#I'm looking at my prediction card and the answer to the question 'how does it feel to know that you are winning?' is 'not good'

[jaggedjot]

Foreshadowing is opening the season with the tale of a child vampire whose physical otherness causes it to be rejected by its kin, before being killed when they deem it unable to live independently, and how their parent, who is as culpable for their fate as they are grief stricken by it, decides to follow them into death.

[yatorihell]

Noragami Chapter 109 Thoughts and Reaction

First off a massive thank you to @fast-moon for years of dedicated service to the fandom and answering our questions. You have been the pillar of the community from the moment you picked up the series.

Now onto my (second) read reaction and thoughts

Seeing Yuka and she's aged more and she's looking at the sakura tree thinking of her brother just like Yato told Yukine she would I'm so sad Adachitoka you make me so sad

WHO LEFT THE FLOWERS could it have been Yato? Could it have been Yuka unwittingly placing them to remember her brother not knowing it's actually Haruki's grave? I'm so sad

Oh when it said another new year and we're at the hospital I'm so sad and then it turns out it's been many years!!!!!

The Capyper and star sticker as an earring? Remnants of attachment to Yato? Earring like Kazuma? Thank you Doctor Iki? Killing myself

Oh I really expected her diary to show up and then it does but Nora has it I'm so sad

The fact Hiyori's whole memory of that year is fuzzy so she doesn't remember Capyperland, and probably her grandma's death and the hospital arc and so many other bits

CPR SO INTENSE IT CRACKED HER RIBS

Oh she's touching her lips as she wonders who saved her I'm so fucking miserable Adachitoka you make me so sad are you happy

Jumpscared by hot Fujisaki I forgive you <3

Fujisaki gained control of his body and immediately fixed those bangs hejdjj

Remnants of Father's yearning to see Kaya again sorry babe she wasn't your girl maybe you'll find one that looks like her

Coo phone attack jdjdjnd that was so funny I can't believe he actually came back I was reaching with that prediction

My god I know it's not Father and he's cute now but I still hurled when he asked her out

Rip Masaomi's hairline, they say unproblematic men age better, so what crimes did you commit

Also rip Mr Iki you've aged so much it's probably the stress, but he's still got his medical license!!!!!!

Also I've been told it's been 8/9 years since that day with her being an intern now, it makes you wonder if Masaomi started a family

I MISS SOMEONE BUT WHO?

I actually couldn't believe how many of the bingo card predictions were coming true when I got to the sakura party jsjdnjf we truly manifested this ending

Little Ebisu growing up you will live forever you <3

Takemika and Kiun showing up like two dads with their children and pet bird jdjbdjfk

Takemika reassuring Shinatsuhiko that no one's laughing about their reincarnation vs Takemika bullying Ebisu in Heaven about killing him I hate growth I hate it (affectionate)

Followed by Takemika owning the fact that he himself has reincarnated when it was kept secret for so long I'm so sad

Oh Adachitoka you're so sick faking us out with a toast to Yato like he's dead followed by Bishamon once again beating the shit out of Yato at a sakura party

It's so funny Yato wouldn't release Kazuma but tbf it's handy if he ever needs to use him again

I wonder if Kazuma is treated differently now that he's a stray, or if he could suppress the name physically (it would only show if he got called like Nora did)

This Houki shinki that's a pegleg gun???? Rendered us bamboozled double checking Bishamon didn't lose a leg

Yato please find Yukine some clothes that fit????? Or maybe they're loose so they don't tear when he transforms and they can go back for them idk I don't like this look

Yato disappearing into the ground and becoming known as Teke-Teke he is the living meme hejdjb

I'm so sad Yukine has nightmares and turns into ayakashi form every night and Yato's wearing a Capyper jumper and he's hugging him

I did wonder if Hiyori's diary was on the shelf with the shrine, which begs the question when did Yato go to retrieve the shrine???? I'm so sad he would've seen that she fixed it and maybe it's a but scuffed from where it was dropped but it's his

Yato following Hiyori to keep her safe and he didn't want to cut ties I'm so sad the cord problem was enough to divorce her from the far shore without severing them altogether

I JUST WANT TO WATCH OVER HER AS SHE GROWS I'm so fucking miserable

Nora comforted by the fact Hiyori believes she had a name when she was in the womb? Devastated how did we never think of that

Interesting that the Yuuki name remains even after the word was destroyed, but it means that Yukine can't sting Yato so silver linings

Yato still doing his regular job of slaying and answering small prayers

Cherry blossoms being like snow I'm so fucking emo

THE NIGHT HAS A SCENT

YATO'S SHADOW IN THE TREE

MY. MOUTH. REMEMBERS!!!!!!

Oh I'm so fucking miserable I'm so fucking sad I hate this manga she remembered him all on her own after all this time and she's a doctor and everyone's safe I'm so depressed we're gunna celebrate April 2nd we need to work out what year it will be when she remembers

The final art????? Of all of them happy???? Hiyori is a doctor???????? Nora is with them??? Smiling??????? I'm ending it

It's been such a ride for these last 9 years since I picked up the anime and then demolished the manga right in time for season two. I've made friends and I've enjoyed building this blog into something that people used for their Noragami content. In the words of the rats this truly was my noragami

[what-about-zaladane]

When You Lay Down Card 10 and Say "Wait, What?": A Clarifying Spread for the Outcome of the Celtic Cross

You've just finished a Celtic Cross reading. You lay down the final card and you just...stare at it. Instead of clarity, you get confusion. Or dread. Or a card that just doesn't make sense for the rest of the spread.

That's the situation this clarifying spread is for.

When the Five of Swords or The Tower hits the table and everything in you clenches up. What fresh hell awaits me?, you think.

When The High Priestess shows up in a reading about finding your keys. Well, that's spectacularly unhelpful.

When the Eight of Wands is the end cap on a emotional reading full of Cups and Majors. Okay, why all the hubbub all of a sudden? What happened to my deep spiritual reading? Are the cards telling me to run a lap so my head will clear? This reading feels unfinished.

That's what this spread is meant to deal with. It's a more structured version of pulling a clarifying card (or, three, or five) so that you have clear questions and answers. It's a compass through your temporary fog of uncertainty.

You're free to move around the card positions or switch up the order you draw them, though I find this setup works best for me. This is a spread directly from my own personal notebook, and I've used it fairly frequently over the years when the Celtic Cross completes itself and rides away into the sunset -- and I'm left here blinking and befuddled. "But what does that mean?" I want to chase after it and yell. Well, this is me getting it to finally yell back.

It's more of a structured investigation. The idea is to put the card in context and ask the right questions to illuminate it.

Setup

You've pulled a full Celtic Cross spread. You can either

A) slide Card 10 (Outcome) away from the main spread and layer this one over it, or

B) grab that card again later and set up this spread separately (maybe after you've had a day to think about it and realized that no, that stupid card makes no sense and the tarot god(s) have forsaken you.)

Explanation of the Positions -- Diving Deeper

The spread graphic should function self-contained without having to read this post, but I also wanted to dive a little deeper into each card position in case you have questions about one of the blurbs.

Card 1: What is the nature of this card or situation?

This is the "what the hell am I looking at?" card. It gives a new voice to the Outcome Card. It says -- what does this card embody? What is its essence, its internal logic. It paints a new portrait -- not a prediction.

Lay it directly on top of the original Outcome Card like a veil -- or an x-ray.

Card 2: What is the root of this card?

Where does this card come from? What fertile soil -- emotional, psychological, or situational -- is it springing out of? This card is a little like the "Below" card in the Celtic Cross. It can reflect the deeper cause, the underlying energy, the internal narrative, or the external circumstance that led to the current trajectory (and Card 10).

Card 3: How does this card affect the original situation?

This card is about impact. How does Card 10 change or impact the entire Celtic Cross that came before it? What ripples does it send out backwards across the spread? What does it say to help reframe the entire conversation you just had with the cards?

Card 4: What happens if I ignore it?

What's the consequence or result of simply...ignoring this card? Pretending you didn't draw it or it doesn't matter? Or of resisting, bypassing or circumventing it? It shows the potential cost (or benefit -- but mostly cost) of avoidance. What happens if you stick your head in the sand or turn your face away?

Card 5: What is the best way to navigate this card?

The wrap-up and advice-type card. It's not the "Outcome of the Outcome" -- it's the "How do I deal with my Trajectory" card. We're looking forward now. How can you engage with this Outcome consciously and mindfully? What's your own role in either integrating it or moving around it?

This card says: If you do nothing else...do this.

Final Thoughts

This spread isn't necessarily meant to tell you what the future holds -- the Outcome card already did that. It's meant to tell you how to meet that future with preparation and clarity, properly framed and contextualized.

Post Credits scene: The High Priestess smirks and throws your keys onto the table like poker chips. The answer was never lost -- just withheld until "your consciousness" was ready. Okay, ma'am.

[aesethewitch]

Divination Survey - Early Thoughts

I've been running a divination theory survey to look into divination trends, common theories, thoughts around digital tools, and the conflict/bias surrounding digital tools. It's still early days, and I don't have a ton of responses yet, but I figured I'd put together a quick summary of what I've got so far.

(And by "quick summary" I mean "detailed overview of the questions I'm most excited about right now." This post got away from me, lol.)

Preferred Tools:

Right up at the top, it's no surprise that tarot is the most commonly used tool with a whopping 88% selection rate. In second place is oracle cards with 54.5%, followed closely by pendulum at 45.5%.

Custom entries include runes (which I can't believe I forgot to put as an option!!!), smoke divination, candle divination, geomancy, astrology (horary astrology, specifically), numerology, tasseomancy, and dream divination.

And 15.2% of respondents selected shufflemancy! Considering my recent interest in the history and theory of shufflemancy, this is very cool to me.

Under the question about most preferred tools, tarot wins out again with 75% of respondents selecting tarot as their primary tool. Oracle cards sit at a distant second place with 12%.

How Does Divination Work for You?

BY FAR the question I was most excited about in this entire survey. The answers to this are so, so interesting. Just over 50% of respondents selected that they have a combination of beliefs surrounding how divination works, and no two explanations are exactly alike.

The 12.1% slice is "I intuitively understand the messages presented by my tool using patterns and imagery." The rest are most of the other default responses. It's a very cool spread of choices, and I'm almost surprised to see that nearly every option I laid out was selected.

But that big slice, hoo boy. That's where the super interesting stuff is. Responses include:

Animism, lots and lots of animism. I'm not surprised! It's a common theory that tools have spirits and/or minds of their own. This is most often in combination with messages from deities (the tool's spirit helps to interpret) and with the reader's intuition.

A lot of introspection. Using intuition and personal ability to "tap into" the subconscious or the universe, the tool becomes a conduit for these messages.

Tons and tons and tons of spirit work. Messages from spirits, signs from deities, help from ancestors... This is overwhelmingly the most common response, most often in combination with personal intuition.

So interesting. There are a lot of common threads, but everyone describes it differently. The connection to something "higher," a spirit or deity or somesuch thing, is pervasively common.

Expertise

Just a quick pause at the expertise questions, because it's really interesting to note. I've gotten a wide spread of self-reported expertise levels; at first, it was mostly beginners rating themselves anywhere from a one to a four. Now, It's evenly spread.

Respondents most commonly report their expertise with their most preferred tool between a four and a seven, with precisely two ten out of tens. The overall expertise in divination falls, though, skewing significantly lower. 30% chose a six, and only 15% chose something higher than that.

