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Monsoon

Dark!Gojo Satoru x reader

10.1k wc

Synopsis: Four years after Toji Fushiguro died, Satoru decided to give his widow a visit

(Warnings: age difference (nothing underaged), dark content, AFAB reader, pregnancy kink, non con, overstimulation, piv sex, vaginal fingering, oral sex, rough sex)

It was raining when Gojo Satoru entered your flat. 

Not particularly harshly, but more than enough for a scare. You weren't in the mood for visitors; the rain made you drowsy, and it was coincidentally your one day off. You wanted to lean against the window and watch the droplets fall against the pavement with a warm blanket. You did not want to exchange pleasantries with some kid. 

The only reason you didn't slam the door in his face was because he said your husband's name. 

It was why you were bringing tea to someone who clearly couldn't care less about it as he lounged on the sofa. You sat on the other end, staring at the scuffed coffee table. Out of anxiety, you play with the ring wrapped around your finger. 

"...He's dead?" 

It's a question, but you already know the answer. Gojo doesn't even bother to reply, humming, taking a sip of the lukewarm liquid. You still stare at the coffee table. It's slightly crooked. One of the legs was broken. Toji promised he'd fix it. 

That was four years ago. You hadn't seen him since. 

You should have expected this. You knew the kind of man Toji was even before he stuck that flimsy ring on your finger. The kinds of people he hung out with. The suspicious amounts of money he would shower you with. There would have never been a happy end for the two of you. 

You can still feel your throat close up, bile rise from your belly. You can't do anything but watch the old table you never threw out because he promised he'd come back and fix it. 

The only reason you close your eyes, sucked in a tight breath, was because you still had a guest over. One that clearly wouldn't care about your crocodile tears. 

You've never seen someone his age so apathetic before. That temperament was associated with the people of your generation. The people who've already been in the workforce, who carried stress on their backs and hips. You can't see his eyes, but the slouch in his posture is indicative enough. Maybe all kids his age were like this. Uncaring, indifferent, subtly disrespectful. 

Because he was a kid. It didn't matter how tall he was, how much bigger than you he was. A single look was all you needed to know that this boy was at least a decade younger than you. Unkept white hair, sunglasses despite the weather, a cocky smile, a voice oozing with misplaced confidence.

You don't acknowledge it; it's clear he didn't come here just to tell you your husband is dead. 

"How old's your kid? Eight?" Gojo tilts his head. "You gotta' know what that means, right?" 

You do. Even if you weren't steeped into the world your husband willfully left, you know enough. You know how important your son is. 

It's why you stop Gojo before he can make his offer. You've already heard this before, a week ago when men with Zenin as their last names knocked on your door. 

"Thank you for your concern," you tell him as calmly and respectfully as you can. For the first time, the man straightens up, as if your answer wasn't what he expected. You can sense he isn't used to being told no. 

 You keep your smile neutral, pleasant, final. 

"But we're fine as we are."

Moments later, when he's about to leave, you offer an umbrella, insistent on him taking it. It was raining after all. He takes it with him without any protest. 

You don't notice that, despite the downpour, he was perfectly dry when he stepped into your home.

☔︎︎

Megumi was always special. 

Every mother thinks that for their child. You're no exception. As soon as he was born, tiny in your arms, swaddled in blankets, something shifted within you. You'd always wanted children, but the concrete feeling of your child in your arms when he's so vulnerable. You'd never felt anything more right. 

To you, Megumi was always special. But when Megumi turned 5, he became special to the entire world. 

Toji was never tight-lipped about the world he came from. Shamans, sorcerers, shikigami, curses. You weren't an expert, but you certainly knew more than the average person. He'd often tell you things, when he was drunk, pulling you against his bare chest, underneath cheap blankets. You always heard the bitterness in his voice. That world had rejected him. It would reject anyone who wasn't special enough. Special people were rare. 

It's why you were convinced Megumi would never have to deal with any of that. His father wasn't a sorcerer, neither were you. He'd live a normal life and would only be special to you. 

"It's on your other shoulder." 

You switched hands, reaching over to tug on your sleeve. Like always, you couldn't feel anything. There was no weight on your skin, nothing tangible that you could grab and toss. There was just this small feeling of dread. A small ache in your bones. 

He waves a tiny hand. Instantly, the feeling of dread is gone. The ache lifts and you roll your shoulders. 

"Thank you," you tell him with a strained, but grateful smile. He nods, turning back to his food. 

"You're getting more, now," he simply says. 

"Haha, sorry," you reply instinctively because even though he's eight, you feel like you've burdened him. 

"It's okay," he mutters, quiet as always. His gaze flicks back up at you, before glancing back down. He takes a second to gnaw on his lip. 

"Are...are you okay?" 

You're being so obvious even your own son could see it. 

Your smile feels more forced as you placate him with the usual lie of 'Mommy's just tired, long day at work'. He doesn't buy it, but he doesn't say anything back. He's so much like his father in these moments. Truthfully, you didn't think Megumi got a single thing from you. His black hair is Toji's, his blue eyes are Toji's, his pale skin is Toji's, and even his forever-present scowl is your late husband's. You supposed that should have been the first sign: Megumi would be anything but normal. 

You hadn't told him about the visits. You're his parent, you had justified to yourself. He's a child. He doesn't need to know about the visits. Especially, considering you decided for him. Megumi would be raised out of the jujutsu world, away from curses, and sorcerers. 

You can't have your son taken away from you like his father was.

('Special Grade', Gojo had told you. A powerful cursed spirit. You hadn't gotten closure until you let him in. No body was ever recovered.)

You can't let your son end up like that. 

But was this the right life for him? You watch as Megumi's gaze trails up, like he's tracing the movement of a fly or something bigger that you would never see. 

You can't relate to Megumi. You don't have cursed energy. You can't see the things he can. As much as you loved him, you'd never be able to understand what he is. None of his classmates can. None of his teachers. It sounds lonely. Isolating. 

Only a handful of people that could ever give Megumi that connection exist. And they're willing to accept him with open arms. 

He had been an older man, flanked by another. They eyed your home with relative disgust; you, with mild derision. It'd been their words that echo in your head today. How much happier Megumi would be surrounded by his own kind. How the clan would welcome him and teach him to hone his technique. 

They were words that would sate the parent of a lonely boy, but you couldn't help but remember the disregard in his voice. Their words made Megumi sound like a tool, instead of a child. 

The offer of payment for your son was enough to turn them away. 

Was Gojo Satoru any better? From your brief encounter, you couldn't tell. There was always a smile on his lips whenever he talked about Megumi's future and Jujutsu Tech. The lilt of his voice felt fake, artificial. But at least he didn't ask to outright buy your son. 

When Megumi's tucked into bed, you pace around the living room. You glance at the slip of paper he'd left behind. The scrawl of numbers in neat handwriting. The thing he slipped into your unsuspecting hand. You've had a glass of wine before, maybe that's why your hands are a little more steady when you punch in the numbers. 

He picks up after the second ring. It oddly feels like he was waiting for your call. 

"Can jujutsu sorcerers live normal lives?"

There's a laugh on the other end. Light. Amused. 

"No," his response is cold, even when his tone isn't, "Even if they leave the jujutsu world, they will never have normal lives." 

The answer you were afraid of, but you weren't surprised. Special people rarely live normal lives. You knew what this meant: trying to protect Megumi from his father's fate would be pointless. No matter how far you run, no matter how far you take him, it will never be enough. 

"Does it really matter, then?" you ask, "who Megumi goes with." 

"In that sense, no, not really," his voice crackles back, "But I think you've already made your decision." 

You had days ago. You were just wasting time, picking up the phone only to drop it just as quickly. As much as you'd wanted to keep your son away from the jujutsu world, you knew, even before they knocked on your door, it was a failed endeavor. Megumi was special. Megumi was too special for you to hide. He shone too brightly. 

The Zenin clan would extinguish that. You knew it. Toji knew it too. It's why he took on your name. 

It's silent again. You bite your lip. You've been doing that a lot lately. 

"Gojo, may I ask a favor?" He gives a hum. 

"Please, don't tell him about Toji." 

There's a beat of silence. The line clicks. 

Two days later, Megumi meets the strongest sorcerer of the modern era. 

☔︎

There was always something clinical about Megumi's and Gojo's relationship. 

You wouldn't call them father-son, let alone brotherly. It was strictly student and teacher. From the start, it was clear Megumi wasn't impressed with the sorcerer. His scowl would somehow get deeper whenever the young man was around. 

Gojo didn't seem all that impressed either. He wasn't as blatant, but you could sense that it was a chore for him, rather than anything else. You don't think you can blame him. He's barely twenty. He should be doing other things. Living his youth, and continuing his education. 

Gojo grew up too fast. You can see it in his face. He's never not smiling, but it's never truly sincere. It's not clinical either. It looks exhausted. You wonder-if he wasn't wearing those glasses all the time-if you'd see dark circles. 

He's too young to be running around this much. He's too young to carry the entire world of jujutsu sorcery on his back. He's too young to be an educator. A mentor. 

Yet he is. Yet he does. All with a smile on his face. 

You're less intense nowadays to him. When Megumi comes home, clearly a bit more roughed up than when he left, you criticize Gojo less harshly. When you make lunch for Megumi, you ask if he'd like anything as well. Gojo has a bigger sweet tooth than your eight-year-old son does. You never nag him for it. 

The change doesn't fully happen until that fateful conversation. It's an offhanded remark he makes about him not being there to train Megumi for a few weeks because of a mission. 

"A curse?" you ask, as if they aren't all around you. 

Gojo grins because you've discovered he likes talking. "Reports are coming down from Sendai. The running bet currently is special grade." 

You frown. "Oh. Well, be careful." 

He freezes at that. You think he's staring at you, but you're not too sure. His glasses give away nothing. Your fingers dance with nerves. Had you said something wrong?

"What?" 

You tilt your head. "Oh! Uh, 'be careful'. Stay safe." You end your sentence awkwardly. 

Eventually, Gojo recovers. "Yeah. Well, obviously." He smiles. 

You watch him leave, keeping your eye on him until he disappears into the sleek black car. 

It doesn't occur to you until much later that Gojo probably hasn't had someone worry about him before. 

☔︎︎

Whenever Megumi's training continues much later in the evenings, you go to the Gojo estate to pick him up yourself. 

It's a grand house. Practically a mansion. You've never felt so embarrassed about your humble apartment until you saw the lavishness Satoru lived in. A part of you is now even more impressed by Megumi's stubbornness. Children are the first to fall for the affluent. 

It's big, but you've never quite gotten over how empty it looks. Every time you visit, there's always just Satoru. You haven't seen his mom, his dad, any siblings. It looks like a family home, but he's the only one who's ever there. 

He's never mentioned any family. You wonder what happened to them. Where they are now. 

Somedays, you arrive a bit earlier than needed. During that time, you tend to stroll through the gardens. They're so beautiful. Large and expansive. They're empty, however, just like that grand house. No flowers. Not even weeds. It's just a bunch of dirt and stones, plainly stacked on top of each other. It disappoints you a bit. The grounds had so much potential. 

"Whatcha' got for me this time?" You jump, whirling around. Satoru is right behind you, a teasing grin on his face. 

You give him a disapproving look, though it lacks any real heat. "I told you to stop doing that." 

"Doing what?" Though he may be twenty, he acts like he's younger than your son. Speaking of your child:

"Where's Megumi?" You prod, glancing behind Satoru, as though your grumpy child would pop up behind him. No such thing happens. Satoru's incriminating smile grows wider. 

"Homework," he cryptically replies, "also, he didn't want to disturb us adults having our grown-up conversations." 

"Of course he did," is all you say, but you acquiesce regardless, digging through your bag. 

You've always been taught to bring something when visiting another person's home. You found it rude not to, despite how casual Satoru acts around you. You discovered he liked sweets the most, so you have tried your best to satisfy his sweet tooth. He seems happy with whatever you give him. One thing you like about Satoru is how he cherishes all the gifts he's received from you without any complaint. You spotted the umbrella you'd given him all those weeks ago, sitting right by the door. He'd never given it back. You'd never asked for it. 

