​
Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!
​
In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.
​
Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.
​
As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.
​
So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?
​
Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!

My ex girlfriend and I dated for around 5 years until we broke up. We still hung out and did things together. My ex girlfriend, let's call her T, started an argument because I didn't get her the right rolling papers from the store. And she told me to leave. I left, and she sent multiple texts asking me to go get dinner and to bring clothes over to her house. I agree, and we go out for dinner at Chili's. We had a good dinner, and we went home after getting two bottles of wine. She went outside to smoke, and then left with such urgency, didn't say a word and didn't come back until the morning (yeah, I know what happened). I wasn't really talking to her at all, and she dropped me off at work. I left my bags at her house, and she blocked me. she unblocked me to tell me that she would drop my stuff off for three days in a row, but never did. I confronted her and said that the stunt that she was weird for the stunt she pulled, and that she should've respected my time instead of driving me hours out just to leave me at her house alone for the night, and that she could've told me that she was leaving so I could leave too. She said that I'm not entitled for her to stay the night, since we're not together, which I find ridiculous since she asked me to come over. She got upset and blocked me. I've been trying to get my stuff back for a week now, and she reaches out to tell me that she has a boyfriend. And then blocked me again. Any advice on how to tackle this?

​
Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!
​
In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.
​
Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.
​
As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.
​
So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?
​
Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!

​
Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!
​
In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.
​
Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.
​
As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.
​
So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?
​
Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!

Yesterday I have received a reading saying that I have black magic on me and that it was SO bad that la santa muerte has been calling me to offer me protection. I was also told that to get rid of it that I had to go to the ocean every month to clear it. so my question is.. should I just get a big jar and keep it at home to cleanse myself each month? How do I keep it fresh? How should I go about this? Because im sure that there will be times where I won’t be able to go to the ocean EVERY first weekend of the month. I feel really stuck and overwhelmed rn. :(

​
Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!
​
In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.
​
Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.
​
As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.
​
So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?
​
Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!

I couldn't help but notice that this subreddit bans certain things, like forming a union and going on debt strike, and generally seems to be supportive of current student loan infrastructure. Under a different username, I conversed with one of them and they were completely anti forgiveness, anti paying with tax free money, and anti no or super low interest. The only reason people like this are running this subreddit is they somehow established first mover advantage, and that's literally it. They claim the purpose of this subreddit is to offer advice on how to pay off uncle sam on his terms, but I'm not sure that's what the majority of student loan holders want. I'm quite certain the majority want to pay loans off on their terms, and do whatever it takes to establish those terms. The terms of out of touch geriatrics who think it's cool to loan shark youth with predatory interest schemes are just plain evil. The current managers of this subreddit don't deserve the studentloan subreddit, they should get one called e.g. studentloanadvice, and people who are truly passionate about the struggles of student loan holders, who will fight this beast tooth and claw should run this one. What do y'all think and how can we make this happen?

Attention crypto voyagers! If you looked on with regret as the PEPE rocket left for the moon, brace yourself for a second chance! Presenting SafePepe - a revolution in the DeFi galaxy, centered around safety, rewards, and fair launch!
In the tempestuous waters of crypto, SafePepe is a beacon of safety. Each holder reaps a generous 2% BUSD reward on every transaction that rolls across the network. All you have to do is hold SafePepe in your wallet, and watch as your balance inflates! And for those weary of rug pulls, rest easy. SafePepe has locked liquidity, reinforcing the safety barriers around your investment.
Launched on the principles of fairness and transparency, SafePepe is currently sitting pretty at a 20k market cap. However, this token is not just primed, it's ready for an exponential ascent. With a solid foundation and a robust plan, SafePepe is all geared up to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, PEPE, and embark on a moonshot journey.
https://linktr.ee/safepepe
The excitement doesn't stop there! As we make our grand appearance on CoinMarketCap (CMC), we're set to renounce ownership, catapulting SafePepe into the realm of true decentralization. This is a token that belongs to the community, run by the community. The decision to renounce ownership symbolizes our commitment to create a truly decentralized, transparent, and community-driven platform.
As we take our position on the CMC stage, we're also dropping all transaction taxes to an absolute 0%. This is a huge step in creating a seamless, friction-free trading experience for all SafePepe holders. The focus is to keep it simple and rewarding for you, the backbone of SafePepe.
So, don't sit on the sidelines and watch this spaceship take off without you. Secure your seat on the SafePepe rocket! We're not just another token in the market, we're a project with a vision - to redefine the norms of DeFi, ensure safety, and reward our community. The countdown has begun - SafePepe is set to soar. Will you be on board?
Remember, as always, to do your own research. But keep SafePepe on your radar – it's your golden ticket to a safe, rewarding, and untaxed journey through the crypto cosmos!

I feel like this is a major problem on the sub. Many people water down personal problems and refuse to recognize the problems of others. All of this cannot simply be corrected. Reddit doesn’t work as a supplemental remedy.
“you dont really exist” “your problems are an illusion”
While ultimately true, it’s extremely dangerous to say as a lesson. You don’t know how this will be taken. It’s problematic to put this into language at all because it can have a reverse effect and basically fuck up someone’s mental health.
Pay attention to the attention first and the lesson second.
It takes practice on yourself to help people in this way. Think of it like poetry instead of science. The interpretation is the key.
The most direct way of helping is through personal service. Be kind to people as if you’re attending to yourself. Don’t expect a reward or a compliment. This is the baseline.
Try volunteering instead of entry level material like Alan Watts. A year of helping those in need will render that stuff redundant.

Remnants of an old machine. Trying to figure out how much it's worth on the used market.
Fractal Design Arc Mini R2 Black MSI Z390-A PRO (micro-atx) i7-8700k 32GB DDR3 memory 500GB m.2 SSD 1TB SATA SSD 750w power supply water cooled (corsair h115i) Windows 10 Pro
no GPU

Short story, I'm 26 w PCOS and my period seems never ending. I believe I'm going on 5-6 weeks now, maybe longer. This isn't new to me but there's less spotting than usual and more BLEEDING. Because of my own ignorance and the way the American health care system is set up, I won't have insurance until OctobeNovember. Insurance didn't solve all my problems in the past but i think I was finally getting some answers.
If you were me, what would you be doing right now (besides kicking yourself) to help your physical and mental situation? What have you learned from your past experiences? How have you changed your diet in ways that helped you symptoms of PCO and anemia?
Currently in inventory:

• Cognizant of PCO and history of period related anemia -"Gentle" Iron Glycinate 28mg w/ B12 & Vitamin C. Taking when I feel weak or extremely tired.
• A 2 months expired, 3 month supply of Blistovi 24 FE. (I was prescribed this without much info at my last gyno appt. in 22/early 23? and I was terrified of the possible negative effects so I never took it...)
• No red meats in diet rn mostly chicken or turkey and some fish, trying to get greens in at every meal. Generally trying to improve eating habits. -Sweet tooth: I've tried to pay more attention to what carbs I'm picking recently. I know I've had a habit of chasing sugar but I'm aware and actively working to chill out on the sweets
• Tranexamic acid: I've taken this in the past and it stopped the bleeding for the 5 days I took it. The bottle said not to take for more than 5 and my period came right back after.

I don't have all the answers. Please don't be mean, clearly I could use some advice.

