#when covid is spiking again

[jackalopescruff]

oh im for sure already blocking the dashcon 2 blog fuck that fuck this website how are you even gonna after everything that has happened good fucking lord sfdkjg

[steampoweredskeleton]

I'm aware this illness probably isn't COVID but it is the weirdest illness I've ever had

[clovesnz]

think I’m getting sick again too 🫠

(tw for menstrual health in tags)

[pepprs]

awesome so today we (my colleague besties and me) were potentially exposed to covid by two different people we spent the morning with because nobody gives a fuck anymore and we’re all going to get sick and die. awesome! i love being alive in fall 2023 when nobody gives a single shit about covid anymore and this nightmare country has apparently decided to move on even though the danger has not subsided and arguably has increased and we no longer have access to resources or information to keep ourselves and each other safe. fuck the world

[two-calicos-in-a-trenchcoat]

Ahahahah

I feel like shit

And im 99% sure its because I'm stressed

I always feel sick when im stressed

But the stress always gets worse now when that happens cuz of covid. Which makes me feel more sick.

Awesome 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[crowlore]

need to flesh out my portfolio more this month bc my schedule is gonna blow up in february but ive been in so much pain i can barely hold a pencil let alone focus my mind on art i think i just need to accept i won’t be ready to apply for this project and throw in the towel. i don’t know. it’s super frustrating and discouraging especially with how ive already had to blow through a lot of my donations from last month already. i really don’t know how im gonna survive winter

[angorwhosebabyisthis]

argh. want to work on games and post meta, but sleep/meds schedule bullshit has been giving me migraines this week and i have been almost exclusively Soup :(

[metamatar]

some of you are being outflanked from the left by the jacobin. lol.

For many loyal Democrats, this will not compute. The Biden economy, party-loyal pundits have said over and over again, is tremendous — low unemployment, strong GDP growth, slowing inflation, a booming stock market — and anyone unhappy about it must simply be brainwashed. Out of view in this self-congratulatory hall of mirrors were the constant statistics that said otherwise: evictions up past pre-pandemic levels, record-high homelessness, cost-burdened renters at an all-time high, median household income lower than the last pre-pandemic year, inequality returning to pre-pandemic levels, and food insecurity and poverty growing by large double digits since 2021, including a historic spike in child poverty. Here’s another thing you might not have heard. Largely due to a trick of history, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a Democratic-controlled Congress, Trump was partly responsible for the creation of what the New York Times called “something akin to a European-style welfare state” in 2020 that reduced inequality and even helped some Americans improve their finances for a short spell — and under Biden, all of it went away. Sometimes that happened due to factors outside Biden’s control and sometimes because of his own decisions, but it always took place with little fight from the president, and it contributed to the ominous rise in hardship under his tenure. That meant not only adding to people’s already onerous monthly expenses — in one case in a self-imposed October surprise that made student loan repayment much more unforgiving for tens of millions of borrowers just before voting. It also saw twenty-five million people being thrown off their public health insurance, many of them in some of the battleground states Harris lost last night. Recall that one of Biden’s attack lines against Trump four years ago was that Trump was going to strip twenty million people of their health insurance. This might have been mitigated had the president passed the flagship policies on his agenda, helping people weather the storm of rising living costs. Those that he did enact he sometimes self-sabotaged. (...)

As a result, Harris’s run was a major downgrade from the 2020 Democratic effort. Biden’s never-passed ambitions to historically expand the social safety net became firmly relegated to distant memory, never to be revived; only the child tax credit and a modest expansion of Medicare benefits survived. The campaign combined a sharp rightward lurch on foreign policy and immigration with a handful of laudable populist proposals to ban price gouging and help out first-time homebuyers (while largely avoiding the national 5 percent rent cap that Biden desperately took on before dropping out and that had earlier made its way into the Democratic platform). Beyond the Medicare proposal and vague promises to protect and strengthen Obamacare, the idea of reforming the broken US health care system — one of Americans’ biggest and most anxiety-inducing costs — was almost entirely absent from the campaign. When voters in a Univision town hall came to Harris with their bleak personal stories of suffering under the health care system and asked how she would solve them, she could give them nothing, because her only real major health care policy was for those over sixty-five and already insured under Medicare.

[damnyousubdermalirritants]

UPDATE: NOVAVAX NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Hi everyone, it's been about a year since I posted about updated COVID vaccines and it's time for another update if you are in the US:

THE BRIDGE ACCESS PROGRAM IS ENDING!!!!

If you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover covid boosters, please schedule a new booster appointment before the end of August because the Bridge Access Program (the way the government will still pay for your booster) ends in September. The updated mRNA boosters from Moderna and Pfizer are available now. Go Go GO!!!

Shitty, I know! If you can call your congressional reps, the FDA, the CDC, whomever to tell them you want this program to continue/be reinstated, that would be great. Also, while you're at it, call the FDA to tell them to expedite the approval for the updated Novavax booster (3017962640).

The new Novavax vaccine is designed for the JN.1 strain which is one of the most recent mutations of the virus going around. If you have insurance and can afford to wait, I highly recommend getting the Novavax booster when it becomes available.

We are currently in the largest Covid summer surge since 2021

If you haven't had a booster in the past six months you are essentially unvaccinated. New strains with different spike proteins keep evolving faster than vaccine development and distribution can keep up. All that said, getting Covid is not a moral failing. If you do feel sick, take a rapid test! If it's negative, test again a day or two later. It is better to know than not to know. Here's a refresh on how to take a rapid test correctly:

If you do get Covid, it is worth getting on antiretrovirals within the first week of symptoms to reduce the overall viral load your body has to fight. If your insurance doesn't cover Paxlovid or Remdesivir, here are other low/no-cost ways to access it:

If you get sick, rest radically even after you stop testing positive on rapid tests. Avoid exercising for at least eight weeks after the fact to reduce the risk of developing long covid.

Regardless of your vaccination status, masking with a KN95 or N95 respirator (or equivalent standards in your country i.e. FFP2/3 in the EU) is the most reliable way to protect yourself and others. If Covid protections are a financial burden, there is likely an active Mask Bloc near you doing free distribution of respirators and tests that would be happy to help you. Here's a global map of them from covidactionmap.org

Some quick tips: if you're wearing a bi-fold mask, flatten the nose-bridge wire completely, then mold it to your nose on your face for a better fit. The best mask is the one that you will actually wear regularly to protect yourself. I really like the selection of styles, sizes and colors from WellBefore:

As school is starting, getting you and your family boosted is one of the best things you can do to protect yourselves. Masking is perhaps even more important. If you can advocate for updating and regularly changing the HVAC filters at your local schools to MERV-13 or higher to keep the indoor air cleaner, that can also make a big difference. Better indoor air quality in schools helps protect kids from illness, allergies, wildfire smoke, and more per the EPA's website.

