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[wangxianficrecs]

Rewind 2023 - Part IV

WangxianFicRecs - Rewind 2023

It's time for the last post of our Rewind 2023. There are still a few stories left that were published this year that deserve a shout-out and I hope you will shower them with love as well. I'll also make sure to make a Masterpost for all Rewind 2023 posts, so that it's more convenient to find them.

Part I

Part II

Part III

~*~

watch your anger

by loosingletters (@loosingmoreletters)

T, 1k, Cangse Sanren | Kay's Rec

Summary: Watch your anger, her master used to say, never reprimanding Cangse Sanren for her temper tantrums, mainly reminding her of what she stood to lose if she gave in. Cangse Sanren survives. Wei Changze does not.

~*~

Day 1: Dad!Xian

by UseMyMuse (@museywrites)

G, 1k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Part of Xiantober 2023

Summary: Wei Ying is a tired single parent, but a good cup of coffee and a handsome, flirty stranger leads to a happy future

~*~

Day 4: Ghost!Xian

by UseMyMuse (@museywrites)

T, 5k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Part of Xiantober 2023

Summary: Wei Ying died at the age of 10, but miraculously the little boy Lan Wangji from down the street was able to see him. They become an unlikely pair and form an unbreakable friendship. Things seem fine until a hostile presence shakes Wei Ying to his ghostly core.

~*~

waiting for us

by sunflowersfield

T, 3k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: Wei Ying is in the middle of cooking dinner when Lan Zhan walks into the apartment on Friday night. As soon as the door opens, Wei Ying drops his knife onto the counter with a clatter, abandoning his recipe so that he can throw his arms around Lan Zhan and pull him close. “You’re here!” he exclaims, grinning when he feels Lan Zhan’s arms curl around his waist. “I am here,” Lan Zhan replies in his steady, calming voice, and Wei Ying’s smile grows wider. Or: Wei Ying and Lan Zhan attend different colleges, but they spend every weekend together.

~*~

Snapping The Banjo

by Anonymous

M, 8k, Wangxian & Xuanli | Kay's Rec

Summary: “A-Jie…” Jiang Cheng pushes. “I broke my husband’s penis during sex.” One quick in-out breath as Yanli raises her chin high, pivots sharply on her heel and marches back off towards the building. Wei Ying opens his mouth. Jiang Cheng slowly raises a hand to silence him, expression on his face as if he had been slapped with a wet fish. Wei Ying and Lan Zhan's date night has gone wrong. Then, Jiang Yanli calls to ask her brothers for a ride to the hospital. Jiang Yanli's date night has gone very wrong.

~*~

Just a Little Wound

by meyari

T, 4k, Wangxian | Mojo's Rec

Summary: Raising a child is sometimes a challenge, especially when you’re confronted with a little boy who has no idea whatsoever why it’s not appropriate to stab people who are rude.

~*~

a better world

by ilip13 (@ilip13)

G, 1k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: It’s been a year, today. A year of wearing a borrowed body, and all of a sudden, Wei Wuxian doesn’t feel like getting up and getting on with his day. * Some days are not great and that's okay.

~*~

At the end of all things

by Entityx

M, 6k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Part of the MDZS Mini Remix for Tired Adults™

Summary: Lan Wangji is aware that he is not the only one who is left haunted by constant bloodshed. Everyone has changed over the course of the Sunshot Campaign. However the one who underwent the most drastic change was undeniable. It's subtle- he's still friendly and boisterous with members of his sect. But he is not truly open anymore. Gone is the optimistic boy who radiated sincerity with every word. Instead he is replaced with a hollow imitation, with a smile cracked at the edges, and a laugh that is too hollow to fool anyone.

~*~

What Lies Beneath These Hallowed Woods

by meekome (@meekkome)

M, WIP, 19k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: The shadows are alive. Writhing and twisting around him, creeping over him, between his fingers, around his throat, curious and hungry. The dirt beneath is black like dried blood, which makes the shards and fragments of bones half-buried around him easy to see, white and glimmering unnaturally bright in the gloom. Then something looks at him, from behind the shadows, and Wei Wuxian flinches at the weight of its attention. “Who are you?” Wei Wuxian says, voice echoing strangely as the silence stretches and the resentment nips at his skin, held back by this thing he cannot see. You do not have a name for what I am, it finally says. Wei Wuxian sucks in a slow breath. “What are you, then?” The trees bend and snap in a sudden breeze and the ghosts around him spin and whine, and Wei Wuxian is horrified to realize it is laughing. Shall I let you see, little cultivator? Doing so has driven more humans mad than the number of bones that sleep beneath your feet. But Wei Wuxian has never been good at ignoring knowledge, no matter the consequences, and he does not look away.

~*~

an inch away from more (than just friends)

by occultings (microcomets) (@microcomets)

E, 15k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Part of WLW Wangxian Week 2023

Summary: “What do you think about,” Wei Ying said aloud, before she could stop herself, before she could even think twice about the repercussions. “When you.” She finally found Lan Zhan’s eyes, molten in the low light, and swallowed in a tiny, audible gulp. “You know.” On Wei Ying, Lan Zhan’s gaze didn’t waver even a fraction. “Giving head,” she said. Wei Ying was certain she’d misheard. “Getting head?” “No,” said Lan Zhan. — After a surprise party gone awry, Wei Ying surprises herself.

~*~

💙 The loudest silence

by barisan (@barisan-no)

T, 15k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Part of the MDZS Mini Remix for Tired Adults™

Summary: In almost two decades of peace and with a whole generation who has not known differently, it is hard for those who sit above such dangers to fear a banal death. In a lifetime of not knowing what it means to be truly and utterly alone in such a world, it is hard to understand it is often a sentence. Or, a remix of our beloved post-cql WWX whump

~*~

The lavender handkerchief

by barisan (@barisan-no)

Not rated, 1k, Lan Qiren & Wei Wuxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: Wei Wuxian’s time on the streets left a deeper wound on his mind. Lan Qiren finds him having a panic attack after being triggered during his punishment.

~*~

Song of the River Rain

by MajiLovePrincess

E, 9k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Part of the MDZS Reverse Big Bang: 2023

Summary: “Jiaoren,” the man breathes, his voice soft and his golden eyes wide. Those strange eyes dart over Wei Wuxian’s sharp ears and nails before lingering on the bloody red of his tail. “Human,” Wei Wuxian sneers. “You should have fled when you had the chance.” ... When he wakes from his winter sleep, Wei Wuxian attempts to drive a farmer from his territory. He falls in love, instead. Lan Zhan's mysterious past does not do them the courtesy of staying buried.

~*~

Fit for Purpose

by Deastar (@youhideastar)

E, 18k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: Wei Wuxian is given clean clothes, and as much food as he wants, and a blanket. He still doesn’t know what a beta is. But he knows he is one, now. And he knows that that’s the reason he has these wonderful things. When Wei Wuxian was a little boy, Jiang Fengmian brought him home to Lotus Pier; when Yu Ziyuan learned the boy was a beta, she allowed him to stay. 30 years later, a resurrected Wei Wuxian hangs around Cloud Recesses and waits to wear out his welcome.

~*~

💙 all is bright

by sunflowersfield

T, 4k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: Wei Ying has slept in many different places. He has curled up on a park bench or a tiny cot in a room full of strangers. But somehow, he has never shared a bed with someone he cares about. He is realizing, now, as the sound machine fills his room with the pitter-patter of gentle rain, that he cares about Lan Zhan. Or: Wei Ying moves into his first apartment. His new neighbor helps him turn it into a home.

~*~

Your Shelter

by cosmicmilktea

T, WIP, 2k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Part of the MDZS Mini Remix for Tired Adults™

Summary: “There is no need for sorry,” Lan-gege had told him, what seemed like such a long time ago, “Robes can be cleaned.” But a soiled robe in Lotus Pier means lashes on his back and a night of kneeling in the ancestral hall, even if Jiang Cheng and all the other disciples also came back with mud and reeds painting their robes. A soiled robe means hearing baba and mama's names spoken in malice and ridicule. It means a gentle chiding from shijie as she pats his head and offers him a bowl of warm soup, which only made him miss the warmth of Xian-gege's safe embrace. His back hurts, and his knees ache from kneeling so long. Beneath his robes, Lan-gege's ribbon presses close to his heart, and it reminds him how he had felt so safe with the two men. How baba and mama had also made him feel safe even without the shelter of gilded walls and roofs. He longs to be that safe again, the longing building and building in the too-small confines of his chest until Wei Ying can not hold it in any longer. He runs.

~*~

We Meet at the Thousandth Step

by Admiranda (@ladypfenix), Rynne (@rynne)

T, WIP, 142k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: As they both go wherever the chaos might be, Lan Wangji and rogue cultivator Wei Wuxian, eldest child of the famous Cangse-sanren, find their paths converging. Soon they'll discover in each other the perfect partner for night hunting...and beyond.

~*~

12 Hours In Hell and Paradise (Or: Lan Zhan’s Distinguished Guide to Seasonal Depression)

by demonicsalad (@santonali)

T, 4k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: Wei Ying (1:01PM): brb putting lobotomy on my 2024 goals list Lan Zhan (1:02PM): Wei Ying. Wei Ying (1:02PM): [screenshot attached] Wei Ying (1:03PM): did i fucking stutter Or: of tears, tea, rotting, and long-overdue realizations

~*~

pale shadows of forgotten names

by Chrononautical (@chrononautintraining)

T, 56k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: To protect the Wen, Wei Wuxian throws himself on the mercy of the Lan Sect. To protect Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji marries him. To protect them all, Lan Xichen orders the Yiling Laozu's seclusion in the Jingshi. But the Jingshi had another occupant in the past. One who lingers on, furious to think that history might repeat.

~*~

Cuties and Questions

by WiseDawn13 (@wisedawn13)

T, 6k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: “Suibian?” a deep voice says suddenly, catching his attention. Wei Ying opens his eyes to look at who approached and promptly finds himself without breath at the sight of the man in front of him. After all these years he shouldn’t recognize him so easily, but Wei Ying would never be able to forget those eyes. “Oh!” Wen Ning squeaks. “You are familiar with Suibian?” Wei Ying watches as Lan Zhan nods to Wen Ning. “I am. Are you the creator of Yiling Cuties?” “Ah? Oh, no. No, that would be him,” Wen Ning replies, somewhat flustered. It takes far too long for Wei Ying to realize that Wen Ning just diverted Lan Zhan’s attention to him because suddenly those golden brown eyes are staring directly into his soul and it hurts more than he would have expected. OR Wei Ying and Lan Zhan lost touch when Wei Ying's family moved away when they were kids. Wei Ying moves back to his hometown years later, meeting the man he once knew as his best friend.

~*~

💙 A New Dynasty

by One_eyed_God (@oneeyedoctogod)

T, Series, WIP, 76k, Background Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: Wei Wuxian is well-known as a trouble-maker, someone who likes jokes and chaos. He promptly proves this by disappearing without a trace from the Cloud Recesses, in the middle of the Lectures. But when war is on the horizon and tensions boil over, can his actions really be summarized as a simple prank? Or, the unbelievable story of Wei Wuxian, time traveller, told from everyone's point of view but his.

~*~

Christmas Eve at Number 16

by liulans (@liulans)

T, 9k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: Lan Wangji considers that for a moment, squaring Wei Wuxian up. And then he says, “You are asking– if I would like to spend Christmas with you?” “It doesn't have to be, like, Christmassy,” he reminds him. “We can just hang out. Maybe you can come over tomorrow evening, and I'll have you back in your apartment before midnight. And then on Christmas day, I'll bring you an apple for luck, and that can be that.” “Okay.” Lan Wangji says, after a moment of brow-furrowing contemplation. “...Okay?” “I will see you tomorrow. I will– spend Christmas with you.” --- [Prompt: Character A can’t travel to see their family on Christmas, so they invite their grumpy loner neighbour Character B.]

~*~

Cleaning & Courtship

by Winxhelina (@winxhelina)

T, 13k, Wangxian | Kay's Rec

Summary: It all started with some offhand comment Jin Zixun had made about Wei Wuxian's father having been a servant. About how he should stick to that and not aim for places not meant for him. Wei Wuxian had been at a party at the time with Nie Huaisang and unlikely as it had been, Lan Wangji had been there too. Wei Wuxian had complained about money and that had seemingly inspired the comment from a man, who, Wei Wuxian was sure, had never worked a day in his life. Lan Wangji had stared at Jin Zixun so hard Wei Wuxian thought he might actually drop dead. Somehow, two months later, Wei Wuxian actually finds himself cleaning rich people’s houses. There are very few cultivators wiling to clean houses for other cultivators, but there is demand for it. You can't hire a regular maid to dust and clean your ancient artefacts, even just sword maintenance is a whole area of expertise that civilians aren't qualified to do. In which Wei Wuxian accidentally ends up cleaning his long-time friend's house and Lan Zhan's room harbours a secret.

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for these hard-working authors if you like – or think others might like – these stories.)

#wangxian fic rec #wangxianficrecs #rewind 2023 #mdzs #the untamed #wangxian #fandom event #long post #Kay's Rec #Kay's Favorite #The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation #MDZS #Mo Dao Zu Shi

[wheresarizona]

Happy New Year!! 🥳🥳🥳

I apologize for not getting this out yesterday. I had a goal to reach 15k words before midnight last night and literally hammered out 6k yesterday, getting to 15 just as the clock was striking 12. 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 Which, the next chapter of Learning to Live is almost done. 😊😊😊 I’m on the last stretch.