Hey everyone! I managed to finally do what I planned and alternate fics with each chapter xD. I don't know what it is, but I get hyper focused here and there and then I can get such writer's block with certain things while writing but then get in a zone after managing to get past certain sections. Anyway, this is the second of three planned Linked Souls Day chapters, the next one being the last and from there just hopefully one more chapter that serves as a prelude and transition into the canon events. But don't quote me fully on this as it MIGHT turn into two chapters depending on if I can fit everything in it. But I'm excited to get into the canon material as I've had plans for it since 2020 xD. Anyway, I'm going to likely swap back to my Helluva Boss fic to do a chapter than swap back to this as I want to try to prevent any burn out. Fair warning, I might get a lil hyper focused on the HB fic, but I will do my best to keep a good balance and get back to this as soon as possible.
As I've said before both of these fics are passion projects that I intend to finish no matter how long it takes as I love writing in both worlds. Also, I'm still sticking to this being set pretty much in Japan given everything in canon and sticking to those sensibilities and laws while not neglecting my own western ones and other westerners. I know I've put the disclaimer bout the Nazomi and Sebastian relationship on every prior chapter focusing on then, I just want to make it clear each time this is being handled with care and the maturity it demands. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and I might get the next chapter out maybe early next month or near the end of this one depending on how things go, but I WILL get it out.
Also, curious what everyone thinks about my introduction of a Valentines equivalent.
-------------------------------
​
After Shinoku and Vega left to meet up with Anya and Sheila, Sebastian took the time to finish getting ready for when he’d meet up with Nazomi. Just like his friends, Sebastian took his time to make sure that he looked good enough for their rendezvous, putting on some clothes he had that looked very similar to the Cherryton uniform aside from differing colors and other minor things. Also like Shinoku and Vega, he had gotten Nazomi a gift as well. After making sure he was good and ready for his meet up with Nazomi, Sebastian went back to reading to pass the time till he needed to head down the hill to meet up with her. As he waited, Sebastian heard his phone ring, quickly going to see who it was and answering it when he saw it was his mother.
“Hello Sebastian.” His mother said as he answered the phone. “I hope you’re well.”
“Hi mom.” he replied. “Yeah, I’m doing well.”
“That’s good to hear. How are your grades, I trust you’re keeping them high like you always do.” His mother inquired.
“I am.”
“That’s good to hear, you always do your best. Though, I’m not sure why you don’t do cram school like your brother did and your sister is doing. It’s nice that you work hard, don’t get me wrong, but I just want to make sure you’re living up to your full potential.” She said, her tone carrying that always subtle pressure of a proud lioness with high expectations.
And there it was; while she did care for him like any lion mother, she always wanted him to live up to the standards and the image of what a lion should be. Not that she was any different from any other lioness towards her kids, they all knew they had to make sure that the reputation of the king of beasts was maintained. It was an ever present driving force for lions; to stand apart, set the example, excel and push yourself to ever higher points and positions. It was both the greatest driving factor, and the most dangerous threat to a lion. While most would manage to get by and repress the toll it took or even thrive; for others, it would be far too much pressure. It was what lead to so many lions to go to the back alley, to form the likes of the shishigumi or join it.
Sebastian took a moment, the pressure of his mother’s expectations briefly showing before he quickly composed himself. “I understand mom, don’t worry, I have everything planned out.” he assured her. “I’m just tackling things in a way that allows me to give my full attention to my grades here. It’s not that I’m not interested in cram school, I just think it’s more logical to not have my focus split too much.”
“Always the analytical one my little Seby.” his mother commented. “But you only focus on your schoolwork and your reading, even your brother managed to handle doing cram school AND being on his school’s baseball team. He always did so well, even as a cub. Your sister’s also excelling in her gymnastics.” She added. His mother never overtly sounded disappointed, but the subtle nudges and constant reminding of his siblings’ achievements spoke volumes of her wanting him to be like them and every other lion. Why couldn’t she just understand that while he had the potential like every other lion, he just didn’t have the interest? Wasn’t it enough that they were bringing home trophies to show off?
Sebastian let the pressure he felt slip slightly once more before regaining his composure again. “That’s good to hear they’re doing so well…” he said in a cheerful voice. “You don’t need to worry though mom, I’ll make sure I get into a good college, plus all my teachers like me. Getting a recommendation good enough to be accepted won’t be hard to get.”
“True, your teachers always liked you.” His mother said. “But it’s just so rare for a lion not to do cram school. At least, in terms of the ones wanting to make a good life for themselves.” she commented in a veiled implication that a lot of the lions who chose not to were always trouble makers and bad seeds.
“I know mom.” Sebastian replied. “But I do have a career path set and I’m not going to stray from it.”
“And given the way you study and your grades I have no doubt. I can’t wait to hear what prestigious college you become the head over. But you might decide to be something equally important to society.” his mother commented. He never dared once to say he wanted to just teach, he didn’t even care where. All he ever said when what he wanted to be came up was something potentially in education and just smile and nod when his mother would suggest stuff. “By the way, have you found a nice lioness yet?”
“No, not yet mom.” Sebastian replied. He didn’t even dare to think about giving her a hint that he had found someone, knowing full well the questions that ensue about her and wanting to see a picture of or talk to her.
“That’s a shame, I hate to hear that you’re alone on Linked Souls Day. Are you looking?” his mother asked.
“Yes mom, I am.” Sebastian lied. “I’ll find someone, it just takes time for some.”
“But you’re so handsome, are you sure you’re looking or giving good impressions?”
“I am…” Sebastian replied as he held back a sigh.
“Alright. But just know that I have a few friends with very nice daughters, I could always introduce you to.”
Sebastian pinched his brow. “Thanks...but I’m sure I’ll find someone soon.”
“OK, just don’t get so caught up in your studies that you forget.” his mother commented. “Anyway, I need to get going, your father’s going to be taking me out for a romantic date. He says hi by the way.”
“I won’t.” Sebastian said as he composed himself once more. “And that sounds nice, tell him I say hello.”
“Sure. And Sebastian, keep working hard and making us proud.” his mother said before hanging up.
Sebastian let out a sigh as he hung up his phone, putting it back in his pocket. As he did so, Hassan looked at him. “I get the whole familial pressure, it’s not fun. I can only imagine what it’s like with being a lion.”
“She means well…” Sebastian replied.
“Clearly given the expressions you let slip.” Hassan pointed out. “I’m not trying to say your mother’s horrible, but her intentions aren’t exactly selfless.”
“It’s just how it is for us lions.”
“Well if you ask me it’s a bunch of bullshit.” Jax commented.
Hassan just shrugged. “Like Sebastian said, it’s just what it is. All we can do is just not let it get to us and forge our own paths the best we can when it comes to expectations.”
“Anyway, I better start heading out, it’s getting close to time for me to meet up with miss Nazomi.” Sebastian said as he stood up, walking over to get the flowers and gift for Nazomi.
“Sure you don’t need any help?” Hassan asked.
“I’ll be fine.”
Hassan nodded. “Alright.”
“Keep living the dream dude, maybe you’ll get to spend the night with her.” Jax said with a wide grin.
Sebastian just rolled his eyes at Jax before walking out to meet up with Nazomi, not even wanting to respond to the comment. As he headed down to the main floor of the dorm, Sebastian felt a combination of excitement and nervousness. It was his first time celebrating Linked Souls Day with anyone, not that he was ever really bothered about not being able to do so in the past. Sebastian also felt a bit guilty due to the fact that because he was a student and Nazomi a teacher, he couldn’t really do anything publicly with her let alone the fact that she was preparing the meal for them to eat.
Deep down he was a romantic at heart, much maligning the fact that he couldn’t be the one to treat her to a cooked meal. It didn’t really feel right that on Linked Souls Day she was doing most the work. It was just something that he would make sure to do in the future if things got that far with them. Although he still worried about being the potential cause of her losing her job. That, and exactly when and how he was going to introduce her to his parents when he was no longer a student. Hopefully he’d have it figured out when the time came.
Sebastian let out a sigh as he exited the boy’s dorm. Despite all the worries, he still deep down found himself hoping that this would work out. Even with the returning thought of this being just a potential rebellion against his parents and their expectations, he could not deny how he felt about the older feline. Especially with their first date still ever present in his mind. No matter what challenges or obstacles they might face, he was willing to face them, his resolve hardening all the more. Even if it ended up with them having to end things before something bad happened, he’d rather live knowing he tried his best than giving into the fear and not trying to fight for his own happiness.
