#Why Term Life is a Smart Investment

[purelifeassurance]

Protect Your Family’s Future with Term Life Insurance

Why Term Life Insurance is Essential for Your Loved Ones Life is full of uncertainties. While we can’t predict the future, we can take steps to protect our families from financial hardship if the unexpected happens. That’s where Term Life Insurance comes in—it’s one of the most affordable and effective ways to ensure your loved ones are taken care of if you’re no longer there to provide for…

[sangwookisser]

⭒DOLLHOUSE - THE SALESMAN | GONG YOO⭒

warnings: ceo! salesman, stalking, sadism, naive! reader, heavy manipulation, coercion, dacryphilia, female pronouns used on reader, groping, heavy petting, lying, voyeurism (threat), p in v, fingering, backshots, consensual, MDNI, mature content ahead

an: reposting this because i'm bitter that it flopped

He didn't really need to be here. But he wanted to.

His empire ran without his supervision. It was fueled by the greed lurking deep in every human, the desperation for success and wealth. He liked to watch the hope of people- people so unlike him, who sat in his expensive leather chairs, wrung their hands and emptied their pockets- flicker weakly in their eyes.

He liked to watch the way they ached to change their lives by putting their last won in the right investments, but only if they played smart. Listened to the right people.

He walked the upper floor of the building methodically, his hands buried in his pockets as he surveyed the floor below through the glass. From up here, he could see everything. The traders looked like ants, which they were, to him. Ants he could crush beneath the heel of his designer shoes, if he felt like it.

They scrambled at their desk, fingers moving across keyboards, their voices a quiet din of numbers and false promises. At the heart of it all was money. His money.

He had spent years honing his instincts to lie, cheat and steal. He knew which buttons to press, and which words to make people crack under pressure. He built his empire with the same philosophy that had helped him survive back when he worked only for the games. Find the desperate, make them hope, and watch them crash and burn.

And they did burn. Every time. Here, though, he worked on his own terms. He didn't have to slap them around or bait them into playing a ridiculous children's game. Here, they approached him to sign away their savings, future, and dignity.

He leaned against a railing, crossing his arms over each other, his watch glinting and shining from the lighting of the chandelier hanging overhead. He watched a man in a poorly tailored suit wipe sweat from his forehead while speaking to one of his advisors. His hands shook wildly as he signed a contract. Probably the last of the man's money, going straight into one of his accounts.

The salesman smirked, shifting his weight as the smooth fabric of his suit stretched against the muscles of his back. He didn't feel bad. He had worked for all of this luxury.

His gaze smoothed over the floor, over the rows of desks, and the electronic boards displaying market trends and stock markets, his gaze stopping on a woman sitting in the office of one of his best employees.

Hunched in your chair, shoulders curled inward as if trying to take up less space. You sported an old sweatshirt, faded from too many washes, wrinkled jeans, and a baseball cap that tugged low over your face, though it couldn't hide the resignation clouding your delicate features.

You looked young, much too young to be sitting in an office like this, across from one of his employees, listening to the man pitching a high risk, high reward scenario, encouraging you to invest more than you planned. Just a little more, of course. Pushing the idea that this was your big break.

And of course, you were listening. The exhaustion in your eyes was momentarily replaced by a sickeningly impossible chance at making it big. Hence why that was one of the Salesman's favorite employees.

You weren't demanding guarantees or questioning the risk. No, you were nodding along like you were in a trance, your eyes flitting periodically to the numbers on the big screens above you like they held all the answers to your sad little life.

His eyes lit up with a fascination he hadn't felt in a long time.

He had seen plenty of people about to hit the age of a midlife crisis come around here and fall for this trap. But girls like you? Quite rare.

His blood heated ever so slightly. Because you weren't just desperate, you were naive. Easy to influence. He liked that sort.

And yet, despite his growing interest, he wouldn't go down to meet you. Not yet, at least. That wasn't how he operated. The best games required patience for the reward to be more fulfilling.

So, instead of approaching himself or making himself known, he turned away and walked back to the executive wing of his building. The private floors, higher up, where the real power sat.

As he reached his office, he was already undoing the top button on his suit jacket, leaning back into the chair behind his desk. Opening his computer, his monitor flickered to life, casting a pale glow over his face. It held his security system. Hundreds of cameras. Spectating ever floor, ever hallway, every desk.

He leaned back, crossing one ankle over his knee as he flicked through the channels using his mouse, finding you quickly.

Still sitting there, still nodding at whatever bullshit his advisor was feeding you. You looked hesitant, gnawing your lower lip before finally reaching for your phone, presumably to check your account.

He tsked. "Tch. Little thing insists on hiding her face under such a filthy hat." He zoomed in, trying to catch a glimpse of your features, while simultaneously turning up the volume of his monitor. He watched you schedule another appointment for next Thursday.

He quickly grabbed his agenda from his desk, flipped to the right page, and noted it down. His gaze returned to the gaze, watching as you stood and made your way towards the exit, he tilted his head, quickly switching his feed to a new angle, one of the cameras near the elevator bank.

He watched as you stepped inside, leaning back against the wall as the doors slid shut.

Before they did, he lifted the walkie from his desk.

"Security, come in," he murmured. A crackle. Then, "Yes, sir?"

"The girl in the baseball cap." His eyes stayed glued to the screen, tracking the floor numbers as the elevator descended. "Follow her. Discreetly. I want to know what car she gets into."

"10-4, boss."

He nodded with satisfaction, now moving through the cameras more rapidly. His fingers twitch over the angles almost like a man possessed. He hadn't had excitement like this in ages. Anticipation curled in his gut as he ignored the ringing of his work phone for a board meeting which was meant to take place tonight, lingering on the outside camera.

The elevator doors slid open, and you stepped out into the dim lighting of the parking structure.

But something made him sit up straight.

Because as you walked, you lifted a hand to the brim of your cap. And then, with a small sigh, you tugged it off. And fuck.

Your hair spilled out, soft and tousled from being pressed beneath the hat, falling in slight curls that brushed your shoulders.

And your face... long lashes with bright eyes that caught in the dull overhead light. You let out a long sigh, perhaps of relief, as you ducked your head once more, continuing towards your car.

He ran his tongue over the inside of his cheek as something swam around in his stomach. It wasn't pleasant for him. He wasn’t sure the last time he’d had a physical reaction to just looking at someone, but now, sitting in his chair, his breath was heavier, slower.

"Boss." His earpiece sounded once more. "She's getting into... some old Honda. License plate..." He read out the numbers and letters, and the Salesman quickly wrote them down, mumbling them to himself.

"Acknowledged." He says sternly to his security guard team. "Thank you for your work."

He leaned back in his chair once more, watching the screen as your taillights disappeared down the ramp, already counting down the days until next Thursday.

Later, in his boardroom, he was hardly listening to the constant droning of men in suits. Some executive from the European division was talking about expansion in Berlin, with another adding in information about the numbers in Munich. Projections for the next quarter that he didn't give a fuck about.

Not when he had a little someone that was invading ever corner of his mind. He was on his phone under the table, deriving information from your license plate. He found your vehicle identification number, a few accidents you'd gotten into years ago that he was thankful you recovered from.

But the jackpot was your home address. He grinned, watching his screen with interest. You lived just where he had expected. In a little apartment far from the city. A low income area with cheap rent and cramped rooms.

He tapped on his maps app and typed in your address nimbly, staring at an overhead view of your apartment. He exhaled deeply, closing his eyes to imagine you making your way to your bedroom to take off your clothes and shower. God, he could imagine how you looked under those old clothes. Probably all soft curves and smooth skin. He felt himself getting too worked up, in the middle of a meeting as well.

He loosened his tie a little to breathe properly, trying to will away the throbbing in his crotch. He wished he could see inside. He wished he could have bugged you slipped a camera into that tiny excuse of a living space and watch you flit around like a mouse.

He swallowed thickly, gnawing on his lower lip. Oh, when he got his hands on you...

"Sir?" He barely glanced up. A man was staring at him expectantly from across the long, polished table. "What." he said coldly, wanting to almost snap at him for interrupting his little fantasy, his eyes still flicking through the images on his screen.

"I was asking if you approve of the updated revenue projections for the Munich division."

"Sure. Do whatever you want, Mr. Park. I trust you know what to do with expansion." he said, not looking at him.

The man hesitated. "Uh, so—that’s a yes?" He sighed through his nose, clicking his phone off and finally lifting his gaze. "Yes," he said flatly. "Good work, Park. Keep it up." The man beamed, nodding furiously before returning to his numbers.

He groaned slowly, his grip tightening around his phone.

The knowledge that you were all alone, desperate, and in a time of need, made him ache. He hoped you were crying. He liked tears, the look of defeat and helplessness in people's eyes, because it made them so easy to control, and if you were crying, he could have his way with you so easily. You'd fall into his hands.

His blood hummed. It was too risky to just show up at your dirty apartment, even with how badly he wanted to break in and pounce on you like an animal without a leash.

Instead, he opted for an alternative. He flicked his hand.

"The meeting is closed. All of you, back to your stations, if you have anything left for the day. If not, go home." He paused, turning his gaze to the advisor who'd spoken to you today. "Mr. Kim. You stay."

Mr. Kim paled slightly, fearing punishment, and the rest of the employees scrambled out of the room, not wanting to face his potential anger.

The man straightened, approaching his boss with careful reverence.

"Sir?"

"You handled the woman today," he said, voice smooth, measured. "The young one. Soft, pretty face, yes?"

Mr. Kim fidgeted slightly, letting out a soft, confused scoff. "Uh… yes, sir. A few actually, but-"

"You know which one I mean."

The man nodded quickly.

"She scheduled another appointment for Thursday," Kim added. "Seemed… hesitant. Didn’t have much to invest with." He already knew that.

"Her bank details."

Mr. Kim blinked. "Sir? Doesn't our policy say-"

"Her. Bank. Details."

Kim nodded quickly, knowing better than to question his boss.

-

He sat in the office of his luxury apartment, logging into your bank account with ease. He sees your recent transactions, and the pitiful sum of money lingering in your savings. His lip curled, and he transferred out three-quarters of your money, sending it into one of his private accounts, untraceable and easy to plant seeds of doubt in your mind.

Gone. Just like that.

With your money gone right after coming home from his company, you'd either assume your advisor had made the investment without you, or you'd think you'd just been robbed outright. Either way, he knew you'd return. His breath came shallow with excitement of the prospect of seeing you tomorrow.