These are steps you can take to improve air quality at home as well. Corsi-Rosenthal boxes are low-cost and highly effective for cleaning the air indoors.

Here's a map of clean air lending libraries for getting access to air purifiers for events from cleanairclub.org

[reasonsforhope]

"A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a real-time air monitor that can detect any of the SARS-CoV-2 virus variants that are present in a room in about 5 minutes.

The proof-of-concept device was created by researchers from the McKelvey School of Engineering and the School of Medicine at Washington University...

The results are contained in a July 10 publication in Nature Communications that provides details about how the technology works.

The device holds promise as a breakthrough that - when commercially available - could be used in hospitals and health care facilities, schools, congregate living quarters, and other public places to help detect not only the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but other respiratory virus aerosol such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well.

“There is nothing at the moment that tells us how safe a room is,” Cirrito said, in the university’s news release. “If you are in a room with 100 people, you don’t want to find out five days later whether you could be sick or not. The idea with this device is that you can know essentially in real time, or every 5 minutes, if there is a live virus in the air.”

How It Works

The team combined expertise in biosensing with knowhow in designing instruments that measure the toxicity of air. The resulting device is an air sampler that operates based on what’s called “wet cyclone technology.” Air is sucked into the sampler at very high speeds and is then mixed centrifugally with a fluid containing a nanobody that recognizes the spike protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. That fluid, which lines the walls of the sampler, creates a surface vortex that traps the virus aerosols. The wet cyclone sampler has a pump that collects the fluid and sends it to the biosensor for detection of the virus using electrochemistry.

The success of the instrument is linked to the extremely high velocity it generates - the monitor has a flow rate of about 1,000 liters per minute - allowing it to sample a much larger volume of air over a 5-minute collection period than what is possible with currently available commercial samplers. It’s also compact - about one foot wide and 10 inches tall - and lights up when a virus is detected, alerting users to increase airflow or circulation in the room.

Testing the Monitor

To test the monitor, the team placed it in the apartments of two Covid-positive patients. The real-time air samples from the bedrooms were then compared with air samples collected from a virus-free control room. The device detected the RNA of the virus in the air samples from the bedrooms but did not detect any in the control air samples.

In laboratory experiments that aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 into a room-sized chamber, the wet cyclone and biosensor were able to detect varying levels of airborne virus concentrations after only a few minutes of sampling, according to the study.

“We are starting with SARS-CoV-2, but there are plans to also measure influenza, RSV, rhinovirus and other top pathogens that routinely infect people,” Cirrito said. “In a hospital setting, the monitor could be used to measure for staph or strep, which cause all kinds of complications for patients. This could really have a major impact on people’s health.”

The Washington University team is now working to commercialize the air quality monitor."

-via Forbes, July 11, 2023

-

Holy shit. I know it's still early in the technology and more testing will inevitably be needed but holy shit.

Literally, if it bears out, this could revolutionize medicine. And maybe let immunocompromised people fucking go places again

Also, for those who don't know, Nature Communications is a very prestigious scientific journal that focuses on Pretty Big Deal research. Their review process is incredibly rigorous. This is an absolutely HUGE credibility boost to this research and prototype

[imaginaryf1shots]

Miami Baby | Lando Norris

WC: 1.8K

Lando x reader

Summery: It’s always been a when not an if, who knew that in his 110s race Lando will win his first race in Formula 1

Warnings: None, FLUFF

Masterlist

Lando Masterlist

The Miami heat is in full effect. Coming from Amsterdam to the US, you felt it the difference. The sun was high, and the music was on for what seemed like the whole weekend. For once, it seemed calmer in the garage. But alas it’s not your first race to attend, and not your last either. You’ve been Lando's girlfriend since you were both 16. You’ve literally been with him through it all. Your relationship has gone through so much, you were public before Lando got into F1, and as he got popular the comments against you worsened, so you’ve gone private, it affected your relationship but you’ve survived it. You’ve gone to uni, which made it harder to see Lando, especially when he moved to Monaco, but the moment you graduated and through covid, you were right there with him. You’re now public again, older, wiser, and with thicker skin. You’re at most races to cheer for Lando, and you make it a point to be at the ones none of his family could attend.

The weekend has been hard on your boyfriend, he did well in the sprint quali, only to get knocked out in the sprint in the first lap, and then set the fastest laps but in the wrong qualifying sessions. Starting P5 wasn’t bad, but Lando was hoping for better, especially with all the upgrades his car had.

You’re watching from the garage with Bianca and some other Mclaren crew, it’s lap 33, and there’s a safety car. He dropped to P6 but is now leading the race. Your nerves were through the roof, anxiety spiking with each lap. Until the safety car was called in, you and everyone at Mclaren were on the edge of your seats as Lando broke away from the rest of the grip. You’re expecting Max to attack straight away, but Charles was on his back, and Lando was pulling away, setting the fastest lap after the fastest lap.

”Oh my god.” You muttered, hand to your mouth, Bianca was grinning as she gave you a side hug. You don’t know if you blinked or breathed for the last 10 laps, praying for another safety car not to make an appearance. During the last lap, you already had tears gathered in your eyes, holding hands with Bianca and the other crew. The moment he crossed the finish line, you let the tears flow, Bianca was the first to pull you in for a hug.

“Thank you to the team, to mum and dad, and a big fat thank you to my amazing girlfriend. Thank you for sticking with me.”

The camera flashed to you, with tears running down your face and a hand pressed to your mouth as you heard his voice through the radio.

You were crying. Thankfully, you had waterproof makeup on, or you would’ve looked like a raccoon. The Mclaren team is Lando’s only team. They’re like family, and you’ve been around Lando enough to be considered as a part of the family as well. They were hugging you and congratulating you as if you were the one driving.

Zak gave you the biggest bear hug. “I knew he could do it.” He told you, holding your shoulders.

“Thank you for believing in him.” You said, patting your tears away.