Long post under the cut:

2023 wasn’t a good year for me, and this last month was especially challenging.

I underwent a lot of change over the last twelve months. That kind of ended up being the theme for the year.

Change.

I had to change my way of life. I had to change where I lived. I had to change where I worked. I had to change my car. I had to change my relationship status. I had to change my homeowner status. I had to change my pet owner status.

Will Smith said it best: my life got flipped-turned upside down.

And I persevered and found happiness where I could, which mostly took the form of writing.

Writing kept me sane.

Along with my besties.

For 2023, I wrote 364,857 words (15k unpublished).

244,242 of them were for Learning to Live alone, over 14 chapters. You can add another 8,976 for one shots in the LTL universe.

The longest post was chapter 4 of September, with 24,852 words.

My shortest was His Worm Wife at a whopping 576 words.

If you’re like, ‘Arizona, how can you write so much about the same thing?’

Because LTL is my happy place, and I turn to it to make myself feel better when real life is kicking my ass. And in 2023, I needed those two sappy, horny, ridiculous fools more than anything.

I wish I could tell you my 2024 is going to be better, but I don’t want to lie to you. The forecast is looking like it’s going to be worse than the last, but I’m gonna keep chugging along, writing, and sharing my stories with all of you wonderful people.

Thank you all for the lovely reblogs, comments, asks, and DMs over the last year. All the love for my silly stories and nice things people have said really helped a girl feel a little better when her life was falling apart. You all were the MVPs of 2023, and I appreciate you all sooo much; you don’t even know. ❤️❤️❤️

Some special shoutouts:

Thank you, @juletheghoul for being there for me through everything and being someone I could count on. I don’t know how I can thank you enough because you really kept me going.

Thank you, @theorganasolo for being the sweetest, and talking to me every day, and always being down to read what I’m writing. I appreciate your support.

Thank you, @iamskyereads for being so goddamn supportive through my trying times and just so amazing.

Thank you, @katareyoudrilling for keeping tabs on me and ensuring I was okay. I appreciate your support and how you always have great advice when I don’t know what the fuck is going on.

Thank you, @thevoiceinyourheadx for being so great and checking up on me and screaming about tidbits I’d send you. You’re amazing.

Thank you, @littlemisspascal for being my funko buddy and just so lovely. I love talking to you.

Also shoutout to:

@msjarvis @darkhairedmenrule @idontgettechnology @theewokingdead, and others I can’t tag or am blanking right now.

Thank you, everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful New Year! 🥰🥰🥰

#wheresarizona update

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Amazon and Apple have an illegal price-fixing conspiracy

A class action law firm has filed a suit against Apple and Amazon, accusing the companies of price-fixing Ios devices through an agreement that blocks third-party sellers from Amazon unless they’re authorized by Apple. The suit should be a slam-dunk — but even more, the conduct it accuses Apple and Amazon of should never have been permitted in the first place.

https://www.hbsslaw.com/press/apple-amazon-price-fixing/antitrust-lawsuit-says-apple-and-amazon-colluded-to-raise-iphone-ipad-prices

40 years ago, antitrust law underwent a revolution. The pro-monopoly “scholars” of the Chicago School of Economics, led by the Nixonite criminal Robert Bork, argued that antitrust enforcement should limit itself to punishing companies that used market power to raise prices.

Proponents of this “consumer welfare” standard claimed that they just wanted to bring some “objectivity” to the question of monopoly. They said that asking the courts to tame corporate power led to an inconsistent, chaotic world where you couldn’t make a commercial plan without the fear that some judge would block it, because it smelled like an antitrust violation.

The pro-monopolists were unabashed about their support for monopolies. Bork and co. claimed that monopolies were “efficient” and could unleash wonders if we’d only let them dominate their markets and end pointless “wasteful competition.” This sentiment is echoed by today’s robber barons — think of Peter Thiel’s “competition is for losers” or Warren Buffett’s unslakable lust for businesses with “wide, sustainable moats.”

But the monopolists claimed that they weren’t in it for themselves. They said that they wanted to rule without challenge on our behalf — that they would lower prices, improve efficiency, and make us all better off. Indeed, they exhorted regulators to go hard after monopolists that raised prices.

This was a smokescreen. The monopolists insisted that appearances were deceptive: just because a company attained a monopoly and raised prices, we shouldn’t assume that the price-rise was due to the monopoly! Maybe the cost of materials or labor went up. Maybe the moon is in Venus?

So, the monopolists said, regulators must ardently pursue monopolistic price hikes, but this was not the same as “price hikes committed by monopolists.” They argued for the use of abstract and complex models to distinguish the two — models that they alone knew how to make and could charge handsomely for. In an absolutely unforeseeable turn of affairs, these models always proved that the price-hiking companies that commissioned them were innocent.

You know Franklin’s maxim, “it is better 100 guilty Persons should escape than that one innocent Person should suffer?” Substitute “monopolist” for “person” and you’ve got the judicial theory of the monopolists. They argued that “good” monopolies were so freaking awesome for all of us that regulators should approach their job with the utmost of care, lest the accidentally squash one of these invaluable monopolies and deprive us all of their genius.

The monopolists were also part of the broader deregulation movement, the Reaganite notion that “Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem.” They advocated for a smaller, weaker DoJ and FTC, stripping them of headcount and capability.

The result is that, 40 years later, even obvious instances of monopolies using their market power to raise prices are ignored by regulators. When Apple and Amazon struck their 2019 bargain to put Apple in charge of who could sell its products on Amazon, it was obvious that Apple was going after discounters.

Three years later, that’s exactly what they’ve done, with the incontrovertible effect that people are paying more for the same goods because of market power — the only thing trustbusters were supposed to prevent.

Despite the massive red flags this conduct threw off, the Trump administration’s monopoly regulators let it commence. In that regard, they were no different from their predecessors all the way back to Reagan, who were so demoralized, underfunded and/or corrupt that they rarely bestirred themselves, even in the face of overwhelming evidence.

The Biden administration’s trustbusters are different. FTC chair Lina Khan, DOJ antitrust chief Jonathan Kanter and White House antitrust czar Tim Wu have made it clear that antitrust is no longer in a coma — it’s awake, it’s back, and it’s pissed:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/08/party-its-1979-og-antitrust-back-baby

But it’s much harder to unwind existing monopolies than it is to prevent them in the first place: “if you wanted to get there, I wouldn’t start from here.” Demonopolizing America is a generation-long project, and in the meantime, companies like Amazon and Apple will get away with murder:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/07/random-penguins/#if-you-wanted-to-get-there-i-wouldnt-start-from-here

The Apple-Amazon scam reveals the lie at the core of the “consumer welfare” theory: that companies will use their market power to help their customers, not pad their wallets. We’re told that Apple and Amazon are rivals — they compete for music, video streaming, etc — but there’s one area they absolutely agree on: monopolists should fuck over their workers and customers in every available way, to the greatest extent possible.

Both companies agree that their workers shouldn’t be able to form unions. They agree that new market entrants shouldn’t be able to make compatible products that make it easy for their customers to quit. They believe that they shouldn’t have to internalize the planet-destroying costs of their business. They believe that they should be able to use their platform status to rip off their business customers’ products, clone them, and then relegate the originals to page ten million of their product listings.

Same with Google: Apple and Google are meant to be great rivals, but the single largest deal Google and Apple do every year is the billions that Google pays to Apple to let it monopolize search on Ios and spy on Apple customers. Apple claims it’s different from Google because it has ethical standards that keep it from spying on you, but those ethical standards are for sale for the low cost of $15 billion.

This is why right wing crybabies who wet their pants over “woke” corporations are fucking idiots. Every large corporation agrees on everything that matters: low pay for workers with no labor rights; no monopoly enforcement, no environmental standards and no taxes. Everything else is a rounding error.

Disney putting a gay character in one of its movies doesn’t make it “progressive” unless you think a “progressive” future is one where our lives are still dominated by 150 untouchable billionaires, but we replace half of them with queer people, women, and/or people of color.

Remember: Rupert Murdoch sold Fox to Disney. Either that deal was made possible by a secret, Romeo-and-Juliet style romance between Bob Iger and Murdoch, whose great ideological differences were bridged by cosmic love…or they had the same ideology all along;

https://locusmag.com/2021/07/cory-doctorow-tech-monopolies-and-the-insufficient-necessity-of-interoperability/

“Social justice” isn’t compatible with corporate power. As important as workplace discrimination and media stereotyping are, fixing these without fixing corporate power is not “progressive.” Gay billionaires like Peter Thiel and far-right woman politicians like Katalin Novák don’t represent social progress.

The conservative coalition of bigots and billionaires depends on the latter reliably rooking the former. There is nothing surprising about “woke” companies pouring millions into the election campaigns of “Big Lie” politicians:

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/exposed-these-companies-are-funding-trumps-insurrectionists

These politicians are Trumpy conspiratorialists second. Their first priority is unlimited corporate power: the power to crush workers, rip off customers, wreck the planet and dismantle all democratically accountable institutions. That’s the same priority as every major corporation. There’s no such thing as a “progressive” multinational.

Globe-spanning, price-gouging corporations want you to believe that inflation was caused by giving workers enough money to survive during the pandemic, not by their price-fixing and decades of offshoring:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/01/factories-to-condos-pipeline/#stuff-not-money

Which is why the right can never be “populist.” They can never be on the side of “working class” people, even the white, straight, Christian male working class. Corporate power works solely in service to its shareholders — and the more workers and customers have, the less shareholders have.

That was always the point of neoliberalism: stripping us of economic and social gains of the post-war era and sending us back belowstairs, to tug our forelocks for our social betters:

https://doctorow.medium.com/the-end-of-the-road-to-serfdom-bfad6f3b35a9

Image: Andrés Moreira (modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrix/6373149829/

CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

[Image ID: An old-timey cash register displaying $999.99. Its makers' mark has been replaced with Apple's 'Think Different' wordmark; one of the decorative arrows has been replaced with Amazon's arrow-tipped 'Smile' logo. A modified version of Monopoly's Rich Uncle Pennybags is popping out of the cash drawer. He wields a scythe and his face is a skull-mask. Perched atop a protrusion on the register is a trustbuster era editorial cartoon image of Roosevelt, swinging his 'big stick.']

#pluralistic

[14dyh]

hii can you write hange x reader where hange and r are best friends who are obsessed w spider man and they confess to each other after watching one of the movies on theaters?

Confession | H.Z.

Pairing: Hange Zoë x reader (2nd POV) Summary: You and your best friend, Hange, went to the cinema together to watch a Spider-Man movie. Is there a love confession waiting after? Word count: 1.1k A/N: not used to writing modern au and in 2nd pov but this ask hyped me up so thanksss anon :D

The hectic exam week stole the time you should be spending with your best friend. You still share the smallest yet sweetest forms of affection despite the rough week, sometimes leaning on each other's shoulder after lectures when you're both sleepy or walking each other home.

This semester has kept both of you busy. Hange is always up to something so you never question it. They always find time to plan cool devices and build them in their spare time.

Their ideas fascinate you to no end but you longed for the times when you both read Spider-Man comic books on the weekends, trading your copies with each other. You always look forward to the sticky notes pasted on their favorite pages. Most of them are addressed to you since you're the only one they trade these comic books with. This act exists as a special bond between the both of you.

On Saturday movie nights, you rewatch the Spider-Man movies and challenge each other by competing who can find the most references. It's always fun to be with someone who understands your interests and loves them with you.

You: Hey Hans, wanna go to the cinema after exams??

You texted them that morning. You didn't have to specify the movie because they already know what you're referring to.

Hange: Totally :D

You smiled to yourself. Going to the movies together to watch the latest Spiderman movie might be the best thing after a barrage of schoolwork.

That day, you both wore the matching Spider-Man shirts you bought at a convention once.

"You must have read my mind," they teased after you got to your seats. The movie will start in five minutes.

"I could accuse you of the same thing too," you chuckled, amused by how much your actions seemed to sync despite the minimal planning this event underwent. Being at the cinema with your best friend rekindled the spark this stressful week dimmed within you.

When the movie started, your eyes were glued on the screen, sometimes squealing out of excitement with Hange. You didn't even notice the way you clung to their arm or the way you held their hand throughout the movie. Hange noted how lovely your bright, smiling eyes looked whenever you were happy. It was a sight their eyes always yearned to see.

Your eyes caught their gaze and took time to observe their face, partly illuminated by the movie screen. Their eyes showed a hint of tiredness, but most importantly, enthusiasm... an excitement you couldn't quite explain. Maybe it was their newest project. You scooted closer and asked them what they were currently up to.

"New project, hm? By the looks of it, you seemed to be passionate about it. Not that it's new to me, of course," you smiled, handing them the popcorn bucket. Hange beamed in response, the familiar curl of their lips when they were trying to contain their excitement.

"Heh, you know me very well," they chuckled.

Hange didn't let out too much information as their special way to keep the both of you excited for something new to talk about. Something else entirely lingered on your mind though. A simple message or a wave from them would remind you of Hange, and your desire to tell them how you truly felt. There was always a love letter tucked in your pocket, sometimes you even plan to slip it in one of the comic books you share. There was never a perfect time.

