was curious how long it took until you noticed a marked difference? again no worries if you don’t feel like responding! anyway I also just wanted to say that your posts about seeking a diagnosis and getting on medication were among one of the first factors that finally convinced me to try to do it too. so thank you 💜💜

<3 <3 i'm really glad you were about to get a diagnosis and start figuring shit out bud, that's really good! i am happy to further share my experience, do not Worry.

since my diagnosis i have been on 2 kinds of meds - my psych wanted to start me out on non-stimulants because of my anxiety diagnosis which seemed reasonable to me lol.

so i started on atomoxetine, which typically has a bit of a ramp up period (classic of most SNRIs, which can take up to 6-8 weeks to work). however, i am: extremely overreactive when taking any new substance, something that happens any time i take something that's supposed to change my behaviour in some way, and which i have absolutely no idea whether it's a physiological effect, or if i'm just really good at placeboing myself

(is it placebo if you're taking something that is actually supposed to have an effect, just not immediately??)

either way! i got a pretty immediate jump from starting the atomoxetine, which could be due to the drug, but could also be due to the boost of like, successfully Doing Something About Your Symptoms. All this to say: i would not read too much into your behaviour in the immediate wake of starting a new drug, just because it can be really hard to pick out what is the drug, and what is you feeling excited/nervous/productive because you are Finally Taking Action and Might Have A Fix For The Weird Stone You Have Realised Has Been Tied Around Your Ankle Your Whole Life

LONG TERM - my experience with atomoxetine was that it Helped. the overall behaviour effects were:

started noticing tasks that required doing more often. things that usually i wouldn't notice/care/bother with for days to weeks now started popping up in my attention bubble within hours/days instead

extremely minor things that used to feel like Too Much i started to do without second thought. one of the extreme examples of this - i used to drop things a lot? and when i dropped them, i would just kind of leave them where they fell? because the idea of having to pick up the thing and figure out what to do with it now that it was a thing that had touched the floor was overwhelming. post medication, not only was that no longer overwhelming, i didn't even think about it lol. i just fucking picked the thing up and put it where it needed to be

look i didn't become a GREAT housekeeper, but i certainly got better. this was also paired with behaviour/purchasing changes i made - i have all my clothes in clear drawers or hangers, i have the drawers positioned in the place where i have to move the least to get to them, i have configured my room in a way that makes it easier to move around, i purchased multiple bins so that i could have them in multiple locations because i realised i was more likely to use one if it was There than i was to move to the Single Bin Location. i have made a lot of these changes over the house in general, which is probably a whole separate post lol

time? changed? this one is extremely difficult to explain to neurotypicals, but was the most significant shift in being medicated for me (other than not staring at things i dropped and then just walking away lmao). but i didn't realised HOW FUCKED UP TIME WAS until it wasn't anymore. like it used to be that i would feel that i could Only Do One Task on a WHOLE WEEKEND and that could be task (housework) or task (leisure). this would be something that would take like, 1,2, maybe 3 hours and then i would be like that's IT that's the WHOLE WEEKEND i cannot do ANY OTHER THING except LIE HERE AND PLAY GAMES TO SOOTH THE BRAIN HAMSTER WHEEL. same thing with after work time. like a) work was exhausting me in general for adhd reasons lol but b) i would finish work and think 'wow i have no time to do anything now, guess i'll just die (lie here and play games)'.

reader, i finished work at 4pm and went to sleep at 11pm, i had SO MUCH TIME (sorry this is not a new point but i can't figure out how to insert a paragraph break and indent it so here we are). pre-medication, my experience of time was entirely task and boredom based. if i hated something, a minute could be an hour. it dripped. it stretched. it warped. it physically hurt. and then other times if i was involved in a task, time would zip by. where had it gone. where had i gone. being medicated took all those hills and valleys and just smoothed them out. i don't have the time agonies anymore. the last 15 minutes of the work day still drag a bit, but i don't physically want to shove my head in a bucket of water and sscream about it anymore. i can organise multiple schedules and events and tasks over a weekend or in the evening or across the week without feeling like i've used up a finite Allotment Of Tasks. like this was the real reality-changing effect for me. my whole perception of how much space my life contained for things other than 'recovering from a Task' changed dramatically. it changed my relationship with tasks, hobbies, friendships, all of it.

my emotional state flattened out a lot. this is a significant effect of the atomoxetine actually, because (spoilers) this is NOT an effect provided by rubifen (ritalin) which is what i am now on. i consider this to be a kind of 50/50 effect that upon comparison, i didn't really love. i am? kind of an emotionally...large person as a general rule, and while that comes with a lot of shitty lows and impulse control issues, it also comes with an intensity of experience that is like,,,,good. i like it. i am not talking about bipolar or other diagnosable behaviour in my particular situation and definitely would not make the comparison lol. but while i did find that being on atomoxetine probably made me more level headed and less inclined to embarrass myself, i also felt Less Like Me. like i think the year i was on this drug was a good cool down/rebuild period of my life that i probably needed after 2020/early 2021, but idk, i like the exciteable dumbass side of myself, you know? that's something i would rather temper with Mental Health Tools and idk mindfulness than with medication. this was similar to my experience with citalopram (for depression) when i was younger, actually. i just don't enjoy being Flat, i find it boring and uninteresting and i think it makes me boring and uninteresting. which again is fine for a recovery year, but not as an overall lifestyle choice

i got hella nauseous. which i something i didn't pick up on until after i stopped taking it actually, i just thought it was because i was fat and ate Bad Food, except i stopped taking it and the nausea went away. this more than anything is why i wouldn't go Back to atomoxetine - i didn't realise how fucking draining it was to feel vaguely fuckin ill all the time until i didn't feel that way anymore

SO IF ATOMOXETINE WAS SO GREAT (MOSTLY) WHY DID I CHANGE?

the initial Burst of change leveled out after a few months and as i got used to my new base level i felt...discontent? it was like i had tasted Normal for the first time, but i still had to work really hard every day to get back to that point? i had this booster on board and it was Better, but it was like i'd been given an extra 20% capacity from a starting point of 20% capacity. like sure, i was firing at 40% now, which was DOUBLE of previous and unarguably a better experience for me overall, but i couldn't help but be aware that it wasn't 100%, or even 50%, of the experience a Standard Neurotypical was pulling on the daily. basically, the drug was good, but i wanted to know if i could Have More. and also my anxiety is under control via another drug, and i felt pretty confident after a year of getting my legs back under me and rebuilding my brain that i could weather the stimulant weirdness in the name of Is There Something More? and also there were atomoxetine shortages all the fucking time that meant they were switching between brands every month or two, and i KNOW that generic and brand names are supposed to be the same, but explain that to my fucking stomach every time i had to switch back and forth. like it was just prescribed surprised misery for a few days at random depending on when the shortages happened and i didn't want it anymore

so i started rubifen, which is basically ritalin, unless you were on ritalin before the NZ govt made the change to what they were subsidising, in which case most people would argue they are not the fucking same (for whatever reason! psychosomatic side effects are still experienced as though they are Real by the patient!). rubifen is a stimulant, science name methylphenidate, and ngl a part of my impetus for going on it was that i was in the 'wow i'm dangerously fat for my health' phase of my journey and wanted to see if taking the speed-lite would help curb my appetite (kind of, but only in the sense that it helped curb my impulse control).

the difference between taking a stimulant and taking an SNRI is that the stimulant Hits U Fast. That shit gets in you and then gets out of you. I take slow-release tablets, so the effect lasts for around 8 hours (eg enough to get me through the work day), so that is the context for what i'm talking about now. so rather than a slow building consistent effect that sustains itself across days, a stimulant is applying an effect for a set period of time and then wearing off.

a lot of the effects were the same as what i listed for the atomoxetine, just better! the Time Thing really fucking improved, like....my work day is just a normal day. it doesn't feel like an ice age, and the week doesn't feel like the slow inevitable crawl towards death!

my focus really improved a lot. and when i say improved, i mean that my control over that focus improved? like i can Choose 'engage focus now' and that like, works. pre-diagnosis, i had gotten to a point where i could only work on a task at work for like, 2 minutes (literally. 2 minutes) at a time before i had to look at something else for like, 10 minutes. i came so close to losing my job lmfao. i'm much better at knuckling down and getting shit down now

my emotional regulation is not as strong as it was on the atomoxetine. as stated above, this is a mixed back. emotional disregulation is not like All Fun All The Time, but it does feel like a fundamental part of Me. do i wish that rejection didn't feel so much like getting punched in the face, and that i was less inclined to jump to start talking extremely knowledgably about something i learnt 5 minutes ago? yes very. but also, idk, all of that is survivable. i have therapy tools and shit to deal with a lot of the intense lows of that experience, and they're still not as intense as they were when i was on no medication at all.

