#a.k.a. the house of rain

[naradivision]

Hello! uhhh 🏠 for Fusau

🏠  for a moodboard about my muse’s home aesthetics

I rechecked with @hypster-weebster and verified that this ask is for my moody ex-tycoon, Saigo-san. Well, I’d like to say you totally hit the jackpot there! His house is so far the most interesting one and can be called the Miraitabi meeting place.

So...

❖ Welcome to 『Ajisai Residence』 ❖

Mun’s note: I listen to this song for aesthetic and inspiration in regard to his house's idea 🎶

Warning: somewhat long tidbits below

His place is very well-known among the neighborhood as the “Ajisai Resident” because this area is seemingly surrounded by the lavish number of hydrangea (紫陽花). No one knows why there’s so many of them —Maybe someone intentionally planted them there?

This place isn’t originally his estate. He inherited it from his late mother and she had bought this place a few years before her death.

His uncle, Shūkaidō Minazuki, is the one who brought up this place to him, but the main reason why he decides to move in is because he wants to know more about his mother

This mansion was built in the taisho-roman style which is a mix of beautiful western and eastern retro fashions, so in order to save its grace; he had to go through several contacts with talented remodelers, architects (hopefully, involving WHITE CO.), and traditional craftsmen to revive this place against the tide of time

Yes, like any ancient residence with obscure history; this mansion was rumored at one point to be the ‘haunted’ place. Some passersby indicate their sight of the mysterious lady with long hair and white kimono by the mansion’s window from time to time

However, this rumor soon fades away after he has moved in with his attendant (Bodyguard in disguise), and Saigo himself swears to never encounter any superstitious phenomenon during his stay there. Also, he strongly doesn’t believe in ghosts to begin with

Ergo, this causes some of his clients beg him to accept their believe-to-be stigmatized properties into his care —And that’s maybe why he called his MC name “Tsukumogami” out of annoyance ...By the way, no one knows whether the ghost they saw is the real thing or not

Not only its mysterious atmosphere, this mansion also has so many secret passages built in almost every nook of it. But so far the only one who seems to remember all details of this mansion beside the rightful owner like him is his attendant, Chishio —He is the one who takes care of the security system there

Chishio’s personal room is also hidden in the basement and he seems to enjoy using those secret bypasses to jumpscare other people on a regular basis, both visitors ...and thiefs. Honestly, knowing this man... He is way scarier than ghosts. R.I.P. those burglars in advance

All three of Miratabi crews establish an agreement that they’re going to have dinner together at Saigo’s place for the sake of team bonding (Of course, this was Asahi’s idea)

P.S. More delicious bonus: The “Hydrengea” is also the symbolic crest of his uncle’s household, which I plan to reveal A LOTTT later... I’ve already mentioned few of them somewhere and the members of this weird family are all named in the theme of ‘flowers’.

Thanks for the ask :)

[vee-week]

Please join us in celebrating our favorite basilisk by creating fanworks for Vee Week a.k.a. Veek!

From August 14th - 20th, we'll be reblogging posts with fanworks related to the following prompts:

Day 1/August 14: Hug | Shapeshifter | Cabin 7

Day 2/August 15: Mama | Languages | Movie Night

Day 3/August 16: Home | Name | Coffee

Day 4/August 17: Nocedas | Not a Monster | Grom Night

Day 5/August 18: Safe | Number 5 | Masha

Day 6/August 19: Sisterly Bonding | Piercing | Rain

Day 7/August 20: Family | Extinct | Demon Realm Human Realm Exchange Program

Alt Prompts: Doing Crime | Siblings | Free | Date | AU

All kinds of fanworks are welcome — digital art, traditional art, latte art, 100 word drabbles, ficlets, longer fics, poems, embroidery, rec lists, cosplay, music, gif sets, vids, etc. If you don't feel inspired by any of the prompt options for a given day, please feel free to use an alternate prompt.

We have a banner you can use for your posts and participation/completionist badges — check out all our graphics courtesy of @kkupttown!

We also have an AO3 Collection where you can post fanworks.

So that we can find your posts and reblog them during Veek, please tag Tumblr posts with: #veek 2024, #day [x] or #alt prompt, #prompt name, #the owl house. We also encourage additional tags for Vee and/or The Owl House (#vee noceda, #vee the owl house, #vee the basilisk, #toh, etc.) and fanwork type (#toh fanfic, #toh cosplay, #toh fanart, etc.). Please be sure to tag for content triggers (#child abuse, #self harm, etc.).