I suspect that this is due to the huge range of divination methods out there. It'd be impossible to be perfect at every method... I type, staring very curiously at the single ten out of ten.

Divination & Predicting the Future

Skipping downwards a little bit, I asked whether respondents believe divination can actually predict the future. This question has, by far, the most even split between options. Let me run through everything and let you draw your own conclusions here:

18% chose "Yes, I do"

3% chose "No, I don't"

18% chose "Yes, but it's better as an introspective tool"

15% chose "Yes, but it's better for communication with spirits or deities"

15% chose "Sometimes, it isn't accurate or reliable"

15% chose "Maybe, I'm not sure"

3% chose "Maybe, it hasn't been proven or disproven by science"

6% chose "No, it's just a self-improvement or introspective tool"

3% chose "Yes, but only under certain circumstances"

And one person wrote in an answer that summarizes as "Yes, but only if things stay on the path exactly as they are now"

Conflicted respondents state similar reasonings -- the future being in flux, free will making changes, reading only one possible outcome, and so forth.

Accuracy Reports

No matter what respondents said to whether divination can predict the future, every single respondent rated their accuracy at five or higher. 40% rated themselves an eight. Readings done by other readers skewed only slightly lower.

We're a reasonably accurate bunch, I suppose!

Digital Tool Usage

88% of respondents report using a digital tool for divination at some point. This is mostly tarot, unsurprisingly. Other responses include oracle, lenormand, and (!!!) shufflemancy.

I threw in the random number generator and color/hex generator options for fun, but they did get selected a couple times each!

As for usage preferences, the majority of respondents rated digital tools very, very low. When compared to physical tools, most of the respondents selected that they'd be significantly more likely to choose a physical tool over a digital tool. For readings done for others, this opinion is even stronger, with ratings skewing closer to one.

Written opinions on this vary. Several respondents indicated that they distrust the internet or algorithm behind the digital tools. One person said, and I cannot stop thinking about this, "I trust whatever spirit is in the internet way less." They make specific mention of distrusting algorithms, often stating it's not true divination due to being computer generated.

The most common hangup is the lack of connection with the tool in question. Respondents report difficulty making the connection to the digital tool, which impacts the quality of their readings. Others state it's difficult to get in the divination "mindset" with a digital tool as opposed to a physical one.

On the other hand, proponents of digital tools mention that they've made those connections and have no trouble with it. They note the ease of access, the convenience, the portability, and the subtlety of digital tools kept in one's phone.

The AI Problem

Shock and awe! Opinions on AI-generated divination are overwhelmingly negative. Reasoning ranges from moral quandries over the sentience of AI to issues with misinformation to sustainability to stealing jobs from human diviners.

Interestingly, though, several respondents stated that they would be willing to try AI divination at least once. As it becomes more accurate, reliable, and has improved limitations/laws surrounding it to protect workers and prevent misuse, they might just give it a go.

For now, the vast majority of respondents state that they'll be sticking to divination done by real, live, humans.

Stick Around for More!

Thanks for reading! Drop a comment or a reblog and let me know what you think. The conversation keeps my brain afloat in the Tank of Research and helps me focus and consider new perspectives.

If you're interested in my work on this subject, check out my #digital divination tag. And, if you haven't already, consider dropping a response into the survey this data came from! I don't have enough to draw solid conclusions yet, so every bit helps. I'm sharing my data and additional research every week.

AND, if you like my work and would like to facilitate this research and help me keep food on the table, consider visiting my Ko-Fi page! Every dollar helps me worry less about staying alive and worry more about the origins of divination methods.

[empressofthewind]

Can I ask from this ask game for Meronia (all of the questions)? Thanks 🧁

https://www.tumblr.com/comingfromastatechampionasshole/119898100247?source=share

Of course!! Thank you for the asks :-)

1. Which one is the better cook

Mello! I think Near can make simple dishes but it won't be anything special.

2. What their love letters look like

I generally imagine that if they write love letters, it's only for themselves rather than for the other person to see - in which case I'd say they're very dramatic and emotional. Otherwise, if they intend to share them, it's probably a lot like the way they communicate in canon. Their affection for each other is always there in the subtext, but they don't tend to express it directly.

3. Which one outlives the other, and how they cope

Imo Near outlives Mello in every timeline. He does not cope well at all. He goes into intense depressive episodes that come in waves but never fully go away, regardless of the status of their relationship at the time of Mello's death. Mostly what this looks like is obsessive behaviours, like binge-eating chocolate bars and filling his entire room with giant card towers as though he's trying to drown himself out (see: the C-Kira oneshot).

4. What they do on date night

If Near's choosing, Transformers movie marathons or board games. If Mello's choosing, Near probably gets dragged out of the house for whatever activity Mello is in the mood for that day. I love the idea of Mello taking him out for drives, whether that's in the car or on his motorbike. Either way, I don't think regular date nights are anything too flashy.

5. How many kids they'll have

Dear god I hope the answer is none 😬

6. How they decorated their bedroom

I tend to envision Mello moving into Near's headquarters, or the two getting an apartment together; either way, there's probably a heavier influence from Near in terms of the decor. White sheets and boxes upon boxes of toys.

7. Which one is the worse driver

Near can't drive, so he loses by default.

8. What they argue about

Early on in their relationship, mostly little things that probably get blown way out of proportion by Mello. I can imagine Mello struggling a lot with his tendency to misinterpret the things Near says and does as antagonistic. So for example, in an AU where they end up working together, he might perceive that Near takes control of things too much or doesn't trust his judgement, even when that's not true.

9. Which one swears more

Mello, which I say with the caveat that I DO think Near swears sometimes, but only ever with a purpose. I imagine him swearing mostly in the context of insulting people, like in the end of chapter 77.

10. What TV shows they watch together, and which ones they hide from the other

Individually, I think Near likes sci-fi and action, and Mello prefers thrillers and documentaries. I can't imagine them hiding things like that from each other, but there isn't really a lot of overlap between their preferred genres, so I think they mostly watch them separately. In terms of what they'd watch together, I'm honestly obsessed with the idea of them trying to branch out and find some kind of middle-ground that they'd both enjoy, but being way too smart for most kinds of TV and spending movies nights just ripping them to shreds instead. Horror movies? So predictable. Laughable that anyone finds those scary. Detective shows? Painfully unrealistic. They both pick the killer within seconds. Reality TV shows? Trashy and fake. Completely unwatchable. They'll spend the first 10 minutes of a show or movie bonding over their criticisms and the rest of the time aggressively making out.

11. What their first impression was of each other

Near arrived at the orphanage after Mello, and admired him from the moment they met. Mello didn't have much of an opinion on Near until he started winning.

12. What they do for their anniversary

I actually have a very old WIP (I think it's literally the second oldest note in my Death Notes folder) where they spend their entire anniversary trying to outdo each other with bigger and grander gestures lmfao. I think this is a really fun concept, although I don't usually imagine them doing anything crazy anymore. In my mind, it takes a lot to drag Near away from his work most days of the year, so Mello just appreciates getting to spend any time together.

13. Which makes a bigger deal of birthdays

I don't imagine either of them caring much about celebrating their own birthday, but I think Mello in particular really insists on celebrating Near's. I could see Mello planning out a whole day for Near involving all the things he likes, while Near's focus is more on a few small, meaningful gifts.

14. What nicknames they call each other

Mostly just Mello and Near, and they use each other's real names occasionally in private. I'm also weak over the idea of Mello calling Near angel.

15. What they would change about each other

In all cases, Near would change nothing about Mello. For Mello, it depends which stage of life he's in. As a kid/teenager, he'd change Near's intelligence and abilities. Mafia and immediately post-mafia, I think he perceives Near as extremely condescending and smug, and would want to change that attitude. When they're together, he would change nothing (except maybe how many Legos Near leaves lying around). I will also add that although I say canon Mello would WANT to change things about Near, I don't think he'd be satisfied if those things actually did change. Near is such a constant and prominent force in his life that I think he'd find it unsettling if Near started acting different, especially any changes that resulted in Mello "winning" by anything other than his own merit.

[coffeetablettowers]

2023 Fic Wrap

I know it's not the end of December, but I'm bored while working so here are ALL the fics I wrote in 2023

January

Consensual Workplace Relationship: 2dace, 2d and Ace let the others know they're in a relationship One Plan One Wish: Gen Russel predicted a door will appear in the sky, but things don't go according to plan A Kiss Will Make it Better: Gen Noodle scrapes her knee and 2d uses a technique he learned from his mom to make it feel better. Power of a Word: 2doc Murdoc calls 2d "faceache" and it brings back bad memories. Never Alone: either Gen or Russdoc Russel sees the grim reaper in his room and seeks refuge in a different room that just so happens to be Murdoc's That Sleeping on the Couch Feel: Gen 2d falls asleep on the couch and the day still continues Home: 2doc 2d is asked a question and thinks about the answer to it Who Will Tie My Shoes?: Gen or 2doc and 2dace Murdoc has always taken to the task of tying 2d's shoes. Then he's not there and Ace takes over. Spin the Bottle to Begin: 2dace The band plays spin the bottle and it leads to a relationship Better Than That: 2dace Rated M Ace treats 2d to something and 2d notices a habit Ace does, but that does not deter Ace Meeting Snooze: Gen The band is in a meeting and Noodle is bored. Love Drunk: 2dace 2d and Ace go to a club and 2d gets drunk God Without a Halo: Gen Murdoc thinks about 2d going over to the other cult. Rings: 2doc 2d gets Murdoc a ring, which Murdoc happened to also have done Beat the Drums for Who: Gen Russel wonders why he plays the drums Someone Must Get Hurt: Gen Two Chapters 2d and Murdoc have an argument and Russel deals with the aftermath

February

Comfort Within Each Other: 2doc 2d and Murdoc decide to go to bed early Overwhelmed: Gen 2d has a panic attack and Cyborg Noodle walks him through it Adventure Game: Gen 2d and Noodle play a game that includes fireworks To Look Beautiful: Gen 2d puts on makeup Cleansing Oil: 2dace 2d washes Ace's hair To Soothe a Bassist: Gen or 2doc Murdoc throws a fit while writing a song and 2d calms him down A Card for Friends: Gen 2d hands out Valentine cards Monologue and Comfort: Gen Rated M Murdoc gets drunk and stumbles into Russel's room, where he talks about his past When Your Legs Don't Want to Work: 2doc 2d gives Murdoc a piggy back ride Everything's Just Wonderful: 2dace Ace wakes up with 2d laying on him and they get started on their day Watching the Rain: Gen Murdoc and Noodle watch the rain When We Reunite: 2doc Murdoc and 2d go grocery shopping, but 2d keeps wandering away Conversation Within Silence: 2dace 2d and Ace have phone calls, but the silence worries 2d

March

Words of Encouragement: Gen Ace is feeling down about being away from his gang for so long. Noodle cheers him up. Sandwiches for Two: Gen 2d makes Murdoc a sandwich I For You and You for Me: 2doc All the ways 2d and Murdoc understand and comfort each other. Animal Attraction: 2doc Rated M Murdoc learns something new about 2d while they get into bedroom activities. That Awooga Feeling: 2dace Rated M 2d and Ace get into bedroom activities The Rock: Gen or 2dace However 2d felt Ace was always there to support and comfort him The Coffee/Tea Date: 2doc Murdoc takes 2d to a coffee shop Behind a Title: 2doc Murdoc muses on being called "boyfriend" when he prefers "partner" It's Just Begun: 2doc Murdoc and 2d are arguing and Murdoc thinks of how they got to this point The First Time: 2doc Rated M 2d and Murdoc have sex for the first time Three Flowers and Rum: 2doc 2d leaves flowers on Murdoc's bed in the hopes of starting something

April

Welcome Home Katsu: Gen Noodle brings home a cat to Murdoc's displeasure Shut Doors: Gen Noodle hates when the doors are closed because that's a sign that something is not right. Atonement: Gen Russel just caught Murdoc and Paula in the act and acted on instinct. Now it was time to make up for that action. The One Month Mark: 2doc Murdoc reflects on his relationship with 2d Slip of the Tongue: Gen Noodle needs help with her homework and Murdoc helps her Spend the Night: Gen Ace is in bed when 2d knocks on his door Let's Rock the House: Gen Noodle is nervous and 2d calms her down. Years later it's Noodle who calms 2d down.