i interrupt people less (than pre-diagnosis) but am more aware of holding myself back while on the stimulants than on the atomoxetine. the difference between interrupting, not having anything to say at all, and having something to say and getting to smugly sit there @ yourself like good job Han for not interrupting.

the effects still...build in a way, even though i can tell the difference between days i take rubifen and days i don't (i often forget or don't bother in the weekend, for tolerance reasons and lazy reasons). because being on the medication allows me to change my behaviour while i'm on it, the change in behaviour carries momentum even if i'm not taking the drug Right Now. so like, i'll still do things in the evening even if the actual physical effects of focus assistance etc have worn off by about 3-4pm, because a) i'm not fucking exhausted from fighting my brain all day and b) i have new habits that have been formed under the influence of the meds, right? and those patterns are much easier to continue following even if you don't have the medication impetus driving you, once they've been set up. like it's not just the medication that helps you, it's the architecture of your life that you are then able to construct as a result of being medicated that helps carry you through.

oh another really notable side effect of both drugs is that it used to be SO HARD to get up. S O HA RD. as in, i would lie in bed for hours arguing with myself about getting up and simply not do it. for hours. and i wouldnt do anythying else either! it was the worst kind of paralysis. i just couldn't make myself move until the overwhelming guilt of Wasting Time would finally prompt me into action. i don't do this anymore! it's fucking wonderful!

stimulants don't affect people with adhd in the same way they do neurotypicals! like neurotypicals often describe hyper-focus and getting into a Flow State, and every adhd person i've ever spoken to has been like no these are the drugs that make me feel Normal. obviously all of this is anecdote! but anecdotally, the experience tends to be less about 'i take the medication, i become Superhuman' and more about that shift that i mentioned earlier between 'i used to drop things on the ground, stare at them, and walk away' and 'when i drop things now, i pick them up without evening noticing'. the effect of medication is not like being hit over the head with a different, more capable personality, it's just that connections that are everyday, kind of thoughtless things in a neurotypical person have always been things that you have had to Consciously Put Effort Into before, and now you don't. And it's hard to notice things that you are suddenly doing unconsciously! Because you're not thinking about them, that is the point! it's a really weird experience, to be changed so thoroughly, in ways that are completely out of your control (beyond taking the meds), but largely benign.

having also been on meds for anxiety for a long time, i find the comparison between the two experiences really interesting. like for me, my anxiety meds feel like medical therapy. like they are taking care of stuff that i do think a good cognitive behavioural therapist and weekly sessions could ALSO help a lot with, but who has the money or the time in this era. anxiety for me feels like a scale, and my medication for it just sets my baseline higher on that scale than it ordinarily would be

adhd on the other hand is an on/off button. there are effects that adhd has on my life and experience that no therapy could fix more me. therapy can't fix my experience of time,,, it can't fix the three hour argument with myself on the weekend about getting up, it can't fix the like,,,mechanical, thoughtless, body-driven experience of my adhd. but medication can! being on meds changed so much about my life experience that i didn't know was possible to switch on or off, and i would not have access to those buttons without the meds.

i hope? this was useful? it was certainly long enough (per usual). if you have other questions or wanna know more about Specific Thing, u (or anyone) can always feel free to hit me up <3 wishing u the best on you ur journey with this shit anon!!

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

When the comedian Gareth Richards died last year, there were all kinds of posts and things going around about him, other comedians talking about him. Everyone seemed to be saying the same main things, that he was a ridiculously kind person, that this had unfairly happened to one of the nicest people in the world and everyone else was missing out on the privilege of getting to know him.

I have to admit I only vaguely recognized the name and didn't really know who he was, and I figured from the tributes that he must have been a nice guy, but to be honest, I also assumed there must be some amount of exaggeration about how special he was, as there always is when someone dies, and to some extent, rightly so. You focus on someone when they die, that's the right thing to do. But I didn't assume he'd be likely to stand out among other comedians if he hadn't just died.

However, I've heard his podcast interview with Peacock & Gamble from the 2012 Edinburgh Festival, and I have to say this one would stand out to me, among the interviews with people I don't know, even if he hadn't died. Comedian interviews can all run together, there are standouts if they're from a comedian whose work I'm familiar with (if I like someone's comedy then I'll of course care more about what they have to say in an interview), but if I don't know they're work, they have to be pretty interesting for me to particularly notice them when they're just talking in an interview. And this guy was. I came away from this interview thinking "This is the only thing I've ever heard by this guy, but it makes me think any claims about him being a special ridiculously nice person are probably fully accurate."

The whole episode is really interesting - can be heard here - and has some great discussions about comedy and friendship and life in general. But I've cut out a clip where they talk about social anxiety (I don't mean in the clinical sense of Social Anxiety, just anxiety about social situations), because it's such an open and honest discussion and endears this guy to me so much:

This is just one clip of a larger thing, but it's all like that, a really lovely, insightful, kind discussion about how someone navigates life when feeling shy in social situations. While still being funny, there's a bit later in the episode where they do a roleplay of a difficult conversation that's hilarious and pokes at him a little without ever feeling actually mean.

I've heard a lot of famous people talk about a lot of types of anxiety in a lot of different ways, so it always feels interesting if I hear someone who manages to hit on a specific experience of anxiety that I've never heard someone put into exact words before, and the above clip did that about four different times. It was about 18 years ago now when my best friend/current roommate established the running joke with me that I have the words "fuck off" metaphorically written on my forehead, so the only people who ever end up talking to me are people who choose to ignore the sign or people who can't read, a joke I find funny and know is true due to my inability to talk to anyone I don't already know fairly well, but I also genuinely worry about it, and I have never heard it described as viscerally accurately as "I had a terrible realization in the last year or so that probably, every person I've ever gigged with probably assumes I'm a prick." (Obviously you have to make some minor changes to that sentence to apply it to my experience, taking out the word "gigged", though actually I have performed at exactly seven different open mic stand-up comedy nights, I've quite liked a lot of people there, I've found them terrifying to talk to and have been incredibly nervous around all of them and run away from any attempts they've made to chat with me even though I'd have quite liked to chat with them, one of them even made a joke in her set when she went on after me about how I seemed so nervous around everyone that I wanted nothing to do with them, so, you know, it might apply anyway.)

But it's not just about the bits I find relatable to my own experience, to be honest I wouldn't claim to be much like this guy because I could not imagine being so disarmingly open and charmingly vulnerable while still being funny and insightful. I don't have much else to say other than this is an excellent interview, well worth a listen, and would absolutely stand out in my mind among all the other interviews even if he hadn't recently died. It turns out no one was kidding about how special he was, based on how he comes across in this podcast.

[jalenarocks]

How To Make A Personal Injury Claim?

Have you ever been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another person or business? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. According to a recent survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 million Americans suffer from personal injury-related losses each year. This makes it critical that those who are hurt know their legal rights when it comes to filing a claim. In this article, we will discuss how to make a successful personal injury claim and receive the full financial compensation you deserve.

Personal injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic trauma such as brain damage or spinal cord injuries. No matter what kind of physical or emotional pain is involved in your case, understanding the process of filing a personal injury claim is essential for getting justice - both financially and emotionally. Knowing your rights allows you to hold wrongdoers accountable while also protecting yourself against potential exploitation.

In order to ensure that you get fair compensation for any damages resulting from an injury due to someone else’s actions, it's important that you understand every step required to make a successful personal injury claim. We'll cover everything from gathering evidence at the scene of the incident through steps necessary after consulting with an attorney. With this guide, you'll have all the information needed to protect your rights and navigate the complex world of personal injury claims successfully!

1. What Is A Personal Injury Claim?

When someone is injured due to the negligence of another person, they may have a right to make what’s known as a personal injury claim. But what exactly does that mean? In short, it means seeking financial compensation for any damages caused by the negligent party. These damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering – essentially anything related to your physical or emotional trauma.

Making a personal injury claim can be an intimidating process for many people; however, there are steps you can take to ensure that your rights are protected. First and foremost, seek out legal advice from experienced attorneys who specialize in these types of cases. They can help guide you through the entire process so that you don't miss any important deadlines or paperwork requirements. Additionally, they will work hard on your behalf to get the maximum possible settlement amount while at the same time protecting your best interests throughout the case.