You leaned back in your seat, a portion of you rested on their shoulder as the movie credits rolled.

Later after the movie, both of you went to the ice cream parlor, sitting across each other in the seat usually reserved for lovers. It was an unwritten rule among the regulars but you didn't protest as Hange ushered you there with a smile.

"I have something for you," Hange said, leaning closer across from you, their hand outstretched. "Can I have your hand?"

Something inside you stirred, excitement or nervousness interweaving. You gave your hand to them and waited. They brought something out of their jacket, a familiar material they carefully strapped to your wrist.

"I remember we've always wanted a Spider-Man web shooter like in the films," they smiled as they talked, securing the device around you. "But why not make a version of our own, right? I made this one for you."

You couldn't help but stare at the smile in their eyes, your own heart leaping with joy as you observed how intricately this web shooter is made— made by someone who truly knows you.

You almost squealed with excitement, eager to see how it works. You wanted to hug Hange so tightly as you tried to contain your excitement. But most of all, you can't wait for Hange to tell you how they made this, knowing this would make them incredibly happy. They told you it was their design, even the mechanism that makes it work. You didn't even notice how much you were squeezing their hand between yours.

So this is what they've been tending to the whole week?

"Please show me how it works!" you gushed. Hange then excitedly explained its mechanisms. You can activate it the same way in the movies.

"The web inside is magnetic, though," Hange explained. "I want you to shoot it at me first."

Hange requested with a grin, the same child-like enthusiasm sparkled in their eyes. A faint blush appeared on your cheeks, it was a simple request but it was enough to increase your affection towards them.

You obliged with their request. You positioned your hand and aimed. The web shot out of the cartridge, immediately attaching itself to the left breast pocket of their jacket to which they smirked.

"Ooh, seems like you caught my heart," Hange smiled, you couldn't help but giggle at how smoothly that went on your ears. They fished out a custom magnetic device from their jacket where the web landed.

"My, is this a love confession, Hange?" you laughed, the heat within your cheek betraying you. The love letter within your pocket nudging to be brought out.

"Let's just say that I want to be able to love more things with you," Hange said in a low, sincere voice. "That is, if you will allow me..."

"Well... How could I say no to my favorite dork?" You chuckled, taking their hands again.

From then on, the lovers' seat near the cinema was occupied, especially when a Spider-Man movie was showing in the theaters.

#hange zoë #hange zoe #hanji zoë #hanji #hanji zoe #hange snk #hange x y/n #hange x reader #hange x you #hange zoe x reader #hange zoe x you #hange zoe x y/n #hange aot #aot x you #aot fanfiction #aot x reader #attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #snk fanfiction #snk #14dyh-writes

[chubsonthemoon]

Long time no bookbinding! This is the wonderful right where I should be, a soukoku series by @feralrookie that makes me go, well, feral XD Heather's writing is hypnotic and heartbreaking, and the way she writes Dazai and Chuuya especially hits every single button in my soukoku-rotted hamster brain.

Some process chatter and more glamor pics, under the cut! <3

This bind underwent several design revisions in the six-month period between me asking for Heather's permission to bind in May and just this morning when I finished, mostly because I fell down hard into two other crafting rabbit holes LOL (crochet and dressmaking!). But can I just say--even though they might've derailed my bookbinding for a bit, I'm really glad I chased those bunnies, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten my hands on the fabric I eventually repurposed for the bookcloth!

Originally, I wanted a red/black color scheme for this book, but no matter how I fiddled with the typesetting and design sketches and whatnot, everything I came up with seemed to fall short of what I was going for. But there's this gut-wrenching, beautiful scene in the first one shot of the collection, stay up through the night, where Dazai and Chuuya are sitting on a city rooftop stargazing, and that image of them just looking up at the stars stuck with me for months, even as I got sidetracked with other crafty things and design ideas. Enter the dressmaking fabric--that dreamy, faux-velvet--and everything quickly settled into place.

And because Dazai's bandages are so iconic, I just had to incorporate them into the design! Each of the title pages separating the works in the series features hand-drawn stars and a section of a very long bandage/ribbon that I drew in Clip Studio Paint. It took a bit of fiddling with the brush settings to get the look that I wanted, but I'm really happy with the results :3

Aaaaaaaand finally, even though I ended up not using this cover spread, I figured it'd be a shame if I didn't show it, because I really love how it brings all the works in the series together!

Okay, long post over for now! This was a really fun challenge, and I'm so happy with how it came out. All my love once again to Heather for letting me bind her gorgeous work, and to end this post, a line from that made me sob my eyes out when I first read it!

"I have seen you at your worst,” the tip of his nose, “and I have loved you at your cruelest,” the corner of his mouth, “and I have never once regretted it.” (Chapter 6 of in the house that you built me)

All my love! <3

#bungou stray dogs #bsd #soukoku #dazai osamu #nakahara chuuya #bookbinding #fanbinding #not my fic

[flowers-of-buffoonery]

I SAW SOME OF YOUR ANALYSIS STUFF AND AUAUYAAUAUAHAHDKAKDISIAJRSIJAFKXKAIDK SO CAN I ASK WHAT YOUR THOUGHTS ON AKUTAGAWA/SSKK ARE 🙏 if not it’s ok !!

hi!!! I haven't thought extensively about akutagawa and sskk so I don't have general considerations – what I do have is thoughts specific to certain aspects of akutagawa's character, or certain sskk interactions. akutagawa and atsushi's first three fights gave me lots of food for thought re: akutagawa's early feelings towards atsushi. and so!! I present to you...

fascination, jealousy, sameness

akutagawa's thoughts on atsushi in chapters #4, #11-12, and #33-35

at first, atsushi is nothing but prey for akutagawa. the mafia wants to capture him alive; akutagawa, as a "humble dog" (his words) of the organisation, hunts him down to fulfil his duty – nothing more.

atsushi is something to be caught – something akutagawa has absolute confidence he can catch. he's so confident he stops to chat, to tell atsushi about rashōmon, to make threats. in short: he underestimates him. he doesn't see him as a threat even when atsushi tries to fight back.

but then, atsushi half-transforms into the white tiger, and that gets akutagawa's attention. atsushi stops being a helpless prey and becomes a vaguely challenging prey instead. akutagawa takes his time to observe him, taking in atsushi's skills, marvelling at his speed.

fighting him becomes interesting. of course, dazai steps in before long, ending their fight, and akutagawa has to go back to the mafia empty-handed, with promises of retaliation. what he thinks of atsushi at this point we might never know. what we do know, is that every neutral thought he could have had is abruptly killed the moment he speaks to dazai in ch. 9.

dazai tells him that atsushi is "far more talented" than akutagawa ever was; akutagawa, whose primary drive is to make dazai proud, is immediately consumed with jealousy and murderous spirit. atsushi might still be a prey, but his main status in akutagawa's mind is that of a rival – someone he needs to cut down to achieve his goals.

so the next time akutagawa has the chance to capture atsushi, he tries stabbing him to death. he doesn't even try to fight; he simply doesn't want him alive any longer. of course, atsushi's power heals him before he can die, and so akutagawa has to fight him again.

this time, akutagawa is absolutely ruthless with both his words and rashomon. atsushi is an obstacle to be removed; someone weak, someone worthless, someone dazai couldn't possibly consider training – and yet.

atsushi took the possibility of dazai's praise from akutagawa; he can't forgive him. so he mocks him, taunts him, toys with him. he's still so sure to be the superior ability user out of the two of them that, when atsushi manages to hit him by being smart, akutagawa can't help but think of dazai's lessons, of the cruel training he underwent, the skills he learnt – all of which atsushi lacks. and yet dazai has more faith in his skill than he does in akutagawa's.

the problem is – akutagawa can't see it. he refuses to see it, refuses to entertain the notion that atsushi, as untrained as he is, might be a match for him – because if he admits it, then isn't dazai right? so he underestimates atsushi again, and loses their first full fight because of it. which of course only makes him angrier.

in his anger and hurry to kill atsushi, akutagawa decides to ignore the truce between the mafia and the ADA, and joins him on the moby dick to kill him. at this point, akutagawa has been obsessing over atsushi for a significant amount of time, and I think his obsession didn't just strengthen his resolve to kill him – it slowly, subconsciously, made him see atsushi as a partial equal. he's been thinking about him so much that he identified similarities between the two of them; he hates him enough that he wants to kill him in a fight; and his previous defeat has forced him to realise that atsushi does have some skills.

so instead of attempting to kill him swiftly, akutagawa fights him. and as he fights him, you can clearly see there's a part of akutagawa that's fascinated by atsushi – this person he could almost see himself in, the only other person dazai chose to train. he's unaware of this fascination, and thus unable to conceal it.

akutagawa doesn't understand atsushi, and he doesn't understand dazai's choice to train him. but then fitzgerald reveals the horrors of atsushi's past, and suddenly akutagawa does understand, and his anger skyrockets – but so does his disdain. he despises the way atsushi wallows in his own pain, dwells on his own past, instead of recognising how lucky he is to have dazai's recognition and praise.

akutagawa can see himself in atsushi's past self. they don't share the same past, but their experiences are equivalent; yet akutagawa hasn't wallowed in his own misery for a single second, while atsushi is still bound by his painful memories. "I got over my past and got over myself; why can't you do the same and achieve greatness?" is probably what plays in a loop inside akutagawa's head. his disgust can only be so intense because atsushi's circumstances feel unbearably personal.

but akutagawa can also see himself in atsushi's present self, who is a student to dazai. the similarities end there, as akutagawa is convinced atsushi has done nothing to deserve this, and is wasting his good luck. "I got over myself and have been trying my utmost for years. you, meanwhile, are still stuck in your misery by choice, and don't make any efforts to become better... and yet dazai has taken you under his wing. why? why did it have to be you?"

these are, I think, akutagawa's thoughts. but a part of him can already see why dazai chose atsushi, why he deems him talented; he just refuses to acknowledge it, wrapped up as he is in jealousy.

#whew! this sure was a journey #1k words of analysis in reply to an ask? it's more likely than you'd think #sorry for the length #getting carried away is SO easy with these two #more thoughts will be forthcoming as I keep rereading the manga #tags!! #bsd meta #bungou stray dogs #bsd manga #dazai #bsd dazai #dazai osamu #obsessed aku #bsd akutagawa #akutagawa ryuunosuke #akutagawa #atsushi #bsd atsushi #nakajima atsushi #shin soukoku #sskk #ask!

[mariacallous]

In November 1988, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) met in Algiers and issued a Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the state of Palestine. The declaration grounded the new state in the 1947 U.N. Partition Resolution, which called for two states, one Arab and one Jewish. The PLO’s goal, as with Hamas today, had previously been the “liberation” of all of Palestine, from the river to the sea. In the 1988 declaration, the PLO reversed that position. Four weeks later, the PLO recognized Israel’s right to exist.

Immediately following the proclamation, Algeria, the host country, announced its recognition of the state of Palestine. And almost immediately, the United States launched a worldwide effort to persuade other countries to withhold recognition and thwart the Palestinians in their campaign to gain admission into international organizations.

Today, 139 countries recognize the state of Palestine, but this does not include the major Western democracies. The state is a member of many international organizations but not the United Nations, where the United States, through the Security Council, has blocked admission. Yet since 2012, Palestine has been recognized by the United Nations as a non-member observer state.

Now, triggered by the war in Gaza, this may change. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, has stated that the United Kingdom is considering recognizing Palestine and supporting its membership in the United Nations. More importantly, it has been reported that this is also under consideration by the U.S. State Department.

Prior to Oct. 7, 2023, recognition by the United States and admission of the state of Palestine to the United Nations would have been a major accomplishment for Fatah (the biggest secular Palestinian political party), the PLO, and for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who also holds the title of President of the state of Palestine.

This would not have fundamentally changed the widespread Palestinian judgment that the entire Oslo Accords process was a disaster for the Palestinians, but it would have kindled a small spark of hope and would have counted for something in Fatah’s struggle with Hamas, which replaced the PLO as the home for Palestinians who remained committed to liberating all of Palestine and to the use of armed struggle to do so.

If it happens now, Hamas, whose popularity among Palestinians has grown and will grow further if there is a release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages, will likely take credit. It will maintain that this recognition, which the PLO was not able to accomplish, demonstrates that only armed struggle produces results.

And within Israel, such moves will likely increase the political fortunes of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. U.S. President Biden’s advocacy of the two-state solution is already being used by Netanyahu as a central theme in his effort to win the next Israeli election, despite his dismal polling numbers. He claims that, were it not for him, Israel would be presently facing a Hamas-controlled state in the West Bank, and that only he can stand up to U.S. pressure.

Key figures in the Israeli center who might challenge Netanyahu in the next election are sufficiently concerned that they have asked Washington to stop talking, at least in public, about the two-state solution. Unilateral recognition of Palestine by the United States would be used by Netanyahu in his efforts to stoke Israeli fears.

That said, U.S. recognition of Palestine and its admission to the United Nations can be hugely important in the effort to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but to do so, such steps must be part of a comprehensive peace plan, one that acknowledges the new reality that Oct. 7 has created for Israelis. That day, Israelis underwent a trauma whose impact will endure. Israelis lost a sense of security that had long become part of their lives. They lost trust in their government and in their military, their intelligence services, and their technology. Hamas’s slaughter awakened the historic memories of the Holocaust and of centuries of pogroms.

