#also this is why you should teach kids why ‘no’ is a proper answer to small things too and it is not just avoided because ‘i don’t want to

[oversharer-that-overshares]

It’s been… weeks, at least, since i last slept properly in my room. Months, actually. Now it feels wrong. It’s hot and humid in there, a mess, but that’s not really what bothered me, it was the color of the walls, the accumulated things, things that sometimes don’t even belong to me, or that i just kept because i felt obligated. And it smells. Holy fuck, does it smell. It smells like enclosure, worse because of the heat that enters everyday and the air that can’t circulate properly, like filth and despair, like uselessness and unmoving hopelesness

That room is not my nest anymore. It’s not a nest at all.

And so i languish in other people’s nests, and luxuriate in other’s efforts to be comfortable, and get fed and pampered by other’s needs, and so i take and take and take, until someone dares to tell me otherwise.

#tl;dr i need to clean my room and be productive #it somehow turned into poetry-ish thing #why #also this is why you should teach kids why ‘no’ is a proper answer to small things too and it is not just avoided because ‘i don’t want to #hurt your feelings’ or blaming it on other bullshit. just say no. if there’s a reason then explain plainly the fucking reason #kids are smart #they do understand shit and if they don’t understand something ‘basic’ it’s either fault of their guardians or whoever is teaching them or #it has no reason to be known. but kids understand things and that’s the point #otherwise you get self-centered little shits like me #i know absolutely nothing ScientificallyTM abt kids but i’ve interacted with some and i do remember being one and i’m still childish #so #yeah #things #personal #why tho

[teaberrii]

Chapter 3: Getting to Know Each Other

After ending a five-year relationship, you pour all your energy into work. Your latest assignment? Staying at a popular bed-and-breakfast to gather information. It should be a piece of cake... If only the owner isn't the man you scolded on the street.

Jing Yuan/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on Ao3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

“Wait.”

You’re on the phone with Herta that late afternoon. You had spent the day walking around town and getting familiar with the area. Eventually, you find a running lane leading you to a beautiful view of the sea. The street lights flicker on. You have a hand in your thin jacket pocket as you update Herta about what happened today.

“You sat next to Birthday Cake Man on the plane… and he owns The Knights Bed and Breakfast? What kind of romantic comedy are you starring in?”

“None,” you deadpan. “But, yeah, I… I can’t believe he owns the place. It’s just…” You sigh. “I never would’ve imagined.”

“And you’re on good terms with his son… And..!” You stop and put your arms on the wooden railing, looking up at the red and blue hues of the sky blending together. “He invited you to dinner! Do I need to go on?”

“There’s more?”

Herta reaches over and grabs some popcorn in her bowl. “He's into you.” Then, she pops one into her mouth.

“...You’re joking, right? He has a son… with Blade.”

“It has to be a misunderstanding. I know that man is straight as an arrow.”

“How are you so sure?”

“Just trust me, okay?”

You turn around and lean against the railing. “Regardless, it’s not going to happen.”

“Why not? Jing Yuan sounds like a great guy. He’s also good with kids. That’s always a plus.” A small pause. “I know you’re focusing on work and all, but if things go well… Why not give it a shot?”

“...I barely know the guy.” You look at your watch. “I gotta run.”

“Keep an open mind!”

“All right, all right.”

You end the call, and you’re about to slide your phone into your pocket when you get a text.

General: Do you need a ride to the restaurant?

You tap your phone against your chin for a few seconds.

Jing Yuan enters his car when his phone buzzes with a message.

Corporal: Sure.

Blade gets into the passenger seat and sees the little smile on his best friend’s face. “What are you smiling about?”

Jing Yuan types something into his phone before putting it into his pocket. “Nothing.”

“You’re hiding something.”

“I’m not.”

Blade turns and sees Yanqing securely strapped in. “What do you think, Yanqing? Do you think he’s hiding something?”

“Mm… Maybe it has to do with Auntie!”

“You’re lucky she’s not here to hear that,” Jing Yuan says. Then, he shifts the gears and backs the car out of the parking lot.

“It’s better than the nickname I heard on the plane,” Blade says. “Corporal? What’s up with that?”

“She’s a corporate woman.”

Blade quietly scoffs. “So… What? Corporate? Corporal?”

“That’s lame,” Yanqing says.

“Yeah… Why not go with Sweetheart like you always do?”

Jing Yuan shifts the gears again. But, before he can answer, Yanqing loudly says, “Because she’s not like the other girls!”

"...Because she doesn’t like it.”

“Well, aren’t you considerate?”

Jing Yuan shoots his friend a look. “What’s with the sarcasm?”

A pause.

"Are you fighting?" Yanqing asks, pouting.

“No.”

Their simultaneous response makes Jing Yuan and Blade glance at each other before one looks back at the road and the other out the window.

Yanqing, still in distress, says, “Even if Dad starts dating… we’ll still be a family, won’t we?”

“Of course, kid,” Blade says. “Besides, it’s a little early to think about them dating.”

“Yeah… Dad still has to make a proper move.”

Blade hides a little smile behind his hand while Jing Yuan gives his son a deadpan look in the rearview mirror. “You’ve been spending too much time with Luocha.”

“Me?” Yanqing says, pointing to himself.

“Who else would be teaching you these things?”

Yanqing looks at Blade, which Jing Yuan notices. Blade glances at his friend and says, “What else were we supposed to talk about on that flight?”

Jing Yuan sighs as Yanqing happily adds, “It was good bonding time!”

You’re heading back toward the bed and breakfast when you see Pom come out of a small grocery. Once he puts away his wallet, he notices you and waves.

“I know it hasn't been a day yet, but I hope your stay has been to your liking so far!”

“It has. But… There’s something I want to ask.”

“Shoot.”

“...Can guests directly contact the owner? For anything?”

“No way! Jing Yuan would go crazy if he did something like that. Heck, I already go a little bonkers, but I love the guy too much. So…”

“It’s the first time I’ve heard an employee say they love their boss too much.”

“Ah… Well…” Pom looks at you curiously. “Before that, how do you know him?”

You and Pom stop on a sidewalk, and you tell him about how you met Jing Yuan. Though, you keep the ex-boyfriend incident at the bar a secret.

“That sounds a little like fate,” Pom says with a laugh. “I mean… It’s too much of a coincidence!”

“Now you know my story. Let me hear a little about yours. Seems like Jing Yuan treats his employees well.”

“Truth is, we’ve known each other long before he started this business. I… owe him a lot, so I’m here!”

Owe him? You want to ask, but you shouldn't as it sounds like a personal matter. So, instead, you say, "He must be a pretty good guy."

The light turns green, and you and Pom start walking across the street. “He is! He’s quite popular amongst the locals, too.”

Then, before you can stop yourself, you say to yourself, “I wonder why he started a bed and breakfast…”

“Ooh, getting curious, are we?”

“The Knights B&B is popular, no doubt. But, I couldn’t find anything about its owner on your website. He seems a little too mysterious.” You sense Pom looking at you, so you turn to him. He’s looking as if analyzing you. “Um, do I have something on my face?”

You and Pom are about to reach the stone villa when he asks, “Why not try taking a crack at him? He looks a little intimidating, but he’s a total softie when he wants to be. It charms all the ladies because he’s”—Pom sighs dramatically and puts the back of his hand on his forehead—“such a sensitive guy sometimes.”

“Jing Yuan? Sensitive?” you ask, not realizing that Jing Yuan and Yanqing are walking up to you from behind. “Maybe when it comes to Yanqing and Blade, I guess.”

“Talking about people behind their backs?”

You spin around and see Jing Yuan in a black dress shirt, but for the first time, you notice how good it looks. His sleeves are rolled up, and the V-neck window to his chest ain’t a bad view either. The fitted grey pants, brown belt, and black shoes make it seem like he’s attending a meeting rather than dinner.

Jing Yuan put his hand over his heart. “I'm hurt.”

“I heard my name!” Yanqing says. “What were you two talking about?”

“Oh,” Pom says with a smile. “You see…” You turn around, hoping Pom will get the hint that you want him to stay quiet, but he isn’t even looking at you when he says, “She was just curious about you, Boss.”

“Is that so?” You can hear the teasing tone in Jing Yuan’s voice. When you slowly turn around, he has a hand in his pocket. “...About what, I wonder.”

You don’t know what it is, but something feels different when you look into his eyes. Intrigue. Interest. Curiosity.

"Pom said you were sensitive."

“Dad’s not sensitive!”

You crouch so you’re on eye level with Yanqing. “He’s not? Then, what do you think he is?”

Yanqing looks up as he thinks about his answer. You can see the gears turning in his head; it’s cute how seriously he’s thinking about this. Then, as if a lightbulb goes off, he says, “Naggy.”

You bite your bottom lip to keep yourself from smiling while Pom laughs. “You heard it firsthand, folks! Boss is officially naggy.”

Jing Yuan has a hand on his hip as he looks at his son. “I’m naggy?”

Yanqing cautiously looks up at him, but you reassuringly say, “It’s okay to say what’s on your mind, Yanqing.” The boy looks at you. “Candid feedback is a gift.”

That's a corporate phrase Jing Yuan has heard one too many times.

“Why do you think he’s naggy?” Pom asks.

“He doesn’t like it when I play games or watch TV too much. But, I’m always at the top of my class! I always get the most gold stars out of everyone!”

“Oh? Then, what does he ask you to do in your free time?”

“Something”—Yanqing frowns—”productive.”

“Everyone has to take a break,” you say.

“Yeah!” Yanqing frowns at Jing Yuan. “See, Dad? I told you.”

“But… it’s also important to build good habits.” Yanqing pouts and looks down. “Diligence is just as important if not more than intelligence.” You’re not sure if Yanqing is old enough to truly understand what you’re saying, but regardless you say, “Maybe your dad will be more willing to let you play more if you dedicate an hour or so to reading or learning something.” When Yanqing doesn’t say anything, you awkwardly stand. Then, you glance at Jing Yuan who’s looking at you. “...Sorry. I didn’t mean to say too much.”

“I like that.” His calm demeanour catches you off guard. “Your suggestion.”

“Ah… Well, it’s what I do.”

Yanqing frowns and crosses his arms. “You only like it because she suggested it.”

Pom snickers and Jing Yuan looks down. “That is not true.”

“Uh-huh.” Then, a loud sigh. "I wanna eat."

Pom looks at his watch. “Oh, yikes! Look at the time! I still have some things to take care of!”

“Do you need a ride?” Jing Yuan asks.

“That’ll be nice! Do you mind waiting a few minutes?”

“Not at all.”

“Hurry, Pom!” Yanqing says, watching Pom rush into the stone villa.

Jing Yuan steps toward you just as you turn. Then, he nods toward the Rolls Royce. “Get in.”

“Don’t worry. Dad’s a safe driver.”

You slowly nod at Yanqing. “That’s very reassuring to hear.”

You take the passenger seat, and Yanqing takes the back. Jing Yuan quickly types away on his phone before putting it in the clean cup holder.

“Blade’s already there,” he says, starting up the car.

“Did he start without us?” Yanqing asks. “Dad wouldn’t do that, would he?”

“If he does, we’ll do something about it.”

Should you ask about Yanqing having two dads?

“It has to be a misunderstanding. I know that man is as straight as an arrow.”

Herta must be talking about Blade. But, if that’s the case, what about Jing Yuan? Is Yanqing his biological son? If so, who’s the mom, and—

Pom opens the door. “Sorry to keep y’all waiting!”

As soon as the door closes, Jing Yuan drives off.

You’re looking out the window as the car weaves through the town. The bright lights. The bustling streets. It oddly feels like you’re in the city with how lively it is at night.

“...Are you surprised?”