In addition to finding qualified legal representation, do some research into other resources available in terms of support services such as counseling or therapy if needed. Many victims of personal injury experience significant stress during this difficult period and having access to appropriate mental health services can go a long way towards helping them cope with their situation and move forward with their lives after the ordeal is over.

Taking action when faced with a personal injury accident isn't easy but knowing what options exist makes all the difference in getting back on track both physically and mentally. Start researching today and find out how making a personal injury claim could benefit you.

2. Identifying The Responsible Party

Identifying the responsible party is a crucial step in making a personal injury claim. After all, it's this person or entity who will be liable for any damages you've incurred due to their negligence. The first thing to do when figuring out who's at fault for your injury is to determine if there was an act of negligence involved. If so, then whoever committed that negligent act could potentially be held liable for injuries suffered as a result of their actions.

To pinpoint the responsible party, you'll want to look into what caused your accident and who may have been involved. Was it a car crash? In that case, the driver at fault would likely need to pay compensation. Were you hurt on someone else's property? Then the owner might have some liability. It can take time and research to figure out exactly who should be held responsible, but doing so is essential before filing a lawsuit or demand letter seeking financial compensation for your medical bills and lost wages related to the incident.

Fortunately, there are resources available to help with these investigations such as attorneys experienced in handling cases like yours. An attorney knowledgeable about issues surrounding personal injury claims can provide invaluable assistance in determining who should be named in your lawsuit or settlement agreement and make sure they're held accountable for your losses. They can also guide you through other aspects of the process such as gathering evidence, finding witnesses and navigating legal paperwork.

Seeking professional advice from an attorney early on can save time and money while ensuring that justice is served following an unfortunate accident or injury resulting from another person’s carelessness or recklessness.

3. Documenting Your Injury

Documenting your injury when making a personal injury claim is essential. It’s one of the most important steps you can take towards receiving compensation for your damages. As such, it pays to make sure that you have all the evidence you need before moving forward with filing a lawsuit against the responsible party.

The first step in documenting your injury is consulting with medical professionals and gathering any relevant records or reports regarding treatment that was necessary due to the incident. This includes doctor's notes, hospital bills, physical therapy appointments, imaging results, etc. These records will be invaluable resources when crafting an effective personal injury claim since they provide solid proof of how severe the injuries were as well as what treatments were required after the accident occurred.

If possible, it’s also helpful to collect photos and videos taken at the scene of the accident. Not only do these images serve as visual reminders of what happened during this traumatic event — they are also legally binding pieces of evidence should your case go to trial. Additionally, if there are any eyewitness accounts from people who saw what took place firsthand, those testimonies can help strengthen your case even further.

By taking the time to document your injury properly — whether through collecting medical documents or capturing photographic evidence — you give yourself a better chance at not only proving liability on behalf of another but also obtaining rightful compensation for whatever losses were incurred from being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence

4. Gathering Evidence

Gathering evidence is an essential step when making a personal injury claim. It requires the collection of documents and other items to prove that your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. Here are five key pieces of evidence you should collect:

Medical records – These provide details about the treatments prescribed for your injury, as well as any diagnoses made by medical professionals.

Photographs – Taking photos of the scene where the accident happened can help demonstrate what happened in court proceedings. They may also capture visible signs of trauma such as scrapes and bruises that aren't included in medical reports.

Witness statements – Witnesses who saw the accident occur can provide independent accounts which support your version of events. Even if they didn't witness it firsthand, people who have knowledge related to the incident could still be valuable sources for information.

Police report – If law enforcement was involved at all following the incident, then obtaining a copy of their police report would be helpful since it contains important facts from an unbiased perspective.

Video/audio recordings - Any available video or audio footage captured during or shortly after the event could reveal crucial details regarding how and why it occurred, so make sure to track down these materials if possible.

When compiling this evidence, accuracy is paramount; even small errors or omissions can lead to serious consequences later on in the claims process, so make sure everything is accurate before submitting it to the insurance company or relevant legal entity handling your case. Additionally, don’t forget to keep copies of all documentation associated with your claim; having backups saved away will save you time and trouble if anything gets lost along the way! Ultimately, having strong evidence goes a long way towards ensuring successful resolution of your personal injury claim — so make sure you go through this stage properly before proceeding ahead with filing paperwork and other procedures related to litigation proceedings

5. Calculating Your Damages

Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. When they do, we want to ensure that we are compensated for any damages and losses incurred. Calculating your damages is a key step in making a successful personal injury claim.

Every situation is unique, but there are some general tips for getting the most out of your claim:

Make sure you understand what kind of damages you're eligible for – these could include economic costs such as medical bills and lost wages; non-economic costs like pain and suffering; or punitive damages if someone acted recklessly or intentionally with regard to your accident.

Gather evidence from doctors’ reports, police statements, photographs of the scene, witness testimonies etc., so that you have an accurate overview of the incident.

Keep track of all related expenses (including missed days at work) so that you don't miss out on anything when filing your claim.

It's important to be aware of the full extent of your injuries before seeking compensation. An experienced lawyer will help evaluate how much money should be claimed based on tangible proof of loss rather than speculation or guesswork. They may also bring up issues such as whether liability was shared between parties which could affect how much you receive in terms of compensation.

When assessing damage claims it's essential to consider both current and future losses caused by the incident - this includes ongoing medical treatments and rehabilitation needed due to lasting effects from the injury sustained. For example, if a person suffered nerve damage after being involved in a motor vehicle accident then their ability to perform certain tasks may be reduced over time due to chronic pain and discomfort associated with the condition. In this case it would be wise to factor in long-term care into one's calculations when considering total financial recompense from a successful lawsuit settlement.

By understanding exactly what type of damages one has suffered following an accident and taking steps to document them accurately, victims can rest assured knowing that they are better equipped to make a strong legal argument regarding fair remuneration for their pain and suffering. Furthermore, having access to knowledgeable professionals who specialize in personal injury law can provide invaluable guidance throughout each stage of the process – arming claimants with expert advice every step along the way towards obtaining justice through rightful reparations owed under civil court protocols.

6. Filing A Personal Injury Claim

Filing a personal injury claim can be an intimidating process – but it doesn't have to be. Understanding your rights and the steps you need to take will help get you through this difficult time. With these six easy steps, you'll soon find yourself one step closer to getting justice for your injuries.

To start off on the right track, it's important to remember that filing a personal injury claim is just like any other legal process: it requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. Here are four key points to keep in mind when preparing your case:

1) Document everything related to the incident; including medical records, photos of the area where the accident occurred, witness statements, or anything else that could support your story. 2) Research local laws governing personal injury claims; understanding what kind of evidence is required by law may prove useful during negotiations with insurance companies or potential defendants. 3) Seek out professional counsel from experienced attorneys who specialize in personal injury cases; they can provide invaluable advice on how best to proceed with your particular situation. 4) Collect all pertinent information about the person(s) responsible for causing your injuries; such as their contact information and financial details so you know exactly who (and potentially what company/organization) you're dealing with during negotiations.

Now that you have all the necessary documents in order, there are two ways for submitting a formal claim: either directly through a court system or via mediation services such as arbitration or third-party dispute resolution centers. Depending upon which option works best for both parties involved, negotiations between them will then begin until an agreement has been reached regarding liability and damages owed.

It's also worth noting that while both forms of negotiation require patience and dedication on behalf of those seeking compensation, taking legal action against someone is never taken lightly – especially if criminal charges are being brought forward against another party involved in the incident at hand. Therefore, make sure you understand every aspect of the process before signing off on any agreements made throughout proceedings!

7. Negotiating A Settlement

Negotiating a settlement is the final step in making a personal injury claim. This process can be daunting, as it requires you to have an extensive understanding of the legal system and know how to effectively communicate your needs. It's important to remember that during this stage, safety should remain your top priority - both physical and financial.

The negotiation phase involves conversations between yourself (or your representative) and those responsible for causing the injury. If successful, these discussions will result in an agreement about compensation for the damages suffered by you due to the injury. In order to increase the chances of success here, make sure you understand what types of compensation are available, such as medical bills or lost wages from time taken off work.

