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#this is our official stance as well
fossys · 3 months
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HELP apparently one of our posts got big enough that an anti endo blog stole it n reposted it???? this is so fuckin funny to me wha
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allpromarlo · 10 months
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i'd rather be bad now and really good in the future than be kinda average now and really bad in the future idk
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ahaura · 6 months
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i saw someone point out the frequency with which liberals back social justice movements... how, for instance, when ferguson happened under obama it was not popular and there were many, many liberals who found the blm movement, in a sense, "in violation of [liberal] sensibilities" (when liberalism as a rule does not challenge the status quo, only maintains it and sees any call for revolution or real change as disruptive or 'bad for optics' and therefore not acceptable) but then when trump became president and he opposed blm a lot more liberals decided that the blm movement had merit because they viewed it from a team-sports perspective rather than a worldview based on morals and an understanding of the systems in place in the U.S. - that it was more comfortable for them to operate from a "trump bad" basis rather than "the american justice system and the police are inherently white supremacist, which are inherently, automatically, and always violent"
+ that, if trump was president while israel is carrying out its genocide, liberals would have NO problem denouncing israel and demanding for a ceasefire because they're comfortable operating from the 2-party system basis, NOT from a framework based on material conditions or factors or any acknowledgement or analysis of imperialism, colonialism, or capitalism. but because biden is a democrat, and democrats are supposed to be "the decent party" "the lesser evil" "more respectable" when, in functionality - in real practice, they don't want to disrupt the status quo. (internally, maintaining systems of white supremacy and capitalism; externally, furthering U.S. imperialism by maintaining hegemony and continuing the practice of exploitation and extraction of labor+capital+resources from the global south)
which is why we're here, a month into a genocide, and liberals are so cowardly and gutless that, in the face of our democrat president allowing and funding the genocide of palestinians in order for the U.S. to maintain its military base in the middle east, liberals IMMEDIATELY jump to "well, you HAVE to vote for him still, because trump will be worse!" and go "well im powerless there's nothing i can do", immediately folding like a wet paper bag in the face of the american empire rearing its ugly head in the most blatant, naked way in years, instead of thinking "this is unacceptable, i should pressure my elected officials and do everything i can - be it combating propaganda, contacting my congresspeople or senators, protesting, or engaging in direct action - to ensure this stops as quickly as possible".
there are liberals STILL IN MY NOTIFICATIONS who go "well you'll be electing a fascist if you vote for trump" not realizing that YOU CAN'T SIMPLY VOTE FASCISM AWAY. (which is not to say you should vote for republicans; that's not what i'm saying. none of us have said it.) we're pretty much already there. it's 2003 all over again, with the patriot act and all. the american war machine is pumping out racist, orientalist, pro-colonial, pro-genocide propaganda on behalf of the ethno-state america and its allies have backed since the so-called state's inception. people are being doxxed, fired, harassed, and attacked for visibly supporting palestine/opposing israel. islamophobic hate crimes are on the rise; a 6 year old boy was murdered not one month ago, an arab doctor in texas was stabbed to death. antisemitism is on the rise as well, thanks to the conflation of antisemitism with anti-zionism (which nazis have and will attempt to co-op in order to 'justify' + then act on their antisemitism, racism, and genocidal worldviews). our government is silencing people, brutalizing protestors, and arming and funding an ethno-state committing genocide - everything that would have been called fascist if it was under trump. but because it's a *democrat* liberals place "vote blue no matter who" and "optics" over the extremely basic moral stance that "genocide is wrong and people have the right to self-determination, autonomy, and life". arabs and muslims are already so dehumanized in the west that liberals (whether they consider themselves liberals or not) consider it an inconvenience to talk about the ongoing genocide that is happening with the blessing of OUR government. in this they expose their selfishness, the shallowness of their morals, their chauvinism, and their racism/orientalism/islamophobia/et cetera.
for example, if you see israeli troops waving a gay pride flag and the israeli state touting its support of gay people while said iof soldiers are murdering men, women, and children en masse every single day and you somehow????? think that because gay people are the ones doing the killing or a state claims to support gay people is doing the killing is ok then 1) you have fallen for pinkwashing propaganda and 2) that you find the murder of palestinians, or any people, permissible by a colonial force that uses causes liberals may genuinely care about in order to disguise, whitewash, or "lessen" the severity of the injustices it does unto usually black and brown people outside of the U.S., then you are just as bloodthirsty and depraved as anyone you would personally assign those descriptors of.
once again, it goes back to resorting to a team-sport understanding of the world rather than approaching it from a material one.
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pillowfort-social · 8 months
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ChatGPT Bot Block
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Hey Pillowfolks!
We know many of you are still waiting on our official stance regarding AI-Generated Images (also referred to as “AI Art”) being posted to Pillowfort.  We are still deliberating internally on the best approach for our community as well as how to properly moderate AI-Generated Images based on the stance we ultimately decide on. We’re also in contact with our Legal Team for guidance regarding additions to the Terms of Service we will need to include regarding AI-Generated Images. This is a highly divisive issue that continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so while we know many of you are anxious to receive a decision, we want to make sure we carefully consider the options before deciding. Thank you for your patience as we work on this. 
As of today, 9/5/2023, we have blocked the ChatGPT bot from scraping Pillowfort. This means any writings you post to Pillowfort cannot be retrieved for use in ChatGPT’s Dataset. 
Our team is still looking for ways to provide the same protection for images uploaded to the site, but keeping scrapers from accessing images seems to be less straightforward than for text content. The biggest AI generators such as StableDiffusion use datasets such as LAION, and as far as our team has been able to discern, it is not known what means those datasets use to scrape images or how to prevent them from doing so. Some sources say that websites can add metadata tags to images to prevent the img2dataset bot (which is apparently used by many generative image tools) from scraping images, but it is unclear which AI image generators use this bot vs. a different bot or technology. The bot can also be configured to simply disregard these directives, so it is unknown which scrapers would obey the restriction if it was added.
For artists looking to protect their art from AI image scrapers you may want to look into Glaze, a tool designed by the University of Chicago, to protect human artworks from being processed by generative AI. 
We are continuing to monitor this topic and encourage our users to let us know if you have any information that can help our team decide the best approach to managing AI-Generated Images and Generative AI going forward. Again, we appreciate your patience, and we are working to have a decision on the issue of moderating AI-Generated Images soon.
Best, Pillowfort.social Staff
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I am not as popular of a creator as @sschaos is, and that is exactly why they felt they could treat me and verbally harass me in the manner they did. I’m posting this to my tumblr as well, because I want this to get as much reach as I can given the current circumstances.
To see them misrepresent conflicts they created, and that I myself was witness to and a part of, is honestly somewhat sickening, and drags forth a level of vulnerability I’m usually not comfortable with expressing online. Given their treatment of me and many others on the Fable SMP, and their need to misconstrue truths in order to make themselves seem like anything more than a bully and an instigator has brought me to an emotional point I cannot step away from.
My official statement about my experiences with Chaos during our shared time on the Fable SMP can be read here, and I have also linked my tiktok where I have tried to explain my stance more personally. This is not a statement on behalf of the Fable SMP about silly minecraft drama.
This is my experience, as a real person, with another real person who treated me like I was worthless, and almost made me believe that I was.
You can call this post unprofessional. I don’t care anymore because what is unprofessional is the way they treated me personally.
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skylersprompts · 6 months
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DC x DP Prompt *10*
It had been a relative uneventful day in Gotham, the new Week just started and most of the big rouges were still in Arkham after the last big breakout. And even tho the nightly patrol wasn't done, Batman send most of his charges that were still somewhat injured home. He, Orphan and Robin would be able to handle the rest.
They had stopped some muggings and one break-in by the time patrol officially ended. His children made their way back to the manor on their bikes, while the Bat made one last round through the docks.
He had a feeling of foreboding, not necessarily a bad feeling, but he was cautious. Even if Cassandra and Damian weren't hurt that badly, he still wanted them home. He wasn't entirely sure why, but he didn't had much time to think it over.