You try to ignore the feeling that the only reason he gets excited about your gifts is that it's rare for him to receive anything at all. Satoru doesn't need to be pitied. 

It's nothing too big, just a bag of saltwater taffy from an Americanized store. He's already ripping the package open, pulling one out of the wrapper to stick it in his mouth. 

You blink when he extends his hand, another piece of candy between his fingers. 

"Say 'ah'!" 

"Oh no, I'm fine. They're for you—" Satoru interrupts you by popping the piece right in your mouth. Your lips instinctively close. 

"Oh." You say after you taste the sweet. "Peppermint." 

He laughs, taking another one out for himself. You follow him through the abandoned gardens. 

"So, how's Megumi's-"

"Nuh-uh," Satoru immediately stops you, "enough about work. Let's talk about something else!" 

You roll your eyes, but your smile is too affectionate. You ask him about his latest trip overseas. He tells you about the country he visited, the curse he exorcised, practically giddy from excitement. Conversation starts there before moving onto other things, small talk, your job. 

"It's a shame the gardens are so empty," you say when the conversation reaches a lull. 

He stares at the bare patches of dirt with you. "When I was younger, the gardeners would take care of 'em for us. Flowers would bloom every spring." 

You feel him recoil. Satoru does that sometimes. Say something too intimate, hissing when it's too late to take them back. For his sake, you don't comment on it. 

"It must have looked beautiful." Is all you respond. Understanding, but closed enough to give him relief. 

You stand there in silence for a couple of seconds. In the dirt, you can see a tiny ant carrying a grain of sand. 

"Roleplay time!" Satoru suddenly exclaims. You whirl your head to look at him. "Imagine you become the great Gojo Satoru." You stifle a laugh at that. His grin only gets wider. "What kind of flowers would you choose?" 

Toji always thought bouquets were stupid. 'There's no point' he'd always say 'the weeds will just die anyway, why you somethin' like that?'. But sometimes, he'd bring home these tiny, golden flowers. Simple. Pretty. He'd tuck it behind your ear, grinning at his work. You'd kiss him in return. 

"Marigolds," you say at last. 

Satoru only hums in response. A few seconds later, he's leading you out of the garden, rambling about how expensive sushi was overseas. 

A few days later, you see men with barrels of soil, combing through the garden. 

A week after, tiny golden flowers start poking through the dirt. Simple. Pretty. 

☔︎︎

You had that same dream again. The day Toji left. 

It's rare to have these dreams. They wouldn't leave you alone the first year he'd disappeared. Back when you thought he'd gotten bored of you and your son, like he'd finally decided he was sick of the family life. 

They come back sporadically, nowadays. You can't sleep after you have them, so you often find yourself curled up in the living room, looking at the window. It was raining. Heavy droplets thud on the glass. The violence seems desperate somehow. Like the weather is begging to be let in, to snuggle underneath the warm blankets too. 

On nights like this, it's a habit to stare at the tiny golden band on your finger. You slip it off, holding it in your palm. It's nothing extravagant—tiny with a simple design—but it's the last thing you have of him. Toji was never that sentimental. 

It's not really a dream. Dreams are more whimsical, cloudy. You can remember everything, down to the outfit he'd been wearing, the fly that had been buzzing around your door. It was like you were there all over again, begging him not to go. 

"You promised you'd stop." 

"This is different," Toji said and you flinched when he tucks away his gun. You thought he'd gotten rid of it. 

"The money?" You're pressing, "we have enough money, you-" 

"This isn't about fuckin' cash," his voice cuts through you, sharper than any blade he carried. 

"It's somethin' else. Somethin' you wouldn't understand. It goes beyond money." 

Your gaze lowers, curling your fists on the table. You can't understand, not when he refuses to tell you. Not when he barely explains why he's going back to his old ways in the first place. 

Sensing he's upset you, Toji sighs. You can hear him place something down on the dining table, metallic and clanky. Calloused, rough fingers brush your cheek, your jaw, coaxing you to look at him. You don't, forcing him to lean forward, giving a chaste kiss on your cheek. His lips are rough, cracked, but overwhelmingly gentle on your skin. 

"I love you," Toji mutters into your skin. 

You don't respond. You wish you had, you wish you'd gotten over your pride and told him because maybe then he'd still be here with you. He's giving another sigh, tucking your hair into place before he's leaving. He closes the door behind him. 

That day, you told yourself you wouldn't forgive him. Whenever he came back, you'd tell him you were done. You'd take Megumi and you'd leave. 

Now, you think you would have forgiven him. Eventually. It would have taken a while, a lot more than measly flowers and apologies. But, if he had come back, you would have let him back into your heart.

"Couldn't sleep?" you ask. 

Megumi blinks his eyes. It's past his bedtime, but you aren't going to nag him for it. You place the cup of steaming tea down on the coffee table, clicking your tongue when it wobbles. Right, four years later and you still hadn't fixed it,

"The rain was too loud." He gives. 

Wordlessly, you invite him into the cocoon you'd nestled yourself into. The sofa sinks under his weight as he settles next to you, leaning against your side. You tuck the warm blanket around his tiny body. He's still small enough to fully wrap your arm around him, bringing him even closer. You take advantage of it. You don't know how much time you have until he's too big to cuddle with anymore. 

His breaths are even and slow. He's a boy of few words, but even you think he's asleep until he's mumbling something into your ear. 

"I hate him." 

You give a confused hum, leaning down, resting your head on top of his. The coffee table looks even more uneven at this angle. It burns to even look at, these days.

"He makes you cry, even when he's not around anymore." 

You laugh at that. It's a quiet huff. When you glance down, you think you spot a faint smile on the boy's lips. He’s so much like his fathers, in the little things. You don’t think you will ever tell Megumi that. You don’t think he’ll take that observation well.

"I wasn't crying.” You tell him. “I was just thinking.”

He doesn't give a response after that. A few minutes later when you look down again, his eyes are closed, and he's drooling against your shoulder. You laugh again before gently gathering your son in your arms and settling him down to bed. 

The next day, you notice the monstrous amount of duct tape wrapped around the leg of the coffee table. When you ask Megumi about it, he just shrugs, his ears twinging a bright red. 

You throw the coffee table away. It's replaced by a new one the following week. 

☔︎︎

Satoru didn't like talking about Toji. 

You only tried prying once or twice. He was tight-lipped about it. Not quite cold, but he'd shut the conversation down quickly, more than eager to talk about something else. You missed it the first few times, but it became clear that Satoru disdained even the mention of your late husband. You can't tell if it's whether Satoru admired Toji enough that the mere mention of his name sends him into grief, or if it's something a lot more complicated. 

Now that you think of it, you barely even knew the relationship Gojo had with Toji. Had they been close? Was he just an acquaintance? Satoru had always been so cryptic about it. 

Toji hadn't. 

"He's called the strongest man?" you ask, amusement twinged in your voice, "I thought he was 12." 

"They don't care about age when giving titles," Toji replied.

You were leaning onto his shoulder, watching your son sleep in his crib. Only three months old and he had this permanent frown on his face, as if he was already sick of the world. 'He already acts like you' you once told your husband. He'd scoffed, but he didn't disagree. 

"That's a little funny," you find yourself saying. "What, can he lift a car? Does he benchpress 200?" 

Toji doesn't find the image of a child casually lifting 150lb weights as funny. He only grunts, drawing you closer. 

"I met him once," he says after a beat of silence, "back when he was barely older than a toddler." 

"Hm?" you prodded, still mesmerized by a sleeping Megumi, "what'd you think?" 

"Power," Toji responds, "more power than I'd ever have." 

You tear your gaze away from your son, glancing at your husband. Toji's eyes were looking somewhere, farther than you could see. It's the envy in his voice that you can't help but keep. A mere child already has everything Toji could ever want. Strength, a name, honor. 

You should have realized then that Toji would never belong to you. Not truly. His heart, whether or not he swore up and down otherwise, would always belong to the Jujujtsu world. It's a tragedy. Someplace that he always longed for acceptance, will never truly see him. Even when he died for it. 

Satoru will probably never answer your questions about Toji, but perhaps you could get close. 

"Why did you do it?" 

It was after dinner. Satoru had dropped your son off, and you had practically dragged the white-haired man inside with you, sitting him down on the dining table. He'd complained, but you know he secretly liked being coddled. He didn't deny the second helpings, nor the thirds. Sometimes you wondered if he was a man or a black hole. 

Megumi had already gone to bed, and you supposed he had enough of Satoru for one day. It left you and him in the kitchen, putting away the dishes. Rather, you put away the dishes, and Satoru watched. Not that you minded. It was nice to have company. 

"Hm?" He was typing away at his phone, blearily turning back to look at you. You couldn't get why he didn't just go home if he was so uninterested. 

"Why did you interfere when the Zenin came?" You repeat your question, putting the last of the plates in the dishwasher. 

Looking back, things could have gone much differently for you. For your son. You didn't realize how much power the Zenin clan had back then. Had Satoru not stepped in, had you kept rejecting them, you honestly wonder what sorts of drastic measures men like them would take for the sake of power. 

"Are you upset?" He asks, tilting his head. 

"Of course not." You smile. You were grateful for Satoru, you always have been. He's helped your family out in more ways than you could imagine. After all he's helped Megumi with, there was nothing Satoru could do to get you mad at him, hate him, not truly. 

"I was just wondering. It's not like you had an obligation to." 

You close the dishwasher with a soft click. The machine starts with a soft hum. He doesn't reply, not for a long while, when you look up, you see him staring back at you. His sunglasses were off, folded, tucked under his collar. 

"Clans are bullshit." You're surprised by the venom in his voice. There's a cinch in his jaw. You wonder how many years his hatred has been festering like this. 

"The entire Jujujstu world is, honestly. But clans are the worst of all. The hierarchy. Traditions. All dogshit. They'd gobble the kid and spit him back out. I-I didn't want him-" He stops with a hiss, like he'd said too much.

This time, you don't let him run away. 

"...you didn't want him to end up like you." You finish. 

It clicks, fits together like a jigsaw piece. The Gojo name had ruined Satoru, turned him into something he was too young to be. The name forced him to grow up faster, stronger. The name forced him to be isolated, lonely.

That conversation with Toji curls up inside of you. Back then, you'd only empathized with Toji's pain, but what about Satoru's pain? What about the amount of expectations that had been piled on top of a 12-year-old boy? What about the responsibilities he's forced to carry, each weight growing heavier and heavier but he can't break because he is Gojo? 

Satoru stands before you, but you can easily picture him as Megumi. Tiny, small Megumi who didn't speak much but whose heart was bigger than anyone you knew. He could end up like Satoru. Standing at the top of the mountain. All powerful. All alone. 

You don't want Megumi to be alone. 

You don't want Satoru to be alone. 

"Satoru." You step forward. "Could...could I give you a hug?" 

He doesn't respond. You step closer. No barrier. 

When you wrap your arms around him, you think you can feel him tremble. It takes a moment for him to catch up, for his arms to drape across your back. You clutch onto him tighter, silently promising not to let go until he does. 

He doesn't, not for a long while. 

☔︎︎

Satoru had a mission on his twenty-second birthday. So, you celebrate five days after he turns twenty-two. 

"Again," you say for the nth time, "If-if you have other plans, or anything else, I don't have to stay-" 

"Will you stop it, already," Satoru interrupts, "You're gonna make me depressed. I already told you, I got no other plans." 

 "Well," you frown, "if you change your mind, and you'd rather spend time with your friends..." 

"What other friends? You're the only one I got." 

You frown at that. He smiles, barely lingering on his loneliness. He does that a lot lately, brush it off. Perhaps it's become easier to. Perhaps it's because you're here now. 