When negotiating a settlement with another party, there are certain things to keep in mind: stay calm but firm when asking for more than you're offered; prepare yourself before each discussion so that any requests made are reasonable; gather evidence concerning costs related to recovery and keep detailed records of all communications throughout the process so nothing is forgotten; most importantly, never settle until you feel comfortable with what has been proposed.

It's crucial that while pursuing a settlement you don't let emotions get in the way of sound decision-making. Any agreement entered into must be one that offers long-term protection financially and physically - even if it means going back to court later down the line. By taking steps to ensure safety first and foremost, you'll have peace of mind knowing that whatever outcome arises will benefit you now and in years ahead.

8. Taking Your Case To Court

Reaching a settlement through negotiation is not the only route available to you if your personal injury claim has stalled. There's always the option of taking your case to court. It's an intimidating thought, and one that requires careful consideration before making any decisions - because once things go to trial, there’s no turning back.

Heading into a courtroom can be daunting but also liberating; in some cases it gives injured parties access to justice they wouldn't have had otherwise. Imagining yourself standing up for something important enough to take on legal proceedings is empowering – so don’t let fear or nerves prevent you from seeking what could be rightfully yours.

If you choose this path, then ensure you get the right representation who will fight for the best outcome possible; whether it’s more money than initially offered, greater recognition of pain and suffering, or even just an apology from someone responsible for causing harm. A good lawyer will walk with you every step of the way as well as provide advice about how to prepare for court hearings and trials.

By being fully informed and having effective support throughout this process, you'll gain peace of mind knowing that everything within your power has been done towards achieving a successful outcome. The result might not bring back lost time or make physical injuries heal faster, but at least it offers closure by allowing all involved parties to move forward with their lives.

9. Understanding Time Limits

Time is of the essence when making a personal injury claim, and if you don't act within certain limits, it could mean that you'll miss out on the compensation you deserve. It's like being on a ticking time bomb - when the clock runs out, your chance for justice goes with it!

A key part of understanding how to make a personal injury claim is to familiarise yourself with any relevant timelines so that you can move quickly and efficiently in order to protect your rights. These may include statutes of limitation which dictate how much time an individual has after they have suffered an injury or other harm before they are no longer eligible to seek damages through legal means. Generally speaking, these timelines range from one year up to six years depending on your state’s laws.

It's crucial not just to stay informed but also act fast once you're aware of these deadlines; every day counts when filing a claim as you wouldn't want all your hard work to be wasted due to missed paperwork or simply running out of time. To ensure this doesn't happen, keep track of all important dates related to the case such as meetings with lawyers, court hearings etc., by setting reminders prior each event. This way, there will be no surprises later down the line regarding potential delays or rejections concerning your application - something we'd recommend everyone do during their pursuit for justice.

Keeping abreast of applicable rules and regulations surrounding personal injury claims is vital in ensuring success; failure to comply with them might even disqualify individuals from receiving financial support altogether. For this reason, it's always best practice for those looking into taking action against another party for causing them harm to do so promptly and diligently - otherwise, they risk missing out on their own opportunity at reparations despite going through immense suffering.

10. Seeking Legal Advice

When it comes to making a personal injury claim, seeking legal advice is an important step. Knowing how and when to engage with a lawyer or solicitor can make all the difference in getting what you deserve. It's essential that you understand your rights and the limits of any legal action you may take.

Engaging with a professional gives you the opportunity to explore different options for recovering damages. They will explain the merits of each option while considering factors such as court costs, filing fees, and other expenses associated with litigation. Furthermore, they can help assess whether pursuing a case would be worthwhile given the circumstances at hand.

Having an understanding of the law surrounding personal claims means having someone on your side who can protect your interests against those who have caused harm to you or your loved ones due to negligence or wrongful behavior. Legal professionals are there to ensure that justice is served by securing fair compensation for victims of accidents or medical malpractice.

It’s imperative that anyone looking into making a personal injury claim finds experienced counsel to assist them in navigating through this process; it’s their job to make sure everyone gets what they're entitled to under the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Statute Of Limitations When Filing A Personal Injury Claim?

Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured due to another person’s negligence, you must act fast to get the compensation you deserve. This means understanding what “the statute of limitations” entails – in other words, how long you have before your case becomes invalid. It varies from state to state, so it pays to know where you stand.

Every state has its own set of laws governing time frames for filing legal claims, and these deadlines are known as statutes of limitations. The clock starts ticking from the moment an accident occurs or when one party realizes they have sustained an injury. In some cases, this can be several months after the incident took place - especially if medical complications arise at a later date. If that happens, then the court will backdate your claim accordingly.

If you don't take action in time and file your claim within the designated period, chances are you won't be able to pursue legal recourse against those responsible for causing your injuries. Therefore, if someone else's actions caused harm to you or a loved one, don't delay; seek professional advice right away and discover how much time remains on the proverbial clock before all hope is lost!

What Types Of Compensation Might I Expect To Receive In A Personal Injury Claim?

If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, filing a personal injury claim is one way to seek justice and financial compensation. But when it comes to the amount of money that may be available in an injury case, what types of compensation should you expect? Let’s take a closer look at this important question.

The most common form of financial payout for a personal injury case is known as compensatory damages. These are intended to reimburse victims for the losses they have suffered due to their injuries, such as medical expenses or lost wages caused by having to miss work. In addition, if your accident resulted in pain and suffering, then you may also be able to receive non-economic “general” damages from the negligent party. This type of payment can help cover intangible costs like emotional distress or loss of quality of life.

In some cases, punitive damages might also be awarded on top of other forms of compensation. These awards are used not only to provide additional recompense but also as a means of punishing those responsible for causing harm; however, these kinds award amounts tend to vary greatly depending on state laws and the severity of the incident.

It's important to note that every personal injury claim is unique - no two situations will ever be exactly alike - so it's impossible to predict with certainty which types (or how much) compensation may come out of yours. That said, understanding which kinds of payouts could potentially be part of your settlement can help ensure that you're getting fair value for your case and taking all necessary steps toward achieving maximum recovery after an unfortunate event.

Can I Dispute An Insurance Company's Settlement Offer?

When you are dealing with a personal injury claim, the insurance company may have already made an offer to settle. Unfortunately, sometimes this offer is not enough and can leave those involved feeling short-changed. It’s at times like these that you should consider disputing the settlement offer from the insurance company.

The best way to go about doing this is to ensure that you have all of your facts in order before making any moves. This means gathering evidence such as medical records and witness statements so that you can present them to the insurer and make sure they understand why their offer is inadequate for covering your damages or losses. Taking a professional approach will help give your dispute credibility and stand a better chance of success.

In addition, it's important to keep calm when discussing matters with the insurer; arguing back and forth won't get anyone anywhere - instead try working together to find common ground on what would be considered fair compensation given the circumstances. To do this, don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is anything you don’t understand or need more information on - after all knowledge is power! TIP: Seek legal advice if necessary – speaking with an experienced lawyer can provide invaluable guidance throughout your dispute process.

Does Filing A Personal Injury Claim Affect My Insurance Rates?

Filing a personal injury claim can be intimidating and stressful, especially when it comes to the effect on your insurance rates. Knowing the answer to this question is essential for anyone considering filing a legal action against another party. In this article, we'll explore what you need to know about how filing a personal injury claim affects your insurance premiums.

When someone files a personal injury claim with their insurance company, they're essentially asking for financial compensation for an accident or incident that was not their fault. Depending on the specifics of the case, these claims may involve medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, etc. While insurers do take into account any monetary awards received from such cases in determining future premiums, it's important to note that many factors other than claims are used by companies when calculating rates.

For example, most insurers look at driving record history as well as credit scores before making any decisions regarding premium prices. That means that even if you don't win your case or receive an award through settlement negotiations with an opposing party, there's still a chance that your rates could go up due to poor performance behind the wheel or low credit ratings. Ultimately though, it all depends on each particular insurer's policy guidelines and underwriting rules; so it is best practice to discuss potential rate increases with them prior to taking legal action - just so you have all the facts!

No matter which way you slice it though – whether its through dispute settlements or court proceedings – there is always some degree of risk associated with filing a personal injury claim; and understanding how it will affect your insurance premiums is key part of weighing those risks versus rewards. With careful consideration beforehand however, pursuing justice after being wronged doesn’t necessarily have to come at too high cost afterwards either!

Do I Need A Lawyer To File A Personal Injury Claim?

Making a personal injury claim can be an overwhelming and complicated process. As the saying goes, “It’s best to have a professional on your side when you need one” - and filing a personal injury claim is no exception. So do you really need a lawyer to file such a claim? Let's look at this question in more detail.