Check out the FAQ for more details and feel free to send asks if you have any questions!

[omegapheromone]

Can we talk about how sometimes I see people confuse nests and dens completely? Because it happens a surprising amount.

First of all, what IS a nest when it comes to mammals specifically, considering Omegaverse draws inspiration from animal behavior?

Here are some NON-BIRD google results for "animal nest", "mammal nest" and similar searches, a.k.a. This is a representation of Animal Nests:

Notable features:

the nest is BUILT. The structure is specifically created/crafted from materials that may or may not belong to the surrounding environment, but it is clearly built by the animal for either themselves or their offspring, usually for the purpose of resting in.

The nest is built in a mostly-round shape, and the sides of the nest are covered, while the top usually isn't. The height of the sides varies however, so the space in the middle may appear more cavernous at times. Nests are often made in sheltered locations where they remain hidden, but actual shelter from rain etc is not necessarily a part of a nest.

Now then, what are the searches for DENS? Here's what google comes up with when you look for "animal den" or "mammal den", a.k.a. a generic representation of what dens are:

Notable features:

Dens are DUG, instead of built. They are tunnel-like features in the terrain that do not utilize manipulation of material to craft a structure, like nests do.

Dens are tunnel-like. They are covered at the top and most sides, with an opening at the side for entry and exit. They are dug into hillsides, under trees, and occasionally flat ground in order to ensure a space where the top of the den will be covered, much like a cave.

So, what's the difference when it comes to omegaverse, especially lifestylers?

A nest is a structure you build. An example of a nest is when you organize all your blankets and pillows to form "walls" around you in your bed (shape, structure, meant for rest, utilizes the action of building with materials). A nest could also be a bean bag in the corner of your room that you surround with soft things and maybe even other larger items to block a direct view into it (sheltered location, intentionally buolt structure). Nests also are generally far softer- not that dens are uncomfortable, but nests tend to be made in places that are ALREADY comfortable, such as bean bags, beds and sofas.

A den is a bit more difficult to define, but to me, a den is anything you build UNDER something, i.e. utilizing an estabilished structure to provide shelter, including a closed top. Bringing blankets and cozy things under your desk or bed to create a super sheltered tunnel-like structure? That's a den, buddy.

One thing I find is "a bit of both", is pillow/blanket forts. It's obviously built intentionally and doesn't utilize an existing structure, but it usually includes a covered top and a tunnel- or cavern-like internal structure. It isn't quite a nest, but it also isn't truly a den because it involves intentional creation of a structure. Personally I tend to lean more towards them being den-adjacent, but depending on how comfortable and soft the interior is, you could consider pillow/blanket forts "dens with a nest built inside".

Anyway, I feel it's important to add that your dynamic doesn't necessarily determine which you prefer. An Alpha can nest and an Omega can burrow. It's personal preference- the only reason there are any associations are mostly because omega nests are seen as cozy, comfortable structures built to house offspring and/or made for sleeping/resting, while alpha dens are seen more as shelters from the elements and structures inside of which you can isolate yourself to get over a rut or even just to hibernate.

Additionally... An idea for a headcanon reasoning is that Omegas generally don't burrow and are discouraged from creating dens for themselves by society because it's seen as an "alpha thing" and that Omegas don't need the shelter and protection a den offers because "an alpha will come and take care of you anyway, so you can just share the alpha's den". Similarly, alphas could be discouraged from nesting because it's seen as "omega behavior" and not 'suitable' for an alpha. Very much mirrors emotional vulnerability, interests and preferences irl; men aren't "allowed" to like soft things or 'be' soft emotionally, because it's "feminine", while women are discouraged from being independent and having a "hard shell" because it's "too masculine". Utilizing this in a headcanon about nests/dens is a good way to explore patriarchy and gender roles & expectations.