The sun had already set on the Gojo estate. The stars were already out. Typically, you would have been antsy staying too late over, especially when Megumi was still home, but your son was a few cities over. He was training with another sorcerer, his new mentor stating that your son wouldn't be back for a couple more days. 

Wait, now that you think of it. 

"Satoru," you say, your voice heavy with disapproval, "Did you send Megumi off purely because it was your birthday?”

He grins wider, showing off his pearly whites. "No idea what you’re talking about." 

You frown harder. He clicks his tongue in distaste.

"It's not like the kid would wanna come celebrate anyway, and now you can focus on me! Two birds one stone." He flops on the couch.

"Satoru." 

"Cake! Cake! Cake! Cake!" Satoru chants, as if that'll distract you. 

Unfortunately, it does. You roll your eyes, but you lean down, pulling out the pastry out of the bag. It's nothing special, and you do not consider yourself an expert in baking. It certainly isn't fancy, but you were still a little proud. Simple, a small chocolate cake, perfect for two.

Satoru stares. 

"I know it isn't much-" 

"I love it," he says and you can't tell if he's joking or not, "I'm gonna make it a family heirloom." 

You laugh at that. It shakes your shoulders. 

"I don't think cakes are built to last that long. How about you just eat it, instead." 

"Much better plan," Satoru responds, grabbing a fork, eager to dig in. 

He yelps when you slap his hand away as you give him a stern look. You touched his skin. You try not to linger at that, at the fact that he let you touch him. 

"Not now," you say, but you still smile, "you need to blow out the candles first." 

He huffs but doesn't protest when you stick two candles into the soft frosting. It takes a while to work the old lighter; you have to shoo him away when he tries to snatch it from you. You force Satoru to sit there for at least a minute as you sing the dreadful happy birthday song. He doesn't seem to mind, a mean grin growing on his face, letting you finish up the lyrics. 

Toji was mortified every time you managed to stick a birthday hat onto him, dragging him to the living room for his cake. He'd hold his infant son in his arms, his frown even less amused. Even then, he never interrupted the stupid tradition you put him through. He'd sit through the entire ceremony, Megumi asleep on his chest. A scowl would twitch on his lips whenever you managed to smear a dab of frosting on his nose.

You clap when Satoru blows out the candles. 

"What did you wish for?" You ask minutes later, swallowing down a bite of frosting. He was already on his third piece. You know you should tell him to slow down but you don't think it will do much. 

"If I tell you, it won't come true," Satoru responds, his tone light.

"That's a myth," you point out, "but keep your secrets if you must." 

You set your plate down when Satoru speaks the next time. 

"I wished for us to do this again." 

His voice is shallow, echoing throughout the empty house. You look at him, his white hair, his pink lips, his blue eyes. Everything that encompasses Gojo Satoru is focused entirely on you.

"That next year, we'll celebrate the exact same way." 

He sounded so small, as though he were younger than 22. Perhaps, a part of him was. A gentle smile spreads on your face. 

"Of course we will," you assure, before your voice gets teasing, "the next year, the year after that, and the next year until you get sick of me." You laugh. He doesn't laugh back. It's silent again, the kind of quiet that's full and meaningful. Distantly, you hear a clock ticking somewhere. It's a nice night. Peaceful. God, you were so tired from all the stressing you did for the cake. Satoru wanted to watch a movie after the cake cutting, but you wonder if he'll forgive you if you fell asleep during the film. You were exhausted. 

That's why it takes you a second to register his lips are on yours. 

The kiss is soft, and patient. His mouth moves slowly against yours. You can taste the chocolate. It takes a second to understand what Satoru was doing that he wasn't Toji before your hands are moving, reaching up to his shoulders, keeping him there as you shy away, breaking the kiss. You two stay like that for a few more moments, still touching. You can hear your breath, feel your heartbeat. A little while later, he moves closer, intent on following your mouth, before your brain kicks in and you're shutting him down, standing up. 

Satoru blinks up at you, the realization of rejection sinking into his eyes before you stumble over yourself to apologize because, dear god, you should have seen this coming. 

"I'm so sorry, Satoru," your voice is coming out in clumps, "I never meant to... I always thought...I'm a decade older than you." 

The ocean eyes crystalize, turning into cold tanzanite. You're too muddled with guilt and self-hatred to notice. Of course, Satoru would take things the wrong way. Of course, he'd misunderstand. You always thought he was wise for his age, but he's still in his early twenties. You should have been better and made your boundaries known. God, you were so stupid. 

"So?" he asks, but his voice lacks the usual snark. "Who cares how old you are?" 

You resist the urge to say something accidentally condescending. 'You'll understand when you're older' stings in the back of your tongue, and you wonder if it's fair to say considering how you acted when you were younger than Satoru­­-- when Toji was an older man who found you amusing enough for dinner and a warm bed. 

It's different now. You were older, wiser. Toji had been a mistake. A mistake you miss every day. 

"Of course, you don't," you say, and despite it all, a laugh fumbles out your throat. Shaky, delirious. "Again, I'm so sorry. It's entirely my fault-I-I should have communicated things better."  

"Why does any of that matter?." It's his turn to stand up, and it makes everything so much worse because Satoru's taller than you. "It doesn't, not to me. I lo-" 

"Stop."

It's not a yell, but it's the harshest tone you've ever used on him. Still, it's enough for his breath to falter, to give you a moment of reprieve because the only other person who said that to you and meant it died six years ago. You touch the cold metal of your ring. You twist it around your finger. When Satoru's eyes gaze down, following your movements, you force yourself to stop self-soothing. 

The ticking of the clock starts back up again. You want to smash it. 

"I should go."

You already know it's a bad idea. You shouldn't leave Satoru alone. You should stay, sort things out, mend his heart, but you're human. You want to run, sort yourself out first. You want to take the cowards' way out. Satoru doesn't stop you. You can't bear to look at him, not when it's so much to even be here. Your mind is already being thrown into disarray and you're barely remembering to grab your purse. 

Your hands rest on the door when you pause. You don't bother turning around. You know he's already looking at you. 

"Happy birthday, Satoru." 

For some reason, you cry the entire ride home. 

☔︎︎

Surprisingly, it's Megumi who asks about it. 

It'd been a week since you'd last spoken to Satoru. Communication stills, and stops completely. It goes both ways, he doesn't randomly pop by anymore, scaring the daylights out of you. You no longer buy strange-sounding sweets because you know you won't be seeing him later. One week ago, Satoru was there. The next, he wasn't. 

"Has he said sorry yet?" 

You jolt up, staring at your son. Megumi is still glowering at the vegetables you'd put on his plate. At this point, you know he doesn't hate the food. He just always looks like that. 

"What?" 

"He obviously did something to you." He mutters. "Did he at least say sorry?" 

No matter how uninterested your son always portrayed himself as, he was very observant. Of course, he would. As much as you loved Megumi, you wish he'd be just 10 percent less attentive. 

You force yourself to laugh anyway. "Satoru didn't do anything." You assure. "What makes you say that?" 

"The idiot's been sulking all week," Megumi responds, "everyone's been wondering what's up with him." 

You give him a disapproving look, but you doubt it did anything. Instead, you glance down, mindlessly poking at your plate. 

"Don't call him that," you say softly.

Megumi only shrugs. Despite everything, you still have this strange urge to defend Satoru, if only to save your own dignity of fighting with someone 10 years younger than you.

"Nothing happened. It-it was a misunderstanding, that's all." You hope your smile doesn't look uncertain. He's only ten, but he's already so perceptive. You don't think it's enough to convince him. Your smile drops. You roll your shoulders. 

Another thing you should have seen coming. Of course, Megumi would notice. Despite how annoyed Megumi acts around him, there's still a sort of bond between the two boys. A connection between two sorcerers, something you will never have with your son. You were wrong about your initial assessment about their relationship. They were much closer than you thought. Satoru cared about Megumi, as did Megumi about Satoru. Your souring relationship with Satoru might break that. . 

Your actions have consequences. To everyone, not just yourself. 

"I'll talk to him soon about it, I promise." As if to placate him further, you reach over, patting his hair. He frowns deeper but doesn't make a move to shove you off. 

To your chagrin, soon comes later that evening. Satoru breaks the ice first with a single text. 

you free tomorrow

It's nothing like him. No emoticons. No exclamation marks. You say yes, regardless. The next evening, you step out of the taxi, thanking the driver before stepping onto the Gojo property. 

It was raining, barely a drizzle, not enough to make you want to bring an umbrella. Still, the air was chilly, just enough so that you clutched the coat covering your body tighter. You carefully avoid the puddles adorning the sidewalk. 

You agreed to come here, but it's hard to keep that in mind as you climb the patio steps. You stand in front of the door for an entire minute, counting each second, before you knock. 

"Finally! Took you long enough." 

It's hard to look at him. Already, your gaze threatens to waver. You force yourself not to wrap your arms around your sides. For once, you're glad he wears those sunglasses of his. 

Satoru, on the other hand, barely looks affected by the encounter. He's dressed well, in a white collared shirt and black pants. He smiles cheerily, widening the door so you can step inside. You thank him when he wordlessly mentions for your coat. 

Your eyes catch the living room, along with the coffee table. There'd been a half-eaten birthday cake the last time you'd been here. Now the table is completely clean. You wonder what Satoru had done with it. You hoped he threw it away because the thought of him sitting there, alone, finishing the pastry filled you with so much guilt you could almost feel sick. 

"Did you see the weather just an hour ago?" He asks offhandedly, "thought the rain would smash through my windows, from how loud it was." 

"Oh?" You ask genuinely because you honestly hadn't noticed anything regarding the weather. You'd been stressing about the reunion, mind too preoccupied to care about the skies. 

"'hope the violets survived. I just planted 'em yesterday." He glances out the window as though he could see through the sheets of rain. You hum, already feeling out of place. The silence is only accompanied by the rain lightly patting on the windows. 

"You still love him." When you don't answer right away, Satoru turns back. "That Zenin guy. You love him." 

It catches you so off guard that you can't help but tell the truth. You nod once. 

He's still smiling, but the air feels off somehow. Like you're passing unmarked territory. It's a silly thought, and you brush it off immediately. Despite how strained your relationship is currently, Satoru isn't dangerous. He never will be. 

"Yeah," he responds, "I just don't get why, y'know?" 

You try to smile, but it's like pulling teeth. "I-I don't see how-" 

"It just doesn't make sense. You and him, I mean. You two are so different." 

You couldn't argue with that. Toji and you were on opposite ends. He was from a world that you would never be able to reach, let alone touch. You were a regular woman. He was a man who fought curses on a regular basis. A man who died from it. 

Satoru's laughing; it takes you a moment to realize you might have said some of that out loud. 

"Right. Fuck I keep forgetting that's what I told you." Satoru leans against the counter. "A special grade killed Zenin." 

"I mean, technically, I didn't lie, right? A special grade did kill him. A special grade sorcerer." 

Your brain stops. You can only stare. Satoru reaches up, taking off his glasses, folding them before neatly placing them on the counter. His eyes were always so breathtaking; now they look empty. Soulness. 

You laugh. It sounds delirious. "But-but you said you were one of the only special grade sorcerers around." 

"Yeah." Satoru nods along. 

"Satoru...you're not making any sense..." 

"Really?" Satoru tilts his head. "What part of 'I killed your husband' is confusing for you?" 

He continues at your silence. "I mean, it wasn't like it wasn't for a good reason. The guy shot a junior high girl for cash. Knowing him, he's probably done worse. If you're asking me, I did a good thing by killing him--oh." Satoru pauses at your expression: horrified, broken.

He's smiling. You think that's the worst part. It's the same smile he's always worn. Playful and mischievous. 

"C'mon, you seriously didn't know what he was up to. I can't tell whether you're that stupid or if he was that good at hiding it." 

You should have denied it. You should have said Toji would never do the heinous act Satoru just accused him off, but can you? Could you honestly say that? You knew Toji was in bad shit. You'd always known that. He told you about the gambling, the drugs, the money. After he married you, he promised he walked away from that life, he was walking away with you. One last job, he'd said. Just one last job and he was done forever. 

