Deathshadowed - 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭.

Adding two extra points to this which isn't crazy inflation related (Americans think they have it bad, yeah no it's about getting unlivable here.)

The brain is still developing at the age of 18 & 21 when people are considered legally adults, yet their development isn't complete. All but tossing a 18 year old into the world because they are an 'adult' is beyond ridiculous and risky. Especially if there's no preparation, failsafe plan talked over before + the reassurance if all hell breaks loose they still have a stable home to return to where they are safe and loved. I bet many would love to try true independency, highly doubt all of them feel the same way a year or even a few months later.

A personal one: I have epilepsy which wove itself together with my severe panic disorder. My attacks/seizures are unpredictable with little to absolutely no symptoms before. Only very, very mild signs that something might be off. I have a minute to seconds to take my meds before I lose mobility then full out seizure. My mom wouldn't even let me live alone or in college because it's unfortunately not safe for me. I would very much rather live with my mom than suffer brain damage from multiple seizures because of this look how adult™ I am dick measuring contest.

I'm not the only person with illnesses, disabilities; being young has nothing to do with inherited shit like this, nor at fault for being depressed, anxiety and many, many more. It is extremely unfair to boast the Get off my lawn idea so strongly because a lot of teenagers, young adults struggle with serious mental health conditions and physical limitations. This pressure is bound to increase everything they have feeling like they 'aren't good enough' and failed in life. Meanwhile family should be a central part of life.

I know I didn't mention abusive families; I'm not dismissing that nor glorifying staying in a toxic environment. I simply wanted to keep it within the topic of Why the generally American mentality of move out when you're an adult is flawed on multiple occasions even without looking at the state of the economy. You're more than valid if you want to stay. So are you if you don't no matter your reasons; be it genuine thirst for independence or an escape.

@deathshadowed: As an European, I've never felt pressured nor anyone in the family ever even hinted they want me out at 18 or even at 20 when I went to university. Furthermore grandma moved in with us because it was natural to have family living under the same roof. I understood the history behind the American 'Get out of my house when you're an adult' mentality but never supported the idea, unless it genuinely benefited the fresh 'adult' / they wanted that decision instead of pressure

A very good perspective from someone outside the experiences many of you are dealing with! Its not the norm or the end all be all.

slaying dudes before sending nudes.

She stood her ground upon approach, even taking a step forward herself; steel heeled boots just as intimidating regarding sound as they were. Gaze returned with the same intensity with a secret underlying knowledge of what could she inflict if she wanted to. Start of something electric tingled at the bottom of her spine, she couldn't remember the last time she felt a similar spark.

It was a fair question, indeed it was a lot. And she had earned even more, especially if it was a gang situation.

“Y'know how women are. Spent it on clothes. On quality grains for my horse. Sometimes a saloon which happened to have a bath.” the ivory haired hunter shrugged nonchalantly, poison eyes flicking towards the imp child in torn clothes Villám was currently playing with

“And some always needed it more than I did.” a thin veiled admission that she gave the remaining away

A surprised chuckle upon identifying the source of the sound, no wonder Villám is uneasy around him. “You're a hybrid. Knew you had other blood besides imp.” eyes narrowed at the snake, for now on the fence whenever was that an insult again or an innuendo hidden paired with the look he has been giving her and she couldn't shake off the feeling of meeting him before, but...that was impossible-

A more subtle calculative gaze measuring her with clear interest and intent. Sharp eyes aren't as golden but an undescribable brown shade like whiskey in sunlight. Antagonizing bordering on courting. The feeling of being alive in the rawest meaning. Sleek, well built frame and couldn't have sat nor stood normally even if his life depended on it. Back and forth banter; a dangerous game with a dangerous man. Strong, sure hands' bruising grip or feather caress, whichever she needed, craved at that night. Lazy but steady heartbeat. A so sure smirk sometimes softening into a rare, genuine smile with radiant Angel Eyes.

A primal, pained shout -a few moments after registering as her own voice- as something in her ribcage moved, more precisely: beat. Her heart has stopped since she perished, leaving her aching and hollow, yet the long dead muscle gave one agonizing, reverberating beat. As if she's been shot. Hands instinctively clutched the now silent spot, one hand slowly pried away and looked at in horror of what just transpired.

“Conversation over.”

Authority mixed with the tremor of terror and freshly unearthed grief; of course she lived to lose him too. And she had absolutely no desire to share any of it. Showing weakness was already bad enough, but there also were other questions which she will never get the answer to

“Villám, gyere!” (Villám, come!) Karma called for the oil black horse with urgency, the urge to disappear for years in true Wraith of Wrath fashion has never been a more tempting thought

“Not enough targets? In Hell ? Surely you didn't kill all of them because my list is still full. Too dangerous to take on gangs, little poser? Your eye is only good to spot a curved rifle.” a hiss after the statement, of course she remembers. Of course she isn't planning to let go. Unless a genuine apology.

“Besides, even in my human prime I didn't even get out of bed for less than $3000. And that, darlin', in the 1800s was a lot.”

I made Hungarian mushroom soup and it's a little too delicious to be real