”Thank you for being there for him.” Zak gave you another hug, and you moved, no, scratched that, you ran like your life depended on it, with the Mclaren team to Parc Ferme and behind the fence to wait for your man in papaya. You saw Andrea, and the man gave you a big hug as well. You both congratulated the other. Everyone’s emotions were high, and the happiness and relief were overwhelming.

You watched as drivers came up to your boyfriend and congratulated him, before Lando put his helmet on the ground and ran to the team, they pulled him up for a crowd surf and threw him up a few times. The moment they placed him on the ground, Zak pulled him for a hug.

Then Lando saw you, tears were in your eyes again, and they gathered in Lando’s. He took the two steps it took to reach you, held your face in his hand, and pushed his lips against you before you could utter a single word. It wasn’t the most romantic kiss you’ve had, but it was a kiss that just conveyed your emotions. You were saying congratulations, and he was saying thank you. The team was cheering around you, Lando pulled back just enough to see you. His arms moved to your waist, and from how he was pulling you, you knew that he wished you were on the other side of the barrier pressed up against him.

”Congratulations Lan, I’m so proud of you.” You mutter and smile. The longer you look at each other, the more emotional you get.

”Thank you… for everything, I love you.” Lando said a tear leaves his eye, and you wipe it away.

”I love you too, now go, they’re waiting for you.” Lando places a kiss on your forehead before he turns to finish his duties.

Watching Lando on the top step is a core memory that was just created and one you will hold close to your heart forever. Going into this weekend, Lando was optimistic. The break you guys had over the last week was a great one, despite Lando cutting his nose with a glass. The team screamed for him, and you screamed right with them. The tears were gone for a moment, and a smile was etched onto your face. You had your phone up as you captured him being drowned in champagne.

You called Cisca the moment he walked off the podium. It took her mere seconds to answer, both of you screaming. “ HE WON! CISCA, OH MY GOD!”

”I can’t believe it, finally, it’s been long overdue.” You talked to his sisters and his dad, as you were making your way back to Mclaren where Lando will be heading next for a moment before he’ll have to head to do his media duties.

You were looking at a video one of the media team took of Lando when you heard cheering, meaning Lando was making his way to the garage. Seeing him before he saw you, you couldn’t help it. You’ve both dreamt of this moment for a very long time. You ran, you ran towards him, and Lando just saw you and opened his arms. Before you jump in them, your legs wrapped around his waist, his hands on your thighs.

”Baby.” Lando muttered. He kissed your cheek. “Oh god love, I can’t believe it, it feels surreal.” His voice was soft and full of emotions in your ear.

”You did it, you’re a race winner.” You say back and kiss his neck, Lando sat you back on your feet.

“We did it, we won.” Lando’s eyes were only on you, and yours only on him, the camera filming their moment ignored and going unnoticed by you.

”Yes, the team has bee-“

”No, me and you, you’re a part of me love, we did it, we won.” You pressed a teary kiss to his cheek before you shared another hug.

Lando managed to talk to his parents before he was rushed for media. Then there was, debrief and many pictures and celebrations with the trophy. The champagne, the champagne bottle was passed around for the team to take a sip before Lando took it and took a big swing once more, and gave you a cheeky smile before he shook the bottle and you’re surprised there’s still enough for it to spray on you, the team cheers again, and Lando pulls you for a side hug. From that moment Lando had you by his side the rest of the day. You were there when he changed, when he went into the stadium for more photos and videos, you were there when he was talking to his friends and other drivers about the possibility of you staying another night to celebrate. You were there though it all, just like you’ve always been. Just like you will always be. Who knows maybe Lando’s next win won’t be on the track and it will be archived with a simple ‘yes’.

The night came to an end with you and Lando after a shared shower in bed, you in his arms as he held you close. You were only dressed in one of his shirts and panties while he slept in his boxers. You’re both too tired and achy to move but still full of excitement and happiness to fall asleep.

“I’m afraid this is all a dream.” Lando told you in the dim light, the cosiness of the room and the darkness left you both feeling like anything you will say will just disappear, you both talk about everything, you’re not the type to hide anything but the atmosphere around you made it extra easy.

”You better believe it’s a reality, Mr. Lando Norris, Formula 1 Race Winner.” You say and poke his side making him squirm a little you giggle at his movement before you both settle down again. “I’m so happy I was there to see you win, this is the happiest I’ve ever been and the proudest I could be.”

”It’s all thanks to you, love.” Lando kisses your forehead and pulls you closer, you tangle your legs in his.

”I did nothing but let you fly me everywhere and let you take care of me.” You mumble, you’re not insecure, you’re not mad, you’ve come to accept it. Lando has so much money, more than he could ever spend on himself and he loves pampering you and having you by his side. Besides you may be young but you’ve talked about your future a lot through the years, and you both know you’ll end up married at one point, so what difference does it make if he took care of you now or after you have the same last name.

”Don’t sell yourself too short, and don’t talk bad about my girlfriend.” Lando teased you with a smile that you shared. “We’ve been together for a 8 years and I’ve known you for 10, you’ve had my bad through it all, I remember you fighting and shouting at that one guy that pushed me off the track back in F3 and then you’d alway tweet and curse the interviewers whenever they bothered me or if a driver said something about me, and… and you’ve always been so understanding and you’ve helped me when I’m feeling down and when I’m mad you don’t take it personally and-and-and I just- I’m just so thankful and so incredibly in love with you.”

”Way to make a girl cry, again.” You say and roll over to get the box of tissues from the bedside table. “My god, Lan, I love you so freaking much it hurts.”

”I know, and I’m so lucky to have you.”

”I’m the lucky one.”

”Now, now love, whatever the race winner says goes.”

”Huh, I think I like Lando No-wins more than Lando Now-wins more.”

“That’s not nice.”

”Bo-ho.”

“…”

”…”

”I love you.”

”And, I love you.”

Taglist:

@gnatthefly . @mochimommy2002 . @llando4norris . @mrswolffs-blog

[mariacallous]

Updated vaccines against Covid-19 are coming, just as hospitalizations and deaths due to the virus are steadily ticking up again.

Today, the US Food and Drug Administration authorized new mRNA booster shots from Moderna and Pfizer, and a panel of outside experts that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted to recommend the shots to everyone in the United States ages 6 months and older. Once Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Mandy Cohen signs off on the recommendations and the vaccines are shipped, people can start getting the boosters.