Like clockwork, you were in the office next morning, early. He spotted you from a few meters away, standing in the middle of Mr. Kim's office, your hands shaking as you gripped the edge of his desk.

Tears streaked your face, and your whole body wracked with panic. God, you were hysterical. Your screams rang throughout the entire lower floor. His breath hitched.

He was already getting hard. You were wearing yoga pants today, something unfit for such a fine establishment. your jacket was faded, and his gaze roamed your body as you began to pace and shake with the sheer desperation clouding your mind.

"I didn't authorize that! What the fuck made you think it was okay to just drain my bank account while I was sleeping? Do you realize how sick that is? I don't even know where it went! You took advantage of me!" your voice broke, hoarse from crying, thick with rage.

Mr. Kim jumped, looking slightly put off. "Miss, I understand, really, but I swear I didn't-"

"Then where the hell is my m-money?" You shriek, your voice breaking on the last word.

The Salesman closed his eyes, exhaling slowly through his nose as he felt a sharp coil of pleasure tighten in his gut, like yesterday. You did things to him he couldn't describe.

Your eyes were bloodshot, plump lips wobbling, and you jabbed your finger at Kim's computer in accusation.

The irony of it all was that he was the one who was holding all of it in his account as you took your anger out on his employee. He was enjoying this way more than he had expected. You, this pathetic little thing, sobbing over a couple thousand won, in those tight fucking pants, looking so small...

He wanted more.

You were breaking apart, shaking and crying, your breath coming in shallow, choked little gasps, and Kim was floundering to explain what had happened to your money.

He straightened his tie, adjusted the cuffs of his suit, and walked into the office with a slow, deliberate ease, his expression smooth, unreadable, effortlessly controlled. The moment Kim saw him, his face went pale. He immediately got to his feet, though he didn't even look at him.

He couldn't be bothered by the man right now. He had his focus on you, and my my... you looked so much better up close. Especially because of your tears.

Your eyes widened as your gaze locked with his, confusion crossing your features. You knew him, obviously. Everyone in the city did. His handsome face was everywhere. In ads on TV, on billboards by the highways, in magazines. A figure of power, fortune, and influence.

And yet here he was, right in front of you, involving himself in your mess... why?

It's not like it would be a big deal if you told anyone that you thought his company scammed you. Even suing him wouldn't make a dent in his bank account.

But he liked that you were confused. It gave him control.

"What's the issue here?" He asked smoothly, his voice calm, pleasant, like he didn’t already know exactly what the issue was.

You hiccupped weakly, adjusting your baseball cap. He thought it was cute that you tried to make yourself look more presentable for him.

Your eyes widened a bit as he leaned down to your level when you failed to answer, his lithe body bent forward so that he could get in your face. His hands moved slow enough for it to be unrecognizable, so you didn't flinch away.

He reached up and lifted your cap, brushing his knuckles against your forehead.

Your hair was soft beneath his touch, and he hummed lowly, barely restraining himself from gripping it, from tilting your head back and seeing how pliant you could be. Perhaps kiss your smooth throat. Or crush it under his grip.

Sensing your discomfort, he asks for your name as if he didn't already know all about you. You told him quietly, and he nodded, repeating it back to himself. "Pretty," he cooed softly.

"M-my money." You say finally, as he ran his fingers over your face, gently dabbing your tears away. You stilled completely, barely breathing. You physically felt your face starting to glow pink and warm up.

"Yes, dear? What about it?" He said, moving your hair out of your face so he could continue wiping your face, forcing himself not to look at your lips, which were slightly raw from biting. He could make them more red. He promised himself to bite them until they were cherry red when he finally got you alone.

His cock was nearly fully stiff now, pushing against his slacks. He made sure your face was tilted upwards so you didn't look at it. Though he could keep his composure and his facade, he couldn't control physiological reactions to your proximity. He didn't want you to know that.

"It... o-overnight, I lost most of it... I th-thought it was invested while I was sleeping without my knowledge."

He nodded, pretending to be understanding. Most of your tears were gone now, but he kept running his fingers over your face.

"Is that so?" He hesitated momentarily even though he had this whole conversation planned out. He wanted this to feel real for you. "That's quite a serious issue, my sweet. A circumstance like this would require action from one of the higher ups. Allow me," he paused, offering you a soft smile and bringing the back of your hand up to his mouth, brushing his lips very lightly against your hand.

Your whole face burned, your breath growing shaky as you stared into his eyes, the charming, gentle way he treated you making your heart flutter. "To guide you." He finished.

You blinked, swallowing hard. "I-I just want my money back."

"And I just want to help you," he reassured.

Then, slowly, he straightened, extending a hand toward you.

"Come with me," he said simply. You obliged, trusting him to help you. After all, it was his company. If anyone could help you, it would be him. Slowly, you laced your much smaller fingers through his, letting him take you all the way up to the top floor.

He sits at his desk, reclining comfortably in his chair. You expected to sit across from him, like an equal, but he just scoffed, tilting his head as he spun the monitor slightly to the side, showing you the complex financial data flickering across the screen.

"This is all highly intricate work." He said, tapped his screen like he was lecturing you. "I want you to be able to see everything I do. Full transparency. That way, we can have trust between us, yes?"

You nodded quickly, understanding what he was saying. He pretended to be considering something.

"Although," he continued, his voice soft and gentle. "If you sit across from me, I'll have to continuously turn the screen around, which is inefficient. I want you to be able to follow along."

He leaned back, exhaling as if this was all so frustrating for him, all this work, all this effort he was going through just for you. Then he smiled, warm and reassuring, and patted his lap.

"Why don't you sit here?"

Your ears burned, and you coughed in surprise, looking at him with confusion. "Pardon me? Y-you can't be s-"

"It's for practicality," he interrupted smoothly. He ignored his raging hard on and the desire to put your pretty ass right on his cock and bounce you up and down on it while he worked, trying to focus on getting you to take the bait.

"The monitor is large, the keyboard is here, I want you to see everything in real time. I need you to understand that I’m only trying to help you." He said, looking up at you with dark, piercing eyes.

You felt like he was hypnotizing you. His logic... made sense to you, and you hesitated. He wasn't forcing you, either. Simply a suggestion. And he was just trying to help! He would get you your money back... maybe if you listened and played dumb, you could get him to add a little more to your account than you started with.

"There’s nothing to be shy about," he coaxed, his voice dipping even softer, almost fond. "I'm helping you." He tells you once more, and your ears burned. Slowly, you stepped forward and hesitantly perched yourself on his lap. Because you were facing away from him, you missed the way he grinned happily, feeling his cock press against your smooth, plump pussy. He pulled you in tighter.

If you couldn't feel it now, you had to be clueless. "Good girl." He praises softly, wrapping one arm around you to pull you in tighter as he clicked through your profile, showing you how the money was moved to an untitled account, pretending he had no clue how it happened.

He was using jargon so complex that you couldn't keep up, overexplaining things and saying that your advisor must have been mistaken.

Subtly, he moves your body back and forth against his crotch, gnawing on the inside of his cheek to not groan. You feel a weird flutter in your tummy and heat grow in your core at the feeling of friction against your pussy, the thin fabric of your pants not helping. Here you were, being bounced on the lap of the richest man in the city. You fuss, embarrassed and confused at the direction of events.

He tucked your hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering on your jawline, tilting your chin up to force you to meet his piercing gaze. "Shh, shh... there now, no need for all this commotion," he cooed, his thumb brushing over your trembling lower lip. "I'm sure we can sort this out civilly, can't we, sweetheart?"

Despite your shock, you found yourself leaning into his touch, your body betraying your urge to be soothed, to be told everything would be alright. He smiled, a slow, smug curl of his lips, knowing he had you. His other hand moved to the small of your back, subtly pressing you closer, guiding you to turn towards him.

His actions were nearly unconscious, his focus solely on the rapid beating of your heart, the short puffs...of your quick, aroused breaths. He drank in your scent, the sweet aroma of your perfume.

The hard bulge beneath you throbbed in time with the pulse he could feel fluttering wildly at the base of your throat. He could feel your body tensing, could sense your confusion and mounting distress, but he paid it no mind, too focused on the delicious sensation of having you at his mercy, at the mercy of his whims and desires.

He continued clicking over the computer, his arm around your waist moving up until one hand was splayed over your breast, squeezing and quickly talking over your moans to act like he has no idea what hes doing. "And you're certain the money is gone?" he asked, his voice filled with fake concern. "Well, I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding. A clerical error, nothing more."

"W-wait, I...mmh," You manage through moans, your body overstimulated already. You didn't know what was happening.

"Shh, don't worry sweetheart, I can fix all of that," he murmured, his hot breath tickling your ear. "But I'm going to need something from you in return."

Before you could respond, he had already started tugging at your pants, his fingers dragging the fabric down your legs. You squealed in surprise, trying to wriggle away, but his grip held firm, leaving you exposed and vulnerable as cool air hit your heated skin. He groaned lowly, his eyes darkening with lust as he took in the sight of your plump, glistening pussy, now bared completely to his hungry gaze.

He spread your legs, cooing and shushing you softly as he gave your right breast one more squeeze before clicking on your account, scrolling aimlessly to waste time, while his other hand, now off your tits, went between your legs to push a finger into your cunt.

You nearly scream, but he shushes you and tsks. "Careful with your volume, darling." He warns gently. "Wouldn't want everyone to hear how needy you are, hm?" You pant out, his finger pumping in and out of your hole sloppily, your hips bucking instinctively into his touch, seeking more of that delicious pressure.

He chuckled darkly, his fingers finally making contact with your pussy, one long digit delving between your slick folds, stroking teasingly inside you.

He added a second finger, stretching you wider, pumping them in and out of your dripping cunt, the obscene sound of your arousal filling the room. His hips rocked up to meet each thrust, the hard ridge of his cock grinding against your ass, the heat of him searing your skin even through the fabric of his pants.

"See how much better you're listening now?" He praises. "Good girl. I ought to give you a nice tip for good behavior."

"Pl-please," You cry out, "Ngh, w-wait, I c-can't..." You cried out, a strangled moan tearing from your throat, your hips bucking instinctively into his touch, seeking more of that delicious pressure. 

Just before you felt pleasure coil in your belly, he shoved you forwards, pressing your front against his desk, his papers scattering.