Anyway the only reason I actually made this post is because I see so many people call their dens "nests" when what they actually have is an obvious den. Please embrace it!! Dens are great!! Dens offer shelter and safety and create a more private space separate from your surroundings!! There's nothing wrong with building dens/burrowing, as opposed to nesting!! If you want the shelter/safety of a den, that's great!! You don't have to be an alpha to do that!! And also for the alphas- you are allowed to nest!!! It's not a weird thing!!! Nests are super cozy and comfy for a reason, AND you maintain a visual connection to your surroundings more easily if you feel like you need to stay alert/guard!!! Betas can have a nest! Betas can have a den! Betas can have both if they like, why are we forgetting about them when it comes to this anyway??? It's INDIVIDUAL preference.

Random addition I couldn't fit anywhere else: I personally tend to think that an alpha definition of a den can be a little more fluid than just "a tunnel/cavern dug into the ground/under an object". I mean, technically, a room is a den, too- covered at the top with a tunnel-like entrance (door) in and out. Personally I've never subscribed to "alphas have dens and omegas have nests" either way, I actually headcanon alphas especially being more concerned about perceived/claimed "territory" they see themselves as having claimed/being in charge of, such as being protective of their rooms/houses/living quarters etc, as well as lockers, assigned seats, cars, etc, while omega 'territory' protectiveness is more about privacy/safety/comfort, even though it also commonly includes one's own room (for omegas, more specifically, bedrooms) and similar things such as sofas, arm chairs, etc.

Another headcanon I have is that betas especially adore pillow/blanket forts and like building them both just for themselves, as well as big ones to share with the pack. I don't have any particular reasoning because I mean, who doesn't love a blanket fort? I just think it's kind of funny in an endearing way, and a neat idea.

[ylangelegy]

the way i already have a stray kids x weathering with you series that I HAVE NOY STARTED YET, MIND YOU!!!, and yet i'm already imagining how it will work for svt :(

in a version of seoul that's always raining:

☔️ architect!junhui deals with a stubborn foreigner reader (a.k.a you) who refuses to take his advice on how to build a house i.e. a home with stilts, in case of flooding

☔️ meteorologist!joshua is convinced that this phenomenon was caused by aliens, and you are his exasperated best friend

☔️ school teacher!seokmin grapples with teaching kindergartners in a time where it's all rain; you try & help him adapt to this new world

☔️ seungcheol runs a boat service for navigating the rained out streets/flooded neighborhoods, and you're one of his frequent clients

☔️ gardener/flower shop owner!minghao is stressing over this season's harvest, and how he really, really, really doesn't want to let you— his favorite customer— down

☔️ office worker!chan keeps intentionally forgetting his umbrella so he can keep interacting with you

☔️ umbrella maker!vernon is at a loss for his next collection; good thing you're around to provide some inspiration

--

still mulling over what the other boys might be, but my all-over-the-place thoughts are as follows:

mingyu -> maybe a chef or an athlete! i.e. mingyu trying to make his break in the culinary word/mingyu coping with the experience of reinventing his sport

jihoon -> need to figure out if i want this to be tourist!jihoon x tour guide!reader or vice versa

non-life insurance lawyer -> maybe wonwoo or jeonghan

for consideration re: seungkwan & soonyoung -> determined coffee shop owner, aspiring comedian, disgruntled reporter/journalist, cash-strapped driver-for-hire

--

notes to self: strict lengths of not more than ~3k per fic, or less + actually try to work on the skz series first 😭

[g0ry0re0]

"One Love, One House", Josh Futturman (Future Man, 2017, TV Show) - Imagine

Description: AU where Josh never beats Biotic Wars. Instead, he lives with you (his partner) in a cozy little apartment in L.A. / Josh Futturman x GN!Reader

General Notes: Established Relationship, Gender Neutral Reader, Pure Fluff/Comfort, Second Person POV, Lots Of Physical Touch (some a bit sensual/intimate?), Not A Lot Of Dialogue, Reader Has Some Internal Dialogue (“italics”)

Author's Note: Posting my first official imagine on tumblr, yippee! Also, my titles will almost always be inspired by songs ("Sweater Weather" by The Neighborhood, song link at the bottom of the post). Enjoy this short blurb!

Word Count: 1,031 Words

California needs the rain, that's what everyone always says, and you agree. You love the rain...

Just not right now. You did not have the best day at work and leaving was all you could think about. On top of that, driving in Los Angeles was already terrible enough. But when it rained? God, you wanted to be home already.