The answer depends on the complexity of your case, as well as any time limits that may apply. In some cases, it might be possible for individuals to handle their own claims without legal assistance if they are familiar with both the law and local court procedures. However, most people choose to hire experienced lawyers because they understand how to navigate the complexities of insurance companies and courts - something that laypeople don't always know how to do properly. The right attorney will also make sure all relevant deadlines are met so your case isn't dismissed prematurely or settled for too little money due to missing paperwork or other technicalities.

In addition, having an attorney by your side provides valuable support during what can often be a highly emotional experience. Your lawyer should provide personalized advice regarding settlement options as well as helping you decide whether or not going to trial is worth taking into consideration. They will also educate you about your rights and ensure that everything proceeds according to state regulations while preventing insurers from exploiting loopholes which could reduce your compensation amount significantly.

Ultimately, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer may prove invaluable for getting the full amount of damages owed after being injured due to someone else's negligent behavior or intentional wrongdoing. It doesn't hurt either that many attorneys offer free initial consultations where potential clients can discuss their situation without committing financially until deciding whether or not they want representation moving forward.

Conclusion

Filing a personal injury claim can be complicated and it's important to understand the process before taking action. Statistically, only 2-3% of all personal injury cases actually reach trial proceedings - so if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, filing a claim is often your best chance at getting adequate compensation for your injuries and damages.

It's important to know that you don't necessarily need an attorney in order to file a successful claim. However, having legal representation on your side can provide invaluable assistance throughout the entire claims process – from understanding laws governing liability and compensatory damages to ensuring any settlement offer is fair.

Ultimately, when deciding whether or not to make a personal injury claim, use this information as guidance but also consult with experienced professionals who may be able to help ensure you receive what you deserve under the law.

[m-jelly]

Hi jelly! Can you do one where the reader is a doctor (Levi and the reader are in a relationship) and during an expedition Levi gets badly injured and the reader is just so shocked and trying not to panic cause she has to tend to Levi’s injuries which she thought she never had to till now…

Dr Reader taking care of Levi is popular! Happy to deliver another <3 So, I might have to take this out of the cannon world and place it in a different AU due to the things happening to Levi in the manga etc. Now I gotta pick if I do modern or future. I do love a future fic...alright. I'll put it in the future and in space! How cool! I love space. I love space too much. Okay, let's go.

The Doctor's Captain

Pairing: Levi x Reader.

Genre and tags: Couple life, romance, injured Levi, space, space travel, planets, military, future fic, emotional reader.

Concept: The reader is a doctor on a military spaceship and is in a romantic relationship with Captain Levi Ackerman. While in space, Levi is sent with his small team by Erwin to a new planet to see if Titans have made their mark. When the team returns, the reader discovers her lover put himself at risk to save his team from an ambush resulting in him getting hurt. She never thought she'd have to treat her lover, even though his injuries are minor.

You peacefully slept on Levi's chest as the spaceship hummed around you. You had your own room, but you often found yourself in Levi's room because he loved having you around, you brought him comfort, you made the nightmares go and he was shy in public with affection and he craved it with you. So, you were almost always with Levi in his room when you both had the time. The problem was, Levi hated letting you go. So, whenever you both had to leave, he'd hold onto you as tightly as he possibly could.

You rolled off Levi when his communicator went off and turned your back to him. "Levi, comms."

Levi rolled over and hugged you from behind. "It can wait."

You hummed a laugh. "Levi. You better move your dick from my butt and answer the comms, or I kick you out of bed."

Levi kissed your shoulder, then rolled over and grabbed his comms. "Tch, what?"

You sat up and stretched, then you moaned and shivered in delight. You smiled as Levi lightly touched your back as he spoke on comms. You looked over your shoulder at him, then you leaned over and kissed his cheek. You pulled away and walked around his room picking up your clothes thrown around the place from Levi's passion last night.

Levi ended the call and sighed. "Do you have to change into clothes brat?"

You wiggled your trousers on, then sighed. "Yes. So, what did Erwin want?"

Levi got out of bed and started putting his uniform on. "We're coming across a new planet. Erwin wants me and my team to go and see if it's a good planet for us to get a foothold against the titans."

You walked over to him and hugged him tightly. "You'll be careful down there, okay?"

Levi gave you a tight squeezed back. "I always am."

You pulled back and walked with him. "Can I see you off the ship?"

"You can." Levi grabbed you and pulled you against him. He kissed you with a happy hum. "Tch, just one last kiss before we step out these doors."

You hummed a laugh. "What a romantic man you are behind closed doors."

Levi kissed you again, then the door opened and you both walked out together. Levi adjusted his communicator on his arm and pouted a little. "Tch, stupid shit."

You smirked and tried to hold back your laugh, but it was difficult. You loved how much Levi fought with technology. You looked away when he glared at you. "Sorry." You stepped into the lift with him and went down to the shuttle bay. "But it's kind of cute how you fight with technology all the time."

He folded his arms. "You shouldn't make fun of your commanding officer."

You smiled. "Well, you're not technically my commanding officer. I work in a different department and I am the head of it."

"More like a bratty doctor to me."

You faked a gasp. "You know what? I think you've figured me out."

Levi hummed. "I know you more than you know yourself."

You stepped out of the lift. "Of course." You smiled when you saw the team getting ready. "I better check the medical supplies. Get armoured up."

Levi walked over to his locker, then scanned his hand. He pulled on his armour and made sure it was on securely. He looked over to you and felt a bit of jealousy bubble up when you tended to one of his own men. He wanted you to focus on him, but you were doing your job and he needed to relax a little. He walked over to the group and waited his turn. When you walked over to him after laughing at Connie's joke, he felt excited.

You checked Levi's gear and made sure the emergency healing gel was ready to dispense. "You're all good to go."

"Tch, thanks."

You looked at him and smiled. "Make sure you wear your helmet and don't take any risks."

He tapped the neck of his armour making his helmet grow on his head. "I'll do my best."

"I'll see you soon." You and Levi lightly held each other's hands, then you gave his hand a little squeeze. "Have a nice trip!"

Levi let his team get on the shuttle first, then he waved to you as he got on last. "Later brat."

You smiled and waved. "See ya!" You let out a long sigh, then walked to the lift and went up. You got out the same level as Levi's room, which had the viewing decks, crew rooms, sleep pods, mess hall and your medbay. You slipped into your medical room and saw four empty beds and lots of medical things. You sat on your corner desk, then sighed. "Levi." You picked up a projected moving picture of you on him on a shore leave date together and smiled. "I don't know what it is, but I have a bad feeling."

Hange wandered into your medbay and sat on one of the beds. "You seem upset."

You smiled at her. "Not upset, just feeling like something isn't right."

She walked over to you and picked up the picture of you and Levi. "You're worried about him."

You sat back in your seat. "He's been working himself to the bone recently. Erwin is hellbent on going to so many planets. I give out so much medication to help the stressed, sleep-deprived and depressed these days. I'm worried that everyone is not at their full peak abilities."

Hange put the picture down. "I agree. Everyone needs some shore leave. Why don't you give Erwin a report?"

You hugged yourself. "Erwin will say that I'm too involved emotionally because I'm dating Levi."

"Oh, yeah you have a point, but if you base your findings on everyone and he might listen."

You hummed, then sighed. "Alright." You typed away on your computer and complied evidence to prove your point. "Could you make a comment of your approval?"

Hange leaned over you and typed her statement. "That should convince him."

You smiled. "I sure hope so. Now we wait."

Hange lay back on one of your beds. "He'll say yes." She kicked her legs and hummed a song to herself. "You and Levi planning on getting married?"

You shrugged. "Dunno, ask Levi." You sat up when your email pinged. "He's replied." You read his reply. "He says finding out the truth is more important and he will just get me more medical supplies when we're at our next space station."

Hange pulled a little face. "Kind of sucks."

You got up and growled. "Where is he!?" You tapped on your comms. "He's in the shuttle bay waiting on Levi's return."

Hange ran after you. "Don't lose your shit."

"I'm gonna!" You went down in the lift with Hange, then you stormed right over to Erwin as the shuttle got closer. "Erwin Smith! You get your ass right over here now!"

Erwin looked over at you. "Hello, doctor. If this is about the email, I stand by what I said."

You stopped and shouted as the shuttle pulled in. "If we don't allow our soldiers some shore leave, they will not be at their full potential. Pushing them to work more than they can, will cause many lost lives that could have been prevented!"