"You don't get to tell me no." He frowns, perturbed by your constant hesitation. He slaps your ass, watching the fat jiggle with a sick fascination, the plush flesh going red under the impact. You jolt at the sudden pain, a string of arousal dripping embarrassingly down your cunt.

The sound of his zipper lowering seemed deafening in the sudden silence of the room, and you couldn't help but look back over your shoulder to watch as he freed his thick, angry red cock from the confines of his pants.

Your eyes widen with disbelief at the sheer size of him, and you try to scramble, knowing that thing would never fit inside you. You still struggled to grasp the reality of what was happening.

"Ah ah," He scolded gently, tugging you back against him and putting your ass right up against his cock, rubbing his length up and down the curves of your body, from your pussy and up to your ass. "Now as much as I would love to watch you cum before I put my cock inside you," He hums. "I do have business to attend to, besides. Lunch hour will be soon, and everyone will be out of office and able to see you fucking yourself on my cock."

You freeze, looking back at him with terror, but the words about to leave your mouth turn to a moan as he starts to push his fat cock past the ring of your entrance, and your lashes flutter.

"Oh my," He groans, his head thrown back and his tie askew as he slowly pushes forward, nearly bottoming out inside of you. You mewl and cry out at the way you seem so full, tears pooling at your waterline.

He croons, tugging your head back so your neck is forced to crane back and look at him, and he slowly thrusts in and out of you, watching your face scrunch in slight pain and overwhelming pleasure.

He loves tears. He loves your tears. He watches you with delight as you cry out and writhe on his cock, pushing your ass back everytime he pounds into you, wanting to feel every inch of him despite your mind telling you that its too much, that this is going too fast.

You’re soaked from the drool forming at the corner of your mouth and the tears in your eyes. From where his cock slides in and out of your sopping pussy, a thick creamy ring formed at the base.

"Fuck," he breathes out, running his hand through his hair at the slow, but rough strokes. every time he buries himself into you by the hilt, there's a plap of flesh against flesh, and he groans loudly, his breathing heavy. "So goddamn tight, darling, my God."

He grabs your waist and pushes your head back, pushing his cock in and out of you fast, then slowing down abruptly to disorient you. "N-no more, t-too much," You slur, but he doesn't hear you.

He pulled back and slammed into you again. You cried out, loudly, and clapped your hand over your mouth. "That's it beautiful, make a mess." He chuckled and did it again. His wet flesh reverberated against yours. Each time he paused and basked in the sounds you'd make as your body was jolted by his.

He lifted your ass slightly, grabbing onto the hand that was over your mouth and pushed it down so he could push two fingers into your mouth, watching as you sobbed and slobbered around his fingers, moaning as your pussy clenched around him due to the pleasure of being so full. "How's- haah... that, darling?" He questions breathlessly, feeling his orgasm approaching quickly.

He doesn't take your unresponsiveness lightly, slapping your ass oncemore to get you to speak. "Mmm, fuck... c-cumming..." You babble stupidly, and he grins, squeezing your jaw and turning your face upwards so he can lick the tears off your face, relishing in your pleasure.

He groans at your taste, slotting your lips over his as your shared saliva smears over your lips, and that's all it takes for him to spill into you, hot, thick cream filling your womb and stuffing you full. He swallows your moans as your legs twitch and shake, and you cum around his cock, soaking his pelvis with your juices.

Your body convulses and your breathing becomes even more rapid, and you squeeze down on his cock until he groans loudly into your mouth, leaning back as strings of saliva connect your tongues, and he licks his lips, pecking the tip of your nose and wiping sweat off his brow.

[astroeleanor]

˚ ༘🪞✨Ultimate Astrology Guide to *GLOW UP* in 2025 + The Blessings You Will Receive✨🪞˚ ༘

2025 is shaping up to be a stellar year for growth and receiving blessings. Why? Because the planet of expansion and abundance, Jupiter, is playing a leading role in activating your birth chart. Jupiter, the planet of luck, wisdom, and glow-ups, will be making *waves* as it moves through Gemini in the first half of the year (From January 1st until June 8th 2025) and into its exalted home of Cancer in the second half (From June 9th 2025 through December 2025).

Today I will help you understand how Jupiter’s journey will supercharge your personal glow-up in 2025! Each Rising Sign will see two of their houses being activated in 2025, which means you will receive blessings in two areas of your life. So, make sure to look for both sections for your Rising Sign in this post. Are you ready to dive in?

1H (GEMINI & CANCER RISING): A glow of confidence and optimism, feeling revitalized and energized, major life shifts, being recognized as a source of comfort and inspiration, new lifestyle choices, magnetizing relationships and opportunities with ease, a major life chapter begins, personal growth, radiance, stronger sense of identity and emotional empowerment.

2H (TAURUS & GEMINI RISING): Expanding your income, attracting wealth, cultivating gratitude for abundance, long-term financial security through smart investments or savings, discovering hidden talents that enhance your earning power, unexpected financial windfalls, financial growth, expansion of material possessions or luxuries.

3H (ARIES & TAURUS RISING): Growth in skills such as writing or speaking, profitable ventures through local businesses, strengthened relationships with siblings/cousins/neighbors/people in your ZIP code, a busy and rewarding schedule of short trips or community events, receiving recognition for sharing ideas or educational content, mentors or teachers who open doors, enhanced communication skills and persuasive abilities, success in teaching endeavors.

4H (PISCES & ARIES RISING): Opportunities to invest in or expand real estate holdings, emotional closeness with parents, healing generational trauma, creating your dream home environment, welcoming new family members (the birth of a child), stability and security, a sense of belonging, opportunities to purchase or upgrade property, ancestral blessings, home renovation, relocating.

5H (AQUARIUS & PISCES RISING): A creative renaissance, success in artistic projects, romantic opportunities that feel emotionally fulfilling, blessings related to children or parenting roles, getting pregnant, rediscovering hobbies or activities that bring you joy, being recognized for your talents, healing your inner child.

6H (CAPRICORN & AQUARIUS RISING): Better work-life balance, a surge in productivity, improved daily routines, leadership opportunities in health or service-related industries, gaining recognition for your contributions, health improvements through lifestyle changes, stronger connection with pets, emotional fulfillment through acts of service, workplace dynamics improve, receiving blessings through helping others.

7H (SAGITTARIUS & CAPRICORN RISING): Meeting a soulmate or significant long-term partner, business collaborations that bring financial stability, increased harmony in your relationships, resolving conflicts, legal settlements work in your favor, resolving disputes, expansion and blessings in partnerships, opportunities for marriage, growth through collaborations, favorable outcomes in negotiations, meeting influential or supportive people.

8H (SCORPIO & SAGITTARIUS RISING): Emotional healing, investments and joint projects bring success, positive personal transformation, personal empowerment, strengthened intimacy and trust in your relationships, your psychic abilities growing significantly, resolving karmic debts tied to finances or emotional entanglements, financial windfalls, receiving inheritances, beneficial psychological transformation.

9H (LIBRA & SCORPIO RISING): Life-changing travel experiences, academic success, finding your sense of purpose, gaining wisdom through spiritual practices, favorable legal resolutions, publishing or sharing knowledge with a wider audience, encounters abroad lead to lasting connections, opportunities for long-distance travel, more faith and optimism, success in publishing or teaching.

10H (VIRGO & LIBRA RISING): Professional breakthroughs, leadership opportunities, receiving recognition and rewards in your career, improved relationships with bosses or authority figures, achieving balance between ambition and personal values, public acclaim, guidance from mentors propel your success, career advancement, increased visibility and influence.

11H (LEO & VIRGO RISING): Expanding your influence within social or professional circles, dreams manifesting effortlessly, earning collaborations, accolades from peers and mentors, meeting influential friends, getting access to rooms you couldn't enter before, access to exclusive networks, manifesting a long-held dream, financial blessings through social connections.

12H (CANCER & LEO RISING): Freedom from emotional burdens or self-sabotaging habits, solitude that recharges your soul, hidden sources of wealth or financial relief from unexpected places, protection from unseen challenges, divine intervention, old karmic debts dissolve, peace and closure, spiritual growth, stronger connection to your intuition.

(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚v✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)

These are the blessings waiting for you in 2025. If you would like to significantly increase your chances of experiencing the positive manifestations of Jupiter, I create a free video detailing the best strategies to obtain them.

This is your *fail-proof* guide to GLOW UP in 2025! There are a ton of practical tips covering how to reinvent yourself this year using your Rising Sign.

I explore this topic in-depth on Youtube. If you're excited to own TF out of 2025, here's the guide!

(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚v✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Your curiosity & engagement mean the world to me. I hope you not only found it enjoyable but also enriching for your astrological knowledge. Your support & interest inspire me to continue sharing insights & information with you. I appreciate you immensely.

• 🕸️ JOIN MY PATREON for exquisite & in-depth astrology content. You'll also receive a free mini reading upon joining. :)

• 🗡️ 50% OFF SALE: BOOK A READING with me to navigate your life with more clarity & awareness. (ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚v✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)

[aagneauu]

High value habits to elevate yourself 🥂✨

When the term "high value" is mentioned, we often think of things related exclusively to economic wealth, but being a high-value person is an attitude, an attribute founded on habits and a wealthy mentality. So today I wanted to mention a few habits that I personally perceive as something a person with strong standards apply on their lives. ✨

Sorry if there's any grammar mistakes, English isn't my first language :b

1. Long-term mentality ✦

Enjoying yourself is very important, but when we only think about the things that give us temporary pleasure, is often very likely that we forget to take care about our future stability. For example, if you want to travel, the smart thing to do would be to save the money in order to be able to afford it, but how many times we just feel the urge to waste money on unnecessary stuff just to get that brief satisfaction, that bad habit will take us far from our goals. This rule can be applied on almost every aspect, and if you're able to stick to your goals and take decisions according to them, trust me, you'll get very far.

2. Invest ✦

Stop wasting and start investing; your money, your time and your energy. In terms of money, you obviously can spend some of it on pretty stuff, but instead of wasting your whole salary on things you want, a smarter move would be to use part of that money to invest it on something that potentially can give us another income, maybe there's a valuable peace of jewelry or clothing that not only we could use, but to sell and trade in the future, or even if you have enough money saved, you can invest in a property, to not only live in it, but to rent it. Our time and energy works in the same way, we could be wasting our time and energy with people that don't give us nothing we can learn from, and you're worth way more than that. Find people and habits that not only make you feel good and appreciated, but that will leave you something interesting for your personal growth, and remember, better alone than in a bad company.

