#sometimes the stabilizer would just skyrocket

[banditblvd]

Sketch.IO was,,,something

I’m no professional but I think I can say with some certainty that this was not good

[nedalelwaheidi]

My name is Nidal, and I am writing to you as a father desperate to protect his family. We once had a life in Gaza that, while modest, was filled with hope. My wife and I worked hard to ensure our children had a chance at a better future. My son Musab dreamed of becoming a computer engineer. He would spend hours buried in his books, coding with a determination that filled me with pride. My daughter Huda, so full of promise, was excelling in high school. Even my youngest, Maryam, just seven years old, loved to draw pictures of a world she dreamed of exploring someday.

But all of that feels like a distant memory now.

When the bombs began to fall, we lost everything—our home, our peace, and the life we had worked so hard to build. We had to flee in the dead of night, dodging falling debris and praying we’d make it to safety. The sounds of explosions and the cries of terrified children will forever haunt me. Our home, once a place of love and security, is now a pile of rubble.

We managed to find a small, overcrowded place to rent, but even here, we are not safe. The walls shake with every nearby explosion, and my children flinch at every loud noise. The power cuts off for hours, sometimes days, leaving us in darkness and cold. Clean water is a luxury we cannot afford, and food prices have skyrocketed beyond what I can manage. The war has stolen so much from us. Musaab had to abandon his dream of finishing university—how can he study when survival is our only focus? Huda tries to attend online classes, but with constant power outages and the weight of fear pressing down on her, I see the spark in her eyes fading. Talah, my thirteen-year-old, hasn’t been to school since her classroom was reduced to rubble. And Maryam—she doesn’t even know what it means to be a child anymore. Her toys are gone, replaced by shards of concrete she picks up from the ground.

This is why I am asking for your help. Not just for me, but for my children, who have done nothing to deserve this life of fear and uncertainty. With your support, we can rebuild what was lost. We can find safety, stability, and maybe, just maybe, hope.

Please, don’t turn away from our story. My children deserve a chance to dream again, and with your help, they can.

[dross-the-fish]

I saw your LO post and something stuck out to me. Most people focus on Hades as a love interest but you made the case that Persephone isn't wife material and I wondered if you could elaborate on that.

I presume you're talking about this post.

I stand by what I said.

This pink teenager isn't wife material, no adult over the age of 25 should look twice at her. This is because this character is functionally a child.

She's technically the physical equivalent of 19 but feels alarmingly younger than that because of her background and upbringing. Hades is supposedly in his 40's and has a full time job and his own assets. At my age and current life stage I'm actually a lot closer to where he's at than I am where she is and I cannot fathom what her appeal would be to anyone outside of her age group.

What is the allure? Is it the way adding her as a household driver would skyrocket someone's car insurance? Is it the way they'd pretty much be guaranteed to have to finish raising her? Instead of coming home after busting your ass at work and having another grown-up to talk to, you'd have to go through the emotional labor of having to play parent/teacher to this child who probably doesn't know how to write a resume and has never had to experience the mental, physical and financial burden of running a household. If you were to date someone like Persephone you'd have to be ok with never getting any kind of mental, emotional, or financial reciprocity because she's not equipped to function in an adult relationship as an equal partner.

That's a HUGE thing and when you get to be my age you will care about these things a lot more than you care about the frivolous "dating" elements that tend to be the focus of younger people's relationships.

Persephone would be incapable of relating to a character like Hades in any meaningful way and while it's cute, I guess, that she's "nice", nice isn't enough of a foundation to build a long term relationship. Due to her lack of age and experience she's not capable of giving advice or even actual comfort if someone had to come to her with typical adult concerns. At best she'd maybe be able to give empty sympathy and, I'll tell you right now, empty sympathy gets old fast.

A very long time ago I dated someone who was my age but at a totally different phase of life and it was a huge mistake. I'd try to talk to her about my job or an apartment I was considering renting and she'd just give me this glazed look like I was speaking another language. The only things I could talk to her about were media or college so when I needed to talk to another grown-up about the very real things I was going through (feelings of inadequacy at my job, concern over financial stability, finding affordable housing) I had NO ONE, because she had never had to worry about any of those things and couldn't comprehend how serious these concerns were. I think the last straw was when I wanted to go do something and she had to ask her parents for money and permission first.

We were both 22 and I had already had a job and my own car for 3 years and the idea of asking my parents for money or permission to do anything seemed ludicrous.

To be clear I don't blame her for that, everyone grows at a different rate and some people get to certain stages later than others, but it did really highlight that this wasn't a person I should continue to date and not someone I could ever feel like I was on equal footing with because she still lived and behaved like a teenager. We were the same age, but sometimes I felt like I was taking on a role that should have been filled by her parents and nothing kills a romantic mood like feeling like the only adult in the room is you.

So yeah, someone like Persephone shouldn't even be trying to start serious relationships, she should be learning how to navigate through life with her peers, people who are also still learning crucial life lessons. But that's not what's going to happen. There's something incredibly gross about the fact that the one who's going to have to teach her how to be a functional adult is the 40 year old man who's eventually going to marry her.

[the-bjd-community-confess]

to the anon who got shafted by inflation -- i think "inflation skyrocketed beyond my imagination" really should be the end of it. you were doing fine financially, even if it's a *~ frivolous ~* purchase if it makes you happy it makes you happy! i think selling your collection should only be a last resort, because the happiness and stability that they might bring for you (by having them around and also continuing to participate/indulge in a hobby) is worth a lot as well. if you won't be able to get them back, you shouldn't sell them, unless you're literally in danger of losing your home or something.

hang in there and i hope that you find a way to alleviate some of the hobby pressures! i would recommend crafting or photoshoots but it's not for everyone, and it's okay to just look at your dolls sometimes honestly. times sound tough for you, so please take care.

~Anonymous

[theccpress]

Bitcoin Dominance Surge Amid Institutional Interest and Market Anxiety 🚀

🤑 As if on command, Bitcoin’s dominance has skyrocketed to a staggering 64.9%—a four-year high! But let’s be real, this isn’t just Bitcoin flexing its muscles; it’s more like the cool kid at school watching all the altcoins in the lunchroom trying to navigate their way through economic turbulence. 🌪️

Bitcoin dominance has surged… fueled by a flight to stability and substantial institutional inflows during these volatile macroeconomic conditions. - CoinMarketCap, Your Friendly Neighborhood Tracker

Key Takeaways:

Bitcoin gains market share; altcoins face liquidity issues. Oops!

Institutional flows prefer Bitcoin's stability. Smart choice, right?

Market volatility prompts a mass flight to Bitcoin. Like moths to a flame!

With traditional markets throwing tantrums that would make a toddler proud, *who wouldn’t* run to dear old Bitcoin for stability? The big players are emerging, and it appears major holders and institutional investors are hoarding those precious $BTC like they’re rare Pokémon cards! Meanwhile, our darling altcoins have endured a $300 billion contraction. Yikes! 💸

Bitcoin Dominance Surge Amid Institutional Interest and Market Anxiety

And look at Ethereum, trying to maintain its composure while slowly sliding down the Bitcoin slope. 😬 Sometimes I wonder if altcoins have been binge-watching too many horror movies, just waiting for the next jump scare in liquidity.

Looking to the Future 🔮

With Bitcoin’s dominance, history tells us that altcoin rallies often follow—provided the environment shifts back in their favor. The wait for the market’s next magic trick is real! So, keep your eyes peeled for any regulatory or technological shifts that could set the stage for a grand comeback.

Want to dive deeper into this crypto drama? Check out the full article here! And let’s all cross our fingers for our favorite altcoins! 🤞✨

#Bitcoin #CryptoMarket #Altcoins #Investment #Cryptocurrency #BitcoinDominance #Blockchain #InvestSmart #CryptoTrends

[cleverhottubmiracle]