Post-Oct. 7, no Israeli government will ever agree to a Palestinian state in the West Bank unless ­there is substantial confidence that it will not be a threat to Israel. No set of written arrangements, including provisions that say the Palestinian state will be demilitarized, will supply Israelis with the degree of confidence that is necessary before they will risk a sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank.

If there is an answer, it will require abandoning the defunct Oslo paradigm, which sees Palestinian statehood emerging as a result of successful end-of-conflict negotiations. The alternative is a sovereignty-in-Gaza-first approach: to test Palestinian statehood in Gaza first, and only if it is successful over an agreed period, to then move to negotiations on extending Palestinian sovereignty to the West Bank.

The Gaza-first approach to Palestinian statehood has a long history. Its strongest Israeli proponent was Shimon Peres. Back in 1995, at Peres’s request, I presented to Yasser Arafat a 20-point Gaza-first proposal I had developed. Arafat abruptly rejected it, not unreasonably, fearing that Gaza-first would become Gaza-last. But that was in the heyday of the Oslo Accords, when other paths to statehood seemed possible. Today, for Israelis, actual lived experience with a trial state in Gaza may be the only path to the two-state solution.

Here are the main components of what a “Gaza-first plan” might look like—one that integrates U.S. recognition of the state of Palestine into a path to peace:

The United States (or a group of Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar) will put forward a plan for a trial Palestinian state in Gaza, with permanent status negotiations between Israel and the state of Palestine to be held only after a successful, three-year demonstration by the new state that it is stable, committed to peace with Israel, and has been successful in achieving de facto sovereignty over Gaza. The State of Palestine would have to attain respect for its authority from nonstate actors, especially Hamas. Hamas would have to relinquish its ability to initiate hostilities, including the possession of heavy weapons, missile production, and weapons smuggling.

If the PLO accepts this Gaza-first test of Palestinian sovereignty, then the United States would stop blocking Palestine’s admission to the U.N. and commit to recognizing the state of Palestine once it establishes de facto sovereignty over Gaza.

The PLO or Fatah, under Arab auspices, would then begin negotiations with Hamas over the group’s future. The goal will be agreement that once Israel withdraws from Gaza, Hamas will accept the authority of the Palestinian state. Further, agreement will be sought on conditions that Hamas-affiliated candidates will have to meet in order to participate in Palestinian elections, including acceptance of the Declaration of Independence’s language that Palestine “rejects the threat or use of force, violence and terrorism, against … the territorial integrity of other states.”

If the PLO-Hamas negotiations are successful, Israeli forces in Gaza will be rapidly replaced by security forces from the Palestinian Authority. If they are not successful, then Palestine will receive assistance from other Arab states, or an international force, to establish its sovereign control of Gaza, leading to Israel’s exit.

Once the state of Palestine establishes control over Gaza, it would be recognized by the United States and Israel—but with its recognized sovereignty, at this point, limited to Gaza. Upon Israeli recognition of the state of Palestine, the Palestinian Authority will cease to exist. All its administrative functions and assets and bureaucracy in the West Bank will be assumed by the state of Palestine.

The emerging state will hold its first elections in both the West Bank and Gaza. All candidates for office will be required to meet the conditions discussed above.

Upon the election of the first government of Palestine, the two states, Israel and Palestine, will exchange ambassadors and pledge peaceful coexistence. The United States will sponsor negotiations between the two states on lifting the blockade of Gaza and on how to prevent weapons smuggling into Gaza.

To demonstrate that it is serious about future negotiations over the West Bank, Israel will also agree to a complete halt to the expansion of West Bank settlements, and to control and punish violence and intimidation of Palestinians by Israeli settlers.

After the transfer of power to the state of Palestine, the settlement freeze, and the opening of negotiations on lifting the blockade of Gaza, Saudi Arabia will normalize relations with Israel.

Upon a declaration by Palestine that it has attained de facto sovereignty over Gaza, the three-year trial period will commence. If it is successful, as judged by an implementation commission composed of the United States and the Arab countries that have recognized Israel, then Washington will convene permanent status talks between the two states. Those negotiations will be based on the final status parameters articulated by then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in 2016. These not only included the demilitarization of the Palestinian state and security provisions for Israel, but also a commitment that the borders of Palestine in the West Bank will be based on the 1967 lines, modified by equal land swaps, and with a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem.

Making Palestinian statehood a reality would allow Palestinian moderates to take over Gaza from the Israelis without appearing to be Israeli subcontractors or a police force furthering the occupation. Without this fundamental change in its role, the notion of a “revitalized Palestinian Authority” taking effective control of Gaza, as Biden has proposed, is delusional.

Much will depend on the size and capabilities of Palestine’s security forces. But most of all, success or failure will depend on whether the Palestinian people themselves believe that this statehood trial really offers a path to comprehensive independence. If so, succeeding in the trial will have widespread Palestinian support, and this in turn will affect Hamas’s willingness to accept the authority of the state. Essentially, Hamas will be faced with a choice between marginalization or evolution.

Ironically, this approach may also appeal to many Israelis who currently oppose a Palestinian state. This is because, apart from fierce right-wing ideologues, most of the Israeli opposition to a Palestinian state rests on the belief that real peace with such a state is not possible. For those firmly of this view, a Gaza-first test may appeal to them, if only because they believe that Palestine will prove to be a failed state.

For the centrists seeking to lead Israel, a Gaza-first trial is a pragmatic option that serves to neutralize Netanyahu’s claim that only he can prevent the imposition of a Palestinian state with West Bank sovereignty. Further, testing sovereignty does not tie Israel’s hands if a Palestinian state is unable to gain actual sovereign power over Gaza. At the same time, a trial state in Gaza potentially offers Israel a chance that it would not otherwise have: a way to permanently withdraw from Gaza, rather than having to face an interminable insurgency.

Gaining Saudi recognition of Israel by committing only to good-faith testing of Palestinian sovereignty will significantly enhance interest in the plan for all Israelis.

For the moderate Palestinian leadership, this framework provides a major achievement towards a full end to the occupation, with actual sovereignty in some part of Palestine.  And recognition by the United States will mean a Palestinian Embassy in Washington, a U.S. ambassador to Palestine, and worldwide acceptance of symbols of Palestinian sovereignty including passports and a currency.

Palestinians will be wary, as Arafat was in 1995, that Gaza-first will become Gaza-last, but such fears will be alleviated by a permanent halt to Israeli settlement expansion.

For those on both sides who are deeply committed to resolving the conflict, a Gaza-first approach provides an opportunity to demonstrate that lasting peace is possible, as well as an opportunity to develop new approaches to final-status arrangements outside the Oslo paradigm. Most importantly, it offers a credible path to the end of the conflict, without playing into Netanyahu’s hands.

[doumadono]

hi. if this question makes you uncomfortable, please don't hesitate to skip it. I noticed your recent post about being in charge of a surgical procedure today. would you be willing to share your experience and explain what "leading a surgery" involves? I've always had a fascination with the medical field, even though I didn't pursue it myself. could you tell me about the most challenging aspect of conducting such surgeries? do you often experience fear before entering the operating room? I apologize if these questions are intrusive!!! God bless you

Hello, and thank you for your considerate message! I'm more than happy to share my experience leading surgeries and shed light on what it entails ❤️

Leading a surgery essentially means taking on the role of the primary surgeon, responsible for making critical decisions during the procedure. It involves overseeing the surgical team, making incisions, performing the surgery itself, and ensuring the patient's well-being throughout the process. It's a position of great responsibility. The most challenging aspect of conducting such surgeries is the weight of these responsibilities. The pressure to make crucial decisions and perform precise actions with a patient's life at stake can be overwhelming. It's mentally and emotionally taxing, but it's also what drives us to provide the best care.

As for fear before entering the operating room, it's something that many surgeons experience, especially early in their careers, you know? However, with time and extensive training, that fear often transforms into a heightened sense of focus and determination 😉 I can sometimes sense a cold, tingling feeling in the gut, but it's more about staying sharp and alert rather than being afraid though.

And it was a complex surgical procedure. A 60-year-old man underwent surgery to remove an IV astrocytoma, a challenging type of brain tumor. Our team skillfully managed to excise approximately ~ 90% of the massive tumor, significantly relieving the patient's condition. Unfortunately, the remaining ~ 10% of the tumor was situated in a location that made further removal impossible, leaving it inoperative 😞 This procedure aimed to improve the patient's quality of life and manage the tumor's growth as effectively as possible. As of now, the man remains under sedation and is scheduled to be gradually awakened tomorrow morning. This approach allows for a controlled and safe transition as we closely monitor the patient's recovery.

Thank you for your kind words, and may you be blessed as well! If you have more questions or would like to know more about this profession, feel free to ask 😸

#asked and answered #life of a neurosurgeon #life of a doctor #personal #thank you for an interesting question! #anonymous

[day6source]

DAY6 Open Up About Their Long-Awaited Comeback and What Fourever Means to Them: 'It's Our Time' (Exclusive)

"I think the last three years was a period of self-care and self-love," SUNGJIN says of the 4-piece band's hiatus by Jenna Wang

After a long break, returning to the stage again might feel a little intimidating. Just like with any activity, time spent away might make anyone feel hesitant — like trying to re-learn how to bike, or going through the motions of swimming again.  However, when the K-pop boy band DAY6 pulls back the curtain with a flourish, it’s clear that their three-year-long hiatus hasn’t stopped them in their tracks. For the boys — SUNGJIN, 31, Young K, 30, WONPIL, 29, and DOWOON, 28 — the stage is their natural element.  From the way they passionately sing as the spotlights fall on their faces, they couldn’t be happier to be together again. And as the chorus of their latest album’s first track builds up, they have one message for those who have anticipated their comeback: “Welcome to the Show.” 

Their eighth mini-album name, Fourever, hits the nail on the head with its overall theme, composed of seven tracks about love, nostalgia and what happiness really is. As the boys gather one late evening to talk about the comeback, they can’t help but reflect on their pop rock journey together since their debut back in 2015. While dressed warmly in long sleeves and quarter zips, the energy they exude together is just as heartwarmingly bright.  “It’s our time,” Young K says to PEOPLE. “Being able to put out this album would be our biggest joy, really coming back altogether and being able to present ourselves in front of My Days because they have been waiting for this moment as much as us, hopefully.”  Indeed, being together in front of their fans, dubbed “My Days,” has been a long time coming. Through all the trials and tribulations, their unity is what stands out as they speak, and especially in their lyrics.  “I’m so moved by the stage / That I won’t be alone any longer,” Young K sings in the first track, surrounded by his fellow bandmates. 

However, with any comeback from a break, a bundle of mixed emotions is to be expected.  “If you listen to our song, ‘I Smile,’ there’s a lyric that says ‘half-nervous and half-excited,’” DOWOON says of the track, released in 2017. “That’s exactly how I feel.”  For the past three years, the DAY6 members completed their required military enlistment in South Korea. While they underwent basic training, they also could reflect on what meant most to them.  “I think the last three years was a period of self-care and self-love,” SUNGJIN says. “I have come to realize that in order for this band to exist, I have to exist first, so I really try to teach myself how to take care of myself well.” 

For SUNGJIN, self-care might be as simple as buying a small gift for himself, or meeting with loved ones. And even though all the boys were completing their service, that didn’t mean they were restricted from seeing one another. In fact, DOWOON recalls a humorous moment when he was in a TV program, and WONPIL and Young K joined him to perform.  “They insisted that they come into my room and share my bed while we were training, while we were practicing together — so that’s one memory that I have,” DOWOON shares.  “That’s how glad we were to see him,” Young K adds with a laugh.  When asked how large the bed was, WONPIL doesn’t beat around the bush with his response: “Yeah, it was very small.”  The boys also had ample free time outside of training to engage in hobbies, and DOWOON’s was especially productive. The drummer, and the band’s youngest member, says he taught himself how to play the bass drums and pushed himself to continually “relearn.” Mastering the instrument became the challenge he set out to accomplish for the album. DOWOON is far from the only member who plays an instrument. In fact, what makes the boy band especially unique is how every member excels at their own instrument. While SUNGJIN rocks it as the rhythm guitarist, WONPIL effortlessly works the keyboard and synthesizer. Young K has always been the bassist of the group, but surprisingly, has never played a bass instrument before becoming a trainee. However, you wouldn’t be able to tell because of how much he practices for upcoming albums. “That becomes the best way of practice for me,” he says of his practicing regimen. “Of course, doing the chromatics, slowing down and then going at the right pace — that would be a great practice session.” “That’s why I don’t call myself the best bassist, but that’s what I do,” he simply adds.

Regardless of how they practice, their instrumental mastery shines through in each of the tracks. They serve to highlight the deep meanings associated with each song, like SUNGJIN’s favorite — “HAPPY.” The second track revolves around one question: “Why am I gradually sinking when I want to be happy?” For SUNGJIN, the melancholic song is one that he can especially relate to. “I empathize with it the most because it talks about the question that I had for myself for a long time, which is how I had this obscure thought that happiness will come along one day,” he says. As the boys begin to contemplate about what the songs mean, it’s apparent that they draw on a lot of memories and feelings from the past. Indeed, nostalgia ( a feeling “relatable to everyone,” says SUNGJIN) is a core tenant in tracks such as “Get the Hell Out,” which address lingering, and often tormenting memories. 