Mental and physical state being in rough condition, you finally hop in your car at the end of the day and start the twenty-minute drive back to your apartment (though, in reality, it was an hour's drive with this weather and L.A. traffic). Your safe haven.

Walking into your apartment felt like the weight of the entire world finally lifted off your shoulders. Your back cracks as you roll your shoulders to slip off your jacket, the warmth of the room enveloping you as you leave your shoes by the door and walk into the adjacent room, the living room (a.k.a. The Game Room, as dubbed by you and Josh the moment you moved in).

You could see Josh's messy hair popping up over the couch, facing away from you with his headset on. He must've gotten out of work early. Not totally unusual, but still welcome nonetheless. You're not sure if he knows you're home as he seems very entranced by his game. Of course, he was playing Bio Wars again, he couldn't get enough of that game. Sure he played others, as well as some with you, but he was addicted to that game in particular.

You walk around the couch, him still not taking his eyes off the screen until you plop down across from him and put your feet up on his lap, immediately relaxing your sore bones by lying along the couch. He jumps a little but finally faces you, just for a brief moment, and flashes you a smile before turning back to his game.

"Hey, hun. How was work?" He asks distractedly, but still smiling, clearly happy that you're home now.

"Not great," you sigh and rest your forearm over your eyes. "Everything hurts. Happy to finally be home, though." You mumble, already feeling your eyes flutter shut from exhaustion.

Josh hums in response, seemingly hyper-focused on his game, but he was listening. He always listened to you.

You both sit together, basking in the contentedness of the moment. The warmth of the apartment was amplified by the warmth you felt from your feet resting on Josh's lap. The aches in your body were slowly melting away the longer you lay on the couch, your breathing starting to slow down. It was quiet, but the sound of rain could be heard faintly from the somewhat open (broken) window in your kitchen, gently watering the half-dead tiny plants sitting on the window sill. You could also vaguely hear Josh's game coming from his headset, the ambiance slowly bringing you a sense of peace.

You remove your arm from its resting spot on your face and cross both over your stomach, wrapping yourself up almost cocoon-like. Your eyes are still closed, and your breathing slows even further, despite your efforts to fight off the sleep you so desperately need. You can feel Josh set down his controller on the side of the couch and you can hear indistinct voices coming from his headset. Must be some kind of cutscene.

Suddenly, you can feel Josh's rough hands squeezing your feet. Your closed eyelids flutter a bit and you sigh out of appreciation. Josh seemed to appear distracted more often than not, but he always paid attention to what you communicated to him, both verbally and subtly. This man adored you, he practically worshiped the ground you walked on. He would do whatever he could to see you smile, and right now, the signals bouncing off your body were telling him that you needed a little more attention than what he was currently providing.

He promptly paused his game and took off his headset, placing it on the coffee table before looking over at you. You weren't asleep yet, but you were dangerously close. He gently smiled at how serene you looked, probably staring for a bit too long before he snapped out of it. He tapped your left knee, prompting you to open your eyes and maintain eye contact with him for longer than two seconds since you got home. He was still smiling gently at you as he brought his legs up on the couch and started crawling between yours. He slowly made his way to you, softly caressing your calves, your thighs, and your hips with his hands along the way before laying his head on your stomach and beginning to settle down.

He rests his hands on the sides of your waist now, tenderly squeezing while making the rest of his body comfortable between your legs and on the couch. Your arms untuck themselves from around your torso as he does this. You rest one of your hands on his head, scratching delicately, pulling a deep, contented sigh from him. He mumbles something unintelligible as he relaxes against you, pushing a quiet, single laugh from you.

"What'd you say, love?" You ask quietly, continuing to gingerly scrape your nails along his scalp.

"Nothin', just happy you're home." He slurred sleepily before pressing a delicate kiss to your clothed stomach.

He then resumed his position with the side of his head resting against the exact middle of your tummy, his hands still lovingly gripping your sides. You hum happily and close your eyes again, your and Josh's movements both slowing to a halt as you fall into a shared slumber. The warmth you felt earlier has only increased, Josh quite literally working as a weighted blanket, both your body heat keeping one another fulfilled. Any aches you felt before were gone, intertwined bodies relaxing against each other appreciatively. Breaths and heartbeats slowed and in sync, the downpour heard outside and the ever so quiet Bio Wars soundtrack playing from Josh's headset, lulling you and Josh into a tranquil sleep.