M arriage used to be about love, romance, and till-death-do-us-part vows. Now? It’s evolving—fast. Enter platonic marriages, a concept that might’ve sounded bizarre a decade ago but is now gaining serious traction. More people, especially Millennials and Gen-Z, are rethinking traditional relationship structures and asking: Why should marriage only be about romance? If best friends can have lifelong loyalty and emotional support, why not build a marriage around that instead? A platonic marriage is a legally binding partnership between two people who aren’t romantically or sexually involved but still commit to a shared life together. Think of it as a deep, emotionally intimate partnership—without the messy breakups, unrealistic expectations, or pressure to keep the spark alive. Instead of being driven by passion, it’s about companionship, stability, and shared goals. Some people in platonic marriages even date other people on the side, while others choose complete exclusivity, but with no romance involved. Why would someone choose a platonic marriage? Photo: Emma Bauso/Pexels Let’s be real—romantic relationships can be exhausting. The pressure to keep things exciting, the emotional rollercoasters, the heartbreaks—it’s a lot. Some people are realizing they value deep, loyal friendships over fleeting romance. Instead of searching for the one in a romantic sense, they’re choosing a life partner they know will always be there. Marriage comes with real perks: tax breaks, health insurance benefits, shared assets, and even immigration sponsorship. In a world where living expenses are skyrocketing, a platonic marriage can offer serious financial stability. Two besties splitting rent, securing legal rights over each other’s affairs, and building a life together? Makes way more sense than struggling alone. Romantic relationships can be intense, unpredictable, and sometimes even toxic. Infidelity, falling out of love, and the pressures of maintaining a sexual relationship can lead to serious emotional damage. Platonic marriages remove the stress of keeping romance alive, allowing for pure companionship without fear of heartbreak. Millenials and Gen Z are rewriting the rules of relationships. We grew up seeing high divorce rates, messy breakups, and unrealistic romantic ideals pushed by Hollywood. Now, we’re asking: What if love doesn’t have to look like that? Platonic marriages challenge the idea that a successful marriage requires romance and sex. Does a platonic marriage really work? Photo: Ihsan Adityawarman/Pexels Yes��and no. Like any partnership, a platonic marriage requires commitment, communication, and aligned values. Some thrive on deep friendship and shared goals, while others struggle with societal pressure or personal doubts. Here’s what makes them work (or fail)-clear boundaries. Both people must be on the same page about finances, living arrangements, dating rules, and long-term goals. Just because it’s not romantic doesn’t mean it’s casual. Platonic marriages work when both partners are fully invested in their shared life. Having a life partner who has your back—without the pressure of romance—can be fulfilling in ways traditional marriages sometimes aren’t. Notwithstanding, there are factors that could cause a decline. People might not understand the dynamic and pressure you to “find real love.” Also, if one person develops romantic feelings, things can get messy. Families may struggle to accept it, and legal rights (like adopting children) can get complicated without clear agreements. How can one achieve sexual fulfillment in this type of marriage? Photo: Dainis Graveris/Pexels Sexual fulfillment in a platonic marriage depends entirely on the dynamics and agreements between the partners. Since these marriages are not built on romantic or sexual attraction, individuals navigate intimacy in ways that align with their personal needs and boundaries. Some partners choose to have an open arrangement where they seek sexual fulfillment outside the marriage, whether through casual dating, long-term romantic connections, or ethical non-monogamy. For them, separating sex from the stability of marriage allows for both emotional security and physical satisfaction without the pressure of maintaining both within one relationship. Others enter platonic marriages because they identify as asexual or have a low sex drive, making the absence of sexual intimacy a non-issue. In such cases, companionship, emotional connection, and shared life goals take priority over physical attraction. For those who do have sexual desires but prefer to keep their marriage strictly platonic, self-satisfaction becomes an option. Many people in these relationships rely on self-pleasure or external stimuli to fulfill their physical needs while maintaining the non-romantic nature of their partnership. Additionally, intimacy in platonic marriages does not always have to involve sex. Some couples find deep fulfillment in physical affection, like cuddling, holding hands, or sharing emotional vulnerability, which can create a sense of closeness without romantic expectations. The key to making a platonic marriage work is alignment in expectations. If one partner desires a traditional romantic and sexual connection while the other does not, frustration and resentment may develop over time. However, when both individuals are fully aware of and agree upon the structure of their relationship, platonic marriages can be just as fulfilling as traditional ones. In a world where love and commitment are constantly being redefined, the idea that sexual intimacy must be a requirement for marriage is being challenged. As long as both partners feel emotionally, mentally, and physically satisfied in their own way, a platonic marriage can function successfully without adhering to conventional notions of intimacy. Controversies and criticisms Photo: Yan Krukau/Pexels While traditional and platonic marriages are alike in many ways, one major difference is how society perceives these marriages. Traditional marriages are widely accepted and encouraged, whereas platonic marriages still face skepticism. People often question whether a marriage without romance is truly fulfilling or sustainable, reinforcing societal expectations that equate marriage with love and passion. However, for those who choose platonic marriages, the lack of societal validation is a small price to pay for the emotional security and partnership they receive. Ultimately, both structures serve different purposes for different people. While some may thrive in the traditional romantic setup, others find more comfort and longevity in a platonic partnership. The rise of platonic marriages signals a cultural shift—one that acknowledges that love and commitment don’t always have to fit into one rigid definition. Of course, not everyone is sold on the idea of platonic marriages. Some argue that it’s undermining the traditional values of marriage or that it’s just a workaround for financial perks. Others believe it’s just a phase and that eventually, people in platonic marriages will crave romance. But here’s the thing—if two consenting adults choose a structure that works for them, why does it matter? Just because it’s not conventional doesn’t mean it’s not valid. Relationships should be about what works for the people involved, not what society expects. As more people question traditional relationship norms, platonic marriages will likely become even more common. We’re seeing a cultural shift where love isn’t the sole foundation of a successful partnership—trust, loyalty, and shared goals are just as important. In the end, marriage is evolving. Whether it’s romantic or platonic, the goal is the same: to build a life with someone who makes you feel safe, valued, and supported. And if that’s your best friend instead of a romantic partner? Then maybe love really does come in all forms. Featured image: Shutterfly For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_—Read Also Vivian Bens A creative writer with a voracious appetite for fashion, beauty, lifestyle and culture. As one who's passionate about the advancement of the woman, creating content that inspire smart style and living, and positive lifestyle changes is a calling I take seriously. At Style Rave, we aim to inspire our readers by providing engaging content to not just entertain but to inform and empower you as you ASPIRE to become more stylish, live smarter and be healthier. Follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ ♥ !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '496558104568102'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' fbq('init', '1453079628754066'); fbq('track', "PageView"); Source link

[norajworld]

M arriage used to be about love, romance, and till-death-do-us-part vows. Now? It’s evolving—fast. Enter platonic marriages, a concept that might’ve sounded bizarre a decade ago but is now gaining serious traction. More people, especially Millennials and Gen-Z, are rethinking traditional relationship structures and asking: Why should marriage only be about romance? If best friends can have lifelong loyalty and emotional support, why not build a marriage around that instead? A platonic marriage is a legally binding partnership between two people who aren’t romantically or sexually involved but still commit to a shared life together. Think of it as a deep, emotionally intimate partnership—without the messy breakups, unrealistic expectations, or pressure to keep the spark alive. Instead of being driven by passion, it’s about companionship, stability, and shared goals. Some people in platonic marriages even date other people on the side, while others choose complete exclusivity, but with no romance involved. Why would someone choose a platonic marriage? Photo: Emma Bauso/Pexels Let’s be real—romantic relationships can be exhausting. The pressure to keep things exciting, the emotional rollercoasters, the heartbreaks—it’s a lot. Some people are realizing they value deep, loyal friendships over fleeting romance. Instead of searching for the one in a romantic sense, they’re choosing a life partner they know will always be there. Marriage comes with real perks: tax breaks, health insurance benefits, shared assets, and even immigration sponsorship. In a world where living expenses are skyrocketing, a platonic marriage can offer serious financial stability. Two besties splitting rent, securing legal rights over each other’s affairs, and building a life together? Makes way more sense than struggling alone. Romantic relationships can be intense, unpredictable, and sometimes even toxic. Infidelity, falling out of love, and the pressures of maintaining a sexual relationship can lead to serious emotional damage. Platonic marriages remove the stress of keeping romance alive, allowing for pure companionship without fear of heartbreak. Millenials and Gen Z are rewriting the rules of relationships. We grew up seeing high divorce rates, messy breakups, and unrealistic romantic ideals pushed by Hollywood. Now, we’re asking: What if love doesn’t have to look like that? Platonic marriages challenge the idea that a successful marriage requires romance and sex. Does a platonic marriage really work? Photo: Ihsan Adityawarman/Pexels Yes—and no. Like any partnership, a platonic marriage requires commitment, communication, and aligned values. Some thrive on deep friendship and shared goals, while others struggle with societal pressure or personal doubts. Here’s what makes them work (or fail)-clear boundaries. Both people must be on the same page about finances, living arrangements, dating rules, and long-term goals. Just because it’s not romantic doesn’t mean it’s casual. Platonic marriages work when both partners are fully invested in their shared life. Having a life partner who has your back—without the pressure of romance—can be fulfilling in ways traditional marriages sometimes aren’t. Notwithstanding, there are factors that could cause a decline. People might not understand the dynamic and pressure you to “find real love.” Also, if one person develops romantic feelings, things can get messy. Families may struggle to accept it, and legal rights (like adopting children) can get complicated without clear agreements. How can one achieve sexual fulfillment in this type of marriage? Photo: Dainis Graveris/Pexels Sexual fulfillment in a platonic marriage depends entirely on the dynamics and agreements between the partners. Since these marriages are not built on romantic or sexual attraction, individuals navigate intimacy in ways that align with their personal needs and boundaries. Some partners choose to have an open arrangement where they seek sexual fulfillment outside the marriage, whether through casual dating, long-term romantic connections, or ethical non-monogamy. For them, separating sex from the stability of marriage allows for both emotional security and physical satisfaction without the pressure of maintaining both within one relationship. Others enter platonic marriages because they identify as asexual or have a low sex drive, making the absence of sexual intimacy a non-issue. In such cases, companionship, emotional connection, and shared life goals take priority over physical attraction. For those who do have sexual desires but prefer to keep their marriage strictly platonic, self-satisfaction becomes an option. Many people in these relationships rely on self-pleasure or external stimuli to fulfill their physical needs while maintaining the non-romantic nature of their partnership. Additionally, intimacy in platonic marriages does not always have to involve sex. Some couples find deep fulfillment in physical affection, like cuddling, holding hands, or sharing emotional vulnerability, which can create a sense of closeness without romantic expectations. The key to making a platonic marriage work is alignment in expectations. If one partner desires a traditional romantic and sexual connection while the other does not, frustration and resentment may develop over time. However, when both individuals are fully aware of and agree upon the structure of their relationship, platonic marriages can be just as fulfilling as traditional ones. In a world where love and commitment are constantly being redefined, the idea that sexual intimacy must be a requirement for marriage is being challenged. As long as both partners feel emotionally, mentally, and physically satisfied in their own way, a platonic marriage can function successfully without adhering to conventional notions of intimacy. Controversies and criticisms Photo: Yan Krukau/Pexels While traditional and platonic marriages are alike in many ways, one major difference is how society perceives these marriages. Traditional marriages are widely accepted and encouraged, whereas platonic marriages still face skepticism. People often question whether a marriage without romance is truly fulfilling or sustainable, reinforcing societal expectations that equate marriage with love and passion. However, for those who choose platonic marriages, the lack of societal validation is a small price to pay for the emotional security and partnership they receive. Ultimately, both structures serve different purposes for different people. While some may thrive in the traditional romantic setup, others find more comfort and longevity in a platonic partnership. The rise of platonic marriages signals a cultural shift—one that acknowledges that love and commitment don’t always have to fit into one rigid definition. Of course, not everyone is sold on the idea of platonic marriages. Some argue that it’s undermining the traditional values of marriage or that it’s just a workaround for financial perks. Others believe it’s just a phase and that eventually, people in platonic marriages will crave romance. But here’s the thing—if two consenting adults choose a structure that works for them, why does it matter? Just because it’s not conventional doesn’t mean it’s not valid. Relationships should be about what works for the people involved, not what society expects. As more people question traditional relationship norms, platonic marriages will likely become even more common. We’re seeing a cultural shift where love isn’t the sole foundation of a successful partnership—trust, loyalty, and shared goals are just as important. In the end, marriage is evolving. Whether it’s romantic or platonic, the goal is the same: to build a life with someone who makes you feel safe, valued, and supported. And if that’s your best friend instead of a romantic partner? Then maybe love really does come in all forms. Featured image: Shutterfly For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_—Read Also Vivian Bens A creative writer with a voracious appetite for fashion, beauty, lifestyle and culture. As one who's passionate about the advancement of the woman, creating content that inspire smart style and living, and positive lifestyle changes is a calling I take seriously. At Style Rave, we aim to inspire our readers by providing engaging content to not just entertain but to inform and empower you as you ASPIRE to become more stylish, live smarter and be healthier. Follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ ♥ !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '496558104568102'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' fbq('init', '1453079628754066'); fbq('track', "PageView"); Source link