3. Details matter ✦

How we talk, how we decide to present ourselves to the world, our values, the effort we put on what we make. Every little detail says something about us. For example, something as simple as spraying perfume before we go out makes a difference, or if you study, the amount of time and effort you decide to put on certain classes. Socially, what you decide to say, and to develop the hability to stay quiet when necessary. Maybe you think that those little things don't make a huge difference at the long-term, but when you see how your life can change drastically with every little step you take, you learn to pay attention to it.

4. Patience ✦

It is a strong word, it is even harder to apply to our lives sometimes. Being patient not only with people, but with our circumstances. Sometimes things that we don't like happens, and we don't even understand why because we thought that we did everything right, but everything happens for a reason, it's like a fruit, you could take it out of the tree earlier because you're hungry, but it isn't that mature and tasty, but if you just wait, resist the hunger, the fruit will be way better. That applies to money, emotional growth and life changes. Learn to understand that sometimes, pain will be the sign to something better than your current situation.

5. Stop following the crowd ✦

Set standards and learn what is good for you, if you just rely on others to decide what is best for you, or even worse; you know something is bad for you and still do it for others, then expect low quality experiences. People time to time will call you boring or even extreme just because you decide to be loyal to your values. If something that everyone is doing seems beneficial, do it, but because it gives you something valuable, not because of the crowd. You can apply this rule to everything; friends, money, and other experiences. The amount ot peace and comfort that you can get with this transformation is a huge life upgrade.

This were some topics that come to mind when the "high value" term is mentioned. And remember, no one is perfect and every little thing makes us unique. Life is a long journey that you can decide to upgrade with every little move.

Hope u enjoyed! ♡

[braaan]

HOLID-AMA ANSWERS!

OR: QUESTIONS AND BRAN-SWERS

Thank you to everyone who submitted an ask! These were very, very fun to do, and overwhelmingly flattering. I'd like to do more of these very soon :)

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On writing

@kooyabooya asks: what made you want to start writing about kpop ggs in the first place (this could aka what inspires you to write in terms of dynamics, tone, prose, imagery, etc etc...)

Hi Koo! Thank you for the question! :-) I think – like you’re indicating – there’s a couple of parts to this:

(1) and most inherently: COVID changed me. I went from legitimately adverse to kpop to perusing the genre to #ONCE Forever in maybe 6 months LOL. I seriously blame the physically disgusting amount of League I was playing (there was a player on ladder who always shit on me with Dahyun as their ID) but more realistically think it was just fandom at work! I wanted more content eventually, and it didn’t take me long to stumble onto the kpop-latent writersphere.

(2) Neatly from above: I think the kpop-latent writersphere is one of the most rich and rife communities out there; to a sizable degree: I write because of you! I am surrounded by great writers, am always reading something that is funky and/or makes me feel some type of way every month, and I think because of that, have similar stories to tell!

The Hyewon was my first piece of smut, longform, evocative writing (everything in between, really), and I credit all of that to the community. As long as you continue to enjoy my stuff, push the bar yourself, and re-invest in the space along the way, I think I’ll be here for a while!

(3) Bong Joon Ho says something to the effect of art needing to scare you. I believe in this so viscerally, and think it’s why I fundamentally write so… annoyingly descriptive… recursively metaphorical… pithy? I think I spend a lot of time understanding a character in and out; I’ll always have a Weverse Live going on when I’m writing — just to catch the quirks — because I really want you to believe that, even for a moment, what you’re reading is real. I think parasocialism can lend itself to a hauntingly beautiful form of want, and to me, if I can tell a story so true to life that it lingers — leaves a lasting impression on you that makes you feel something, even if just for a moment — that is awesome.

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@fuckkkkkklol asks: do you have ways to push through writer’s block and/or executive dysfunction when it comes to creative things (including but not limited to writing)? if yes gimme your best ones 

@majorblinks asks: tips for overcoming heinous & debilitating writer's block (asking for a friend not me)

Hi Miggy, hiiiiii major ^_^, and hi major's friend! I think my very unqualified advice here doesn’t stray far from: be bored and don’t do what you don’t want.

Above is just a screenshot-worthy sneak peek of what my current drafts look like — the slate totals up to maybe ~15 pieces that I’ve worked on on and off, and though are in many states, all of them unfinished. The haunting voice in the back of my head hates this: that I have so many drafts that I should finish, that I must go back and put out all of these stories, that I have an obligation to do these things… but the better part of me knows that is contradictory.

Creation is iteration — when @capslocked wants to be smart, he has a sweet turn of phrase that goes “writing is rewriting” — and I think it’s fundamentally inconsequential to have to create.

Get words out of your system, play around with an idea for a timeframe, get bored of it, chase a new premise that you start a completely different draft for, then do it over again — eventually, to me, this ends up coalescing to something that I can put out: I’m ALWAYS looking back at drafts and exercises to Frankenstein them into other pieces (“I really liked this pacing from here” … “Ooh, and then this metaphor I think sits nicely with this other one” … Eunseo was a combination of lots of unrelated drafts before it).

Also: you are so opinionated! Reading something, I form an opinion almost immediately of a writing voice: what I don’t like, what I do, and how I’d do an idea myself. I think this instinctive editorial motion is great when applied to the above exercise: I’ll start a new doc in the direct middle of a one-shot, riff off something I saw somewhere else, or just play with a metaphor that I really really like — none of these are ever intentional of a story I’ll write, but I do think it continues to keep writing instinctive and, like above, almost always becomes recycled into something that eventually does make it out.

In short, I think the remedy to writer’s block is time, and continuing to nurture the muscle is what makes overcoming the hurdle easier and easier when you inevitably come back to it. To me, any hacks, additional fire under your ass, or other things to speed up the process are inconducive of actual Craft, and most likely do not let you enjoy doing what you initially set out to!

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@kesujo asks: Every writer's writing style is inspired by his/her favorite writers, which may even change as they discover new writers. Has this ever happened to you, where you noticed your writing style change, or you pick up some stuff from new writers you've discovered? And, if you were to say the top 5 influences to your current writing style (doesn't have to be in order), who would they be, and what about their writing style did you like the most that you picked up from this writer?

Oh yeah, like I mentioned, I’m very new to the space (and this voice of writing in general), so I’m definitely always :notee:-ing. 

I’m not reading enough these days, and if I am, it really is strategy-latent nonfiction, but for here:

@yieldtotemptation easily has the most fun-laced voice and ideas — we could be several thousand words deep into an otherwise raunchy piece, and I'd still find myself putting my phone down to laugh at a disarming line of dialogue or perfectly packaged, real-life metaphor. Gray has inadvertently taught me a lot about having fun with my stuff, and I think I'm trying to take myself less seriously because of them!

@majorblinks is my blueprint, and genuinely, viscerally, in-real-life annoys me. Completely straight: I think Major is the bar for storytelling. We're both on the same wavelength when it comes to the stories we'd like to try, but only one of us has gone out and done it (see: DOWNRIGHT ICONIC), and I think that makes all of the difference. I'll spare you the brainworm: there's writing for writing's sake, and then there's writing with a purpose. DOWNRIGHT ICONIC as an example is a fundamentally masterful understanding of how smut and its readers work as a vehicle**, and I think everyone would benefit by taking a sliver of Craft that it literally oozes out.

@capslocked is a pioneer of many, many things in this space, but I think doesn't get enough credit for how technically crafty he is. My drafts are guilty of overusing "And" to start new sequences, and it's not until I've re-read a Caps piece that I go back and fix them. Caps has an expertly-crafted, seriously refreshing style of paragraphing, structure and usage that I'm always looking to for inspiration, and easily is the writer that dumbfounds me the most with how rudimentary / fundamental his phrasing feels — it's always a mix of "oh wow!" and "of course!" if that makes sense!

** Alex Cornell has a fantastic, 25-minute talk about Idea Vessels (here) that touches on this

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Anonymous asks: Hello Bran, just wanna say I love your fics and writing style. Wondering if you have any upcoming fics that your currently working on?

Anonymous asks: Curious on any upcoming fics? 

Hi very, very kind Anons! I have two in the slow cooker that I'd really like to see come out. Sneak peeks at both of them below!

(1) is this Julie piece from last summer that I put on pause. There was a week where I put on Mother (Letterboxd), Perfect Days (Letterboxd), and Shoplifters (Letterboxd) on back to back to back, and this came from that!

There's something about noir and darker themes that I think expert directors understand lend themselves well to the one long take that feels more and more intrusive as it stays on a character / scene, for example, and this piece really tries to encapsulate that into writing.

It's a more condescending and smartass character compared to what I'm used to, and the draft for it sits squarely on top of the framing that idol Julie becomes Oedipus Rex. Written in the style of a tragedy, rife with callbacks to Greek Classics; could be really sexy.

(2) is a Chaeryeong piece that I tried to put out for @passingnotions.

It's legitimately some of the raunchiest stuff I've written, and all sits on the premise that you haven't seen gross yet — I have each of the seven deadly sins in the document LOL; I genuinely always feel guilty when I re-read some of the stuff in here...

(bran pure bran pure bran pure)

On not writing

@octoberautumnbox asks: pls also get nachos on the next milk run and a flavor ice cream you'd rate 6/10

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@majorblinks asks: r we twin flames yes or no

:fishh:

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@kooyabooya asks: the last song you listened to on your spotify?

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@avenger7567 asks: Do you think WJSN will ever return again?

I cannot imagine that it will be the same iteration of WJSN if they do, but I think (and hope) so — the socials are decently active, and will 100% be a gimme for headlines!

It's truly such a sonic loss! I'll find the time to put it into words one of these days, but I really think underdog-y, just under the surface energy is what leads to experimentation within any genre. Music is trendy, and kpop is no stranger of the "regression to the popular grey" — groups like WJSN who don't have enough clout to conform must zag... and then you get shit like Last Sequence.

VIVIZ, NMIXX, RESCENE (here and here), and Billlie play this game very well + keep me sated in the interim! WJSN 2030 comeback :')

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@majorblinks asks: whats ur most recently read book & how many stars would u give it out of 5

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@friskyriskywhisky asks: Nice to see you on Tumblr again!😊 How are you doing so far? What is the most attractive thing an idol has once said? If you can only watch only one idol's live-stream for a whole year, who would it be?

Most importantly: SANA CLAUS is gonna get robbed by one female idol. Who's it gonna be and are you going to warn Santa?