Masterlist Link

Divider: saradika and saradika-graphics on tumblr

Gif: harryshumjjr

[no-see-um-incorrect]

The long awaited

The highly anticipated 

The thing that’ll make you swoon 

I’m bout to make you leave y’all’s man’s 

✨William/Marie✨ headcanons 

(A.K.A my actual antidepressants

⚠️Warning it gets really sappy⚠️

: he does that thing when they’re sitting next to each other (usually at a table) he will gently rub his knuckles up and down her thigh 

: if the ground is wet or her feet hurt, he will pick her up without hesitation. This man is a 500+ year old vampire. she weighs nothing to him. 

: chivalry died. William turned it, and became his maker.  we’re talking opens the doors, hold her bag, offers his jacket if she’s cold or if it’s raining

:he sends her flowers very frequently. And make sure he sends them to her work or milo’s house  and not her house

: she will address him like  ”Will honey” or “William sweetheart” it makes the man’s heart skip a beat

: Milo said when he first learned that they were going out ”treat her like royalty Will ” and William responded fairly quickly with a ”don’t be ridiculous Mr. Greer……I will treat her like a goddess”

That comment is what won Milo over

: Marie is Handsy…..not like that you hoes. I mean, she’s very affectionate with her hands, like putting her arms around his neck, holding his face, putting her arms around his waist, linking their arms together. just overall very physically, affectionate.  and William melts into it every time. 

: William’s favorite thing to call her is his dove. Because she is the love and peace in his life. 

: Marie did not expect how ripped  this man is.  like she thought that the strength he had was invisible strength.  she was not expecting him to be jacked. 

: Marie is also fairly muscular (I mean she spent roughly 17 years chasing after a bunch of shifters and working double jobs what do you expect) so when she took her jacket off during solstice to help David with something man could not take his eyes off. Like Vincent was laughing at him because he could not stop staring. 

: lets her know how gorgeous he thinks every inch of her is (if I elaborate I might die)

:👏Queen Treatment👏

: One time  William had a meeting with Vincent later in the morning  and this particular morning, just happened to be the “morning after” a date night. And William did not realize that Marie had left a bright red kiss mark just above where his collar sits.  and of course Vincent being Vincent noticed it immediately but didn’t say anything until he got home to lovely. 

: another thing Marie loves to kiss this man. Just anywhere. anywhere and everywhere. red lipstick kiss marks all over his chest, shoulders, jaw,  this man is Well Loved. 💋

: One time he noticed that some of Marie’s clothes were a bit worn, and some things that she would wear have tiny holes in them. So he gave her a credit card and just told her to max it out. so she took Milo on a little mother son date, that she always wanted to do, and they went clothes shopping and got lunch 

: The first thing he noticed about her was her laugh. He heard it from across the room and did not stop until he found the person responsible for that laugh.  and once he found her.  just love.  instantly.  like it just hit him like a fucking freight train. 

: she has crows feet when she smiles……………..If it was possible for someone to die twice, William did it just then. 

: Milo had the upmost joy, helping his mother kick his father out of their apartment/house 

: William loves to give gifts to her (kind of to compensate for the fact that he can’t really be around during the day) and she was so upset at herself because she couldn’t give him gifts. And then he explained to her in very um…… passionate detail that her existence in his life is the greatest gift he could give her and anything that comes from her is a blessing to him

(if that makes sense)

(I feel like I’ve said this next one before. Forgive me if I did.  but even if I did, it bears repeating)

: 👏INSECURITY KISSES👏 if there is a single part on her body, rather that be stretch marks, scars, bumps, bruises, ANYTHING. He will kiss it as if it was a priceless diamond.

And that’s all you’re getting (for now 😉) hope you enjoyed feel free to re-blog and add more  Love y’all 💋

TAG: @frog-0n-a-l0g @evansotherthoughts @everything-redacted-and-others

If you want me to tag you in the next William/Marie post let me know 

[chameleon66]

Pushed down

Pairings: Alador x Darius

Words count: 1,586

Warning: Angst, abusive parents, Odalia, (Tell me if I need to add anything else)

Author’s note: This is my late christmas gift to you all, this also has no connection to any of my previous Fics and I may or may not post another new fic tomorrow we’ll see what happens. I was also thinking about maybe writing something not about the Owl house but maybe about other shows that I enjoy so we’ll see how everything works out.