[chilimili212]

M arriage used to be about love, romance, and till-death-do-us-part vows. Now? It’s evolving—fast. Enter platonic marriages, a concept that might’ve sounded bizarre a decade ago but is now gaining serious traction. More people, especially Millennials and Gen-Z, are rethinking traditional relationship structures and asking: Why should marriage only be about romance? If best friends can have lifelong loyalty and emotional support, why not build a marriage around that instead? A platonic marriage is a legally binding partnership between two people who aren’t romantically or sexually involved but still commit to a shared life together. Think of it as a deep, emotionally intimate partnership—without the messy breakups, unrealistic expectations, or pressure to keep the spark alive. Instead of being driven by passion, it’s about companionship, stability, and shared goals. Some people in platonic marriages even date other people on the side, while others choose complete exclusivity, but with no romance involved. Why would someone choose a platonic marriage? Photo: Emma Bauso/Pexels Let’s be real—romantic relationships can be exhausting. The pressure to keep things exciting, the emotional rollercoasters, the heartbreaks—it’s a lot. Some people are realizing they value deep, loyal friendships over fleeting romance. Instead of searching for the one in a romantic sense, they’re choosing a life partner they know will always be there. Marriage comes with real perks: tax breaks, health insurance benefits, shared assets, and even immigration sponsorship. In a world where living expenses are skyrocketing, a platonic marriage can offer serious financial stability. Two besties splitting rent, securing legal rights over each other’s affairs, and building a life together? Makes way more sense than struggling alone. Romantic relationships can be intense, unpredictable, and sometimes even toxic. Infidelity, falling out of love, and the pressures of maintaining a sexual relationship can lead to serious emotional damage. Platonic marriages remove the stress of keeping romance alive, allowing for pure companionship without fear of heartbreak. Millenials and Gen Z are rewriting the rules of relationships. We grew up seeing high divorce rates, messy breakups, and unrealistic romantic ideals pushed by Hollywood. Now, we’re asking: What if love doesn’t have to look like that? Platonic marriages challenge the idea that a successful marriage requires romance and sex. Does a platonic marriage really work? Photo: Ihsan Adityawarman/Pexels Yes—and no. Like any partnership, a platonic marriage requires commitment, communication, and aligned values. Some thrive on deep friendship and shared goals, while others struggle with societal pressure or personal doubts. Here’s what makes them work (or fail)-clear boundaries. Both people must be on the same page about finances, living arrangements, dating rules, and long-term goals. Just because it’s not romantic doesn’t mean it’s casual. Platonic marriages work when both partners are fully invested in their shared life. Having a life partner who has your back—without the pressure of romance—can be fulfilling in ways traditional marriages sometimes aren’t. Notwithstanding, there are factors that could cause a decline. People might not understand the dynamic and pressure you to “find real love.” Also, if one person develops romantic feelings, things can get messy. Families may struggle to accept it, and legal rights (like adopting children) can get complicated without clear agreements. How can one achieve sexual fulfillment in this type of marriage? Photo: Dainis Graveris/Pexels Sexual fulfillment in a platonic marriage depends entirely on the dynamics and agreements between the partners. Since these marriages are not built on romantic or sexual attraction, individuals navigate intimacy in ways that align with their personal needs and boundaries. Some partners choose to have an open arrangement where they seek sexual fulfillment outside the marriage, whether through casual dating, long-term romantic connections, or ethical non-monogamy. For them, separating sex from the stability of marriage allows for both emotional security and physical satisfaction without the pressure of maintaining both within one relationship. Others enter platonic marriages because they identify as asexual or have a low sex drive, making the absence of sexual intimacy a non-issue. In such cases, companionship, emotional connection, and shared life goals take priority over physical attraction. For those who do have sexual desires but prefer to keep their marriage strictly platonic, self-satisfaction becomes an option. Many people in these relationships rely on self-pleasure or external stimuli to fulfill their physical needs while maintaining the non-romantic nature of their partnership. Additionally, intimacy in platonic marriages does not always have to involve sex. Some couples find deep fulfillment in physical affection, like cuddling, holding hands, or sharing emotional vulnerability, which can create a sense of closeness without romantic expectations. The key to making a platonic marriage work is alignment in expectations. If one partner desires a traditional romantic and sexual connection while the other does not, frustration and resentment may develop over time. However, when both individuals are fully aware of and agree upon the structure of their relationship, platonic marriages can be just as fulfilling as traditional ones. In a world where love and commitment are constantly being redefined, the idea that sexual intimacy must be a requirement for marriage is being challenged. As long as both partners feel emotionally, mentally, and physically satisfied in their own way, a platonic marriage can function successfully without adhering to conventional notions of intimacy. Controversies and criticisms Photo: Yan Krukau/Pexels While traditional and platonic marriages are alike in many ways, one major difference is how society perceives these marriages. Traditional marriages are widely accepted and encouraged, whereas platonic marriages still face skepticism. People often question whether a marriage without romance is truly fulfilling or sustainable, reinforcing societal expectations that equate marriage with love and passion. However, for those who choose platonic marriages, the lack of societal validation is a small price to pay for the emotional security and partnership they receive. Ultimately, both structures serve different purposes for different people. While some may thrive in the traditional romantic setup, others find more comfort and longevity in a platonic partnership. The rise of platonic marriages signals a cultural shift—one that acknowledges that love and commitment don’t always have to fit into one rigid definition. Of course, not everyone is sold on the idea of platonic marriages. Some argue that it’s undermining the traditional values of marriage or that it’s just a workaround for financial perks. Others believe it’s just a phase and that eventually, people in platonic marriages will crave romance. But here’s the thing—if two consenting adults choose a structure that works for them, why does it matter? Just because it’s not conventional doesn’t mean it’s not valid. Relationships should be about what works for the people involved, not what society expects. As more people question traditional relationship norms, platonic marriages will likely become even more common. We’re seeing a cultural shift where love isn’t the sole foundation of a successful partnership—trust, loyalty, and shared goals are just as important. In the end, marriage is evolving. Whether it’s romantic or platonic, the goal is the same: to build a life with someone who makes you feel safe, valued, and supported. And if that’s your best friend instead of a romantic partner? Then maybe love really does come in all forms. Featured image: Shutterfly For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_—Read Also Vivian Bens A creative writer with a voracious appetite for fashion, beauty, lifestyle and culture. As one who's passionate about the advancement of the woman, creating content that inspire smart style and living, and positive lifestyle changes is a calling I take seriously. At Style Rave, we aim to inspire our readers by providing engaging content to not just entertain but to inform and empower you as you ASPIRE to become more stylish, live smarter and be healthier. Follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ ♥ !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '496558104568102'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' fbq('init', '1453079628754066'); fbq('track', "PageView"); Source link

[addie-harvey]

The Role of Cranes in Building Mega-Structures

Ever stood at the base of a skyscraper and wondered, How did they even get this thing up here? When you think about the engineering feats behind mega-structures like bridges, stadiums, and towering skyscrapers, the answer often lies with one unsung hero: cranes. Whether it’s hoisting colossal steel beams into place or delicately lifting glass panels, cranes are the backbone of modern construction. Without them, cities would look drastically different—and probably a lot shorter.

But cranes are not just a one-size-fits-all solution. Different projects call for different cranes. And behind every perfectly executed lift is not only a powerful machine but also the right components keeping it in peak shape—parts sourced from reliable crane parts suppliers and manufacturers like Grove. Let’s dive into the incredible role cranes play in building the mega-structures that define modern civilization.

The Backbone of Construction: How Cranes Build the Impossible

Building something massive isn’t just about stacking one piece on top of another—it’s about precision, timing, and coordination. Think about the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Imagine the challenge of moving materials hundreds of meters into the sky. Or the Millau Viaduct in France, a bridge that soars above the clouds. Projects of this scale demand cranes that can operate at extreme heights and angles with pinpoint accuracy.

In these settings, every piece of the crane matters. The parts—like gears, hydraulic pumps, and cables—must function flawlessly under enormous strain. If a single component falters, the entire operation could grind to a halt, or worse, cause an accident. That’s where suppliers of reliable components, such as Grove crane parts, become essential. A trusted crane parts supplier ensures that these giants stay functional, safe, and efficient.