May

Their World: Gen Noodle compares herself and the boys to things in the world Coming Out of the Other End of Sickness: 2doc 2d is finally awake after being sick all day and having Murdoc take care of him.

June:

The Other First Time: 2dace Rated M Ace and 2d have sex together for the first time

July

Our Space: Nuace Noodle and Ace are watching television

August

Just Another Night: 2dace and Nuace Ace, Murdoc, 2d, and Noodle watch television

September

Joyous Moment: 2dace 2d and Ace share a moment Taxes and Company: Nuace Ace chills out in Noodle's room while she works on taxes Soft Hands Under Stars: 2dace Ace and 2d stand under a starry night sky Yellow: 2doc 2d guesses Murdoc's favorite color

October

Breather: Ace/Reader Ace walks in on you being frustrated about school work and helps you. Late Night: 2dace Ace and 2d watch zombie movies and fall asleep on the floor. Getting to Know Each Other: Gen Ace has come in to fill in for Murdoc and Russel has a bad feeling, but is proven wrong. A Walk and a Kiss: Nuace Noodle and Ace are taking a stroll back to the house when Ace gets the courage to kiss her.

November

Waltz on Rainbow Road: 2doc 2d zones out and imagines a scenario with Murdoc One of Those Days: Gen 2d has a migraine so Murdoc brings him tea and toast. Break: 2doc 2d and Murdoc are working on a song when Murdoc decides to take a break at 2d's suggestion. Birthday Rules: Ace/Reader It's your birthday and Ace takes you out and gives you some rules to life. Band Geek: Gen Noodle asks the boys what kind of students they were in high school. 2d comes up with what kind Ace was. Interlocked Hands: 2doc Murdoc notices 2d is holding his hand.

December:

The Star: Gen or 2dace Ace watches 2d eat a booger The Jigsaw Puzzle: Gen 2d and Cyborg Noodle complete a Jigsaw puzzle.

[flowercrowngods]

For your fic writer asks:

5. What do you wish someone would ask you about "I'll try. i'll try. (but i couldn't be better)? Answer it now!

(not that I'm half obsessed with that fic or anything)

🌷 the fic: i'll try. i'll try. (but I couldn't be better) 🌷

there have been so many wonderful questions already about this fic in the comments (srsly everyone who asks me questions about it just y'all have my whole entire heart), that's why this ask was buried in my inbox for so long even though I constantly vibrate with the need and urge to talk about this story

one main theme in what people ask me is when they point out something they liked or that has them invested, if that was a conscious choice (either of mine or of steve's). and the answer to that almost all the time is, yes it is. it is debatable as to how ✨conscious✨ steve's decisionmaking is, riddled as he is by trauma, fear, grief and a semi-dissociated and growing compulsive behaviours. but me, I look at Steve allowing el to choose anything from his closet, but still putting what he thinks would work best on the bed, essentially giving her the choice to make a choice. it is, sort of, the first choice el has really made, ever. and there is a symbolism in that, her right to choose beginning and ending surrounded by all things Steve, y'know?

something I wish I would be asked but cannot and will not answer, is a question regarding the title. "I'll try. I'll try. (but I couldn't be better)". is that the title giving us a spoiler for an unhappy ending? is that why there's no tag for that? is the 1st person POV here from steve, as his POV is what makes the story? or is that title just as unreliable as steve's recounts and memories and expectations and predictions and decisions guided by fear and trauma and grief? is trying, and trying again, the theme of this story, next to all the heavy shit? is it a story about hope, first and foremost? does he doubt in his abilities to "be better" but does he try anyway (and repeatedly!)?

I know the ask said to answer that question (but technically that was multiple questions). but I will not. hehe.

you also said to to just ramble about my story, and we all know I never turn down an invitation to that. and when I write, there are many instances of what I feel are parallelisms or symbolism or hidden metaphors, y'now (decision making!!). and I yell at myself in lieu of the readers, like, did you catch that? did you notice? did you see?

do you notice that el comforts Steve by carding her hand through his hair after he did it first in chapter 7, when he cleaned her wounds and made sure she was warm and safe. and then he gave her his clothes and then he made waffles and ruffled her nonexistent buzzed hair, and what she associates with that gesture is: warmth, comfort, understanding first and foremost. for the first time in her life. gentle touch without demands or manipulation.

did you notice that Steve is going more and more nonverbal the more he tries not to think about things, the more happens to him, and the more he has to do it by himself (with el obv)? and how in chapter 8, there is this:

He closes his eyes and looks for words again. It’s less repulsive now, the thought of speaking. Less scary, not as insurmountable a task as before. Not with El, for some reason. Not when she’s the one who makes him human.  He needs to be known to be human. 

and how there is no one who knows him. except for this girl, and he was so hesitant to cling to her in the beginning, but now he quite genuinely has no other option. no other choice.

do you notice that he is losing touch with his humanity in all that unprocessed grief and inconceivable burden of having travelled back in time to save all his friends? he's not only dissociating for the narrative, it's not the fuzzy "stare ahead blankly while the world moves along", he's just so far removed from the world that he can't even put words to it. he doesn't even feel human.

did you notice that chapter 9 and chapter 1 were directly juxtaposed, paralleled. did you notice the forest vs. the upside down? did you notice how there is no light in chapter 9, except for the moonlight, and then the flash of light at the end of it? symbolism.

I could go on and on. I am obsessed with it honestly. someone mentioned in a comment that it broke them, how seamlessly robin's commentary is built in sometimes, like he really still hears her voice, like she really is there, still, like he hasn't processed her death yet.

and it's only been a week.

did you notice. did you notice all of this and more, do you read the story the way I write it, do you find these things, do you connect the dots, do you do you do you?? *vibrates endlessly*

[specialists-opinions]

Jeffrey Sachs: Chaos & Restructuring of the Global Economy

13,533 views • Apr 7, 2025

Prof. Jeffrey Sachs discusses the tariffs and economic coercion that diminish trust and restructure the international economy. How will trade be reorganised, how will the US dollar be impacted, and how will the world learn to live without the US at the centre of the international economy?

Follow Prof. Glenn Diesen: Substack: https://glenndiesen.substack.com/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/Glenn_DiesenPatreon:  / glenndiesen  