It didn’t take long for Sebastian to leave the school and get down the hill to where Nazomi said she would be waiting for him, and as he got to their rendezvous spot he stopped. His eyes widened as he felt his heart about to beat out of his chest. Before him stood Nazomi next to her car, dressed in a rather nice satin button down green blouse and black business skirt with a slit on the left side that fit her perfectly. She looked beautiful, so much so that Sebastian felt his cheeks were on fire and his heart was about toleap out of his chest as he blushed, unable to really say anything for a few moments.
“W-wow…” he managed to say as he managed to walk over to Nazomi. “You look...amazing.”
Nazomi smiled a bit. “Thank you, I did try.” she said as she blushed ever so slightly. “I would have worn a dress, but I didn’t want to arouse any real suspicion…”
“It’s fine, there’s not a time I’ve seen you where you didn’t look beautiful.” Sebastian said as he continued to blush, rubbing the back of his head as he did so.
Nazomi blushed more. “You look quite handsome yourself, and just as professional as I do.” she commented. “At least it won’t look too suspicious...I hope.”
“I’m sure it won’t.” Sebastian commented before blinking. “Oh, right, I got you these.” Sebastian added as he handed her the bouquet.
“Awe, thank you love.” Nazomi almost cooed as she took the flowers. “They’re beautiful, I can’t remember the last time I got flowers...Thank you.”
Sebastian smiled as he then handed her a smallish wrapped box. “I also got you this.”
Nazomi blinked as she took the gift, opening it to see it was a bottle of perfume. Taking it out of the box she gave it a sniff. “It smells wonderful, I can’t imagine how much this was…”
“It’s nothing, I saw it one day and thought it’d suit you. So I saved up to make sure I could get you it for today.”
Nazomi smiled, tail flicking as a purr emitted from her throat. “You really are too sweet.” she said as she moved to put the gifts up and then hugged Sebastian. “Again, thanks.” she added as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Shall we?”
“Yes.” Sebastian replied, giving Nazomi a nuzzle.
The two got in Nazomi’s car, Sebastian first asking if he should maybe hide out of site like in the trunk only for Nazomi to insist that he sit in the passenger seat. Despite his concerns she said if anyone asked, she was just helping him get to Linked Souls Day meet up. Which, in the most technical sense was not a lie. Sebastian nodded, getting in the passenger seat before Nazomi started her car up and drove.
As They drove through the city to Nazomi’s house something hit Sebastian that he could not believe he didn’t think about even when he had first seen the female cat. “Hey, Mrs. Nazomi?” he asked as he looked at her.
“Yes love?” she asked.
“I just realized...you’re a bit tall for an oriental shorthair. It’s something I should have realized sooner, are you…”
“A mixed species?” Nazomi finished asking for him with a slight smile. “Most don’t really take note until they hit their growth spurts and outgrow me by whatever their heights usually are depending on species. But yes, I am.” she answered. “I’m one third panther on my mother’s side.”
Sebastian blinked, that would explain why she was a bit more ebony in her fur color and why she was taller than the typical shorthair. In fact, her coming up to just under the mid point of his chest hadn’t come off as odd until he thought about it. With some growth still to come, odds are she’d likely be at his gut or just over his waist by the time he finished growing. Not that it was really a problem or he minded, it was just an observation he made.
His eyes glanced over at the scenery as they drove, taking in the buildings and noting that they were sticking to a fairly nice part of town. He then glanced over at Nazomi, taking in how beautiful she looked with a blush, she really was quite something. Sebastian found himself moving his hand closer to hers when they stopped at a red light. Nazomi smiled as she noticed, her hand moving towards his as they held hands for a moment before the light turned green. It did become a thing though with each stop they had to make, both of them enjoying the sign of affection.
It didn’t take too long until they had entered in a rather nice looking neighborhood, about the kind Sebastian assumed Nazomi might live in. It was nice and modest and the house that Nazomi pulled in to was just as nice looking. Thankfully, most of her neighbors were either out celebrating the holiday or doing so in their homes.“Here we are.” Nazomi said warmly.
“It’s a nice looking home.” Sebastian said as the two got out.
“Thanks. It’s really nothing all that special, but it’s nice and cozy and it’s really all I need.” Nazomi replied as she got the gifts Sebastian had gotten before heading to the door with the lion, both their tails flicking and even entwining a bit as they approached it. When they got to the door Nazomi fumbled a bit as she got her keys to unlock it.
“Allow me.” Sebastian offered as he helped her unlock the door, opening it for her.
“Thank you.” Nazomi smiled as she took a quick look around before pecking his cheek. “I’ll put these up while you make yourself at home. I haven’t quite started what I was going to fix, so it will be a bit longer before we eat.”
“You haven’t?” Sebastian inquired. “Then mind if I help? I feel bad that you’re doing a lot of the work and it’s only right that I do everything I can for you today.”
Nazomi smiled as she looked at him. “You’re such a kind, sweet, animal Sebastian. I don’t mind, really.”
“I insist.”
Nazomi chuckled slightly. “You really are a gentleman aren’t you?” she mused.
Sebastian blushed a bit as he rubbed the back of his head. “I just...I want to do whatever I can. You’re a wonderful woman and a great teacher. And, well, I want to take any and every opportunity I can get to treat you right because you deserve it.” the lion said as he blushed some more, conviction clear to see in his eyes.
Nazomi couldn’t help but blush, his words having touched her more than anything in her past relationships. “Alright, how about this? If you want to help me then let’s make it a thing and finish cooking it together?” she offered with a smile.
“I’d like that.” Sebastian agreed with his own smile.
“Alright, just give me a moment.”
Sebastian nodded as Nazomi went to go put up the gifts that Sebastian jad gotten her. As she headed off, Sebastian found his eyes wandering over her form, taking in her figure that was shown off by her attire as well as lower, noting her slightly swaying hips and…tail. Sebastian cursed himself as he moved his eyes to something else. Sure he was still a teenager, a boy, but he prided himself in being better than most. Sure he had his...moments, as Jax so brazenly pointed out. But the last thing he wanted was to be that inappropriate towards Nazomi, even if he did, at times, allow some indulgences here and there.
When Nazomi got back she smiled. “Alright, ready?”
Sebastian nodded. “Yes.”
“OK, should be done in half the time with both of us working on it.”
Nazomi lead Sebastian to the kitchen to show him that she was preparing, a fruit lasagna with the usual accompaniments. After Sebastian looked over the recipe she was using, one from the cooking show Happy Happy Cooking that was toted to be one of their more popular ones among carnivores. he set to work helping her, working side by side as they prepared the fruit, making sure that everything was layered properly. Like in the car, ever now and then Nazomi and Sebastian would briefly hold hands as they prepared the meal, satisfying their feline proclivity for touch contact. It wasn’t too long before they had the lasagna in the oven and the accompanying bread.
“Alright, shouldn’t be too long for it to fully cook, thanks for the help.” Nazomi said as she nuzzled Sebastian, giving him an affectionate hug as well. “In the meantime, we can go over some of my old notes and other things while we wait to help you out with your career path if you like.”
“Sure.” Sebastian smiled as he nuzzled and hugged her back, the two staying like that for a good minute.
“I’ll go get them then.” Nazomi said as she finally and somewhat hesitantly separated to go get her old college notes and study material, returning shortly after with them.
While the food cooked Nazomi went over various things she had to study and learn with Sebastian, covering things they hadn’t gone over from prior times and quizzing him on material they had. To Sebastian, this was like cram school in a sense, getting ready for what he’d need to know to excel in college, only with a more...personal and romantic one on one touch. While he never had issue with paying attention to any of his teachers, Sebastian always hung on every word Nazomi said. To him, her voice was just as beautiful as everything else about her. And just like all the times before, they shared affections with each other.
It seemed like no time at all when the food was done, the two of them chalking it up to them just enjoying each other’s company so much. As Nazomi got the lasagna and bread Sebastian set the table before helping her prepare their plates. As he finished helping her he noticed her take out some wine glasses and a bottle of wine and pouring some of the red liquid in each, although one was more of a sample serving compared to the other, before putting it up and placing them on the table.
“Wine?” Sebastian inquired.
“Just to help things feel a bit more normal.” Nazomi explained. “You don’t have to even drink it. But I was your age once, Rex it only feels like yesterday, and even back then sampling wine wasn’t wrong. That first date we had where you encouraged me to not deny myself any wine, where we acted like a teacher and student just having a meet up to discuss things, stayed on my mind for a while. It wasn’t right that there was some inequality, a full romantic atmosphere. So, I figured sense we’re in private I’d have us on an even level or give the feeling of it. But as I said, you don’t have to drink it.” she said before sitting down.
Sebastian blushed, smiling as he sat down. “Thank you, love.” he said with a fair bit of warmth in hid voice.
It never ceased to surprise the other that both worried about the other’s feelings and the challenges they had to face with their secretive relationship. Something that mad each grow more attached to the other was when a few days after their first date Nazomi had confessed to Sebastian that she was far more hesitant and worried than she let on. Revealing she had been hiding the anxiety of them being a thing and was actually on the verge of suggesting they just call the attempt off out of fear as well as the revelation of his uncle. But she had decided to go through with it because of how truly genuine and good a man he was among other things that made her want to try. Sebastian himself had also confided in her his own concerns and worries about it and her, which made her just feel all the stronger for him over time.