The recommendation is projected to prevent about 400,000 hospitalizations and 40,000 deaths over the next two years, according to data presented at the meeting by CDC epidemiologist Megan Wallace.

This year’s mRNA vaccines are different from the 2022 booster in a key way. Last year’s shot was a bivalent vaccine, meaning it covered two variants: the original one that emerged in China in 2019, plus the Omicron subvariant BA.5, which was circulating during much of 2022. This fall’s booster drops the original variant, which is no longer circulating and is unlikely to return. It targets just the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, which was dominant throughout much of 2023.

Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines work by introducing a tiny piece of genetic material called messenger RNA, or mRNA, that carries instructions for making SARS-CoV-2’s characteristic spike protein. Once it is injected, cells in the body use those instructions to temporarily make the spike protein. The immune system recognizes the protein as foreign and generates antibodies against it. Those antibodies stick around so that if they encounter that foreign invader again, they will mount a response against it.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the virus has acquired new mutations in its spike protein and elsewhere. These mutations result in new variants and subvariants that diverge from the original virus. When enough mutations accumulate, these new versions can more easily evade the antibodies created by previous vaccine doses or infections.

The constantly evolving nature of the virus is the reason health regulators decided last year to update the original mRNA vaccines, which were designed against the version of the virus that first appeared in 2019. This year, once again, the virus has changed enough to warrant an updated booster.

In June, an advisory committee to the FDA recommended that this fall’s booster be a monovalent vaccine—targeting only the then-dominant XBB.1.5 subvariant.

At that meeting, committee members reviewed evidence suggesting that the inclusion of the original variant may hamper the booster’s effectiveness against newer offshoots. “The previous bivalent vaccine contained the ancestral spike and thus skewed immune responses to the old spike,” says David Ho, a professor of microbiology at Columbia University whose research, which is not yet peer-reviewed, was among the evidence the FDA panel reviewed. “This is what we call immunological imprinting, and it results in lack of immune responses to the new spike.” He thinks taking out the old variant should optimize the immune response.

But over the past few months, even newer Omicron offshoots have arrived. Currently, EG.5.1, or Eris, is the dominant one in the United States, United Kingdom, and China. Meanwhile, a variant called BA.2.86, or Pirola, has been detected in several countries. Pirola has raised alarm bells because it has more than 30 new mutations compared to XBB.1.5.

Even though the new boosters were formulated against XBB.1.5, they’re still expected to provide protection against these new variants. “The reason is, while antibodies are important in protection against mild disease, the critical part of the immune response that’s important for protecting against severe disease is T cells,” says Paul Offit, a professor of vaccinology at the University of Pennsylvania and member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee.

These cells are a different part of the immune response. Unlike antibodies, which neutralize a pathogen by preventing it from infecting cells, T cells work by eliminating the cells that have already been invaded and boosting creation of more antibodies. Both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccines produce long-lasting T cells in addition to antibodies.

It’s why, Offit says, when the Omicron wave hit in late 2021 and peaked in January 2022, the US didn’t see a dramatic increase in hospitalizations and deaths even as cases rose significantly: People’s T cells kicked into gear, even when their antibodies didn’t recognize the Omicron variant.

“In some ways,” says Offit, when it comes to vaccine booster development, “it almost doesn’t matter what we pick to target” because the coronavirus has yet to evolve away from T cell recognition. “Everything works.”

Scientists think T cells are able to protect against severe Covid because they’re recognizing parts of the virus that have remained unchanged throughout the pandemic. “I suspect that as we continue to vaccinate, there are some conserved regions [of the virus],” says Jacqueline Miller, Moderna’s head of infectious diseases. “So even with the accumulation of mutations, we’re still building on previous immunity.”

People who have hybrid immunity—that is, have had a Covid infection and have also been vaccinated—seem to have the best immune responses to new variants, she says, which suggests that previous exposure shapes and improves immune responses to new variants. Preliminary studies show that antibodies generated by previous infections and vaccinations should be capable of neutralizing Pirola.

Earlier this month, Moderna issued a press release saying that clinical trial data showed that its updated booster generated a strong immune response against Pirola, as well as the more prevalent Eris variant.

In a statement to WIRED, Pfizer spokesperson Jerica Pitts said the company continues to closely monitor emerging variants and conduct tests of its updated monovalent booster against them. Data presented at Tuesday’s CDC meeting showed that Pfizer-BioNTech’s updated booster elicited a strong neutralizing antibody response against both Eris and Pirola.

The FDA expects that Covid-19 vaccines will continue to be updated on an annual basis, unless a completely new variant emerges that requires a different approach. “We will always be a little behind the virus,” says Ho. “In this instance, we won’t suffer too much, but that might not be the case going forward. Surveillance is imperative.”

[covid-safer-hotties]

Alarm bells ring in Japan as experts warn of fast-spreading new Covid variant KP. 3 - Published July 19, 2024

Paywalled at the South China Morning Post: Unpaywalled by Covidsafehotties.

The country reported a 39 per cent week-on-week surge in infections from July 1 to 7, with Okinawa the hardest hit

Japan is grappling with a new and highly contagious coronavirus variant that is fuelling the country’s 11th wave of Covid-19 infections, health experts warn. The KP. 3 variant is spreading rapidly, even among those who are vaccinated or have recovered from previous infections, according to Kazuhiro Tateda, president of the Japan Association of Infectious Diseases.

“It is, unfortunately, the nature of the virus to become more resilient and resistant each time it changes into a different form,” Tateda told This Week in Asia. “People lose their immunity quite quickly after being vaccinated, so they have little or no resistance.”

Tateda, who sits on Japan’s advisory panel formed at the start of the pandemic, said the coming weeks will be critical as authorities monitor the variant’s spread and impact.

While hospitals have reported a sharp uptick in Covid-19 admissions, Tateda said he is “relieved that not many of these cases are severe”. Typical symptoms of the KP. 3 variant include high fever, sore throat, loss of smell and taste, headaches, and fatigue.

According to the health ministry, medical facilities across Japan logged a 1.39-fold – or 39 per cent – increase in infections from July 1 to 7, compared to the previous week.

Okinawa prefecture has been the hardest hit by the new strain of the virus, with hospitals reporting an average of nearly 30 infections per days. The KP. 3 variant has accounted for more than 90 per cent of Covid-19 cases nationwide, the Fuji News Network reported, leading to renewed concerns about bed shortages at medical facilities.