Different Cranes for Different Jobs: Matching Machines to Mega-Structures

Not all cranes are created equal. Just as different jobs require specialized tools, different construction projects rely on specific types of cranes. Some of the most common types include:

Tower Cranes

Tower cranes are the towering giants you see dotted across city skylines. They’re essential for skyscraper construction, with the ability to lift heavy loads to dizzying heights. Their components—like boom sections, slewing rings, and counterweights—must be meticulously maintained. When you think about the pressure placed on every joint and pulley at such heights, the role of high-quality parts like Grove crane parts becomes clear.

Mobile Cranes

Sometimes, construction demands flexibility, and that’s where mobile cranes come in. Mobile cranes are used for everything from highway overpasses to lifting HVAC units onto roofs. Because they’re constantly on the move, these cranes require a steady supply of parts—tires, hydraulic systems, and booms—to stay operational. A dependable crane parts supplier is essential to keeping these machines rolling smoothly from site to site.

Crawler Cranes

For projects that need heavy lifting on unstable or uneven ground, crawler cranes are the go-to solution. Their continuous tracks offer stability in areas where wheels would struggle. However, this unique design also means they need specialized components that a knowledgeable crane parts supplier must provide.

Why Precision Matters: One Slip Could Mean Disaster

Mega-structures leave no room for error. Whether it’s assembling a stadium roof or setting bridge girders in place, every operation is a dance between man and machine. If a crane malfunctions mid-lift, the consequences could be catastrophic—injuries, delays, and skyrocketing costs.

This is why crane maintenance is so critical. It’s not just about oiling gears or tightening bolts. It’s about ensuring every part—big or small—is in perfect condition. High-quality components like Grove crane parts ensure that cranes can perform consistently and safely. For project managers and crane operators, knowing they have a reliable crane parts supplier on standby offers peace of mind.

A Personal Look: What Cranes Mean to a Changing World

Think about the buildings, bridges, and monuments that inspire you. Maybe it’s the Golden Gate Bridge or the Petronas Towers. Now imagine the cranes that helped bring them to life. It’s easy to overlook them, isn’t it? But without cranes, the world would be a far less ambitious place.

I once spoke to a crane operator who worked on building a massive convention center. He told me that operating a crane at that scale is like “being in the cockpit of an airplane.” Every movement, every adjustment of the levers, could make or break the day’s work. When I asked him about the importance of maintenance, he laughed. “A loose part? That’s the difference between a good day and a disaster.” This stuck with me—how something as small as a gear could determine the success of an entire project.

The Future of Cranes in Mega-Structure Construction

Cranes continue to evolve with new technology, making them safer, stronger, and more efficient. From smart sensors that monitor load weights in real-time to AI-powered systems that predict mechanical failures, the future of construction will rely heavily on innovation. But one thing will never change—the need for durable components from trusted suppliers like Grove crane parts.

As construction projects grow larger and more complex, the demand for reliable machines and parts will only increase. Finding the right crane parts supplier isn’t just about convenience; it’s about ensuring every lift goes smoothly, every time.

The Bottom Line: Cranes Make the Impossible Possible

From building the tallest skyscrapers to assembling monumental bridges, cranes are the invisible heroes of modern construction. They lift, support, and move the materials that shape our world. But behind their power lies a network of precise parts, suppliers, and professionals working tirelessly to keep them operational.

Without cranes, our skylines would flatten, and our bridges might remain dreams on paper. And without reliable components—like Grove crane parts—these machines could never achieve the feats they do. As we continue to reach higher and build bigger, let’s not forget the cranes that make it all possible—and the crane parts suppliers who keep those cranes moving.

[govindhtech]

MediaTek Dimensity 9300 12-Core GPU with 3.25GHz Analysis!

MediaTek Dimensity 9300

There are rumblings that MediaTek may officially present its Dimensity 9300 sometime later in this month. However, a source that has extensive links to the company has supplied you with all of the information that you are searching for in advance of the company posting the complete specs of its flagship SoC. This information was provided to you before the company published the details. It has been said that the CPU cluster is different from the one that can be found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which leads one to presume that the two chipsets may not perform at the same level as one another when compared to one another.

One of our reliable sources asserts that the more sophisticated architecture of the central processing unit (CPU) found in the Dimensity 9300 gives it an advantage over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in terms of performance. On the other hand, as one could reasonably anticipate, this may come at the expense of the device’s capacity to save power.

According to a post made by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the core of the Dimensity 9300 will have the capacity to attain a maximum clock speed of 3.25 GHz. This maximum clock speed is equivalent to what is capable of being achieved by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. However, the entire cluster is different from what we have seen in previous releases, and it is believed that MediaTek will be adopting not one but a total of four Cortex-X4 cores in its new processors.

This is because it is believed that MediaTek will be adopting a new processor architecture. In comparison to what we have witnessed in recent launches, this would represent a considerable improvement. It stands to reason that in order to keep the overall power usage from skyrocketing, just one of them is presumably clocked at 3.25GHz, while the frequency at which the other three are reported to be running is kept a secret. This makes perfect sense. This is due to the fact that it is common sense that doing so is the most effective strategy to prevent an overall increase in the amount of power that is consumed.

The cluster is referred to as a “1 + 3 + 4” cluster due to the fact that all four of the cores that remain are of the Cortex-A720 kind. The information that the Dimensity 9300 will not contain any efficiency cores that are based on the architecture of the low-power Cortex-A520 has been brought to our knowledge. since of this, the only logical conclusion that can be taken is that the power consumption of the Dimensity 9300 will be higher than that of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

Which is said to have the cores stated above. This is the only conclusion that can be reached since there is no other logical conclusion that can be drawn. According to the source, the graphics processing unit, or GPU, will be the Mali Immortalis G720. This GPU will reportedly have 12 cores, although the company has not disclosed any performance data addressing this area of concern.

We are unable to tell how well the SoC would function when subjected to continuous workloads because he does not offer any information on the power consumption. On the other hand, he does give the impression that the performance of this combination will be superior to that of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in terms of both CPU and GPU activities.

If we make the assumption that the Dimensity 9300 is unable to regulate its temperatures and ends up throttling while doing heavy CPU and GPU tests, then the performance stability of the Dimensity 9300 will be worse than that of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and those additional high-performance cores will not be of much help over the long term. If we make the assumption that the Dimensity 9300 is unable to regulate its temperatures and ends up throttling while doing heavy CPU and GPU tests.

The source did say that the Dimensity 9300 is presently being tested in a prototype; hence, there is always the potential that MediaTek may make a few adjustments to this configuration before making an official statement about the device. There is no way to know for sure whether or not MediaTek would do so, though. Keep an eye out because, as is our practice, we are going to provide you with information that has been brought up to date as we proceed. So, make sure you keep an eye out for that.

[mysicklove-main]

What is your favorite dynamic between y/n and one of the hybrids? 👁👁

i wanted to make this short but i just couldn't so here i ranked them. (This list is what the relationships are like CURRENTLY but can change)

Favorite: I think I like Katsuki and Y/N. I like the constant playful teasing, bickering, and light insults. But maybe that's because that's how I am in relationships, lol. Katsuki is still hesitant about Y/N. His body is accepting her as his mate, but his mind denies it. After the trauma he endured, he doesn't believe he has one. So, being around you makes him feel so strange. He hates and loves it. It makes it easier that you to take the lead with the relationship because he is too stubborn and would never go out of his way to talk to you, no matter how much he wants to.

Keigo and Y/N are cute too. Also very playful but with much more pining, obvi. I like that Keigo acts all carefree to others, but in reality, he is an overprotective bastard who is constantly worried sick. He puts up this confident front, but inside he is a nervous wreck who wants desperately for you to fall for him. When he met the others, his fears skyrocket, and he is afraid of being left behind. The duality of his persona keeps it entertaining. Mmmm, and childhood friends to lovers...my fav. And pining. My god, I love hardcore pining.

Shoto and Y/N are next. The whole desperately trying to win you over and just completely fucking up every time is hilarious to me. I also like that Shoto is batshit crazy in Your New Pack, while Y/N only sees him as a "perfect gentleman" who sometimes misses social cues. But, on a deeper note (that I will def be going into more later in the fic), I think he craves to be loved. He just goes the extreme amount and ends up creating rivalries among the hybrids. Soon he will realize that the others are important too, and he can't just "get rid of them."

Eijiro and Y/N are after. His whole, giving you up so his best friend is happy, is sweet. The guilt he feels whenever he realizes he was being too affectionate with you and needs to be more considerate of what Katsuki will think :(((. He deserves to be happy too. I think you guys are in the type of relationship where even if dating, you are like best friends and always make the best of the situation. His stability is really important. He isn't prone to fighting like the other three but also isn't on the verge of having an anxiety attack like poor little Izuku.

Finally, Izuku and Y/N. This is shocking actually because Izuku is actually my favorite character of MHA lol. Currently, he is still so so nervous about messing up and doesn't know if he can open up to you. He seeks more physical affection and praise from Y/N because he is so so insecure. He wants to be accepted by the boys and loved. So, since we are still early in the story, both Izuku and Y/N are walking on egg shells to not displease one another. But I still think it's adorable that Izuku sees Y/N as some sort of safety hub and comes to her whenever he feels upset.

Sorry for the long response!!