(1) Always good! It's been a crazy start to the year, but I feel like I've always been legitimately blessed :-)

(2) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

(3) Probably Luda (WJSN)!

I'm not a big livestream consumer, but I do notice that a lot of groups where the majority of them are adults tend to have more fun ones. For another time, but I think there's less media criticism inherently of what you are and aren't allowed to say when you're "an adult", and so these livestreams do feel a little less... sterile?

The last Luda stream I watched, I remember there being a sequence where she legitimately spent 2 minutes making fun of a fan comment because they commented that they were single LOL

(4 AND MOST IMPORTANTLY) step bro i'm stuck in the Sana multiverse and if you even remotely think about trying to get me out i will absolutely end u

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@kooyabooya asks: what is your spirit animal or pokemon (if you have one by chance) 

LOL can you guess:

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@majorblinks asks: give me like 3 of ur new year's resolutions . what r we getting up to in 2025

I need to crack open the journal and really Reflect to get them down down..... but I think will largely stem from the same place of having a better relationship w work and the things I do...

Long pause moment in recent memory came from a conversation I had with some friends — among many tidbits: "I want complete control over something ... and then will want control of my control" + "where is the line between full trust in yourself and mistrust in anyone else?"

... think I've come to a place where it's actively harmful for me to not let go a little bit more, so hopefully in 2025: less so default white-knuckle about things!

Other than that, probably getting back into music production in one way or another, and eating majorblinks alive! ^_^

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@zeketheknight asks: What are your favorite K-pop moments from 2024?

2024 was a great year for moments up my alley in general — I feel like I've been quite prolific about the more adult idols drum (which only becomes more real with time), and I think I can point to content coming out of Jeongyeon, Chaeyeon, Eunbi, Haewon, Shuhua, Youngji/Eunji as probably some of my more memorable moments of the year!

Like the middle minutes of this is still so fire LOL

The bar is low for risqué (real) in Kpop, but until we let them even address shit like this it's going to be diluted, pandering, and brainrot for a loooong time.

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@kooyabooya asks: thoughts on matcha lattes?

Big fan! I'm always doing a 2-shot matcha something within the workday. 

I've been meaning to explore more of this — I am somewhat... unconvinced the matcha game goes deeper than it looks like it does on the surface — so if you have good match recommendations please send my way!

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@friskyriskywhisky asks: How would you navigate this situation where you're not sure Hyewon is being friendly or flirty?

WHERE IN THE HELL IS THIS ONLY FRIENDLY IN ANY CONNOTATION?????????????????????

i'd probably piss my pants frisky 😎

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That's QUESTIONS AND BRAN-SWERS this time around! Thank you again to everyone who submitted an ask, and you for reading if you got all the way down here. This was really, really fun, and I'd like to do more writing-latent stuff in the future. Until then: happy new year, be good to each other, and see you in the next one!

— Bran

[numinously-yours]

Free Tarot Reading: Why did X happen?

Today's free reading is going to look deeper at why something in your life happened. I am answering the following questions:

What is X?

Why did X happen?

How can/did you grow from X?

Choose an X above and find your group below the cut:

What is X? Knight of Swords

You may have started a project and, in the middle of it, it abruptly ended. You thought you had all of the resources you needed – money, people to back the project, a solid plan – so when it ended it was really disappointing. You’re not quite sure what went wrong or why the project couldn’t get off the ground. The main point of concern keeps coming back to the people. Why did people decide to stop investing?

Why did X happen? Seven of Cups rev.

At some point during this project, there were too many cooks in the kitchen. Since it was your idea originally, you took the reigns back and decided to make executive decisions. While this isn’t always a bad thing, it feels like people may have stepped back from working with the project because they didn’t feel their voices being heard. Additionally, there were a lot of short term goals as the project was getting starting rather than looking at the bigger picture, so the small things didn’t necessarily add up to reaching the ultimate goal.

How did/can you grown from X? Ace of Swords rev.

This situation is helpful for you as you move forward with other big ideas (or even if you try this one again!). You are excited about ideas so you want to get them off the ground, but this can be a reminder that taking time to plan is just as important as the execution of the plan. Create SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound), allow others to provide feedback, and find a balance between leading and collaborating. Something else that you may have/can learn from this is to wait on announcing ideas until you have a rough draft. It may have been too early in the planning stages of the original project and that made it asier for a lot of opinions to be thrown around. Come in with an outline/structure which allows for some movement, ideas, and opinions, but isn’t a complete blank slate.

What is X? Six of Swords & Page of Cups rev.

There is/was someone in your life who was holding you back. You are inspired, full of ideas and plans for the future, and have always been someone who’s been able to move forward. Someone came into your life and once they did, you felt dragged down. This person has an immature nature about them. They are a bit narcissistic and childish, but think they are mature and know what they are talking about. It has become incredibly frustrating for you. You feel like you have to put your needs on the back burner in order to avoid chaos. For some of you, you may have distanced yourself from this person for a while, but now they are coming back into your life and you don’t know what you are doing to do. You’ve finally gotten back into your groove – will they mess it up again?

Why did X happen? Knight of Wands rev.

Although frustrating, this person came into your life because the delays in your progress were necessary. Whatever you were trying to achieve at the time where they swooped in and paused your work was not going to be successful if you were to have finished it then and there. I feel like my mom when I say that this also happened to “build character”. In a less annoying sense (for me lol), this person was there to teach you patience – not necessarily patience in people, but in not achieving your goals as quickly as you want. Without this person, there would have been risk of impulsiveness and built up energy.

How can/have you grown from X? Three of Pentacles

On a personal level, having this person in your life will ultimately help you appreciate other people who come into your life. Knowing that the person came into your life to help delay progress may help you see people on another level. “There is a reason this person came into my life. Let’s find out why.” It doesn’t mean you have to enjoy spending time with them, lol, but it will help it be less frustrating when the people around you are frustrating.

Regarding the goal(s), it has been aided in growth by the delay. Now that more time as passed, you will be more objective, have a more solid plan, and know where you can get resources to help it flourish.

What is X? Two of Cups

This has “the one who got away” energy for me. Whether it was a romantic partner or a platonic friendship, someone who you loved and had a great partnership with isn’t in your life anymore. You’re wondering what the point was for this person to bring beauty to your life just for it to be ripped away.

Why did X happen? The Lovers & Nine of Swords

They came into your life because you deserved to know that this type of love exists. You deserve to know that, even in your darkest moments, you are loveable and worth the effort. This person was likely the first person in a long time that you were able to be vulnerable with. You learned how to trust again. You learned how to communicate. In terms of why they had to leave, I think it’s as simple as they weren’t meant to be. It’s not an easy answer to accept and it still probably doesn’t make sense. But the time that you had together really shaped you to be successful in new relationship(s) to come.

How can/have you grown from X? Eight of Wands rev. & Ace of Wands

This relationship is bringing you back to the root of YOU. It has probably started already. There are days you doubt your worth because the person did leave, but each day it gets easier to remind yourself that you are worthy. This person has lit a fire under you to live your life for yourself because you finally know that you deserve good things. They showed you the potential that relationships can have and that you have within them. You can move forward from this relationship with optimism for the future.  

What is X? The Tower & King of Wands

Your X was a huge tower moment for you. There was sudden change followed by chaos. Everything that you knew was turned upside down. You had a plan for your future. You could visualize opportunities ahead and see the steps to get there. It feels like you’re expected to build the tower back up but there aren’t any directions to tell you how.

Why did X happen? Justice

I’m not being told exactly what happened that caused the tower moment, but it seems like the actions that were being taken were not in your highest good or the highest good of others involved. Unfortunately, the collapse of the tower was the consequences to those actions. Someone did not stand by decisions that they made and left everyone to their own devices. There was a missing level of ethicality and fairness.  

How can/did you grown from X? Knight of Pentacles

This knight is the hardest working knight in the deck. They are methodical and driven. They may not be the most creative, but they get the job done. You are being called to be this knight as you rebuild that tower. You don’t have to be the most creative person in the room. You don’t have to be the most inspiring person and come into a planning session with a full list of new ideas. If you focus on getting the job done effectively and consistently, you will be successful. Sit down and write goals. Just like group 1 (which you may have been interested in checking out), create goals that are tangible and attainable. You can also grow by accepting responsibility for anything that might go wrong. The original tower moment may or may not have been consequences of your own actions, but moving forward you need to be aware of your actions so another tower doesn’t fall. Stick to what you know, stick to a routine, and soon you’ll see the tower is standing higher than ever.

[fandomaya]

grant me this wish, sweetheart

Pairing: Kento Nanami x Reader

CW: loads of fluff, basic dinner date with rich man Nanami, both reader and Nanami being lovesick, Nanami loves to spoil and take care of reader, no gendered terms used, but reader wears a dress and a pair of earrings, mentions of food and wine.

WC: 1.4K+

The view is so beautiful from the 32nd floor, and you have to admit this time and again that your boyfriend has an impeccable taste when it comes to finer things in life. It is not surprising given how successful and self-made Kento Nanami is. Having a wide array of experiences and attaining an unmatched sense of maturity, being in a relationship with him just makes you want to learn more about life through his comforting presence and influence.

Your endless gaze towards the city view is broken when the waiter comes with a bottle of wine. You do not care to read the label or anything because you know Kento only chooses the best. Moreover, he told you to not worry about anything because as always he says he gets the “stress-relief” from spending time with you and taking care of you This feeling of relying on someone else may have felt bizarre when Kento wasn’t in your life, but now it is therapeutic to trust him and not overthink in his company.

Shifting your focus from the sound of wine being poured to your glass, you thank the waiter, and then you see Kento is resting his head on his palm and staring at you with such a deep longing gaze as if he is soaking up all of you as much as he could. So much love from his mellow gaze often makes you shy away, choosing to hide your blush while sipping wine, hoping the red of the liquid can excuse the redness in your demeanor.

“Kento you know there is an amazing view right beside you? You can spare a few glances there too”, you say before popping a cherry tomato in your mouth.

Pricking a pasta shell on his fork, he just shrugs and casually smirks, “why would I look anywhere else when the best view is right in front of me?”

Your eyes were wide, and you never had any apt response to whenever Kento appreciated you with his smooth voice and soft yet determined gaze.