You turn to Jing Yuan who still has his eyes on the road.

“Why do you ask?”

“Because you look curious… like you want to find out everything there is to know about this town.”

You lightly scoff. “Okay, that’s taking it a little far. Yeah, I’m curious, but not to that extent.”

The car slowly comes to a stop at an intersection. Then, Jing Yuan turns to you. “The eyes don’t lie.”

And that’s when you see it again. Intrigue. Interest. Curiosity. Your breath catches in your throat, but you still say, “Keep your eyes on the road, General.”

Bzzt. Bzzt.

You look away to dig out your phone from your bag. The car starts moving again as you read the text from your friend.

Why’d you block his number??? He wants to talk…

You immediately swipe away the notification and turn your phone to silent. The annoyance that you think no one sees doesn’t go unnoticed. Jing Yuan thinks about asking but decides against it. He makes a smooth turn onto another street, and soon the car comes to a stop in front of a cozy-looking restaurant.

“Go ahead,” Jing Yuan says. “I’ll find parking.”

So, you, Pom, and Yanqing get out of the car. A short distance away, a small group of guys who look like they’re in their early twenties are talking loudly amongst themselves. Once you enter the restaurant, you see Blade at a table near the back. He looks up and waves in your direction.

“Dad!”

Yanqing rushes forward. You and Pom quickly follow him, but it’s too late. He bumps into a tall man with light brown hair and glasses who arguably isn’t paying attention as he’s so caught up in his thoughts.

Yanqing looks up and shyly says, “I’m sorry.”

“Gosh, Yanqing, what’s the rush?” Pom jokes. Then, he looks at the man and gasps. “What a surprise!”

The man nods once at Pom and then looks at Yanqing. "It's okay. To be fair, I wasn't watching where I was going either. I apologize."

Then, when he looks back up, he sees you come up beside Pom. “Sorry about that,” you say.

You aren’t sure what to think when this man approaches you, his eyes never leaving your face. Then, you hear Pom ask, “Welt? Is… something wrong?”

Wait a minute.

"Welt..." you say quietly. "As in Welt Yang?"

Welt relaxes his shoulders and pushes his glasses up. "That's right. I'm Welt Yang, a novelist." Then, he suddenly takes your hands. "And you... You're the inspiration that I've been looking for!"

Now, it’s time for you to be flabbergasted.

“Is everything okay?” Blade comes up behind Pom while Jing Yuan enters the restaurant.

Pom shrugs. “I’m just as lost as you are, honestly.”

“I’ve read your novels,” you say to Welt. Jing Yuan’s close enough that he can hear the conversation. “They’re brilliant!”

“Oh, that's motivating to hear. However, I’m in a bit of a slump with my latest book. But you… You’re the exact image of the female character I have in mind.”

“What a surprise, Welt.” Jing Yuan comes up beside you.

“Ah, hello, Jing Yuan. It’s good to see you.” Welt lets go of your hands. “Do you two know each other?”

“She’s staying at the B&B,” Jing Yuan says.

“My… This must be fate. So am I.” Welt takes out his phone and looks at you. “Do you mind if we exchange numbers?”

“Whoa.” Blade hears Yanqing whisper. “He’s more direct than Dad!”

“I’d love to spend some time together,” Welt says. “Perhaps I’ll get out of my slump.”

“Dude’s kinda smooth, too,” Pom whispers. “Didn’t think he’d be this direct just by looking at him.”

“I can hear you, you know,” Blade deadpans.

Pom smiles sheepishly.

“I’d love to,” you say, a little too excitedly.

Jing Yuan watches you take out your phone and exchange numbers with Welt. He’s only seen that smile once, and that’s the time on the plane when you told him about being single. Jing Yuan awkwardly clears his throat, but before he can say anything, Yanqing tugs at your and Jing Yuan’s pants.

“Can we eat now? I’m hungry.”

You’re on your way to the washrooms at the back when you hear someone say, “Stop! Leave me alone!” from outside. You head towards the door and look out. A woman wearing a baseball cap rudely shoves off a man’s hand. You recognize both of them. The woman is the one you saw with a friend in the reception villa. The man is one of the rowdy adults you saw outside of the restaurant.

“You’re March, right? That influencer—”

“Go away.”

When she turns, the man grabs her by the shoulders and forces her to look at him. “I know it’s you!”

You push open the door and head outside. “Leave her alone.”

The man turns his attention toward you, and the woman quickly pushes him away. He stumbles, frowning at her. “Gosh, what’s your problem? I just wanted to buy you a drink.” Glaring at you, he asks, “Who the fuck are you?”

You walk up beside her and say, "Let's go."

"Hey!" Startled, you turn when he grabs your wrist.

"What's going on out here?"

The man lets you go and steps back when Jing Yuan and Welt walk up. 

"...Do you have business with them?" Jing Yuan asks.

The man shoots him an annoyed look. "No. I was just leaving." Then, he mutters something under his breath and walks off while lighting a smoke.

As Welt asks March what happened, Jing Yuan hears you sigh out of relief. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." But, your slightly rattled voice says otherwise. You never thought you'd be so relieved and thankful to see Jing Yuan. "What're you two doing out here?" 

Jing Yuan nods at Welt. "He was worried about March, and..." You wait for him to go on. He turns back with a kind look in his eyes. "...Based on experience, I think someone would get themselves involved if they found someone in trouble."

"I have no idea who you're talking about."

Jing Yuan gives you a deadpan look, and you return it with a little smile.

“Hey.” You turn and see March. “...Thanks for stepping up.”

“I’m glad you’re not hurt.”

March puts a hand on your hip and looks you up and down. “So… Welt told me that you’re his new inspiration.”

“Uh, well, that’s—”

March suddenly hugs you. “I hope we get along!”

You awkwardly hug her back. Is this the same woman who looked like she was going to bash a man’s head a few minutes ago? Then, she lets you go and looks at Jing Yuan. “Didn’t expect to see you here… Boss.”

“Pom’s rubbing off on you,” Jing Yuan says.

She laughs. “Is he here, too? I miss my Pom-Pom.”

“He’s inside with Blade and Yanqing.”

“Ah… I remember seeing them with you earlier today,” March says. “But it looked like the three of you were so fixated on a certain someone that you didn’t even notice me.” She winks at you. “What’s your secret?”

“...Secret?”

March counts on her fingers as she says, “Jing Yuan, Blade, Yanqing, and now Welt…”

“March, don’t make things awkward,” Welt says.

“Oh, c’mon, everyone knows I’m kidding.”

“Anyway,” Jing Yuan says, “Let’s go back before they finish all the food.”

You somehow end up sitting next to Jing Yuan at the table. Pom is going on about the latest trail that opened up when you and Jing Yuan reach for the last skewer at the same time. Then, jokingly, you quietly ask, “Should we fight for it?”

“You wouldn’t stand a chance, Corporal.”

You scoff. “Someone’s a little too confident.”

“Everyone has a weak spot.” You narrow your eyes. “It won’t take me long to find out.”

Your smile catches him off guard. “Too bad I already know who yours is.” You glance at Yanqing. “Just wait until he’s on my side.”

“Hey, hey,” You and Jing Yuan look away from each other as March taps the table. “What are you two whispering about over there? Let us in on the fun, too!”

Yanqing tugs on Jing Yuan's shirt. “Dad, I want the skewer.”

“Looks like you’ll have to fight those two to get it,” Blade says.

Yanqing cutely pouts at you and Jing Yuan. “I want the skewer… please?”

Looks like you nor Jing Yuan are getting that skewer after all.

“Anyway, what a small world that we’re all connected to the Boss somehow,” March says, her elbows on the table and her chin on her hands.

“How long are you two staying?” Blade asks.

“We have him booked for the whole summer.”

Welt sighs quietly. “Hopefully, I’ll be out of my slump by then.”

“Well, don’t you have your inspiration right here?” Pom asks, looking at you.

Welt looks at you. “...Yes. She’s truly the woman that I’m looking for.”

Your face heats up at the statement. Then, Jing Yuan asks, “You’ve never told us much about your book. Care to tell us a little about it?”

“Oh, well…”

You’ve read plenty of Welt’s books. All of them are intricate detective mysteries with strong characters. This time, however, he wants to mix in a little romance. Due to unforeseen circumstances, an ace detective ends up chasing a femme fatale who turns out to be wrongly accused.

"Funny thing is…" March says, "When he was telling us about this ace detective, I said he sounds a little like you, Boss."

Yanqing looks at Jing Yuan. “Dad? Really?”

“Why not use both of them for inspiration?” Blade asks. He flashes you and Jing Yuan a look. “Have them act out some scenes, and maybe you’ll be able to see and feel the romantic atmosphere for yourself.”

Pom's face turns red. “R-Romantic atmosphere?” 

“Why are you getting flustered?” March asks with a smile.

You can see the gears turning in Welt’s mind. He can’t be serious, right? Surely, Blade is just joking.

“Is Dad going to be an actor?” Yanqing asks excitedly.

“Now, hold on a minute,” you say. That’s…. That’s a little out of the question.”

Jing Yuan puts his hand over his heart. “I’m hurt.”

“No, you’re not,” you deadpan.

“Well, I cannot force you,” Welt says, and your jaw almost drops as you can’t believe it’s something he’s seriously considering.

March chuckles. “You’d be helping him a lot, considering this guy has no experience in romance whatsoever.”

“Thank you for that wonderful comment,” Welt says flatly.

“You’re very welcome.”

Jing Yuan picks up his glass. “...If she’s ever up for it, I’d be happy to help you, Welt.”

You turn to him with a look that asks if he's crazy. Jing Yuan notices and slightly shrugs as if you’re the one overthinking things.

"Of course, I would never take too much of your time," Welt says. "It'll just be a few scenes here and there."

While no one is actively encouraging you, you can tell by the look in their eyes: Why not? Give it a shot. When your eyes land on Yanqing, his eyes are shining with excitement. From what? You aren’t sure. But, you’re sure of one thing.

“...Nothing that crosses the line.”

March gasps. “Would you look at that?”

“Boss is going to be an actor!” Pom exclaims.

Blade puts his now empty glass on the table. “A detective romance as his debut? Not bad, I’d say.”

“...Alright. Let’s drop it.”

After dinner, the group splits up. Blade takes March and Welt back while you, Yanqing, and Pom get a ride with Jing Yuan. Once again, the car weaves throughout the city. But now, Pom and Yanqing are asleep in the back seat. You're looking out the window.

Out of curiosity, you turn to Jing Yuan. “You seem close with March and Welt.”

"They stay at the B&B every time they visit." Jing Yuan glances at you. "They've become good friends." A small pause. “...I know why you’re here.” When you face forward, he says, “You’re here to research the possibility of opening a new hotel.”

“How’re you so sure?”

“Star Rails Hotel has been eyeing Xianzhou for a while, but the project kept getting delayed.”

You turn back, but Jing Yuan's eyes are on the road. When you were still new at the company, you heard rumours about a project that kept getting delayed. Xianzhou was a name that popped up, but you never probed into it as you had your work to focus on. But, the point is that this is internal information. How does someone like Jing Yuan know about it?

"If you're here, that means they've finally put their plans into action."

“...Do you know someone who works there?” you ask.

“...I used to.”

The car slowly comes to a stop in front of the stone villa. “...Mind if I ask who?”

Jing Yuan shifts the gears. Then, he looks you in the eyes. “My ex-wife.”

Tag list: @suoshiii @lordbugs @lxry-chxn @seirenspinel @nqctre @immahuman @queencybow @grimreapersscythe

#hsr jing yuan #jing yuan x you #jing yuan x y/n #jing yuan x reader #jingyuan x reader #jing yuan

[blueepink07]

Amane symbolism - evil eyes

Before going further I want to say that this is made for fun!! Don't take things too seriously!