Something that goes beyond money, Toji had said, something you would never understand. 

You can hardly breathe, sinking against the wall behind you as you collapse onto the floor. Your hands are pressed against your mouth, muffling your sobs as your eyes are filled with tears. Every interaction you've ever had with Toji is flitting through your mind. You can feel the bile in your stomach, threatening to leave your lips, splatter across the floor. 

Your husband was a murderer. 

Your husband was a monster. 

His fingers are cold as he firmly pushes your hands away from your face. You glance up. Satoru stares right back. His smile is gone, replaced by a frown. He squats before you, idly tracing his pointer figure around your cheeks, catching your falling tears. 

"He took everything from me, y'know," he says, quiet, low enough that the rain almost drowns his voice, "in just a day, my entire life changed. Someone died. A person I thought would be by my side my entire life disappeared." 

"But, I gotta' thank him. Without his help, I wouldn't have become stronger, and I wouldn't have you." 

You suck in a breath at that, but Satoru isn't paying attention. His hand traces down to your neck, feeling the skin. 

"I like to think that he gave me you as an apology of sorts. It's nice to think of it that way, right?" 

You look at him, absolutely horrified at how casual he was being. 

Your husband was a monster. 

And he’d left you with another one. 

Immediately, you slap his hands away. 

"Stop." You say, a weak hiss, "don't-don't touch me. Never ever touch me-" 

"Yeah," he interrupts, ignoring your wavering voice, "I didn't think you would jump into my arms after what I said, either. But, hey, a guy can dream, right?" 

What? And before you can think, he's pressing his lips against yours. 

It's not like his first kiss. Before, when it was soft and sweet and he barely pushed, like he was savoring you. This kiss was harsh. Filled with teeth and lust and endless greed. You can taste the inexperience, and the thought that this might be the second time Satoru’s ever kissed someone fills your head. The fight is almost pathetic as you sink into his hold, helpless to do anything but wilt until he's had enough of his fill. You push against his chest, but he only leaves on his terms.

You're both panting, but you're more frazzled. His lips are blushing pink, and there's a string of saliva that stretches before snapping apart. You can feel the way his hands are positioned on your hips. Disgust and self-hatred wells up within you.

"I meant what I said that day: I love you." You squeeze your eyes at his confession. "I mean, what's there not to love? You're sweet; you're hot."

His hands play with the hem of your shirt. You stiffen as you try to claw them off of you, but it doesn't help. You don't want to look, but you just can't help yourself. It's morbid curiosity. Looking at a car crash. Your eyes open and you stare at Satoru. 

"But I think the thing I love about you the most is that you'll never hate me." 

Two glowing blue eyes stare back at you. He looks ethereal like this. Even when he's kneeling, he's still taller than you. He's always been above you. Not just in height, you're slowly starting to realize. 

You always thought Satoru hated his last name. You always thought he blamed his lineage for his loneliness, his isolation. He grew up too fast, forced to become something for the sake of others. It's why you tried so hard to treat him like an equal, as though he were another human. 

When he leans in to kiss you again, you finally understand that Gojo never wanted to part from his last name. Why would he? It was always a part of him. It was your fault for trying to humanize and connect with him. You fought for years to see him as an equal that you neglected to ask if he even wanted to be on the same plane as you. 

Perhaps, once he did. Back when candlelight illuminated his face. When chocolate was the only thing you could taste.

"You can't hate me." He smiles against your lips. "You feel too sorry for me." 

"No matter what I do to you, you'll never hate me." 

You start crying again. Satoru hushes you, wiping away your tears in a way that suggests he's not used to being soft and delicate. Yet, he's trying to be. Soon, his gentleness fades, and his impatience seeps in again. It's all too easy for Satoru to haul you to your feet. He was the strongest, after all. You struggle anyway because you're human and your heart is filled with foolish hope. He laughs at your meager attempts to push him away, and you feel that this is all a game for him. Maybe it always was. 

"Satoru-Satoru," you're begging as he pulls you through his empty house, "you don't have to do this. Please just-" 

"See? You still aren't getting it." Satoru sighs, like he's disappointed before he's tossing you in a room. You flail against the bed, your chest pressed against the cushions before he's flipping you onto your back. It's worse when he's hovering over you, both hands on either side of your head, caging you in. 

"I'm not doing anything I don't want to do. I never have." 

You expect Satoru to kiss you again, that disgusting display where he rips you apart with his teeth, consuming you whole. Instead his pretty blue eyes flit to your clenched hand. He snatches up your wrist, easily unfurling your hand.

You react too late, only reaching up to stop him when he’s done pulling the ring off your finger. Satoru barely gives it an unimpressed look before he’s tossing it aside. You can only stare in the direction of it, watching as the last thing you had of him drops into the darkness. There’s two metallic clinks before it’s rolling to a stop. And then, you hear nothing.

He lets out a breath, like he’s relieved, dipping his head into the crook of your neck.

“I was so sick of looking at that.” He mumbles into your skin, giving it a playful nip. “Parading that thing around in front of another man like that. It’s kinda’ rude, y'know?”

You give another sob when his hands dig underneath your shirt. He presses on the softness of your belly, burying his face deeper into your neck, inhaling your scent.

“Fuck, you smell so good.” He groans into your neck. You can feel something press against your thigh.

You know what he was planning on doing, he made it clear ever since he dug himself into your skin with fangs. But the evidence. The hands twitching up your shirt, groping and feeling. The bulge grinding against your thigh

You can’t fight him, you stopped trying. Instead, you clench your fists again, letting the last of your tears drip down your face, praying and praying that what Satoru said wasn’t true.

Satoru isn’t nice to your clothes. You don’t know why you thought he ever would be. When he’s done with feeling and not looking, he pushes your shirt up, letting it catch just over the swell of your chest. He’s pushing your bra down, leaning down to trace your skin with his hot, wet tongue.

You jolt at the contact. It’d been so long since you’ve last been touched. He’s barely done anything and yet you’re already so sensitive. Something between a gasp and a moan is pulled out of your lips when Satoru swirls his tongue around your nipple, before he takes it fully in his mouth.

He’s tasting you, savoring you in a way you’d only seen him do for his cherished candy. He’s messy with it too, drool and spit spilling onto your skin, making you feel even colder than you already were.

Satoru has never stopped with just one candy, has he? He’s greedy, popping another and another in his mouth until the bag is all empty. It’s his natural essence to take until there’s nothing left. That’s why his hand trails down to your skirt, pushing it down before you can even decipher what he wants next from you.

You gasp when his hand presses against your panties, pushing them between your folds. The fabric lightly brushes against your clit, not enough for you to have any kind of relief. Still, a tingle jolts up your back.

“You’re soaked!” Satoru’s exclaiming. His voice comes out in the form of a laugh, light and innocent. It hurts to hear him sound like that. You have no more tears to cry again.

You want to tell him that it wasn’t you, that you don’t want him, that it’s just your body, but you doubt he cares about any of that. He pushes your panties down, letting them sit against your thighs before he’s pushing a finger deep into your wet pussy.

You can’t stop the noises this time. It’s more of a yelp than a moan, but Satoru takes it in stride as he continues to finger fuck you. When he digs a second finger into your hole, there’s a wet squelch of a sound. You have to turn away, but you can feel his smile against your skin. Victorious.

His other hands comes, pushing in between your breasts to keep you on the bed as he plants butterfly kisses down your ribs, your stomach, your hips, all the way down until he’s practically on his knees.

You were right to assume his inexperience. He’s sloppy, spreading his saliva and your wetness all over your pussy. There’s no rhythm, no clear pattern as he’s trying everything at once--swirling his tongue around your sensitive clit before licking his way into your hole.

And yet, it’s working. Your battered cunt responds to his enthusiasm, and your walls squeeze his fingers.

You can’t stop your noises. You don’t think he’s trying to stop his. His voice is muffled by your pussy, but he’s moaning and groaning so loudly. You think he’s saying something, but you can hear anything over the wet sounds of your cunt, the throbbing between your ears.

Your orgasm was inevitable, but you’re still surprised when it hits. Ramming into you like a train. Your back arches, and your thighs are involuntarily squeezing Satoru’s head. Keeping him there.

There’s a hum of satisfaction coming from him, but he doesn’t pull away. He folds your thighs, pushing them up into your chest so he can get more access to your pussy, sucking even harder on your clit. You were so far out of it that you can barely remember that this isn’t for you. It’s all for him. Satoru is greedy. It’s his natural essence to take and take until you’re nothing more than an empty bag, once filled with something sweet.

He doesn’t stop until you’ve come around his fingers and tongue a second time, when your cries are on the brink of overstimulation. When Satoru finally pulls away, the bottom half of his face is shiny. He keeps his eyes on you, messily wiping the remnants of you off his face before his leaning forward to kiss you, letting you taste yourself.

Unlike you, he doesn’t bother undressing himself. He’s unraveling his belt from his waist, pushing his pants down enough that he’s able to untuck his cock from his briefs. He’s already hard, giving his dick two cursory pumps before he’s settling his on either side of your body, keeping you there.

He’s big. Big enough that you worry he might actually succeed in breaking you. A semblance of rebellion, motivated by fear than anything else, stirs inside you. You push yourself up, elbows pressing against the mattress before he’s ending it.

There’s a grin, a flash of teeth, before he’s roughly pushing you down again.

“Satoru-“You start, you beg.

“Shut it,” he says, his smile too dangerous to be friendly, “if it isn’t begging me to fuck you, then I don’t wanna hear it.”

As though he’s taking the sight in himself, he hovers over you. The light from the window gently caresses his face in an angel kiss. His white hair is almost like halo, swathing him in an innocent shade of beauty.

When Satoru sinks his cock deep inside of you, you wonder if he’s defiling you or himself.

Just like before, he doesn’t bother letting you acclimate. He doesn’t wait, he doesn’t hold off. You can’t expect him too. Your pussy is squeezing him, edging him on. How could you expect him to not take it as a challenge and fuck you the way he’s dying to?

It’s exactly what he does as he bullies his cock deep inside your walls again and again. He whimpers, high and pitchy before he’s leaning down to bite and lick at your neck, your chest, leaving your skin with marks and bruises that will last for days.

Satoru loses his sharpness the more he’s inside of you. You cry when he leans down, circling his thumb across your clit.

“So good,” he’s mumbling into your sweaty skin, like a mantra, “so good so good. You’re so good. I love you I love you I love you-“

It’s torture to hear him say that over and over again and a part of you tries to force yourself to think of someone else to give you comfort. Scarred lips. Thick black hair.

You can’t.

Satoru has taken away everything, even your dreams.

There’s another gasp before he’s harshly gripping on your chin, forcing you to look at him. His eyes are blown open, wide and manic.

“Say my name,” he’s begging but his grip is too tight to be anything but an order, “I-I need you to-fuck-say my name.”

“Sa-Satoru.” He lurches at that, almost collapsing into your chest.

“Again.”

“Satoru,” and then you say it again and again and again because your brain’s too muddled to do anything but listen to him.

His thumb is moving faster and faster on you clit, his thrusts are getting sloppier.

“Gonna-gonna fill you up,” An alarm of panic ring as he’s blabbering, words stilted and strained, “I gotta’—I just gotta’, can’t think of ‘nothing else—fuck fuck.” He adjusts your legs, folding your body in half so he can push that much deeper inside of you.

He smiles again. Wild. Unhinged. The monsoon that is Gojo Satoru. If you won’t wash away with him, then he is more than happy to drown you in his rain.

“Fuck,” he curses again, his voice a mix of a laugh and a groan, “think the kid would like a younger sibling?”

You can barely process his words. You don’t think Satoru could process his either. His orgasm triggers your own, and you’re both tipping over the edge together. His cum fills your pulsing cunt, searing your insides with white heat.