Refocusing on the man in front of you, you see him shuffle and place an elegant box in front of you. As a reflex action, you end up hiding your face in your soft hands because there is one thing that Kento doesn’t understand no matter how smart he is, that his company and lovely attention towards you is enough. But Kento finds his joy in spending his material wealth on your well-being and upkeep. Unlike you, he feels it's greater than any investment and business he has ever made because the results are beyond any monetary gains.

“Kento what is this again? You already gifted me this dress today, and you told me that no matter what I cannot request to split the bill but now another gift, and it looks so expensive! Kento this is really unnecessary.”

Your boyfriend being a man of few words just heaves a sigh and opens the box and pushes it towards you, “how is it? I think this emerald bracelet would suit you so much. Go on, love, try it on.”

Still resilient in your stance, keeping your arms crossed, you determinedly reply, “Kento please don’t deviate from the issue. You have already done so much for me and I appreciate your sentiments as well as really grateful to have you as my partner, but this bracelet was not needed right now.”

Kento listened to you carefully only to glance down for a second and abruptly pushed his chair backward. Did you anger him? Maybe you should have accepted his gift instead of being so nagging, but you just wanted him to be careful with his spending and as his well-wisher you just wanted him to be a tad bit careful about finances. You know that he is financially abundant and, way more capable and mature than you, but it gets hard for you to just keep on taking from him. 

In between your thoughts, you suddenly see him lift his chair with the left hand and place it beside your chair, not caring what some of the other patrons in the restaurant are thinking of such a seemingly bizarre activity in a classy establishment. But you had to be in awe of the silent strength that your boyfriend possessed. He sits down again, his calloused yet comforting hands goes to your supple cheek, caressing them in a manner that makes you lean into his touch. Closing your eyes and exhaling his name in a quiet plea, since you know you can never win against him on such matters, where he is determined in showering you with love in all possible ways and beyond, known to mankind. 

Tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear and admiring the sleek gold earrings that he had chosen for you on a business trip to Paris, a couple of years back. He trails his hand down your neck to your soft arms and raises your hand to kiss your knuckles with so much tenderness that it makes all your inhibitions melt away and warm your heart. He trails his lips towards your wrist, and the throbbing pulse underneath calms him down in an unusual manner. The way he looks up at you with those tired eyes that have found a shelter in your eyes, with so much of devotion that it seems that the time has stopped, as if it is just the two of you in this whole wide world and that is just simply enough.

Kento turns to his side, to pull out the bracelet from the open box, wraps the cold metal on your delicate yet capable wrists and admires the green jewels on your skin. Pulling you towards him and maintaining his signature eye contact that signifies his determination, he just says, “This simple bracelet is not about whether it is needed or not. It is about wishes. I wish to see you wearing this. It is not a hard wish to grant to an old man like me, is it now?”

You couldn’t help but frown a little and burst out in a chuckle, and end up lightly hitting his chest. 

“Kento you are hardly a few years older than me! Stop being so prematurely geriatric”

“Darling, a decade and more doesn’t count as a few years”

“Doesn’t matter because we are together and time is an illusion.” you retort with a huff, only to wrap your arms around him to hide your face in his neck and whisper a thank you on his skin.

Kento’s strong arms encircle your waist and like always he instinctively rubs your back, and also admires the faint reflection on the window panes, where you look good in his arms in any possible way and angle, that keeps the rare smile on his face intact.

Pulling away from his neck, you look at him, admiring his features, which seem to get more attractive with every day. Or maybe you are just too lovesick. Or maybe he is indeed like the wine you had tonight, where he gets better with aging. 

“I thought of getting you a ring, but I can’t entertain the possibility of getting rejected in a damn restaurant.” Kento had to say this while breaking your reverie.

At that moment you swear your boyfriend is sometimes too blunt that makes him adorably stupid. 

“Kento you want to know something about yourself?” you said while plastering a forced smile full of sarcasm on your face. 

He continues rubbing your sides and cocks his head to the side, curious to know what you have to say. 

"You are probably the first person who reveals their proposal plans to their partner. I think you are mingling with Gojo too much."

"My love, I am a simple man. A person like you who is perfection personified does make me worry a little about your answer." 

You are left speechless again, given how sincere Kento is with his intentions, and you almost want to run away because your heart beats too fast and is about to break free from your chest, but you have to regain your composure because Kento cannot always have the upper hand. 

"Hmm, I may be a bit careful about money, but I won't accept a proposal without a nice ring from my future husband…" looking away you shyly mumble, “also I am not stupid to reject the best person in the world”

Kento being attentive as ever does catch your words. Smiling gently, he makes your head shift towards him and like always he just looks at your eyes lovingly while caressing the apple of your cheeks, before he closes the distance between you two and pours his affection when his lips meet yours, to conclude this beautiful night.

A/N: This was in my drafts for so long and I finally got the motivation to finish it. I don't think it's that good, but I swear it was much better in my head ;) Feedback and reblogs are much appreciated <3

[lastimeexteriors-nebraska]

Is Residential Metal Roofing a Good Option for New Construction?

Regarding new construction, one of the most significant decisions you'll make is choosing the right roofing material. With so many options available, you might wonder: is residential metal roofing a good option for your new home? In this article, we'll explore the benefits and features of residential metal roofing, helping you make an informed choice for your new construction project.

Why Choose Residential Metal Roofing?

Residential metal roofing has gained popularity in recent years for various reasons. Understanding these reasons can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your new construction.

Durability and Longevity

One of the standout features of residential metal roofing is its remarkable durability. Metal roofs can withstand severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, hail, and high winds. Metal roofs resist these elements unlike traditional roofing materials, which may warp or decay over time. They often last 40-70 years with minimal maintenance. This longevity translates into lower replacement costs, making metal roofing a smart investment for your new home.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a growing concern for many homeowners, and residential metal roofing can help address this issue. Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can significantly reduce cooling costs in warmer climates. Additionally, a metal roof can enhance your home's overall energy efficiency when combined with proper insulation, leading to lower utility bills year-round.

Eco-Friendliness

If sustainability is important, residential metal roofing is an eco-friendly option. Metal roofing materials are often made from recycled content; at the end of their lifespan, they can be recycled again. This reduces landfill waste and minimizes the environmental impact of your new construction. You're making a responsible choice for your home and the planet by choosing metal roofing.

Aesthetic Versatility

Regarding appearance, residential metal roofing offers various colors and finishes. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more traditional aesthetic, you can find metal roofing options that complement your design vision. From standing seam panels to metal shingles, the versatility of residential metal roofing allows you to achieve the look you want while enjoying the benefits of this durable material.

The Cost Factor

While the initial investment for residential metal roofing may be higher than that for traditional materials, the long-term savings associated with durability and energy efficiency must be considered. Metal roofs' lower maintenance requirements and longevity can offset the upfront costs, making them a cost-effective choice. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with metal roofing due to its durability and resistance to fire and insects.

Installation Considerations

When choosing residential metal roofing for your new construction, it is crucial to work with experienced professionals who understand the specific requirements of metal roofing installation. Proper installation ensures the roof performs effectively and lasts for many years. Ask for recommendations and verify your roofing contractor's credentials to ensure a high-quality installation.

Maintenance Tips for Metal Roofing

Though residential metal roofing requires minimal maintenance compared to other materials, keeping an eye on its condition is still essential. Here are a few simple maintenance tips to help extend the life of your metal roof:

Regular Inspections: Check for any wear or damage, especially after severe weather.

Keep Gutters Clean: Clear debris from gutters regularly to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to corrosion.

Trim Overhanging Branches: Ensure tree branches are trimmed back to avoid scratches and damage to your metal roof.

The Future of Residential Metal Roofing

As technology advances, you can expect even more innovations in residential metal roofing. Emerging trends include solar-integrated panels, smart roofing systems, and improvements in lightweight materials. These advancements will enhance the already impressive benefits of metal roofing, making it an even more attractive option for new construction.

Is It Right for You?

If you’re looking for a roofing option that combines durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic versatility, residential metal roofing is worth considering for your new construction. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term benefits, including minimal maintenance and lower energy costs, make it a sound choice for many homeowners.

Ready to explore your options? Visit Lastime Exteriors today to learn about energy-efficient roofing solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing roof, our team is here to help you make the best choice for your project.

By integrating the benefits of residential metal roofing into your new construction, you're investing in a roof and your home's future. Make an informed decision today and enjoy peace of mind for years!

[cepheustarot]

What awaits you in October?

Attention! This reading is for entertainment purposes only. This tarot reading does not give a 100% guarantee that all the described situations will occur. You build your own life and destiny.

Choose one or more cards. Trust your intuition.

Card 1: The first event will be that you will find yourself in a problematic situation, the solution of which does not depend on you and you may be in an unstable state, be nervous and overthinking yourself. It is also possible that you will have to work for some time or be with a person who is very hot-tempered or very sensitive and literally takes your every word to heart. In this case, you will have to constantly control your flow of words in order not to offend a person, and this is very stressful and there is a high risk of quarreling with a person. The second situation will be a change of workplace! You will get tired of the old job with its conditions, or you have lost interest in it and decide to try yourself in another field. You will definitely find something that you will like; perhaps they will pay less at this job, but at least this activity will be genuinely interesting to you. If you are not working, but studying, then change your specialty to another one. You can also stop getting carried away with what has been of interest to you for many years and discover something new. The third situation indicates a change in the social circle! This is probably due to the fact that you decided to change your field of activity. In any case, you could be forced to communicate with someone you don't like and this month you will to dot the «I», break ties. If there are no such people, then in any case you have a high chance to meet new people, you will literally attract to yourself, people themselves can approach you, start a conversation, make a lot of compliments. You will be in the spotlight!

Сard 2: I see that you planned to see your family, mostly your grandparents, but this meeting will not take place, because force majeure will occur, some problem that will need to be solved as soon as possible and this is exactly the situation that will disrupt your meeting. I also want to note that a person with experience will come to your aid, a creative personality, prone to empathy, emotional, sociable, maybe it's you or your friend / acquaintance. However, you will definitely find a way to solve this problem, although this unexpected situation will cause you great excitement and stress. Also, the second situation speaks about big spending in money. Alternatively, your finances may go to solve the problem described above. Otherwise, you will spend this money on an expensive gift to some person, or you will arrange a party or any other event that will require a lot of money to organize. Perhaps you will be preparing documents for the purchase of real estate, cars, businesses, etc., in this case, I advise you to pay special attention to the terms of the contract, since there is a risk of being deceived and investing in something that may not pay off! This month you will also work hard or study hard. Perhaps you will have a stuff at work or you will need to do your work before the end of the deadline, there may be a similar situation at study. Your boss or your teacher can make a lot of comments, get on your nerves and generally not accept the work done. Or you can work together with someone in a team and your partner can pull you down, which is why your common cause will not be as successful as it could be if you acted alone.