Transcript

0:00hi everyone and welcome I am joined

0:01today by Professor Jeffrey Saxs to

0:04address some of the economic upheaval Um

0:07as we now see Trump has really gone in

0:10uh all in that is on these tariffs And

0:12uh I'm not sure to what extent uh they

0:15are intended to shock the rest of the

0:16world as part of a negotiation tactic to

0:20renegotiate America's trade agreements

0:22or if they're intended to protect

0:25domestic industries in the long term uh

0:28how how how do you make sense of these

0:29tariffs and what do you think the wider

0:32consequences will be for world trade and

0:35as I say this I'm aware that it's not a

0:37very fair question given that this is

0:39quite unprecedented so it's very hard to

0:41make predictions

0:42I think this is truly protectionism not

0:46only a negotiating tactic uh it's

0:49protectionism uh on a totally flawed

0:53basis it is the decision essentially of

0:56one person This is not a decision of the

0:59Republican party It's not coming from

1:02Congress It's not a reflection of the

1:04business community It's not a reflection

1:07of interest groups around the president

1:11This seems as best we can judge to be a

1:14decision of President Trump President

1:17Trump believes incorrectly that the

1:21trade deficits of the United States are

1:24a reflection of unfairness in the rest

1:28of the world and that the trade deficits

1:31need to be closed The trade deficits are

1:35not a measure of unfairness either

1:37directly or indirectly They're a measure

1:39of America's heavy spending compared to

1:43its income And that reflects

1:46economically the large budget deficits

1:48in the United States more than anything

1:50else We're running a budget deficit of

1:52about 7% of GDP That means that the US

1:56government is borrowing heavily to uh

1:59transfer money to the uh private sector

2:03or to the domestic economy and that

2:06leads to overspending It's as if the

2:09federal government is the credit card of

2:11the country and we're running up our

2:14credit card debt So Trump interprets

2:17this as unfairness He looks and says

2:20"Well if China's running a trade surplus

2:24they're cheating us This is extremely

2:26primitive thinking." And the question

2:30comes how can the United States be in

2:32such a primitive political state of

2:35affairs that one person's ideas

2:39especially mistaken ideas apply and

2:42that's a related question My answer is

2:46that our political system has become

2:50deeply corrupted

2:53Congress is mostly interested in

2:56campaign financing and the system has

2:59become overtaken over decades by the

3:03security state So legislation is

3:06littered with the emergency powers of

3:10the president and Trump is invoking

3:13emergency powers to do his one-person

3:16bidding on this Now if I add everything

3:19up I would conclude by saying the

3:22policies make no sense I don't think

3:25that they are primarily a bargaining

3:28chip I think they're primarily the

3:30economic fantasies of one particular

3:34person The fact that one person can do

3:37it is a massive political failure of the

3:41United States It does not reflect the

3:44interests of American business So

3:47American business may revolt We're

3:49already hearing top business people

3:52objecting to what Trump is doing This is

3:54something new because they view Trump as

3:56their agent for further tax cuts But

3:59they're wrecking the American economy

4:03and Trump has destroyed $5 trillion of

4:07market capitalization in just two days

4:10This does not make the hedge fund uh

4:13managers who bought Trump's election

4:17happier This is something against their

4:20interests Even some people in Congress

4:23are beginning to stir that hey we have a

4:26constitution Uh tariffs are our

4:29responsibility not the president's

4:31responsibility We also have a court

4:33system in the United States which may

4:36very soon rule when a case is brought

4:40that these tariffs are illegal because

4:43they're based on an emergency

4:45declaration where there's no emergency

4:48Uh so Trump has made up an emergency in

4:51order to invoke emergency powers and

4:55courts may strike that down as well So

4:58all in all uh very uh unpleasant

5:03irrational

5:04uh actions that have been deeply

5:07destabilizing in just a few days for the

5:10world They do not make sense They are

5:12not for America first This is a

5:15lose-lose policy

5:17Well certainly stock markets around the

5:20world is are reacting quite negatively

5:21to this But how do you see um wider

5:24global trade being impacted by this for

5:26example there's some discussions now

5:29about uh a lot of Chinese exports

5:32possibly being being directed to large

5:34extent towards Europe Europeans then

5:37might react with some kind of a tariffs

5:40of their own to protect their industries

5:42Do do you see this possibly spiraling

5:44out of control triggering some wider

5:47global trade wars or are you more

5:49optimistic

5:51that's a very good and very important

5:53question uh of course a very uncertain

5:57prospect for all the reasons I just

5:59mentioned that these policies may prove

6:01short-lived for one reason or another

6:03But uh the right answer for the rest of

6:07the world is to say uh we're going to

6:11move forward on open trade without the

6:14United States So if uh rational uh minds

6:19prevail they will say the United States

6:22has made an own goal quite disastrous

6:25one but it doesn't ruin the trade for

6:28the rest of us But what you're proposing

6:30is a kind of domino effect where the US

6:35actions trigger uh shifts in trade that

6:38then lead to further unilateral

6:40protectionism And if Europe were to

6:44raise barriers on China we would have a

6:47cascade downward in the world economy

6:50That is familiar in economic history By

6:53the way in the

6:551930s it was a tariff measure in the

7:00United States the Holly Smoot tariff or

7:04the Smoot Holly tariff depending on

7:06which congressman you put first that was

7:10a uh voted in 1930 that initiated a

7:16round of protectionist tariff increases

7:20all through the world uh in the early

7:231930s that led to a cataclysmic decline

7:26of trade that greatly exacerbated an

7:30underlying banking crisis that

7:33culminated in what was a prolonged Great

7:36Depression and the prelude to World War

7:38II too So if one looks to history the

7:42United States started the last such

7:45trade collapse with a tariff increase

7:48That one voted by Congress and the

7:50question is whether the same will happen

7:53now I hope that Europeans are smarter

7:59than simply slapping on new tariffs I

8:03hope that the Chinese and Europeans

8:06negotiate to understand Europe should

8:08export what it would have exported to

8:11the US now to China and China can export

8:15what it would have exported to the US

8:17partly to Europe partly to ASEAN partly

8:19to India partly to other countries Some

8:23good news in recent weeks is that China

8:27Japan and Korea at the high diplomatic

8:31level have uh intensified their

8:34diplomacy and called for more

8:37normalization of relations and reduction

8:39of tensions Similarly uh China and India

8:44uh have in recent

8:47months at least addressed the border

8:49issues that have plagued the

8:51relationship and leaders of both China

8:54and India have said that we need to move

8:57to strong relations among ourselves

9:01Those are both good signs But what you

9:03point to the China uh Europe trade

9:07relations is especially important

9:11Well if this can result in well it is

9:13resulting in a lot of economic upheaval

9:16not just the United States but the world

9:18What does this mean for currencies or

9:21the US dollar would it be would it do

9:24you see greater struggles in the weeks

9:26and months to come or will the or it

9:29doesn't necessarily have to be affected

9:32to that great extent i again I know that

9:34the idea of uh cutting the deficit and

9:37re-industrializing would suggest that uh

9:39it would only strengthen the dollar but

9:42uh assuming that these tariffs do not go

9:44as Trump has planned What do you see

9:46happening to the US

9:48dollar we already see in the first few

9:52days that the usual safe haven effect of

9:55the dollar that in times of insecurity

9:57people rush to the dollar is not

10:00occurring now The opposite is occurring

10:02People are leaving the dollar The dollar

10:05is weakening I think the confidence in

10:08the US economy the confidence in US

10:12political leadership and the confidence

10:14in the dollar have all been weakened by

10:17the events of the past week And in

10:20general I've been arguing that the uh

10:25preeminence of the dollar in the

10:27international system will in any event

10:30decline significantly in the next 10

10:33years Just as we've moved to a

10:35multi-olar world we're moving I believe

10:38to a multicurrency world Uh there are

10:41many reasons for that

10:43uh one is the

10:45underlying gradual decline of the US in

10:50the world economy So the rise of China

10:53the rise of India uh the rise of other

10:57nations means that the uh weight of the

11:00US in the world system is diminishing

11:03and that means that the weight of the

11:05dollar also would tend to diminish A

11:08second reason is technological The US

11:12dollar-based payment system is

11:15specifically an interbank system that's

11:18pretty much outmoded actually Uh it is

11:21the swift system It's not cutting edge

11:24technology in any way And the idea of

11:27moving to a digital central bankbased

11:32uh currency system is likely to come

11:35simply because of the change of

11:37technology The third reason is

11:40geopolitics The US weaponized the dollar

11:44especially seizing or actually Belgium

11:49it through Euro Clear seizing $300

11:52billion of Russian foreign exchange

11:55reserves But the US has been behind

11:58several seizures of foreign exchange

12:00reserves in recent years

12:03Venezuela Russia Afghanistan Iran uh

12:08North Korea and this weaponization of

12:12the dollar is certainly a good reason

12:14not to keep your

12:18currency forex foreign exchange in

12:21dollars Now there's another uh point

12:24which is that the US has used the

12:28dollarbased settlement system to enforce

12:32other kinds of sanctions as well So it's

12:35not just seizing dollars but these

12:38secondary sanctions where the US tells

12:42third countries don't trade with Russia

12:45for example are enforced by the swift

12:49system In other words if a bank in a

12:52third country does business with a

12:55Russian entity that bank is then

12:57punished when it comes to or potentially

13:01sanctioned when it comes to its access

13:03to the interbank dollar settlement

13:07system This also is inducing the BRICS

13:11countries to move to non-doll

13:14settlements It's a little tricky They

13:16have to establish new institutions

13:19specialized banks for example that don't

13:22have dollar exposure that don't use the

13:25SWIP so that they're not subject to

13:27sanction But all in all using non-dollar

13:31settlements is not

13:33uh some highly esoteric phenomenon It's

13:38not something beyond the the ken of uh

13:42some straightforward monetary

13:44engineering and all of this means that

13:47the dollar in my view will play a

13:49significantly smaller role in 10 years

13:52from now Now saying that that also has

13:54geopolitical ramifications of course

13:57because the US has benefited um in a

14:02number of ways from the preeminence of

14:04the dollar The ability to borrow at low

14:06interest rates and seemingly

14:09inexhaustibly from the rest of the world

14:12is one example The ability to apply

14:15sanctions uh and to use foreign policy

14:17pressures is another And both of those

14:21are likely to diminish if not

14:25disappear Well you mentioned the

14:28sanctions because of course these

14:29tariffs are not uh

14:31happening out of nowhere This is comes

14:34in addition to the growing economic cos

14:37Now you can say this is against China's

14:39tech sector but also yeah the legalizing

14:42the theft of the the Russian as well as

14:44uh the sovereign funds of other

14:46countries

14:47uh what we see that this is happening

14:49now uh well that Trump initially seemed

14:51to be aware that it was important to

14:54rebuild trust again into the US-

14:56centered financial system but now that

14:59the negotiations aren't going as well as

15:02they had hoped in Ukraine we see the

15:05Trump administration threatening with

15:07sanctions now against Russia also

15:10secondary sanctions so effectively going

15:12after anyone in the world who would

15:13trade with Russia which is quite severe

15:17given that Russia holds a very important

15:20part in the international energy trade

15:22but uh as yeah economic connectivity

15:26continues to be weaponized How how do

15:29you see China responding to all of this

15:31because the situation doesn't seem

15:33stable It is uh unraveling it at least

15:36it seems to me unraveling kind of fast

15:38So how are the Chinese responding to

15:41this given that well they would be the

15:43main rival to the US economy

15:46i think China is

15:49uh trying to hold together the

15:52international system Uh China was not

15:56directly threatening the US role in the

15:59system For example China has not rushed

16:02forward to say use the Redman B rather

16:05than the dollar Quite the opposite China

16:08has been hesitant and slow to

16:12internationalize the renmanb and open up

16:14Chinese capital markets Having said that

16:18China also sees that simply relying on

16:21the current system doesn't work China

16:23itself is the object of countless

16:27sanctions countless

16:29pressures countless crude US containment

16:34policies to somehow put a stick in the

16:40spanner in the works I should say of the

16:42Chinese system to stop China's rise None

16:45of it working I'm I I would underscore

16:49But uh China knows that um the current

16:52system is a hostile US system not a

16:56neutral system So China is taking steps

17:00carefully in China's usual mode uh

17:04through its own national policies uh

17:07developing a digital renmanb

17:10uh stepbystep uh opening uh capital

17:14markets to the rest of the world and uh

17:17in in a very uh gradual methodical way

17:21It's also taking steps through the

17:24bricks uh to develop non-dollar payments

17:29uh because it knows that many of the

17:32bricks absolutely need it and that China

17:34itself is vulnerable to US pressures

17:37China has been gradually not

17:40dramatically but gradually diversifying

17:43away from the dollar and its foreign

17:45exchange reserves and building up

17:48non-doll uh holdings of many kinds Uh so

17:52this is another matter All of this is

17:56now dramatically accelerated by Trump Uh

17:59Trump is in overdrive uh in the American

18:05uh uh interference in the international

18:10system And uh I think we're going to see

18:14a lot of diplomacy in the coming weeks

18:17or maybe not see it it will occur behind

18:19the scenes uh by China and others to try

18:24to keep a stable environment The fact

18:28that Asian equity markets are plummeting

18:31again now shows that there are very high

18:35stakes in this and I don't think that

18:37China uh will just sit by I think it

18:41will try to develop stabilizing

18:43alternatives

18:46No you mentioned uh yeah the the

18:48military well the economic pressure but

18:50of course there's also military pressure

18:51We learned that from New York Times with

18:53uh how deeply involved the US has been

18:56actually in fighting Russia militarily

18:58against especially since 2022 Uh but

19:01also now threatening to bomb Iran as

19:04well as intensifying pressure against

19:06China Um given what you described

19:10happening in Northeast Asia between the

19:12Koreans Japanese and Chinese do you do

19:15you see a wider um restructuring of the

19:19international system because of the

19:21military and the economic pressure or uh

19:25or have you seen any I guess tangible

19:27developments

19:29my own view is that the United States is

19:32wildly overplaying its hand uh that both

19:36Biden and Trump had uh grossly

19:41exaggerated visions of American power Uh

19:45both in their different ways think

19:47America still rules the world can

19:50threaten the world can determine global

19:52policies can set the agenda I had

19:56thought that Trump had a bit more

19:58realism at least when it came to Ukraine

20:02It remains to be seen whether they are

20:05smart enough to be able to find their

20:07way out of that

20:10situation It's a little disappointing in

20:12recent weeks uh that what seemed to

20:17start in the right direction uh is uh

20:20showing all the typical signs of US

20:24naivity ignorance lack of basic

20:28understanding uh of what to do Um so but

20:33in other areas Trump thinks the American

20:36dollar is king He thinks the American

20:39market is king He thinks the sanctions

20:41regime is king He thinks he can

20:43have Greenland and Canada Panama for the

20:47asking Uh so right now there's a

20:50grandiosity

20:52uh of Trump's thinking about American

20:55power which is extremely dangerous

20:58because it's delusional uh and um

21:02delusions lead to disasters So this is a

21:06a very fraught period actually

21:09Well Professor Sax I know you're very

21:12busy so I won't hold you anymore And

21:14thank you so much for your time I

21:15appreciate No it's always a pleasure and

21:16we'll do it again soon I hope Thanks

21:19Thanks

[julie09tarot]

Hello, I do need some clarity on a love situation, I keep thinking of them but we initially decided it was best to take a break, should I fully let go?

Hi there, how are you doing today? I'd love to provide some clarity to you. As usual, I'd say to take what resonates and toss what doesn't, but this particular reading felt very interesting to me for reasons we shall see in a moment.