[seoafin]

morgannnn do you have plans on ever elaborating on this?

if talking fic probably not ! while i may have the story i cannot for the life of me plan all the logistics of it out bc it would just not make sense 😭 also it would not have a happy ending. i might as well just make an non jujutsu sorcerer shoko au and run with that but i dislike au’s fjdsfdskf

but if u want some elaboration

rip!mc still went after megumi and tsumiki but couldn’t exactly stop the zenins from finding out and taking him in. she was able to strike a compromise though so while megumi agrees to be the head, he’ll split his time at the zenin compound and at his apartment (where tsumiki lives) and enroll into jujutsu tech. rip!mc is technically their guardian and adopted tsumiki. she wanted to adopt megumi too but the zenins would not allow her. and so megumi and tsumiki become the most important people in her life and are the main reason she can’t and won’t leave jujutsu society (this baffles stsg when they are reintroduced. shoko is just like ‘figured you’d adopt the orphans of the man that nearly killed you’ shoko is also the only one that actually attempts to make friendly with megumi and tsumiki while stsg barely tolerate them for rip!mc)

without gojo and geto AND shoko things kinda really fall apart exposing the corruption and pitfalls in a jujutsu society that was too reliant on sss and took their abilities for granted. jujutsu sorcerers are extremely overwhelmed. because rip!mc and nanami are basically the only ones left they get extremely close and megumi thinks they’re dating and supports it. they are not. nanami does not quit and that is partially due to rip!mc’s extremely fragile state of mind following sss’s defection even tho to everyone else she is completely fine. okay. used to be being alone. understands why sss left and doesn’t begrudge them for it. nanami thinks rip!mc needs serious help but also thinks it’s none of his business. megumi and tsumiki do stabilize her quite a bit though

there is an increasing amount of curses while injuries and fatalities skyrocket. also at the same time there’s an unprecedented rise in curse users running rampant. many of them went wild after finding out stsg are practically curse users themselves and there’s a large amount of curse users who became curse users to express their discontent with jujutsu society, the way things are run, and its outdated values that places jujutsu sorcerers at the bottom and the clans/higher ups at the top. also many others just joined to join the winning side ie; stsg.

gojo ditching made for a massive structural reorganization on a lot of scales and the zenin’s are bringing up megumi to fill the gap that gojo left and potentially take his place. i think part of gojo taking megumi in made it so megumi could preserve his ‘innocence’ and his ideals such as being selfish as a jujutsu sorcerer reflect that. unfortunately megumi is much more jaded in this one 😭 the higher ups are also setting up megumi as the one to kill gojo and geto when the time comes. more conflict of interest!!!

the college has sent jujutsu sorcerers after the sss. these jujutsu sorcerers have either come back traumatized and quit their jobs, or joined them. the higher ups are losing sorcerers. they brand the three traitors but also refuse to directly confront them or go to war. they are trying to force a stalemate but they are also losing the war.

shoko sets up shop as an underground doctor that heals people for a price and has an extremely diverse array of customers. people like rich ceos, foreign princes, presidents, etc have all visited her before. out of the three she has kept most of her morals intact and in fact does sometimes contract with the college to heal jujutsu sorcerers lmfao (if she’s feeling it. and always for an exorbitant price) the college hides any trace of this though because she technically is a ‘traitor’

the fic would probably start with the college trying to set up a formal more permanent contract with shoko and sends rip!mc as the intermediary. of course once rip!mc is involved stsg are also involved. which is hard bc im trying to make this a shoko fic!!!! i am going to stop here before i word vomit another whole page.

[dawnover-dusk]

it’s only like, two years later lol. inspired by my intern boot camp! lemme know if there’s too much medical jargon so i know i can tone it down in the future lol  EM resident wonwoo x IM intern reader, bullet point, not proofread more seventeen medical au here!

- wonwoo is a 2nd year EM resident - but as a fresh-faced baby intern, you mistake him for an attending - it’s not your fault really -- his aura and quiet stoicism despite the packed ED suggested years of experience - so when you are on nights and a patient that you are admitting starts crashing, you don’t even question it when he comes running over and ordering you to get fluids - after the patient’s vitals stabilize, your adrenaline is still pumping as you shakily say “thank you dr. jeon” - he contemplates you over his wire-framed glasses and nods, “oh it’s just wonwoo”

- and as you gush over wonwoo to your (barely awake) senior resident jeonghan, he begins to grin - you know you’ve only been working at the hospital for a month, but it’s long enough to know that jeonghan is scheming - so when jeonghan calls you over the next night to get sign-out for a new admission, you’re a lil sus - but you don’t have time to react when jeonghan runs out of the room cackling and you hear wonwoo’s voice over the speaker say “hey yn” - and you curse at how your heart jumps over his deep voice and you don’t know if you should thank jeonghan or kill him - when you go to see that patient, wonwoo can’t help but look over at you from time to time from where he is seated at his workstation - not that he purposely chose that seat because he could see that patient or anything because he’s definitely not interested ... and not that jeonghan texted him the entire night about you LOL - and he can see your eyes crinkle over your mask as you talk softly to the elderly woman - and how you pat her hand and she grasps yours for reassurance - and how you run over to the supply storage to grab a hot pack for her before you go back upstairs - just like how you were in awe of how calm he was during an emergency, he’s awed by how considerate you are - so he doesn’t even really mind when you walk into the medicine lounge for more keurig coffee and jeonghan ditches him in the most conspicuous way possible - “oh hi wonwoo!” you greet him brightly, setting down the steaming paper cup on the table as you plop down on the couch across from him - and now he is graced with your full smile, the corners of your eyes crinkling as he tentatively smiles back and gives a small wave - “thanks again for helping me out last night! you looked super cool and i hope that i can be like you,” you start, before realizing that that you just blurted that out without thinking - you could feel your face start to flush and if you weren’t avoiding eye contact, you would’ve seen that wonwoo’s hand had reflexively come up to cover his grin - “don’t worry about it, i know med school and the real world are totally different but you’ll get the hang of it. i’ve seen you with patients though and they can’t teach that amount of empathy, so you’re already miles ahead” - your eyes widen and even though you’ve been trying so hard to fake like everything’s been okay - intern year sucks - “thank you, wonwoo,” you whisper, but words cannot convey how much his recognition means to you - throughout the rest of the rotation, you meet up with wonwoo to have bad coffee and over time, you don’t even use jeonghan as an excuse anymore - whenever wonwoo is off, he texts to check in on you - wonwoo knows how scary it is to be alone as an intern on nights, and as much as he loves jeonghan, he knows that he’s less than…hands on - but you always try to change the subject from work because you believe that when you’re off from the hospital, you should be off - so you talk about video games and literature and spoken word poetry - and to his surprise, wonwoo ends up telling you that he sometimes writes lyrics for this music group that he was part of back in med school (he has never told anyone else this!!!!) - so you ask him to go to a show with you the next time you’re free and he’s like “sure” but internally he’s like “IS THIS…A DATE???”

- “wonwoo’s finally going to have a s/o!” jeonghan all but shouts to his co-residents jihoon and joshua in the morning - it’s been a month on nights and you’re back on the day team - you had gone to intern morning report while the rest of your team...gossips? - “it’s too early for this,” jihoon grumbles while joshua slides his chair closer to jeonghan - “i am the best senior that an intern can have and no one can tell me otherwise,” he continued while joshua just chuckled - “last i heard, you let the intern handle septic shock and you didn’t even leave the call room,” jihoon rebutted. - “uhh..hi?” you question as you enter the room and see joshua zoom back over to his desk and jihoon whip around and pretend to finish his email - jeonghan clears his throat to fill the silence but as he is the king of luck, your pager goes off and you exit that room as quickly as you had entered, shouting something about a code in the ED - jihoon: “so…are you gonna help or” - jeonghan: “nah it’s cool” - in the ED, you run over to the crowd that had formed around this patient and you see wonwoo at the head of the bed who nods at you - “yn, this patient came in with nausea and vomiting but her blood pressure has dropped and her mental status has changed. we think she’s having a heart attack” - you grab the EKG and your eyes widen as you tell the nurse to ready a defibrillator - “there’s nothing that we don’t already know on the EKG, we have to get her to cardiology,” wonwoo argues but you point out this one beat that is abnormal - “she’s going to get worse, wonwoo” you reply and before wonwoo can say anything, the patient’s heart rate skyrockets - “ready for defib,” wonwoo says. “charge to 200, and clear!” - the patient’s rhythm returns to normal and after her vitals are stabilized and she’s transported to cardiology, you see wonwoo slip out - “hey,” you call, and you see him stop in a less busy hallway, his eyes trained on the floor and his face pale. “let’s go somewhere else,” you grab the crook of his arm and lead him to the benches in front of the vending machines - you grab a cup of warm tea and sit down next to the silent man, noticing that his hands are shaking as he runs one through black disheveled hair - “…i’m sorry,” he starts as you gently bump your knee against his - “hey, she’s alive, she’s going to be fine,” you say, folding his shaking hands around the cup and wrapping your hands around his - even though this was foreign to wonwoo, it was…comforting. your thumb brushing across his knuckles, your breath falling in sync with his… - you were comforting - “you know what they always tell us in school, that medicine is a team sport? i’ll always have your back,” you laugh, and you see the corners of his mouth start to rise - “are we still on for our date?” he asks, although so lowly that you almost miss what he’s saying before a wide grin breaks out onto your face - “honestly it’s the highlight of my day off,” you reply

- skip forward in time and you’re almost at the end of your intern year - you pretty much live at wonwoo’s now, using the excuse that he lives closer to the hospital despite jeonghan saying you’re in LOVE - and now instead of jeonghan trying to play wingman, he’s complaining about how much wonwoo won’t shut up about you - when your schedules don’t match up, you prep food for him when he’s working and vice versa - on days off you switch off having lazy days in with going to the movies or hanging out with friends - you meet his med school music group and you’re surprised to see jihoon there (he glares at you whenever you try to bring it up during work though) - tells you the CHEESIEST jokes and wordplay and every chuckle he can get out of you is a victory that he rides the entire week - you’re each other’s go-to person for the most random thoughts, from “why does rheumatology take weeks when all they give are steroids” to “what are the ethical obligations for us as physicians to like…zombies tho…” - his affection for you in the hospital is in the form of coffee and trying not to admit complex patients to whatever medicine team you’re on (jeonghan will point out this favoritism CONSTANTLY) - appreciates that you initiate the skinship at home because sometimes he gets too nervous - one day you’re leaning on him as he plays video games, your laptop open on your lap and you should be doing work but you can’t help but absentmindedly stare as he plays - and you take in his furrowed brow and his glasses and the way he adjusts his headset - it hits you -- you love this man - and you’re so zoned out that you don’t notice that he’s paused his game and is looking at you quizzically - all you can do is pull him down and kiss him and only the need for air causes you to pull back - “so…should i play games more often?” he jokes and you sigh, the arm wrapped around your waist pulling you closer to him as he giggles - “i love you,” you whisper into his neck as one of his hands smooth over your hair - “i would hope so, it would be awkward since you’ve practically moved in and all” - “wonwoo!” - and all you can see is his nose wrinkling in laughter before he kisses you again

[notebook-13]

BNHA History

Alright! I decided to assemble what we’ve been told about how society has changed since the advent of quirks. So here’s a rough timeline + my speculation.