Card 3: The first situation is that there is a factor that causes your plans to collapse, but! You will successfully eliminate this factor, as you will find a solution to fix the situation, you are very smart and resourceful, so you will definitely cope with difficulties. However, if you were the one who was going to disrupt someone's plans, then you will soon be exposed, do not think that you can get away with it.

The second situation will be the opportunity to pause, take a break and relax after all the difficulties in life. Most likely, there was a period in your life when problems were only getting worse and all your strength was spent only on solving them. Fortunately, this month you will have the opportunity to relax and unwind, it will be a good time to pay attention to yourself, take care of yourself, do what you have been putting off for a long time, but could not do because of the circumstances. The third situation indicates a meeting with close people with whom you have not seen for a long time. It can be your family, relatives, childhood friends or your lover. The meeting will be wonderful and you will be satisfied, it will be a pleasant memory for you for a long time.

Thank you for reading! I will be glad of any feedback <3

[joesalw]

Hey,

I wonder if Travis is regretting getting with Taylor. Getting the " dream girl "dream life " and then realising why it's called dream, it belongs in the fantasy world.

Like I know people have their thoughts on him and to me he's just a typical jock who likes attention but is also a family man who loves his nieces, brother ect. I hope he doesn't fly to close to the sun.

And I also I can't imagine he was happy having his home invaded ( I do believe taylor sorta twisted his arm to move to a bigger house)

I sort of think she's acting like a 21 year old in terms of how she dresses and acts I.e the drinking and talking about alot more risqué in her songs ( well tries to at least) and withbtrying to sound smart and whimsical in some ( reminds me of cringy early 20s stuff ) everything she's says she thinks isn't already known..just look back at her netflix doc when she's having dinner with her friend talking about another friends convo about motherhood or ablut her thoughts on failing.

I don't believe her relationship or whatever you want to call it with matty was a month I think it was alot longer because there is some evidence to prove, because some had a podcast interview talking about when 1976 performed on snl matty didn't got the the after party because he was seeing his gf. ( i'll try and find the video)

Going back to her being ikea a 21 year old. I feel like that's why she's investing so much time in petty drama..like befriending Sabirna after the Olivia drama.

Getting closes to Gracie ( which I think is to get close to her director dad JJ) also isn't gracie bffs with Hailey and Kenndal?

I also find it weird that she writes Blake and Ryan's children's names into her songs...like wtf.

Do you think because she got her friends to unfollow Joe that they all have some sort of business contract with Taylor..alos Keleigh Teller to mean is the pinicle mean girl croute chaser...that feels like she's finally being seen by Taylor in terms of" Friendship" that has only started to happen after Top Gun...like keleigh is a chronic poster and never once in the 5 years they've been friends have they been seen together this much on socials or in real life.

( I feel bad for miles..just look at the pap walk on taylors birthday his face says it all)

And Emma stone I feel like she's just being neutral because she probs doesn't care.

.

[macchiatosdumptruck]

I don't know if I'm the only one who hates the take that "Daniel is the worst dad." It feels so out of character for him to be neglectful, especially considering how he grew up. He does everything he can to give his kids the life he didn't have. I really feel like the writers included this to portray Daniel as a horrible dad, similar to Johnny.

I'm sorry, but the idea that Johnny is a better dad than Daniel is just ridiculous to me. Daniel never abandoned his kids for 16 years. Yes, I know that Robby and Johnny are happy now and on good terms, but Johnny didn't put in any effort at all. I really wish Robby had stayed with Daniel because the baby plot felt forced just to bring Johnny and Robby closer together.

Yes, Daniel made some mistakes with Robby, but honestly, Daniel was a much better dad and mentor to Robby than Johnny had been over those 16 years. I also dislike the idea that Robby should have forgiven Johnny in Season 1. It was actually Robby who repaired their relationship, and I appreciate his character so much because I can relate to him. For the life of me, I wish he had stayed with Daniel, and I wish their dynamic was explored more.

It literally makes no sense. There is nothing in canon to suggest that. He isn't a perfect father or person by any means, but he is always coming from a place of kindness.

It's wild to me how they seem to try to paint Daniel as malevolent.

That seems to be underpinning everything in this "two sides" take.

And I can't help but feel like it may be all stems from that stupid idea that Daniel "stole" Alli.

In fact everything seems to be trying to redefine Daniel's motivations, to try to paint him as aggressive as it makes their "two sides" take seem more viable. It's easier to convince the average viewer that it's a rivalry.

A rivalry takes two people to be the aggressors, the movie was bullying. Just point blank. The definition of bullying. But they didn't like that. Felt wronged in some way. So they rewrite Daniel to "wrong" Johnny by "stealing" Ali as if she's a possession.

So that makes everything Johnny had or has done make sense. It validates his actions. Which I say every time they didn't need to do so to make him interesting.

People can be flawed, be bad, make shitty decisions, and still move on from that. But that just goes to show they really never did actually understand that what he did was wrong.

Fixing the problem between Johnny and Robby by having Robby give up and just admit he was wrong is absolutely bullshit. Like. Literally blaming a neglected child.

It does make a certain amount of sense because in that situation sometimes you understand that the person who wronged you will never come to terms with it, will never take responsibility, and so letting go of the pain is the only way they can move on.

It still doesn't actually fix any of their problems, or make for compelling writing, or further their relationship at all.

But it solves a problem quickly.

Daniel's complicated relationship with Robby really could've fucking cooked, and for one season it did. How good intentions can sometimes still fail. How they could've bonded over both of them not having fathers. How normal people are affected by their past. How they let it influence them and their relationships.

The bandaid baby is just shitty writing tbh. Trying to make the viewer care about something we're not invested in while pushing aside the threads of plot they had been building for 3 seasons.

Also, as a single mom, and a registered nurse, Carmen seems pretty smart to me. Johnny I could understand him fucking up birth control but not her. And they haven't given her one single thing to do since then.

(women being important characters only in the terms they relate to Johnny is a theme)

At this point Johnny is kind of like a self insert i fear. And that's why his writing went downhill.

He gets the girl. And he gets both sons. Despite not doing anything to repair their relationships. And he gets another baby. And, as they always do, for some reason, they try to make Johnny look better in comparison to Daniel but it doesn't work because Daniel actually tried lol.

But like. It was never a competition to begin with. They just decided it was. They're trying to solve problems they decided to create.

[rebornologist]

Hi, Jyunie! I hope you're feeling well!

First of all, I really wanted to thank you for sharing your writings, they always make my day better. 💜

For my request, I'd like to see your take on this scenario: reader being Dino's S/o and Squalo's best friend.

Do you think they would get along fine, or bicker a lot? I kinda think Squalo is super protective, even though he pretends to not care a lot, so I can picture him threatening Dino right when the relationship started. On the other side, I think Dino would definitely try his best to become friends (in his head, they are since school years, but Squ denies it) with Squalo to make his S/o happy.

Anyways, thanks so much for keeping your requests open!

Also, you don't have to reply if it makes you uncomfortable in any way. Your health is the most important.

Hello Emyyy my lovee! Thank you for sliding this into my inbox, I love them both so much and this is such a fun dynamic. I penned this a bit late into the night, and honestly need to finish my reread of the series as a refresher of all the characters traits and interpersonal interactions in canon.. but I hope you enjoy :) All my love xox

♡ Dino as your S/O & Squalo as your best friend ✧

༚✧⁺˳₊˚‿︵‿︵‿୨୧ ⁺˳₊ ♡ ₊˳⁺ ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿˚₊˳⁺✧༚

Dino and Squalo are fascinating to me because they differ greatly in what they pride themselves in and where their loyalties lie, not to mention their contrasting temperaments. They’re a tortoiseshell cat and labrador retriever duo if I’ve ever seen one.

I see them as people that just keep finding each other in life, despite not intending to become close to one another, it kind of just happens. There’s a bond there, even if it’s just mutual respect and knowing that they can rely on the other (even if they would never want to do that).

I’d like to imagine that Reader would have known Squalo prior to the ring conflict, being a close friend of his, and not knowing Dino well/at all until Squalo got his ass handed to him and he reconnected with Dino in the hospital. They may not understand the Cavallone head’s intentions with saving Squalo, but it meant the world to them that they got to see their best friend in one piece. They could have gotten to know Dino better by running into him during their hospital visits. The relationship that ensued definitely developed outside of any interactions with Squalo involved, because they would have gotten their asses handed to them if either of them went to him for tips on how to woo the other.

Squalo’s invested in his friend’s wellness and success but is not the type to pry or think too much about their personal life—he has a lot going on with his work already, and if there was anything pressing, they would share without him asking. And that they do, earning them the most memorable shocked and wide-eyed look from the swordsman.

✧ ୨୧ ⁺˳₊ ♡ ₊˳⁺ ୨୧ ✧

“WITH WHO?! That Cavallone loser? You’re fucking with me.” He gives you an incredulous side eye when you finally mention that the date you’re leaving for is with Dino. You stand your ground, giving him a flat smile and a quick shake of the head.

“Nope, not joking.”

He holds his temples with his gloved hand for a moment, and you see his head dip as he sighs quietly in resignation.

“For fuck’s sake,” he turns to raise an eyebrow at you, his face twisted as if he just smelled something bad. “...why?”

✧ ୨୧ ⁺˳₊ ♡ ₊˳⁺ ୨୧ ✧

He asks out of curiosity, and would tell you “that’s enough” the second you start actually gushing about Dino. He’s smart enough to understand what your intentions may be with the Cavallone boss, but.. he still.. needs a moment to process the idea of anyone actually being worth your time and affections. He has a lot of pride in himself and by extension, the people he associates with. He respects Dino enough and can come to terms with the fact that in any case of you not being able to handle yourself, you’ll at least be in good hands. He realizes that now he’s doomed to meet Dino again for lunch or something, now that he’s your s/o. He pretends to mind it more than he actually does, he’s just not good at expressing himself.

While Squalo is processing this, Dino is, in fact, right outside ready to pick you up with his luxury car and a giant bouquet of flowers waiting for you.