A swirling green Portal opened in front of him and a figure started to emerge from it. Bruce got into a fighting stance, his eyes trained on the unknown.
The Portal vanished after a young man, almost still a boy, stepped out of it. He had white hair that seemed to sway as if he was under water. Green freckles glowed in the dark, just a little muted in contrast to the vibrant green eyes. The boy - because the longer Bruce looked, the younger the being seemed - floated a few inches in the air. In his hands he held what looked like a type of thermos.
"You are Batman, right?", his voice seemed to echo a bit, even in this open space. Bruce just gave a little nod, still in his fighting stance. Just because the other seemed young, didn't mean he wasn't dangerous.
"Good, good... ahem... So my name is Danny or Phantom or Danny Phantom and I know this might come a bit suddenly, but a friend of mine - well more like my mentor - said that I was on the way for the best possible timeline and I think he really needs someone like you - you know with all those contingency plans - and a different dimension than ours and he is already 3 years in the thermos, well minus the bit he was out for a moment where Clockwork sat his Bodytime a bit back, so that he can have a childhood again, but that was like five minutes max. so that doesn't really count, because ha was also in timeout, so for him it was more like a few seconds, but ahem, what I wanted to ask you Mr. Batman, sir... Would you take my evil self from a different timeline, so that he can have a better childhood and maybe be not evil anymore?", Danny rambled and Batman really wished in this moment to have any of his children here, just to make sure that he did indeed hear correctly.
Even if everything had came out in one breath, the things he could piece together didn't paint the best picture. But it seemed like his brooding had taken to long, because the child folded into himself and started do fidget.
"I understand that you don't want to, you don't know me or Dan or anything about us, but you seemed to be the one most capable of handling him and I looked through so many dimension in the hope to find a good place for him... I can understand why he is like he is, but I will never be able to talk sense into him. His actions are unforgivable, but his timeline doesn't exist anymore, the things he done never happened and he is alone in a dimension that would just remind him of everything that happened if he would life with us... But I can totally just look into some more dimension if you don't want to! It's not your problem and I shouldn't have bothered, sorry!" Phantom started to raise his hand and a green line became visible where his finger cut through the air. If Bruce didn't do anything the being would go with a child that needed his help.
"I want a list with all his abilitis, his weaknesses, his potential triggers, dietary needs, allergies, a way to contact you, your mentor and a third trusted person in case of an emergency and a weekly check in system from your side", Bruce knew his kids would make fun of him when he brought another child home, but someone said he was the best possible guardian for this boy, so he would take him. And if he felt pleased about Danny's surprised and relieved face, than no one needed to know.
"Of course! I think Clockwork gave me a folder with everything!", the boy exclaimed, before he led the riff he started to open close, just to open another one. He seemed to rummage in the small Portal, until he showed him a folder full of papers. This would take a while to go through, but at least the boy was prepared.
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shanastoryteller · 9 months
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Happy Pride, Shana! 🏳️‍🌈☺️💕
Please, I need more of your Jim and Sybok buddy fic!
a continuation of 1 2 3 4
Sybok double checks Jim's numbers, then triple checks them, and normally that would get him a some sarcastic indignation, but instead Jim just paces and rubs his hands against his thighs and simultaneously looks his age and at the same time far too old.
"The ion storms are unpredictable," he says finally. "It's possible we'll be able to get a signal out to Starfleet before the spring."
"Well, anything's possible," Jim agrees. "Seventy three years of ion storm data says it's not fucking likely, though." He runs his hands through his hair. "The season just started, if I'd started a few weeks ago, we could have got a message out before the storms rolled in-"
"Hey," he says sharply. "We're lucky you discovered it this early. We can start conserving food now, and maybe - maybe we'll get lucky again."
Fall has just started, the season of harvest that gets them through the austere winter. Tarsus IV doesn't get cold, not like it can on Earth, but it does get dry. Sybok had actually been looking forward to the winter, since the climate would more closely resemble what he grew up with on Vulcan.
That had been when he'd though food would be abundant, if a combination of heavily salted and flash frozen.
Jim gives him a look that reminds him, horribly, of his father. "What's the official Vulcan stance on luck again?"
He glares. "It is illogical to ignore the possibility of survival just because of a low probability."
"That's not it and you know it," he laughs, humorless.
"Maybe we can develop some sort of pesticide to save the remaining crops.
Jim's reaction is pure offense, which is at least an improvement on hopelessness. "Okay, I didn't graduate from the VSA, but I did run these experiments myself, you know. It's all already infected almost all of our crops. They're a goner, and everyone is going to figure that out in a couple of weeks when everything rots from the inside out."
Yeah. They can probably synthesize something to counteract these parasites for the next planting season, but that depends on them being around come spring.
"We won't all die," Sybok says quietly, because many planets have endured similar circumstances in their past, however distant. "There are always survivors."
Jim presses his lips together. "Yeah. Because Vulcans' strict vegetarian diet really lends itself it to cannibalism."
Sybok's stomach rolls but he keeps his face neutral. "Technically, as I am the only Vulcan on planet, it would not be cannibalism."
There are always survivors, but their survival comes at a price. He already knows that it's a price he's unwilling to pay.
He should have listened to Amanda.
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gallusrostromegalus · 6 months
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Why dies tousen hate horoscopes?
Scene: Ninth Division HQ, about 10 years after Turn Back The Pendulum and a few years into the regular publication of The Seireitei Bulletin, The Gotei-13's officially endorsed monthly periodical, produced by the 9th Division, of which one Captain Kaname Tousen is Editor-In-Chief: Tousen could feel the sizzling aura well before he ever set foot in the 9th divisions courtyard, and a good ten minutes before the loser of the hasty break room janken tournament coughed nervously at his office door.
"Yes, Hashimoto?" he sighed.
"The. Uh. The Captain-General is here to see you." Hashimoto stammered. "Actually he's right here in the hall if you want to-"
Yamamoto strolled up to the threshold of the door but did not quite step inside. There were rules, and even The Great Genryusai Yamamoto was beholden to them. "Captain Tousen." he spoke evenly.
"Sir." Kaname stood up and bowed as Hashimoto sprinted back down the hall. His footfalls did not entirely cover the sound of others slinking closer to eavesdrop. This was the 9th, and Kaname would be the first to admit he'd be a little disappointed if their meeting wasn't being carefully and discretely documented by several division members.
Now that he had been acknowledged, Yamamoto stepped in. "At ease." he nodded, and Tousen shifted positions a bit into an easier but no less cautious stance.
The Captain-General went to stand in front of the window beside Kaname's desk, looking down into the courtyard of the Ninth, or perhaps the extensive collection of Bird feeders a confused but earnest Ukitake had gifted Kaname over the years*. "...Captain Iba has been to see me."
Tousen winced. Third Division Captain Chikane Iba, mother of Young Tetsuzaemon and Astrology Fanatic, was Kaname Tousen's third-greatest personal nemesis, and that was only because he had not yet figured out how to Murder Aizen and Gin.
"She claims you were rather sharp with her when you turned down her proposal to include a Horoscope in The Bulletin." Yamamoto continued, watching an exceptionally round bird with dramatic black facial markings hop between feeders, sampling the wide variety of seeds available.
"The contents of the Seireitei Bulletin are not the concern of anyone except the Ninth save in terms of veracity, and to that end, there is not, and will never be, a Horoscope in The Bulletin." Tousen spoke as evenly as possible, but the acid in his voice dripped through.
"I am aware this is not actually my problem," Yamamoto nodded as the little bird settled on a feeder full of safflower seeds. "-But Captain Iba seems determined to make it my problem, so I am politely asking you to make it cease being a problem at all."
"As I said, the foremost requirement of any information or article in the bulletin is that it be, to the best of our ability, accurate and true. In that sense, no horoscope has ever managed to pass the first requirement of publication." Tousen stood up straighter. "I cannot help it if Captain Iba chooses to believe in patent nonsense, but I absolutely refuse to indulge her childish and cruel superstitions."