Distant Past

≈200 years ago

The birth of a glowing baby signaled the beginning of superpowers. Considering the tremendous chaos that followed, I think it’s likely that the onset was fairly rapid—the glowing baby was the first of a lot of people all at once born with superpowers (or, it was the first baby born with a noticeable superpower). Crime skyrocketed, the law became meaningless, humanity came apart at the seams.

Why there was such an explosion of crime and chaos hasn’t been directly addressed; presumably it’s because early metas were violently shunned as nonhuman, and because new powers entailed the opportunity to use them.

Under these conditions, All for One rose to prominence. He used his meta power to win slavish loyalty, granting powers to those who desired them and removing them from metas who rejected them. His manipulation of his devotees was so great that he didn’t need to give them orders: they anticipated his will and acted on it. He didn’t tolerate dissent and crushed those who defied him. (ch193)

AfO’s period of de facto rule is not included in history books (he persists as a myth), so it’s unlikely that he occupied an official, publicly recognized position. But his rule apparently stretches from approximately the advent of quirks till the battle of Kamino Ward. (ch59)

However, AfO’s younger brother opposed him. AfO punished him by forcing on him a “useless” power-stocking ability. This power fused with the brother’s latent ability to transfer his ability, and the brother was able to pass it on. Over the next two centuries, the OfA holders continued to pass it on, largely to whoever happened to be nearby when they were dying instead of to selected proteges. (ch59, 257)

Relatively soon after the advent of superpowers, the police foreswore using them as weapons in order to keep the trust of the public. Vigilantes emerged to fulfill this role, attempting to mete out justice, and at some point the government authorized certain people (heroes) to use their powers offensively to enforce the law. Heroes were heavily criticized at first, but they eventually developed public support thanks to their strict adherence to the law (according to police chief Tsuragamae). (ch56)

According to the bnha spinoff Vigilantes, the government classified vigilantes into heroes or villains based on public opinion of them. (ch13)

MLA Era

How long ago was the Meta Liberation Army active?

Ch232: Redestro weakly implies that Destro was born before the beginning of heroes as a profession. This early date would also coincide with writing legislation to authorize heroes to use their powers to apprehend any other meta who used their ability.

Ch238: the MLA was in hiding for generations, plural.

Ch223: Redestro states the MLA has trained for “many generations”

So…somewhere between seventy years ago and more than a hundred years ago?

Regardless of the exact dates, Destro was born into a borderline period when there was intense prejudice against metas and official effort to coexist peacefully. When his mother defended him by claiming his power was a mere “quirk,” she was killed by a mob.

Sometime later, when the government drafted legislation to (supposedly?) promote peaceful coexistence, they recalled her idea of “quirk” and tried to use it as part of their reform. Destro, now an adult, opposed this and their reform, asserting that this was not the world his mother envisioned when she’d said “quirk.” (ch232)

He rallied metas to his cause, to bar any restriction of meta ability use, and the MLA fought the government for several years before defeat. It dissolved, many of its members in jail, including Destro himself. He penned his autobiography and then killed himself. (ch218)

Post-MLA, Pre-Symbol of Peace

Unknown number of years ago

Villain: “Seems like no one’s willing to break the law nowadays. All this whining about not selling out their friends. It’s a real pain. […] Man, I miss the days before All Might came along… I was young, and this country was a way more impulsive place.” (ch57)

Yagi: “I believed that this country needed a symbol so I started dashing headlong towards that goal. A shining light…hope. A wake-up call for everyone. As I ran, I swore I’d become that sort of man. People always had these worried looks. All the heroes in the world couldn’t slow the rising crime rates. Much more than now…they were truly scared.” (ch165)

This was an apparently cutthroat, impulsive period where efforts to curb chaos continued but found limited success. Crime was on the rise, something Yagi attributed to the idea that there wasn’t anyone (a “pillar”) for people to rely on. (ch93)

≈70 years ago

When Ujiko proposed his “paranormal singularity theory,” he was roundly rejected and mocked. Due to his own struggles with housing multiple quirks, AfO recognized how prescient Ujiko’s warning was, and he reached out to recruit Ujiko. (ch270)

(Note: Ujiko’s use of “paranormal” could mean he proposed his theory before “quirk” became the standard term, meaning “quirk” could be a rather recent change of language.)

≈35 years ago

AfO killed Nana. All Might was eighteen; he subsequently went to America to complete his training.

Symbol of Peace Era

≈30 years ago – Battle of Kamino Ward

Deku: “Ever since he appeared on the hero scene, his strength has won him undisputed popularity. Every year that he’s been active has seen a marked decrease in the appearance rate of villains. His existence alone is a deterrent to villainy.” (ch2)

Gran Torino: “[Stain’s] ideals and opinions…they’re gonna get out there. On the net. In papers and magazines. On TV. This age we live in, for better or worse, is one of suppression. But mark my words—people are gonna be influenced by this.” (ch57)

Shigaraki: “It’s not crazy to imagine that someone could commit an atrocity at any given moment. So why do they smile and mingle like this? Because the laws and rules are built on their individual morality, they’re convinced that ‘No one would ever do that.’” (ch69)

Shigaraki: “The reason these fools can smile and live their lives is cuz All Might’s always got that grin on his face. Smiling wide, as if to say there’s no one he can’t save!!” (ch69)

Deku: “All Might. Was there ever a time you really couldn’t save someone…?” Yagi: “…? … Sure. Plenty of times. Right now, somewhere out in the world, someone could be hurting or dying. It sucks, but I’m only human. I can’t save people who are out of my reach… That’s why I stand tall and smile. I’m the Symbol of Justice. The citizens…heroes…villains…I need to light the way for all of them.” (ch70)

Kid: “Nowadays people expect different things from heroes than they used to. It’s all about the entertainment factor and approval ratings.” (ch144)

Shigaraki: “You heroes pretend to be society’s guardians. For generations, you pretended not to see those you couldn’t protect and swept their pain under the rug. It’s tainted everything you’ve built. That means your system’s all rotten from the inside with maggots crawling out. It all builds up, little by little, over time. You’ve got the common trash, all too dependent on being protected. And the brave guardians who created the trash that need coddling. […] I don’t care if you don’t understand. That’s what makes us heroes and villains.” (ch281)

After about two centuries of chaos, Japan achieved stability after All Might established himself as the Symbol of Peace. All Might was specifically noted to have demolished most organized crime, so that villain teams were relatively rare (ch83, 115, 125). As Shigaraki put it, now people could go about their lives confident of their safety because All Might convinced them that everything will be alright, a hero will take care of them. This was true to the extent that people would flock to the sites of hero/villain battles to take photos and videos.

Whereas, as Twice put it, if you were on the wrong side of the law, then All Might’s catchphrase “I’m here” was a curse, something to fear and loathe. Gran Torino characterized this era as an age of suppression, as in, the symptoms were suppressed, producing superficial stability, but the underlying conditions hadn’t changed.

During this period, the industry of heroism shifted to over-emphasize heroism as public entertainment, rewarding attention-grabbing stunts and PR skills over humbler virtues.

This shift inspired Stain the Hero Killer to enact a purge of unworthy heroes in order to revive true heroism. He deeply impressed society, and, despite his murders, he became a popular figure. His ideals provoked some people to question whether society’s heroes were “true heroes,” while others disregarded his ideals and simply found him cool.

During this era, 80% of the population had a quirk. Whether that statistic was stable or if it was an effect of demographics (ie, most quirkless people are elderly and almost all kids have quirks) hasn’t been specified.

This era could be separated into All Might’s Bronze, Silver, and Golden Ages, each with a different costume.

≈30 years ago

All Might debuted in Japan, and he kicked off an unprecedented era of stability.

5 years ago

All Might fought and “killed” AfO.