Since Japan’s first detected Covid-19 case in early 2020 involving a man who returned from the Chinese city of Wuhan, East Asian nation has recorded a total of 34 million infections and around 75,000 related deaths. The country’s Covid-19 caseload peaked on August 5, 2022, when more than 253,000 people were receiving treatment.

Japan’s uptick in cases coincides with similar increases being observed globally. In the US, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 23.5 per cent week-over-week rise in the number of people visiting hospitals with Covid-19 symptoms during the week ending July 6.

High-profile US.figures such as President Joe Biden and Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice-President Kamala Harris, have recently tested positive and gone into isolation. Meanwhile, several riders in the ongoing Tour de France cycling race have also returned positive test results.

Experts say it is too early to determine the full impact of the new variant on Japanese businesses or cross-border activities like travel. Precautionary measures are already in place at the country’s air and seaports to monitor the health of incoming arrivals. However, the global spike in cases may deter some Japanese from venturing abroad this summer.

A recent survey by Nippon Life insurance found that just 3.2 per cent of Japanese plan to travel abroad in the coming months, which is likely to depress annual travel figures once again. In 2023, Japan saw 9.62 million outbound travellers, a recovery after three years of extremely low pandemic-era numbers, but still far below the 20.01 million outbound travellers recorded in 2019.

Despite the latest surge, infectious disease expert Tateda insists there is no need for panic in Japan. However, he emphasised the importance of following precautions implemented during the pandemic’s peak, such as mask-wearing in public, handwashing, and social distancing.

Tateda also stressed that anyone testing positive should immediately isolate themselves.

[neighboringheart]

just finished earthspark season 3 here are my thoughts

guhhh urghuuu oughh I think I hauve covid I need optimus to make megatron and prowl get along by locking their pussies together with magnets and ordering them to make each other feel good while he watches from nearby

I need to see megatron so into it bc he's used to optimus putting him in situations from their time together on earth but this is not a side of optimus that prowl is used to so he's so flustered whimpering and squirming away from megatron's fat node as it grinds against his own but every time he glances to optimus he just sees that piercing gaze and shivers needing to be good for him

prowl overloads first squirting on them both with a yelp and a flutter of his doorwings and he looks so ashamed immediately after but that changes quickly when megatron gets so turned on by how cute he is that he presses prowl to the ground to hump against him with all his strength until he's squirting too

at the end optimus removes the magnet and praises them both which makes prowl's spike pop out and he tries to push it back in but now he's got both of them on him ready to push him into another overload

anyway yeah the season was okay still felt drab compared to the first season but not quite as disappointing as the second was but I'm sad Grimlock still didn't talk and Tarantulas didn't come back like I'd hoped orz I really wanted him and prowl to interact it would've been so joever for me if he'd shown up again I would have gone insane and I'd be talking about prowl getting filled with eggs instead

...what could have been

[yaut-jaknowit]

Tailored To Fit

Pairing: We'ar-ow (Female Yautja) x Reader

Word Count: 4308

Summary: We'ar-ow drags you back to her room forces you to take another bath. With a fleeting glance in a nearby mirror, you see what she done to you. You asked her what the symbol is. Hers. Dwainet didn’t mark you, another mistake on his part. Now, you are hers forever. After said bath, you are next pulled along to another place on the ship. How many times will this occur before you lose it?!

Author Note: I promise yall I'm not dead, just went on a trip then got covid afterwards. So… sort of dead but not fully, yet. Thank you for all your wonderful comments! I love reading them. I do promise We'ar-ow will lighten up, but you'll have to wait and see!

Masterlist

Ao3

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18

The metal elevator doors whooshed open before you, snapping you from your scattered thoughts. Physically, you jumped with your shoulders scrunched but had to relax. Pain spiked up from the new wound on the back of your neck. A hiss pushed passed clenched teeth.

Yesterday was shit. Today was shit. Tomorrow’s forecast looks to be heading in the same direction. A pained sigh had most of your muscles relaxing. You finally took the first step out of the metal box to join We’ar-ow. Said alien was heading straight towards the door of her apartment like dwelling. Her tall height helped her long strides. We’ar-ow was already at the door and inputting a code for it unlock. Something you noticed this time. Hm.

More metal slid out of the way to reveal the Monarch’s courters. You’ll never get used to the sight. This place dwarfed what Dwainet had. It made sense. Royalty got everything. Lower-class got nothing. The Monarch gets what she wants. That unfortunately had you stuck in this mess of a new life.

We’ar-ow wasted no time stepping into the room. On the opposite hand, you had paused until taking the unnecessary movements to pass the threshold. Behind the duo, the door closed with a soft hissed. The noise making you jump again.

Yet, there was a sight before you that held your full attention. We’ar-ow’s body completely relaxed after the privacy of her room was completed. Your head tilted slightly, brows furrowed for only a moment. The next, the Monarch huffed and marched towards her room. You were back to be tense all over again.

Flashes of what lies beyond appear each time you blinked. Skulls. Skulls of your own kind mounted on her wall. Decorations and prizes she’s been either gifted or collected herself. You didn’t know anything about her. Is she more of a hunter or are most of the bones in the collection are gifts? If so, then most of those came from during the… mating season. You were about to shiver at the reminder when a harsh voice tore you from your thoughts.

“Pet! Follow.”

Instinctively, you felt yourself ready to turn back around and head out the door, tail between your legs. Steeling your frantic nerves, you stayed facing the predator all the way on the other side of her living room. Even with that much space between both of you, there was not a chance you would make it to the elevator before she caught. Like a little game of cat and mouse. A game so easily won before it even started.

The thick lump in your throat made it hard to swallow, throat bobbing with the action. One foot, slowly after another, had you losing the safe distance you had unintentionally created earlier. Before you knew it, now you stood before the Yautja you felt uneasy about. Her gaze reveal nothing of what she felt. She guarded everything about herself, not letting a single drop be seen. A mask well worn. A mask well crafted.

Once you were back in arm’s length, her hand shot out and grasped your wrist. Without further ado, she pulled you into the nightmare that was her room. Immediately, your eyes find the five skulls hanging in the same spot as before. Maybe a minute part of yourself hoped she would’ve taken them down. Never. Not for you. She wasn’t like anything that had made up Dwainet.

Maybe that was a good thing? Seeing this in your new home for the time being.