Yamamoto turned to look at Tousen. "Cruel?"
"A horoscope is, fundamentally, a means of arbitrarily grouping people into various stereotypes based on the accident of their birth. Several of the stereotypes are as cruel as they are inaccurate. For instance, everyone born in from late August through September is a quarrelsome slut, according to her favorite theory of divination."
"...That doesn't sound like Sajin at all." Yamamoto muttered.
"Putting the fraudulent pseudoscience and outright fabrication of all the Zodiac's so-called facts to the side for a moment- It encourages prejudice in a very literal sense. Deciding whether you will be worshipful of or nemeses with someone based entirely on a date, and not one hint of their actual conduct!" Kaname waved his hands evocatively, trying to avoid raising his voice in from of his commander. "Furthermore, predestination is a callous philosophy- to say that our fate is written in the stars is as good as saying that any unfortunate circumstance someone may be born with is 'just how things are' and encourages an apathetic neglect of one's fellow man- if this is destiny, why bother trying to improve things? Worse still- if the stars dictate that someone be born with some misfortune, it is implied also that they *deserved* this misfortune somehow, and heaps the further misfortunes of guilt and being perceived as wicked onto people who were already suffering!"
"...You can tell why I cannot give even the barest hint of endorsement to this kind of thinking." Tousen sighed, gesturing to his face.
"Hm." Yamamoto nodded, watching the birds for a moment. "Your point is well-taken, but this still leaves Captain Iba and her cohort to be dealt with."
"I can lead a horse to water sir, but I cannot make her think." Tousen shrugged.
Yamamoto snorted with amusement. "She did say you compared Astrology rather unfavorably to livestock waste. What was it, Stupider than..?"
"I believe my exact words were that if one were to channel the entire farm animal waste of the rukongai for 100 years into a single location, one would still not have a pile of shit as spectacular as this stupider-than-sheep-smegma attempt at prognostication. Sir." Kaname mumbled.
"...Your former career as a Librarian really enhances the quality of your work." Yamamoto nodded, turning from the window and stepping closer to Kaname, head bowed conspiratorially. "Would you like some advice?"
"Sir?" Kaname tilted his head to point an ear at the old man.
"Understand that you shouldn't follow this advice too often, but I feel like it might help in this situation." Yamamoto cautioned.
Kaname nodded, curious.
"If you do something badly enough the first time, you will not be asked to do it a second time." Yamamoto explained with an audible grin in his voice.
Kaname blinked a few times, processing that, then broke out in a small, hopeful smile of his own.
"You understand. Good man." Yamamoto nodded, affectionately clapping Tousen on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Sir." Kaname grinned. "If you can remind me, When is Captain Iba's Birthday again?"
"September Fourtheenth." Yamamoto replied with a speed that indicated he'd looked up and been waiting to tell Tousen that date all morning. "As you were then, Captain Tousen."
"Thank you, Sir." Kaname bowed.
"I look forward to your next publication with great anticipation!" Yamamoto cheerfully called over his shoulder as he turned to leave, chucking quietly at the sound of manic typing already emanating from Tousen's office.
---
*Upon Tousen's extremely unfortunate promotion to Captain, an entirely good-natured and generous Ukitake had asked Tousen if he had any hobbies, with the intent of trying to get the poor thing's mind off The Tragedy, and scoping out an appropriate end-of-year gift for his new colleague.
Unfortunately, Kaname had been in a foul mood on account of the horror show his life had become, and had sarcastically replied "Bird-watching."
"Oh of course!" Ukitake had replied without missing a beat "-You ryouken is so sensitive you can probably pick a thrush out of a thicket a mile off, and you must be excellent at identifying bird calls!" And then proceeded to gift Kaname varying types of bird feeders, baths and houses until the small porch outside Tousen's office had become a stronghold of the Audubon Society.
Kaname did have to admit, Ukitake was right- with a little practice he *had* gotten quite good at using his spiritual sense to identify the hundreds of birds that passed through the Ninth, and the Birdsong both a comforting blanket of white noise and early warning of Gin's approach were it to suddenly cease.
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wallydrling · 1 year
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go away (or don't)
pairing: wally darling/reader
rating: g
author's note: gender neutral reader to the best of my ability! i'm very new to welcome home so please be kind @:)
ao3 (it looks so much better there! go to hell, tumblr!)
Your relationship with Wally, new as it may be, is not without its challenges.
The transition from friends to something more had been a bit of a sticky subject at first, tacky to the touch. But a dozen long conversations and drawn-out explanations had really cleared a lot of things up, and by the end of your first official month as Home's newest couple, things had seemed to be tilting towards hopeful.
Now, as you stand in the middle of Wally's living room, arms folded over your chest, you're not positive that you didn't rush into things.
You aren't mad at him. He is standing just a few feet away, face carefully blank, arms limp by his sides. He is nearly impossible to be mad at. But for all your talk of boundaries, you'd forgotten to discuss something very important with him; your dedication to your friendship with Julie.
"She spends the night with you," Wally says, voice even. "A lot. I don't even get to spend the night with you."
He'd been upset to find out that your twice-weekly sleepovers with Julie hadn't stopped even after your relationship with him kicked into gear. You hadn't brought it up during any of your discussions because you didn't think it mattered. You weren't– you aren't– willing to change anything about your relationship with Julie. You won't sacrifice it. It's too important to you.
"Julie is my friend," you tell him. It's important to keep a level head. Getting upset will only make the situation worse. "I'm not going to stop spending time with her just because you and I are together."
"She lies in your bed," he says. "With you. Beside you."
Bickering with him is…not what you expected it would be. Despite him being more in touch with his emotions than ever, it still doesn't transfer well into his voice. He speaks slowly, the cadence near-robotic, and it's difficult for you to decipher how intense the emotions that he's feeling actually are right now. He doesn't look mad. He isn't smiling, and his eyes are slightly narrowed, but besides that, he is a blank slate. It's as infuriating as it is confusing.
"Wally," you sigh, uncrossing your arms. "She's just a friend, okay? I'm allowed to have friends."
He tilts his chin up defiantly, and there it is–something to latch on to.
"I don't think it's appropriate," he says. "Frank and Eddie don't sleep in other neighbors' beds."
"You do understand that we can't model our entire relationship around Frank and Eddie's, right?" You ask, quirking a brow.
"You're not listening," he huffs. His hands twitch at his sides, fingertips curling into his palms. "You're being unkind."
"No," your jaw flexes subconsciously. "You're being unreasonable."
He lifts his eyes to the ceiling. "Home? Do you think I'm being unreasonable?"
There's a subtle creak, and a consecutive bang, bang.
"Well, there you have it," his mouth curls up into a smile, but it is smug and a little bit cruel.
"Wha–You can't ask Home!" You exclaim, throwing your hands up. "That isn't fair! This is between you and I."
He mimics your earlier stance by crossing his arms over his chest. It's a little off; a little clunky, but he gets the gist of it. He looks closed off, and hurt, and maybe angry. You can't read his eyes well enough. It's a learning process, and he is the kind of book that people spend hundreds of years decoding.
"I think you've overstayed your welcome," He nods towards the front door, and it swings open. "Goodbye, neighbor."
You don't move. He's kicking you out? Your legs feel like they've been cased in cement, and your tongue is heavy in your mouth. No. The argument cannot end like this. There has to be a resolution, or the two of you will never come back from this. Your relationship is too new to handle something so detrimental.
"Wally," you try. His name sounds soft and sweet in your voice because, for all the bickering and the mean words, you cannot be mad at him. You just can't.
"Please leave," he says. He shifts on his feet. "I think I'm…mad. And I really, really don't want to be mad at you, but I don't know how not to be. So, you should go."