Satoru collapses on top of you, pressing you into the mattress of expensive sheets. You two stay like that, just the sounds of your harsh breathing fills the room. Satoru gives a shaky kiss on your lips, just as sweet and chaste as the first time.

He stays there for another minute, before he’s pushing himself up again. You can’t understand what he’s doing until you realize he’s still hard inside of you.

“Satoru—” it’s a plea, your voice overwrought with exhaustion, “Don’t—"

“One more, ‘kay?” he slurs, pushing his cock as deep as it could get inside of you, “Just—Just one more.”

You wake up hours later. It's pitch-black, the lights are gone. Distantly, you can feel Satoru's hand curled around your waist. He'd fallen asleep with his head buried in your neck. You can feel his rhythmic breathing against your skin. Outside, the rain beats on the windows, and thunder rattles in the sky. 

You wait for it—the anger, the hatred—for yourself to hate Gojo Satoru. 

He was right. Nothing came. 

[wonderfulworldofmichaelford]

Psycho Analysis: Winds of Destruction

(WARNING! This analysis contains SPOILERS!)

Here I am, dirty and faceless Waiting to heed your instruction On my own, invisible warrior I am a Wind of Destruction!

As many of you might now, I’m a huge fan of the Metal Gear series. What you probably don’t know is  that, despite the series having a penchant for squads of quirky bosses, I’m not really a huge fan of many of them. FOXHOUND? I mean I like Mantis and Ocelot. The Sons of Liberty? I guess Vamp is alright. B&B Corps? I barely remember any of them. I love the Cobra Unit, but that’s because all of them are batshit insane and weird. I’m not saying they’re bad boss fights or anything—far from it, they all offer fantastic boss fights—but as characters I’m not really big on many of these villains.

The Winds of Destruction, on the other hand? I fucking love these guys (and girl).

Metal Gear Rising is what happens when you turn the insane anime action of the main series up to 11, and so it should be no shock the squad of bosses is cranked up as well. Each and every one of these guys is nuttier than the last, and the whole lot of them are some of the most memorable and memetic characters in the franchise. Also Khamsin exists.

Motivation/Goals: So besides the obvious way they tie into the plot because they’re working for Armstrong, each of these villains has a theme song which pretty much details what makes them tick, what they’re about, and expands upon them once you get their health low enough during their boss battles.

Mistral’s theme, “A Stranger I Remain,” details how she has come to this land to sate her bloodlust, and how she truly feels most at home on the battlefield; Monsoon’s theme, “Stains of Time,” acts as a reinforcement of his nihilistic outlook; Sundowner’s theme, “Red Sun,” expounds on his nature as a card-carrying villain and how he revels in the violence and bloodshed he causes; Sam’s theme, “The Only Thing I Know for Real,” lays out his desire for a one-on-one duel with Raiden, his foil, to see who is truly worthy to stand up and continue fighting for their ideals; and Khamsin’s song, “The Hot Wind Blowing,” showcases his patriotic nature as well as just generally acting as a badass boast. Most of these songs  act more as thematic seasoning for the characters, adding on to what is already established in their cutscenes, but for some like Khamsin and to a lesser extent Mistral, it’s pretty much the extent of their development.

Performance: Every single one of these actors really brings their all to make these characters memorable.

Sundowner is the ham and cheese of the group, working alongside Armstrong to ensure that all the scenerey is well and truly chewed. And who better to bring on the ham than Crispin Freeman? Salli Saffioti is Mistral, and is it any shock she’s also played Black Widow before? And also Hilda from Fire Emblem, I guess? Then we have Monsoon, played by John “The Crypt Keeper” Kassir, who delivers everything with gusto as always. Phillip-Anthony Rodriguez makes Sam just as smarmy and charming as a rival should be, and Benito Martinez puts in his all to his brief role of Khamsin. Not a weak vocal performance here, I’d say.

Final Fate: Seeing as they are video game bosses, it should come as no surprise to anyone that Raiden slices each and every one of them into confetti. Special mention to the absolutely brutal death of Mistral, where she gets frozen in liquid nitrogen before you get to shatter her.

Best Scene: For most of them, they only get the one scene followed by their boss battle, with the exception of Sundowner and Sam. Mistral and Khamsin’s boss battles are obviously their finest hours, though Mistral’s takes the cake between the two seeing how explosive and exciting it is, living up to the promise of that first battle with Metal Gear RAY, while Khamsin’s is the finale of a DLC featuring the game’s ultimate jobber, Blade Wolf.

Monsoon has a lot more going for him, because before his boss fight he gives off one of the most amazing monologues ever put into a Metal Gear game, as he lectures Raiden on memes (“The DNA of the soul!”) and his nihilistic philosophy. Then you get to have a kickass boss fight where, if you do well enough, you will make this nihilistic bastard beg for his life as you hack him to pieces.

Best Quote: Monsoon has the honor of dropping the most iconic bit of dialogue in the entire game (outside of everything out of Armstrong’s mouth, of course):

"Free will is a myth. Religion is a joke. We are all pawns, controlled by something far greater: Memes. The DNA of the soul. They shape our will. They are the culture — they are everything — we pass on."

Sundowner, being the massive slab of ham that he is, is no slouch in the memetic lines himself. Two stand out, and that’s his battle cry of “I’M FUCKIN’ INVINCIBLE!” and his proclamation that he wants things to go back to the old ways of war, specifically “IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS AFTER 9/11!” This is hilarious because even with confirming that 9/11 happened in the Metal Gear universe, it still is probably only the second worst thing to happen to New York.

Sam doesn’t really have any great quotes that stand out, but this man is a master of reactions, from his shit-eating grin to his rousing applause. I figured I’d highlight that here.

Final Thoughts & Score: Let’s look at them from best to least best; I don’t think any of them are awful, though some are better than others obviously.

Monsoon

Outside of Armstrong and Sundowner, Monsoon is absolutely the best character in the game. I think part of it is because he so thoroughly represents everything the Metal Gear series is summed up in one character; he’s incredibly philosophical and legitimately fascinating while also being hilariously over-the-top and spouting off some of the most ridiculous and cheesy lines you will ever hear, all while being a bright red-and-black cyborg voiced by a guy famous for acting as the emcee of a horror show. Literally everything about him is the pure essence of the franchise, so even without Kojima’s direct involvement we still got a beautiful 10.5/10 character.

Sundowner

As far as the Winds of Destruction go, Sundowner is second only to Monsoon. He’s just over-the-top in ways I never could have even imagined for this series, and the only thing holding him back is he is almost immediately outdone by Armstrong two levels after you kill him. Still, this bloodthirsty butcher just revels so much in being a huge asshole and delivers all his lines with the Southern-fried charm that only an actor like Crispin Freeman could deliver, and you have a character I wish was around in the good old days after 9/11. He’s an easy 10/10.

Also he is literally just this image as a character, and that’s amazing:

Jetstream Sam

Sam is a really great character in the Cyborg Ninja tradition, easily following in the footsteps of characters like Gray Fox and Raiden himself. The sheer badassery of this man, a normal human whose only cyborg trait is a single arm and yet who is still capable of taking down a RAY by himself, cannot be overstated, and I think he gets a big boost from being playable. There’s an underlying tragedy to the character too, with how he’s something of a fallen hero whose sword was once a tool of justice but who became disillusioned due to his inability to make the world a better place all on his own  and losing to Armstrong in a fight. He’s easily the most complex character besides Armstrong, and his boss battle and theme song are both top notch. I really can’t justify anything less than a 10/10.

Mistral

As much as I love Mistral, it’s hard to deny she is really the epitome of a one-scene wonder. She does not get nearly as much characterization as her compatriots and is very vague and ambiguous even after the DLC… but that might be the point. Her image song is “A Stranger I Remain,” and though we know of her bloodthirsty nature from that song, Mistral still remains a mystery to us to the bitter end. But hey, it’s hard to deny that what we do see of her is pretty impressive (and I’m not just talking about her boobs, I promise). She’s not quite as good as her fellow Winds I’d say, but considering she’s a 9.5/10 that’s not really a knock against her.

Khamsin

Despite having one of the best songs in the game to his name, as well as an intriguing personality and motivations, Khamsin really is incredibly forgettable, to the point his comrades  don’t even bother to mention him in the main campaign. This is not something you should ever be saying about a dude who looks like Quaritch in his mech suit at the end of Avatar on steroids, and yet here we are. Of course, he’s certainly not awful by any means and he makes for a great boss fight, but he falls severely short of the main game’s enemies. Mistral managed to score as high as she did with only having one level to her, but Khamsin only manages a 5.5/10 with the same. Maybe it’s because he just feels so inconsequential… Eh, at least he looks cool.

[aiseoexpert]

Affordable Taxi Services in Udaipur: Your Guide to Comfortable, Budget-Friendly Rides

Planning a trip to the City of Lakes? Udaipur is known for its breathtaking palaces, serene lakes, and cultural richness. But getting around this beautiful city can be a hassle without the right transportation. That’s where affordable taxi services in Udaipur come in handy. Whether you’re looking to hire luxury taxi in Udaipur, book online taxi services in Udaipur, or find the best taxi rental services in Udaipur, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make your journey in Udaipur smooth and budget-friendly with reliable taxi services.

Why Choose Taxi Services in Udaipur?

Getting around Udaipur can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. Public transport options like buses and auto-rickshaws may not offer the comfort and flexibility you need to explore the city’s stunning locations. Here’s why opting for affordable taxi services in Udaipur is the best choice:

Key Benefits of Taxi Services:

Convenience: Door-to-door pickup and drop-off services.

Affordability: Options to suit every budget.

Flexibility: Customizable itineraries to explore offbeat destinations.

Comfort: Well-maintained vehicles for a stress-free ride.

Reliability: On-time services, perfect for catching flights or attending events.

Types of Taxi Services in Udaipur

1. Luxury Taxi Services

Perfect for travelers looking to explore Udaipur in style.

Features high-end vehicles like sedans and SUVs.

Ideal for weddings, business trips, or special occasions.

“Book a luxury ride and add a touch of elegance to your Udaipur journey!”

2. Airport Taxi Services

Hassle-free Udaipur pickup and drop taxi services.

Affordable rates for Udaipur airport taxi service.

Ensures timely arrival and departure.

“No more stress about missing flights or waiting for cabs at the airport!”

3. Online Taxi Booking

Conveniently book your ride with online taxi services in Udaipur.

Real-time tracking and secure payment options.

4. Customized Taxi Packages

Hourly, half-day, and full-day packages to explore Udaipur.

Special deals for family trips, corporate events, and solo travelers.

Top Destinations to Explore with Taxi Services in Udaipur

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a spiritual seeker, Udaipur has something for everyone. Here are some must-visit places:

1. City Palace

Experience the grandeur of Udaipur’s royal past.

2. Lake Pichola

Enjoy a serene boat ride with a stunning sunset view.

3. Fateh Sagar Lake

A perfect spot for evening strolls and scenic beauty.

4. Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace)

Witness panoramic views of the city and surrounding lakes.

5. Jag Mandir

A majestic island palace offering a tranquil retreat.

With an Udaipur local sightseeing taxi, you can comfortably visit these iconic spots without worrying about navigation or parking.

Why Book a Taxi Online?

Booking a taxi online saves time and effort while ensuring you get the best service. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:

Ease of Booking: Book in a few clicks from anywhere.

Transparent Pricing: No hidden charges; know the cost upfront.

24/7 Availability: Reliable services even at odd hours.

Testimonials

“I booked a luxury taxi in Udaipur for my wedding, and the experience was beyond amazing. The car was spotless, and the driver was highly professional!” – Radhika Sharma, Jaipur

“Thanks to affordable Udaipur airport taxi service, I reached the airport on time without any hassle. Highly recommended!” – Aakash Mehta, Delhi

“Exploring Udaipur with their online taxi services was the best decision. The ride was smooth, and the driver guided us to the best local spots!” – Priya Verma, Mumbai

FAQs

1. How can I book a taxi in Udaipur? You can easily book a taxi through online platforms or by contacting local service providers. Many companies offer apps or websites for seamless bookings.