I will analyse Amane's eyes!

(If you don't know, I made something similar for Mahiru and Muu, so this short part will be just me repeating what evil eyes mean)

~Evil eyes~

I know that this is about jewelry, but the yellow and green evil eyes have really interesting meanings that I think it relates with Amane's case.

Now, into the analysis!

~yellow evil eyes~

Some short meanings!

The yellow evil eye can represent the cult's ideals. The happiness and positivity is something seen in Amane's MV and maybe also in this one. The cult made Amane believe that everything they teach her is for her own happiness and such, the punishments are a way to bring positivity in her life. Usually, religion can be a form of bringing someone inner peace and be a stress and anxiety relief. And Amane's is often shown saying that she'll be fine, because her God will protect her.

Moreover, the yellow evil eye symbolises lack of distractions, concentration and attentiveness. Amane states that she never went to an amusement park or karaoke. She was more preoccupied to be a "good and diligent daughter" who studies to make her father pround.

The cult also has strict rules, which are presented in her first MV. Wake up early, study, clean or help around. Amane tries her best to listen to these rules, not only as a way to show that she's loyal to the cult, but also to not receive any punishments for her "disobedience".

~Green evil eyes~

Short meanings! (ignore the 4 from the last picture!!)

The green evil eye may symbolise Amane's desires to make the cult pround. The evil green eye, also symbolies happiness and good fortune, as the yellow one, showing how Amane wants to learn and use the cult's beliefs. And we see her actively doing this, being strong and trying to constantly be a proper example. During trial 1, we often saw Amane studying, even in Milgram prison, in order to not stay behind with the materials. She also was asking for tips to improve her skills.

Kotoko and Amane

"Amane: Thank you very much for teaching me……but, though I realise it’s strange me saying this after I asked you, I must admit it’s kind of unexpected. You give off the impression of someone who wouldn’t want to get involved in things like this.

Kotoko: ……well, you’re not wrong. I’m surrounded by people who could all be murderers, so I don’t plan on going out of my way to talk and make friends. I can’t let my guard down. But I like ambitious people like you. If you want to study more, then I’m happy to teach.

Amane: I see…You look scary at first impression, but I quite like the way you treat everyone equally regardless of whether they’re older or younger than you. You don’t just treat me like a child or anything like that.

Kotoko: Treat you like a child? Hah, you’ve got to be kidding. Back when I was your age, I was already the person I am today. I don’t have any plans to let you get away with something just “because you’re a child.” ……remember that. There, I’ve finished marking. 83%. How do I put it… Even though you act like this, it’s not like you’re super brilliant at studying or anything, huh."

Shidou and Amane

"Amane: …what’s wrong, Shidou-san? Your hand has stopped marking. This is mathematics, so there’s no questions about the answers. If I got something wrong, please mark it with an X.

Shidou: I… I just don’t understand. If everything about MILGRAM is true… why did a child like you have to become a murderer? Just imagining what sort of circumstances must have led to that, it makes me so sad…

Amane: ……*sigh*. Is that right. I don’t think I’m going to get along with you, Shidou-san. I don’t agree with the fact you refuse to acknowledge that I have my own free will, and that I should be held accountable for my actions, just because I’m a child. I may have only been alive for 12 years, but all the choices I’ve made, even if they weren’t the best ones, were entirely my own. What point is there in you getting sad when I have no regrets myself? …please give me back my test. It seems you don’t have the concentration levels required to be my teacher. I’m going to get Kotoko-san to teach me instead.

Shidou: Amane…I don’t think that’s true. However smart you may be…… you’re still just a child."

Amane's goals or dreams are to make her cult and parents pround! Her first MV is all about her trying to be the best version of herself. From a simple girl, to an angel, showing how she reached her best version, the one that everyone is pround of...

Also some lyrics from her first MV that show Amane's wish to become better.

Thank you for reading! ~🧿

#I've been so inactive... #This one is very rushed #But I really wanted to do it with the little time I have #Even though I'm not so pround of this... #milgram #milgram amane #amane momose #milgram theory #evil eye

[gordonthesquid]

The Turkey Hat

“It’s 20°C on the Island today, what is wrong with you?” Scott frowns at me from the kitchen table, and I flash him a wide smile as I slide in beside Alan, who’s deep in a game on his tablet. I lean over to check his score, otherwise ignoring Scott to really let my morning attire sink in. “Nevermind, don’t answer that,” he rolls his eyes.

Our older brother never seems to realize that his reactions are a prime example of why I do what I do. I wouldn’t be Gordon Tracy if I didn’t keep people on their toes. My brothers should know by now to expect the unexpected. He’s stopped eating his toast in favor of staring at the eyes sewed onto my hat, intentionally misaligned because truthfully, have you seen a turkey? Outside the dinner spread, their eyes are widely spaced and they walk so clumsily, it’s easy to assume turkeys are dumb as a doornail. Especially when they stare for seconds at a time up at the sky in the rain because their eyes can’t focus on the raindrops.

True fact. 

“What’s wrong with you?” I shoot back at him. “You’re eating breakfast on Thanksgiving.” The large turkey has already made its way into our oven, sending the aroma of the roast past the pool and into the Island proper. 

“You really shouldn’t skip meals, Gordon.” He pointedly takes a large bite of his toast and jam. 

I shrug. “It makes the feast taste better.” He’ll feel silly when he’s full later and I’m the one still working on dessert. 

A flow of chimes from Alan’s tablet signals that he’s made it on to the next dungeon, and in the brief moment between levels, he glances up to see what the discussion is all about. “Yeah, I am with Scott.  You look ridiculous.”

“So,” a warm laugh comes from the doorway. “How’s that different from any other day?” 

Virgil grins tiredly at me and detours on his way to the coffee maker to ruffle my hair. As the top of my head is currently blocked by the stitches on my hat, he instead wiggles the spirals at the top of my head that are supposed to represent turkey feathers. I try to duck out of it since I just spent a stupid amount of time last night sewing them in. Virgil should know better. So rude. 

“Yeah, ridiculous is not the problem. I want to know why you thought it would be a good idea to wear a beanie when it’s almost summer. In the tropics. Are those earflaps, what do you even need earflaps for?”

“Aesthetic, obviously. Virgil knows.” 

Behind the counter, preparing his coffee, Virgil says, “Uh-uh, leave me out of it.”

What a traitor. He walks around in flannel all day, and he doesn’t get the amount of flak I’m getting. Plus, all of this is his fault anyway for teaching me yarn crafts in the first place. 

It was a ‘why not’ hat, but I also wouldn’t have slaved over it if I wasn’t excited for the holiday, for John coming home in a few hours and for alerts to be turned towards the GDF, for the array of foods to be displayed across our table. It’s still an important holiday for us, half a world away from where it’s celebrated, and in the wrong season, under a different sky. 

Thanksgiving is a complex holiday with a dark history. I grew up knowing it, mostly because growing up with Johnny as your sibling means not getting a choice in the matter. He valued transparency in that sort of thing, so even before I was old enough to probably “get” it he’d shared what the colonists actually brought with them to the New World and how they treated the Native Americans already with their homes built upon the soil. 

But I like Thanksgiving. I always have, because it was always more for me than its roots. The history that matters is the one that we built together - us and our family. And so Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce, and Grandpa carving the turkey with the electric knife. The smell of pies baking in the oven, and us kids fighting over the wishbone at the end of the night. Heated discussions over the value of inners versus outers, flaky biscuits or regular, dark meat or light, apple pie or pumpkin. 

And every year we’d go around the table before our meal to say something we were thankful for, a tradition that continues to this day. 

For me, the true test of a tradition is whether it’s broken by the winds of change and whether it can shift with them. The first year after Grandpa died, I remember Dad trembling as he carved the turkey, but he still picked up the knife. And the year after we lost Mom, Virgil and John teamed up to make all the pies as she would, reading from her recipe book. After my accident, Scott and I split the wishbone, and when he won the larger piece, he leaned across the table towards my hoverchair to brush the hair off of my forehead and told me not to worry, that his wish was the same as mine. 

And I still know John’s arguments towards outers, the dressing that’s made from the same ingredients as stuffing but is cooked in a casserole dish, as well as Virgil's arguments in favor of the inners, the stuffing cooked inside the bird itself. Scott favors white meat, Alan dark, and everyone’s wrong about pies because the best Thanksgiving dessert is actually pumpkin rolls. 

Those moments matter. 

To me. To us. 

Virgil drowsily sits beside me while drowning himself in his cup, and Alan’s already moved on to level 10, and Scott has scooched away from the table to check on the turkey he had to put on early in order for it to be ready by dinner, and John has checked in, barely batting an eyelash at the turkey on my head. 

“For the record, it’s 20 degrees in the states too,” I retort while the activity continues around me. 

 “Yeah. Fahrenheit, you monster.” Scott throws a kitchen towel at me. “It makes sense there.” 

I catch the towel and crumple it to throw it right back. “Well if you want me to make sense,” I say, enunciating every word. “I can’t just quit cold-turkey.” 

The chorus of groans is music to my ears. 

“Out, get out of my kitchen.” 

*****   (The US’ Thanksgiving Day is the 4th Thursday in November, this year it’s on the 24th, and I am sure a good number of us are already trying to calculate/solidify where we are going, who’s going to be there, how large a turkey we need, when it needs to defrost, how many hours it needs to cook, what other items need to be made for the more picky eaters in the fam, what sides to make... it goes on. :D. Happy Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving/Dinner/ to my US friends who celebrate, and to everyone else, know that I am thankful for you)

#gordon tracy rp #gordonthesquidfic

[erinsintra]

Why?

Oh well, I asked for a question, but didn't state it had to be something specific. Okay then, I hope you have time for a quick read.

The oldest memory I can remember (aside from a few random moments with no context that could easily be glossed over as random dreams) is a very specific day of kindergarten back when I was three or four.

I was a very, very stupid kid. I hated school from day one and I thought I had been abandoned the first time I was brought there - or so says my mum. I remember not liking the "classes" (or the closest thing you had to actual classes in kindergarten) very much, but I paid attention to them because my classmates didn't like me very much and I didn't know how to talk to them.

Anyway, I'm rambling too much. Back to what matters.

On that specific day, we were learning about animals and plants and the cycle of life. I don't remember if any of the other kids were listening to it, but I really liked learning about other creatures. Anyway, at some point, our teacher said something that is a completely normal fact to every person on earth, but that would shake my three-or-four-year-old self to the very core:

Everyone is born as a baby, then they grow up into a kid, then they become adults, sometimes they have kids of their own, they then get old, you know the drill.

And then, after reaching a certain age, they die.

I have no idea who taught me the concept of mortality or how I learned it in the first place, but up until that point I had always assumed it didn't apply to people. Trees died when they got cut off, bugs died when you stepped on them. But no humans, nuh uh.

Needless to say, I was shocked to learn we weren't an exception. I started getting really anxious and asked the teacher if it was true and everyone was going to die and there was nothing we could do.

(Of course, those were not my exact words. I was a little kid after all)

She said yes, and was rather surprised to see I didn't know about that.

I cried so much on that day the school had to call my mum because they didn't know what to do.

I had my first existencial crisis at age four. If everyone was going to die, did that meant I would eventually live to a point where everyone who witnessed my birth no longer walked the earth? If I was going to die anyway, what was the point of living? Why wasn't anyone else freaking out?