Erwin looked to the shuttle. "We need to fight. We need to learn the truth of these planets and this power the titans have found. We have to do this."

You shoved him back. "If we keep this up, someone we care about will be hurt. Once that happens, they'll need to recover. Our soldiers are not unstoppable."

"My soldiers, doctor. My soldiers." He looked at you with a defiant gaze. "You are just a doctor on this ship. Your job is to heal them and make them better."

"My JOB is also to ensure the safety and well-being of the soldiers. You are putting them at risk." You looked to the shuttle door opening to see grim faces. "Who's hurt?"

Jean stumbled out of the shuttle. "Captain. The Captain got hurt protecting Eren and Mikasa."

Your eyes widened in horror. "Levi?"

Jean looked to Levi being helped out of the shuttle with blood on him, his armour was burned and his helmet was cracked. "We were searching the ruins down there. We thought it'd be empty, but we were following a path that clearly had some power. We walked right into a trap. There was this ticking and Levi moved Eren and Mikasa out the way in time, but he took most of the blast."

You covered your mouth with your hands as you welled up. "Oh, Levi."

Levi winced and held his side. "Tch, I'm fine, brat." He gave you a little smile. "The armour protected me and your emergency healing helped."

You smiled a little at his reassuring words, then you cleared your throat. "A-Anyway! Get him to my medbay now. I'll be the judge of your wounds." You followed Mikasa helping Levi to the lift. You looked to Erwin. "I warned you."

Erwin gulped hard. "I'm sorry."

You went up into the lift, then ran ahead into your medbay and started preparing everything. "Okay, I need you to take his armour off."

Levi shoved Mikasa off him. "I can do it myself."

You walked up to Levi. "Levi Ackerman!"

Levi flinched at your tone. "Yes brat, sorry."

You started taking his armour off him. "Mikasa, go file your report about this."

Mikasa looked at Levi and saw him nod to her. "Sure doctor. Keep us all updated."

"I will." You pulled his helmet off and threw it to the floor to see a cut on his face, along with blood running down his face. You gulped hard. "Levi..."

Levi smiled softly at you. "If anyone can fix me it's you."

You knelt down and took off his leg armour as he took his chest piece off. "You're such an idiot. You put yourself at risk today!"

Levi hummed. "I know, but if I chose to not save Eren and Mikasa, then they'd be in a worse state. I managed to get us three away from the explosion, but the blast caught me a little."

You stood up and pouted at him. "A little!?"

He winced a little. "Okay, more than a little?"

You shoved him to sit on the bed, then you dragged him up on it and made him lie down. You tapped on the panel and started a body scan. "More than a little? Sure." You showed him the results. "Four broken ribs, slight internal bleeding, eye and lip damage, possible concussion and a broken arm." You looked him dead in the eyes. "A little?"

Levi stared at his scan, then at you. "Okay, I was wrong."

"I would hit you so hard right now if you weren't hurt."

Levi hummed. "Well, I kind of deserve it."

You moved the screen away, then picked up a sealing pen. You placed it where the internal bleeding was and pressed it to inject healing serum. You ignored Levi's groan of pain. "Shut it."

Levi sighed. "Couldn't you give me something to ease the pain?"

You pouted and glared at him. "A fucking knuckle sandwich."

"I love you."

You stared at Levi and welled up at his words. You rubbed your tears away, then hooked him up to pain meds. "I love you too, you big grumpy old man." You sniffed. "You scared me."

He took your hand. "I'm sorry." He kissed the back of your hand. "I really am."

You smiled at him. "I didn't mean to be nasty and I'm sorry I called you a grumpy old man. You're wonderful."

You let his hand go, then started cleaning him up of blood and soot. You set his arm in place and applied a cast to keep it there. You got a sealing pen, then ran it along the cut over Levi's eye and cheek all the way down to his lip. You blushed hard as Levi watched every movement you made. You were used to people watching you work, but having Levi watch you felt different.

Levi smiled a little. "You look beautiful while you work."

You pulled back when you finished. "Don't distract me."

"I'm not."

You hummed. "Sit up carefully please and take your shirt off." You grabbed a bandage, then wrapped it around Levi's chest and placed a pack on his ribs to start the healing process. "Okay, lie back please."

Levi lay back and sighed. "Thank you."

"You're on bed rest until I say so." You cleaned up the area, then sat at your desk. "No arguing with me."

Levi smiled a little. "Yes, doctor."

You typed on your computer and looked over at Levi. "Don't use that tone and line with me. I'm still a little mad and upset with you."

"I'm sorry."

You sent off your report on Levi, then looked over to him. "I know you are. I know, but I just." You sighed. "I asked Erwin before you came back for shore leave for us all because of everyone's physical and mental health. I'm giving out so many meds to help people sleep, de-stress and for depression. He said no because we have to uncover the truth. I might have lost my shit."

Levi hummed a laugh. "Proud of you."

You moved your chair along to Levi's side and held his hand. "Thanks. I just worry about everyone."

"You do." Erwin walked over and smiled. "Which is why you're our doctor. I'm sorry I snapped at you, but I do believe it was due to what you warned me about everyone experiencing. Stress, lack of sleep and other things. I'm experiencing it all."

You smiled. "So, shore leave?"

Erwin nodded. "Shore leave. We're already ahead of the titans, we don't need to push anymore."

"Thank you."

Erwin looked to Levi. "How are you doing?"

Levi looked to you. "Well, my girlfriend beat me up a little, but I'm alright."

Erwin chuckled. "Well, as long as it wasn't your doctor who beat you up."

You fixed Levi's hair for him. "I would never beat a patient of mine. I'm a great doctor."

"You're the best I've ever had on my ship." He sighed. "Well, I have shore leave order to make. I'll see you both around."

You waved to Erwin. "Check on him whenever you want." You sighed when he was gone, then you looked to Levi. "Love you, handsome."

Levi smiled at you. "Love you too, brat. I know I'll get the best care from you."

You soothingly rubbed his chest. "I will take care of you as your girlfriend and your doctor."

"Thank you."

[ellie-winthrope]

Heart-to-Heart - [Gavin]

Figuring out someone's thoughts is as difficult as disclosing your own thoughts to others. Even so, it isn't necessarily wise to keep silent and leave the matter be. Having just started going steady with one another, how would MC and Gavin deal with such a situation?

Word Count: 2494 words

When someone requested for another person’s opinion, they usually did so because they couldn’t come to a final decision on their own. They required a second opinion in order to either narrow down their numerous options or to get a basis for making their decision.

Nonetheless, not many would openly share their opinions when requested, whether it was due to the fear of having their opinion shunned, the hesitation in bearing part of the responsibility that came with being involved in the decision-making or they merely didn’t wish for others to be pressured into accepting their opinion.

Therefore, even for a question as trivial as what to have for lunch among work colleagues, the most common answer that one would get would be “Anything is fine”. Such an answer may seem considerate and polite at first sight, but it was inconvenient to the questioner as the latter was left to make the decision on their own without any additional hints.

This would be especially problematic when it came to choosing a gift for someone.

For a straightforward man like Gavin, who was clueless when it came to the things that women would like as gifts, the countless choices of bags, cosmetics, accessories and shoes that were available in New Light Mall were more than enough to make his head spin. He did try asking for suggestions before this, but the only common acquaintance between him and the girl would be Minor and that fellow wasn’t particularly reliable. After all, of all the suggestions that Minor could have offered him, the former had picked the least helpful answer…

“Anything is fine.”

That was why Gavin was currently wandering aimlessly in the mall on his own. Even though there were countless choices available, none of the things that he had seen had given him the feeling of being a suitable gift for the producer.

Then again, what would she like to receive as a gift?

Not one to beat around the bush, Gavin had asked the girl directly about it during a phone conversation about their upcoming plans to celebrate her birthday. Once again, he had heard that same exasperating answer.

“Anything is fine.”

The girl had answered cheerfully that she was fine with anything and that she wouldn’t mind if he didn’t get her anything because she was well-aware that he had been preoccupied with STF missions recently.

She had always been a caring and considerate girl. Even during those times when he had missed out on their dates due to his work, she hadn’t uttered a single word of complaint. Instead, she had always cheered him on and requested that he take care not to get hurt during work.

For his devoted girl, how could he bear to show up empty-handed on her birthday?