You were promptly dragged through the room and over to the bathroom once more. She let go after passing the threshold and marched over to the in ground bathtub. Oh god, not again!

To save yourself some trouble, you find your voice, even as small as it is. “I-I don’t need, need another bath.” In all honesty, it sounded like a squeak in your eyes.

As the Monarch messed with the dials and tested the temperature, you saw her mandibles twitch. It was minuscule but nothing she could hide. She finished up with the tub and stood back to her full height, forever towering over you. Her feet barely made a sound as she marched over to you. Another scoff leaving her alien mouth.

“Yes, you do, pet. You still stink of that male. Your branding needs to be clean. Oomans get infections easily.” Wait. Hold up. Back up. Rewind. ‘Branding’? What did she do?!

Anger prickled uncomfortably up the length of your spine, but you did not act on it. The fear still crawling around like a cold, frozen bath put out the fire. You bite your tongue to hold it back. Instead, you found a question to take it’s place. “Can I get some privacy this time?” Something simple. Something any-

“No.” Just no. No explanation. Nothing but a single word to answer your question. “Strip.” Gods, not again! You’ve been humiliated enough today out in public. Especially when she just simply pinned you to the dirt mats and carved something into your flesh.

Two days! It’s only been two days. Already, you could feel this wasn’t going to last long. There was only a certain point you could wait to until harsh words were lashed at her. The Monarch would return fire with probably snapping your neck. Nothing but a pet. That’s all what you were to her. Meaning nothing more. How much could you endure before your lid popped off?

Again, you swallowed and found a spot on the ground more interesting. The clothes given to you by We’ar-ow were stripped from your frail body and held in your hands. A snarky remark sitting like a hot coal on the tip of your tongue. So close to touching the air and spewing burning fire at the person who owns you. Like a good pet, you kept your head bowed and listened.

We’ar-ow stalked around to the back of you and disappeared from your sight. Your body far too tense to turn around and find out what she was doing. She stayed a foot away from you, body heat rolling off of her like a dragon’s fiery breath.

Warm, calloused pads rested on the spot where your neck meets your shoulder. Like prey, you tensed, ready for a finishing blow to wipe you from her presence. The hit never came. Just the softest of strokes over the clotting mark. You hissed from the pain. We’ar-ow did not react, ignoring your movements and sounds.

All you do was glance over to a nearby mirror. A chance to see what the mark looked like. Red, anger, a spitting image of how you feel reflected in the glass. The symbol was strange. Nothing you’ve seen before or heard about from Dwainet. Part of you wants to reach back and run your fingers against it. To see if it was truly there or a part of your imagination.

When We’ar-ow stroked it once more, the newly clotted blood was brushed off. More of the red, hot liquid poured from the wound. She had gone deep. Deep enough to scar. Shit. It was a mark of ownership over you. “What is it?” you had asked, needing confirmation of your suspicion. If she would reveal her hand, you would take it.

“My Monarch symbol. That male never marked you. Another mistake he’ll pay for. Yet, it works out in my favor. No mark on you makes you free rein. I warned him cycles ago to do it… but he never did. His loss is my gain.” The desperate need to ask her why she wants you sits on your tongue again. Her original answer of her being the Monarch didn’t sit right. There was more beyond the façade she put on. Something that you wanted to peel back and reveal, to learn what made We’ar-ow, We’ar-ow.

What was itching in your throat more was the need to yell. To scream at her you aren’t hers or her pet, no matter what mark she put on you, no matter what she called you. Dwainet may have abandoned you, but you aren’t free rein.

Human or not, they’ll learn you aren’t some weak-minded creature.

Heated hands slipped from your body and almost left you cold and shivering. The tub was close to full at this point. No steam rolled off the surface. We’ar-ow stepped around to stand at your side. “Enter. Keep scrubbing at your skin until that wretched male smell is gone from you. I don’t want to catch another whiff of him again,” she spoke, eyes on the water.

About an inch before the water touched the edge, We’ar-ow sat down on her haunches and turned the dials off. You observed the way she stood up. A touch of grace, a hint of caution, most importantly, the ferocity in knowing you could die so quickly to her. Before you would’ve probably know it, your neck could be snapped.

She didn’t turn back to you as she walked over to the bathroom sink. The words from before echoed in your mind. You carefully entered the tub before anything damning could escape your feeble lips. Your barrowed clothing set right the edge. The small piece of jewelry given to you was set on top of the pile.

You took her order seriously, nervous of what she might do if she did smell him again. Your skin scrubbed with just your bare hands till you believed it was good enough. Once more, you kept everything hidden below the water line.

Throughout the whole process, We’ar-ow stood at the counter, both hands resting on the edge. For the life of you, you couldn’t figure out what she was doing or thinking. But if she stayed over there, eyes off of you, there was not much to complain out. You continued to scrub with your hands until you felt ready to exit.

After finishing up, you waded through the water towards the edge closest to her. Your chin peacefully resting on your crossed arms relaxing on the metal that made up her bathroom floor. From this new spot, you observed the mighty Monarch be in her own world. It seemed strange to see her like this, her guard more lowered than you’ve ever seen it before. You wondered if there was a big enough chance to kill her where she stood.

Where would you go from there though? Her clan would be infuriated with you. Fuck that, they would be a thousand times worse than just that. You would probably not be even killed right away. No, they most likely would torture you for however long they feel like it. That’s a quick death you’d beg for like the pathetic prey you are.

Truly, this life offered no escape. Surrounded by a species born to hunt and kill. Is death better? Is death the only escape than being a pet to the Monarch?

Yet, the Monarch has nothing but been fair to you. Excluding the branding. Before that, not a wrongful paw or claw had been laid upon you. Clothes, food, a roof over your head, and your own room. Though, a room that is decorated for a pet than an actual person. It was something better than what Dwainet has ever given to you.

Maybe you were blinded by love the entire time. Here you were, a young adult. The first whiff of love and now you’re stuck on an alien ship, god only knows how many miles away from home. Your lungs quivered with a huge intake. Then, you realized a large, pink form crouched down before you. You squeaked and pushed back from the body.

Water splashed about, licking up the sides of the tub and over the edge. Your arms instinctively curl in to cover up yourself as you stared wide eyed at We’ar-ow. How in the world did she just appear there?!