2. Are Udaipur taxi services affordable? Yes, you can find a wide range of options to suit your budget, from economical rides to luxury vehicles.

3. Can I get a taxi for Udaipur airport pickup and drop? Absolutely! Most taxi services in Udaipur offer dedicated airport transfers, ensuring timely and hassle-free travel.

4. Are luxury taxis available for weddings and events? Yes, you can hire premium cars for weddings, events, and corporate travel.

Why Choose Us for Your Taxi Needs?

When it comes to reliable, affordable, and comfortable rides in Udaipur, we’re the trusted choice.

Key Features:

Wide Range of Vehicles: Choose from economy to luxury.

Experienced Drivers: Professional and courteous chauffeurs.

24/7 Customer Support: Assistance whenever you need it.

Competitive Pricing: Quality services that won’t break the bank.

“Affordable taxi services in Udaipur made my trip unforgettable!”

Make your Udaipur trip unforgettable with affordable taxi services that combine comfort, reliability, and affordability. Whether you need a luxury ride or a budget-friendly option, Udaipur’s taxi services cater to all your travel needs. Book now and experience hassle-free travel!

[jgroffdaily]

Jonathan Groff to Join ‘Doctor Who’ in Guest Role

The ‘Matrix Resurrections’ actor is jumping aboard the TARDIS as a key character.

Russell T Davies, showrunner of the popular British drama, in a statement said of landing Groff in the popular BBC and Disney+ series: “This is an incredible coup, and a great honor, to get such a huge star striding on to our set. So strap on your space boots; this is going to be a blast!”

Groff had a breakout role as Jesse in the comedy drama Glee. His credits since then have included Knock at the Cabin, the Mindhunter series and The Matrix Resurrections, in which he played Agent Smith.

“I am so thrilled to jump into the extraordinary mind of Russell T Davies and watch the incredible Ncuti Gatwa soar in this iconic role!” Groff said of his casting in his own statement. Gatwa will be replacing the outgoing Time Lord Jodie Whittaker as the 15th Doctor of the series, which was revived in 2005.

Groff’s stage credits include playing King George III in Hamilton. Doctor Who returns in November 2023 with three special episodes, with David Tennant as the 14th Doctor to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the series.

Gatwa’s first episode as the 15th Doctor will then air over the Christmas season later this year. Doctor Who will bow exclusively on the BBC for the U.K. and Ireland, while Disney+ will be the home for new seasons of Doctor Who outside of those markets

**

Doctor Who has added Jonathan Groff to its growing cast list.

The Frozen and Glee actor will join BBC and Disney+’s iconic sci-fi drama in a “mysterious guest” as filming continues in Wales.

The BBC declined to offer further detail, but did say that Groff would “jump aboard the TARDIS,” suggesting his character could become an ally of the Doctor.

Showrunner Russell T Davies said: “This is an incredible coup, and a great honour, to get such a huge star striding on to our set. So strap on your space boots, this is going to be a blast!”

Doctor Who is getting a major makeover for Season 14, with Ncuti Gatwa stepping into the shoes of the famous Time Lord. His first episode will land over the Christmas holidays.

Millie Gibson has been cast as the Doctor’s companion, while Heartstopper breakout Yasmin Finney has joined the show as Rose. RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jinkx Monsoon also has a major role.

[dodham]

The Ultimate Guide to Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra Package

Introduction:-

Embarking on the Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra is an extraordinary spiritual journey that takes you through some of the most sacred sites in the Indian Himalayas. Known collectively as the “Do Dham Yatra,” this pilgrimage offers not only spiritual solace but also breathtaking natural beauty. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra, including essential travel tips, cultural insights, sightseeing highlights, and practical advice to help you make the most of your pilgrimage.

Overview of Kedarnath and Badrinath

Kedarnath and Badrinath are two of the four sacred Char Dhams in Uttarakhand, India. Each site is revered in Hinduism for its spiritual significance and historical importance:

Kedarnath: Located at an elevation of about 3,583 meters, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds great significance for devotees seeking spiritual liberation. The temple’s location, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, adds to its mystical allure.

Badrinath: Situated at 3,133 meters, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, another major deity in Hinduism. It is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and is situated between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges. The temple's serene environment and sacred hot springs make it a prominent destination for spiritual seekers.

Planning Your Yatra

1. Best Time to Visit

Kedarnath: The ideal time to visit Kedarnath is from late April to early November, avoiding the monsoon season when heavy rains can lead to landslides and travel disruptions. The summer months of May and June are particularly favorable as the weather is relatively pleasant.

Badrinath: The best time to visit Badrinath is from May to October, excluding the monsoon season. Similar to Kedarnath, the summer months provide favorable weather conditions for the pilgrimage.

2. Travel Packages

Do Dham Yatra Packages: Numerous travel operators offer Do Dham Yatra packages that include transportation, accommodation, and guided tours. These packages can be customized based on your preferences, such as the number of days, accommodation type, and special requests.

TourMyHoliday: Consider exploring packages from TourMyHoliday to find various options for Kedarnath and Badrinath. These packages often include transportation from major cities, meals, and comfortable accommodation.

3. Preparation and Packing

Clothing and Gear: Pack warm clothing, including thermal wear, as temperatures can drop significantly at high altitudes. Sturdy trekking shoes, a raincoat, a hat, and sunglasses are also essential. Additionally, carry a first-aid kit, personal medications, and any specific dietary items.

Travel Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including identification, permits, and travel vouchers. Make photocopies of important documents as a backup.

4. Transportation

Road Access: Kedarnath can be reached by trekking from Gaurikund, approximately 16 kilometers away. For those preferring a less strenuous option, helicopter services are available from locations like Phata and Guptkashi. Badrinath is accessible by road from towns like Joshimath and Rishikesh.

Local Transportation: Within Kedarnath and Badrinath, local transportation includes taxis and shared vehicles. Many attractions are within walking distance of the temples.

Sightseeing in Kedarnath

1. Kedarnath Temple

The Kedarnath Temple is the primary attraction of the Kedarnath Yatra and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple, believed to have been established by the Pandavas, is located at an elevation of 3,583 meters. The temple's architecture features a grand structure adorned with intricate carvings and a unique pyramidal roof. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a significant pilgrimage site for devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment. The serene setting amidst snow-capped peaks adds to the temple's divine aura.

2. Bhairavnath Temple

Located about 1.5 kilometers from Kedarnath Temple, the Bhairavnath Temple is dedicated to Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. The temple offers panoramic views of the Kedarnath Valley and is an important site for devotees. It is believed that visiting this temple ensures the protection of devotees and their successful completion of the pilgrimage. The temple's remote location adds to its mystical charm, providing a sense of solitude and spiritual connection.

3. Kedarnath Glacier

The Kedarnath Glacier, situated a few kilometers behind the Kedarnath Temple, is a major natural attraction. It is the source of the Mandakini River, which flows through the Kedarnath Valley. The glacier's awe-inspiring landscape, with its icy expanses and rugged terrain, offers a unique experience for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The area around the glacier is ideal for trekking and provides spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

4. Gandhi Sarovar

Gandhi Sarovar, also known as Chorabari Lake, is a pristine high-altitude lake located approximately 3 kilometers from Kedarnath. Named after Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the lake in 1948, it is a serene spot surrounded by majestic mountains. The lake's tranquil waters reflect the grandeur of the surrounding peaks, creating a picturesque setting. It is an ideal location for meditation and contemplation, offering a peaceful retreat from the pilgrimage's hustle and bustle.

Sightseeing in Badrinath

1. Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is the centerpiece of the Badrinath Yatra. Situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, the temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture and spiritual significance. It is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and features a striking black stone idol of Lord Vishnu. The temple's vibrant surroundings, including the sacred Alaknanda River and the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges, enhance its divine atmosphere.

2. Tapt Kund

Tapt Kund is a sacred hot spring located near the Badrinath Temple. The natural hot water of the spring is believed to have therapeutic properties and is used by pilgrims for a holy dip before visiting the temple. The spring's geothermal warmth provides relief from the cold climate, making it a vital part of the pilgrimage experience. It is considered an essential ritual for purification and spiritual preparation.

3. Mana Village

Mana Village, situated a few kilometers from Badrinath, is the last Indian village before the Indo-Tibetan border. Known for its picturesque beauty and traditional lifestyle, Mana Village offers a glimpse into the local culture and heritage. The village is home to several ancient temples and caves, including the Vyas Gufa (cave) where it is believed that Sage Vyasa composed the Mahabharata. Visiting Mana Village provides an authentic experience of the region's cultural and spiritual richness.

4. Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning natural wonder located near Badrinath. This high-altitude meadow is renowned for its diverse range of alpine flowers and vibrant colors. The valley is a paradise for botanists, nature enthusiasts, and photographers. The best time to visit the valley is during the summer months when the flowers are in full bloom. Exploring the Valley of Flowers offers a serene and enchanting experience amidst the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

Importance of Kedarnath and Badrinath

1. Kedarnath

Kedarnath holds immense spiritual significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an important site for devotees seeking liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The pilgrimage to Kedarnath is considered a path to attain moksha, and visiting the temple is believed to cleanse one's sins and bring divine blessings. The temple's remote and serene location enhances its spiritual aura, making it a revered destination for spiritual seekers.

2. Badrinath

Badrinath is a crucial pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and is associated with the mythological tale of Lord Vishnu meditating in the region. The temple's significance is amplified by its location between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges, which are believed to be manifestations of the divine. Visiting Badrinath is considered a way to seek divine blessings, attain spiritual growth, and fulfill one's religious duties.

[pers-books]

Doctor Who: RTD Makes Interesting Kate Lethbridge-Stewart Comment

Should we be reading into Doctor Who Showrunner Russell T. Davies's Instagram comment regarding Jemma Redgrave's Kate Lethbridge-Stewart?

Published Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:38:08 -0500 by Ray Flook

When the BBC, Disney+ & Showrunner Russell T. Davies's David Tennant & Catherine Tate-starring Doctor Who's 60th-anniversary event hits in November, the global community will have a chance to celebrate the long-running sci-fi series. From there, we have a Christmas Special before the new year brings a new series with our Fifteenth Doctor Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson (companion Ruby Sunday) taking charge of the TARDIS. One major player who will be assisting both Doctors in their efforts to keep the world safe is Jemma Redgrave's Kate (Lethbridge-) Stewart. Following in her family's footsteps as the head of UNIT, Stewart was first introduced during Matt Smith's run (S07E04 "The Power of Three") – and is now taking on an epic, "summer action movie"-type role based on the recently-released 60th anniversary trailer. In fact, rumblings have been pretty steady that Davies is considering a "WHO-niverse" spinoff focused on Stewart & UNIT – which may explain why folks like us are reading into Davies's comment on a recent Doctor Who Instagram post spotlighting Redgrave's character.

After noting that "A new era of Kate Lethbridge-Stewart approaches…" as the caption to the post, Davies responded with, "What? Who told you that? How did you..? Oh damn it " (with three angry emojis). Now, could Davies be making a joke about it being a spoiler considering the news and visuals have been out there for a while? Sure. But he could also be teasing that there's more to the "new era" part, possibly something in the near future? Sure. Let's us know in the comments section below what you think:

Doctor Who: Jemma Redgrave on Series 14, UNIT Spinoff Rumblings

Thanks to the folks over at Good Morning Britain, Redgrave was able to offer some insight into her involvement in the new series as well as those rumblings of a UNIT spinoff earlier this month. "I have been back in one episode in Series 14, and it was such a wonderful thing to be part of that family. I've never taken it for granted that I will be brought back, but it was absolutely tremendous, and to be part of Russell T. Davies' new vision is so exciting," Redgrave shared regarding her work on the new series. Unfortunately (at least, for now), Stewart and Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor won't be sharing any screen time – but Stewart and Gibson's Ruby Sunday will. "I haven't yet got to work with Ncuti [Gatwa], I worked with Millie [Gibson]," she added. " As for that spinoff talk, Redgrave knows as much as the fans do – but she did get a personal perspective on the speculation. "I don't know anything about a spinoff," Redgrave responded – before also sharing, "Somebody in my book club did message me and say, 'I saw something about you having a series,' and I said, 'I've heard nothing about it and I shall call my agent.'"