Embarrassing memories might often fall under the same vein, and Young K can recall an especially funny memory. When he was still a trainee, he appeared on a TV show and said he was “from Toronto.” However, he chose not to say the Canadian city’s name in a Korean accent, and that’s what people will “still make fun” of him for to the present day.  “I don’t even have to think back on it — people make me think back on it,” he says of the inescapable memory. “People bring it up, and I’m still that guy from Toronto.”  As the boys begin to contemplate about what the songs mean, it’s apparent that they draw on a lot of memories and feelings from the past. Indeed, nostalgia ( a feeling “relatable to everyone,” says SUNGJIN) is a core tenant in tracks such as “Get the Hell Out,” which address lingering, and often tormenting memories.  Embarrassing memories might often fall under the same vein, and Young K can recall an especially funny memory. When he was still a trainee, he appeared on a TV show and said he was “from Toronto.” However, he chose not to say the Canadian city’s name in a Korean accent, and that’s what people will “still make fun” of him for to the present day.  “I don’t even have to think back on it — people make me think back on it,” he says of the inescapable memory. “People bring it up, and I’m still that guy from Toronto.” 

Perhaps just as recurring in all the boys’ lives is the motif of love, which many of their tracks explore. Yet, even with tracks like “The Power of Love” and “Let Me Love You,” the boys still agree that much is still unknown about the power of the emotion.  “I’m not 100% certain if I know what love is, but I think for now, sacrifice takes a big part of it,” WONPIL says.  “And consideration,” SUNGJIN chimes in, before diving deeper. 

“The definition of love is still unclear to me, but I feel it,” he continues. “I really feel from my parents what real love is, and it’s something that I didn’t realize before. Now, I really realize what my parents gave me was real love.”  DOWOON says he can feel a special kind of love between him and the fans.  “When I look into the eyes of My Days, I can feel their love for us,” he says. “I learned a lot about love from My Days, and I constantly think about how we can return that love and I think I’m still in the learning process of the definition of love. But for now, I can say that the love that My Days gives us — we feel that a lot.”  Young K, too, also has much to contemplate about when thinking about love. For him, the idea of love is “very interesting” in many ways. 

“Love has been existing ever since human beings existed, or ever since language existed, and people are still asking what the definition of love is,” he explains. “It still hasn’t been defined. I can say whatever we say is not the definition for everyone, but I feel like I can certainly say love exists everywhere.”  Later on, the group also demonstrates how love isn’t only between them or their fans, but even for their past selves. That’s something they don’t forget to mention as they grow into their late twenties and early thirties, as DOWOON proves with a message to his younger self.  “Just be there and stay there, and it will brighten up one day,” he says after a thoughtful moment. “Learn to love yourself as soon as possible in order to help others.”  Despite their more mature outlook on things, it’s clear that the DAY6 members haven’t lost their charismatic and youthful energy. Since they’ve united together again, the band has shared countless memories, full of ab-forming laughs.  “When we were practicing, I asked WONPIL: ‘How much longer are you going to practice?’”DOWOON recalls. “He said, ‘I can practice as long as I want, what’s wrong with it?’” As the members begin to smile, DOWOON adds: “And he shouted, ‘Just leave me alone, let me practice in peace!’” WONPIL also adds his two cents as well about what, or in this case, who, makes him laugh the most.

“I always get a laugh from Young K,” he says. “He always makes me laugh. I can’t exactly point out what it was recently, but I remember laughing really, really hard because of Young K.” In response, Young K shrugs humorously in confusion, just as DOWOON brings up his Toronto motif again. Now, with their comeback, the DAY6 members are ready for what’s ahead, no matter how rocky, smooth or unpredictable the waves may be. In fact, unpredictability is already something that they’re used to, Young K says.  “When we first came out, there were no numbers, or very small numbers compared to now,” he reflects. “For example, ‘You Were Beautiful’ went in the charts years later after it was released. So, you never know what’s going to happen in the future. All we got to do is just make good music and work hard.”  As for any upcoming plans? Besides a concert in mid-April, they can’t make any guarantees about anything else. However, they have their hopes set in stone.  “I don’t know if anything is set yet, but we’re hoping to go around the world,” Young K teases. “I promise you, and this is a promise — nothing is set yet.” 

#sungjin #young k #wonpil #dowoon #day6 #day6 even of day #park sungjin #kang younghyun #brian kang #kim wonpil #yoon dowoon #day6: interviews #240328 #[this one is HUGE LMAO but v good thank u people magazine]

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

March 31, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

APR 01, 2024

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden issued an executive order instructing the National Park Service to “highlight important figures and chapters in women’s history.” “Women and girls of all backgrounds have shaped our country’s history, from the ongoing fight for justice and equality to cutting-edge scientific advancements and artistic achievements,” the announcement read. “Yet these contributions have often been overlooked. We must do more to recognize the role of women and girls in America’s story, including through the Federal Government’s recognition and interpretation of historic and cultural sites.”

In a time when American women are seeing their rights stripped away, it seems worthwhile on this last day of Women’s History Month to highlight the work of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who challenged the laws that barred women from jobs and denied them rights, eventually setting the country on a path to extend equal justice under law to women and LGBTQ Americans.

Ginsburg was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 15, 1933, in an era when laws, as well as the customs they protected, treated women differently than men. Joan Ruth Bader, who went by her middle name, was the second daughter in a middle-class Jewish family. She went to public schools, where she excelled, and won a full scholarship to Cornell. There she met Martin Ginsburg, and they married after she graduated. “What made Marty so overwhelmingly attractive to me was that he cared that I had a brain,” she later explained. Relocating to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for her husband’s army service, Ginsburg scored high on the civil service exam but could find work only as a typist. When she got pregnant with their daughter, Jane, she lost her job.

Two years later, the couple moved back east, where Marty had been admitted to Harvard Law School. Ginsburg was admitted the next year, one of 9 women in her class of more than 500 students; a dean asked her why she was “taking the place of a man.” She excelled, becoming the first woman on the prestigious Harvard Law Review. When her husband underwent surgery and radiation treatments for testicular cancer, she cared for him and their daughter while managing her studies and helping Marty with his. She rarely slept.

After he graduated, Martin Ginsburg got a job in New York, and Ginsburg transferred to Columbia Law School, where she graduated at the top of her class. But in 1959, law firms weren’t hiring women, and judges didn’t want them as clerks either—especially mothers, who might be distracted by their “familial obligations.” Finally, her mentor, law professor Gerald Gunther, got her a clerkship by threatening Judge Edmund Palmieri that if he did not take her, Gunther would never send him a clerk again.

After her clerkship and two years in Sweden, where laws about gender equality were far more advanced than in America, Ginsburg became one of America’s first female law professors. She worked first at Rutgers University—where she hid her pregnancy with her second child, James, until her contract was renewed—and then at Columbia Law School, where she was the first woman the school tenured.

At Rutgers she began her bid to level the legal playing field between men and women, extending equal protection under the law to include gender. Knowing she had to appeal to male judges, she often picked male plaintiffs to establish the principle of gender equality. 

In 1971 she wrote the brief for Sally Reed in the case of Reed vs. Reed, when the Supreme Court decided that an Idaho law specifying that “males must be preferred to females” in appointing administrators of estates was unconstitutional. Chief Justice Warren Burger, who had been appointed by Richard Nixon, wrote: “To give a mandatory preference to members of either sex over members of the other…is to make the very kind of arbitrary legislative choice forbidden by the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment” to the Constitution.

In 1972, Ginsburg won the case of Moritz v. Commissioner. She argued that a law preventing a bachelor, Charles Moritz, from claiming a tax deduction for the care of his aged mother because the deduction could be claimed only by women, or by widowed or divorced men, was discriminatory. The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit agreed, citing Reed v. Reed when it decided that discrimination on the basis of sex violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

In that same year, Ginsburg founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Between 1973 and 1976, she argued six gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court. She won five. The first time she appeared before the court, she quoted nineteenth-century abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sarah Grimké: “I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.”

Nominated to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton in 1993, she was confirmed by a vote of 96 to 3. Clinton called her “the Thurgood Marshall of gender-equality law.”

In her 27 years on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg championed equal rights both from the majority and in dissent (which she would mark by wearing a sequined collar), including her angry dissent in 2006 in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber when the plaintiff, Lilly Ledbetter, was denied decades of missing wages because the statute of limitations had already passed when she discovered she had been paid far less than the men with whom she worked. “The court does not comprehend or is indifferent to the insidious way in which women can be victims of pay discrimination,” Ginsburg wrote. Congress went on to change the law, and the first bill President Barack Obama signed was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

In 2013, Ginsburg famously dissented from the majority in Shelby County v. Holder, the case that gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The majority decided to remove the provision of the law that required states with histories of voter suppression to get federal approval before changing election laws, arguing that such preclearance was no longer necessary. Ginsburg wrote: “Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.” As she predicted, after the decision, many states immediately began to restrict voting.

Ginsburg’s dissent made her a cultural icon. Admirers called her “The Notorious R.B.G.” after the rapper The Notorious B.I.G., wore clothing with her image on it, dressed as her for Halloween, and bought RBG dolls and coloring books. In 2018 the hit documentary "RBG" told the story of her life, and as she aged, she became a fitness influencer for her relentless strength-training regimen. She was also known for her plain speaking. When asked when there would be enough women on the Supreme Court, for example, she answered: “[W]hen there are nine.”

Ginsburg’s death on September 18, 2020, brought widespread mourning among those who saw her as a champion for equal rights for women, LGBTQ Americans, minorities, and those who believe the role of the government is to make sure that all Americans enjoy equal justice under law. Upon her passing, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton tweeted: “Justice Ginsburg paved the way for so many women, including me. There will never be another like her. Thank you RBG.”

Just eight days after Ginsburg’s death, then-president Donald Trump nominated extremist Amy Coney Barrett to take her seat on the court, and then–Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) rushed her confirmation hearings so the Senate could confirm her before the 2020 presidential election. It did so on October 26, 2020. Barrett was a key vote on the June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, the Supreme Court ruling that overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision recognizing the constitutional right to abortion.

Ginsburg often quoted Justice Louis Brandeis’s famous line, “The greatest menace to freedom is an inert people,” and she advised people to “fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” 

Setting an example for how to advance the principle of equality, she told the directors of the documentary RBG that she wanted to be remembered “[j]ust as someone who did whatever she could, with whatever limited talent she had, to move society along in the direction I would like it to be for my children and grandchildren.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

#Letters From An American #Heather Cox Richardson #history #women's history #women #Ruth Bader Ginsburg #women's rights #US History

[jolinaprincess]

BTS MAFIA SOULMATES A/B/O AU FF

CHAPTER 2: Teenage Life/Friends/Training

An: Hello everyone! FINALLY IT'S HERE CHAPTER 2 Well, I know it took forever for me to edit/update, but I was stuck with how the story was going so I asked for some help from other authors, and I would like to thank them for their help and for making me see where the story was going wrong so hopefully now with direction and such. Please leave a comment or critic down below.  I DON'T OWN THE VIDEO OR PICS AND BTS. Oh, one more thing thank you for voting.... even though I rather have your input then votes but it's very much appreciated. NOW ON WITH THE STORY!!!!!!!

Yn was taken from her former home by Yuki, who she quickly realized was the son of the individual who had acquired her from her former father. During their journey to her new residence, Yuki provided her with a comprehensive overview of the rules and expectations she would face. He also gave her a glimpse into the true character of his father, Mr. Melgar, warning her of his deceitful and dangerous ways. Additionally, Yn was informed that she would have a mentor, Jolina, who would guide her on how to survive and thrive in this new and challenging environment.

Upon arrival at the magnificent mansion owned by Mr. Melgar, Yn was greeted by the father and son duo at the main entrance. As they made their way inside, Yn was awed by the grandeur of her new home, but also mindful of the danger that came with living in close proximity to Mr. Melgar and his two sons. Yn was taken to her room on the second floor, which was situated next to her mentor, Jolina's room. The door to her room was marked with the letter "Y," and as Yuki opened it and stepped inside, Yn followed closely behind, eager to explore her new surroundings but also cautious and alert. The room was elegantly appointed, but Yn remained focused, aware that her survival and success in this new life would require constant vigilance and determination and asked Yuki 

Yn: "Now what is going to happen? I know I have to train, but what about the school and parties/ business parties?

Yuki: " Well, for you, the outside world will know you as Mr. Melgar's adopted daughter that he kept hidden for a while to get you ready for facing the spotlight. You will have time to study the high school curriculum on some days while you have Survival Training and Pleasure training with Jolina on other days.

    (What the bedroom looks like except behind the wall part)

Yn was already well-informed about what Pleasure Training entailed, being a highly intelligent individual. As she said goodnight to Yuki, she retreated to her room for the night, intending to watch some K-dramas before sleep. However, after taking a shower and getting into bed, she found herself unable to sleep as memories of her past life flooded her mind, causing her to break down in tears. Just then, she felt a soft touch on her head and turned to see her mentor, Jolina, who had become her partner following her successful completion of the training program.