I eventually stopped cried and calmed down once I arrived home, and the rest of that year is pretty much a huge blur inside the timeline of my mind. (I also developed a rather silly but somewhat understandable fear of aging - when my aunt jokingly told me she was growing old, I started crying because I thought she was going to die) But those questions would haunt me for the rest of my childhood - I remember countless times where I was doing something fun and simply stopped to ponder how pointless everything really was. If I was going to die anyway, why was I wasting my time with that?

Stop thinking about this, I would tell myself. It ruins the fun.

I was eventually introduced to my family's religion and the concept of an afterlife - I still think reincarnation is way cooler than going to heaven, thank you very much -, and my fear of dying eventually became only a distant thought. But even then, I would eventually ask myself what was the point of (my) life. My family was never the "we should teach other people the proper way of doing things!" kind of religious people, and I wasn't that into the idea of endlessly seeking enlightenment in order to ascend to a higher life. So I tried to find s meaning on my own, picking thoughts and influences from all sorts of people and letting the voice inside my heart decide what was best for me.

After all those years, I'm still not sure what the real answer is. Some people say that the search for a meaning is what gives meaning to life. Others says that we, as humans, should strive for the betterment of our society and the ensuring of a stable future for generations to come. Others simply believe we're here to eat, fuck, and die, like any other creature of the animal realm. But most, like me, just try to have fun and avoiding thinking of the questions too much.

I know this story sounds fake, but it's 100% true. I might have exaggerated some details (mostly because I don't remember my early memories with that much clarity), but the general feeling of having an existencial crisis at age four is absolutely real.

With all that in mind, I'm not sure if I have the answers you're looking for. But I would like to hear your own point of view on the matter.

I ask you back, what's the point?

Why?

#idk wtf to tag this #but thank you for asking a question!!! #hope you have a great day #story time #dumb shit #childhood memories #memories

[xandriagreat]

Kitty to Kiddo

Summary: Wolf went over to the vet for a check up for Kitty, and learned that his kitten isn't not a normal cat but an anthro, like him. So he has to help him walk, talk, and all the things that a parent can do. But here's the thing, he doesn't know how and the others ( including Diane) are not in the city. So... this is an adventure!

Notice/Warnings: shot/needle mention, bathroom mention, single dad (only for a while), testing test subject without permission mention, lies, prison mention, food, nightmares

▪▪▪

'This is an unusual start when your friends leave the city.' Wolf thought as he had Kitty on his shoulders and carried a bag full of kid's clothes and some diapers that he just bought.

Kitty looked tired at Wolf as they got into the car and into seats. Because he just got a shot that can help him to slowly grow back to the proper age (which is 5 years old) in like a month.

He meowed softly at him and nuzzled his hand.

Wolf looked at him and rub his hand on Kitty's head. "It's okay, Kitty." he reassured him before he started the car.

When they got home, Wolf had a struggle of trying to make a hole in diapers and pants for Kitty's tail. The reason why he's doing this instead of getting ones that do is because that there wasn't any in the store and didn't want to wait for the ones on-line.

When he was done, he tried to get a diaper on Kitty.

To be honest, it looked funny to see a cat in a diaper. Kitty made a face at Wolf, who was trying not to laugh. "Sorry, Kitty." he said apologic.

Kitty walked away from him and into his hiding spot. Wolf sighed and rubbed his eyes. 'Well, this is a great start.' Wolf thought negatively. 'I wish that the others were here...'

•

Diane went to DC for a conference with Tarantula, because she was aloud to bring a plus one and Webs always wanted to go there. Snake went to Rio with Shark and Piranha for some sun and fun.

Wolf didn't want to go in a trip because of the appointment for Kitty.

Kitty wasn't feeling well lately.

When he got him to the vet, the veteran told him that his kitten isn't a normal kitten but is an anthro after checking Kitty.

•

When dinner time came around, Wolf was cooking fish for Kitty. He cut the fish into small bite sized pieces and put the pieces in a plastic bowl. He also cut some celery and puts them in the bowl.

He sat down on the couch and place the bowl next to him. Kitty came out of his hiding spot and looked at the bowl. He jumped on the couch and looked at Wolf.

The wolf smiled at him. "You can eat it."

Kitty's eyes widened, smiling big, and started to eat it quickly.

"Whoa! Whoa! Slow down, Kitty." Wolf said, chuckling. Then he realized something. "What should I call you? Not Kitty."

The cat stopped eating and looked at him. Then he got the toys and things to spell out on the floor.

Wolf looked at the word that the kitten spelled out.

"Olive?" Wolf asked, looking at the kitten. The kitten nodded and jumped onto Wolf, nuzzling.

Wolf chuckled softly and nuzzled back.

□a week later□

Wolf was able to get clothes on Olive during the time and potty trained.

Wolf just started to teach Olive how to speak. He started with the simple things of talking. Like vowels.

He had Olive on his lap and help with vowels. Olive was just blabbing the vowels, which was cute.

Wolf chuckled softly as Olive did that.

Then his phone rang. He picked it up to see who's calling.

It was Snake.

Wolf let Olive play with some toys and answered his phone. "Hello."

"Wolf! Oh it's good to hear you." Snake's raspy voice exclaimed happily on the phone. A happy sigh also came through the phone along with a chuckle from Snake.

Wolf chuckled softly, "It's great to hear you too, Snake. How's your trip with Shark and Piranha in Rio?"

"Oh, it's fine. Just them driving me crazy!" Snake said. He rant about what Shark and Piranha have done and that the heat is great for a reptile. "Also making sure that Shark and Piranha doesn't get hurt... but everything is fine. So, how's everything?" Snake asked, sounding interested.

"Umm..." Wolf start as looked at Olive, who was playing with a toy bunny. "Everything is- um... great!" Wolf finished, chuckling awkwardly.

Snake hummed. "You sure?"

"Yep."

Wolf started to hear other talking on the phone. "Hey is that Wolf?" Shark asked with a chuckle. "Hey, hermano!" Piranha yelled excitedly.

Wolf chuckled and said, "Hi Shark. Hi Piranha."

Wolf heard Snake sighed and said, "Talk to you later Wolf."

Wolf smiled and looked at Olive when the call was done. Olive was babbling vowels again as he played with the toy rabbit.

□a week later□

Olive started to speak. It was simple things, like: dad, food, movies, and some animal names.

Now, Wolf was helping and teach Olive to walk on his back legs. He held his paws and walked slowly in the appartment.

Olive was giggles as Wolf helped him walk. "Fun!" Olive excitedly said, taking a few steps.

"It it." Wolf said smiling.

Olive held onto him and nuzzled his paw. Wolf picked up Olive after a while and Olive start to nap on him.

Wolf felt his back crack a bit as he stood up straight. 'Oh wow, that felt good.' he thought, feeling a bit relaxed.

Wolf's phone rang and he it picked up.

It's Webs.

Wolf answered his phone. "Webs?"

"Hey Wolf." Tarantula said, sounding like she smiling.

"So, how's everything in DC?" Wolf asked, smiling.

"Oh, it's been great!" Tarantula said and she talked about the city, different places that they visited, meet some famous people, and the food places that they visited.

"Now you're making me hungry, Webs." Wolf said, walking over to the kitchen.

Webs chuckled, "Sorry, Wolf. So, how's both kitty and you?"

He looked at Olive as he got a fruit with his tail and set it on the counter. The kitten is sound asleep. "We're both okay, Webs." Wolf said.

"That's good."

Wolf had a nagging feeling before the call ended. "Umm... Webs?"

"Yes?"

"Can you find an article about an anthro cat in like one to two years? If you can, great. If not, that's fine."

"I'll try my best, Wolf."

"Thanks Webs."

Wolf looked at Olive when the call ended. The kitten is still napping on him.

Wolf smiled, puts his phone down, and got the fruit washed then he ate it.

□a week later□

Wolf was up in the kitchen.

It was late and he was having a cup of coffee. There was a lot on his mind.

Olive just finished the processes that he needs to do and Wolf is very proud of him. Wolf is also nervous about the others because they're coming back tomorrow.

'What do I tell the others and how will they react? Also, how did Olive get into being a normal cat for however long and how Marmalade got him?' he thought as he sipped his drink.

"Dad?" a young voice called out.

Wolf turned around to see Olive standing in the hallway, hugging the toy rabbit.

"Hey, Oli." Wolf said, setting his cup on the table and walked over to Olive. "What's up?"

Olive stared at the ground, rubbing his feet. "I had a nightmare..." he whispered, looking up at him.

Wolf felt sorry for him. He puts a paw on his shoulder and asked, "Want to talk about it?"

Olive nodded and smiled a bit. "With milk?"

Wolf nodded, picked him up, and walked to the table in the kitchen. He got him a cup of milk and Olive drank it slowly.

"So, what happened in your nightmare?" Wolf asked before he sipped his coffee. "If you don't mind."

Olive set his cup on the table and looked at him, hugging his rabbit close. "Well... it was before we met, I think."

Wolf nodded, listening. "What happened?"

Olive gave his toy rabbit a gentle squeeze and said, "It was storming and I didn't know where I was. I think that I was on the road to the city. A strange man grabbed me at one point and got me in a strange place but he was nice, at first. So was the owner of the place, Mr. Lemonade."

'Lemonade? Does he mean Marmalade?' Wolf thought. "Do you mean Marmalade?" he asked, putting his cup on the table

Olive nodded and started to cry. Wolf picked Olive up and rubbed his back while Olive cling onto him.

Olive started continued, "Then one day I was taken to a strange room with needles and liquids and an odd bed with straps... and then Mr. Lemonade came in the room when I was being strapped in on the bed. He told me that he wanted to test something for something that he was planning. Then I got a shot and then I woke up."

Wolf nodded, rubbing Olive's back, comforting and calming the kitten. When Olive calmed down, looked up at Wolf. "Why are you up, dad?" the kitten asked.

Wolf held Olive, thinking of what to say. "Just a lot on my mind." he said.

"Like?"

"My friends."

Oliver's eyes widened and smiled big. "Oh! I've missed them!"

Wolf chuckled softly. "Yeah, I've missed them too."

They talked about them until Olive fell asleep on Wolf.

Wolf smiled at Olive. He notices that Olive's cup still had some milk. He picked it up and poured it in his cup. He stirs the milk in his coffee and sip his drink.

It tasted good.

He finished his coffee and held Olive.

□the next day□

Wolf picked up the gang and Diane from the air port.

He parked in the air port parking lot, because one of two Shark's suitcases have some trouble with the trunk and he wanted to talk to Webs to the side.

Wolf smiled when he saw his friends walking over to him. "Wolf!" They exclaimed, smiling. "Hey guys." he said when they got close.

He hugged them before he popped the trunk.

Shark was the first to get his big suitcase in the trunk. "Come! On!" Shark said to the suitcase in the trunk.

"Hey, Webs." Wolf said, pulling Tarantula to the side.

"Yes, Wolf?"

"Did you find an anthro cat?"

Tarantula nodded. "Yes, I did find a few." she said, getting her phone out and pulling up the articles. "Before I show you the articles, I just wanted to let you know that in one of them involved Marmalade." Webs told Wolf.

"Can you send me that link?"

Webs nodded and send it.

Wolf thanked her and walked back to the others.

"YES! IT FIT!" Shark yelled, both fins in the air. He won the battle of fitting the suitcase in the trunk. Now he's helping the others with theirs suitcases into the trunk.

"So, how was both trips?" Wolf asked, as they walked back.

"Oh it was great!" Everyone said union. Everyone got excited and told their part of their trips.

Wolf listened to them talk about the trips and then started to reads the article when Snake started to explain to Shark and Piranha why that they had to get one souvenir.

[Runaway Kitty Cat]

[Professor Marmalade's place was robbed by a kitten that he welcomed in his home last night.]