Along with Jemma Redgrave (Kate Lethbridge-Stewart), Aneurin Barnard (Roger ap Gwilliam), and Jack Forsyth-Noble (Will), Doctor Who Magazine #589 also confirmed that Bhav Joshi (Wedding Season), Eilidh Loan (Traces), Pete MacHale (Gangs of London), Miles Yekinni (Slow Horses), and Hemi Yeroham (Mamma Mia!) have joined the cast for the new series. In addition, Jinkx Monsoon (RuPaul's Drag Race) was also confirmed to have joined the cast – followed by Jonathan Groff (Glee, Mindhunter) and Indira Varma (Obsession, Game of Thrones) – as The Duchess – in May 2023. Bonnie Langford was confirmed to be returning as Melanie Bush in June 2023, along with Lenny Rush (Am I Being Unreasonable) as Morris. In early August 2023, we also learned that Gemma Arrowsmith (Gemma Arrowsmith Sketched Out) and Mary Malone (Vera, The Prince) had joined the Christmas Special – while Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy (Hollyoaks) and Billy Brayshaw (Still So Awkward) had joined the Series 14 cast.

[pyoorofficial]

Celebrate Teej in Style with Pyoor: Top 10 Kurta Sets for a Festive Look

Teej is a special festival celebrated enthusiastically by women in India . It’s more than just a cultural event — it’s a time to embrace tradition with grace. At Pyoor, we know how important it is to dress beautifully during Teej. That’s why we’ve put together a special collection of Kurta sets. They combine timeless style with festive charm. Whether you’re looking for Teej outfit ideas, outfit ideas for ladies for Teej, or just want to explore Teej festival outfits, our collection has something perfect for you.

Introduction

Teej is a special festival that celebrates the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, marking the start of the monsoon season. During this time, women wear colorful clothes to symbolize happiness and prosperity. At Pyoor, we specialize in beautiful ethnic wear, perfect for Teej celebrations. Whether you’re looking for teej outfit ideas for ladies or just want to dress traditionally and stylishly, our kurta sets are designed to make you feel elegant and confident throughout this festive occasion.

Top 10 Kurta Sets for Teej

1. ‘GULAAB’ is a Middle Eastern Kurta set

The ‘GULAAB’ set by Pyoor offers a modern twist on Middle Eastern fashion, perfect for Teej festival outfits and Teej outfit ideas for ladies. Crafted from luxurious satin silk, this three-piece ensemble includes a full-sleeved kurta with a semi-V-neck in front and a round neck at the back. The accompanying Afghani salwar adds richness with its heavy design, while the pink organza dupatta, edged with satin, adds a touch of elegance. The vibrant pink color enhances the festive spirit, making it an ideal choice to celebrate Teej in style with Pyoor’s unique blend of tradition and contemporary fashion.

2. ‘SAND’ Middle Eastern Fit Kurta Set

Introducing the ‘SAND’ Middle Eastern Fit Kurta Set from Pyoor, perfect for Teej festival outfits and Teej outfit ideas for ladies. This set blends traditional charm with a modern twist in Middle Eastern fashion. Crafted from luxurious satin silk, it features a stylish short-sleeved kurta with a semi-V-neck front and round neck back. The Afghani salwar adds a touch of cultural flair, while the light purple tissue dupatta with a golden finish enhances its elegance. Available in a rich coffee brown hue, this ensemble is designed to exude sophistication and grace, making it an ideal choice for festive celebrations.

3. Solids Pakistani Kurta set

The Solids Pakistani Kurta Set from Pyoor is a vibrant choice for Teej festival outfits and ideal Teej outfit ideas for ladies. This comfortable and breezy ensemble comes in a bright yellow color and is crafted from poly crepe fabric for a soft, skin-friendly feel. Perfect for summer, it features a loose, Middle Eastern-inspired fit that’s both airy and stylish. Despite its full sleeves, the outfit remains lightweight and flowy, ensuring comfort throughout the festivities. Whether you’re celebrating Teej or looking for a blend of comfort and elegance, this set is designed to keep you cool and chic all day.

4. Heer Set

The Heer Set from Pyoor is a perfect pick for Teej celebrations. Made from pure cotton, it features beautiful embroidered flower patterns all over the kurta with a comfy cotton lining. The set includes a loose-fit off-white salwar, combining traditional charm with modern comfort. Whether you’re planning your Teej festival outfits or searching for stylish Teej outfit ideas for ladies, the Heer Set embodies Pyoor’s blend of timeless craftsmanship and contemporary elegance, ensuring you look and feel fabulous during this special occasion.

5. Chikankari Kurta Set with tassels

Pyoor presents a handcrafted Chikankari lime yellow kurta set with tassels all over, paired with off-white pants, making it the perfect fit for summer! This ensemble is ideal for Teej festival outfits, featuring intricate embroidery that captures the spirit of traditional craftsmanship. It offers comfort and style, making it a top choice for Teej outfit ideas for ladies seeking a blend of tradition and contemporary flair. Celebrate Teej with the utmost grace and charm with this outfit, designed to keep you cool and chic during the festive season.

6. Daisy Set

The Daisy Set by Pyoor is a Middle Eastern-fit kurta set in pure cotton, ideal for Teej festival outfits and Teej outfit ideas for ladies. This printed kurta features a relaxed fit with lace detailing on the sleeves, ensuring both comfort and elegance. It includes a semi-V neck in front and a round neck at the back, offering versatility for different Teej celebrations. Embrace tradition with sophistication in the Daisy Set, designed to elevate your style effortlessly.

7. Neel Coord Set

The Neel Coord Set from Pyoor is a perfect choice for Teej festival outfits. Neel is a coordinated set made from pure cotton, featuring a lustrous blue color with a Middle Eastern fit. The relaxed-fit kurta features delicate lace detailing on the neckline and sleeves, offering both comfort and elegance. Paired with broad-bottom pants adorned with matching lace detailing, this ensemble exudes grace and charm. Ideal for Teej outfit ideas for ladies, the Neel Coord Set combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style, ensuring you look and feel fabulous during this auspicious festival.

8. TULIP Co-ord Set

The Tulip Co-ord Set from Pyoor is an ideal choice for Teej festival outfits and Teej outfit ideas for ladies. This Middle Eastern-inspired ensemble features a V-neck kurta with oversized bell sleeves adorned with delicate lace embroidery. Paired elegantly with sleek crepe pants, its reddish hue with a hint of pink adds a vibrant touch to your festive look. Embrace tradition with a modern twist in this comfortable yet stylish outfit, designed to make you stand out during Teej celebrations.

9. ‘NOOR’ Middle Eastern Fit Silk & Brocade set

“NOOR” is a luxurious Middle Eastern Fit Silk and Brocade set from Pyoor, perfect for Teej festival outfits and Teej outfit ideas for ladies. The green satin shirt features a flattering boat neck adorned with exquisite lace embroidery on the sleeves. Complementing this, the brocade wide pants are elegantly finished with a thick embroidered border. Complete your look with the pink organza dupatta, edged with brocade borders, adding a touch of grace and charm. Ideal for those seeking traditional yet sophisticated attire, NOOR blends rich fabrics and intricate detailing to ensure you shine brightly during Teej celebrations.

10. Pakeeza Organza Suit Set

The Pakeeza Organza Suit Set from Pyoor is a stunning choice for Teej festival outfits, especially for ladies seeking elegant Teej outfit ideas. This Middle Eastern-inspired ensemble features intricate thread embroidery on a flowing organza shirt styled in an anarkali silhouette, enhancing its grace with a beautiful ‘Gher’. The set includes pants adorned with delicate lace details and a matching dupatta, completing a look that blends traditional charm with contemporary elegance. Perfect for embracing cultural festivities with sophistication and style, the Pakeeza set ensures you stand out during Teej celebrations with its exquisite craftsmanship and graceful design.

Conclusion

At Pyoor, we believe that dressing up for Teej is not just about wearing clothes but celebrating culture and tradition with grace. Our handpicked kurta sets blend traditional aesthetics with modern trends, ensuring you look and feel your best during this auspicious festival.

Call to Action

Explore Pyoor’s exclusive Teej collection online or visit our stores to discover more kurta sets designed to elevate your festive style. Ensure you take advantage of our limited-time special offers and discounts.Share your Teej look with us on social media using #CelebrateTeejWithPyoor.

[viyaahuk]

Where to Find Affordable Wedding Accessories

Planning a wedding is an exciting yet challenging experience, and finding the perfect accessories without breaking the bank can be a daunting task. Luckily, the UK offers a plethora of options for budget-conscious brides and grooms. From bridal boutiques to online marketplaces, you can find stunning and affordable wedding accessories to complete your big day. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various sources and tips for finding the best deals on wedding accessories in the UK.

Bridal Boutiques

1. High Street Bridal Shops

High street bridal shops are a great place to start your search for affordable wedding accessories. These stores often carry a wide range of items, from veils and headpieces to shoes and jewelry. Look for end-of-season sales and special promotions to snag high-quality items at discounted prices. Popular high street retailers like Debenhams, House of Fraser, and Monsoon often have dedicated wedding sections.

2. Independent Bridal Boutiques

Independent bridal boutiques may offer unique and handcrafted Wedding accessories uk at competitive prices. Many of these boutiques focus on personalized service and can help you find items that match your style and budget. Visiting local bridal fairs and events can also introduce you to independent designers and boutiques you might not find online.

Online Marketplaces

3. Etsy

Etsy is a treasure trove of handmade and vintage wedding accessories. You can find everything from custom-made veils to personalized jewelry. The platform allows you to communicate directly with sellers to customize items to your liking. To find the best deals, filter your search by price and look for sellers based in the UK to avoid high shipping costs.

4. eBay

eBay is another excellent online marketplace for affordable wedding accessories. You can find both new and gently used items, often at a fraction of the retail price. Set up alerts for specific items you’re looking for, and keep an eye on auctions to bid on high-quality accessories at lower prices.

5. Amazon

Amazon offers a vast selection of wedding accessories from various sellers. The convenience of fast shipping and competitive pricing makes it a popular choice. Be sure to read reviews and check seller ratings to ensure the quality of your purchases. Amazon Prime members can take advantage of free and expedited shipping on many items.

Discount and Outlet Stores

6. TK Maxx

TK Maxx is known for offering designer items at discounted prices. Their wedding accessory section includes everything from clutches and shoes to jewelry and headpieces. The inventory changes frequently, so it’s worth checking back regularly to find new deals.

7. Outlet Villages

Outlet villages such as Bicester Village, Cheshire Oaks, and McArthurGlen Designer Outlet offer discounts on designer and high-street brands. These outlets often have sikh wedding planning where you can find veils, shoes, and jewelry at reduced prices. Plan a trip to your nearest outlet village to explore the options available.

Second-Hand and Vintage Shops

8. Charity Shops

Charity shops like Oxfam, Cancer Research UK, and British Heart Foundation often have dedicated bridal sections. You can find gently used wedding accessories at a fraction of the cost, and the proceeds go to a good cause. Check multiple locations to increase your chances of finding hidden gems.

9. Vintage Shops

Vintage shops are perfect for finding unique and one-of-a-kind wedding accessories. Items like vintage hair combs, brooches, and gloves can add a touch of nostalgia to your wedding ensemble. Visit vintage markets and fairs to discover a wide range of affordable options.

DIY and Craft Stores

10. Hobbycraft

For those who love a DIY approach, Hobbycraft offers a wide range of materials to create your own wedding accessories. From beads and ribbons to fabric and glue guns, you can design personalized pieces that match your wedding theme. DIY projects not only save money but also add a personal touch to your big day.