Age of Endeavor

Battle of Kamino Ward – Present (ch283)

HPSC: “All Might had it all…power with enough charm to win the people over. The gulf between him and the perennial runner-up was always huge… I doubt we’re gonna find someone that charismatic again anytime soon.”  Mera: While we’re waiting for the next All Might, hero squads with a focus on team unity are gonna have to fill the gap. This order from up high is meant to make some headway on that front… (ch111)

Miyagi (newscaster): “If we’re being honest, I think All Might just got too big for our own good. So big that we lost sight of things. […] As for us, we shouldn’t just passively protect the status quo. Isn’t it our duty to bring back a culture of excitement around heroes?” (ch115)

Kid: “We know what’s up. Mom and dad and the TV all ask the same thing. ‘Are the heroes doing okay?’ …We know. We’re better than them!” (ch165)

Hawks: “That guy earlier, screaming ‘Long live metahuman liberation’…this [rumors of nomu sightings] is kinda like that. They republished some old-school criminal’s autobiography, and it’s flying off the shelves. I’m thinking that’s influencing people. That stuff tends to sell best when society’s feeling unstable, right?” (ch186)

Gentle: “What counts as a spectacle is a question for the current generation. We shall go to the source [UA]—the source that enchants our society.” (ch171)

Newscaster (surveying the stampede of fleeing civilians during Endeavor’s nomu battle): “This is society without a Symbol of Peace!!”  Can’tcha See-kun: “Stop saying that crap already!! Open your eyes before spouting off on TV! Especially at a time like this! Look! Those flames’re still rising up! You see ’em, right?! Endeavor’s alive and fighting!! So don’t give up just cuz the other guy’s gone! There’s still a dude out there risking it all for us!! Can’tcha see?!” (ch189)

Kuraishisu (newscaster): “In the past, a situation like this [the destruction of Deika City], where heroes were forced to make a difficult call, would have earned those same heroes criticism, but I suspect we may be witnessing a critical turning point in this era. A large-scale shift in opinion from criticism to passionate support.”  Uraraka: “Feels like everything’s different ever since the ‘Can’tcha See kid’ did his thing.”  Ashido: “It’s all cuz Endeavor kicked butt!” Mt. Lady: “Y’think the future’s bright? Not so fast!! It might seem like the winds of good fortune are blowing our way, but if you stop and think about the flip side of all this…it’s actually coming from a sense of urgency—it’s a response to danger! These cheers for the conquering heroes are really prayers—a plea that we emerge victorious! They’ve had enough of the showbiz side of heroism and want us to prove our worth for real now!” (ch241)

Mineta: “Not too long ago, she didn’t give a crap about anything except being on camera…” Aizawa: “Mt. Lady’s not the only one who has changed. Every hero out there is being pulled up by the number one’s rising ride.” (ch241)

After All Might retired, uncertainty gripped Japan as people wondered what would happen now. A strong consensus agreed that Endeavor wasn’t suited to fill All Might’s boots, something reflected in how the crime rate went up 3% in the month after Kamino, and reflected in how people suddenly became interested in reading the MLA ideology of rejecting heroes and protecting themselves.

During Endeavor’s battle against the nomu, the press attributed the public’s frantic stampede—ignoring heroes trying to guide evacuation—to the public’s lack of trust in Endeavor (and heroes generally) now that All Might was gone. Public trust improved after the nomu battle, especially thanks to Can’tcha See-kun.

Within a month after the battle, expectations shifted. People had enough of showbiz heroism and wanted the heroes to walk the talk and protect the public against villains, to the extent that comfortable armchair criticism was replaced a passionate support driven by fear of villains.

Miscellaneous Questions

When did “hero” become a recognized profession?

When did the hero ranking system begin?

When did the celebrity culture around heroes develop?

When did “quirk” come into common use?

How old is Yagi? How long ago did he debut in Japan and begin the era of peace?

How old is AfO? How long after the advent of quirks did he come to power?

When did AfO recruit Machia?

When were the nomu invented?

When did humanity pass the point of quirk singularity? (ch193)

[sunqyu]

~ Treasure reaction to your personality being similar to Asahi’s

Request: “ Can i please please pretty please request Treasure having an s/o who acts like Asahi (kinda quiet but does weird stuff outta nowhere)? “ - Anon

Thank you so much for my first request! I was planning on making it a little silly focusing on the weird stuff but ended up going more for the deeper connection I think Asahi would have with people he’s close to. Hope you like it and it suits your expectations! - Nova

Hyunsuk

you and hyunsuk would have such sweet peaceful chemistry

the type where you can make eyecontact from across a busy room and know exactly how the other’s feeling

he’s always at ease when you’re around

what amazes him the most is that even though he feels like he knows you through and through, you still manage to be unpredictable

you bring him a feeling of security and excitement all in one

Jihoon

damn rollercoaster of feels

would have a hard time figuring you out

but also gets really curious

so he’d enjoy trying, seeing it as a challenge

thinking he’s unravelling some type of intricate mystery

when you’re really just sitting, thinking about how cows can’t walk up stairs

Yoshi

would get used to your random weirdness pretty quickly

just lets you be you while he adores you with a soft smile

occasionally joins in as your personal hype-man

but most of the time he’d be the one to give you a sense of stability

kinda like he’s your rock (sounds cheesy but feels like the best way to describe it)

as if he has a radar with your name written on it which tells him when you need space or when you need company

Junkyu

I think he’d have a hard time connecting with you at first

since Junkyu’s also introverted but gets very energetic in social settings

your moments of weirdness would have to sort of match up

but once you do go past that point and the trust builds up ohhhh

he cherishes those deep conversations you two have so much

it’s a connection that’s unbreakable once it’s there

Mashiho

constant hearteyes

you’re just sitting somewhere? focused on what you’re doing?

hearteyes

you can’t sit still and ramble on about something you read online?

hearteyes

you’re exhausted from a day of being social and mumble softly on the way home with him?

hearteyes

you’re so cute to him and he’s mastered the art of getting on your level

enjoys every snippet of the way you see the world

feels proud for knowing you trust him enough to open up

Jaehyuk

buy one, get one free type of deal

you match without much effort

where most would have a hard time figuring you out and think you’re peculiar, for him it’s like second nature

‘What do you mean she’s acting weird?’

can hang out with you for hours without many words, still having a great time

he appreciates the way you let him be him without expectations

Asahi

dynamic duo

I really do think Asahi would match well with someone similar to him

he’d love to be with someone who let’s him be in his own bubble

or better yet

joins him in that bubble (bubble is weird a word, bubble bubbblebubel)

it’s hard for him to feel truly understood sometimes

he didn’t really mind

until he met you and realized two might actually be better than one

Yedam

you would bring out Yedam’s romantic side

he’s not sure why

you’re just intriguing to him, it makes him think more poetically

very useful for his songwriting

but also very heartwarming for him

he’d still be surprised every time you had a burst of energy

he likes how it keeps him on his toes

Doyoung

would try to join you in your weird moments

gives up when you get too random

continues by teasing you about it instead

gives up when you tease him back x287

continues pretending to be hurt

ends up just laughing with you

that wittiness is what he likes most about you

and the fact that it happens when he least expects it

he’ll try to bring it out more often by acting goofy around you

Haruto

has the tendency to react sarcastically

pretending he thinks you’re not funny in a whiney voice

when he really just likes seeing you ramble on, trying harder to get a reaction

it’s the other way around when you’re more quiet

then his voice is all over the place as he tries to get you to pay attention to him

super content when you two are just cuddling on the couch

talking about loads of things 

from why Shaggy could run as fast as Scoobydoo 

or how there have to be two identical snowflakes at some point in time but no one will ever know

Jeongwoo

tries to level up on your weirdness

ends up embarrassing himself in the middle of a busy street

still proud because he made you laugh

can get a little unsure of himself when you’re quiet for a long time

especially when he hasn’t seen you in a while

but one text message and it’s all gone and his confidence skyrockets again

boasts to everyone about how cool you are and how no one is funnier than you two

Junghwan

would need a little validation from time to time

knows you being quiet doesn’t mean you’re upset with him

but could definitely use a reminder from time to time

luckily he quickly learns how you express your love and it makes all the difference

easily joins in on your weirdness when it’s just the two of you

gets a bit shy about it when there’s other people too

but cherishes your inside jokes more than anything

[spacemilkies]

gateau→  ; part i of iii

pairing: cal kestis x reader

word count: 2.5k+

summary: “So you had a Jedi as a roommate … that wont be a problem in the future or anything.”

a/n:  a bunch of new things to get me writing. all written at some ungoldly hour. this will probably be a three part series. something short and simple, based off the prologue with some background. hey, no song fic for once. i spent all day in this fandom. i feel ready. put me in coach.

                                                                    _______

“C’mon just this once, please.”

“Oh ho, no no. This is definitely not the first time.”

There was never a good reason for your roommate to visit you on the job. Not only were you stationed on opposite side of the station, you differing positions also lessened the opportunity for you to meet up without explicit reason. 

He was a rigger and you were a builder, simple as that. 

You refrained from lifting your mask, maintaining a sense of distance from the conversation as you continued to weld the two pieces of metal together. Maybe if you did your job hard enough he would eventually give up out of respect of your workload….

Who were you kidding.

A fiery shock of red hair crouched down next to you, apparently uncaring for the wayward sparks emitting from your torch. It was only when he dared to lean closer that you reluctantly cut the power out of concern for basic occupational safety. 

Flipping the hood of your mask, you gave him your sharpest glare to which he combatted easily with a killer smile. If only it was as effective on his conquests as he seemed to think the same applies to you. 

“You’re all just going to melt it down any.”

Any metals and ores that made it up here were better than the average scraps found in the lower sectors and certainly worth a pretty sum of credits. It was your roommate's favorite way to exploit your job and threaten your only means of survival in the same breath. 

 Darting your gaze around, you found that for once your colleges were rather forgiving of personal space. Though it didn’t mean that your supervisors wouldn’t have watchful eyes on your every move. Hence why these daring favors tended to have more impact than meaningless valve. 

You weren’t agreeing. Definitely were not going to get drawn into to those pleading baby blues. You were just curious. 

“And what exactly do two upstanding individuals as yourselves need with my fine metals?”

Cal’s smirk was shallow but no where lacking in its killer properties,” I’d bend your fine metals anyway.”

With a huff, you nudged him away with your shoulder. Practice allowing you to ignore the faint flush it brought to your cheeks. 