Oh, the Hierophant. I think the message here is quite clear. The Hierophant is all about tradition, structure, and doing things by-the-book. Here, I would say it suggests that relationships thrive on clear structure, commitment, and shared values. If you both agreed on a break, then perhaps something fundamental wasn’t aligned. Perhaps you need and deserve a relationship that ticks all the boxes (the "traditional" boxes, but they're traditional for a reason - the boxes of being loving and committed), instead of waiting, possibly in full blown limerence, for something that may or may not happen. Temperance reminds you that inner balance is key - rather than searching for clarity outside of yourself, focus on cultivating peace within. This might sound like wishy-washy generic advice, but if it's become cliché, it's for a reason. Do look closely within - what does that quiet voice inside, the voice that doesn't urge and doesn't rush, say? Death reversed shows your resistance to fully embracing this transformation, even though deep down, you know change is already happening. Holding on won’t bring back what was, but accepting what is will help you move forward.

Your Osho cards add another layer of insight. Celebration reminds you that joy is still available to you, even in times of transition. Life doesn’t pause when one chapter ends. Transformation encourages you to trust that this experience is shaping you into the person you are meant to become. The question is: will you let this change empower you, or will you fight against it?

Your Spirit Junkie affirmation - I claim my desires, I hold great visions, I am ready to receive - asks you to reflect: are you holding onto this connection because it truly aligns with your highest vision, or because it feels safe and familiar? Letting go doesn’t mean losing love - it means making space for the kind of love that is in harmony with who you are becoming.

Reflective Questions:

What kind of relationship structure truly supports your values and well-being?

How can you cultivate inner peace and balance while navigating this transition?

What are you afraid will happen if you fully let go?

If you trusted that life was bringing you something even more aligned, how would you move forward?

Affirmations:

I release what no longer serves my highest good, trusting that something beautiful awaits.

I find balance within myrself, knowing that true love begins there.

I am open to transformation and welcome the new with courage and grace.

Gentle Zen Advice:

When you stop resisting the natural flow of life, peace finds you. Clinging to the past only creates suffering, while acceptance allows you to move with grace. You do not need to force answers or chase certainty - truth reveals itself when you quiet the mind and trust the process. Instead of asking whether you should hold on or let go, ask yourself: What do I need to be fully present in my own life? And take it from there.

A break is not an in-between state; it is a moment to return to yourself. If this connection is meant to re-enter your life, I'm sure it will - but your journey does not depend on it. Walk forward with an open heart, not looking back in longing, but looking ahead in trust. Life is unfolding exactly as it should, and you are exactly where you need to be. Have faith.

------

Free tarot readings; ask away !

Check examples here and here to see if my style resonates with you.

My goal is to offer tarot readings that empower you (not to predict the future, read the minds of others, or tell you what to do). If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to work with you!

[inarismutlibrary]

Recommended Therapy

You look at me so tenderly as I confess how deep I am falling for you. I tell you how much I think of you, that it's causing me to become addicted, how I need to get some help to stop this addictive craving for your love and ruin from tearing me apart.

That's when you hold me close and tell me you know someone who can help. A friend who deals with this kind of stuff and is 'kink friendly' - no need to worry about telling her our dynamic, she's heard it all before, and she's incredibly good at her job. You give me her number and I hug you instinctively.

"I'm sorry, I just need some time to process all this, I hope you understand?" I am a little tearful as I say this, and your warming smile makes me feel I am being silly as you nod your head.

"Of course, it's been intense for you. Promise me you'll talk to the therapist, I'll be checking with her to make sure. Only come back when you feel ready, kay?"

"Yes Goddess, of course" I reply, wiping the tears from my eyes and hugging you again before leaving. I know I need to get my head cleared out before I end up doing something stupid, but I still can't help but feel I am making a mistake and should just trust you.

The next day I call the number and a woman answers, her sensual voice hitting me off guard. "Hello this is Athena speaking, how can I help you?"

"Err hey, I was given your number by a friend, I was hoping to book a therapy session, it's kind of sensitive." I felt stupid adding the last part but having never spoken to a therapist I had no idea on the etiquette. Luckily she takes it all in stride and her professional manner calms me a little.

"Of course, my services are discreet and you have full client confidentiality. Out of interest was it Inari who gave you my number? She told me to expect a call." The question took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting you to have spoken about this already.

"Yes- yes sorry, it is. I hope that's OK?" No idea why I asked that but at this point I felt a little out of my comfort zone. She laughed at this.

"Of course, Inari told me all about you. Don't you worry, we'll get you feeling right in no time. I have room in my diary tomorrow at 4pm, does that suit you?" I was certain I was free, so agreed on the time. "Wonderful" she said, "I have an in home clinic, I will text you the address. See you tomorrow Tammy." With this she hung up. I was again taken aback by her using your pet name for me, but I knew I needed help and wasn't prepared to go finding a non-kink friendly shrink to work through this with.

The next day time flew by and before long I found myself outside a fancy house on the edge of the city, with a large gated garden I had to be buzzed in to enter the grounds. Athena answered the door, wearing a professional blouse and skirt. There was something about the way she moved though that made me think she perhaps wasn't used to the ensemble, and I put it up to her perhaps having bought one of the items recently, and wasn't quite sure it suited her style.

She took me through to a large library like room, with books adorning one of the walls, while opposite large windows let in the evening sunshine, basking the room in a golden glow. Two ornate chairs were placed close to each other, a small coffee table in between them. Athena guided me to a chair and offered me a tea, which I accepted. We discussed her hourly rate and I agreed, with her predicting it would take maybe 5 or 6 sessions to get to the root of the problem, but no more than 2 hours per session. I nodded in agreement as I sipped my tea, and she clapped her hands and said "well then, let's get started shall we?"

From there on she asked me a lot of questions about our dynamic, and I explained in detail how wonderful it felt but also how fearful I was that I might be spiraling too fast and would do something I would later regret. She nodded attentively, taking notes, but offered little advice. Before long the two hours were up, I paid via a card machine and we arranged for another session the following week.

The next week flew by, I was busy with work and I knew it was best not to pester you too much while I sorted out my head space. Athena had agreed we should keep conversation minimal and light while I worked through things, and I was happy to see how understanding you were.

By the time my second session came around I was hopeful we might see some progression, even though I had no idea what that might look like. Once I was back in Athena's home clinic / office / library type thing I once again relaxed as she asked more polite but probing questions about my emotions, what I felt might be holding me back, how I might see boundaries working. Before long she knows everything about our relationship, how utterly weak I am for you, how good I feel brainwashed.

Then she leaned forward, seeming to closely study me as she spoke "You mentioned hypnosis, and how potent that can be for you. I think this might be a good way to help with your issue, and I'd like us to try something that might help you feel a little more normal."

"You... want to hypnotise me?" I ask, my face blushing, my only prior experience of it so sensually erotic that I am unable to even fathom what that could feel like.

"Yes" Athena replies, retaining that professional demeanor (even though something about her outfit just feels a little off) "You needn't worry, I think it's a way we can tap into your subconscious and change some of these addictive personality traits that appear to be concerning you so much."

It sounds reassuring so I agree. Unlike the erotic hypnosis I had experience with she is much slower and methodical. There's no cheesy 'you are getting sleepy', instead she lights an incense candle on the coffee table, and dims the lights, while a soft relaxing soundscape plays through the speakers. It begins by feeling closer to a meditation, and soon her voice is guiding me, telling me to relax and let go of all the thoughts that are stressing me out, just let go and float...

I open my eyes and look around in a daze. Athena is sitting in the seat opposite, the sky outside the window now filled with stars. It was sunset when I arrived, but I had no idea what time it was now.

"Did I... fall asleep? Or did I go under?" I ask her and she smiles at me.

"Oh no you were a very good patient, extremely receptive. I just want to assure you that as you went under all I did was ensure we can put you in that deep meditative state more efficiently next time. We can work on organising your thoughts a little better in our next session."

I pay and leave, not checking how long I was out and only realising the next day it must have been 4 hours by the amount she charged me. I wasn't worried about that though, it just felt good to be on the mend.

A few days later I get an email from Athena. I had no memory of giving her my details but assumed it was while I had been in trance during the previous session. It surprised me how little I remembered from that previous week at all. The email tells me to download the attached file and listen while I go to sleep each night, saying it will help reinforce things ahead of our next session. I reply with a thank you and that night pop in some headphones and set the file playing on a loop.

A combination of binaural sounds and Athena's voice fills my head, and I soon find myself drifting off. The suggestions in the file are not erotic, but I can't help but feel a little aroused as I am told how good relaxing feels, how drifting away from my thoughts is good. I slip into a deep sleep and wake up the next day feeling energetic and surprisingly clear headed.

By the time of my next therapy session with Athena I have listened to the audio file 4 more times before bed, and I arrive at her place with a spring in my step.

"You're looking positively glowing today" she remarks as she again takes me into her library, and I make myself comfy as she fetches me a tea, which I immediately drink half of, the sweet flavours unlike any other tea I have tried before. The incense candle and soft music is already playing when I arrive, and soon I find myself weirdly eager to start our session.

"I can tell you've been looking forward to this" she says as she sips her coffee, studying my eager eyes. "Did you listen to your audio file every night as I asked?" her eyebrow raises.

"Yes, of course, I don't know whats on it but I feel better already, more focused, clear headed. Is that meant to happen?" I ask, and she laughs at my question.

"Oh it can do, it's just your mind finding clarity, it's certainly progress. Ready to see just how much progress we are making?" she asks and I nod eagerly. "Drop for me Tammy."

My mind spirals, I feel my head loll back as my limbs go limp. Consciousness drifts away.

I wake up and sit upright, gasping. I look around in total confusion. I am back in my room at home, fully clothed, on my bed. I check my phone and see it's 3am. What the hell happened? I decide there is no point worrying about it, and head to the bathroom for my night routine, deciding I can drop Athena a message in the morning to ask what happened. I brush my teeth while checking how much the therapy session had cost me, and am relieved to see I was only charged for 3 hours. I quickly get in to bed, trying not to worry myself, putting on a night shirt, slipping my earphones in and pressing play on the new audio file Athena had sent me earlier that night, her voice relaxing me as I slipped into a deep deep sleep.

The week until the next therapy session as a blur. Where the week before my mind had been clear, now it was like a haze had set across it, every thought having to wade through sludge to make it into conscious existence. This might have concerned me in the past, but right now I was just excited for the next therapy session, and I had no idea why.

Athena was wearing a different ensemble this time, a silk robe covered her body, clinging to her curves. It was sexy as hell but not exactly professional, but I didn't mind, I just wanted to get started.

Athena took her time, fetching me a tea that I gulped down almost immediately before leaning back in the chair, my body already feeling so relaxed.

Athena looked down at me before taking a seat herself, no coffee this time. "Drop for me Tammy".

I dropped.

I come around again and my eyes open to see Athena standing a mere few centimeters from me, the air thick with her perfume. The sun still hung low in the sky, it can's have been long I was out for this time.

"Did you bring what I asked?" she says and I hear myself answer "Yes Ma'am" before I can even process what she means. "Show me." she says, her voice hardening a little, her eyes showing a fiery flash of something dark, something dangerous. It almost feels like an out of body experience, watching myself undress before her, until I am in nothing but lacey lingerie before her, a black chemise and matching frilly black panties with a cute bow at the back. An outfit my Goddess Inari often had me in while using me. Around my neck adorns the necklace I had bought with my Goddess' name imprinted on it. A collar in plain sight, a way of marking me as hers. Athena seems happy at the sight, before noticing the slight look of confusion on my face, as I try to work through the sludge, to try and bring a waking thought to the front of my mind, try and put a question together to ask what is happening to me. I am about to say something (although I am not sure what) but she interrupts me.