Yn was just 16 years old when she began her training under the supervision of Mr. Melgar and his sons, Yuki and Zero. During the first year, Yn received education in the fundamentals of survival, assassination, seduction, and learned to adapt to her role as Mr. Melgar's adopted daughter, while also pursuing a high school curriculum. Mr. Melgar made it clear to Yn what was expected of her, and in his absence, Yuki and Zero would step in to provide additional training and support. On days when Jolina was out on missions, Yn was subjected to brutal Omega training, leaving her physically scarred and battered. Despite this, Yuki and Zero would always be there to tend to her wounds and offer comfort through their friendship.

The Second Year of Yn's training was a continuation of the harsh and grueling experience she underwent in her first year. At 17 years old, Yn was put to work at one of Mr. Melgar's nightclubs, where she learned that BTS was searching for her through their connections. Despite being uncertain about what to do, Yn pretended to have died, until she came across a teenage girl who was being accosted by some drunken men. Yn stepped in and defended the girl and was stunned to find that she looked like a twin of herself. Introducing herself to the girl, Janet, Yn sought her help and during Mr. Melgar's absences, Yn visited Janet and trained her in self-defense techniques. The exact details of Yn's relationship with BTS remain hazy, but it is known that she eventually became close with the members of the group and was ready to travel to South Korea.

As the time for Janet's departure approached, Yn gifted her with plane tickets and wished to accompany her to the airport. However, due to the impending return of Mr. Melgar, Yn had to forgo the opportunity to see Janet off. Janet arrived safely in South Korea and made her way to one of BTS's businesses, but it must be noted that BTS was unaware of Yn's experiences in the Mafia world and saw Janet merely as a stand-in.

The third year marked Yn's official introduction to the United States as Mr. Melgar's adopted daughter. She was often required to attend family gatherings and business parties, where Mr. Melgar would expect her to spend time with his business partners or use her as a bargaining tool. Yn was still undergoing training, as well as completing her final year of high school, but with the added pressure of attending these events. Despite Yuki and Zero's best efforts to protect her, there were times when things would still go wrong. To make matters worse, Mr. Melgar would send Yn on missions for his benefit or that of his allies, further testing her skills and fortitude.

The Fourth Year of Yn's training, she was 19 years old and was now fully trained in all aspects of survival, assassination, seduction, and acting as Mr. Melgar's daughter. She was now considered a top-notch Omega, one of the best in the world, and was sent on some of the most difficult and dangerous missions. Yn was tasked with tasks such as infiltrating high-security facilities, gathering intelligence, and taking out high-value targets. During this year, Yn continued to refine her skills and was often sent on solo missions.

In the Fifth Year of Yn's training, she was 20 years old and was now considered a seasoned professional. During this year, Mr. Melgar started to trust her more and more, sending her on more complex missions that required a higher level of skill and precision. Yn was now tasked with leading a team of Omegas on various missions and was responsible for their training and development. She was now considered a mentor to the other Omegas and was often called upon to provide guidance and support to them. Yn continued to work closely with Jolina, who had become a close friend and confidant.

During lunch, Mr. Melgar informed Yuki, Zero, and Yn about an upcoming business party hosted by one of his allies, at one of the finest hotels in California. He emphasized the importance of the guests attending and instructed Yuki and Zero to negotiate deals with them. If the negotiations fail, Mr. Melgar instructed them to threaten or steal information from the guests and to have Yn pay them a visit to ensure that no mistakes were made. He made it clear that someone would be observing their actions during the party. Yuki, Zero, and Yn acknowledged Mr. Melgar's instructions with a firm, "Yes sir, I understand."

After a fulfilling lunch, Yn retired to her room to relax and watch a Korean drama while browsing through YouTube. During this time, she received a notification from Janet, who was in California with BTS for an upcoming business party. Janet wanted to meet with Yn to catch up and discuss potential new partners and investment opportunities. Yn eagerly agreed and arranged to meet Janet at the Jolina Cafe & Bakery at 5 PM. After responding to Janet, Yn got ready for the meeting. She took her time to ensure she was comfortable and well-presented, while also concealing a gun and two daggers for safety. As she was leaving, she ran into Yuki and Zero and asked if they wanted to join her, to which they both agreed. The trio then set out together to meet Janet, ready to make the most of their time being outside.

The two arrived at the Jolina Cafe & Bakery and were seated in a private VIP room, as requested by Yn. She had approached the hostess and requested for a secluded space for her and Janet to catch up on each other's lives without any interruptions. The hostess, understanding the request, had one of the waiters prepare the room for their use. Before heading to the room with Yuki and Zero, Yn informed the hostess that she would be expecting additional guests and asked the hostess to kindly show them in when they arrive.

BTS was lounging in their rented apartment in California when they noticed Janet frantically leaving her phone on the sofa before hurrying to her room to get ready. One of the brothers picked up her phone and saw that she had made plans to meet someone at a Cafe at 5pm. They were hesitant to let Janet go with her usual bodyguards, so they decided that two of the brothers would accompany her while the others listened in on their earphones.

Janet and the two disguised brothers arrived at the Cafe and were led to the VIP room by the hostess. Inside the room, they saw a lady wearing a mask with two men standing behind her. As she approached, Janet realized it was Yn and they hugged each other, catching up on life in South Korea and discussing how BTS was doing. Yn then removed her mask, revealing her true identity, which shocked the brothers.

Yn took a deep breath and removed her mask before sitting down and ordering their drinks. Despite the relaxed atmosphere of the VIP room, Yn couldn't shake off the tension she was feeling. She glanced over at Janet's bodyguards and noticed the anger in their eyes. Although she couldn't understand why they were upset, she sensed that something wasn't right. Yn cleared her throat and asked Janet for a favor, sharing her concerns about the Omega's at the upcoming business party. She urged Janet to stay close to the BTS brothers and only bring bodyguards she trusted, warning her that something big was coming. Yn gave Janet a card with Jolina's picture, instructing her to show it to the hostess to be directed to her or her brothers in case of an emergency. After discussing the serious topic, they moved on to lighter subjects before Janet and her bodyguards departed.

As Yn sipped her drink, Yuki asked her if she had noticed the tension in the air after taking off her mask. Yn nodded and shared her observation of the bodyguards' anger. Yuki and Zero exchanged a look, wondering if they should mention that two of the BTS brothers were with them. Yuki suggested that they have a talk with them, and Zero agreed. Yn finished her drink and stood up, followed by Yuki and Zero. They left the VIP room and headed home.

After their outing, Janet and the two BTS brothers returned to their accommodations. Janet retired to her room to prepare for bed, while the brothers gathered in the meeting room to discuss the puzzling events that had just transpired. They were bewildered by the existence of two Yn's and questioned how such a situation could be possible. As they entered the room, they found the rest of BTS already seated, with the eldest, Jin, taking his place at the head of the table.

Jin turned his attention to the two youngest members, JK and V, and asked if what they saw was real. They confirmed that Yn was indeed alive and well, but they were taken aback by her companions, who posed as her bodyguards. The brothers explained that even before Yn removed her mask, her companions seemed to recognize BTS, and their certainty grew when Yn revealed her identity.

Feeling a headache coming on, Jin tasked RM and Suga with gathering underground information about Yn's past years. J inquired about the Yn currently with them, and the Hyung line exchanged glances before deciding to act as if everything was normal for now. They speculated that Yn had brought her companion to ensure she had a chance at a better life.

After further discussion, the group decided to call it a night, with everyone heading to bed, except for one person who remained deep in thought, pondering the mystery of the two Yn's and their unexpected connection to BTS.

In his room, JK sat on one of the sofa chairs, gazing out the window at the city lights, while sipping on a stiff drink. His mind was consumed with thoughts about the recent events at the cafe, where he encountered the real Yn, and the revelation of her existence left him astonished. He could feel in his soul that she was the true Yn he had been searching for all along.

Recalling the day when the fake Yn appeared, he understood why he couldn't be happy or relieved. He had always felt a deep connection to the real Yn, and now he knew why her sudden return had left him feeling unsettled. JK's thoughts drifted to the past years when Yn had disappeared without a trace, and how he and his Hyung's started training in secret while he continued his education.

As the months went by, he tirelessly sought information on Yn's whereabouts until, miraculously, she reappeared in one of their buildings. A surge of emotions overwhelmed him, and for a moment, his eyes turned red as his instincts took over. He had kept this knowledge to himself, not sharing with his Hyung's that Yn was indeed theirs. He discovered the truth when, a month after Yn's disappearance, his second gender emerged while he was lying on Yn's bed, surrounded by the scent of cherry blossoms.

The realization that Yn was back in their lives brought a mix of emotions, and JK knew that he had to tread carefully, especially since Yn had brought her companion to them. He took another sip of his drink, contemplating the complexity of the situation, and decided that he would be there for Yn, no matter what, as he was determined to protect and support her in this new chapter of their lives.

Janet roused from sleep as her alarm chimed, marking the beginning of a new day. She went about her morning routine, heading downstairs to find the boys had left for work earlier than usual. With the outside world deemed too perilous for her, Janet opted to immerse herself in the world of Kdrama, passing the time until the boys returned home.

Meanwhile, the boys convened in a secure location for a meeting with their trusted allies. Jin led the discussion, starting with updates on recent events before delving into the crucial matters at hand. Turning to Rm and Suga, Jin inquired about the progress in gathering information about Yn's whereabouts. Rm distributed copies of the gathered intel to the assembled group, providing a comprehensive overview of Yn's life and recent experiences.

As the details unfolded, JK's emotions boiled over, his anger palpable as he absorbed the information being shared. After Rm finished explaining, a consensus emerged among the group: they would maintain a low profile until they could safely bring Yn back into their territory, strategizing their next moves with caution and determination. The room buzzed with intensity as plans were formulated, each member of the group prepared to do whatever it took to reunite with Yn and ensure her safety.

Under the glittering chandeliers and amidst the lively chatter, Yn, Yuki, and Zero made their entrance to the party, their presence commanding attention. Yn, her arm interlinked with her brothers, scanned the room with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Her gaze fell upon the four elder brothers of BTS, engaged in conversation with mysterious figures. A surge of frustration gripped her as she recognized them as associates of Mr. Melgar's clandestine empire. She knew all too well the kind of entertainment they would demand.

As they approached their father's associates, Yuki effortlessly mingled with the older members of Super Junior, while Zero engaged with the younger members. The origin of their friendship remained a mystery, guarded by unspoken agreements. Yn, ever inquisitive, decided to unravel this enigma.

While Zero went to fetch her drink, Yn mustered the courage to approach Siwon, a member of Super Junior, seeking answers. With a chuckle and a gentle pat on her head, Siwon teased her curiosity, leaving her with a sense of intrigue. Disappointed, she settled at a nearby table, her eyes wandering the room until they fixated on BTS's table.

Lost in thought, she tried to recall where she had seen their faces before. Her reverie was interrupted by Zero, who handed her a cocktail, a silent understanding passing between them. Yn sighed, her anticipation mingling with apprehension, as she took a bold gulp of the drink, bracing herself for the challenges the night might bring.

#bts x reader #alphabtsxomegareader #bts a/b/o #bts ot7 x reader #ot7 x reader #bts omegaverse au #bts #bts x chubby reader

[just-antithings]

What's up with endogenic? How does that work if you don't mind my asking? Why is it a *bad* thing to some people? I understand if that's too much at once, could you point in a direction to learn more? /genuine

So some parts of the plural community think that the only way to be plural/multiple/a sysytem/have headmates is to undergo childhood trauma. This aligns with the current medical model about disordered systems, known as Dissociative Identity Disorder. The current medical model about DID was put into place by ableists and people who don't even think DID exists, in addition to scientists who think it's real.

The current medical model is not even universally accepted as the cause by all doctors, but they're having issues challenging it because the medical field is full of ableism :)

There are two main umbrella terms for plural individuals, traumagenic and endogenic. Traumagenic means your system formed as a result of trauma (be it in childhood or later) and endogenic means your system did not form as a result of trauma (it does not mean you did not experience trauma, just that it's unconnected to your systemhood).

Some traumagenic individuals who support the current medical model deny the existence of systemhood outside the bounds of being formed via childhood trauma. Therefore they think endogenic systems are fakers pretending to have DID. (Most other endos I know do not claim to have DID. I don't claim to have DID.)

This is honestly a newish thing because we have evidence of endogenic systems being active in the plural community for decades.

This is. A bare bones summary that does not go deep into the issues of sysmedicalism. But they are numerous and they do more harm to the plural community than any individual "faker" ever fucking has.

Also how being endo works for me is that I don't have any side effects from switching (common in disordered systems), I can create/delete headmates (idk how common this is for disordered systems but I have met Multiple that could do this, just not with the speed or ease I can), my status as a system is not related to trauma (I used to have DID, underwent final fusion w/o having a choice, and hated being an empty system so much I started creating headmates because being essentially a singlet sucked a lot actually.) Technically this makes me a mixed origin system, but I personally find a lot of comfort in the term endogenic and it Feels Most Correct so I use it.

#i tried to be as unbiased as i could but i hate antiendos a lot lmao #not syscourse #mod seraphim

[artemiseamoon]

Flirting with Danger

Chapter one: A family business

Words: 2,372

F reader x Ramón

A Narcos MX| A 4 chapter fic | Timeline: S3 events

* to the Anon who asked about this, here’s a taste!