[Professor Marmalade was questioned about the kitten, here's his response:]

["The kitten knocking on the door. It was raining outside and the poor thing was shivering. So, I let it in, dry the wet out, and gave food. After everyone in the house fell asleep, I heard a crash! So, Cuddles and I went downstairs to see what happened. And we saw the kitten, carrying a bag full of money. But the cat dropped the bag and ran out the back. I hope that the cat will be found soon."]

[The police are still looking for the cat.]

A photo of Professor Marmalade was next to the response, looking incident.

Wolf stopped reading and sighed. 'He's in prison. Marmalade is in prison.' Wolf reminded himself. He looked at the date of the article was published. It was June 2nd of last year. 'A month before the Golden Dolphin reward.' he thought, eyes widened.

His train of thought was interrupted by Piranha excitedly said, "I bet Kitty missed us!"

Everyone nodded in agreement as they took their seats in the car.

"It's Olive. But yes, he did miss you all." Wolf said, not thinking as he went to the driver's seat. Then Wolf realized what he said and noticed that everyone looked at him in shock.

"What do you mean, Wolf?" Diane asked, looking worried.

"Uh..."

"Wolf?" Snake asked, putting his tail on Wolf's shoulder. "What happened?"

Wolf was trying to think of what to say. He sighed. He has to tell them now.

"Okay," Wolf said, "it's hard to explain but, Kitty isn't his name. It's Olive."

"Olive?" Everyone said union, suprised. "But didn't you name him that?" Piranha asked, scratching his head.

Wolf nodded. "Yep, I know... but the reason why I changed to calling him that is because he's an anthro, like us... and he spelled it out for me."

Everyone was quiet until Webs asked, "Is that why you wanted me to look up an anthro cat in the last two years?"

Wolf nodded.

Everyone stared at Wolf and started smiled. "Let's meet him." Shark said. Everyone nodded, agreeing.

"Oh!" Wolf exclaimed, surprised. "That was unexpected but let's go." He started the car and they went home.

When they got into the appartment, they saw a pillow fort with a blanket over it and the TV was almost done playing Oliver and Company.

There was giggling in the fort.

Everyone walked over to the fort to find Olive giggling.

Olive looked up at Wolf. "Dad!" Olive excitedly said, getting up and hugged Wolf. Olive looked at them and gasp softly.

Olive's eyes shined excitedly.

The next thing that everyone knew was that Olive got up and was jumping up and down excitedly.

"You're home! You're home!" Olive said excitedly. "You're home- whoa!" Olive trips over Snake's tail. Thankfully, Shark caught him with his fins. Olive started to giggle and nuzzled.

Wolf chuckled softly as he noticed that Snake and Diane looked surprised while Shark, Tarantula, and Piranha were in awe.

Diane looked at Wolf, confused. "Wolf, why didn't you tell us? If you don't mind." she asked. Everyone looked at Wolf again.

Wolf looked down and said, "I wasn't sure how you all would react that the kitten is an anthro..."

"Why did you think that?" Webs asked.

Wolf shrugged. "I don't know... Maybe because it's unexpected and I didn't want you all to drop everything and come back home."

"It's okay, Wolf." Snake said, patting Wolf's back. Wolf smiled softly at him. Then he heard Shark and Piranha started to laugh. He looked up to see the both of them being tickled by Olive.

The kitten giggles as he nuzzled and tickled the two sea animals. Webs jumped on Olive and tickled him. The kitten giggles and runs to Wolf.

Webs jumped onto Shark as Wolf held Olive. "He's a lot of energy!" Piranha exclaimed excitedly when he got his breath.

Wolf nodded. "Yep."

Olive looked at the TV, points at it, and said, "Oh! The movie is done!"

#mr wolf #kitty #mr piranha #mr snake #mr shark #ms tarantula #diane foxington #the bad guys #the bad guys fic #mr. wolf #mr. piranha #mr. shark #mr. snake #ms. tarantula #professor marmalade #Kitty to Kiddo #tbg #olive kitty

[villanesus]

writers asks: 1, 6, 9, 11, 25, 30, 40, 48, 58, 69, 92, 94, 99.

I honestly would like to hear all your answers put i picked my favorite questions.

Pistachio!! Sooo many questions, I'll do my best.

1. do you know how you want the story to end when you start, or are you just stumbling through the figurative wilderness hoping to find a road?

I usually know where I want my characters to end up, but that doesn't always equate to a proper ending. Endings have always been hard for me to articulate. As a kid in school, I got feedback from a primary school teacher once that I needed to include something at the end of my stories to indicate that it was really the conclusion. My autistic ass starting ending every single story I wrote with the sentence, "And that is all." 😂

6. do you have any kind of consistent writing schedule or just hoping for the best?

Not really. I write when I've got a decent chunk of time open (at least an hour) and I'm feeling writery feelings. Some nights, most weekends. During nanowrimo I write during my lunch break, mostly out of necessity to meet word count.

9. in an ideal world where you’re already super successful and published, would you want to see a tv or movie adaptation of your work? why or why not?

I'd be pretty content just to be successfully published, BUT I'm definitely not turning down an opportunity for Jodie Comer to option one of my books for a TV series a la Big Swiss so I can meet her and be awkward. 🥴

11. what’s something neat you’ve learned while doing research for something you were writing? also, how much do you worry about doing research in general?

I do worry quite a bit about research because I know how jarring it can be as the reader when an author writes something that is pure nonsense wrt something I know about. That said, I don't always know what I don't know, so I'm sure I miss all kinds of things.

The neatest thing I've ever stumbled upon is escaping me right now, but the most recent thing that sticks out was stumbling upon the gem of the towns Sappho and Beaver near Forks for my goosey Killing Eve/Twilight AU (Evenfall). I found that far too funny.

25. what’s your revision or rewriting process like?

I usually start each writing session be rereading the last section I've written and I catch a lot of edits there. Once I'm reasonably confident about a full chapter, I actually listen to it twice using a text-to-speech feature. I find I catch a lot more of my mistakes when I listen than when I read with my eyes.

And then I immediately find like three more mistakes as soon as I share or publish what I've written. Because of course.

30. most inspirational quote you’ve ever read or heard that’s still important to you.

I'm (perhaps weirdly) not big on inspiration or inspirational quotes. And, as noted in one of the other ask games, I'm a little bit of a jerk? So, my favorite quote is actually the running bit in Candide by Voltaire where they make fun of the "best of all possible worlds" philosophy. You will catch me in real life regularly punching down on things by saying, "In this, the best of all possible worlds." I guess this jives with my "things suck, bring a bat" philosophy.

40. best piece of feedback you’ve ever gotten.

I had a computer science professor who took me aside once and told me I should write textbooks because students would actually engage with and learn from my writing. I really like to explain and to teach, so this was maximum flattery for me.

At the moment, though, there's a person who is mostly commenting screaming and keyboard smashes on Evenfall and I'm really enjoying that. 🤣

48. do you reread your own stories?

Not once they're finished. I read and reread as part of my editing process, by the end I'm a bit sick of it. And if too much time goes by and I come back to read, my style/voice/skill has changed and then I feel sad-cringe about my older work.

58. what is the last thing that a fic made you google when you were writing it?

"which movie did edward and bella have sex?" 🫠 hahaha

69 (nice). how do you write emotional scenes? do you ever feel what the characters feel?

I find this challenging because I want to shout at the characters to do the "right" thing and not necessarily the authentic emotional response that they would have? For example, character is going to misunderstand and be hurt or character is angry and won't listen to apology—it kills me to write that sometimes.

The how...eh, I just write stuff and step back and see if it feels authentic. I try to draw from my own experiences and emotions, but can't always tell how well that translates for others because my emotional processing is maybe non-typical as a non-neurotypical individual.

92. first, second, or third person?

Third person is typically my jam as a reader and a writer, though I do love me some unreliable narrator first-person works. My big struggle as a writer is the different flavors of third person—omniscient, objective, partial/limited. I'm bad at consistency here.

94. do you prefer dialogue or description?

Dialogue is really fun for me to write. My favorite thing though is internal monologue? Perhaps a side effect of all the journaling.

99. was being a writer a dream of yours when you were little? or did it spring up when your older? or is it just a hobby?

I've been writing stories since I was a little kid and I've always loved the idea of just being a novelist or writer. But I am both pessimistic and pragmatic. I doubt I'd be happy if writing was my full-time job—making a living on this would be too much pressure. It's a lovely hobby and if I ever write something that other people are excited to read, I'll just be real chuffed about it.

Phew, we made it to the end!

#thank you beloved pistachio #asks #ask games

[copperfirebird]

Swords

The party had probably been a bad idea, but parenting seemed awash with bad ideas they followed through on anyway. They'd gone because Mei had begged, and neither of her parents was any good at telling her no. It was at the river, and she was excited about that.

The boy's family had been perfectly welcoming and had a spare life jacket for Mei, and Chase forgave the insult of offering a life jacket to the daughter of a former Xiaolin Dragon of Water. She and the other kids seemed to have a great time splashing around, firing water guns at each other, searching for some child's lost sandal and finding multiple "cool rocks" that Mei insisted on explaining the importance of.

Jack hadn't realized it was necessary to win a water gun fight until three different little boys had stormed away from Mei. Chase smiled at her targeting skill, and Jack shrugged and figured she was teaching the boys an important lesson in not underestimating your opponents. None of the boys' parents seemed too bothered by it, anyway, and Jack overheard at least one telling his son that it was silly to complain about getting hit by 'a little girl younger than you.' Okay sure, Mei was eight and looked smaller, and this boy was probably at ten, but it reminded Jack of his own dad's dismissal as a kid and he forced his attention away, back to where Mei and another, bigger girl were crossing the river to explore the other riverbank.

When the presents came out, there were action figures and trucks and lego sets. Chase watched with narrowed eyes until he saw the offering Mei had picked out had been accepted by the boy, and then nodded in satisfaction, which made Jack smile.

The final gift the boy's father pulled out was a pair of boxes. The first, Jack recognized as soon as it was pulled out - the kind of sword display you saw in the knife store in a mall. The second box was long and thin and he knew immediately what was in it.

And a minute or two later he was proven correct. It was a swap meet katana.

The other boys were losing their minds, shouting about lethal weapons and how they should use the sword for the pinata dispatch. Mei looked distinctly unimpressed, and when he looked over at his husband, Jack saw that Chase was making the same face.

"Jack," he leaned in to ask his husband, "what is wrong with that sword? It's obviously poorly made; why would his father make a gift of such a thing? Do you think he's been swindled?"

"No, it's supposed to be terrible," Jack said. "They're cheaply made and sold at the kind of places that also sell cosplay gear."

"But why?" Chase asked it in the same way he asked so many questions about the modern world, where they both acknowledged that the answers were terrible and he didn't really want to know.

The birthday boy swung the sword around a few times, with form so bad even Jack winced, and then cheerfully took it over to attack the pinata with it. It took a ridiculous number of blows, mostly because the sword was not at all sharp but didn't have the heft that a good stick would have to break the thing. When the candy finally spilled out, the boy dropped the sword carelessly, and they watched another boy step on the blade. Both of them winced.

"It is a waste of metal, but he should still show it respect," Chase hissed.

Rosie darted around the larger boys, collecting some of the candy for herself, and since the party seemed to be over at that point, Jack said their goodbyes so they could leave.

"I do think ten is a good age for a first sword," Chase remarked as they were driving away from the lake.

"Rosie, do you want an ancestral sword handed down from your grandfather?" Jack asked, though he wasn't sure how his father would feel about having his collection of 17th century Italian rapiers invaded.

"No, Daddy," Mei didn't look up from the comic she was reading. "I want a proper sword like Baba uses."

Chase laughed, and Jack just smiled and turned up the music for the drive home.