No matter what, he would find the most fitting gift for her.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ever since the producer met Gavin again, she got to know him a little better. He was different from the impression of a violent delinquent that had been painted of him during high school. If anything, the current Gavin fitted her initial impression of a socially-awkward but kind senior, who on a particularly rainy day, had given her his jacket to shield her from the heavy rain and had run away before she could thank him for it.

Perhaps, Gavin had always been kind.

This belated realization had made her wondered for a moment, of a time if she had not been influenced by the rumors surrounding Gavin, if she had ignored those rumors and mustered the courage to approach him. How different would things have turned out then? Instead of being disconnected with each other for years, would they have been friends…or perhaps something more during high school?

Since time could never be rewound, that possibility would be something that she would never know for sure.

Nevertheless, she was grateful to be given a second chance to resolve the misunderstandings between Gavin and herself in the present-day. It was only then that their relationship, which had been stuck on a standstill since high school, had truly moved forward once again.

She had never expected to witness the different sides of the senior who used to be unapproachable to her during high school. No, he was no longer her senior. It would be more apt to say that Gavin had progressed from his status as her high school senior to her protector, someone who she could entrust with her life. Ever since their reunion, Gavin had been her stout protector, who had kept her safe and rescued her from dangers countless times.

In the beginning, the girl could not understand why Gavin would go so far to keep her safe when they weren’t even any close to each other during high school. Unable to come up with a plausible reason, she had chalked it up to his sense of responsibility as an STF agent in ensuring a citizen’s safety.

Although she did have a slight suspicion that Gavin might had feelings for her, she had instantly brushed off that possibility, believing that she had been presumptuous for even having that kind of thought. After all, why would Gavin suddenly have feelings for her?

As far as she could remember, she had always been a quiet girl that didn't really stand out during high school. Aside from that, she rarely met or exchanged words with Gavin at school, let alone doing anything for him. Thus, to her, it would be unlikely for Gavin to have liked her since then, much less now, after years of being apart without having any contact between them.

Anyhow, it did warm her heart when she noticed how Gavin gradually opened up to her as time passed, with him speaking less stiffly to her and how he wore his heart on his sleeve before her through his simple gestures and vivid facial expressions.

It wasn’t just Gavin, though.

Whenever she couldn’t contact Gavin because he was away on a mission, she would be so worried about him that she couldn’t slept well for days. Whenever she learnt that he had been injured after missions, she would be so anxious and upset that she would be having a hard time holding back her tears, as though she was the one who had gotten hurt.

It was through all these little cues that the girl soon realized that she had fallen in love with Gavin. Having lost the opportunity to get to know him during high school, she didn’t hesitate to confess her feelings to him at the right opportunity. Thus, everything led to the present-day, a few months after her love confession, where Gavin and her were discussing on phone regarding their plans on celebrating her birthday.

Even though this would be their first-time celebrating her birthday as a couple, she was intending to spend the day together at home instead of going outside since she was tired from the continuous days of working overtime and would rather not mingle with the crowds, which would be unavoidable on a weekend. Of course, the girl had also asked for Gavin’s opinion on the matter, that if he was fine with them spending the day at her place. As she had expected, he had given her the same answer as any other time when the girl had asked for his opinion.

“As you like.”

Despite it being within her expectation, she couldn’t help but to be disappointed by his answer.

Based on the few months of them being together as a couple, she had noticed that Gavin would usually leave it to her to make the decisions by stating that he was fine with anything as long as she was happy. While she did feel flattered that he would prioritized her over himself, this had also made her feel bad as she couldn’t help but to suspect that he might have been forcing himself to accommodate her wishes.

Just like how he wanted her to be happy, she also wanted the same for Gavin.

She would never want to be the one being accommodated one-sidedly in their relationship.

Then again, how exactly should she broach this matter to him?

There was a possibility of him misunderstanding her or her unintentionally hurting his feelings if she was to bring up this topic. Since it had taken them so many years to finally be together as a couple, it was to be expected that she would be worried of ruining their current relationship because of this.

Even so, the girl still believed that they should sit down together and talk about it since that was the only way they could truly come to understand each other.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

For the umpteenth time, Gavin gave the small box within his jean pocket a slight squeeze, as if to confirm that it was still within his possession. After browsing through shop after shop, he finally came upon the gift that he considered perfect for the producer. Fearing that he might lose it, he had been constantly checking up on the box in his pocket at every available opportunity until the moment he reached the girl’s place.

“Gavin.”

Upon hearing his name, Gavin snapped out of his thoughts and looked towards the girl who was sitting right next to him on the couch with her head leaning on his shoulder.

“Can I be honest with you about something?”

“Of course,” he answered immediately without looking away from the girl.

Unlike Gavin, the girl was quite hesitant to speak. She pulled away from him and sat up straight on the couch. Although he was feeling a little anxious with the girl’s silent gestures, Gavin didn’t prod her to speak. He chose to wait for her to speak up at her own pace, which he didn’t have to wait long.

“Gavin, ever since we got together, you have always let me decide on things as I like and I do appreciate that,” she said while looking directly at him with a sad smile, “But, sometimes, I wish for you to decide on things as you like too. Do you understand what I mean?”

The young man didn’t say anything and merely fixed his sight on the girl. It wasn’t because he didn’t understand what she meant. Instead, he was just …surprised. He didn’t expect that he had unwittingly made her sad whenever he chose to give no opinions and let her made all the decisions. He thought that she would be happy with that … but then again, hadn’t Gavin felt exasperated when Minor did the same to him when he asked for his suggestions on the choice of gifts for the producer?

How could he not notice that?

The worst part was, he wouldn’t have realized this problem if the girl hadn’t spoken up about it now. Even though it was with much difficulty that his feelings for her were finally reciprocated and they had been dating each other for months, he was still so oblivious of her thoughts and feelings at times. He couldn’t help but to be angry at himself.

Mistaking his silence as bewilderment, the girl had said, “Instead of being accommodated one-sidedly, I wish for us to discuss together when deciding on something.”

To be honest, Gavin had neither forced himself nor had he kept his opinions to himself in order to accommodate her. If anything…

“Actually… I am clueless when it comes to the things that you asked for my opinions, which is why I leave it to you to make the decisions,” confessed Gavin while looking down and scratching the back of his head awkwardly. “I thought that since you know better than me, the choices that you made would certainly be better than if it’s from me, who didn’t know anything.”

After clearing his throat, Gavin then looked up to meet the girl’s eyes.

“I am sorry. I didn’t realize that I had made you upset by doing so.”

The girl’s expression had softened, long before Gavin had apologized.

“It’s nothing to apologize for, Gavin.”

She reached out and held his hand within hers. The warmth from her hand had made him felt at ease, to the point that he didn’t notice the corners of his lips had lifted slightly.

“I brought this up because I didn’t want any misunderstandings to remain unspoken and eventually fester between us. Now that we have talked about this, we get to understand each other’s thoughts better, right?”

He nodded.

“So, from now on, we will share our opinions with each other, even if they are silly. Promise?”

“Mm, I promise.”

Having received his word, the girl clapped her hands together and smiled brightly.

Seeing the girl’s bright smile, Gavin thought that there was no better time than now for him to reveal the gift that he had bought for her birthday. So, he slowly took out the small box from his pocket and presented it on the palm of his left hand to the girl, who had gasped in surprise at the sight of it. 

“Gavin, this...”

A knowing smile crossed the young man’s face.

“Whether it was back then or now, the only person on my mind, who had kept me going no matter the obstacles, have been you and only you, no one else.”

Having said that, Gavin then lifted open the cover of the box with his right hand to reveal a pair of identical silver rings with a gold-plated gingko leaf pattern in the center. It was a pair of custom-made promise rings, which signified an unmarried couple’s commitment to their relationship.

“Even though we had only been dating for a few months, I wish for us to stay together, now and always, and never be apart. Would you accept this?”

The girl, who had been covering her mouth with both hands all this time, had giggled with glistening brown eyes.

“Of course! Of course, I accept!”

Beaming with joy, Gavin then proceeded to put on the smaller promise ring on the girl’s fourth finger of her left hand. Once he was done, the girl had already reached towards the other pair of the rings in the box that had been placed between them. Without saying a word, she reached out for Gavin’s left hand and carefully put the ring on his fourth finger in the same manner as hers.