GIF credit to owners 💕

Next | fic info

AN: Y’all want a preview of what’s happening? I have three WIPs about undercover agents, all different stories and outcomes. I’m not rushing them, letting them form organically. As I sat to write one today, this one took over. So just rolling with it! I’m still undecided if I’ll only post a preview here and the full thing on A03 only. I’m on the fence. Anyway, this is looking like a 4 parter. 5 max. I’m working on it. 😁

⚠️ overall Warnings: canon show warnings, if you know those, you know what to expect. Adult 18+ mature content. Violence drugs, sexual themes, deaths, etc. Dont read what you dont like. Don’t read what upsets you. You have the free will to keep scrolling. Expect some angst, some conflict, some grey morality, some mutual pining, some angst. | Content disclaimer: You know my usual narcos disclaimer, this is fan fic, not an effort to glamarize the horrific acts of real persons. I do not support what these people have done. Thanks!

Everyone who worked closely with the Arellano Felix family was blood, grew up with them, or underwent a serious vetting process before being let in. It was like a special club that barely admitted new members.

Your job sounded simple on paper but was indeed very complex. Get close to the family and acquire as much intel as you could. You remember the day you got the assignment. They were desperate to get something on the family, in response, this job was created.

You can visualize that first meeting like it was yesterday. You sat in your boss's office and stared down at the file, then the blank look on his face. You were pushing for a challenge since being sent down here. Desk duty, answering phones, and listening to audio recordings weren't really what you signed up for. But you assumed, rightfully so, that being a woman was the very reason they gave you a 'safe' job.

The first day you heard about the undercover gig, they intended it to go to one of the guys. You made a comment about how much harder it would be for a guy to gain their trust, next thing you knew, you were sitting in that intimidating office.

Though the job sounded impossible and you weren't sure if you could do it, you said yes. You said yes to test yourself, to test your long list of skills developed over the years, and you said yes as a big fuck you to the men who snickered upon hearing you were taking the job. Not the pretty girl who organized their files, surly, you couldn't handle such a thing.

Feeling emboldened, you took the job while swallowing the massive lump in your throat and pushing your fears deep down inside. Back in the states, you’ve done plenty of undercover jobs, you could do this - just, none held as much danger and risk as this one.

…

In preparation, you made an extensive list of ways to get near the family. After going through each option for what felt like 100 times, you settled on Roxanne.

It wasn’t aggressive, like showing up out of nowhere in their lives, and plenty of people needed a job. Besides, you knew the brothers, except very loyal and very married Benjamin, had a thing for pretty faces. So getting a job as a bartender or cocktail waitress would be easy.

It helped that your 4 months in Mexico so far were extremely low-key. If you weren't at that godforsaken desk, you were at home, in the very bland apartment the embassy provided for you.

Your social life was pretty much non-existent, so you could be anyone, it gave you a blank slate to work with. They even provided another apartment in a different part of town for you to use, everything now under your new identity. Once the paper trail of this new you was created, you went in for an interview.

The interview went well, but inside you were nervous as hell. They had a hiring manager, but it seemed like a front anyway. You knew the final word had to go through the family.

Seeing how busy they were, they couldn't be on hand to handle things like this. But the hiring manager seemed to like you enough, and he wasn't exactly hiding his flirting. He was very impressed with the fact you spoke 3 languages fluidly.

You knew, the moment you walked out of here, you would be investigated through and through, and you hoped the team who created identities didn't make any errors.

You don’t know if it was good luck or bad, but during the end of your interview, as you left the office, Ramon and his crew rolled in early, just before the club would open for business. Catching each other eyes, you keep your composure as you stroll past him and flash a small smile.

Ramón smiles back. You break eye contact and head for the door. Time slows down. Feeling his eyes burning into you, you glance over your shoulder and see he’s still watching you.

Even with everything you know about him, his smile is almost childlike. Big, bright, beaming. It was hard to believe such a chaotic violent man had such a smile. You feel your heart thump in your chest as your body temperature rises.

Regaining your composure, you grab the handle of the door and walk out. The moment the door closes behind you, you realize you were holding your breath. Taking a deep exhale, you touch your stomach and try to ground yourself.

Holy shit.

You just saw Ramón , the Ramón Arellano Félix up close and he was - gorgeous? No, no you can’t think such things. You had a job to do and no matter how devilishly attractive he is, you cannot, will not get distracted.

As you walk away from the club, past the forming line, you feel ashamed. You did notice how cute he was before. Yeah, you shouldn’t but you did. Still, the many photographs you’ve looked at over the months didn’t compare to seeing him in the flesh.

As you walked by him, taking in the tall drink of water he is, you also imagined yourself running your fingers through those luscious waves. He was cute before, but the longer hair - there was just something about it.

By the time you reach the end of the block, someone runs up behind you. You notice it’s the hiring manager and he’s out of breath. When you turned to fully face him, he asks how soon you can start working, and if tonight was an option.

I’m in. You could barely believe your luck, or, lack thereof…it was too soon to tell. You nod, smile, and reply, “I could start tonight.”

The manager escorts you back into the building and shows you the rooms where the staff put their things, he also shows you the uniforms. It was a simple outfit, black, short, and cute.

After you get changed, the manager pairs you with a more seasoned bottle girl on the main floor, someone to show you the ins and outs of working in Roxanne.

You had some experience in your younger years, serving was a side job as you got through college. This kind of thing was like a muscle, you never really forgot how to do it. So you weren't too worried about fucking up.

As expected, though the place is busier than any other place you've ever worked, you start to get the hang of it. You were aware getting intel wasn’t going to happen right away, but as one week turns to two, you observe the family when you can. Working the first floor meant you weren't close enough to hear any of their conversations, so you knew, you had to get the second-floor gig.

As the days pass by, you notice Ramón watching you from the balcony. He was always looking, always watching, but yet he didn’t approach or speak to you. Being under his gaze made your skin hot, your cheeks warm, it awakened parts of you that needed to remain silent to do your job properly. You were here to watch the family, and Ramón was watching you.

As you meet your one month mark, you work on your first report for headquarters, you saw a lot working that floor, even if it wasn't directly tied to the family with concrete evidence, yet. The people who came in, their associates, who they gave VIP treatment, all it was important, even if it couldn't be used yet.

You focused your report on these elements and then turn it in. One month down meant you had 5 months left to get the real dirt. 5 months could either be a long time, or a short time, it depends on many factors.

When you arrive for your shift, on the first Friday of a new month, you receive news that you’ve been promoted. You would solely work bottle service for VIPs. Upon hearing the news, you play it cool and chill, but inside you were freaking out.

If you could do this and succeed there would be no more shitty desk jobs. And finally, those assholes in the office would take you seriously. You could make a real name for yourself - if this goes right.

That first night your adrenaline pumps so intensily through your body that it feels like you’re vibrating. You’ve seen the woman they paired you with plenty of times, she was one of the main girls up here. You follow her lead, smile, and do your job.

For the first few hours of this shift, some of the family are seated at their VIP, just behind the Roxanne sign, but Ramón is nowhere in sight. When you finally do serve their table, it takes everything in you to stay cool.

It was so much easier with the others. Sure, they were important people but being this close to the Arellano Felix family was jarring. Even, exciting, if you let yourself admit it.

Going from shoveling papers around while men in the office ogle your figure and call you sweetheart to serving drinks to the most powerful drug cartel family in Mexico? Talk about extremes. Danger could be encountered anywhere, hell, just crossing the street or leaving your front door. But, this puts you on the doorstep of real danger.

As you drop off a bottle of champagne at a neighboring table, you can hear a rowdy group coming up the stairs. You know from the sounds alone, it's Ramón and the Narcos Juniors. Casually glancing over your shoulder, you watch as they walk by. There’s a girl on Ramón’s arm, which is not surprising, but the moment he notices you, he loosens his grip around her waist, his eyes locking on your own.

Does the hot-heated and very dangerous Ramón have a thing for you? You were pretty convinced at this point. What confused you was his lack of contact. He seemed like an overly confident guy and watching the way he was with other women, it seemed more normal he would have hit on you on the spot, that first day. It was surprising, how could a guy like this be coy?

You were honestly torn about Ramón's interest in you. On one hand, it was flattering. On another, you knew enough about the man to know he was dangerous, like a walking hazard sign.

Your investigation could really hit a peak if you got close to him, but at the same time, it's like laying across train tracks, you’d willingly be putting yourself in a level of danger were not interesting in being in. Maybe, he should admire you from afar, you decide, it would be safer.

As the night goes on, you go about your business and focus on your job, while never really escaping the heat of his gaze. When you stopped at their table to bring a fresh batch of drinks, his brown eyes watch your every movement.

You’ve never felt as seen, as studied as you do under his gaze. When you look up at him from under your lashes, he flashes that heart-warming smile and you almost, almost make your first mistake of the night. You nearly drop the empty beer bottle in your hand, you add it to the tray of empty bottles.

The little slip-up gains a chuckle from him. You feel your face grow hot as embarrassment rushes you. Ramón digs in his pocket, pulls out a wad of cash, and drop two 100 bills on your tray.

“Thank you,” you smile at him and back away from the table, your eyes locked on his. Before you turn away, the sound of your name on his lips captures your attention. Balancing the tray, you turn back and meet his waiting gaze.

“Have a drink with us later.”

You can barely believe your hearing. Did he just invite you to his table?

“You know what,” Ramón stands up and motions for the other server to come over, “your shift ends now.” He points at the tray, the other girl makes eye contact with you, then takes it.

Ramón wasn’t known for his patience. He was a make-it-happen yesterday kind of guy.

“Oh, okay “ you grab your huge tip from the tray and shove it in your bra. Much to his pleasure, as Ramón watches with a grin. Not knowing what to do with your hands, you keep them at your sides.

Ramón tells the girl next to him to get up. She shoots you a death stare and leaves the spot next to him. Ramon sits back down and pats the cushion with his hand. "Come, sit with me.”

The handsome criminal continues to grin at you as you sit next to him. The space provided is small, your thigh touches his as you sit. You admired his outfit from afar, but this close, you can really see the details in the nice gold and white top, the first buttons open, teasing his chest and his fitted black pants leave little to the imagination. Everything about this outfit, including the shoes, screams rich. He even smells good, really good.

Ramón sits with his hands in his lap, a stark contrast to the relaxed arm he had around the other girl. Was Ramón still acting shy?

He motions to the table. "Anything you want, it’s yours.”

He’s cute, really cute like this. With you, his cockiness seems to be gone, like a shy boy with a crush. You smile at him and look over the drinks you just delivered to them.

In the middle of the table is a bottle of champagne with a price tag that makes you do a triple take. You weren't really a champagne person, but shit, you had to taste it. You had to know why it cost that much.

Almost as if he can read your mind, Ramón leans over and pours you a glass. As he hands it to you, your fingers touch. The brief contact earns another smile from him, and your heart skips a beat.

Oh fuck. You were in trouble.

Next

More soon 💕

Tags? Just ask. I’ll tag ya.

Pt about 60% done. If you want a tag let me know. It will be out either later today or tomorrow.

#Ramon narcos #narcos mexico #narcos Mexico fic #your content consumption is your responsibility not mine #read warnings #stay away if any of this bothers or upsets you #ramon arellano felix #not the real guy #just the show actor #fic: flirting with danger #narcos mexico fanfiction

[captainkurosolaire]

Fog X Quest

 Worn leather boots sauntered towards a new destination where discovery of self could be realized, purpose. A following sentimental butterfly colorfully guided this mirror-soul given manifestation, observing distantly, currently the delinquent was cocooned from just how vibrant he was becoming; the pattern of his distinct wings and light soaring alongside could hatch into. Could a pirate thrive with their heart intact? This realm was far from done, giving a gauntlet of challenges. As his scarlet destiny was beginning to unfold. Plankwood of old familiarity creaked on each step, in grace on the pier his ship-anchored with much repairing that required, reconstruction keeping him on land for a while. Showdown of a broken brotherhood caused their flag they once both commonly shared, to be engulfed in raging flames; a new flag was required to be made leaving behind a past, yet still tatted and brandished, ushering his age in resemblance of a new golden jolly roger. A nasty grueling fog that blanketed visibility to nearing zero had taken over the bay near the Velodyna River that led directly to the Sea of Jade. Unable to even witness the waving blues that often welcomed him home. Practically a kiss from mere sight alone from a lover, eternally bound that couldn’t find separability. Keen feline ears led him and used a remarkable sense of smell. Grief-stricken, a loud plea heard puncturing through fog. <”Please help! My boy!”> Tears heard in each octave confining in a Wildwood weeping before his torso, Twin’s Adder watching over port. Formidable the elezen’s sights often were and hearing it wasn’t conditioned for this fog, one could argue this wasn’t even natural. Judging by density and thickness the fog took claim. Solaire held suspicions, often felt the sea underwent something disheartening and sickening like this accompanying warry silence, he knew inside that fog rampant tides were stirring angrily, battles were being contested somewhere on his beloved blues. Any who dared themselves to sail or press forward against this, often asking for them to be swept away and lost forever. Another distinct-shout heard in crying pleas, “Mommy!! HELP Momm-” Further apart heard in proximity no doubt deep within the waters as it raised and began swallowing the child. Still arguing between those who deemed-closest to authorities, an Adder held hesitation, preservation, cowardice, knowing if leapt in would most likely not make it in time; a wastless cause. Just another victim wasn’t like he ever claimed to be a coastal lifeguard. With fury and restlessness a rebellious soul urged forth from the fog a cherished hat falling, the mother was desperate enough to jump into the tides on her lonesome, but felt a yank back by her dress and sent off balance; as if wind enacted it, a thwart of rare selflessness entered, “Outta th’ damn way!!” The Adder who’s lengthy body was in a crouch trying to use an aetherial spy-glass but was stepped on, used as a springboard diving plank for the Miqo’te to unruly gain a big leap towards treacherous waters. 