"Good girl. I can see you're a little confused. Shall I explain little bimbo?" Her voice now has an edge to it, a malice. I simply nod, my mind too wrapped up in stupor to do much else right now. She drops her robe to the ground, stepping away from it, until she's close to me, intimately close. Her charcoal black lipstick gives her the look of something darker and more devilish. When had she put that on? It matches the items under her robe, a black corset, matching leather miniskirt and black fishnets leading down to tall leather heeled boots.

"I've made a few changes up here" she taps my forehead gently before wrapping her arms around me, swaying gently like I'm her date at a prom, her voice dropping into an almost husky whisper as she leans in close to my ear.

"Well, with some help from Inari of course. We've fixed your little problem."

My eyes are glazed, I manage to stutter "problem?" which just causes you to giggle.

"That's right silly. You don't remember do you? Your Goddess recommended you come to me for therapy, as you were having addiction issues." Her dark eyes are burning into mine, a look of predatory glee forming on her face.

"Well we've fixed all that now. Turns out, your conscious mind was making way too many decisions for you, and this was causing you lots of stress."

"Stress?" I repeating, dumbly. Swaying in her grasp.

"Exactly, so now instead of your conscious mind doing the thinking your subconscious mind will be doing the hard work. You can just relax and enjoy the ride."

"Ride?" I manage, the sentences taking far too long for my brain to comprehend, causing more giggles from her.

"Exactly, such a good girl Tammy. You won't have to worry about feeling like you are going to fall into oblivion and be trapped forever in some evil woman's grasp... because I just nudged you over the edge."

I moan at this, something so deliciously evil now programmed in to make me feel pleasure.

"Such a good cummybrained slut aren't you?" she asks as she slowly presses her weight down on her arms, and as I feel my shoulders grow heavy I slowly drop to the floor, kneeling and looking up at this cruel woman.

My world spins as you sit in the chair, watching me as you pick up your phone and after pressing a few buttons pick it up and bring it to your ear.

"Hey girlie, good news, it worked!" there's a moment where Athena laughs at something you say on the line, before she continues. "Yup, Tammy's here now waiting for you to pick up." another pause "oh yup I can do that no problem, just bring the paperwork. Great, see you soon."

She hangs up and looks over at me, whimpering on her floor in the lingerie. "Oh you're so fucked Tammy, be a good girl and give me a foot massage while we wait for your fate to be sealed."

I obediently crawl over to her and begin removing her right boot before starting to gently rub her soles. She leans back and savors the moment. "I'm not sure if you guessed yet but I'm not really a therapist dummy. It was fun to pretend though, really don't think the blouses suited me though, I look better in leather right?"

I simply nod and let out a soft moan, continuing my service to her until the doorbell announces your arrival. I remain kneeling as you enter the room, your reaction to my glazed eyes, slutty ensemble, and submissive position a look of pure ecstatic joy.

"Oh perfect, it really worked?" you ask Athena, and she nods.

"Of course, see for yourself."

I watch as you pull a thick envelope of documents out, unsheathing them and removing a pen, you pull me over to them and push a pen into my hand.

"This is paperwork for administering power of attorney. It gives me control of everything you own. Once you sign it I am taking everything from you, understand?"

Somewhere, deep inside my brain an alarm is going off, but it takes too long to wade through the thick goop of thoughts in my mind to see what's up, instead I just rely on the much more nimble subconscious to nod and react accordingly. "Y-yes Goddess" I manage to stutter out stupidly.

"Good. Sign it."

I grip the pen and sign wherever you point your finger as you slip your fingers over my body, teasing me, making it even more difficult to think. "Athena here is a notary, that means she can co-sign legal documents." I look up as you say this, my mind again trying to process the words. "Oh" I manage as you hand the stack of documents to Athena, who quickly works on stamping and signing each page.

"Oh indeed. That means everything is official, with witnesses too."

"All done, I'll go scan and make copies of these for you" she says, winking at you and walking out. You sit in the chair I had sat in for so many weeks of sessions and beckon me over.

"Such a good girl Tammy, no more silly little thoughts for you, you can focus on what matters now can't you?" I nod as you grab my trousers from the floor and pull my phone from the pocket.

"Now let's see about emptying that bank account of yours, then we can have a nice long discussion with your subconscious about our future together." You expertly point the phone at my face to unlock it before beginning my total drain.

"Oh and one more thing" you say pausing and leaning forward, as if going in for a kiss. With words that fall onto my ears like soft snow you whisper the final command I remember that evening.

"Drop for me Tammy."

[psychicacharya]

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I hope you are having a wonderful day! I have a small favor to ask. I'm aiming to rank in the top 10 on the ChatGPT store, and I can't do it without your amazing support. Could you please use my GPT [https://bit.ly/GPT_Store] and leave some feedback? Your positive reviews would mean the world to me and help me achieve my goal. Additionally, please bookmark my GPT for easy access in the future. Thank you so much for your kindnes

[w0nderland]

Hi lovely!! How are you? Don't worry about taking time to answer my last ask, you can always take as much time as you want to answer!

I have a few questions for you :

You're in front of a tarot reader. Their hands are hovering over the cards, about to predict your future... Which card are you hoping to see?

When do you know that you're in love?

If you could turn a song into a book (either with the same vibe or following the same plot as the lyrics), which would you choose?

What is your favourite element from the periodic table?

What kind of personality traits do you look for in a partner?

If you could choose, what poet do you hope Taylor drew inspiration from for her album?

Feel free to answer only a few of them! Once I start thinking of a few of these I never know when to stop xD!

Sending tons of love & warm hugs your way! I hope April treats you kindly, and that the sun on your face feels like a gentle hug <3

ooh ok let's think about things that aren't ttpd because i simply cannot wait to listen and need distractions!!!! as always i love your asks youre the best pen pal (and actual pal) <3

i don't know much about tarot cards, when you see them it also depends on whether they're upside down or not, right? anyway if i am turning to tarot for reassurance about the future i would want to know i'm on the right path, that the risks and sacrifices are worth it

i have a hard time differentiating between romantic and platonic love. but in both cases i think it's after i have a moment when i really feel Known and Seen

hoax

i love this question i never know what to say because i only actually work with like 10 elements and theyre the boring ones. why not nitrogen, she's usually good to me :) i'm excited for people to figure out how nitrogen fixation works, it's such an important process and there is still more to uncover. not my area of research but i'll keep an eye out for it. a few years ago a college professor gave a lecture about nitrogen fixation and at the end we were like "ok how does it work :)" and he said "no one knows. see you tomorrow!" and that just stuck with me

curiosity, sense of humor, kindness! same as what i look for in friends too

i wish i knew more poets! who do you hope she used as inspiration?

[fragmented-deity]

"I'm not surprised you don't even remember. It's been so long since then, hasn't it? Or perhaps you're one of the ones who had their memories erased when that section of time was removed."

He's enjoying this. A lot. Innerste chuckled lowly. The sound almost a purr as he gently shifts metal to be better grounded on his shoulder.

"It's funny... even now... you don't realize that I cared little for how 'kind' you were to me. I know you did so because I have more power than you. And you liked that I kept feeding your ego. You liked that I praised you, that I would guide your schemes. Give you little warnings of things you couldn't predict." Innerste walks forward. The moon deity kneels, watching the gush of blood with an almost bored expression.

"Hmmm... not yet." A snap of his fingers and the wounds heal just enough. Not enough to no longer give pain, but enough not to have the doctor die too soon.

"A fast end doesn't suit you. Does it?"

He's playing with his prey, really. He'd always been a sadist. He reined it in for those he cared for. Only let it out.

"You don't think I didn't see your entire life? The way you that you treat those favored by my hands? The way this one here rebelled, gained sentience, and you stripped him of it to be your obedient little servant? How everyone who doesn't... fall in line with what you want, who rebels, or even simply questions, is treated like they don't deserve the ground they walk on? Or perhaps how often you chose to threaten them?" Innerste rumbled each of these out in rhetorical inquiry. His green eyes glow as he lowers to be level with the doctor.

"Was this because they paid more attention to Maria than you, Ivo? Do you want to bend the world to your will so people will give you the attention you crave? Is the way you treat them a reflection of how you think everyone deserves to feel because of the love and care you never received because you weren't favored by anyone because they wanted your cousin better? Wanted her healthy?" He drawled slowly, "Mmm. I don't really care to know your answer. I already know that you hardly care for anyone you can not bend to your whim. I was the exception because I gave you all that you didn't know you craved...and now you are mad it was twisted on you and taken away. You must be so shocked... I will bet you wonder now how often I pretended. How much of my favor was real. How much was a simple ploy. Simply telling you what you so wanted to hear..." A chuckle.

"You were never one of my favored. You gravitated to those who I did favor... but never you. I could never let my favor fall on someone who would destroy the planet with a virus that turns all organics to metal. Who only ever wants more and more power." Innerste smiled, "Who would be so completely okay with using a child to accomplish what he wants by lying about the killer of their family by saying that the killer is a target for you to get rid of...? Do you think I have so little morals as to think turning a child of Mobius into an experiment would be okay with me? Do you think I would forget that you used my gifts to Mobians to try and suit your own ends? Thought to use Iblis, my brother, for the same because you thought he might be capable of controlling time? Or perhaps you thought I would not concern myself with the fact that you woke Light and Dark Gaia too early and attempted to harness primordial divine power as a mortal simply because you wanted to."

Innerste tipped Eggman's chin up to look him in the eye.

"You did many things that would garner this. You simply chose to pretend they did not exist. Chose to think that because it was never directed at me... that it was never something I should be angry over. That it isn't something I should wish to see you watch your entire world crumble about you like a house of cards as you realize all that power you thought you had..." Innerste smiled slowly, "was fake."

“  after all this time.  and it was so easy.  ” -@fragmented-deity (Separated Verse; To Eggman - imagine this is the endgame area after he's manipulated the fuck out of him and taken his entire empire out from under him).

The doctor let out a snarl. He was bloodied and battered by his own robots. They kept the programming of being rrained and built to slaughter, but eggmans commands didnt work in the slightest. Now, the doctor, battered, brusied, and bleeding, was cornered by his own creations. And Mephiles. Or ‘innerste’— but he didnt deserve that ‘new name’ to him anymore. The words burned into his brain and made the doctor scowl and snarl in anger. What made it worse was how his first ever cherished creation- metal- was perched on the deitys shoulder and staring daggers into his soul. For once, those glorious claws were soaked in his own creators blood and he showed no remorse for the fact.

The doctor heaved and coughed, before breaking his silence.

“All of this.. for what? WHY? Ive done nothing but be kind to you, Mephiles.. so WHY turn on me now?! Why ruin everything?! I have done NOTHING to warrant such a betrayal! NOTHING!” he screamed, enraged as he held an arm over his gushing wounds. He could see how metals claws tapped against the deity’s fur in an urge to tear into him when he noticed the gushing blood. He never wanted to be on the other end of his murderous little blue blurs gaze. But here he was.

[aniron48]

Fifteen Questions

Thank you @bishybarnaby and @macontheweb for the tag! 💕

1. Are you named after anyone? Yes! I'm named after my dad's favorite uncle (my name can traditionally be either a man or woman's name, depending on what part of the world you're in, and I increasingly appreciate the gender expansiveness that helps grant me). (My dad originally wanted to name me Dulcinea, from his favorite book Don Quixote, but my mom shut that down for all the obvious reasons.)