You appreciate the fact that he is attempting to explain his feelings. That he's digging deep, and being honest with you. You know that it hasn't been easy for him, learning about conceptualizing emotions, and letting himself take the time to decode them. He has struggled. You've helped him through almost-panic attacks too many times to count. He gets overwhelmed sometimes, and you know that, even for you, relationships aren't simple. Standing up to you, it must be difficult.
"Relationships are hard, sometimes," you say, taking a step towards him. "It's normal to be angry with your partner when you both disagree on something very important. And…I know that trying to talk about it can be frustrating."
He relaxes just slightly at your words; you see it in the way his shoulders droop. He still has his arms crossed over his chest, but he is looking at you now, and his eyes go round at the edges. They lose their sharpness.
"Frank and Eddie disagree on things, too," you continue. "Being partners with someone means compromising."
"Compromising," Wally repeats. "But you won't–you're not compromising with me."
"Let's sit down and talk about it some more," you suggest, offering him a warm smile. "We should never intentionally hurt each other, alright? If my sleepovers with Julie have hurt your feelings, I want to make that right."
You take a seat on his sofa, patting the spot next to you. He hesitates for a moment, and then sits down, too. His ankles cross, and he folds his hands in his lap.
"You don't like it when I have sleepovers with Julie because she lies in my bed with me?" You ask. You're careful with your words, with your tone. You don't want to upset him further, or have him close himself off.
He nods. "I've read Julie's romance books, and when two people love each other, they always share a bed."
Ah, yes. Since the realization of his feelings for you, Wally has been in love with the idea of love. He reads Julie's silly, cliché stories, and asks Frank and Eddie questions that are perhaps a bit too personal. He is smart and curious, and he's always wanting to learn. This–all things romance– has just been his newest fixation. You're not sure that Julie's books or Frank and Eddie's ever-changing dynamic are the best references for him, though. He is not like the love interest in a romance novel. He shouldn't try to compare himself to anyone else.
"Sharing a bed isn't always romantic," you explain. "There are a lot of different kinds of love. But," you reach out to place a hand on his knee, soothing, and he lets you. Does not move away, so you take that as a good sign. "If me sharing a bed with someone else makes you uncomfortable, I'm willing to compromise. How about when Julie comes over, she lies in my bed, and I sleep on the couch?"
He takes a moment to think about this. You see the cogs turning in his head, the way his mouth straightens out, and then pulls down at the corners.
"Okay," he says. "I think that would be…okay. I would feel happier with that."
"And," you tell him, "you can't keep basing your idea of love around what you read in books, okay? All relationships are different. You have to learn to navigate it through experience."
"I just," he looks down, eyes closing for a second. "I have questions, sometimes. I don't know where to find answers."
Your hand slides up to cup his cheek, and his skin goes a little pink beneath your touch.
"Next time you have a question, just ask me about it, alright?" You say. Your thumb smooths along his skin, and you brush a bit of blue hair behind his ear. "We'll work on it together."
"I like how that sounds," he smiles, eyes twinkling beneath high noon's light beaming in through the windows. "Together."
Pleased now, he scoots closer to you on the couch. His mouth curves up, and he gets this mischievous look on his face that you've come to associate with his silly little antics. He dives forward and kisses the round apple of your cheek, darting away with a sweet, "muah!"
"So you're not mad at me anymore, then?" You ask, tips of your ears warm.
He shakes his head. "Not mad. Sorry I tried to make you leave earlier."
You take his face between your hands, and squish his cheeks until his mouth puckers up. He looks goofy and open and so, so happy. Before you can talk yourself out of it, you press forward and kiss him on the mouth, once, then twice. The pink on his face goes deeper, and his ears turn red, too.
"I'm sorry for not taking your feelings seriously at first," you say. "I accept your apology. Do you accept mine?"
"I don't know," he shrugs. "Maybe a few more kisses will sway me."
You laugh, falling against his chest, and he wraps both arms around your shoulders. He is soft, and smells like cedar and sunlight. You breathe him in, and tilt your head back to leave a little kiss to his jawline.
"You drive a hard bargain, Darling. I suppose I've got no choice but to bend to your will."
You tackle him onto the couch until he's lying on his back, head propped up on the arm rest. You pin his wrists by his sides and leave chaste kisses all over his face, each one signed with a tiny smack, and a "muah!" He laughs, and it is still drawn out and slow and stale, but it is so very him, and that's all you have ever wanted.
He buries his devastatingly cute, "ha, ha, ha's" into your shoulder, and you kiss him and kiss him until the both of you are breathless, and the sun begins to set.
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edenfenixblogs · 5 months
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Goyim non Muslim/Arab/Palestinians who are trying to help with the situation have to understand this:
Reading one book. Reading 3 news articles. Reading even three scholarly articles. Watching the news every day. Even doing ALL OF THESE THINGS EVERY DAY since 10/7—this is nothing more than a drop in the bucket of the work you need to be doing to contribute to conversations about this conflict, let alone leading any kind of charge.
I have been intimately aware of the conflict and it’s intricacies since I was seven years old. I have been learning and unlearning things my whole life. I am Jewish and pro-Palestine and have spent my adult life learning about Palestinian needs as well as combatting pervasive propaganda from extremists on BOTH SIDES meant to confuse newcomers to the situation like most of you are.
It is, honestly, entitlement that makes you think you can’t waltz into a complex situation involving a 2,000+ year old conflict, multiple identities of non-western origin, multiple cycles of extremism and expulsion and ethnic cleansing and wars from all sides—and take the lead on any of this. You can’t. You don’t know enough. You don’t even know enough to know what you don’t know or how to tell if what you know is wrong.
That doesn’t mean you aren’t necessary for helping to solve this conflict. It means a lot of people are being more vocal than they have any right to be about a situation they know almost nothing about. And they’re doing it so they can feel morally righteous and on the right side and like they’re helping.
But if you actually want to help rather than just looking or feeling like you’re helping, then you need to listen to affected groups when they are speaking. You need to not declare either side right or wrong. You need to learn the difference between terrorism and activism. You need to understand the impact of your words on Muslim, Palestinian, Arab, Jewish, Israeli, and even south Asian communities who are constantly roped into the conflict by racists who just hate all brown people.
You need to learn about the foundations and warning signs of antisemitism. You need to learn about the same about Islamophobia. You need to be open to being wrong. A LOT. Because you will be. Because this conflict is complicated and even those of us who have been in it forever learn things and have to revise our opinions and stances. You need to not assume you are correct about anything and you should have reliable sources for anything you add to this conversation.
You outnumber ALL OF US. You outnumber everyone who is actually affected by the conflict by A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT. And your job should be to focus your efforts on FINDING A PATH TO PEACE. Move the conversation away from the personally fulfilling but globally damaging good guys v bad guys narrative. Move it towards a mutually beneficial peace agreement that keeps both Jews and Palestinians safe and protected and equal in their shared homeland.
This is not a Western European-American Christo-centric conflict. Stop applying your principles to it. Start considering that marching, calling senators, and calling for more or less bombs to happen to the “right” people isn’t helping. It’s not helping. You’re not helping.
What will help is listening to people who are actively working to achieve peace. Listening to concerns about ongoing attacks against Israeli civilians during ceasefire. Listening to ongoing segregation of Palestinians and depravation of essential resources from Palestinian Territories. Learn about the official political history of the international community with Israel and Palestine and what the motivations of EACH NON-I/P COUNTRY might have been over the course of Palestine’s 2000yo history. Learn how that might still influence modern western nations today. Learn about Jewish diaspora. Read about counterterrorism and propose or spread awareness of methods and means that can both protect Israeli and Palestinian civilians and defang or eliminate antisemitic or Islamophobic extremists and terrorists. Look for organizations devoted to SHARED PROSPERITY FOR PALESTINIANS AND ISRAELIS.
Furthermore, anyone who tells you that the conflict is simple or repeating a phrase over and over is simple or tells you there is an obvious good answer is at best uninformed but is most likely operating in bad faith. Their “simple” answer isn’t something every world leader ever has magically overlooked. It is one of the routine, recurring “solutions” that depend upon the disenfranchisement, death, or displacement of an affected population that they deem unworthy of consideration.