Another outcry lastly heard, after momentarily anxious-inducing pause, with feint of breath being lost and gurgled out as the youngster and waves had collided ferociously, pristine swimming following a combination of <Huton> surging his ankles, contesting rivalry with the current. A little-arm of promising future was sinking down drowning before hitting the bottom, a wrist was grabbed strongly before pulled in by the least likely in appearance wise. Breath-withheld while taking them to the surface, they couldn’t foresee anything. Wave’s were moving them outside the starting position, confusing tides and exit. Sense’s flare heightened animalistic alongside adrenaline the Miqo’te paused even though it was often time to panic. Inner primitive instinct told him to await; experience carrying, shielding his sailor arms and exhaled and inhaled breath, listening to clashing waters respectfully, but couldn't detect was coming but a riptide of large proportions came blowing forth towards the coast, always leading back towards the pull of land and drawing back. The muscular Seeker landed harshly onto the pier back-first, quickly his feet had to sink down and hold the pair of them from getting drawn back with the gravitational pull. No opportunities to dally, the Seeker gently laid out the lad’s airway and gave precise few light rescue breaths following with compressions to expunge fluid build-up trapped, until a good-sign cough boyishly came with relief in resuscitation. The moment the boy-came too startled the sailor who saw them return to normal even after a near-death experience, and shout for their mother in apologetic volley tears. Maternally grieving already but shot up from her depression as they both called out until reunited again, in-spite the fog’s dismay. Captain’s callous scarred-palms were trembling and shaking, unable to believe, …he actually rescued a life of many who came into his crossroad, often terrible or grim fortune despite coming to those of his perceived responsibility, he was supposed to guide them otherwise into boundless riches but proved; a failure dozens. Reciting trauma from an oppressing enemy, Sol rang against him that following the light was pointless, sooner or later, he’d become no different and become a blight relation to his kindred of seas; crueler and hardened, lacking sympathy for land-lovers. Sea-walkers in belief never saw any amongst land with any true obstacles, challenges, that couldn’t be avoided or steered away a bunch of weaklings. 

They didn’t wake up against a different force or mood of powers beyond them in seas, or enemies flooding by with varied sins, creatures lurking in the depths beneath their rigs, that makes them paranoid, the longer an actual pirate lives, the more enemies they accumulate never-ever-less the price, of unfathomable freedom is distant peace and blood. ~ Exposed to this lifestyle, weathers one monstrously. Interminable they’re left in the environment, skin of humane sheds like their famed Primal Serpent; becoming savage and beastly. She didn’t chew out her son, just embracing longingly and tenderly. Thankfully for her child's safety, two-pieces completed beautifully. The sight made a very rough-man find contentment, these were treasures to him. Irreplaceable values that couldn’t be priced, connections and joining. He disagreed and defied his own fellows, showing unbridled compassion towards the denizens of land and gratitude. Not wanting to overstay he began to turn-away. Sobbing explanation came, “I j-just wanted to give-daddy his medicine, he’s been out at sea too long.” Revealing the hopeful child’s wishes to do-good which showcasing courageousness. Grizzly the Seeker’s lip’s extended in a genuine sunshine grin, noticing the Mother spoke-up, before the man, no…! Hero clad in black mysteriously vanished. Causing Captain to pause, the Mother, whispering something to her child who ran up and hugged his pant’s leg, “Thanks Mister!” Enthusiastically shouting, Taken-back by it, the Seeker kindly gave a pat and lowered, “What’s this ov’ ye challenging the’ sea so early? Think I’ve rescued my future Cap’n, you’ve revealed true-bravery.” Kindness flashing praise despite the child perhaps thought would gravely be chewed out by grown-ups. 

The fledgling smiled slightly, before remorse followed by a frown, “I-I just wanted to give this to my daddy but fog came and I couldn’t see even my hand!” Gruffly the roguish-man scratched his goatee, “So ye were going t’ swim all-the way to him? How would you possibly know where he b’?” A head shake, “No I built a boat with daddy but was taken away with tides and I fell in. My Daddy is the greatest fisherman and sailor in the whole-wide realm! Everyone says so! …Just isn’t like him to begone this many Moons. It must be a big-fish like Leviathan himself! ...I’d scour anywhere for him.” Intently the Blackguard heard, before could speak, the Mother interjected, “You must be a formidable sailor yourself, I’m blessed and most humbly praise Llymlaen for bringing you in our need.” A fluster heat of all this goodness was uncomfortably against his nature. 

Modestly the ghostly scoundrel confessed, “Something like that summers-ago, aye. ...Oi’ well then, I got a proposal. What if ye leave me t’ that quest?! Ye should stay here with yer endearing Mother, she needs you here. If tides are n’ my favor, I’ll be led to’ yer ol’ man, I’ll have him race back to sweet harbor; home. Count on it! So what ye’ say, lil-Cap’n? One-day you’ll undoubtedly become a mighty-force upon her enchanting-blues but until that Sun! ...I’ll b’ yer grown-will.” Lowering himself beneath the level in a one-legged kneel. Playful way the seasoned eye-patch pirate made the sniffles act up again, looking to his guardian who beamed kindly until wiping any sense of droplets from cheeks with his own-sleeve, “Aye.” An agreement-made. With a toothy-fang grin and extending his thumbs up in approval, “Take care ov’ yourselves until then.” Straightened posture before standing up with a role model stance, fading into the fog, the medicine canister alongside asking for a little locket he noticed that contained a sketch of the father. Waving off a farewell before fetching his trademarked adornment and continuing his voyage ahead. 

[Prev:Chapter]: Prelude to Destiny ~ ♪"Let It In"♪

#-Captain Kuro Solaire #Tales of the Goldbrand #Scarlet Destiny: Volume 4 #Creative Writing #FFXIV Writing #Releasing multiple chapters today #Work on more this upcoming month tackle little by little #Hopefully #Life definitely curb stomped my mental #But I got a destination to reach #And unless I arrive at it. I'll forever be unfulfilled. #Scarlet Destiny #SCD4

[mobolanz]

7, 12 & 18 for the oc asks 💓

Ty Em (⁠｡⁠･⁠ω⁠･⁠｡⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠♡💞💞💕

7. Have any of your OCs gone through major revisions in the year 2023?

Shocking reveal up until last April Evelyn used to look like this 🤧

Ultimately her eyes and hair swapped xD

I do kinda still love this pallette I need to reuse it with someone else maybe. Cecille considering they were sisters in early drafts during the attempt to insert Evelyn in bnha? Idk.

Then one day , year and two months into shipping her with Reiner, I was like "WAIT WHO TF IN AOT EVEN HAS BLUE HAIR OR DRESSES LIKE THAT MAYBE THAT'S WHY I'M UNINSPIRED ON ART IT FEELS UNNATURAL- " (no Rico doesn't count mappa made her blonde anyway)

I had 3 options between Auburn (low-key could work?) , blonde (nahhh she'd have looked like hisj clone xP) , and scarlet that ultimately won for me. ( and thematically one that makes most sense 🍎🩸🤧)

Nowdays you have this absolute beauty, and she's even got a pre-timeskip design! 🥰🥰🥰

It got extremely long to show it's been 4 years....

Someone else too let me see... I feel like next ask would expand on it 😳😳

12. Were any of your older OCs revived in 2023?

Almost. Were late 2022 to count I'd have answered with Kaguya & Kira (my secondary AOT & BNHA ocs). But that said might need to look into their cases again for this year since it's been a while and I had major steps with the others meanwhile. Like I said with Evelyn's previous blue hair,,, I'll need to do something with kaguya but still have her recognizeable BC I'm sentimental 😆 but otherwise Mia & Evelyn were the ones for the 2023 spotligh-...

Silly me, as I type this I remember Towa during my sailor moon s1 rewatch 🤭 who underwent her third name change (kiyo in 2018 (it was from before i watched fruba i swear- )> Rei in 2019 until that point when i realized i want to insert her in the sm universe anddd can't have her share name with an already existing character xD and ber hair was brown/black. > Towa by now) .

her current characterization from what i wrote down is giving her more of a challenge with it being how she's precieved as dull and invisible for granted , being reserved and thinking it's natural and only logical. Until,,, whoops. She also reveals a more cynical curious and snarky to her.

And also my third character attempt to ship with nephrite. Mia was first edgy attempt in 2016( or maybe I'm too harsh. I was a teen in bad place and the only person I shared with was kinda toxic about it) . Evelyn was the second in 2019,( not talking about this one because really.... nothing came there xD bbygirl underwent about 5 ships before I figured who her true love really is (🛡️🍎) I think and glad it's him 😆😆😆)

What were your biggest inspirations for developing your OCs in 2023?

Answered it here ^^ 🤧

oc wrapped: 2023 edition!

#oc asks #aot oc #sailor moon oc #bnha oc #whatthefucksatan #asks #mai thoughts #mai writes #oc x canon #reinelyncore #nephtowacore #kaguyacore #evelyncore #towacore #kiracore

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Eliza Mondegreen

Published: Mar 7, 2024

How does a professional organisation respond when a scandal breaks? Some issue smooth denials, leaving not so much as a seam for critics to pick at. Some finger bad apples. Others dare to admit faults and strive for transparency. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) took a rather different tack, issuing a bizarre statement this week in response to the publication of files exposing malpractice at the organisation.

WPATH President Dr Marci Bowers begins by marking the territory (“We are the professionals who best know…”) and appealing to authority (“widely endorsed by major medical organizations around the world”), before moving on to distort the conflict (the WPATH files are not, in fact, a bid to “de-legitimize” anyone’s identity). The stray comment about the shape of the world attempts to paint critics as anti-science, the equivalent of flat-earthers.

Bowers then asserts that “gender, like genitalia, is represented by diversity”, which sounds like the sort of meaningless twaddle Google Gemini cooks up. Bowers wraps up by twisting the stakes (patients “deserv[e] healthcare”) and minimising the scope of the organisation’s work (“small percentage of the population… [that] will never be a threat to the global gender binary”), a plea in effect: leave us alone!

The statement is nonsensical because the brief was impossible. WPATH needed to speak simultaneously to two entirely different audiences — the world outside and the organisation’s own membership — who needed to hear entirely different things.

For decades, the field of gender medicine has insulated itself from scrutiny and criticism. The public and policymakers were never supposed to get a glimpse into the inner workings of the field. They were supposed to defer to the “experts” and not look too closely at what they were being asked to support.

The WPATH files look much too closely, shining a spotlight on risks and uncertainties and harms so specific that they will be difficult to forget: patients with tumours, patients whose ages and developmental delays and serious psychiatric conditions mean they could never meaningfully consent to the interventions they underwent, patients who regret being sterilised because they now want children. These files provide fuel for policymakers seeking to regulate youth gender transition and patients trying to sue. The fallout is just beginning.

WPATH’s members, on the other hand, need to see this brutal exposé as a devious plot against a noble cause. WPATH has been preparing its membership for just such a faith challenge for years, instilling an embattled mentality. For years, the organisation’s conferences and events have promoted the narrative that gender clinicians are a misunderstood and persecuted vanguard within medicine who will be vindicated in the future but must suffer heinous accusations in the here and now.

Over the years I’ve spent researching gender medicine, I’ve come to see the field’s obvious harms as a product of enculturation. Becoming a good gender clinician means overcoming one’s reservations and doubts about the interventions provided in service of the cause.

Unlike medical practice in other areas — such as diabetes management or cancer treatment — the field of gender medicine has no objective markers of illness to go by, only the patient’s testimony that her body as it is is unbearable and must be changed. At WPATH’s 2022 conference in Montreal, I heard the same story over and over again: clinicians standing up and telling their fellow believers how they overcame their doubts. A plastic surgeon felt uncomfortable the first time a patient asked him to perform a “nullification” surgery, which removes all external genitalia. In a twisted recapitulation of the hero’s journey, the surgeon then worked through his reservations and now performs these extreme surgeries on a regular basis and encourages his fellow surgeons to follow his example.

The doubts gender clinicians recall are eminently reasonable: they wondered if pre-teens could really consent to sign away their future fertility. They worried about their patients’ troubled pasts and what role experiences of abuse and trauma played. They wondered if some of their patients would accept their bodies if given the time or change their minds months or years down the road. Then they “did the work” and came to see affirming a patient’s current gender identity as a moral imperative.

When I hear stories like these, I see clinicians who — at first contact with the field of gender medicine — knew better. Whether gender clinicians can return to the basics of their medical training and reconnect with their moral intuitions remains to be seen. But the damage they’ve done in the meantime is on full display.

#Eliza Mondegreen #WPATH #The WPATH Files #WPATH Files #World Professional Association for Transgender Health #medical corruption #medical malpractice #medical scandal #ideological capture #ideological corruption #queer theory #gender ideology #gender identity ideology #intersectional feminism #religion is a mental illness