“You’re wasting time, Cal.”

“Just something nice. I’ll pay you back.”

You were not going to fall for it Totally, explicitly would not lose resolve on your promise to not give in like last time. You were strong and resilient and Cal was a big boy with his own means of survival and-

“I swear to all above, Cal if you-”

The force of his lips against your cheek nearly knocked you over and you were left momentarily stunned as nimble fingers searched knowingly against your body. Before you knew it, he was drawing away, your access card in hand. 

You should be happy with how quickly he scrambled to his feet, prepared for a hasty departure. It wouldn’t be long before your superiors began making their rounds and the last thing they wanted to see was a scrapper hunting around their stores. 

Gesturing with two fingers against his temple, Cal waved off before he disappeared around the corner. 

“Why are you not working? Your pay is based on your progress, not your time.”

Swallowing down a retort, you merely smiled shallowly in response to the haughty order as you tugged back down your face mask, Cal’s phantom touch still lingering against your form.

“Of course, sir.”

                                                                    _______

It should be said that Cal wasn’t a terrible roommate. In fact, when he first responded to your advertisement you had a feeling that he would actually be a helpful one.

That was a lie.

You knew that he would be a cute one. Someone that you would have to try /really hard to keep your hands off of. Fortunately for you, at the beginning he felt more like a brother than a bachelor. His boyish habits cutting into some of his charm.

It didn’t take much longer than that before the two of you fell into a rhythm of sorts. 

Having another human around was kind of nice too. 

Not to say you preached xenophobia. Some of your closer friends on this desolate planet were part of varying species. But in a way it aided in building a familiar quality of home even as you reside on the opposite side of the galaxy. 

Cal was moderately fair roommate. He wasn’t spotty with rent and you split the amenities, as scarce as they were, fairly. He was a little messy but not in the obnoxious unhygienic way. 

Everything was balanced. 

And you couldn’t really complain. 

He was a great guy. His humor and antics proving to raise your mood after a long day. Just the way he spoke about his own day bringing tears to your eyes and curling your stomach with laughter. 

You were a capable engineer, even though your talents were wasted on rebuilding the same schematics over and over again. At home, you are able to hone your own skills. Working on various knick knacks and gadgets. It was nice to have a second opinion as well. 

The two of you had spent many nights huddled around the living room surrounded by scattered parts and various prototypes. Only to have to separate the more advanced ones in fear of being caught. 

It was nice. 

                                                                    _______

“Damn, I didn’t think the boss would ever let you off.”

With less finesse and not a care in the world, you dropped haggeded into the seat offered by your friends. After another long week it was nice to finally load off with a few drinks and company chatter. 

For some reason the quota skyrocketed in the past few weeks. The recycling of old metal into new vessels becoming an unrelenting force on your crew. 

It turned out to be one of the worst moments to find yourself promoted. 

To think just three weeks ago you were throwing around drinks in celebration and now you were ready to drown out the accomplishment with whatever was on tap. 

“Apparently they’re bringing in a huge freighter soon,” you called out solemnly. Your supervisor had shown you the schematics of the parts that would be salvaged and what they wanted to accomplish with its predecessor. 

After another long shift all you could really make out was work and more work. 

But at least the same would be said for the riggers. 

To your right Reif, a Rodian, spoke crudely over a mouthful of food,” Yeah, been hearing about that one for sometime now. Suppose to be a Separist ship. Going to be quite the project.”

Slouching idly in your seat, you played lazily with the handle of the mug offered to you. Just another long project to keep you stranded on this planet. Not to say you had any plans otherwise. 

If anything you should really thank them for giving you something to focus on. 

Garnering everyone’s attention with a slam of her glass against the table, Enisa a pretty pale blue Rylothian, slurs loudly,” Enough of all this work talk. Let’s focus on something else.”

Then she’s sliding sharply into you, leaving you to fumble with your own glass,” Like your roommate. Why didn’t you tell me he was available.”

Because you weren’t in the market providing companions?

Your furrowed burrow must have voiced your thoughts because she was rolling her eyes without your verbal response. 

“Oh don’t play dumb. You’re harboring one of the few attractive souls on this god forsaken planet. And you’re not even bumping uglies with him, what a shame.”

You were stuck between defending your own choices and wondering when she learned such a human phrase. It was hardly worth the effort of explaining how the two of you just weren't like that. Your inventory of excuses were running dry.

“Stop making it awkward for her, she has to live with the guy.”

Catching Reif’s gaze over the rim of your glass, you give him a thankful nod. The rest of your group takes the initiative to fill the silence and progresses the conversation further into the night. Unlike most outings, neither of you are able to keep up with one another past a few extra hours. The weight of the day taking more out of you as it came to a close. 

You’re not the only one grateful when Reif brings the outing to a close. 

There is just enough alcohol in your system to make you stumble through the threshold of your home, groaning quietly as you try to stabilize yourself. More likely than not Cal was already asleep and you didn’t want to disrupt that. 

Now with the evening settling into your bones, there wasn't a part of your body that didn't ache and the incoming headache didn't make any part of it better. 

Right now the couch was looking a lot more inviting than it should be. You’d deal with the consequences it would leave on your body in the morning. 

Rounding the edge, you collapsed back into the cushions.

“What the hell?”

“Shit, Cal! What the fuck?”

A sharp hiss escapes him when your elbow jabs unkindly into the softness of his side. Before you could try to remedy it, his hand is gripping your upper arm and settling you more safely in the available space rather than on top of him. 

For a moment it's just your mixed breaths as you come down from the unexpected surprise. With more care, you twist more comfortably mindful of your limbs this time. 

It's hardly necessary but you whisper anyway. 

“Why are you here?”

You feel his arm wiggling behind your head and you raise your neck obediently to allow it to rest beneath you. As a reward, the same hand curls inward to comb through your hair lazily. He works his fingers across your nape and back up to your scalp finding just the right spot and drew small circles. 

“Dunno, just came home and ended up here. Kind of like you but less dramatically.”

You snort, “Sorry, wasn’t expecting a party of two.”

He hums to himself, the pad of his thumb pressing inward in a way the manages to reset your whole mindframe and you nearly white out from the release. 

There is more that could be said but the words escape you both as you settle for the night. If you weren't already going to regret this before, you were definitely were going to more now for an entirely different reason. But there was no chance of you altering the flow of what it was now. 

You would just have to lay there and try not to think too hard about the natural slot of your body to Lance’s despite the finite space. It was much easier to count the staccato of his dull thumping heartbeat as it lulled you off to sleep. 

                                                                     _______

“Goddammit, Meeka. You’re going to wake up your mom.”

Too late. 

Though in the defense of your mischievous loth-cat, the warm smell of breakfast permeating from the kitchen was just one waft away from rousing you. Stretching out your arms, you used the length of them to hook around the back of the couch to drag you up. 

Questionably burnt but you recognize the scent of some of your favorites.You has not caught a glimpse of what he was wearing last night but Cal appears to be wearing some fresh clothes. The way the collar of his shirt is damp in the back hints towards a shower. 

Part of you wonders if breakfast is a preemptive apology towards a cold shower you would be expecting later. 

“Where do you have to go so early?”

If you startle him, he doesn't show. He slides a bit of food onto a plate, giving Meeka more than gracious portion before bringing the plate to you. You take it gratefully, balancing it on the spine of the couch.

Alert to your presence and no doubt ready to beg for more scraps, you watch unimpressed as the feline-like creature slinks against you. She gets what's expected anyway as you part with a strip of meat.

Leaning against the counter within view, Cal scolds you playfully. “And you said I spoil her.”

“You start it,” you retort without any bite.

You blame the queasiness on residue alcohol when he laughs warmly. 

“Oh. “ You look up and Cal has a fork pointed at you. ‘’Your access card is on the table there.”

You’d already forgotten about that.

“Get anything good?” Safely, is weighted on your tongue but it seems like a waste to add it. Cal has always been mindful of his self, actions and footsteps in a way that makes you wonder how long he’s been watching his own back. 

In the few years you’ve known him, things like the past rarely came up. No one really came to Bracca chasing a future. It was just a means to an end until you could find something better if you could manage to get out. 

You hard already stopped trying when Cal stumbled into your life. But now it hardly seemed like a bad thing. 

The clank of dishes brings you out of your thoughts. His back is to you now as he cleans his mess.

“It will be a nice personal pay raise, that’s for sure. Prauf sends his thanks too.”

Cal surprises you again when he comes to collect your empty plate. Rather than comment it on it, you lounge comfortably in the domesticity of it all. 

“What’s your plan for the day?”

That was a good question. 

Your body had an obvious vote towards rest but responsibilities made a greater bid on your time. A bit of shopping would unfortunately be necessary but your savings would have to survive. Between the recent raise and this upcoming project, you should survive to hit. 

Replenish resources it would be then. At least if you start early enough it would allow you to relax for the remainder of the day. 

Cal’s gaze follows as you stretch and eventually slink off the couch. Meeka happy to have the entire furniture to herself doesn’t waste a moment to snuggle into your lingering warmth. 

“Down to the Bazaar first, then after that we’ll see.”

But first to see how much hot water you were going to be working with. Yawning loudly, you get to work with untangling the mess of your hair. Just before you can round the corner, Cal calls out to you.

“Want to make it a date?”

It’s an innocent play of words. One’s he’s used in the past without acting on it. 

‘And you’re not even bumping uglies with him, what a shame.’

And just when you finally stopped overthinking it.

Peeking over your shoulder, you found Cal waiting expectantly yet so unaware of the winds of the storm picking up in your mind. Was it even worth it to wonder if similar thoughts ever troubled him?

-nah, it was just easier to smile.

“Yeah, it’s a date.”