Israelis aren’t going anywhere. Palestinians aren’t going anywhere. Both populations deserve safety. Both populations’ religions and cultures deserve equality and, yes, explicit constitutional guarantees that they will have their religious and cultural practices respected and protected from violence or suppression. That may not fit with your modern secular ideas that having any guarantees for any religion in a constitution is inherently evil.
But we are dealing with two groups who have been brutalized to near extinction on the grounds of their religion and culture for millennia so consider that asking for guaranteed safety in writing is a pretty reasonable thing to want for everyone, actually.
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throneofsapphics · 8 months
Note
Oh can you please do Manorian x pregnant reader!! Like how you did with rowaelin
our little witchling 
poly!Manorian x Pregnant Reader
(part two)
Summary: You followed her gaze - stuck on your hand, covering your belly. You quickly moved it, tucking the tunic back down, but she would have noticed the shift in your scent by now. 
Warnings: minor injury, protectiveness
Word Count: ~1.8k
A/N: thank you for requesting it! I love writing them. 
You sat on the couch, carefully tracing the small bump showing in your belly - almost imperceptible, your clothing still hid it, and you’d barely noticed it at first - assuming you were just bloating. But then the time for your period came, and left. 
Manon and Dorian had both been away for a while, and you still debated on whether or not to tell them. You hadn’t taken any tests either, not wanted to confirm it. You knew Manon wanted a witchling, for a while, and they hadn’t exactly been trying, but hadn’t not been trying. In your case, you missed one tonic - and now had a small bump growing in your stomach. 
You didn’t mention the missed period to them - they were gone when it would have happened. And, it still could be a coincidence. Stress, different kinds of tonics, diet changes … but none of those made sense to you. None seemed to apply. 
The second one came and gone. You used the bits of magic you have to keep your scent under wraps - to prevent Manon from noticing. Maybe it was wrong of you, maybe a mistake, but a small part of you was scared of her reaction. You had no idea what it would be. Or Dorian’s either. There was some fear inside you, fear that they would thing you did this on purpose, even though it was just one missed tonic, that’s all it took. 
The second period went - their schedules lining up so they missed that as well, and you finally decided to get tested, and made your way down to the castle healer - your heart beating louder with each step, each stair you took, each hallway you turned down. 
-
“I need … to see if I’m pregnant.” You muttered quietly, once it was just you and her in a room. “And I want to be discreet.” 
She swallowed harshly, but nodded. A few minutes later, she told you. You were already nearly certain, but the official announcement had you bursting in tears. 
She sat next to you, rubbing comforting circles into your back, and let you cry on her shoulder. 
“Do you know how far along you are?” 
“Maybe two to three months.” 
She clicked her tongue, “you should’ve come sooner.” 
“I know.” You loosed a long breath. 
“Please keep it to yourself.” Your eyes dug into yours, and she hesitated a moment before agreeing. 
Thankfully, she didn’t ask too many more questions - about your hesitancy, why you burst into tears, why you’d waited so long. 
You made it back to your rooms, tears dried and face clear of any evidence you had been crying. 
You pulled your tunic up slightly, spotting the small bump, and traced your fingers over it again. Slowly, you drifted off into a deep sleep, one hand resting against your belly. 
-
Manon and Dorian intended to surprise you, returning a day early. They carefully opened and closed the door, finding you dozing off on the couch. 
A smile fell over Dorian’s lips - seeing you so peaceful, hair flowing around your face, lips slightly parted, and steady even breaths. He noticed Manon going rigid next to him, and watching where her eyes traced - to the hand covering your stomach. 
Manon’s eyes were wide, and he saw her sniff the air slightly. “Pregnant,” she said quietly, turning to face him. “Did you know.” 
He shook his head, rounding the couch to crouch down next to you, pushing a stray strand of hair out of your face, “y/n.” 
Your eyes blinked open, still half-lidded, and a sleepy smile crossed her face. “Early,” you mumbled, pressing your cheek into the pillow. Your neck craned, spotting Manon still frozen near the door. He noticed your eyes widen at her stance. 
-
You didn’t expect them to be back until tomorrow, and the sight of Dorian crouched next to you, his eyes soft and a smile across his lips, warmed something in your heart, and you turned to find Manon. She was frozen, eyes wide and body rigid. Something like fear ran through you. You followed her gaze - stuck on your hand, covering your belly. You quickly moved it, tucking the tunic back down, but she would have noticed the shift in your scent by now. 
“How,” Manon cleared her throat. You’d never heard her sound that uncertain or hesitant, “How long have you known?” 
“I found out for certain today.” 
-
Manon’s head spun. A witchling. Not technically a witchling - but a witchling to her. And y/n, pregnant. You said you only found out for certain today, but she got the sense you’ve known for longer than that. Her eyes narrowed, “How long have you known?” 
“A few weeks,” you whispered, and she scented your fear. Fear of what? 
“Why are you scared?” Dorian cut her a harsh look, but she didn’t take her eyes off of you. 
“I didn’t know how …” Silver threatened to line her eyes, and Manon took a few steps forward, doing her best not to seem threatening. 
“How we would react.” Dorian finished her sentence for her. 
“It was an accident, I swear.” A small tear dripped down your pretty face, and Manon felt something inside of her break. You thought she’d be mad at you, mad because … 
She crossed the rest of the space in the room, moving quickly enough neither you or Dorian could react, and ran her fingers through your hair. Something she’d learned would calm you, put you at ease, and sure enough it did.
“I would never be mad at you for this.” Her eyes drifted to your stomach, and she leaned over you, pulling it up slightly. That small bump, a little witchling growing inside. A fierce protectiveness settled over her. And they’d been gone so much in the last few months. That would change, she wouldn’t leave your side, not if she could help it, until she knew both you and the babe would be safe. 
-
Gods, you felt so relieved at her reaction. You didn’t know exactly how she would react - and maybe that’s what scared you the most. 
“You should’ve told us sooner.” Her voice was harsh. Biting, and you frowned. “It’s dangerous. Pregnancy.” Dorian didn’t interrupt her, but took your hand, squeezing lightly. His face told you he felt the same way, but wouldn’t interrupt Manon - that never ended well. 
“I’m fine.” You protested, and Dorian squeezed your hand lightly. A warning. You looked directly into those burnt gold eyes. Not anger or fury, but worry. When was the last time you saw Manon worried? You can’t remember. “I have both of you, I’ll be fine.” That must’ve been the right thing to say, because a bit of tension left her shoulders. 
-
It took a few weeks before Manon or Dorian would leave you alone. As in actually leave your side for more than a few minutes. They alternated their schedules so each of them would be able to be with you, at any given time, and you spent time in both the Witch Kingdom, and Adarlan. 
You caught Dorian reading a few books on pregnancy and chuckled. 
“There’s healers for that,” you leaned over his shoulder, pressing a small kiss to your cheek, and running fingers through his hair. He leaned into your touch, but kept reading. Nothing could convince him to return those books back to the library. 
-
A few months later, a ball was coming up, and there was no avoiding the bump showing in your stomach now, so you found the perfect dress to meld around it, showing it off. 
This time, you didn’t have to convince Manon to show up. It was her event after all, at least partly. For both the courtiers of Adarlan, and some representatives of the Witch Kingdom. A very stressful event for both to plan, and to make sure no blood was shed by the end of it. 
You laughed with some friends, sipping on cherry juice instead of wine, and thanked every person who came up to congratulate you - the muscles on your cheeks starting to ache by the end of the night as you plastered a kind smile on your face. 
You finally got your chance to slip away, and took it. Your eyes were focused solely on the door, and on getting back to your room to rest, that you missed dodging around the person in your past. Before you could right yourself - your sense of balance has been off the last few months, you hit the floor, thankfully your hip first. The entire room seemed to go silent. Oh Gods this would not end well, Manon and Bronwen made it their first, quickly followed by Dorian, helping you to your feet. 