2. When was the last time you cried? I cry basically every day, either because I'm happy, or sad, or think something's funny, or any emotion in between. I'm a big believer in crying as emotional maintenance work. It's like cleaning the gutters. 😂

3. Do you have kids? I do! I always knew I wanted kids, and my wife and I have a son in preschool. He is the biggest source of joy and laughter in my life and I feel so lucky to get to raise him. At the same time, I fully believe that having kids should be a considered choice, and support people who choose otherwise. It's a ton of work and requires a lot of resources (both financially, emotionally, and otherwise) and there are many, many ways to give and receive love in this world, only some of which involve biological families.

4. Do you use sarcasm? Actually I'm not great at sarcasm! I am occasionally passive aggressive, however. I'm working on it.

5. What is the first thing you notice about people? Probably their smiles. I love smiling, smiling's my favorite.

6. What is your eye color? Grey. Grey-blue in certain lights or when I wear blue clothes.

7. Scary movies or happy endings? Happy endings!

8. Any special talents? I don't think so? Does writing count? And I can read tarot cards (not in a "predict the future" sort of way, but in the sense that I think we can ask questions, look at archetypes, and then reflect on what those images bring up for us in interesting ways) and enjoy doing it for others, but not sure if that's a talent or a hobby.

9. Where were you born? The U.S.

10. What are your hobbies? Reading, writing, yoga, hiking. These days I make a lot of spaceships out of cardboard boxes (see answer #3 above). 😁

11. Do you have any pets? We have two gerbils! We got them because we can't have cats or dogs where we live, but they're kind of amazing little guys. They build elaborate tunnels and structures that you can see through their glass tank, and they're pretty tameable--they'll come sit in my hand and munch a treat and climb around.

12. What sports do you play/have you played? I played soccer/football for about 20 years of my life and loved every minute. I was also a runner--cross country, track, 5ks, things like that--but these days walking and hiking are a bit more my speed.

13. How tall are you? 5'2". The first time I heard the Shakespeare quote, "though she be but little, she is fierce," I felt very seen. 😂

14. Favorite subject in school? Literature, hands down. I double majored in English and Spanish literature in college.

15. Dream job? Unless I can some how retcon myself a life of leisure where I get a stipend every year just for being, like, a noble person, I probably have my dream job now? I'm a lawyer, and I specialize in international law and human rights and I feel very lucky to be able to do it. 🍀

Tagging @stinastar, @dude-watchin-with-the-brontes, @aprettyspy, @silverbrume, and @sweetbabyangels (though borrowing bishy's caveat: this one is long and also personal, so feel free to nope out if you'd rather not do this one!)

[solar-serpent]

ꜰɪɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴘᴀɪᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢꜱ

Hey, lovers! I enjoy the fact spooky season helps people connect with the darkest facets of our society like death, magic, and ancient traditions. It's done with light-heartedness and fun, so it feels more like we are bringing light to what has remained frozen or forgotten in a corner of the collective's mind for a full year. I see this as a truly act of compassion, don't you agree? I did my best to replicate that feeling or intention with these readings, so you can have a more pleasant encounter with the shadows. Not as in “let's face your traumas and BLEEED *screams in metal*”, but “so I can do that and make some money🧐 and I'm cooler than I thought?" Haha, give this a chance and see if there's anything for you among these packs.

✧How to purchase a reading?

✧Feedback

✧Astrology readings

Pack 1 —🍯Alibaba’s treasure $26

What are your hidden talents? (x)

What people find the most attractive of you?

What would you be remembered for in this lifetime?

A gift for you: short list of predictions on love, money and health

Pack 2 —🌜Moon’s reflection $26

What are your spiritual gifts/clairs? + suggestions on how to get in tune with them

What is your soul’s purpose or life mission? (Please choose only one)

What are you unable to see on yourself but anyone else does?

A gift for you: spirit guides' advice on your spiritual journey

Pack 3 —🧜‍♀️Siren’s song $18

What are your charms + how people are seduced by you?

What kind of people are you currently attracting?

A gift for you: short description on your next lover

Pack 4 —🧿Osiris’s eyes $26

How does your hidden enemy look like? (x)

How are you seen by your friends and lovers?

Lies you tell yourself + things you should let go of

A gift for you: short list of predictions on love, money and health

Pack 5 —💜Whispers of the heart $18

How does your soulmate look like? + mentions of their personality traits

What are their feelings for you?

A gift for you: short message from your future lover

Pack 6? —not really. Simply choose the questions (two is the minimum) you want the answers for and I will give you a nice price + a gift.

Disclaimer: although these are seasonal readings, they're as serious and in depth as the ones I offer from my list of permanent services. I usually pull 10+ cards per question, so your reading would be lengthy and full of details. Feel free to ask anything about the service you wish to purchase.

NO REFUNDS. I recently saw the need to remind people I'm not a charlatan but determined spiritual worker and I spend many hours working on a reading alone. If you don't agree with anything stated on your reading, I have no problem in answering your questions with no cards involved and I will do my best to guide you if that's what you want. Believe me when I say I will do my best to channel everything I sense for you and whatever your guides want to communicate in your reading, so pulling more cards will be useless. Please do not insist.

Lots of love,

Asteria

[sombrasaiyan]

Two | Alcohol and Arguments ♠️♣️♥️

About the Fic

Table of Contents

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ IF THERE WAS ONE THING CAULIFLA HATED MORE THAN cold weather and piles of snow on the floor it was her brother Renso. Only a select few knew that fact, and because she hated him so much and wasn't legally allowed to leave his house until she was eighteen, she would drag out her nights. If she was lucky, he was shacking up some girl, drinking out at the bar with his buddies, or doing some stupid shit she didn't care about.

"So, how do you think you did?" Tarble asks, snapping her out of her thoughts as she sat up properly in her seat.

"From my perspective she was writing lots of notes down and nodding. She would ask me lots of questions based off my answers and she said she would contact me soon if she was serious with me being the nanny." Caulifla replies, stifling a yawn because that interview drained the morning stamina out of her.

Tarble catches her yawn and ends up yawning too, shaking his head. "Sounds like you did good! Hopefully all goes good and she does contact you. Let me know if she does."

"Yeah, for sure." Caulifla then turns to look at Tarble before clearing her throat, adding a couple coughs afterwards because she didn't know if she should even ask this or not. But, she asked anyway. "Anyways, ehmmm . . . Do you think Vegeta's gonna be home tonight?" Caulifla asks.

Tarble rolls his eyes as he quickly looks at her to give her a quick smirk. "You're so predictable you know that?"

"Shut up," Caulifla takes out 'the fuck' because she was actually in a good mood today. "Is it so wrong that I want to see him?"

Tarble shrugs. "No, but he's an adult now, and you're still a minor, so whatever sexy stuff you did in the past you have to wait until July to do it again." He stops at a red light. "You lost your V-Card to him, huh?"

Caulifla groans, slapping his shoulder. "We already talked about this, I am a virgin. And on my eighteenth birthday I will lose it to your brother." She sticks out her tongue and does raspberries.

"Alright bet. If you don't lose your V-Card to my brother on your birthday, then you owe me one hundred zeni and a whole day full of you taking me out and spending your money on me." He proceeds to drive, taking the route to his house.

"And if I win, you have to give me free rides for a whole month, and you have to take me out and spend your zeni on me." Caulifla crosses her arms against her chest, her nose stuck up in the air. "Since you believe it's impossible for Vegeta and me to fuck."

Tarble laughs. "Alrighty then, deal."

Caulifla always loved summers. Her mom used to say it was because she was born in July, so naturally she did have to love them. Maybe that's why she hated winter, because it paled in comparison to summer.

Every summer was always the same, and it made Caulifla look forward to those semi three months—sometimes they would arrive late May, and sometimes leave mid August depending on how school was let out that year. The trips always consisted of her parents, her older brother Renso, Caulifla herself, and the Vegeta family. For a good chunk of her childhood, it was only Vegeta Sr. and his two sons Vegeta and Tarble, until he ended up getting into a relationship with Fasha, someone Caulifla grew to admire the free spirit and carefree nature.

This was the second summer that Fasha shared with the families, and she noticed how Caulifla quietly pined for Vegeta. Fasha would always smile sweetly in their direction if they were caught hanging out together or she would wink at them.

"You're always following Vegeta." Her brother would complain as Caulifla would pout in his direction.

"So? He's my bestest friend in the whole wide world, of course I'm going to follow him!" She nearly screeches at her brother as her mother would eventually have to beak up the screaming sessions between them.

"Now, now you two. What did we agree on when it came to extending the vacation? That you two wouldn't fight." Their mother snapped.

"Well! It's true that Caulifla follows Vegeta all the time!" Renso points his finger accusingly at Caulifla as his little sister grows angry at his words again.

"So! I don't call you out when you're always trying to flirt with the girls on the docks and beach!" Caulifla retaliates as their mother glares down at both of them, silencing them before they could continue.

Caulifla sighed. Those summer trips to the beach house had become rare once her parents had died, and then after that, when Renso had to be the man of the house he too stopped going. In a very selfish way she was glad he stopped going, because she was given all the time in the world with Vegeta.

She swallows in anticipation as Tarble finally made it to the house. It's been since Thanksgiving since she's last seen them all together, but she hung out with Tarble quite frequently since they went to the same high school together. Vegeta, was a whole different story. Sometimes when she would come over for dinner throughout the duration of this year she would catch him, but he was too busy being the CEO of his father's company.

"Are you excited to see the rest of the family again? It's been since last month huh?" Tarble says as he throws off his seatbelt, turning to see his female friend in the passenger seat only nod as she took off her seatbelt too.

"I can already feel the frosty air . . ." Caulifla complains as she opens the car's door. Sure enough, it snowed more here than it did up in Seven Star City. It was barely snowing over there and the ground was only covered with frost. "Ughhh, I hate winter weather." She gets out of the car as Tarble mumbles something about her already saying that from the start of the day. It was barely noon, as Tarble and Caulifla headed for the front door, their shoes crunching softly with the snow beneath them.

Tarble pulls out his key to unlock the door as Caulifla stood a few feet behind him. She felt her heart pounding in her ribcage and that much sent shivers down her spine. Just the mere thought of seeing Vegeta did things to her. Finally, the door was swung open as Tarble declared loudly that he was home, and that he brought along a special guest.

"Oooh, ooh! Who'd you bring this time!" A voice chirps from the stairs, Caulifla automatically knowing it's Vegeta Sr. and smiles. "Let me guess, Cabba, Kale, that Gine girl you have a crush on, your brother, ummm . . ." He then descends from the stairs as he grins wide. "Ah! Caulifla! Welcome in, dear!" He opens his arms for a hug as Caulifla cautiously makes her way over, hugging him happily.

"Hey, King! It's been forever since I've seen you!" She squeezes him for added effect.

"Dad!" Tarble hisses from behind them, his face growing a radish red in embarrassment at the mention of his supposed girl.

His dad only stares at him with a goofy grin. "What, son? Does Caulifla not know that there's finally a girl who's made you all blue balls?" He releases himself from the hug as his smug smile comically pairs with the mischievous glint in his eyes.

Caulifla gasps, crossing her arms against her chest as she points a finger accusingly at Tarble. "You never told me you have a new crush! Who is she, does she go to our school or what?"