“By the way, how has your day been so far?” Sebastian asked as he began to eat, taking a bite of the lasagna. “Oh, this is delicious.”
“It is.” Nazomi agreed as she took a bite of it. “It’s all thanks to you though, doubt it would have been as good without a little help.” she said with a smile. “As for my day, it’s gone well so far, just the usual grading of papers and preparing for the coming weeks’ lessons. Same old, same old, really. So far the rest of the students I have are nice and do there best. Despite what issues some might cause outside of the classroom I don’t really have to deal with any troublemakers really. Maybe a few slackers or an unmotivated student, but that’s about it.”
“Well you’re a great teacher, I find it hard to believe that any pf my peers would want to cause any trouble in your class. Not only that, but you’re very nice and helpful too.” Sebastian commented.
A smile formed on Nazomi’s mouth as her ebony fur darkened. “Thank you, you’re always so sweet Sebastian.” she said as she purred a bit. “Honestly, I think you’re one of the best students at the school, you work hard and are always so polite. I know you’ll go far with being a teacher.”
Sebastian blushed heavily. “Thank you…” he said with a half smile. “Though I will admit, keeping it up can be a bit— stressful. Comes with being a lion, expectations and familial pressure.” he admitted
Nazomi blinked as she looked at him. “Is it that hard?”
“It’s, well…”
Nazomi moved her hand to rest on top of his. “You can tell me if this is something negatively effecting you Sebastian.”
The lion sighed a bit. “It is hard. Being a lion you’re seen as the king of beasts, someone who’ll go far and have high positioned jobs or in some form of leadership. That image both helps and hurts us, becoming a driving factor of pushing ourselves as much as possible to keep to a standard. It’s something that permeates every lion family, the mothers and fathers pushing their kids to do something worthy of being a lion. Cram school is seen as an expected and normal thing to do and those who don’t do it are mostly looked down on as they are often those that end up in gangs or didn’t try hard enough.”
Nazomi’s hand gripped his, squeezing gently. “Is your family pressuring you?”
“Not...entirely. My mother often brings up what my older brother and my sister are doing and keeps suggesting I try to do the same. She doesn’t seem disappointed, but there’s just something about her voice…” Sebastian admitted. “She is happy that I’m doing well, but I know she expects more. She thinks I’m planning to go into an education position that’s high up, or at a prestigious university when I don’t care where I teach so long as I do some good.”
Nazomi squeezed his hand again, feeling bad for the lion. “That’s not all that good Sebastian, have you thought about bringing it up to a councilor?”
Sebastian shrugged. “Somewhat. But as I said, this permeates lions as a whole, it’s far too ingrained to really be dealt with. Thankfully my situation isn’t too bad, it cab be far worse. Plus, I like learning so it’s not that big of a deal. I also have my friends and, well, you.” he smiled.
Nazomi blushed heavily. “I see…”
“I hope I didn’t make things awkward or anything…”
“No, no! You’re fine Sebastian.” Nazomi assured. “It’s good you have a support system and you don’t really let it get to you, you’re very strong for that. Will you tell your mother you’ll try to teach anywhere?”
“Eventually, yes, when I’m nearing the end of my higher education and am about to apply to various places.” Sebastian answered. “Just like how I’ll tell her about us when I’m a bit into my freshman year at college or before I get into college if we get that far, which I hope we do and keep doing. You are an amazing woman and to be honest, to me you are far more exceptional than any other.”
Nazomi blinked, her fur becoming more dark red than ebony black as her heart melted. He was the kindest, most genuine soul she had ever met and continued to prove he was mature beyond his years. “I— thank you Sebastian.” she said with a soft purr, falling a fair bit more for the lion.
From there the two continued to talk as they ate, taking their time and enjoying each other’s company as they swapped stories about their childhood. Nazomi found herself surprised as she learned that even as a young kid Sebastian was well mannered and somewhat bookish. She felt comfortable around him, able to share with him more embarrassing things like the time she was so nervous to do a presentation in high school that she messed up a word or two or when she practically face planted when she was looking at a crush. It just felt right and natural to be so open with him.
When they had finished eating, Sebastian even having drank the small bit of wine, he and Nazomi cleared the table. Sebastian even helped her with the dishes before they went back to going over some more of Nazomi’s old papers and work to help prepare him. It seemed like no time once more as they noticed the sun was start to set.
“Is it really that late already?” Nazomi asked as she looked at her clock, taking note of the time.
“Looks like it.” Sebastian commented.
“My how time flies, it seems to go so slow until well…” she blushed. “I’m around you.”
Sebastian blushed heavily. “Yeah…”
“Thank you for the lovely time, as well as the gifts and helping out, not many guys are as considerate as you.” Nazomi commented.
“Well, you’re worth any effort…” the lion blushed.
Nazomi smiled, blushing as well. How could this lion keep finding ways to make her heart feel like it was a puddle? She hadn’t really met many guys with the ability to do that over the years, more so not in recent years. It had gotten to the point where she just really stopped looking. But then Sebastian came around and made her feel things she hadn’t felt in a long time. His gentlemanly studious nature and willingness to be so considerate, among other things, just had her more enamored with each time they were together. The fact that he was willing to take things so slow, deny himself the most basic of typical teenage experiences that most his age were having just made him seem too good to be true. And yet, there he was proving to be just that good.
Then there was the fact that while she did do a fare share for the holiday he had not only helped out, but went out of his way to get her flowers and a rather nice gift, not expecting anything special in return and just wanting to treat her right. As the lion got up from where they had been sitting she stood. “Sebastian, before I take you back to Cherryton...I think you deserve another kiss.”
Sebastian blinked as he blushed. “I don’t want you to feel obligated to…”
“No, I want to.” Nazomi admitted with a smile. “The only true thing that’s tricky with our relationship is that you’re a student and I’m a teacher. You’ve proven time and again just how good a man you are and that you are someone I...have looked for.” she blushed. “So I don’t see us kissing, at least in private and while off school grounds as being an issue. I know you’d never take advantage of me and I want to reward you for such, and for treating me to one of the best times I’ve had in a while.”
Sebastian’s tail started to flick happily as he smiled. “Alright.”
The two approached each other, embracing as they leaned in to share a kiss. Just like with their first, it was utterly electrifying for Sebastian. The feel of Nazomi’s lips unlike anything he felt before as his heart beat out of his chest as he started to purr. Sebastian enjoyed every second that the kiss lasted, his hands starting to subconsciously roam along her back a bit, though he would catch and restrain himself before they went too low.
Nazomi for her part pressed a bit firmer than last time, what with it being a holiday for love. As they kissed she noticed that Sebastian’s hands roaming along her back, taking in her form and the feel of her body and causing her to purr a fair bit. She smiled as she noticed he restrained himself from doing anything inappropriate, knowing her trust in him would never be misplaced. Although she promised to herself one day when he was no longer a student, she’d allow him to no longer restrain himself.
As she finally broke the kiss Nazomi smiled. “That was a wonderful kiss, possibly better than the first.” she giggled.
“Y-yeah…” Sebastian agreed, his cheeks a dark red.
“Thank you for being such a gentleman and not taking advantage.” Nazomi commented as they stayed embraced.
“I’d never.”
“I know love.” she smiled. “And that is why I will make you this promise. If we manage to make it to when you are out of school, then you have permission to not restrain yourself anymore as we’ll be in the clear. Not that you’d need my permission at that point” Nazomi giggled. “Anyway, we best get going before it gets too dark.”
Sebastian’s blush deepened all the more. “Yeah…”
The two headed back out to Nazomi’s car, first checking for anyone that might notice before getting in and driving off. The ride back went much like the first, the two briefly holding hands here and there as they made their way through the city. It was something that both Sebastian and Nazomi seemed almost unable to resist doing. Hell, when they had walked back to Nazomi’s car their tails entwined again.
When they got back to the bottom of the hill that Cherryton rested on the moon had not been fully risen for too long. “Thanks again for the lovely Linked Souls Day, I haven’t really celebrated it in so long.” Nazomi said as she parked the car.
“No problem, hopefully our next date can be somewhat soon.” Sebastian replied with a smile. “I hope the rest of your weekend goes well.”
“Thank you Sebastian, you too, I’ll see you Monday.” Nazomi smiled.
Sebastian was about to get out when he stopped. “Nazomi?”
“Yes?”
“Mind if we...have one more kiss?” Sebastian asked as he blushed.
Nazomi smiled as a giggle escaped her lips. “I suppose not, it’s only right to have a goodnight kiss after a date.”
The two leaned in close, sharing in one more kiss as they rested a paw on the back of each other’s head, purring loudly as they did so. When the kiss broke a few moments later Sebastian smiled. “Good night.”
“Good night love.”
Sebastian got out of the car, walking back up the hill as Nazomi turned her car around and left. The lion smiled as his heart continued to race, he was as happy as he had ever felt and was all the happier that Nazomi felt the same way as he did. While it was true their relationship had a strong possibility of stopping if they were ever in great enough danger of being found out, it seemed that she was daring for it to work as much as he was. Whether it did or not, only the future knew.

