vent mostly

The idea that humans aren’t animals is a uniquely human ideology & it’s not one i subscribe to; humans are animals. The separation of humans & the concept of humanity from animals has caused many many issues; more harm than good id argue

Humans are animals

Meanwhile, I’m 23. I don’t do quadrobics, but I do enjoy yoga. I don’t have a mask or any “gear,” really. I’m pretty much just a cat, questioning feline cladotherian. Yet I also identify as a therian, particularly favoring the alterhuman label.

Big or small, young or old, I like the fact that so many of us get to experience this together. Being an alterhuman comes with its joys and hardships, but having a community really does make it all better.

“I know, majesty,” the Knight whispers. The setup is simple, but effective; two adjacent cellars, separated by a simple pathway of stone. It’s cruel, to be this close, and unable to touch…

The Knight has never been touchy-feely, if he is honest. Even as he walked alongside his Prince, he was always sure to keep a respectful distance— two paces back, one to the left. He is sorely regretting his chivalry now.

For the nth time, he extends a gauntleted hand through the bars of his cell. He cannot… quite… reach, but the Prince extends his hand too, as much as it pains him to do so, and they are able to grasp each other in the middle.

“I will get us out of here. Do you understand me?” The Knight says, voice humming with grit. He may not be good at comfort, but he still has his armor. That must mean something.

The Prince sighs a horrible little note of pain. It’s easier, when he’s straining himself like this, to see his wounds— lashes in the stomach, in the sides, in the back. They aren’t particularly severe or deep, but they burn a painful red. The Knight would give anything to switch places with him.

Which is what their captors want. Gods, what a simple, perfect trick. The Knight will have to tell the executioner about this when they get back.

He is snapped out of his own thoughts by the sound of the Prince shuddering in pain. The smallest gust of wind must irritate the hot wounds. “Knight,” he whispers, and the Knight’s heart jumps, “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” The Knight hisses, almost angry at the apology. “You have done nothing. Less than nothing, you have endured a pain I should’ve protected you from. I am the one who should be apologizing.”

The Prince chuckles. “So… selfless. All the time. I simply regret…” He pauses, takes a low breath. The Knight waits for him to speak more, but the Prince’s head has slumped forward against the bars, unconscious.

“Prince,” he whispers, squeezing his majesty’s hand. “Prince, my dear, are you alright? Please, you have to wake up. What did they— Gods, please, please, Prince—“

1. “You’re done. You hear me? You did enough.”

2. “Hey—stop. You don’t have to prove anything right now.”

3. “Breathe. Just… breathe, okay? That’s all you need to do.”

4. “You’re shaking. Sit down before you fall down.”

5. “Don’t make me hold you down just to make you rest.”

6. “You don’t have to keep fighting, kid. It’s over.”

7. “Look at me. You’re safe. That’s it—just stay here.”

8. “You’re allowed to fall apart now.”

9. “Hey, hero—nobody’s watching. You can stop pretending you’re fine.”

10. “I know you want to move. I’m telling you—don’t. Let your body calm down.”

11. “You’ve been through hell. Let it process, go slow.”

12. “If you stand up again, I swear I’ll knock you back down myself.” (half-joking, half-terrified)

13. “You don’t have to burn yourself out to prove you’re still alive.”

14. “You’re not weak. You’re wrecked. There’s a difference.”

15. “Just let me carry it for a minute, yeah?”

16. “I’ve got you. That’s not negotiable.”

17. “It’s over. You survived. Just breathe... That’s the only job left.”

18. “You’re bleeding through the tough act, sweetheart.”

19. “You don’t have to talk. Just stay breathe.”

happy leon whump wednesday~