#chack parenting #jack spicer #chase young #my ocs #my fic

[furvillaconfessions]

@post/692452402653233153/

It was a joke taking a jab at helicopter/overprotective/control freak parents and I could leave my reply at that but your response has activated my desire to overexplain everything, I had a whole much longer essay in my head to answer this with but after a day of work and a 5 hour long party I'm too tired to write all of it out so I will just skip all the frivolities and 10 minute long anime backstory filled with flashbacks and get to the main point

To clarify I'm not offended at anon for not wanting to interact with adults, I personally prefer talking with my peers and people older than me so if anon blocks me for not wanting to interact with an adult I couldn't care less, it's a good thing that anon is establishing their boundaries and I meant it when I said that anon can block whoever they want without giving a justification for it since no one is entitled to know your personal reason for blocking someone, it's something that should be encouraged more, especially with the trend of people demanding others to explain why they got blocked, it ain't your business and chances are you wouldn't have ended up talking with each other anyway so there's zero reason to demand an interaction from the stranger who blocked you

And although I will not turn away any minors who want to talk to me, I rather not seek out minors myself to talk to since I just can't properly talk to them about the kind of things I want to talk about, they're not relatable to me and I'm not relatable to them, the current trends that are hip with the kids these days do not interest me, much like kids won't be interested in my excitement about buying a printer or having a nice cocktail after work

I'm offended at the mother for displaying poor parenting behavior

I will also talk about this as a generalized situation now so it won't feel like it's directed at the anon personally or imply that any of the things I'm saying are things that are happening with anon since obviously I don't know them and don't know their life, I'm just taking the anon's situation as an example and talk about the things that can be a result of an overprotective and sheltering parenting style and serve some food for thought on what you (general you) think proper parenting looks like

A parent shouldn't be blocking every site their kid wants to play on just because there's adults there and maybe they will run into someone bad so the site gets blocked as a precaution, what the parent SHOULD be doing is talk with their kid about what they do online, what kind of sites they frequent, what kind of people they talk with and what they talk about, and how to recognize red flags in people's behavior online and overall internet safety, make it as casual as talking about what they did at school that day and what they did when they were hanging out at their friend's house and stranger danger safety tips, internet and technology has grown rapidly over the past few decades and it's now more than ever that parents need to be in the know of internet safety and teach it to their kids and make it a conversation topic, a luxury that only a few of us kids had when growing up since at that time (mostly 90's and early 00's) not a lot of parents truly understood the things that can happen online and only did the basic stranger danger safety tips of "don't talk to strangers and don't give your real address to anyone"

Blocking every website the kid goes on just because there's a chance they might run into someone bad will not only restrict the kid's freedom but also the kid's development of online social/etiquette skills, development of independency, ability to recognize red flags online (this includes things like recognizing scams and phishing, not just shady behavior), access to online resources (depending on the sites that get blocked), access to support systems, and the kid's ability to explore spaces that can help them with their self-discovery as they're growing and developing into an adult, which can also have impact on the kid's self-image and confidence

Not only that but it also develops an unhealthy relationship with the parents since the kid now feels the need to hide their activities from the parents because they're afraid that the activities that they're doing are going to be taken away from them, keep in mind that if the parents are willing to block websites that are completely harmless otherwise, the parents are possibly restricting a lot of other things too that will severely impact the kid's development and relationship with their parents (in which the parents will complain that their kid won't talk to them about anything and not understand why)

It is protective to teach your kid the proper safety measurements they should take and how to recognize red flags and monitor their online activities to an extend, it's overprotective to restrict access and shelter the kid immediately just because of a scenario that might happen and is mostly preventable if the kid is knowledgeable on proper safety and is able to recognize red flags

Restricting your kid's freedom beyond bedtime, computer/TV time, and curfews for when they should be home when they go to a friend's house after school (and other misc. restrictions within reason) will never be good parenting since it will quickly result in the kid becoming sheltered and having their privacy violated, it puts strain on the kid's development, and strain on the relationship with the parents

Growing up should all be about fucking around and finding out with the safety and support of your parents who will teach you what you need to know so you can fuck around and find out safely and be able to ask for their help when you get in trouble or in an unsafe situation without fear of getting punished, that's literally how people are able to develop themselves and their personhood properly and gain skills like problem solving, rational thinking, forming their own opinions, and the ability to form healthy relationships

Growing up should never be about fucking around and finding out but doing it behind the parents' backs because they will punish you and take it away from you otherwise, because things like that is how kids can become delinquent as a way of rebelling against their parents' restrictive parenting with varying degrees of harmless delinquency to harmful delinquency, or kids who become extremely private about everything they do and who develop trust issues which results into them becoming antisocial, and everything else between these 2 extreme examples that resulted in not great things for the kid and will make the kid look back on their youth and go "it sucked"

Like and subscribe for more essays on healthy parenting and child development, in this next essay I will

TL;DR Anon's mom is showing signs of authoritarian parenting by immediately blocking all websites with adults on it and that's no bueno, parents need to strive to have an authoritative parenting style instead, look at this graph for more info on what that means, let the kids play on the funny furry website

https://i.imgur.com/ddOegcf.png

#submission

[starsmuserainbow]

Reposted from back on her own sideblog, some things answered from this meme for Blackfire!

🍼 = Does your muse have children or do they ever want to have children? Do they think they will/would be a good parent? 

Since the ‘process’ to have children is similar in many aspects for a tamaranean to the human one, she is not interested in children. She doesn’t intend to let herself be held back, and weakened in her skills, by “something” for such a long time, which is enough reason for her to know she doesn’t ever want it. As such, she never really thought about what kind of parent she would be, and she herself probably assumes she wouldn’t do a good job anyway - she doubts she can care about anyone that deeply to actually… well, take care of someone properly.

If we assume that she does find a deep relationship with someone someday, though, and it would either just happen and she notices it too late to abort being “held back” for so long or maybe she’s unable to or actually getting convinced (which would need a lot of convincing though) or they got a child in some other form or whatever - though I should mention here that when offered to choose between having a kid (even without the abovementioned 'hindrances') or not, she would always choose against it.

All in all though, if we assume she's in some form actually ending up having a child, I think she would be a good parent. Not one to raise her kid with proper morals, of course - she would teach them fighting, stealing, and ways to manipulate others and all that pretty early on - but she would pretty much surprise herself with how caring she would feel about her own kid. She’d also be good at giving it attention, she might be a little too present in regards to the kid making their own friends or doing their own thing much (she' tries'd try her best to keep any ‘good influences’ far away and would not hesitate to go as far as to threaten the other children so that they leave, of course without her own kid noticing), and she would very much try to pass on her hate towards Starfire (and maybe the Titans too) and their children to her kid.

📘 = Describe an AU verse/story that you have written out for your muse that you’d love to roleplay. Why did you choose to make them that way? 

Powerless!Blackfire! I love the concept so much, and I would so much wish to RP it with someone. I actually didn’t come up with it myself – a long time ago, there was a taggame-thing about what Blackfire’s biggest fear (or phobia or something) would be, and that is no doubt to end up without her powers. And after answering that, a mutual of mine approached me and said they wanna do a thread about it, and that’s how I got the inspiration. (We actually technically still have a thread going in the verse, but they aren’t active anymore, so I don’t really count it as something active anymore) Blackfire would be devastated, feeling very weak, and it would take a lot of attention and care from someone else to get her somewhat “functioning” again. She’d have lost her powers permanently, but at first she definitely would expect it to be only a temporary thing, and once she’s over the first shock of losing the powers it’d get harder each day again that her powers don’t return. She’ll probably end up in some brawls or even provoke crooks in the street in hopes that adrenaline or pain or something would bring her abilities back, of course nothing would work. I… very much could keep talking here, but I don’t wanna make this longer than it already will be, so this should be enough as a short summary.

🛀 = Does your muse prefer baths or showers? What’s their favorite body wash scent? What kind of shampoo/conditioner do they use? 

Actually, neither. Tamaraneans are capable of being clean without such methods - they simply surround themselves with their energy, with a kind that doesn’t hurt the body but burns away anything else. She often smells like “nothing”, since she spends much time in space where there is nothing at all, and she uses her energy to clean herself which doesn’t add any scent either.

☠️ = How would your muse prefer to die? What do they want done with their body after they die? 

She would prefer to die in battle. Regardless of what battle exactly it would be, but it should happen during fight. As for her body, it’d be best if it gets somehow erased during her death - she loves the idea of people (outside of the one that did kill her, and maybe ones that saw it happen) never being sure if she actually is truly gone or has only gone into hiding.

#✫ Out of Characters ✫ | OOC #✫ General Tag (Blackfire(Canon)) ✫ #✫ Headcanons (Blackfire(Canon)) ✫ #✫ About (Blackfire(Canon)) ✫

[cascadetrainingsolutions]

5 Skills Every Pediatric Nurse Should Have

If you are thinking of becoming a pediatric nurse, you will need plenty of skills to be a qualified candidate in a competitive job market. Some can be taught, such as gaining a certification through a PALS class. Other skills can’t always be taught, but they’re still vital for being a great pediatric nurse. These include showing empathy and knowing how to build a good relationship with the patient and their parents. Here are some skills you should have to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse.

Pediatric Medical Skills and Knowledge Providing care for children is much different than administering care to adults. Doses are different, standard procedures for adults can be dangerous for children, and illnesses that barely affect adults can pose serious threats to children. Studying pediatric medicine, including the training you receive when earning a PALS certification, is essential. Even small details like knowing the best way to insert an IV for younger children can make you a better pediatric nurse. Having all these tangible skills can also help you explain to the parents everything they need to know about their child’s healthcare experience. Strong Communication and Relationship-Building Skills As another point of emphasis, you will need strong communication skills to effectively communicate with parents, children, and your fellow healthcare professionals. Being able to thoroughly explain medical procedures or treatments to parents and children, reassuring them, and answering their questions can help establish a relationship built on trust. A cold, dismissive nurse will not put children at ease. A warm smile, even while wearing a mask, can go a long way to build connection with everyone you interact with. Patience Patience is another skill that can help as a pediatric nurse, especially when administering care. They may be unable to communicate efficiently, so taking the time to listen and understand can help you better form a diagnosis. Patience is a skill you can hone over time simply by interacting with patients. Take an extra minute to let an anxious, nervous child calm down and warm up to you. In the same way, parents can also be overprotective, overwhelmed, and potentially frustrated. These can be significant challenges, but patience gives you the best chance to overcome them gracefully. Ability to Handle Emergencies and Provide Critical Care Emergencies can and will happen. This is why taking a PALS course is essential. You need the skills to assess every scenario, provide the necessary care, and handle the situation with confidence. Unexpected conditions might alter your approach, but being attentive is vital. You might need to stabilize the child or provide life-saving interventions. You can learn some of the techniques on the job, so just trust that you have the proper foundation once you’ve completed your certifications. Strong Observational Skills Kids, especially if they’re in pain, can’t always clearly identify what hurts or how it is hurting. Some patients, like infants, can’t communicate at all. As a result, you need to have strong observation skills to overcome this potential communication barrier. Often, you are the first professional patients see, and your observational skills will often play an essential role in helping collect information for a doctor’s diagnosis. About Cascade Training Solutions Cascade Training Solutions teaches more than 100,000 students to save lives each year. As an authorized provider of various healthcare and workplace safety curricula, they offer over 25 nationally validated certification courses at their seven training centers. From advanced life-saving techniques to basic workplace safety, they provide healthcare organizations, public safety agencies, individuals, and corporate entities with the essential resuscitation, compliance, and safety training they need to operate smoothly. Plus, their courses are an excellent strategy for advancing your healthcare career. Whether you are a multi-state organization looking for a complete education and compliance program or an individual who needs specific certifications, Cascade Training Solutions offers cost-effective, patient care-focused solutions you can trust. Get your PALS certification with help from Cascade Training Solutions at https://www.cascadetraining.com/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/45BdLtQ

#pals classes

[kevinszabojrplumbing]

Plumbing Safety for Kids: Teaching Children About Water Conservation and Safety

Water is life. This age-old adage holds more truth today than ever before. In our rapidly changing world, the topic of plumbing safety for kids goes beyond mere accident prevention. It's about fostering a deep respect and understanding for water, our planet's most precious resource. As parents, educators, and guardians, imparting this knowledge to the next generation is among our most crucial responsibilities.