Similar to a cat, her eyes slowly blink as she observed you. A hand reached down and tapped the ledge, her talons making a clicking sound. The move in your mind was instantly reminding as an owner calling their dog. It was hard to steel your expression from turning sour. This. This was ridiculous. This was humiliating!

And, you listened. No other choice but to listen. Punishment was something you didn’t want to learn about from her. Dwainet never harmed you but that was because you believed he loved you. Maybe he fell as quickly in love with you just as quickly as he fell out of love. You pushed through the water, arms crossed firmly over your chest, and stopped before her crouched frame.

We’ar-ow simply offered a hand in your direction. Surprise morphed your face before you gently rested your hand in hers. The strength of a freight train drove her to pull you up, out of the water, and deposit you on bathroom floor. You stood before her, in shock on how quickly that occurred then shook your head. Water was flung side to side with the motion. Whoops.

Crystal clear water ran rivers down your exposed skin, creating a small pool at your feet. Said pool soon rolled down back to the tub. We’ar-ow used a toe to press a button next to the dials. The water is now retreating from the bath.

A curled finger used your chin to guide your face back to face the creature in front of you. We’ar-ow bent down slightly, pink tongue flickering between her mandibles and tasting the air. Like a predator, she slowly moved her head to scan you over. A content grunt sounded. She stood back at her full height and grasped your bicep in her hold.

Like before, you were dragged over to a familiar spot and blasted with warm air. Your skin dried within seconds. We’ar-ow movements were swift, demanding, and left you no room for a word. No chances were offered before she had you dressed and trotting after her through the halls. Every one of her steps light, feet bare on the metal, clanship floors. Just like you. But your feet made small slaps no matter how hard you tried. It was either her skin or the way she just stepped.

The pink Yautja stopped before a door and inputted a code. The movements of something you found familiar, just like back at her own door.

A beep sounded and the metal slid out of the way. What was revealed to you was something out of a book or movie. We’ar-ow stepped forward, completely ignoring the way you just stood there, eyes sparkling.

It had a strange appeal to it. Clothes, armor, and anything of the sort were everywhere. Organized but everywhere. On mannequins or hangars. From tall ceilings to floor, the place was filled with all sort of different fabrics and clothing. You were enamored and felt like a child in a candy store. This was all knew and boy was it cool!

“Pet.” Shit. You snapped out of your joy, eyes finding We’ar-ow’s back to you. How did she know? You took the necessary steps to walk over to her, behind her but more to her side.

That’s when you saw a new Yautja. Instinctively, you wanted to take a step to the side and hide behind the Monarch. Yet, you stayed rooted in the same spot and gazed upon this male Yautja.

Cliché enough, a monocle sat on his left eye. The other was gone, a deep, ugly scar replacing it. You could only cringe on the inside of the pain he had to endure from that. He wore something unusual for Yautjas. More of a suit or uniform adorn his brown/bronze body. He was a beautiful color. He messed with his gauntlet device on his arm before picking up his head.

In slow motion, you watched as his laxed body tensed under the sight of We’ar-ow’s new presences. Then, he bowed his head, eyes going towards the floor. Respect instantly given to her. “Monarch! On time, like always,” he spoke, voice sounding a higher pitch in the Yautja he used. The translator in your ear almost drowning him out.

She stayed where she was without moving a single inch. “Ruach,” she greeted the now nervous Yautja before reaching over to you. A massive paw landed on your shoulder and guided you forward.

Ruach’s eyes were on you the moment you were pushed into the spotlight. There was indifference in your eyes. Good. At least, he didn’t have a hatred or disgust for your kind. “Ah, the ooman.” He took a step towards you. The hand on you twitched, fingers slightly digging into your flesh now. A sight he caught on quickly and reframed from taking anymore steps. “I will need to touch it for measurements.”

Your face twitched, anger flashing in your eyes at his jab. It? These spineless pricks! You breathed carefully through your nose and just watched the Yautja pull out a measuring tape.

The hand slipped from your shoulder, brushing down your back. In its wake, goosebumps sprouted to life. You had to stop yourself from shivering.

“The clothes must be removed as well,” he spoke as matter-of-factly. Your head jerked back, mouth falling open. One threatening step was taken in his direction. A finger pointed straight at him as you glared deadly daggers at him.

“Now, wait a fucking minute! You-“ a hand engulfed your mouth and yanked you flush to a boiling body. You stiffened, knowing who did it without having to look. The grip on your face was firm but not anywhere near hurting you. Just a warning.

Heat flashed in the male eyes, mandibles twitching. Now disgust pooled in those once gorgeous eyes of his. “My pet is still learning their place.” Is all she does to deviate the issue away from you. That hurt as well. You were half tempted to bite viciously at the hand covering your mouth. The rational side of your brain was quick to snuff out of that thought. Nothing good would come of it. All you had to do was bide your time currently and hope to survive.

Your hot breath fanned over the hand cupping the lower part of your face. All you could do in this moment was pray she doesn’t just snap your neck for the sudden outburst. Yet, you were still seething at the fact he wanted you to strip naked. Over your dead body.

The male grunted and tried to keep an indifferent look on his face, but he failed. On the other hand, you were full blown glaring this alien down.

We’ar-ow yanked your head tighter against her, officially drawing your attention away from him. Your throat bobbed as you looked up at her. All you could see was the bottom of her jaw and lower mandibles. Her eyes probably on the male.

“The clothing can be removed,” We’ar-ow said, dismissing your disapproval. If you weren’t in front of others, you would’ve cried. This was just downright shameful.

From the angle We’ar0ow held your head and pressure on your throat, speaking was next to impossible. There was no room to voice how embarrassing stripping naked in front of her, let alone him was. You didn’t know him! At least, you’ve been around We’ar-ow for two days. Not much but still something! Your hand balled into fists at your side as you burned holes into the underside of We’ar-ow’s jaw. Not that she was paying you any attention.

He looked at you with a glint in his eye. “It won’t try to bite, right?” Inside of you head, you thought ‘the fuck I won’t’. Your confidence went down the drain though.

The hand around a soft, vulnerable area slipped away. Sharp, lethal claws dragging across your skin, a warning to be on your best behavior. She nudged you forward towards the other Yautja. “Strip, pet.” The bone of your jaw creaked as you did everything in your power to not react aggressively.

“Why? Can’t he measure me with my clothes on? I’m not getting naked in front of some random person!” I yelled and whipped around to face We’ar-ow. The Yautja looked at with a mostly indifferent look in her bright eyes. But there were specks of something else floating around.