Tarble shoots a glare at his dad before turning to look at Caulifla. "I don't like her like that, she's just a girl I met at a couple parties." He explains to her.

"Surrrreee, go on and tell Caulifla all about the girl." Vegeta Sr. says as he winks at her. "Anywhooo! I'll be finishing up the last chapter of my novel until my beloved Fasha gets home and makes dinner! You two have fun catching up! Don't burn the house down!" He quickly disappears back upstairs.

"Does she happen to go to our school?" Caulifla asks before plopping herself down on the red sofa. Tarble swung himself over the armrest as he drops down next to her. He shook his head as he tosses his head back.

"No, she goes to one in Seven Star city." He explains.

"What! So like, a school in the city where I want to get a job . . ." Caulifla says.

"On that note," he turns to look at her as he sits up properly. "Any particular reason aside from getting far away from your brother as possible, for trying to get a job as Chi-Chi's nanny?"

Caulifla sighs, throwing one leg over the other. "No. Just that reason." She snaps out of her thoughts as her vehement eyes simmer into Tarble's. "Stop changing the subject and let's talk about your future girlfriend. When can I meet her?"

Tarble sighs, knowing he couldn't distract Caulifla with a question. "Actually, my parents are going out to this business trip that's for three days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They probably won't get home until late Sunday or early Monday. So the house is free for a party." He keenly stares back at her with a blissful grin. "Meaning, you're invited to the party just like everyone else. Cabba, Kale, Gine . . ."

Caulifla leans a tad bit closer to Tarble, whispering lowly in a brisk and almost husky voice. "And what about Vegeta~?" Her prize, someone who her body shamelessly sought until they were both tangled into something twisted and dark. Just like her life.

"Of course I'm going to be at that stupid party!" A third voice intrudes, causing Caulifla and Tarble to snap from where they sat on the sofa. The two launched further from each other and sat closer to the arm rests. The sound of dress shoes enter the living room as the voice grunts at the pair sitting on the sofa like little children who were caught doing something stupid. "What? Are you two that embarrassed with your little conversation that you've shut up now?"

Caulifla stares at her shoes, not daring to look in his direction, for fear that her face was darkening with fifty shades of red.

"What the hell, bro! I thought you weren't going to get out until five!" Tarble hisses in his direction as he clung to the top of the couch to get a good look at his brother. He was absent of his purple blazer, a couple of buttons were undone as his tie was lazily done.

"Yeah, that's the usual time I get out, Captain Obvious. I got to leave early because my assistant finished her work." Tarble's older brother Vegeta then turns to look at the girl who was almost curled up in the couch out of embarrassment. "Long time no see, princess."

Caulifla got off the couch as she moves herself around it to stand a few feet away from him. It was only the two of them in her own universe and Tarble magically disappeared. In truth, Tarble already knew what direction their conversation would take and he was quick to quietly scurry himself away to his room. "Really? That's all you say to me? We haven't seen each other since Thanksgiving, no hugs, no 'Oh Caulifla why don't you visit us more often . . .'" She then leans herself closer to him, standing up on tiptoes to whisper, "Or rather, princess wouldn't you loved to be pleasured by your prince?"

Vegeta quickly took a look around the living room to make sure it was absent of his father and brother. He graba her arm and leans down to whisper back, "We are not having this conversation here, Caulifla. Come on, let's go to my room." He then quickly led her to the other side of the house where his room laid. Caulifla was already so excited that she was growing hot. Vegeta opens the door and pushes it open, quickly waltzing in as he locked the door behind him, sending chills down Caulifla's spine. She stands awkwardly in the middle of the room as he walks towards his bed and takes a seat, beckoning her to take a seat with him.

Instead of sitting next to him, Caulifla sat on his lap, her legs draping across the rest of him as she quickly cups his face, quickly locking her lips down on his. She kisses him again, with an ignited passion that was daring to devour her alive. Vegeta's hands awkwardly hover for a few moments in the air before wrapping around her back, pulling her down with him on the bed. He feels the soft tissue thin fabric of her cardigan before he rests his fingers on her hips. Caulifla was walking on air, feeling as viciously victorious as ever.

Before Vegeta could be caught in her seductive spell that she somehow managed to always get him in, he broke the kiss by moving his hands on her shoulders and pushing her back a bit, breaking the kiss.

"Princess, when I said we needed to have a conversation, I meant it." He sat up properly as she stayed sitting on his lap, stubborn as ever. When he stares at her long and hard, challenging her to get off, she just sat on him with a smug smirk. He sighs as he shook his head, knowing she wasn't going to make it easy. "Okay fine, brat. Stay sitting on my lap, but don't think we're going to keep playing that game."

"Come on Vegeta . . ." Caulifla whines as in a quick motion she snatches his hand and presses it down her stomach, nearing that particular area of hers that desperately desired him. "Please . . . We both know we want each other. Stop avoiding it and just give in . . ." She places her other hand atop his cheek and leans in, planting her lips on his again.

Vegeta groans, nearly being dragged into her trap again. "You're helpless, princess. We have to stop. You're seventeen and I'm twenty two." He bitterly reminds her as Caulifla begins to unbutton her skirt.

"It's okay, I'm eighteen in your eyes only . . ." She pinches the waistband of her panties and tugs on it, letting it go as it snaps on her skin deliciously, causing Vegeta's eyes to go south. "So go on, take me." Her hand then brushes on his pants, rubbing at his groin area in attempts to get him in the mood.

"I'm serious, Caulifla. You're a minor, I'm an adult. We can't fool around and do shit like we used to. As much as I want to, I can't do it with you. You have to get that through your head!" Vegeta hisses in her direction as Caulifla pauses in her motions to stare at him and sigh deeply in defeat.

"Okay, I understand." Caulifla slumps into his chest, unaware that her skirt was open up for Vegeta's eyes. It was hard for the man to not look down there as he forcefully wraps an arm around her shoulder and whispers into her ear.

"Even though you make it ridiculously hard not to touch you."

Caulifla stares at his eyes, the smolder in them further proving his statement as she quickly stands up and pulls down her skirt.

"Caulifla what're you—"

"We can still do other things." Caulifla says with a sly smile, shaking off her skirt as it piled down the floor, sitting right back on Vegeta and working the buttons down of his dress pants.

"Caulifla, if this is what I think it is, you need to stop." He places hands on hers and tries to shove hers away. She left him exposed enough to see his boxers as she grins, quickly mounting herself on him before he could halt her attempts.

"We can still do this . . ." She places her hands on his shoulders and grips them, beginning to move her hips back and forth, feeling his clothed member rubbing up against her core as it felt so good. Her breathing became rigid and the noises that were escaping her lips were almost too loud, so she buries her head into his neck and allows those little whines to release there.

Vegeta grits his teeth, feeling how amateur she rubs up against him, and feeling her moans down his neck made him tremble. He grips her waist and helps her with the grinding, moving her quicker on him as he moves his head to meet her face and kisses her over and over again to mute her moans and keep them in his mouth.

"He couldn't resist me even if he tried~." Caulifla thinks inwardly as she couldn't help but hum in delight, and before she could think of doing anything, she was spun around flat on her back. Vegeta quickly towers above her, tugging his pants down in a quick motion and aligns their secreted areas again to feel each other.

"Can you keep those pretty moans of yours quiet?" He whispers into her neck as Caulifla nods, clasping a hand over her mouth as Vegeta yanks her cardigan down to have better access to her neck. Immediately he peppers her skin with kisses, Caulifla arches her head back as her legs dance up and down Vegeta's waist. She squirms as she whimpers, feeling his wet tongue glide across her skin, attacking a certain spot to suck on.

She was a disaster and she wanted him to break her.

The empty glass sat there on the counter as the man was tempted to pour himself another shot of whiskey that his best friend had bought for him. Then again, it wasn't such a good idea since it would only upset his wife even more than she probably already was. She was always upset about something. He stretches before getting off the stool, then hearing her infamous heels click through the house.

"Goku! Where have you been?! Didn't you know what today was!" The woman screeches as her eyes then turn to the murky brown alcohol on the counter as her eyes light up with a newfound anger. "What the hell! You just had to buy whiskey didn't you? When did you start liking alcohol!" And there she goes, into a ranting rage again. One where he couldn't really speak much, or talk back to her.

He waited until she was done speaking to say, "I took Gohan to the park, Chi-Chi. Raditz wanted to see the little guy and then we went to get a bite to eat with the guys. Broly bought me the whiskey to try." He explains quietly, as Chi-Chi rolls her eyes, the man with wicked waves of black hair then notices how professional her outfit looked and continued, "D-Did you and Vegeta unify your guys' companies? If so, that's great babe!" He adds a little cheerful laugh afterward, only to hear her growls approach her more.

"Goku you idiot! That arrangement is buried six feet under! If you would've paid attention you would've known by now! And just to enlighten you, I interviewed the last candidate to be the nanny for Gohan!" She explains loudly as she groans, plopping herself down their wine colored couch as she crosses her arms. Of course he wouldn't listen. She half expected him to nervously waddle himself over to her and start to massage her back and shoulders, but instead he stood right in front of her with folded arms.

"What! Chi-Chi, I told you not to hire a nanny for our son! I'm perfectly capable of taking care of him while you work!" He groans as he runs a hand up through his hair, tugging on the strands. "Why would you go on and do something like this anyway? You don't have to make every decision!"

Chi-Chi glares up at him as she remains sitting on her sofa. "Because if I don't make the decisions, this family won't have order! Honestly, Goku you think you're so capable of raising my baby boy? The girl who's going to be our nanny will do an excellent job! And then you can go to the bars and do all the things you want to do with your friends." Chi-Chi almost slapped herself for saying that last bit.

"Whatever." Goku bluntly says, walking away as he heads for the stairs. "It's not like you ever listen to me anyway."

As the car parked at Caulifla's dullish grey apartment, Vegeta sighs, turning toward her and looks at her with almost pleading eyes. "You know, you can just spend the night at our house. You don't have to stay with your fucked up brother." He says as he squeezes her arm.

Caulifla sighed. "You already drove me here, and his ass is going to be wondering where am I. Not because he actually fucking cares, but because I have to be home. He's so paranoid one of the CPS agents are going to stop by at any given time."

Vegeta nods, brushing his thumb across her bottom lip. "Call me if things get out of hand." She nods too, and before she could say any more, he surprises her with a kiss.

The plump man that made the couch crusty with the dust of his cheese chips and moist with the alcohol drippings of his beer stares blankly at the TV in front of him. Diving into his eighth bottle of the day, he slams it on the edge of the table before chugging it.

The living room was dark, the TV was the only source of light as Caulifla finally managed to get the stupid door open. Renso never went over and opened the door.

He lets a big wet burp out as he snorts in her direction. "What took you so fucking long? A job interview doesn't take that long you little shit." He says with a sneer.

"Tarble's family invited me for dinner afterward, and Kale wanted to go mark all the stores down for prom dress shopping." Caulifla says, scraping her shoes on the welcome mat to get any potential snow off of her.

"Pshh, like anyone's gonna take your broken ass self to the fucking prom. You're just going to suck dick and pop your fucking cherry like it's a thing to do! Probably nobody's asked you out." Renso says, cackling as he searches for his family size bag of cheese chips.

Caulifla ignored him. She was too good of a mood to argue with Renso. She makes her way to her room, locking it and brushing her furniture up against the knob like she always did. Ignoring the trash on her floor along with the pile of clothes, she skips herself over to her bed and slumps down, hoping she'd get this damn job.