Give me honest feedback and how you would fix or change things around
Plot Hook: The Superhero Serum Heist
In a world where superpowers exist, a brilliant scientist has successfully developed a revolutionary serum capable of granting ordinary individuals extraordinary abilities. This serum, known as "Infinity Formula," has the potential to shape the balance of power among heroes and villains.
However, before the formula can be properly tested and regulated, a notorious supervillain organization known as the "Shadow Syndicate" launches a daring heist on the laboratory where the serum is stored. They manage to steal a significant amount of the Infinity Formula, and chaos ensues as criminals and aspiring heroes alike try to get their hands on this potent substance.
The party of superheroes receives a distress call from the remaining scientists, who desperately plea for their help in recovering the stolen serum. They explain that if the Shadow Syndicate successfully reverse-engineers the formula or sells it to the highest bidder, it could lead to a surge in superpowered crime and endanger the entire city.
As the party delves deeper into the investigation, they discover that the Shadow Syndicate has divided the Infinity Formula into multiple vials, each with a different power enhancement. These vials are now scattered throughout the city, hidden away in secret caches. To retrieve them, the heroes must solve a series of puzzles, overcome dangerous traps, and confront both minor and major villains who seek to exploit the serum for their own personal gain.
Meanwhile, a rival superhero team known as "The Vanguard" appears on the scene, claiming that they have been authorized by the government to retrieve the serum. However, their methods are questionable, and rumors circulate that some members of The Vanguard may have ties to the Shadow Syndicate. The party must navigate the murky waters of trust and betrayal as they decide whom to align themselves with while racing against time to prevent the serum from falling into the wrong hands.
In this action-packed superhero campaign, the heroes must use their powers, intelligence, and teamwork to track down the stolen Infinity Formula, confront the Shadow Syndicate, and ultimately decide the fate of superpowered individuals in their city. The choices they make along the way will have lasting consequences and shape the future of their world.
Session 1: Introduction & Laboratory Assault
• Character Level: 1
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Thugs
• NPCs: Scientists
• Objective: The heroes receive individual notifications of a break in at a well know research laboratory. Heroes must rescue the scientists and prevent the theft of the serum.
• Milestone: Heroes rescue the scientists and thwart the initial assault. Level up to 2.
Session 2: Investigating the Heist
• Character Level: 2
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Informants, Bounty Hunters
• NPCs: Police Investigators, Informants
• Objective: Heroes gather clues and investigate leads to identify the location of the stolen serum.
• Milestone: Heroes gather enough information to pinpoint the general area of the stolen serum. Level up to 3.
Session 3: Tracking the Stolen Serum
• Character Level: 3
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Thugs, Informants
• NPCs: Innocent Civilians, Informants
• Objective: Heroes follow the trail of the stolen serum, encountering minor villains and obstacles along the way.
• Milestone: Heroes discover the exact location of the first cache of serum vials. Level up to 4.
Session 4: Confronting Pyro
• Character Level: 4
• Villains: Pyro (Minor Villain)
• NPCs: Innocent Civilians, Informants
• Objective: Heroes face off against Pyro, a villain who possesses fire-based abilities, guarding the cache of serum vials.
• Milestone: Heroes defeat Pyro and recover the first set of serum vials. Level up to 5.
Session 5: Investigating the Shadow Syndicate Hideout
• Character Level: 5
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Lieutenants, Elite Thugs
• NPCs: Captive Heroes, Underground Contacts
• Objective: Heroes infiltrate the Shadow Syndicate's hideout to gather information and rescue captive heroes.
• Key Notes: The hideout is heavily guarded, requiring the heroes to devise a stealthy plan of infiltration. They encounter various traps, puzzles, and challenges within the hideout. They must face off against powerful lieutenants and their elite thugs in intense battles. Along the way, they discover clues and gather valuable intelligence about the Shadow Syndicate's operations.
Session 6: Showdown at the Hidden Lair
• Character Level: 5
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate Boss, Shadow Syndicate Elites
• NPCs: Former Shadow Syndicate Members, Renegade Scientists
• Objective: Heroes launch a full-scale assault on the Shadow Syndicate's hidden lair, confronting their boss and his elite guards.
• Key Notes: The heroes storm through the various chambers and corridors of the hidden lair, facing off against relentless waves of the Shadow Syndicate's elite forces. They encounter formidable traps, security systems, and powerful enemies. Along the way, they rescue former members of the Shadow Syndicate who have turned against their leader and join forces with them. The final battle takes place in the boss's inner sanctum, where the heroes confront the Shadow Syndicate's leader and his most loyal elites in an epic showdown.
• Milestone: Heroes engage in a climactic battle against the Shadow Syndicate, striving to defeat their leader and dismantle the organization once and for all. Level up to 6.
Session 7: The Vanguard's Offer
• Character Level: 6
• Villains: The Vanguard (potential allies or foes)
• NPCs: Government Officials, Vigilante Heroes
• Objective: Heroes must decide whether to collaborate or confront The Vanguard, a rival superhero team with ambiguous motives.
• Key Notes: The heroes receive an unexpected offer from The Vanguard, who propose a temporary alliance to take down the remaining forces of the Shadow Syndicate. The Vanguard claims to share a common goal but their methods and intentions remain unclear. The heroes engage in discussions and investigations to determine The Vanguard's true motives and whether they can be trusted as allies. They interact with government officials who provide insights and advice on the potential alliance. The session culminates in a pivotal decision by the heroes on whether to accept or reject The Vanguard's offer.
Session 8: Evading Capture
• Character Level: 6
• Villains: Bounty Hunters, Mercenaries
• NPCs: Innocent Civilians, Media Personalities
• Objective: Heroes must evade capture while gathering evidence to expose Shadow Syndicate operations.
• Key Notes: With the Shadow Syndicate aware of their activities, the heroes find themselves being hunted by skilled bounty hunters and mercenaries. The session focuses on intense chase sequences, stealthy evasion tactics, and resourceful problem-solving to stay one step ahead of their pursuers. Along the way, they encounter innocent civilians who can provide valuable information or assistance. They also navigate the complexities of dealing with media personalities who may be helpful or potentially dangerous depending on their alignment with the heroes' cause. The session concludes with the heroes successfully gathering evidence to expose the Shadow Syndicate's criminal activities.
• Milestone: Heroes gather sufficient evidence to expose the Shadow Syndicate publicly, bringing them one step closer to dismantling the organization. Level up to 7.
Session 9: The Underground Auction
• Character Level: 7
• Villains: Criminal Buyers, Shadow Syndicate Defenders
• NPCs: Underworld Contacts, Unscrupulous Dealers
• Objective: Heroes disrupt the black market auction where the stolen serum is being sold.
• Key Notes: The heroes infiltrate the underground auction, navigating through a den of criminals and shady characters. They must blend in and gather information while keeping a low profile. The auction features powerful criminal buyers vying for the stolen serum, and the heroes must prevent its sale at all costs. They face off against the Shadow Syndicate's defenders, skilled fighters tasked with protecting the auction. The heroes engage in intense combat and use their wits to outsmart and outmaneuver the criminals. The session culminates in a climactic confrontation to seize control of the serum.
Session 10: Tracking the Remaining Vials
• Character Level: 7
• Villains: Enhanced Criminals, Corrupted Heroes
• NPCs: Innocent Victims, Investigative Journalists
• Objective: Heroes embark on a series of missions to retrieve the remaining serum vials hidden by the Shadow Syndicate.
• Key Notes: The heroes follow leads and track down the locations where the Shadow Syndicate has hidden the remaining serum vials. They encounter enhanced criminals, individuals who have used the stolen serum to gain superhuman abilities. These criminals pose a formidable challenge for the heroes. The heroes must navigate through perilous situations and confront their own doubts and weaknesses. They also interact with investigative journalists who are uncovering the truth about the Shadow Syndicate's operations. The session ends with the heroes successfully retrieving a significant portion of the remaining serum vials.
Session 11: Showdown at the Hidden Lair
• Character Level: 7
• Villains: "Shadowstrider" (Supervillian with Teleporting powers), Shadow Syndicate Elites
• NPCs: Former Shadow Syndicate Members, Renegade Scientists
• Objective: Heroes storm the Shadow Syndicate's hidden lair to confront their leader and his elite guards.
• Key Notes: Armed with the knowledge of the Shadow Syndicate's secret lair, the heroes launch a full-scale assault to dismantle the organization once and for all. They navigate through treacherous traps, encounter fierce opposition from the Shadow Syndicate's elite guards, and engage in intense battles. Along the way, they rescue former members of the Shadow Syndicate who have turned against their leader and join forces with them. The session culminates in an epic showdown with the Shadow Syndicate's boss, where the heroes must overcome incredible odds to emerge victorious.
• Milestone: Heroes engage in a climactic battle against the Shadow Syndicate, striving to defeat their leader and put an end to their reign of terror. Level up to 8.
Session 12: Unmasking the Traitor
• Character Level: 8
• Villains: Betrayed Heroes, Vanguard Traitor (1 member of the Vanguard)
• NPCs: Underground Resistance, Government Agents
• Objective: Heroes uncover the identity of the traitor within their ranks and expose their actions.
• Key Notes: The heroes discover that there is a traitor among them who has been leaking information to the Vanguard and the Shadow Syndicate. They investigate the actions and motives of their fellow heroes, piecing together clues and engaging in interrogations. The session is filled with suspense and tense interactions as trust is put to the test. The heroes must confront the traitor and gather evidence to prove their guilt. The session concludes with a dramatic reveal and the traitor's apprehension.
• Milestone: Heroes successfully unmask the traitor and ensure their treachery no longer poses a threat. Level up to 9.
Session 13: Assembling Allies
• Character Level: 9
• Villains: "Frostbite" Superpowered Criminal, Vanguard Operatives
• NPCs: Retired Heroes, Supernatural Beings
• Objective: Heroes gather a team of allies to aid in the final battle against the combined forces of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard.
• Key Notes: The heroes reach out to retired heroes, seeking their wisdom and experience in preparing for the upcoming battle. They also seek out supernatural beings who possess unique powers and knowledge that can assist them. The session focuses on recruitment efforts, negotiations, and building alliances. The heroes face challenges in convincing potential allies to join their cause and must prove their worth. They engage in battles against Frostbite a superpowered criminal and encounter operatives of The Vanguard who aim to disrupt their plans. The session ends with the heroes successfully assembling a formidable team of allies.
• Milestone: Heroes gather a diverse group of allies, increasing their chances of success in the final battle. Level up to 10.
Session 14: The Final Showdown: Citywide Manhunt
• Character Level: 10
• Villains: Shadow Syndicate, Vanguard
• NPCs: Innocent Civilians, Media Personalities
• Objective: Heroes evade capture, gather allies, and expose the true nature of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard to the public.
• Key Notes: The heroes find themselves in the midst of a citywide manhunt as both the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard target them. They must navigate through a hostile environment, evading capture and engaging in tactical maneuvers to stay one step ahead. The heroes gather support from innocent civilians who have come to recognize their heroism and media personalities who are willing to expose the truth. The session is filled with intense action, chases, and skirmishes against the forces of both organizations. The heroes strive to expose the true nature of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard, unveiling their hidden agendas and ensuring justice is served.
• Milestone: Heroes successfully evade capture, expose the true villains, and rally public support. Level up to 11.
Session 15: The Final Showdown: Confronting the Leaders
• Character Level: 11
• Villains: "Umbra" (Shadow Syndicate Leader with shadow manipulation), Vanguard Leader (1 Member of the Vanguard)
• NPCs: Government Officials, City Authorities
• Objective: Heroes engage in an epic battle against the combined forces of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard, confronting their leaders.
• Key Notes: The heroes face their ultimate challenge as they confront the leaders of both organizations. They engage in a monumental battle, employing their newfound powers and alliances. The session is filled with high-stakes combat, tactical decision-making, and dramatic moments as the heroes strive to defeat the masterminds behind the chaos. Alongside the physical confrontation, the heroes must navigate political complexities and gain the support of government officials and city authorities to ensure a decisive victory. The session culminates in an epic climax where the heroes confront the leaders and their forces head-on.
• Milestone: Heroes engage in an epic battle against the combined forces of the Shadow Syndicate and The Vanguard, bringing the superhero campaign to its thrilling conclusion.
Session 16: Unveiling a New Threat
• Character Level: 11
• Villains: Emerging Villain, Henchmen
• NPCs: Investigative Journalists, Paranormal Experts
• Objective: Heroes investigate and confront a new emerging threat that poses a danger to the city.
• Key Notes: As the city begins to recover, the heroes become aware of a new threat emerging from the shadows. They engage in investigations, working closely with investigative journalists and paranormal experts to gather information. The session focuses on unraveling the mystery behind this new villain's motives and abilities. The heroes face off against the villain's henchmen, combating their criminal activities and trying to prevent their plans from escalating. The session concludes with the heroes discovering the identity of the emerging villain, setting the stage for future confrontations.
• Milestone: Heroes uncover the new emerging villain, setting the stage for future encounters. Campaign Ends