All she did was bend a little at the waist to get closer to your face. The look in her eye told you everything needed to know. Either you did it willingly or she’ll do it for you. With tight lips and anger flashing across your face, you harshly tore your clothes off and threw them next to you. “I hope you’re fucking happy for continuously embarrassing me,” you snarled, fists shaking at your sides.

Nothing was said as Ruach got to work and began to measure all different parts of your body. During this time, you found the floor to be far more entertaining. Thankfully, he worked quick and efficiently. His hands rarely even skimmed against my skin. Once it was all done, he stepped back and inputted the new information on the screen on his gauntlet.

“I’ve recorded all that is necessary. If you need something, Monarch, let me know.” With that, he turned around and sat down at his desk to begin working on my new clothing.

Part of you is jittery at the fact We’ar-ow is getting you new clothes, somewhat spoiling you. On the other hand, this Yautja has constantly disrespected your boundaries constantly. You could care less about it being her culture or what not or the fact she’s top dog. All you were was a pet to her. Nothing more.

The loss of body heat close by drew your attention away from Ruach. We’ar-ow was making her way back to the door. Your feet slapped against the ground as you retreated after her form like a lost puppy. But before you could take a step out, you realized you had no clothes on.

Still in your hand, you were swift to pull on the fabric back into place. We’ar-ow waited long enough for you to finish. The place gave you an uncomfortable feeling, so you were quick to race after her once more. Away from this embarrassing place and that infuriating male. Your body trembled for the last time in the hallway outside of the room.

We’ar-ow you straight back to the safety of her suite. No stops or letting anyone talk to her. Not that anyone would. A Monarch is a busy person. She had no time to pause and chitchat.

The threshold of her room started to offer relief. We’ar-ow wasn’t someone you trusted but having your guard up all the time wasn’t good. Your mind already starting to lag after the last two days of action and agony. A broken heart isn’t something to brush off. Blindly, you followed We’ar-ow to a room you’ve seen before.

Before you know it, you’re sitting down on the human sized dog pet. Your legs are crossed as you peered up at the big hunk of muscle in front of you. A look of indifference on her pink face. The Yautja leaned down and softly grasped your chin. Her mandibles twitched in thought. A mind you wished to eavesdrop on. Whatever was rolling around in there had to have important.

A left her mouth, eyes slowly closing. “Adapt to this new life, pet. Quickly or else I cannot save you.” Your first reaction was to tilt your head but her hold stopped that. What did she mean about the saving part? You held your tongue and watched as she stared into your eyes. It was like she was trying to find something, whatever that might be.

Either she did or didn’t, We’ar-ow returned to her full height, hand slipping away. “Stay,” she ordered and motioned with her hand in a universal sign to ‘wait’. And you did.

The Yautja left for a few long moments but returned quickly with a red, wooden bowl. From your angle on the floor, you couldn’t see what the contents were until she handed it to you.

Fruit. Exotic fruit from what would like Pandora. A hidden smile graced your face, one she spotted. You timidly accepted her offer. Before a taking a bite, you gazed back up at her. She quirked a brow down at you. “What is it?” The harsh voice added with the rudeness of her words made you flinch, clutching the bowl tightly. Like she would rip it from your hands and yell at you.

“N-nothing,” you stuttered and bowed your head, refusing to find her bright eyes on you. You chewed on your bottom lip and gazed at the fruit.

The Yautja ‘hmpf’ed. “We need to work on that.” You don’t know what she was referring to but went along with it. Anything to get to leave quickly. Today was already a disaster. The last thing you wanted was her anger to be directed strictly on you.

Two stiff pats to your head and she was leaving. The sight of her feet facing in the other direction had you picking up your chin to watch her go. You observed her powerful walk. Each step firm and calculating. A powerhouse of strictly muscle and will to survive made up this woman.

Your new bedroom door slid shut. When it did, your body slumped as you did everything in your power not to just sob into the bowl of fruit. Half of you wanted to chuck the damn thing away from you in a fit of rage. The logical side thought of waste it would be to toss it away. Food gave strength. You need strength to survive, let alone escape. You needed to take everything she gave you to keep living on.

One day, you’ll return home.

Part 1 |Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18

[eccentricallygothic]

i didn't understand the last two episodes of supernatural at all. was it a covid thing?? it felt like they were written by people who'd never watched the show who just got brought in to wrap it up quickly. why didn't they even try to rescue Castiel from the empty?? that's what I don't understand. I figured when Cass died the last two episodes of the show would be Sam and Dean rescuing him! but he just died and they never mentioned him again! it made zero sense. Dean dying in that stupid way in the finale was totally ridiculous too. a spike through the back?? that he just oops fell on?? it was the dumbest thing I've ever seen. Dean has died like a million times already. in way worse ways than that. he always comes back. we know that. we were just supposed to watch that and be like "oh well I guess this time it's for real" like Jack didn't literally just become GOD the episode before?? like they're not friends with a super powerful witch who is the queen of Hell? like Castiel hadn't died and gone to the Empty before and come back?? like they don't know any magic?? it made no sense. they should do more episodes just to erase those last episodes. like start up a new season with Dean waking up from a nightmare in his bed in the bunker and going "wow I'm glad that didn't actually happen. ok! time to go save Cass!"

well, they said it was a covid thing 🤷🏻‍♀️ and i am like, a show that ran for almost 2 decades and had such a huge legacy, couldn't you wait instead of rushing it so bad that it ended up a disaster?

i agree with you 10,000%! even the john and mary come back arc? It felt so out of place if you ask me. they were literally doing anything towards the end.

also yes! cass did so much for them and they never mentioned him again??? they were all about protecting their own and crossing any boundary to do so but the excuse was that the empty doesnt answer to anyone bla bla bla. the entirety of spns runtime was about finding a way! team free will and all. i feel like Misha was forgotten as a whole towards the end

oooff don't even get me started on deans death. it was so fucking lame that it was unreal. a man who came back from hell? survived the mark of cain? fought archangels and endured possession by them? survived purgatory? literally fought god and killed god died just like that? it was extremely stupid and a not fair to his badass character at all

the last episode was a mess. after the shit storm that they boys went through during the shows runtime, it should have honestly been a happy episode because they had earned it and i am not hearing anyone out sorry! for my own mental peace i like to pretend the last episode doesnt exist thank you!