“Alador, what's wrong? Why are you crying?”

“Nothing’s wrong Raine, I’m fine.”

“No you’re not Alador, come on you can tell me anything.”

“No I can’t.”

“Alador, you know you can trust me, I’m your friend.”

“Well, ok but swear you’ll never tell anyone.”

“Of course, anything said between us stays between us.”

“I…I-I broke up with Darius today.”

“What! Why? You both are crazy about each other.”

“My parents arranged a marriage for me with Odalia and I don’t marry her then they swore to make sure Darius will never get into the Abomination coven and that’s been Darius’s dream forever. what kind of person would I be if I let that happen?”

“Why didn’t you just tell Darius that?”

“I didn’t think of that, but now it’s too late Darius probably won’t even breathe in my direction now.”

“...Well Alador you might just have to try.”

“What's the point? I’ll still have to marry Odalia and you swore you wouldn’t tell anyone.”

“Ok, you’re right Alador, I gave you my word so I won’t tell anyone.”

“Thanks Raine.”

Despite the fact this conversation happened over thirty years ago Raine still remembered it. Well more like they remembered it after they started the rebellion with Eberwolf and Darius and Darius was always talking about ‘That hack’ A.K.A Alador.

On the outside their rivalry might have looked childish or just driven by jealousy but for Raine who knew the actual backstory of the two it was actually quite heartbreaking to watch.

But Raine was a witch of their word so they at the time just listened to Darius rant about Alador. Even if Darius wouldn’t admit it to Raine or anyone else, they could still see Darius still had some kind of feelings towards Alador but most likely just tried to bury them away and turn them into spite towards him.

Now with the death of Belos the Boiling isles had returned to something near normal. There was now a permanent portal between the Demon realm and the Human realm, Raine had gotten back together with Eda, Alador had divorced Odalia and he was now working on an invention that could remove coven sigils with Raine and Darius helping him work on it.

Darius was still trying to act like he didn’t care for Alador but Raine regnonized the way that Darius would look at Alador when they were both working as the same look that he’d look at Alador with when they were dating.

Maybe if Darius wasn’t so bitter about the break up they would actually happen but that would mean some one who knew why Alador broke up with Darius (Raine) would have to tell Darius and Raine gave Alador their word and they didn’t want to break Alador’s trust.

Raine needed Advice from someone who was stable, rational and had self-control.

—Timeskip—

Darius arrived at Alador’s lab with Raine, though Darius was the old one talking, Raine was being very quiet. Alador also took note of this but let the thought go and continued on with his work. By lunch Darius had enough of the silent treatment and asked.

“Raine, are you ok? You’ve been awfully quiet.”

Raine’s arms stiffened and he looked away but still nervously answered. “I’m ok.”

Alador took the initiative and spoke next. “So why have you been so quiet all day?”

Raine pressed their lips together as their eyes darted around the room, this silence lasted only a few seconds though.

“I accidentally drank a vial of blabber serum instead of my migraine medicine this morning and I”ve been trying to avoid talking all day because I don’t want to say something that wasn’t meant to be said out loud.” Raine blurted out all in one breath.

Darius and Alador looked at eachother then back at Raine. “That’s all.” Darius shrugged, “Raine come on, you're an open book, you don’t have any secrets to spill.”

“Actually I know a lot of secrets.” Raine’s expression conveyed a look of hesitation and embarrassment by the blush on their face. “Like Hunter’s secret fear of thunderstorms, that time I caught Eberwolf sleep walking through the castle, why Alador broke up with you, Eda’s unpaid tab for apple blood at-.”

“Hang on, hang on, hang on, back up.” Darius held out his hands in a stopping motion easing Raine to silence themself. “Did you just say why Alador broke up with me?”

“Yes.” Raine answered back to Darius, Darius glanced back at Alador who was frozen like a deer in headlights on the freeway. Darius turned back to Raine with a hint of a flush on his face. And then came the million dollar question past his lips.

“Raine, why did Alador break-up with me?”

Alador began shaking his head back and forth vigorously at Raine but it was of no use.