Understanding Water Conservation

At its core, water conservation is about sustainability. It's the conscious effort to reduce wastage and use water judiciously. With global populations rising and freshwater sources dwindling, conservation becomes paramount. But how can children, with their boundless energy and curiosity, contribute? The answer lies in daily habits. Encouraging them to turn off taps while brushing, promoting shorter showers, or even making a game out of using a bucket for outdoor cleaning can instill these values. By making conservation fun and relatable, we can hope to see a generation that values every drop.

The Basics of Plumbing Safety

Regardless of size or location, every home has potential plumbing hazards. And for the ever-curious child, these can pose significant risks. Toilets, for instance, are often overlooked. Yet, an open lid can invite a toddler to explore. Taps, showerheads, and even the humble sink can become sources of fascination. Without proper guidance, children might play with them, leading to potential accidents or wastage. Drains, too, can be intriguing. Educating children about the dangers of clogging them or the repercussions of sending foreign objects down can save many a plumbing headache.

Teaching Kids About Safe Water Usage

Water is a daily necessity, but not all is fit for consumption. Teaching children about potable and non-potable water sources is essential. They should know the dangers of consuming water from unverified sources, which, while looking pristine, might be teeming with harmful bacteria. Additionally, a deeper dive into the limitations of different piping materials can give children a better understanding of household water systems and why some water sources are safer than others.

Keeping Your Little One Occupied During a Move

Moving homes can be a whirlwind of activity, and when you have a toddler in tow, the challenges multiply. Therefore, to ensure a smooth transition, it's essential to keep your little one occupied. But how to organize a move with a toddler? Create a 'moving day' kit with their favorite toys, coloring books, and snacks. Consider setting up a dedicated play area in your new home ahead of time so they have a familiar space amidst the chaos. Engaging them in simple packing tasks, like placing their toys in boxes, can also make them feel involved. Remember, the key is to balance safety with entertainment, ensuring your toddler feels secure and engaged during the move.

Interactive Activities to Reinforce Learning

Education is most effective when it's interactive. Children, with their vivid imaginations, can benefit immensely from hands-on learning. A "Water Detective" game can be fun and enlightening as they search for waste points around the home. Role-playing sessions, where they don the hat of a plumber, can emphasize the importance of preventing plumbing emergencies. Creative projects can also serve as a platform to express their understanding and commitment to the cause.

The Art of Packing Children's Belongings

The sheer volume of toys, books, and clothes can be overwhelming when sorting through children's rooms. A useful tip from ryderrelocations.com suggests turning packing into a storytelling session for your kids. Recall a memory or craft a short story for every toy or book before placing it in the box. This method keeps the kids engaged and makes them more willing to part with items they no longer need. Creativity can transform a tedious task into a memorable experience.

The Importance of Supervision

Knowledge, while powerful, is complemented by supervision. Despite being educated about risks, children might sometimes act on impulse. Unsupervised access to water sources, bathtubs, pools, or garden ponds can lead to accidents. The danger of hot water, especially in homes with inconsistent heating, can't be stressed enough. As caregivers, constant vigilance is our best defense. Speaking of defense, installing a tankless water heater offers safety and efficiency for those considering home improvements, ensuring children are less exposed to scalding risks.

Involving Kids in Household Plumbing Tasks

Empowerment through involvement can be a game-changer. When children are actively involved in household tasks, they gain a deeper appreciation for the work and its significance. Simple chores can be turned into investigative missions. Watering plants with leftover water or assisting in eco-friendly drain cleaning methods can be educational and a bonding source.

Introducing the New Neighborhood

Before the big move, especially when considering plumbing safety for kids, consider taking a leisurely walk or drivingaround the new neighborhood with your children. Point out interesting landmarks, parks, or even potential new friends playing outside. This familiarization not only helps reduce the shock of the new environment but also provides an opportunity to discuss any visible plumbing fixtures or water sources and their safe usage. It's a proactive step to help them understand that while the surroundings might change, the essence of family, home, and safety remains constant.

Creating a First-Night Box

The first night in a new home can be a mix of excitement and apprehension for kids. To ease this transition, prepare a 'first-night' box. Fill it with essentials like pajamas, a favorite bedtime story, a cherished toy, and maybe even a little treat. That ensures that amidst the chaos of unpacked boxes and unfamiliar rooms, a small oasis of comfort awaits them. It's a simple gesture that can provide immense comfort during those initial hours in a new place.

Conclusion on the Most Important Tips for Plumbing Safety for Kids

To conclude, plumbing safety for kids is a holistic approach to raising a water-conscious and safe generation. It's a blend of education, interaction, and supervision. By dedicating ourselves to this cause, we're safeguarding our children andensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

#This Summer #Guest Author #Guest Blogger #Guest Contributor #Guest Post #Guest Writer #Best Ways To Prevent The Most Common Plumbing Problems #Plumbing Problems #broken pipes #leaking pipes #clogged toilets #garbage disposals #prevent drains from clogging #plumber in tinley park #tinley park plumbers #plumber in orland park #orland park plumbers #plumber in homer glen #homer glen plumbers #plumber in frankfort #frankfort plumbers #plumber in mokena #mokena plumbers #plumber in lemont #lemont plumbers #plumber in new lenox #new lenox plumbers #plumber in oak forest #oak forest plumbers #plumber in homewood

[nella09archive]

Marriage. 5

Chapter 5: Year 1. Part 2

If I could land 3 kicks and 3 punches, before lunch, I’ll count that as a success. And so, it began.

~~

By the time lunch time came around I was surprised at myself. For the fact I landed more hits than excepted. I was so proud of myself that I thought I should have made training a game from the start. At least, put a challenge on myself. I was so happy that I didn’t notice the looks Kami and Mr. Popo gave me. “Goku, are you ok?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Just that you’re eating more than your usual amount.”

“Is that a bad thing? I just used up a lot of energy, is all.” Kami nodded and walked out the room. Once lunch was done, I follow Mr. Popo to the steps in front of the temple. Today’s lesson was about nature.

…

“Good Chichi. Let’s take a break.”

“I’m ok dad. I would like to get a few more in before we return for lunch.”

“Chichi, you sure you haven’t done enough sit-ups?” Dad is right. After one more, I sat up and crossed my legs. I decided to meditate before I got up fully. Today already felt like a long day, yet it wasn’t over. After meditating for half an hour, me and dad went into our capsule home. It’s been two months since he promised to train me.

At first, it was just like it was when I was a kid. But then, dad forced me to stop wearing my armor. By now I already understood why. Doesn’t make any less sad. I had to except I was no longer a child, with a child body. So, I adopted more of a tai-chi uniform. I like how it flows with my movements, and it looks nice. Instead of a traditions gi, I wear a cheongsam on top. Even though dad trains me, I still try to practice my katas on my own, when he’s not looking.

Once inside the home, I started up cooking our lunch. Also, since starting training, I started teaching myself other things. Since my dream was still to be a simple house wife, I had to learn how to be one. Whenever we made it a new town or city, along our training path, I always made sure to buy plenty of books. Once I sat lunch on the table, I called out to dad to join me.

As we sat down to eat, I couldn’t help myself to read a book. I made sure it wasn’t a book I recently bought. It was a simple book filled with romantic poetry. It’s actually one of my favorite things to read. It was not until I finished one of the poems that I noticed dad looking my way. “Is something wrong, dad?”

“I’ve noticed you been buying a lot of books lately. Is there a reason why?”

“Because I want to learn so much. And if, at the end, I was to become queen, shouldn’t I know as much as possible to help others?” This answer seemed to pleased dad, even though it wasn’t a lie either. I do want to help other, and I want to learn so much.

“Are any of them new cook books?”

At this I got excited and ran to my temporary room, to get my latest book. I came back and went on a rant how I want to try cooking all these foods. Once or twice I mention how I hoped Goku would like my cooking. Without me knowing, daddy frown every time I mention Goku. I was just too excited to notice.

Once lunch was over it was time for my ‘proper lady’ lessons. I didn’t really like this part of the day. I had to learn to hide any emotions. I had to learn to stay calm, no matter how angry something got me. But can you blame me? I after all, have my dad’s famous temper. I remembered one time I punched a boy for bullying a smaller girl. The group with him called me names, but I ignored them. They weren’t worth my time.

Soon after that girl and I became friends. She was the only friend I had in our village. I didn’t understand why nobody liked me. But it didn’t bother me, cause at least I had one friend. And there was always Goku.

After our two-months training away home, dad was ready to go home. I was a different story. I wanted to train more. Once back at our village we were greeted by one of our eldest maid. With her was her grandson, Li. He was a weird boy. Whenever his grandma brought him over, he would always follow me. It bugged me a lot. Whenever I was in the garden, trying to get a workout going, he would show up and watch. At the beginning, I didn’t mind. After a few times, he tried talking to me, that what annoyed me.

Li would go on and on about how cute I looked. He would then question why did I even want to be strong. “It’s not like it matter. Grandma says it’s a waste, and it’s not proper.” Whenever he said that I left and went to my room to finish my work out. There were times he would even try to get into my room, while I’m trying to change.

I told dad this, but he insist that Li is just trying to be my friend. It sure didn’t feel that way. How would my Goku react to this? Would he be like daddy? Or would he be on my side? Whatever the answer might be, I just hope Li never touches me. If he did to damn what daddy says.

We stood home for a month. During that month daddy threw parties, and invited everyone who had a son my age. During these parties I had to dance which of the boys. While dancing with one of them, he tried grabbing my butt. I reactivity punched him. I did so hard he flew to the back wall. I was so angry I failed to notice how disappointed my father looked at me. After taking shallow breaths to calm down, I left the ball room.

Halfway to my room I noticed Li was following me. “So what now princess?” The way he said that pissed me off. I had every mind to punch him too, but I ignored him and went to my room. I had enough! I changed out of this big stuffy dress, and put on my uniform.

I packed up, and left a note for dad. In the note I stated I was going off training to cool off. And for him to not worry about me. I then took my bookbag, made sure I had capsules and left. I aimless traveled to the ocean. I was chased by dinosaurs and other monsters. Times like this I wish I had my helmet, but I can’t rely on that anymore. I had to find my own strengths.

3 days had passed and I have finally returned home. I was greeted by a very worried daddy. He was sobbing as he picked me up, in a tight hug. He said we should throw a party to celebrate my return. I kindly asked that we didn’t do that. I don’t need parties and being surrounded by people. At first it seemed my father understood. While, until 4 months later, he threw another party when we returned for a training mission. At this rate I will never be strong as Goku.

I confronted my dad about this and told me how everyone needs rest. Rest? “You call this rest!” I was so mad. I could understand if we came home and all we did was relax, and catch our strength. But nope, we come home and he plans a huge party. Parties are nice, but I don’t even get a chance to relax for a few days. Well time to put up my perfect princess attitude and get on with it.