Manon looked at the man, who was stumbling out apologies, like he would be her next meal, you glanced at Bronwen urgently, and she got the message - somehow managing to drag Manon out of the room, as Dorian lifted you into his arms. Thankfully you were already close to the door, but the look Dorian gave the man was nearly as deadly as Manon’s. 
-
Manon paced the room, complete bloodlust in her eyes - Bronwen standing between her and the door. They were in a heated argument when she heard a set of footsteps approaching, and scented both you and Dorian. 
“They need you.” Bronwen emphasized, stepping aside and opening the door, before quickly slipping out. 
-
“For Gods sake, please don’t call a healer,” you groaned as you entered the room - Dorian refusing to let you walk. He carried you right to the bed, laying you carefully on your right side - the one that didn’t hit the ground. 
“Manon,” you called softly - seeing the pure bloodlust in her eyes. If she got close to that man … he would be dead without another thought. You held out your hand. “Come here please.” 
You knew Dorian was just as angry, but he kept a better lid on it, for now. She approached stiffly, taking your hand, you guided hers over your stomaching - feeling the babe kick just as you did. 
“We’re both fine.” You turned your head to Dorian, hoping to get his confirmation. You felt the soft caress of his magic as soon as you laid down. 
“Fine,” He said as a muscle in his jaw ticked. 
“Sit with me, sit with us.” You scooted back slightly to make room for her, and she did. A bit of tension seemed to leave her as she rested her hand on your stomach, even as you removed your own. Dorian’s hand joined hers, his thumb running back and forth.
“I’m tired,” you mumbled, and let them both take care of you - changing you out of that gown, taking the pins out of your hair, slipping a night dress over you. “Stay.” You almost begged as you crawled back in the bed. “Both of you.” Mostly because you wanted them to, but partially to save that man's life as well.  
They both ran gentle strokes over your body, avoiding the sore area, and letting you melt into their bodies, drifting off to sleep. 
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schneiderenjoyer · 4 months
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UTTU Catalogue's Categories
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There's a lot about UTTU that still is unknown and they operate strangely. I've seen some conversations about it, but out of everything that's making me lose my mind is the Category Covers.
The implication of Categories creating a diverse subculture (and potentially subspecies) of arcanists within the arcane community aside, the covers literally tell us the very essence of the arcanists categorized within it are. All hidden by the fine print (seriously they're hiding the words and shrinking the letters and blending it into the colors on purpose, it's so hard to see)
The clearest one I can read full is for Arcanists; "The two-faced are among them. Born to Suffer." It's a strangely poetic way to describe how arcanists, in human society, are viewed to be ill fated people. Thus, they're born to suffer for their nature.
There's also Awakened; "Backdoor listing, welcome to the phenomenon world." Which is interesting since we know the arcanists listed in this category have a far more bizarre and even unknown way they're born and became arcanists. A form of "backdoor" approach to being born an arcanist. A Phenomenon, if you will.
The Beyond is a little hard to read near the end, but it states; "Under the surface, I know nothing but the fact of my ignorance." And who is in that category? Jessica. There's also words covered that make the word WHO and a cut off line that says "Cannot spe? spa?" Does it refer to the fact that Voyager doesn't speak?
The Mixed is even harder to really read for me, but I can make out is the half the phrase of "Where did the rationality go... -----" like it's questioning where they went wrong in the gene process to not be 'logical' enough for human society, but just 'irrational' enough to stand among arcanists yet not fully belong. A lovely commentary on mixed races.
Lastly, the reason I'm writing this whole thing, is for the Infected. Why? Well, one, we now have an official arcanist categorized to it, Ezra Theodore. (This has now been debunked and instead replaced with a far more infuriating revelation here.) And for the unofficial...
SLAMS TABLE
IT'S SCHNEIDER, YES, THIS IS ANOTHER OF MY LONG DELULU RANT ABOUT HOW WE GOT SCAMMED SO HARD DURING BETA AND LOST OUR CHANCE AT A PLAYABLE ITALIAN MAFIA GODDESS. I'M MAKING MY STANCE, BLUEPOCH PLEA--
Anyway.
The caption for this category is ominous, threatening even, being; "We know who you are and we will visit the visitors." And for those who don't know why this is important. This category pertains to one of the most fascinating cases.
Because it's for humans that can use arcanum.
Not that they have an arcane bloodline, no. They're pure blooded human that can use arcanum. And that spells a fucked up implication that could mean all sorts of things. One being human experimentation. And UTTU knows something and are making sure people in this category understood that even if they can use arcanum, they're not arcanists. Like many arcanists, they're keeping the line between humans and arcanists very clear. Even calling the category "Infected" like it's a virus, a plague. Something dirty that entered their veins.
UTTU is fascinating in this regard and I hope to see more about them in the future the more times they have these flash events and maybe even someday fully explored more in depth to its lore.
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horanghaeluvsinniehae · 4 months
Note
Can you do Seonghwa x reader x wooyoung?
Like they would go on a date and the waiter is flirting with Seonghwa and woo & reader is just looking at what is happening being like 😶:)
It's ok if you can't, if you do write it take your time!
Hii!
Omgg i loved this idea so much and it was so fun writing it! I hope you liked it and it’s just how you imagined it!<33
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Flirt with someone else
Pairing: POLY!Seonghwa x Wooyoung x gn!reader
Disclaimer: the word stupid, the waitress is irritating…(tell me if i missed anything!)
771 words
You always thought poly couples were a bit weird and you couldn’t really understand how people can love more than one person romantically…Well until you met Seonghwa and Wooyoung.
You instantly felt a pull towards them. Had all these confusing feelings for both. After a while, you figured out that you might have a big fat crush on both beautiful boys.
Now, after a year of knowing them and a month of officially dating, three of you were on your way to one of your favourite restaurants for a lovely date!
You had a reservation so you quickly sat down to your table. You guys always have a hard time deciding how to sit but after some rock paper scissors - yes you guys are childish but that’s why it’s a perfect match - the solution was Woo and you on one side of the table and a sulky Hwa sitting opposite you.
Now you are looking at the menu and waiting for a waiter to take your drink orders. You had a light chat between the three of you, just the usual. A little time went by, then a waitress arrived at your table.
“Hey, are you ready to order your drinks?”
“Yeah, I would like a large raspberry lemonade, please!” Said Hwa ever so politely, then looked at you as to indicate that it was your turn.
You got ready to tell your order when the girl said- “Okay, so a large raspberry lemonade for the cutie, others?” To say you were shocked would be an understatement…You look at Hwa with wide eyes. You never thought you would experience someone hitting on your boyfriend right in front of you!
You snapped out of your stance and told her your order. Wooyoung ordered too, sounding slightly irritated.
“Okay, then an iced tea for you”-she said while pointing at you with her pen- ”then a coke for you”-now pointing at Wooyoung- ”and the lemonade for the cutie! I’ll be right back with your drinks!” She said with way too much joy and quickly went away.
You crossed your arms and scrunched up your eyebrows. Next to you, Wooyoung was busy sending the waitress death glares. It was evident that you two didn’t appreciate the way she does her work.
Seonghwa coughed to get your attentions back. You looked at him and immediately softened up. To be fair you’re already whipped for this man. Your angry thoughts immediately disappeared after you made eye contact with him.
Wooyoung was the first to speak up about the earlier incident. “I know that my boyfriend is looking very good, but she doesn’t have to do all that!!” You looked at him nodding.
“Love, I know it bothered you and it was weird, but let’s focus on ourselves, on our date yeah?” Hwa reached across the table to gently pat Woo’s hand.
You gave Wooyoung a small kiss on the cheek too and you all went back to talking and just being happy in your bubble, even forgetting about what happened earlier…until she disturbed you all once again.