“Alador’s parents were forcing him to marry Odalia and he didn’t want to but when he said no they swore to make sure you’d never get accepted into the Abomination coven and Alador knew how much that meant to you, so he broke up with you and the only reason I know is because I found him crying in the bathroom and I promised that I wouldn’t tell anyone.” Raine’s voice was squeaky through his explanation and after they were finished talking they shut their eyes tightly unwilling to look at the two witches.

Darius’s world went blank for a minute, after the break up Darius had always looked at that snake (Odalia) and wondered how Alador could be so blind to her abuse and manipulation. Why had he chosen to be with her when he and Alador were happy together? This led Darius into thinking that he wasn’t good enough and that was a burden he had to fight for a long time.

But it turned out that Alador didn’t break up with him because he didn’t love him quite the opposite. Alador broke up with him because he loved him and wasn’t selfish enough to hold him back from his dreams just because he wanted to be with him even if that just made things worse for him in his life.

He had done it all for him, endured all of those years with Odalia for him.

“Alador?” Darius looked back to Alador who’s eyes were fixated on the ground and his right hand was fisted in the fabric of his coat and the blush was clear on his face. Darius sighed, they couldn’t go on like this. Something had to change.

“Raine?” Raine’s eyes opened to look at Darius and he waited for Darius to speak again. “Can you give us a minute?” Darius’s eyes darted to the door then back at Raine.

“I’ll go make myself some tea.” Raine quietly excused themself and quickly walked out of the room.

Darius turned on his heels to face Alador who still refused to look at him, Darius knew that it was now or never and took a deep but silent breath then spoke softly to Alador.

“Is what Raine said true? About you breaking up with me?” Darius knew it was a dumb question but needed it to be confirmed for him to fully believe it.

“Yeah it’s true.” Alador admitted. “I’m sorry, I just didn’t want you to be held back.” Alador blinked a few times, probably trying to disguise the tears in his eyes but Darius had already taken note of them.

“Don’t apologize Al.” Alador froze, Darius hadn’t called him that nickname in so many years. “You’ve really just wanted me to be happy, even after we broke up?” Darius felt his throat tighten as he finished his sentence.

“It wasn’t easy but I knew how much being in the Abomination coven meant to you and I also figured you’d find someone new, sooner or later.” Tears were now rolling down Alador’s cheek yet he was trying to wipe them away.

Darius acting on pure impulse took both of Alador’s hands in his and spoke again. “What if I don’t want to find someone new, I like what I already have.” Darius watched a flush made its way up Alador’s face “or at least what I used to have.” Darius added.

Alador’s face was now bright red; his eyes quickly went from Darius’s eyes to his lips then back down to the floor. “I…I still…love you too, Dar.” Alador mumbled and Darius smiled hearing his old nickname.

Darius leaned into Alador and captured his lips in a tender kiss, even after all these years the kiss still felt familiar, the way Darius’s hand fonded through Alador’s hair while the other rested in Alador’s hand, it all just felt so comforting and like home.

The next day at work Alador and Darius told Raine they were going to try again and Raine couldn’t have been happier for them.

But Raine really needed to hand it to Hooty, they had not thought that his insane plan would work.

[thewhumpcaretaker]

⚜ 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕎𝕙𝕠 ℍ𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕃𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝔽𝕠𝕣 - 𝕄𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥 ⚜

Chidi x Marquis de Gramont, A.K.A. "hopelesslydevoted", bodyguard x nobleman.

TW: canon-typical violence, crying, panic attacks, drug addiction, toxic dynamics, smut, minor character death, grief, Dead Dove Do Not Eat

Summary: Our story opens on Vincent and Chidi in their 20s, with Chidi employed as an ordinary yet promising Myrmidon under Vincent's father. Although Vincent is rarely at home, Chidi finds himself looking forward to every visit from this volatile, princely heir...and wishing he could somehow help him.