11. The Range

The Range is another excellent store for DIY wedding accessories. They offer a variety of craft supplies, including artificial flowers, decorative items, and craft tools. You can find everything you need to create custom centerpieces, boutonnieres, and more.

Specialized Online Retailers

12. Not On The High Street

Not On The High Street features unique and personalized wedding accessories from independent sellers. You can find bespoke items like engraved jewelry, custom-made veils, and hand-painted shoes. Use the website’s filters to narrow down your search by price and style.

13. Wedding in a Box

Wedding in a Box offers curated collections of sikh wedding planning, including everything from bridal sashes to cake toppers. Their packages often include multiple items at a discounted rate, making it easy to find matching accessories without overspending.

Bridal Rental Services

14. Rent the Dress

Rent the Dress allows you to rent high-end wedding accessories for a fraction of the retail price. From tiaras and veils to designer shoes, renting can be a cost-effective way to wear luxury items without the hefty price tag. Browse their website to see the available options and book your rentals in advance.

15. Bag Borrow or Steal

Bag Borrow or Steal offers rental services for designer handbags and accessories. Perfect for brides looking for a statement piece without the commitment, this service lets you rent luxury items for your wedding day and return them afterward.

Social Media and Community Groups

16. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a convenient platform for finding affordable wedding accessories locally. You can browse listings in your area and communicate directly with sellers. Many brides sell their gently used accessories at significantly reduced prices, providing an excellent opportunity to find great deals.

17. Wedding Forums and Groups

Join wedding forums and social media groups dedicated to UK brides. Platforms like WeddingWire, Hitched, and dedicated Facebook groups offer classified sections where members buy and sell wedding accessories. Engaging with these communities can also provide valuable tips and recommendations.

Sample Sales and Ex-Demo Stock

18. Bridal Sample Sales

Bridal sample sales are events where boutiques sell off their sample stock at discounted prices. These events are a fantastic opportunity to find designer accessories at a fraction of the cost. Keep an eye on local bridal boutiques' social media pages and websites for announcements about upcoming sample sales.

19. Ex-Demo Stock

Some bridal stores offer ex-demo stock at reduced prices. These items have been used for display or try-on purposes and are often in excellent condition. Inquire with local bridal shops if they have any ex-demo accessories available for sale.

Budget-Friendly Brands

20. Lovisa

Lovisa offers stylish and affordable jewelry and accessories. Their bridal collection includes earrings, necklaces, and hair accessories that won't break the bank. With frequent sales and promotions, Lovisa is a great option for budget-conscious brides.

21. Accessorize

Accessorize provides a wide range of affordable wedding accessories, including hairpieces, clutches, and jewelry. Their bridal collection is designed to suit various tastes and budgets, ensuring you can find something perfect for your special day.

Department Stores

22. John Lewis

John Lewis offers a comprehensive selection of wedding accessories at various price points. From designer brands to more affordable options, you can find veils, jewelry, and shoes to complete your bridal look. Take advantage of seasonal sales and discounts to save on your purchases.

23. Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer has a dedicated wedding section that includes affordable accessories. Their collection features classic and timeless pieces, ensuring you look elegant on your big day without overspending. Look for their regular promotions and discounts to get the best deals.

Custom and Bespoke Services

24. Local Artisans

Consider working with local artisans to create bespoke wedding accessories. Many artisans offer custom design services for items like jewelry, headpieces, and shoes. This option allows you to get exactly what you want while supporting local businesses.

25. Online Custom Services

Websites like Vistaprint and Zazzle offer custom design services for wedding accessories. You can personalize items like tote bags, flip-flops, and even jewelry with your wedding details. These services often provide discounts for bulk orders, making them cost-effective for wedding parties.

Final Tips for Finding Affordable Wedding Accessories

1. Plan Ahead

Start your search for wedding accessories early to take advantage of sales, promotions, and sufficient time for custom orders. Planning ahead also reduces the stress of last-minute purchases.

2. Set a Budget

Determine your budget for wedding accessories and stick to it. Having a clear budget helps you avoid overspending and narrows down your options.

3. Compare Prices

Compare prices across different retailers and platforms to ensure you're getting the best deal. Use price comparison websites and apps to find the lowest prices.

4. Negotiate

Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially when buying from independent sellers or at bridal fairs. You might be able to get a discount or additional items included in your purchase.

5. Check Return Policies

Before making a purchase, check the return policies of the retailer. This ensures you can return or exchange items if they don't meet your expectations.

6. Stay Open-Minded

Be open to different styles and designs. Sometimes, the perfect accessory might be something you hadn't initially considered.

Conclusion

Finding affordable wedding accessories in the UK is entirely possible with a bit of research and creativity. From high street shops and online marketplaces to vintage stores and custom services, there are countless options to suit every budget and style. By planning ahead and exploring various sources, you can find beautiful accessories that make your wedding day truly special without breaking the bank. Happy shopping and best wishes for your upcoming wedding!

[bestbackpacktravel]

Best Time to Visit Maldives for Honeymoon

The best time to visit the Maldives for a honeymoon is between November and April. This period offers optimal weather with minimal rain and plenty of sunshine.

The Maldives, known for its enchanting coral islands and romantic resorts, is a top choice for honeymooners seeking a blend of luxury and tropical paradise. With its crystal-clear waters, the archipelago becomes an idyllic retreat during the dry season, which aligns with the months from November to April.

During these months, couples can enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping without the worry of monsoon rains. The warm temperatures and gentle sea breezes provide a perfect backdrop for intimate beach dinners and sunset cruises, creating a memorable start to married life. Choosing the right time ensures not only the best weather but also access to a wide range of honeymoon specials offered by resorts, making the Maldives an unforgettable escape for newlyweds.

Introduction To Maldives Honeymoon

Introduction to Maldives Honeymoon highlights the dreamy escape for newlyweds. Imagine soft white sands, clear blue waters, and private bungalows over the ocean. The Maldives offers an unmatched, romantic setting perfect for honeymooners. Let's explore why this paradise stands out for lovebirds.

Why Maldives?

Exclusive islands offering privacy and tranquility.

Stunning overwater bungalows with direct sea access.

Warm, tropical climate year-round.

World-class snorkeling and diving experiences.

Luxurious spas and romantic dinners under the stars.

Romantic Allure Of Maldives

The Maldives beckons couples with its romantic allure. Imagine walking hand in hand along the beach, with the sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Days begin with breakfast on your private deck, overlooking the azure sea. Adventures await beneath the waves, where colorful fish dart through coral gardens. Evenings promise relaxation in a spa, followed by dinner on a secluded beach. Every moment in the Maldives spells romance, making it the perfect honeymoon destination.

[phoenixrsing]

tropes: shadow syndicate,  moral event horizon,  noble demon.  

advancing the agenda of the fire nation and protecting its interests in republic city,  from within the shadows,  directly from the belly of the beast.  drawing upon his military experience and leadership skills,  lu ten gathered members—former soldiers,  mercenaries,  and individuals willing to follow orders without objection,  they embarked on a path of order through severity,  specializing in espionage and sabotage to assassinations,  compromising moralities.  their identities are concealed,  known only to a select few who have infiltrated the reigns.  lu ten can count on one hand the number of people who can connect him to the syndicate. agni kai triad, the organization, is not bound by traditional notions of morality or ethics. 

its members are willing to employ morally questionable methods in service of the fire nation,  understanding that their actions may require sacrifices for the greater good of their nation.  they maintain tenuous alliances with certain groups and individuals for mutual benefit, they also have rivalries with competing organizations vying for control and dominance. in particular, tensions run high with rival gangs such as the triple threat triad and the red monsoons, leading to occasional conflicts and turf wars.

dubbed as the dragon head, lu ten is more than willing to bear the burden of dishonor. they preemptively neutralize potential threats, including preemptive strikes against any threats to the crown—from inside fire nation and out. their funding is sourced from a combination of gambling profits, smuggling contraband, and extorting rival gangs. while on the surface, it operates as just another criminal gang, its true roots delve much deeper. influenced by fire nation traditions and rituals, members of the agni kai organization partake in initiation ceremonies reminiscent of ancient fire nation customs. the ceremony unfolds at a sacred shrine dedicated to the fire lord, adorned with flickering flames and offerings of incense. a sacrificial offering, often a boar-q-pine, is presented before the altar as a symbol of devotion and loyalty. initiates then partake in a ritualistic libation, drinking a mixture of spiced wine infused. three fingers of the left hand are raised as a binding gesture, known as the flame oath.

[dmashrafulbd]

Read Caption 👇 👇

Five content ideas for Instagram posts in 2024…..

Festive Preparations: Share glimpses of how you and your family are getting ready for upcoming festivals like Diwali or Navratri. Decorations, traditional attire, or cooking special dishes can make engaging content.

Monsoon Moments: September marks the tail end of the monsoon season in many parts of India. Share scenic shots of rain-soaked streets, lush greenery, or cozy moments indoors with a cup of tea during a rainy day.

Local Cuisine: Highlight regional dishes or street food that's popular in your area. Food posts are always a hit on Instagram, and India's diverse cuisine offers endless opportunities.

Heritage and Culture: Visit local historical sites, museums, or cultural events in your city and showcase them on your feed. It's a great way to educate your followers about India's rich heritage.

Fitness and Wellness: September is a good time to promote health and wellness, especially as the festive season approaches. Share your workout routines, yoga sessions, or healthy recipes to inspire others.

[choti12]

Finding the Ideal Time to Explore Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant capital city of Malaysia, is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and architectural wonders. From towering skyscrapers to bustling street markets, there's something for every traveler in this dynamic metropolis. However, to make the most of your visit, it's essential to consider the best time to explore Kuala Lumpur. Let's delve into the factors that influence the ideal timing for your trip.

Weather Considerations: Kuala Lumpur experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The city receives rainfall almost daily, but the intensity varies across different months. The dry season, from May to September, offers relatively clearer skies and lower precipitation levels, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Avoiding the Monsoon Season: The wet season in Kuala Lumpur typically occurs from October to March, with November and December being the wettest months. Heavy rainfall during this period may disrupt outdoor plans and sightseeing, leading to inconvenience for travelers. Thus, it's advisable to avoid visiting Kuala Lumpur during the peak of the monsoon season to ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Festivals and Events: Kuala Lumpur hosts a myriad of cultural festivals, events, and celebrations throughout the year, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions. From the colorful Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves to the dazzling Chinese New Year festivities in Chinatown, each event adds a unique flavor to the city's vibrant atmosphere. Planning your visit to coincide with these festivals can provide an enriching cultural experience.

Peak Tourist Seasons: The influx of tourists in Kuala Lumpur tends to peak during certain periods, such as school holidays and major events. The months of December and January, as well as July and August, witness a surge in tourist arrivals, leading to crowded attractions and higher accommodation rates. Travelers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere may opt to visit during the shoulder seasons, such as April to June and September to November.

Outdoor Activities and Excursions: If you're interested in outdoor adventures or exploring Kuala Lumpur's natural attractions, consider visiting during the dry season when weather conditions are more favorable. From hiking in the nearby rainforests to exploring the city's parks and gardens, the dry months offer ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits without the threat of sudden downpours.

Budget and Travel Deals: Timing your visit to Kuala Lumpur can also impact your travel expenses, as accommodation rates and airfare prices may vary depending on the season. By researching and booking in advance, you can take advantage of early bird discounts and special promotions, allowing you to enjoy a budget-friendly trip to the Malaysian capital.

Conclusion: Choosing the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur involves considering various factors, including weather patterns, cultural events, and tourist trends. Whether you prefer to explore the city's iconic landmarks, indulge in culinary delights, or immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, planning your trip accordingly can enhance your overall experience. By understanding the nuances of Kuala Lumpur's seasons and festivities, you can embark on a memorable journey filled with exploration, discovery, and cultural immersion in this captivating metropolis.