Cross-posted to /crochet.
I was getting frustrated with the project, but now I'm actually excited again
After making so many test swatches (see a few of them, second photo) trying to decide on how I was going to make the babyghan to go with my mermaid-inspired layette (see third photo), I settled on "all of them." Most of them? Well, at least some of them! The center will be probably about a 12" motif (WIP, first photo) and then I plan to create sort of a sampler border, incorporating alternating rounds of plain stitches and rounds from some of my more successful swatches.

So rewatching Storm in a room and there's something about the episodes in this arc that seems off. There is so much going on in the background at this point in the story, and yet the episodes lull in pace, and it's definitely intentional and I think Storm in a Room is a perfect example.
In fact, a lot of the episodes around this time, in my opinion, make it seem as though a lot of the events are orchestrated by the gems and other figures in Steven's life to prepare him for the inevitable confrontation with the Diamonds.
In this episode we see Steven and Connie playing some games, Connie's mother turns up late and they leave. Steven goes into the room, confronts 'Rose' and then eats pizza. But I think that there is a story going on behind the story here, and it's there from the start. Connie is worried because her mother is late, Steven can see how worried she is, and when she eventually shows up they hug it out in a display of maternal affection, and leave. Earlier in the episode Connie asks Steven if he's ok, with all that's going on and his mum and what not, and would understand if he needs space. He says that the last thing he needs is space - but Steven is suffering at this point in the story. He is refusing to accept that he's hurting, and accept and help and support, and I think Connie, the gems and Greg want Steven to spend some time with his thoughts after all that he's been through recently.
I would wager that the display of maternal worry and love was meant to trigger Steven's emotions and thoughts about his own mother, Rose, as he has a lot to process as we see later in the episode. Garnet would probably have forseen Steven using the room to be alone with his thoughts, literally - in fact the door mysteriously beckons him, he doesn't draw the conclusion himself. Someone or something wanted Steven to go into the Room while he was thinking about Rose.
The room itself, at least in my opinion, seems to exist within the Gems' minds, and it's sort of like Pearl having a Pearl inside her Pearl's Pearl. Really it's Steven's room that appears to be his mind, but each room is intrinsically linked with their owner's consciousness - it's why a fusion's room only exists when the fusion exists, why Pearl's room is peaceful, with flowing water and order - as we know Pearl likes to keep her mind organised, and why Amethyst's room is full of garbage - because she sees herself as garbage, and has terrible self esteem. It's also why the room turns stormy when Steven is angry and rainy when Steven is sad. Finally, when Steven tries to take a Selfie he realizes that everything he See's isn't really there, therefore everything he sees there must exist within his mind.
So Steven was thinking about mothers and Rose due to Connie and her mother, and he was beckoned room by something to spend time alone with his thoughts about Rose (which has future vision written all over it). Where is everyone else in all this? Steven has been through a lot, so where are the 'adults' in his life at this time?
I'd like to point out that we know the gems do some shady stuff when Steven isn't around. In the episode where Garnet lends Steven future vision - when Greg has to drive Connie home in the snow, we see an alternate ending in the future vision. Steven interrupts the gems attempting to warp a bomb so that they can blow up the 'galaxy warp', I assume so that homeworld can't try to repair it again. There are a lot of episodes around this time in the story in particular during which the gems aren't really around, and it makes me wonder what's going on in the background.
I don't think this episode is quite like that, but it is rather convenient that as soon as Steven is done in the room, Greg and the gems are conveniently there with love and pizza when Steven needs it the most, almost as if they were waiting for him. The gems don't even warp back, they aren't even in a mission, they're just hanging out with Greg getting pizza? I personally don't buy it.
Why would the show do this though? If gems are off doing cool stuff in the background why don't we know about it or get to see it? Well the show is called Steven Universe, and Steven is inadvertently the narrator - we see life through Steven's experience, learn things with him and follow his growth. It would make a lot of sense to me that the gems are off fighting, blowing stuff up, wrecking stuff with Sugilite/Alexandrite while Steven is keeping busy with minor plot points, and us not knowing about it as the viewer because Steven doesn't know about it. I think both Steven and us, the viewer, are essentially being shielded from the grisly truth and some background action.
When you're watching these episodes it's worth asking yourself which characters are missing from this episode, and what are they actually off doing? The show is very well written, and the world thoroughly built and fleshed out, and I think a lot more goes on in the background story than Steven, and therefore us the viewers, are privy to.
Finally I will talk about how this ties in with the chest inside Lion. As I'm sure you are aware if you bothered to read this far, there is a chest inside Lion's mane, and it's opened offscreen. We never find out what was actually inside that chest, and I don't think we were ever meant to know. That's because I believe that the chest inside Lion is simply a metaphor - a representation of the idea that things happen in the background of the show even if we don't see it - the world is constantly moving.