…

Two months into these lessons and I swear I was getting more and more bored. The math stuff was helpful when putting it into my training. The reading and writing I didn’t get but I tried reasoning with Mr. Popo about it. Surprised he agreed to end those. But he did teach me other stuff, like health and biology. It made sense, since I could imply it into my training.

I was getting better each day with understanding living energy. I was even able to officially beat that damn doll. So today Mr. Popo was going to spar with me. I still couldn’t beat him, but I was getting close. Sometimes he would mention something about a temper. I asked him once what that was. He answered by simply punching and I got mad and was going to try to punch him. He then said, “That’s a temper.”

So guess it’s another word for mad. So, another word added to the list of things I need to control. Lately living up here I been making a lot of list. Like things I had to get a better hand of, things I wanted to ask my friends, and stuff I would never tell a soul.

It was almost a year into this training and Kami stated it was time I trained with weighted clothes.

[advancedentalunionville]

Why Family Dentistry Is the Key to Your Family’s Oral Health

When it comes to your family's well-being, their oral health should never be overlooked. After all, a healthy smile is not just a sign of good dental hygiene, but it also contributes to overall well-being and self-confidence. In this article, we'll explore why family dentistry is the key to your family's oral health, ensuring those radiant smiles last a lifetime. At Advance Dental Care, we understand the significance of family dentistry, and we're here to guide you on this journey to healthier, happier smiles.

Reclaim your confident smile and dental well-being by contacting us today at 860–673–2455 or conveniently booking an appointment online. For Learn More Visit Our Website At advancedentalunionville.com

Table of Contents

What is Family Dentistry?

The Role of a Family Dentist

Benefits of Choosing Family Dentistry

Preventive Dentistry for All Ages

Convenient Scheduling for Busy Families

Creating a Positive Dental Experience for Children

Addressing Teenage Dental Challenges

Oral Health in Adulthood

Senior Dental Care

The Economic Advantage of Family Dentistry

Maintaining Consistency in Dental Records

FAQs: Your Family Dentistry Queries Answered

What is Family Dentistry?

Family dentistry, also known as general dentistry, is a branch of dental care that caters to patients of all ages, from children to seniors. It focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating various dental conditions to maintain optimal oral health throughout one's lifetime. Unlike specialized dentists who may only treat specific age groups or dental problems, family dentists offer comprehensive care for the entire family under one roof.

The Role of a Family Dentist

A family dentist plays a crucial role in your family's oral health journey. They serve as your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services, including regular check-ups, cleanings, cavity fillings, and more. This means that you don't have to visit different specialists for different family members, making dental care more convenient and efficient.

Benefits of Choosing Family Dentistry

Preventive Dentistry for All Ages

One of the standout benefits of family dentistry is its focus on preventive care. From teaching children proper brushing techniques to helping adults maintain healthy gums, family dentists are committed to preventing dental issues before they escalate. This proactive approach saves not only money but also the discomfort associated with more extensive treatments.

Convenient Scheduling for Busy Families

In today's fast-paced world, convenience is paramount. Family dentistry recognizes this and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate your family's busy lifestyle. Whether it's after school, on weekends, or during a lunch break, family dentists are there when you need them.

Creating a Positive Dental Experience for Children

Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for children. Family dentists specialize in creating a welcoming and friendly environment for kids. They use age-appropriate language, fun tools, and gentle techniques to make dental visits a positive and educational experience.

Addressing Teenage Dental Challenges

As children transition into teenagers, they face unique dental challenges. Orthodontic issues, wisdom teeth, and the onset of dental habits like smoking or consuming sugary drinks all need special attention. Family dentists are well-equipped to guide teenagers through these critical years.

Oral Health in Adulthood

For adults, family dentistry offers a comprehensive range of services, including cosmetic dentistry, restorative treatments, and oral cancer screenings. This ensures that your smile remains vibrant and healthy throughout your adult life.

Senior Dental Care

In our golden years, dental care remains essential. Family dentists are trained to handle the oral health needs of seniors, addressing issues such as gum disease, tooth loss, and denture fittings with expertise and compassion.

The Economic Advantage of Family Dentistry

Choosing family dentistry can be a cost-effective decision for your family's oral health. When multiple family members receive care from the same dentist, you often benefit from reduced rates and family-oriented treatment plans. This can significantly lower the overall cost of dental care compared to visiting individual practitioners.

Maintaining Consistency in Dental Records

Another advantage of family dentistry is the ability to maintain consistent dental records. Your family's dental history and treatment plans are all in one place, making it easier to track progress and plan for future dental needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, family dentistry is the cornerstone of your family's oral health. It provides comprehensive care for all ages, emphasizing prevention, convenience, and continuity. At Advance Dental Care, we believe in the power of family dentistry to create lasting smiles. By choosing a family dentist, you're not just investing in your oral health but also ensuring that your family's smiles shine brightly for generations to come.

FAQs: Your Family Dentistry Queries Answered

What age should my child first visit the dentist?

Your child's first dental visit should occur around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits help in establishing good oral hygiene habits and monitoring dental development.

How often should my family have dental check-ups?

Regular dental check-ups are typically recommended every six months for both children and adults. However, your family dentist may adjust the frequency based on individual needs.

Are family dentists equipped to handle orthodontic issues?

Yes, many family dentists are skilled in orthodontics and can provide basic orthodontic evaluations and treatments. For more complex cases, they may refer you to an orthodontic specialist.

What can I do to ease my child's dental anxiety?

To ease dental anxiety in children, choose a family dentist experienced in pediatric care. Additionally, preparing your child by explaining the dental visit in a positive way and offering small rewards afterward can help alleviate their fears.

Is family dentistry more cost-effective than individual practitioners?

Yes, family dentistry can be more cost-effective since you'll often receive bundled rates for multiple family members. This can result in significant savings compared to visiting separate dentists for each family member's care.

In summary, family dentistry is not just about maintaining oral health; it's about fostering a positive relationship with dental care from a young age and ensuring a lifetime of confident smiles. At Advance Dental Care, we're committed to providing exceptional family dentistry services to keep your family's smiles radiant and healthy. So why wait? Schedule your family's next dental appointment today!

#business #dentistinnewtonma #completedentalofnewton #dentistry

[petblues]

Can Dogs Instill Responsibility in Children?

Can Dogs Instill Responsibility in Children?

Dogs provide us with companionship, unconditional affection, and physical fitness assistance. Having a dog is still another benefit for households with children. In the 2011–2012 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the Pet Product Association, 58 percent of pet owners reported that their animals helped them teach their children responsibility.

What do specialists have to say, though? Can look after your dogs at home truly instill responsibility in children? The majority of the time, the answer is yes—as long as it's done properly.

Construct Age-Related Tasks

Although older children and teenagers are more capable than younger children, even the youngest children can contribute.

Little Children Can

After you wash the dog's dinner dish, help you dry it.

Notify you when the water bowl for the dog needs to be refilled.

aid you in brushing the dog. Get a "child-size" brush and demonstrate how to brush gently while holding the brush together.

Older children can

aid in providing food for the dog. Give your youngster a predetermined amount of food to put in the bowl. Unless you are certain that the dog does not have difficulties with food aggression, do not let the youngster put the bowl down.

At the end of the day, assist in putting the dog's toys away.

Work out the dog. Kids and dogs will get exercise playing fetch, running, or rolling about, and this will also build the attachment between them.

Educate the dog. Look for a dog training class for kids or try taking one with your child.

jog the dog. Make sure they understand how to properly attach the leash to the dog's collar and that the animal obeys their directions. Of course, you should also make sure they have extra poop bags and always use them.

Inform and Motivate

Educate People to Think Like Dogs: Children need to understand not just the what but also the how and why. Make sure your youngster understands that a dog is a real, breathing creature just like them.

It requires the same kinds of physical and psychological care. According to Candi Wingate, CEO of Care4Hire, "help your child identify with the pet and the importance of meeting those needs."

Be an Example: Even the most responsible youngster will make mistakes, thus it is the adult's responsibility to ensure that the dog is taken care of properly. These instances may also be instructive. After asking the youngster why they didn't walk or feed the dog, urge them to consider how that might have impacted the animal. Together, develop a strategy for improving the situation going forward. Cheryl Orletsky, a dog trainer and the owner of Holiday Pet Care, believes that parents must be prepared to teach their children because this is frequently the best method for them to learn. "The parents must be prepared to demonstrate to the child what proper dog care entails and then tenderly remind them time and time again, sometimes with words and other times with physical intervention to ensure proper care is maintained."

Make it an honor rather than a chore.

If a child is assigned a task they don't desire or understand, they could feel bullied. Sharing a task with a parent may be effective in motivating a reluctant youngster. Give them a hearty thank you when they assist you. Tell the kid how much you and the dog value their assistance. Give yourself some time after chores to play or train the dog.

[crockersales]

Buyer Beware! The Importance Of Shopping Local Hot Tub & Swim Spa Dealers

The benefits of hot tubs and swim spas are numerous, ranging from offering a highly effective low-impact aerobic exercise in your own home to a family-friendly aquatic environment that is perfect for teaching your kids to swim.

However, a swim spa or hot tub is also a very large investment, which means you need to take many aspects into consideration before you decide to buy — this isn’t something that you use for a few years and throw away; you will likely own your spa for the foreseeable future.

Selecting the right swim spa / swim spa company must be a top priority since not all dealers are cut from the same cloth. You need to be sure that you find someone you trust to purchase, install and maintain your spa well into the future.

That is why you should always shop a local spa dealer — buying from an out-of-state dealer can lead to a number of headaches down the road.

Local Hot Tub & Swim Spa Dealers Have Your Back

From installation and upkeep to repairs and warranties, there are many aspects of hot tub and swim spa ownership you need to keep in mind. And while out-of-region dealers may throw flashy ads, buying the spa is just a single step in the ownership process.

After they get your money, you have no way of knowing whether they will be there for you in the future. Here are a few things hot tub / swim spa owners need to consider:

1.     Does the spa dealer have ties to the St. Louis community?

If the answer is no, they probably care very little about their reputation here and your service will suffer. When shopping with a local St. Louis hot tub / swim spa dealer, you know they will go above and beyond to keep you satisfied since reputation is extremely important to the success of their business.

2.     How is hot tub or swim spa maintenance performed?

Spas are complicated machines that require proper care to keep them running strong. Similar to a car, regular maintenance will be required, so you want to be sure a certified technician is available to work on your spa.

3.     Do they even offer hot tub or swim spa service?

If your swim spa dealer is not from the local area, you may run into trouble finding a technician. The dealer may not even offer service and maintenance, meaning you’ll be on your own for both regular maintenance and emergencies.

4.     Where do you buy chemicals and filters?

There is a lot you need to know about swim spa upkeep, as using the wrong chemicals or concentrations can be harmful to your health and cause damage to your spa. Local dealers like Spas and More! St. Louis will ensure you get the right products to keep your spa running clean and safe.

These are just a few things that anyone in the market for a hot tub or swim spa should keep in mind. Spas are generally a fairly large investment, so consumers need to stay savvy when making this purchase.

Shop Local Dealers And Support Your Community

Don’t get taken by an out-of-town swim spa dealer!

It is not uncommon for a company to set up expos outside of their territory and use glitzy marketing campaigns and “blowout” sales to draw people in.

Before you commit to a purchase, do yourself a favor and check out one of the several regional St. Louis hot tub or swim spa dealers first. You will likely find that the deals are comparable but include many perks not found at the convention (plus you’ll be supporting local businesses, which is always a plus!)

Spas and More! St. Louis has been serving the community for more than 20 years, and we are dedicated to providing only the best products and highest quality customer service — we only want to keep you happy!

Allow us to help you find the perfect hot tub or swim spa for your family, and we will ensure that it is installed, maintained and serviced properly for years to come!

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