She put down your drinks, but of course you caught her sending flirty looks and even a wink to Seonghwa. He looked very shocked and quietly thanked her.
Between you and Woo, he was the more confrontational. Before the waitress could walk away he spoke up.
“I think I can speak for the three of us when I say that I really don’t appreciate you obnoxiously flirting with my boyfriend right in front of me.” Said Wooyoung, emphasising the word boyfriend.
She looked him up and down and scoffed. “But he’s a cute guy! And do you really believe that he’s actually gay??” She laughed evilly.
“Okay this was enough!” Seonghwa snapped and looked at the waitress angrily. He dropped down 26000 won and looked at you and Woo. “We’re gonna leave because I don’t appreciate the way you talk to my partners and the way you’re flirting with me!”
She rolled her eyes, took the money and angrily stomped away.
“Loves I’m sorry you had to experience this.” Hwa said while pouting. “It’s not your fault babe! She was very much out of line with her behaviour.” Wooyoung replied and hugged him. “Can we go home and order sushi?” You asked shyly, slowly attaching yourself to Seonghwa’s side. He smiled down at you and nodded. “Of course baby we’ll do that and have a great date night at home!”
Seonghwa took your left hand and Wooyoung the other, walking down the street towards your apartment. Already forgetting about the stupid waitress, getting lost in your bubble again.
A/N: i hope it was good! Also guys do you prefer if i write like :you did this and this or i did this and this?
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coochiequeens · 1 year
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“Why should our girls be made to feel scared and have to move to other parts of the bus on their daily journey to and from school. The police say no crime is committed which is true technically – but by saying no risk – this tells people that police think its okay to alarm and distress young girls in this manner.” Female socialization
A man in Essex county, England is causing concern amongst locals, especially parents, after being spotted loitering near children’s schools while wearing a schoolgirl uniform. In response to complaints, Essex Police is insisting the man “does not pose a risk,” and has warned the public against sharing photos of him on social media. 
Throughout the week, the unnamed man has been wearing the uniform of a young schoolgirl while wandering in proximity of two schools, one primary and one secondary. In the United Kingdom, primary school ages range from 5 to 11, while secondary school aged youth can be as young as 11. 
It has been noted that the uniforms of the man reflect that of Belfairs Academy, which is in the vicinity of the Highlands Boulevard School and Milton Hall Primary School in Southend-on-Sea. He has been seen near both of the schools this past week, as well as on the public bus when children would be taking it home after classes.
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On January 19, official school uniform supplier Paul’s School and Workwear addressed the fiasco in a Facebook post, revealing that the man had been purchasing some uniform items from their shop.
The post explained to the public that “the full Belfairs uniform did not come from us,” but went on to confirm that the man had been in the store this week purchasing “a Grey box pleat skirt that he said was for his granddaughter.” The supplier announced they had banned the man from their store, and encouraged members of the public to call police if they see him. 
“This is to be taken seriously as he needs help and no-one would know his mind set. Reports say he dresses in Belfairs & Milton Hall uniform. If you see him – STAY AWAY and call 101 to report where he is.” 
Some in the community were appreciative of the uniform supplier’s firm stance on the matter, while others insisted that the man is free to dress as he pleases. One woman responded to the supplier’s post on Facebook, thanking the store for warning members of the public.
“Thank you Paul’s School and Work Wear for taking this seriously. A grown man hanging around multiple schools and staring at young women and girls on a bus used by school children is premeditated for sexual gratification – no matter what the mental health diagnosis is. I agree this man needs help…”
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The commenter continued by invoking the memory of Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old woman who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by a serving London Metropolitan police officer who used his status to handcuff and kidnap her. 
“Why should our girls be made to feel scared and have to move to other parts of the bus on their daily journey to and from school. The police say no crime is committed which is true technically – but by saying no risk – this tells people that police think its okay to alarm and distress young girls in this manner. This is not okay I do NOT want my children exposed to this.”
Another comment under the post from Paul’s reads: “We keep pushing the boundaries of acceptability. Grown men in children’s clothes hanging around schools is not acceptable and yet again police do nothing.”
Paul’s School and Workwear even addressed those who were defending the man’s behavior and added a comment to their own post.
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As reported by Echo, the Essex police have identified “the person dressed in an inappropriate outfit in the vicinity of a school in Leigh,” and “have discussed the incident with the person,” saying they understand the community’s concerns but reiterating “this individual does not pose a risk.”
This was paired with Essex police’s urgent request to stop sharing photos of the man on social media citing that they “could have a detrimental personal impact on those concerned.” 
Essex Police did not refer to the man with any gendered language like “man” or “he,” but worded their statement in carefully-chosen neutral terms. 
As photos of the individual began to circulate on social media, many began to express disappointment with Essex Police’s seemingly relaxed attitude on the matter, with many taking it as a failure to protect young children and, in particular, young girls. 
One mother posting under an alias on motherhood forum Mumsnet said, “He’s been seen around schools – both primary and secondary – dressed as a schoolgirl (in their uniform). I am fucking outraged that the police don’t seem to think that’s an issue. God forbid we offend men or shame their fetishes.” 
Popular UK-based Twitter account @ripx4nutmeg has also called attention to the fact that Essex Police are trained by Stonewall, an LGBTQ activist organization which heavily focuses on trans rights. 
On their official website, the force states “Essex Police believes in dignity for all and are on a journey of incremental improvements, including how we can better include and enable the aspirations of people who are LGBTQ.” 
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As noted by some women keeping an eye on the situation, the lack of apparent concern for safeguarding women and girls seems to be a pervasive problem amongst UK police.
As of 2021, there were hundreds of allegations of sex-based violence perpetrated by police officers in the country being recorded every year. Following the Sarah Everard tragedy, the Femicide Census revealed that they did not feel tackling such violence was a “police priority.” Since 2013, there have been at least 16 women in the United Kingdom killed by a serving or retired police officer.
In the past year, there have been multiple cases of police officers in the Metropolitan force serving the Greater London area were convicted of rape.
In the past week alone, a long-serving Met police officer has made international headlines for a campaign of rape he committed against vulnerable women.
David Carrick, who worked with the Metropolitan Police for almost two decades, carried out “a relentless campaign” of violence over 17 years against 12 women. On January 16, Carrick admitted to 49 counts of rape and other sexual offenses. Just weeks prior, Met constable Rupert Edwards was charged with raping two women in two different communities.
By Yuliah Alma Yuliah is a junior researcher and journalist at Reduxx. She is a passionate advocate for women's rights and child safeguarding. Yuliah lives on the American east coast, and is an avid reader and book collector.
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astriiformes · 1 year
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Genuinely crying a bit today (in a good way) over some of the trans legislation coming out of Minnesota. Amidst all the horrible news lately, it's a lot to process.
I'm seeing trans journalists I trust suggest that the latest Executive Order from the governor -- paired with the "hard" safe state law that's already passed in the state House and is expected to pass in the Senate as well -- could make Minnesota the safest state in the country for trans Americans, including those who live in other states and come here seeking healthcare (which considering where we're positioned in the Midwest and the legislation being passed by some of our neighbors is a particularly huge deal).
And none of this feels like empty political posturing. The Executive Order is clearly a quick fix to help trans Minnesotans (and others) as soon as possible while we wait for the bill in the legislature to officially become law. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor very intentionally announced this all yesterday, on International Women's Day, taking a hard stance that attacks on trans people are gender-based discrimination too.
Erin Reed, the same journalist I linked further up, has been keeping a trans legislature risk map, to keep people aware of what's passing where and how safe certain states are. Minnesota is the first state she's moved up a category (from the second safest to the safest) instead of down, and apparently we've shot up in leaps and bounds, with one of the hardest and most robust safe state plans in the United States.
When I moved here four and a half years ago, I had no idea that it was going to become such an important safe haven for folks like me, or that the people in charge were going to commit so loudly and openly to keeping it that way. And at a time where so many states are doing the opposite, it's genuinely brave of everyone involved to make it a priority. I want to do everything in my power to help keep it that way. But knowing that it's not something I and other trans Minnesotans have to do alone.... I'm pretty weepy, folks.