This subreddit allowed me to plan our wedding. I am so grateful and found these breakdowns especially useful, and now a cathartic experience for me and hopefully a way to give back!
Photos
First step that helped us the most was deciding as a team early on what we wanted our wedding to bring to us and our future.
We were inspired early on by This Post and the comments.
We have both been through a lot of life and have a lot of gratitude for the people that have gotten us to this point and wanted to make space to celebrate with all of them in a big way. This inspired the rest of our wedding planning, committing us to a big guest list, requiring a big venue. We invited 304 people (154 households), 179 RSVP’d yes, and had ~10 no-show. Our family and friends live all over the country and some abroad, so we decided to pick a location close to us, but that had multiple houses on site to host our family/bridal party for the weekend (thurs-sunday; saturday wedding) so that we could have more time with those people closest to us.
Total: $69,407 (MCOL area)
Venue: $28,250 “Weekend Package”

• Indoor and outdoor space for ceremony/reception
• Lodging for ~60 people w/Lake access
• Rehearsal dinner space (same as wedding reception)
• Weekend coordinators
• Tables/chairs/arbor
• Additional costs - $1500: rehearsal dinner speakers/mic, bars, extra chairs/tables, late checkout, event insurance

Additional Lodging: $3965

• 2 additional houses near venue (lodging for 15 people)
• Because we were about 30min from the nearest city, we decided it was important to us to be able to have close family nearby, and rented out these houses as a gift for close family and friends. We debated a few different ways to have people rent the rooms back from us, but in the end felt like covering lodging cost was the better option.

Paper: $845

• Postcard STD ($60), Invites w/vellum paper + details/rsvp insert + personalized sticker ($298), Thank you cards ($25), Seating Chart ($20 - GotPrint, 24”x30” foam board, used coupon), Table Numbers ($35 - printed on shutterfly sale 5x7), Programs w/menu ($200), Postage ($207 - estimating on thank you cards, saved money with postcard stamps).
• I designed everything on Canva (free), and printed almost everything above through canva as well with a few exceptions. They were excellent. I had fun making my own wedding “suite” that suited our personalities and could be used from the invites to the table numbers.
• Program was a booklet that was made using x2 8x11 sheets printed as “letterhead” folded to have a welcome page, ceremony structure, wedding party, community vow, wedding day timeline, our love story timeline, the menu, and a thank you back page with a map I designed using SnazzyMaps with pins from every state/country people traveled from
• We did online RSVP through WithJoy and it was great. We also used GoogleForms early in the planning process to collect addresses that autopopulated into an excel spreadsheet.

Decor: $992

• Linens** ($360 - bought, (40 round, 10 rectangle) split cost as sharing with a friend. The cost to rent and have the linens transported to the venue would’ve been $2000. This was one of the toughest parts of the DIY wedding - happy to post more info if other people are also trying to do this.)
• Sign holders ($80 - 5x7 off amazon for 48 total), bud vases ($22 - most vases were borrowed from friends/family), Guest “book” ($180- we bought 4 nice photo frames with mattes and took the mattes out and had people sign them - came out beautifully), Bathroom baskets ($189), Glowsticks/Foam party sticks ($63), Sparklers ($97 - last minute add and I’m glad we did. It was special to have a “closing ceremony” of sorts - even though we all went back to the house at the venue for an after party)
• Photo backdrop and neon “good vibes only” sign - gifted

Florals: $2322

• Flower Moxie “Wildflower Package” with additional add ins ($2260) - these flowers were amazing. (photo of my bouquet in a vase - I’d had the flowers for 1 week!) We got buckets from Trader Joes for free. We had pruning shears and gloves on hand. We have a family member that has done florals for a few weddings and works at a plant shop. She gave us the amazing gift of doing our bouquets and bringing in potted flowers and ferns as well. She also designed a faux flower arbor accent for us based on our flowers. This work was incredible. Happy to answer more DIY flower questions.
• Grandparent charms ($102): both sets of my grandparents passed away. I had these designed from etsy with 3 charms including their wedding photo, kiss photo, and cake cutting photo. Absolutely worth it. Planning to re-purpose as a christmas tree ornament heirloom.

Food: $8133

• Wedding catered for 174 people, Chickfila for wedding day lunch (~70 people), PapaJohn’s Thursday night of wedding weekend
• Catering was buffet and “Heavy Hors d'oeuvres” style with a mac n’cheese bar and we heard only good things from everyone
• Included cake cutting service, coffee/tea/watelemonade, and sodas/mixers/ice for the bar
• Bride mom paid for costco snacks/sandwiches for the weekend
• Groom family paid for catered rehearsal dinner
• Bride mom mom paid for wedding cake ($75) also from costco which was amazing - we did 3 sheet cakes and 1 round cake for cutting. We had 1 entire sheet cake leftover.

Alcohol: $3752

• BeeWine for wedding and rehearsal dinner ($1557); wedding day bartenders x3 for 5.5hrs ($1950), personalized koozies ($245)
• Groom’s family had a contact and bought all the liquor for the rehearsal dinnewedding
• Our venue allowed BYOB, and some of this cost includes extra alcohol for the wedding weekend, though we also had friends BYOB
• Beer from Sam’s Club and Total Wine ($727) - mix of Miller, Coors, Ultra, Founder’s IPA, Stella (this is the only alcohol that ran out)
• Wine from Trader Joes ($830)- you can talk with someone about ordering cases in advance and it took about 5 days to arrive. We did not do a champagne toast, but I got 10 bottles of trader joe’s prosecco to have at the bridal party house for the weekend. We got 2 cases of red, 6 cases of white, 2 cases of rose and had between 6-12 bottles of each type of wine leftover. I only bought wine that we like, so plan to drink it in the coming months and did not ask about their return policy.

DJ: $1925

• Included ceremony speakers/2 mics, had a fun video display that rotated out photos of people dancing, and including lighting

Photography/Videography: $9839

• Photo ($4839) 10 hours day of wedding and an engagement session.
• Video ($5000) 9 hours day of and includes a short video plus we paid extra to have all the raw footage
• These were some of our biggest hype people! It was definitely a price point early in the planning process where we had sticker shock, but we are very happy with the decisions we made here. These memories are priceless and the day really does fly by. They made us feel so at ease and so comfortable just being ourselves and coordinating chaotic big families and making the day all about us being in love and celebrating our love.

Clothing: $3930

• Groom suit ($462 - mens warehouse custom, “lifetime” alterations - was a mess. Dropped it off 6 weeks before the wedding, they didn’t call and tell us it was ready, called them the week before the wedding and they said it was ready, the pants were not even hemmed and incorrect alterations had been done. We bought a “back-up” sale suit from J Crew that night for ~$300 and that’s what my husband ended up wearing- no alterations but fit and looked better than the men’s warehouse. Hopefully we get other uses out of both suits).
• Groom shoes, tie, belt, suit shirt ($180)
• Bride Dress ($2299- Stella York- included steaming, storage, preservation), alterations ($410- 7 point bustle, hemmed, shoulders shortened, felt added to shoulder straps, button loops added - was just a zipper, back taken in slightly).
• Bride Shoes ($99 - custom converse, wore several times again already!), Bra ($50- boomba, worked great!), accessories ($130), Veil $20 on amazon and perfect.
• Last minute also added in a new rehearsal dinner dress and short party dress that can be worn for other occasions. I loved my wedding dress and really wanted to wear it all night but about 30min into dancing I wasn’t able to party as much as I wanted to and was glad I had the party dress to swap into!

Other: $3349

• Wedding bands from Brilliant Earth: Groom ($1285- platinum), Bride ($1069- white gold)
• HMUA $125 for haimakeup/lashes- (was also $125 for the trial - glad I did it!)- there was also a travel fee as we had it done at the venue that I paid.
• Marriage License $85, Notary $60
• Officiant $300
• Groomsman Gift ($300)
• Bridesmaid Gift ($0- family friend quilted large tote bags for everyone)
• Bridesmaid/Groomsmen Attire ($0 for us - we had large bridal parties so did not cover this cost. Bridesmaid’s ordered their preference of Azazie dress - decided on bermuda blue to contrast the wildflowers- and groomsmen rented from Men’s Warehouse).