Engrossed in admiring the sight of the promise ring on his ring finger, Gavin was surprised when the girl had lunged forward to hug him without warning. Even though she didn’t say anything and merely buried her face deeper onto his chest while hugging him, the slight feeling of dampness on his chest was all Gavin needed to understand her current feelings. So, he returned the girl’s embrace with a contented smile and spoke out the rest of the words that he had wanted to told her on that very day.

“Happy birthday, my girl.”

[jenseits-der-sterne]

Life Update

So, the last couple of months have been a bit difficult for me :(

The last couple of months have included grieving, of different kinds.

You may recall that a bit over a month ago I posted about having undergone a minor procedure and I asked for TV show and movie recommendations? 

I haven’t really been able to be open about this in my day-to-day life, but I think I can vent about it a little on this tumblr. I’ve told a couple friends on here, so some folks know what’s up...

So, I went through an IVF cycle. We���ve been trying to have a baby for years now, it just wasn’t working out, so we decided to try IVF. The cycle itself appeared to go really well: I got really good at giving myself shots, all my ultrasounds looked positive, and the retrieval procedure went really well. In the end, we ended up with 9 embryos incubating, which I was just absolutely thrilled at because that seemed like a really good number.

We waited on a phone call to see how many of the 9 developed to day 7. And then day 7 came and we got a devastating news: none of the 9 had made it. 

That was pretty shocking and awful. Our minds were running, we were jumping to a lot of conclusions on what this meant for us ever having kids, I think understandably so...

Luckily, we met with our IVF doctor and he gave us some hope: there are different things we can try in a future cycle and that if we take some of these steps, we still have a pretty good chance 🤞

Even so, the last month has been hard. I’ve had grief hit me in unexpected ways. I’ve had a couple of days where I couldn’t really function. I’ve not been the best at my job. I felt like I couldn’t really tell my co-workers why or what I was going on with me... I’m actually extremely grateful for still being able to work remotely now, because I don’t know that I could face going into an office and seeing people day-to-day...?

I’m experiencing a new kind of grief right now though: my grandma passed away yesterday 😢

We knew it’d happen eventually. She was 88 and she’d had a lot of ailments over the past few years. 

Her passing now, though, was sudden. She had been in a nursing home to treat an infection and she was going through physical therapy, but she was planning to get back into her home. She’d even been buying things on Amazon that she’d thought would be helpful for her when she got back home... 

Luckily for my grandma, it all happened really fast: she had a massive stroke and then about 3 hours later, she was gone. The doctors believe she wasn’t in pain, so that is a comforting thought.

It was surreal yesterday to spend time with my family. For the most part, we weren’t talking about my grandmother, we were just being together which was important and really nice. All my aunts, uncles, and cousins I hadn’t seen in 2 years due to COVID, so it was just good to be together in person again. The conversation did at points circle back to her, which it was both sad and nice and surreal... 

And COVID, whew... That is also in the back of my mind: I know that numbers are really going up right now, so getting together with everyone right at this time seems like a bad idea. Yet, it also seems like the right thing to be doing on an emotional level. I’ve even got family flying in from California, haven’t seen in them since COVID before either... 

The emotions about her passing haven’t fully hit me yet? I bet it’ll come unexpectedly and in waves.

I think the next month is going to be challenging as my family works to sort through my grandmother’s affairs, to figure out what to do with her home: I think we’re going to need to move fast, she has a reverse mortgage and according to my sister’s research, there’s a strict timeline to sell her house (30 days?!). My grandmother was a hoarder, so it’s going to take a lot to clear out her house.

And we’re also planning on a 2nd IVF cycle. I’m not anxious about the whole IVF process time: I know what to expect, I know how to self-administer the shots, I know what the operation and recovery were like. I just really pray that it goes more successfully this time... 

It’s been a rough couple of months. I’m sorry if I’ve been missing things like fic updates and art. I really don’t mean to but I also just don’t really have the capacity now to be as present. I’d really appreciate any messages or words of encouragement! I may be slow to respond, but I’ll do my best ❤️

I am going to try to do some writing because it’ll take my mind of off things, I’m hoping to have a little fun. I’m really aiming to wrap up the Thanksgiving AU. I think that’ll be fun and it’ll be good to get that story out of my head. No promises on timing though, lol Writing has been a real challenge for me in the last month, so I hope for that writer’s block to break a bit.

Edit: I should state, everything has not been all bad! I bought myself a new shampoo and conditioner as a treat and, uh, my normally pin-straight hair is curling?! This is crazy! This is unexpected! I love it :D My manager was stuck in Russia (long story), but he managed to quite literally rescue his family from Moscow and bring them to the US! I watched “Turning Red,” I loved it and cried like a baby at the end. I started crocheting for the first time in about a year, so that’s great! There have been a lot of positive things and for that I’m grateful 🥰

Thanks for letting me vent a bit ❤️

[leederpfucker]

So, I feel like rambling about something that came to mind due to the shipping discourse (which has thankfully died down deargodihopethisdoesn'tsparkthedraumaupagain)

MINOR SPOILERS FOR CENTAURWORLD SEASON 2

So, even though Centaurworld 2 has a bunch of moments that lean towards the Herd being a family. But season 2 does have one moment that slightly leans away from that and one moment that leans HEAVILY away from that due to implications (I'll explain why this is a problem later, but please read all of this first).

The first moment is when Glendale and Zulius said "But we're platonic" when the Birdtaurs say they've shipped them (all the characters) in every different way. If they wanted to go with the "Herd is a family" angle, they should have said "But we're family" or better yet, not say the line at all.

The second and biggest moment is Ched having a crush on Zulius. Looking at this from the perspective of the herd being a family, this turns kind of creepy real quick. Having a crush on your family member, regardless if it's reciprocated or not, is creepy and it being treated like a normal crush is doubly creepy. And the only reason Ched gets over this crush is because Zulius is taken. He does have a kid with Gary (we can only assume it's his based on the egg patterns), but that doesn't automatically mean the two are in a relationship. (I also realized while typing a below segment that if it wasn't played off as a joke, it'd be super weird of Wammawink to ask her adopted daughter (Glendale) to make softcore porn of her fetishes with the threat of starving her. I don't think it was actually that bad, just something that came to mind)

Is this post anti-"The Herd is a family"?

NO. IT IS NOT. It is 100% okay to view the Herd as a family. There is NOTHING wrong with that

I'm just pointing these moments out because people don't seem to talk about how these moments in relation with the idea of the Herd being a family. Either the writers commit to the idea of the Herd being a family and remove these moments (I'm not saying Ched shouldn't gain a crush on anyone, but if they want the Herd to be a family, don't give Ched a crush on a Herd member) or they just make the Herd a super close group of friends, thus keeping these moments, and tone down the stuff that says the Herd is a family

It's kind of a "enjoy your cake and eat it too", especially with the whole "Ched having a crush on Zulius"

As for where I stand in the Herd being a family thing, I know this opinion will make half of the people reading this go, "Oh thank God. I'm not the only one" or "WTF. Why???", but here me out

I like to think the Herd isn't entirely a family. More like, "A bunch of close individuals, some have a familial love, but others don't". I've always felt this way about them (I don't know why, but it is how I feel) and season 2 probably solidified that. I'd feel much more comfortable with Ched gaining a crush on one of his friends as opposed to a family member.

And even tho no one asked, let me list all the bonds I think are familial in the Herd

Wammawink views herself as almost everyone's mom (minus Horse and Zulius)

Durpleton views Wammawink as his mom

Glendale veiws Wammawink as a sort of guiding figure/semi-mom figure/fully mom figure? (Glendale can't make up her mind)

Durpleton and Glendale veiw each other as siblings

Ched doesn't entirely view Wammawink as his mom, but at the same time, he also doesn't see her as a friend. It's difficult for him to explain

And even tho also no one asked, here's all the non-familial bonds I think are in the Herd

Horse and Wammawink have a romantic interest (Wammawink gained a crush on Horse after Horse offered to carry Wammawink on her back, and Horse gained her crush on Wammawink when she straight up punched the Beartaur in her sleep) that they don't know how express it to the other

Ched and Zulius are best friends with Ched gaining on a crush on Zulius for some time, and Zulius not caring about Ched's crush, and also not reciprocating it.

Ched and Durpleton are super best buddies and eventually boyfriends

Durpleton and Zulius are best friends and gay solidarity

Zulius and Glendale are good friends and LGBTQA+ solidarity

Horse and Ched are WLW/MLM frienimes

Horse and Glandale are chaos buddies

Horse and Durpleton are good friends

Horse and Zulius are also good friends