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scorchieart · 6 months
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Understaffed
Genre: Comedy
Wordcount: 1326
Prompt: In A Flash CCC hosted by @flash-exchange - October 2023: Magic Apprenticeship
A/N: My first entry for the In A Flash CCC! This one was inspired by the folks over on Discord, you guys rock for helping me finish a fic after so long! I will try my best to write some more as the challenge continues. For this fic, it's been split up as 2 separate parts, the first part being mainly from Jin's perspective and the second continuing from Yves and Nokto's. Many thanks to @lorei-writes for the feedback and suggestions. Enjoy!
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Jin Grandet was not a warlock. At least, not officially.
It wasn’t because he had a late start. Most children couldn’t even read spells from the rudimentary tomes at age six, let alone pronounce them. And it wasn’t as if he was without talent. It was common knowledge throughout the kingdoms that the sorcerer’s gene manifested strongest within royal bloodlines. No, the true reason Jin failed his Warlock Mastery Examination was far less magical than he’d like to admit. 
But that’s a story for another time. And even if the minimum age to apply was fifteen, it didn’t mean he was barred from trying again another year. Heck, most applicants didn’t even make an attempt until they were double that! But of course, Chevalier came of age the next year, and while the exam was merely a formality for the prodigy, barely anyone bothered to register for that round. Fueled by fiery rivalry, Clavis was hot on Chevalier’s heels the year after that, and Jin was too preoccupied with helping him train to even consider enrolling himself. And just a few weeks prior, Leon passed his exam with flying colors. A feat Jin attributes to his apt sideline encouragement and diligent inspections of Leon’s daily meat intake. 
So what if he didn’t pass? Jin could still perform magic as well as any warlock. He just didn’t have a staff to show for it. Instead, he could boast that the never-before-seen-three-year-streak of fifteen-year old graduates were his students.
“For the last time, we are not your students,” Yves declared.
“And why wouldn’t you want to be?” Jin asked. He waved a hand and the curtain of low-hanging branches before him parted, revealing a narrow dirt path ahead. “I have a one-hundred percent success rate. And you’re my next conquest, Yves.”
“Yeah, Evie. Why don’t you take him up on his offer?” Nokto said, following Licht as they climbed down after Jin. “Then you can tell us if he’s legit or not.”
“Oh, he’s the real deal,” Leon said. He took a steady stance beside a cherry oak and swung his newly acquired staff overhead, making all the barren trees in the vicinity shake and shoot their branches upward like spikes. Nokto watched in awe as Leon calmed the trees down and flashed him a toothy grin. “Can’t recommend the big guy enough.”
“No, no, no, my brothers. You mustn’t let the opinions of others sway your decision making!” Clavis said, pushing past Leon. “Ask yourselves this: do I want to be taught by a syrupy dropout, or by the youngest, most renowned warlock of our age?” He struck the ground with his own staff and the dirt rumbled. Moments later, roots and tubers erupted from the earth like the undead, making Yves screech and trip on an upright rose stem. Clavis laughed maniacally as the plants continued to grow, until Leon whacked him on the head and the vegetary scene immediately reverted underground as if it never happened. 
“I’m younger than you, remember?” Leon countered.
“And I was younger than you both when I passed,” Chevalier added, his pace leisurely as he joined them.
“Yes, yes, you don’t have to remind us again how your test happened three days after your birthday,” Clavis said, rubbing his bruised forehead. “It is insufferably pedantic of you.
“Shall I remind everyone instead of how you only passed because the examiner happened to sneeze when you flubbed the fire retardancy enchantment on your trousers?”
“Like I said, little ones. Follow what Jin says, and you’ll do just fine,” Clavis said.
“If you’re done sharing my many virtues, hurry on over!” Jin called. The group exchanged speculative glances before filing through the unanimated greenery towards his excited voice.
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Flummoxed by their seniors’ effortless display of magical prowess, Yves and Nokto insisted they take the lead, bewitching wayward wood knots and saplings from the path. Once or twice they glanced back, hopeful to receive praise for their successful spells, only to find the trio engrossed in their own conversation. 
“Maybe he wants to take us all on at once? Six against one?” Leon suggested.
“Please,” Clavis yawned, stretching his arms above his head and waving his staff teasingly. “He could squash the kiddos, no problem. But he won’t get much farther than that unarmed.”
“He brought his sword. Or is your staff so far up your rear that you did not notice?” Chevalier said, swatting Clavis’s staff away from his face. 
Yves and Nokto whirled their heads towards the track ahead, struggling to keep their attention back on moving the plants. Is that what this was all about? Despite Jin’s domineering stature, they had never once seen their brother in a fight. But Jin also was the most knowledgeable about the contents of the exam, even if he did fail his. Was this the type of error-correcting that guaranteed Chevalier, Clavis, and Leon’s successes?
The path eventually fed into a wide clearing as large as one of the training arenas at the palace. Even in peak autumn, thick shrubs still flanked all sides like a fence except for one; a cavernous cliff plummeted behind where Jin stood, his arms folded and mouth stretched in an expectant grin.
“Are we really gonna fight?” Nokto said nervously, reaching for his sword.
“Alright! Loser gets thrown off the cliff!” Clavis whooped. “Chevalier, fight me!”
“Slow down, we’re learning defensive tactics today,” Jin said. “Magic has limitless potential to attack, right? So it stands to reason that the same should be true in defense. Far too often does a warlock fall into the assumption that one trumps the other in combat.”
“Spoken nearly verbatim from Elemental Charms and Combat,” Chevalier said unamused.
“That means he knows his stuff,” said Leon. “But then why’d ya bring us here too, Jin?”
“No, Chevalier’s right. There’s only so much you can learn from theory alone. We need experience to connect the dots. And I sure as sugar wouldn’t hurt a hair on the little guys’ heads, so that’s where you lot come in.” Jin crouched beside Yves and Nokto and patted their shoulders. “Yves, you’ll spar with Chevalier. And Nokto, you get Clavis.”
Yves froze on the spot.  
“Oh, goodie…” Nokto mumbled. 
“Just remember the basics, and you’ll be fine,” Jin said, then he turned to the warlocks. “And don’t you go blasting infernos at them. We’re out here to prevent unnecessary bystander injuries. But remember, this is still a highly flammable area.” He glared at Clavis, who seemed to get a chill and wrapped his cloak firmly around himself.
“Wait. Where’s my partner?” Leon asked. A quick lookover of the clearing proved Licht was nowhere to be seen. 
“Maybe Leon’s branches pulled him up to the sky?” Nokto suggested.
“Or Clavis’s roots dragged him down below!” Yves gasped.
“Both,” Chevalier said, pointing over the cliff. Halfway down, Licht hung suspended and looking below, his shirt caught on a thorny branch tangled with crisscrossing roots. 
“Licht!” Yves and Nokto cried.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Clavis called down to him.
“Something tells me the branch will snap if he so much as breathes wrong,” Leon said. Licht answered with a shaky thumbs up.
“Everyone, change of plans!” Jin bellowed. “Today we’re doing rescue training. And not a word of this gets to Sariel, got it? Okay, let’s go!” He drew his sword and leaped over the edge, jamming it into the cliffside as he descended.
Shocked, and slightly relieved, Yves and Nokto followed Jin’s lead, the scraping sounds of their blades cutting rock disappearing with them.
“Moron,” Chevalier huffed. The air around him began to crackle as he inhaled deeply and swung his staff in a circular motion. “He didn’t even evaluate the situation for a full minute. And they still wonder why he didn’t pass—”
“You heard the boss!” Clavis and Leon yelled. Together they seized each of Chevalier’s arms and hurled themselves over the cliff, leaving their staves behind.
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Listen, it is liberating to write Chevalier, Clavis, and Leon as comic relief side characters. Trust me.
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