Tips: $770

• We tipped our day of coordinator $100, DJ $100 (owns the business, but did great!), HMUA 20% ($300 - I paid the entire tip cost for my bridal party but they paid for the HMU cost).
• Photo/Video own their businesses so did not tip- (leaving reviews!)
• Asked catering about tipping and they said they pay all staff a fair wage and it is not expected and gave a range of what people sometimes do tip. We ended up tipping the 9 staff/bartenders $30 each.

Our wedding was amazing for us. It felt like an event that truly encapsulated who we are as individuals and as a couple, and that chance to celebrate with so many people we love was priceless. It felt like all the spreadsheets we’d worked on for the last 2 years turned into reality. This is the main master spreadsheet I used:
Google Spreadsheet Wedding Planning
It’s created from all sorts of different helpful spreadsheets I found here and from other wedding websites. The “Checklist” really doesn’t start until I realized how easy it is to get lost in needing to capture so many personal little details that would keep me up at night feeling like they were slipping through the cracks. But if you’re starting from the beginning, you will need to include the big ticket “check boxes” that are in the budget portion. Hopefully it can help some others! Happy planning Weddit!

tomorrow will be 4 weeks since disclosure. as a lot of you know i was away for 11 days. he relapsed 3 fucking times while i was gone, one time being on mother's day. i'm so fucking angry all the time. i'm irritable and short tempered when the addict is present, not even only to him but to my children and the animals as well. we have been fighting nonstop. the other morning (530am) we were arguing about our puppy (he got while i was away, i said it was fine so it's on me) and it escalated into more and it ended with the addict saying i've been a horrible partner for the last 8 years and i never supported him or listened to him so now "we're even" after all the betrayal. you guys don't even understand how i felt-my soul left my body lmao. i started screaming and said that him stealing my sisters phone and masturbating to her nudes is no where close to even and then i threw a glass of water at the wall and locked myself in our bedroom with our 10 month old until he went to work. we didn't talk much after that. two days ago he checked in and said everything i did wrong but doesn't remember saying we're even. he also said i threw the glass at him. he was in the kitchen washing dishes at the time and i threw toward the dining room. so fucking stupid. he is upset because now that everything is in the open, no one will listen to "his side". last night he threatened suicide and i had muscle relaxers prescribed after giving birth because i literally couldn't walk (beautiful unmedicated birth that unfortunately separated my pubis symphysis) i didn't take them cus breastfeeding but i kept them. i've been so stressed out and sleeping so bad i was thinking of taking one but ofc he threw them out. i get it i'm glad he was safe with it, but he didn't even tell me until after the fact like hours later. i would have just hide the pills. you guys 🥲😅 am i crazy???

So, I’m new to Paganism, and my mum doesn’t really know that I’m a Pagan because Idk how she’d react (she’s agnostic but idk if she’d be alright with me worshipping the gods). My sister sort of knows and my foster sibling definitely knows. I have candles for Lady Hestia and Lady Persephone.
I’ve started veiling as it makes me happy and idk how to describe it but it makes me feel devout in some way (I’m 15 so can’t do a lot). Mum doesn’t necessarily know it’s pagan veiling as I just wear a bandanna over my hair (like she does).
I’m in half term now and Mum has given me a gift of my own (plain) crocheted veiling. The problem is, idk if my school will let me wear it. I want to wear it, but I’m scared they’ll ask me to take it off and when I explain what it is, they’ll ask mum and she’ll find out before I’m ready to tell her.
Idk what to do about this lol. Idk if anyone can, but any advice would be appreciated :)

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Top Movies
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Only Discuss Movies You Thought Were Great

I define great movies to be 8+ or if you abhor grades, the top 20% of all movies you've ever seen. Films listed by posters within this thread receive a Vote to determine if they will appear in subreddit's Top 100, as well as the ten highest Upvoted Suggested movies from last month. The Top 10 highest Upvoted from last month were:

Top 10 Suggestions

#	Title	Upvotes
1.	Train to Busan (2016)	530
2.	Memento (2000)	454
3.	Collateral (2004)	203
4.	Contact (1997)	177
5.	Glorious (2022)	108
6.	All Quiet of the Western Front (2022)	100
7.	The Great Dictator (1940)	76
8.	Mandy (2018)	79
9.	The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)	72
10.	The Covenant (2023)	67

Note: Due to Reddit's Upvote fuzzing, it will rank movies in their actual highest Upvoted and then assign random numbers. This can result in movies with lower Upvotes appearing higher than movies with higher Upvotes.
What are the top films you saw in April 2023 and why? Here are my picks:

Backdraft (1991)

It's important to be seen and I can't think of another movie that shows what being a Firefighter is like. Totally unrealistic but beautiful, Backdraft makes a convincing thesis on fire and fighting it. I bought in because it was real flames with real men doing the stunts, adding weight to the film. A classic action movie for good reasons, Ron Howard's flourishes backed with Han Zimmer's inspiring score and the charisma of Robert De Niro with Kurt Russel helped prop up the weak protagonist. Scott Glenn, Donald Sutherland and Jennifer Jason Leigh round out the star studded cast.

The Covenant (2023)

America's frequent war movies always depict the brotherhood that comes from comrades in arms. Refreshingly, Ritchie shows the break of that tenet alongside with a straight-forward story instead of his usual rollicking tales. The Covenant is a story that is the opposite of reality; in it, the deal of safety for service is kept. America withdrew from the Afghan theatre with nary an attempt to protect the thousands of interpreters who fought alongside them. His eye for the manic does shine through which is only heightened with an incredible score by Christopher Benstead.

Day Shift (2022)

Shot in a grounded way that let practical effects dominate with only little touch ups from CGI means that Day Shift buys a lot of good will. I was concerned with the Snoop Dog stunt casting but he's treated as a mythical figure who has limited screen time, meaning he was used intelligently. With so much buy-in, I was able to enjoy the buddy cop comedy between Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco even if it was very formulaic. It's an action movie, I'm here for the great set piecees, not the plot and so I forgave the disjointed bits due to the incredible thrills. Foxx and Franco have good chemistry for a buddy cop movie, with Franco showing some great range through his character's arc.

Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (2023)

I think Volume 2 is the best out the trilogy but I'd say the third outing is on par with the first which seemed like a lightning in a bottle fluke. James Gunn was able to make his own style of movie instead of being shoehorned into studio notes like other directors who have worked with Marvel. A good capstone to the Guardians trilogy, the found family resolves their unaddressed trauma with this adventure that has some dark spots. It's nice to see that the 'Marvel Polish' still exists considering how lacklustre the other two recent releases were.

How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022)

The protagonists call themselves what they are: terrorists. They know it and acknowledge that this is what the world has come to, which is what makes How to Blow Up a Pipeline great. Each of them gets a solid slice of life cutaway from the day of the detonation with why they are there; each of them might have different reasons but it all comes back to the primary thesis: how can you make urgent change in a world designed to stop such progress? These average people have turned to terrorism to combat climate change and it isn't something glamourous, it is something that needs to be done.

Man Bites Dog (1992)

This Mockumentary crucifies you by how much fun you're having with the subject of the 'documentary'. He's a likable, fun guy you enjoy hanging out with; even though he is a prolific serial killer. The seduction is obvious with the film crew getting involved when they should try to stay objective, giving the audience permission to enjoy their time with a sociopath. It's been a long time since I've had a good time being this guilty.

Renfield (2023)

Nicholas Hoult always surprises me. You see him at press junkets being a pretty boy and I brace for an actor who is skirting by on good looks and charm. And then I watch the movies he's in and he's damn good: Fury Road, The Menu, The Favourite. If they had casted someone who couldn't pull off the desperate and awkward for approval, then the rest of the movie wouldn't have worked. It is a very fun horror comedy, especially since Nick Cage unleashes a ridiculous performance.

Sisu (2023)

A horror movie in reverse; the victims keep running headlong into the immortal killer and meet grisly ends. All attitude, Sisu might claim to be an action movie, the choppy editing is what allows for practical efffects and gore. Many of the actors are very expressive, allowing for so much character despite some of their brief screen time. Sisu is supposed to be a Finnish word for an incomprehensible amount of grit and the movie delivers. Such determination is not pretty, which makes for more reasons why Sisu is shot like a horror movie, it skips the jump scares for grusome sights.

The Vanishing (1988)

The Vanishing is interesting due to showing both perspectives of an abduction yet manages to maintain suspense throughout. The main question being what happened to the abducted? The protagonist is willing to go to any lengths and the antagonist is shown how much he has prepared for this moment. The Vanishing is a grounded examination of how prepared you need to be to achieve your desires.
So, what are your picks for May 2023 and Why?