Dino doesn’t see any issue with you being Squalo’s bestie and is actually... so happy that Squalo is the reason that he got to meet you again! He’s definitely the warmer one in any of their exchanges, but any tension between them is more about their differing loyalties than anything else, so they can at least both agree that you are an excellent individual.

Their bickering is minor, especially as time goes on and they grow used to the dynamic. In Squalo’s eyes, he doesn’t have to become Dino’s bestie just because he’s dating his best friend, and Dino is as amicable as ever. He cares just enough about not stepping on toes in the sense that he minds the PDA (he does this in general, but especially if he feels like it might be bothering someone in their presence).

Through you, Dino begins to learn more about Squalo. He’s the shit brickhouse and Reader is the one that gushes to their s/o about how much they love their best friend. Personally, I think that best friends are soulmates, so I can only imagine how much Reader has to share with Dino, and of course, he eats it all up. He loves learning more about Squalo on a level that only a personal friend would know, and not just what he knows about him as a swordsman and professional assassin. He also shares as much as you'd want to hear about his time in school and what "memories" he has from the alternate future. It's really amusing to see the differences in how the two describe the same events.

At some point Dino becomes involved in little things like your close friends' birthdays, Christmas cards, etc. Squalo thinks it’s totally extra and uncalled for, but Dino insists that it’s because they’re basically pals?!? Friends by proxy?! Nothing wrong with Squ being on the DinoY/N holiday postcard mailing list <3

Sometimes Squalo makes comments about how the two of y’all should “take it somewhere else”. Dino laughs it off and teases that Squ will most definitely be Reader's man of honour at the wedding, and Reader can decide to either shut down Dino in embarrassment or agree enthusiastically to torture their bestie further. All in good fun :’)

this was so cute to think about I love grumpy sunshine sm help

[ubsvillasblog]

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[ritterum]

A Farewell to Arts

There's a strong possibility that in three weeks' time, I will pick up my violin for the last time and never have to play it professionally ever again. As somebody who has spent over 26 years playing the violin, this prospect fills me with a very complex mix of sorrow, dread, and relief. Relief is the easiest to explain: I hate playing the violin. This may seem strange for someone to say who has spent almost 3/4 of their life playing it professionally - but then again it's really not. I fell out of love with the damn thing about halfway through--Year 11 or 12--and everything since then has been an attempt to cling to it for purely rational economic reasons. Why give up the one skill you've been earning money for since before your teens? Why throw away the tens of thousands of hours you've invested in a skill for the sake of "because maybe I might like this other thing better"? Why reduce yourself to a nobody when you already have a fanbase, modest fame, reputation - everything that most people would kill to enjoy? When positive incentives stopped working, me and my handlers turned up the negative incentives instead - never a good idea in retrospect, but boyyy do the short-term gains blind you to the consequences. I burned out almost immediately, started skipping practice more and more, had to force myself to run through pieces that I could easily have done five, ten years earlier. When Covid-19 forced the world into a lockdown, I was secretly glad for it. I had concerts lined up that I had not prepared, could no longer prepare for, and being able to declare a pandemic-induced burnout, like so many of my colleagues worldwide were doing, was a heaven-sent alibi. I relished the freedom of not having to pick up the fucking instrument for days, weeks, months. After the lockdowns lifted, I pulled myself together enough to scrape by, since I was still taking a degree-course in solo performance. That worked for a couple of years, until I developed a tremor that may or may not have been psychosomatic in origin, and that more or less put a pin in the matter. On the good days, I can play more or less the same as I always have; on the bad days, I can hardly play a note because the bow keeps jumping all over the place.

That said, you don't spend over three quarters of your life doing something and not identify with it on a core level. There's always the question of what I'm going to do when all is said and done - when I get the degree and the diploma and lay down the violin for the last time in its case. The smart money is on performance-adjacent work: teaching, assisting in studios, managing other people's careers. Violin professors, luckily, don't need PhD's to teach in conservatories, but they do need their lucky breaks - usually starting as assistants. Availability for that depends heavily on the institution, and if it's not in the stars next year, then I'm damn well out of luck. Agenting and managing are somewhat easier - musicians always need agents to promote them - but the social requirements might prove a bit too high to hurdle. I've never been the most sociable of creatures, and the business will require me to put myself out there and be pushy, ruthless, and canny - traits I don't possess natively and have trouble summoning on the best of days.

Lastly, there's the regret of not hitting certain milestones under the "legacy" tab, little things like: performing at such-and-such festivals, or composing your own arrangement of a song, or being invited to performances in all major continents (excepting Antarctica, Nemesis to Violins). Some of those things, like composing arrangements, are still possible outside the theater, though getting them performed will take some convincing; the rest will, sadly, remain uncompleted. Then there's the matter of everybody you've met knowing you as "that musician fellow", and suddenly not having a thing to know you for anymore. What does the Pope become when he's no longer the Pope? You become defined by all the things you were, and the vastnesses you neglected to claim, rather than the things you try to build yourself up to be. It may not be a permanent state - it better not be - but you might as well get used to it while you build up a new skill set.

There's no clean ending to this. Terra incognita awaits me past the third week of January, and I sincerely do not know where I'll end up. I pray only that the New Year treat you as gently as I hope it treats me.

[screenmobile]

Why Do People Sit on the Porch?

There’s something timeless about sitting on a porch. Maybe it’s the slow rhythm of rocking back and forth on an old wooden chair or the way a screened-in porch lets you enjoy a summer evening without swatting at mosquitoes. No matter where you are—whether in a bustling neighborhood in South Bend or on a quiet rural road—the porch has always been a place where life happens. But why do people gravitate to their porches? Let’s talk about it.

A Front-Row Seat to the World

A porch is like your personal theater, offering a front-row seat to everyday life. You sip your coffee, and the world unfolds before you—neighbors walking their dogs, kids riding bikes, the mail carrier making their rounds. It’s the perfect balance between being a part of the action and having a comfortable buffer.

For homeowners, this space isn’t just about watching; it’s about connecting. In South Bend’s close-knit neighborhoods, a porch invites casual conversations. A simple “Good morning” to a passing jogger or a friendly nod to a neighbor watering their plants can build a sense of community.

A Place to Slow Down

In a world that moves fast, porches remind us to take it easy. There’s a reason retirees often invest in screened-in porches—it’s an ideal spot for relaxing without worrying about bugs or unpredictable weather. The same goes for families looking to create extra space for quality time.

Imagine an enclosed porch with soft lighting and a cozy loveseat, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Add a ceiling fan, and suddenly, even the most humid Indiana summer nights become bearable. For many, a porch is less about the structure and more about the feeling it creates—comfort, ease, and just the right amount of fresh air.

The Best of Indoors and Outdoors

Not everyone loves the idea of dealing with direct sun, strong winds, or buzzing insects. That’s where screened porches and sunrooms come in. These spaces let you enjoy the best parts of being outside—natural light, fresh air, and a view—while staying protected from the elements.

For homeowners in South Bend and surrounding areas, adding a screened-in porch or a sunroom can be a game-changer. It creates a hybrid space—part living room, part outdoor retreat. Whether you’re reading, hosting friends, or working from home, it’s a space that feels open without sacrificing comfort.

A Safe Space for Pets and Kids

If you have pets, you know the struggle of keeping them safe while giving them space to enjoy the outdoors. A screened porch is a lifesaver for pet owners—it lets dogs and cats bask in the sun without the risk of them running off.

Parents love porches, too. A well-designed screened-in porch gives kids a place to play without the hassle of slathering on sunscreen every five minutes. Plus, on rainy days, it keeps everyone from feeling cooped up inside.

A Home Upgrade That Pays Off

Let’s talk real estate for a second. A good porch isn’t just nice to have—it’s a smart investment. Whether you’re a homeowner planning to stay put for years or a real estate investor looking to boost property value, a screened porch or sunroom can add appeal.

Potential buyers in South Bend appreciate homes with functional outdoor spaces. A well-designed porch can make a house feel more inviting, and for short-term rental owners (Airbnb, Vrbo), it’s an attractive feature that sets a property apart.

More Than Just a Porch—A Lifestyle

At the end of the day, a porch is more than just an extension of a home. It’s a lifestyle. It’s where morning coffee tastes better, where long phone calls feel effortless, and where quiet moments turn into cherished memories.

If you’re considering upgrading your home with a screened porch or sunroom, Screenmobile of South Bend can help.

[kachimera]

1, 4, 13, 24 (choose your fave <3)

*sigh* i've been meaning to be more varied with my fandom posts but. Yea castlevania again sorry not sorry

1) OTP?:

Maleon and Saraleon. Idk what can i say that i haven't said already? The pure love and affection, the devotion, the betrayal. My mans Leon got the best gf and the worst bf of all time and the repercussions of their fallout lasted almost a thousand years, iconic. Runner up is Celiakado bc love my toxic manipulative bastards duo. Daddy issues x cringefail girl <3

4) Is there a popular pairing you dont necessarily dislike but aren't too invested in?:

Again, Richtercard. Neat ship, can get it, but not my thing. Idk what other popular ships i could talk abt bc small fandom. Im pretty 👍 abt most of them i guess

13) What's a character or ship you haven't written/drawn yet but would like to someday?:

Ohhh so many. I have a dumped Leonx Isaac wip fic that i'd like to pic back up, and also some Sara x Julia ideas. And well, if i started listing all the ships i'd like to draw i'd never finish, but you kno stuff like belshine, shalaura, hevor, etc. In terms of characters, i wanna do some doodles with the wygol villagers living their lives, and draw the Lecarde twins or Yoko bc oh man the underrated witches of all time. And this is not going into my cv64/LoD comic n fic ideas (help).

24) What's your favourite thing abt [character]?:

You know let's go with Isaac this time. I like... the tragedy his choices lead him to. He keeps getting rejected and hated and losing and the ways he reacts are both understandable (as in, yea i get why he'd do that) and also the absolute worst you could do (both for himself and everyone around him, he's one awful bastard). And, since he is so intrinsically tied to Hector, i like how he is his dark reflection, how he shows what Hector could have been if instead of prioritizing his right to live as a human, he had grabbed all that willpower and instead used it to reduce and dehumanize himself for the sake of love and acceptance. It's like, Isaac is strong, smart, stubborn and determined yet he can't use those qualities for his own good or to help others but to spread misery and make himself worse in the process. He really became Dracula's weapon, at the cost of his own life. I am feeling normal abt him (gonna run him over with a bulldozer <3)