𖤓 AO3

𖤓 Cover Image I | Cover Image II

𖤓 Chapter I: Arrival at a Silent House

𖤓 Chapter II: Dinner at an Empty Table

𖤓 Chapter III: Roses for the Fountain

𖤓 Chapter IV: Sparring Matches

𖤓 Chapter V: Discretion

𖤓 Chapter VI: The Worst Day of Vincent's Life

𖤓 Chapter VII: The Marquis Vincent de Gramont

𖤓 Chapter VIII: If the Rain Stops

𖤓 Chapter IX: Crown on High

𖤓 Chapter X: How Vincent Lived in Rome

𖤓 Chapter XI: Brothers

𖤓 Chapter XII: Prelude to Ruination

𖤓 Chapter XIII: Ruination

𖤓 Chapter XIV: Forced Choices

𖤓 Chapter XV: Dropping the Leashes

Extra Ficlets

𖤓 I Want to be Next to You

𖤓 Carrying Your Heart

𖤓 Sweet Tooth

𖤓 Pure of Heart

𖤓 Completely

𖤓 Candles

Worldbuilding and Inspiration

𖤓 The Ask That Inspired the Fic

𖤓 OC: Marquis Àlderic de Gramont

𖤓 OC: Maximo (Mo) Osorio

𖤓 Hopelesslydevoted Headcanons

Top banner inspired by images from tobytheeggo which I edited. Background comes from this image.

[shakesbeth]

UNPOPULAR OPINION [or not]: House of the Dragon edition

AS MUCH as I loved a lot of scenes from the ''first part'' (a.k.a first five episodes) of the first season of ''House of the Dragon'', they were a waste of time and a problem for the narrative and pace of the story.

NOW HEAR ME OUT.

Teenager Rhaenyra Targaryen, ''The Realm's Delight'', was a sight for sore eyes. It was impossible for us to watch her and not become mesmerized by every scene. Milly Alcock did an excellent job portraiting her. Of course we had some problems, like her problematic wardrobe (never in history has a princess dresses so poorly like her, poor baby), but overall, superb.

I liked teenager/young adult Alicent Hightower as well, even though she was the enemy - hehe. The script is able to make us understand her motives and what's behind her behavior. And her wardrobe is WAY BETTER than Rhaenyra's.

Now, the problem is when we jumped years from Episode 5 to Episode 6 and the characters stopped making sense.

We could have had five more episodes to develop the characters and their dynamic with each other. ''But a lot of important things happened in these first five episodes!'' Yes, it did. But it could had been done differently, like it had been done perfectly before, in ''Game of Thrones.'' Do you all remember Lyanna, Rhaegar, the Rebellion? How problematic the relationship between Catelyn Stark and Jon Snow was? How Cersei and Jamie used to be when children? The Rains of Castamere? Elia Martell, Tyrion's first marriage and how it shaped his character? Well, surprise, surprise, none of these were shown on screen. We only hear it, over and over through the other character's perspectives and it was engraved in us nonetheless.

''House of the Dragon'' could have had benefited even more from this narrative style, because most of what happened was rumours, and nothing more deceitful and powerful than rumours in a Royal Court, don't you agree?

If whether Alicent became King Viserys's mistress when Queen Emma was still alive or not, if Rhaenyra did or did not things with Sir Criston Cole, whether Rhaenyra and Daemon did or did not things as well, if Rhaenyra's children were bastards or not, the children's quarrels that got worse over the years... All of this, told to us through rumours would have been so, so much better.

The show chose to show us that Rhaenyra's children with Laenor were, in fact, bastards. This made me so angry, because in the end of the day, it doesn't matter. Even if they were, it would have been great if this was kept forever a mistery (like it is for the characters, nobody knows). Whether Jace Velaryon was or not son of Laenor was not the ''major problem'' for people start questioning Rhaenyra's right to the Throne.

Then the show writers decided to strip Rhaenyra's and Alicent's ambition just because. They made Aegon a sad boy and daemon got lost completely. *Heavy sigh*

But what's done is done. We can only hope for an excellent Season 3 after that disaster of Season 2. May the Gods help us.

Thank you.

[ddaome-kr]

Korean Holidays in Spring 🌼

Note (Another note from me, the team member responsible for posting our stuff on tumblr): So, it's basically summer in Korea these days (very hot and sunny!) and this may seem out of the blue... We planned this post when it was spring, but real life (a.k.a college assignments) delayed our schedule a bit. We still hope you enjoy our post about holidays in Spring. Here's the link to our instagram post as usual(part 1, part 2).

Just less than a century ago, almost every individual in Korea were farmers. Even in the 1960s, more than half of the total population grew crops for living. If we count from the days of Dangun (단군, the mythical founder of Korea), for more than 4000 years, the people of Korea were largely committed to farming.

In a society where farming is central to the community, the weather and the seasons hold great importance. Really, because if there is a storm or an extreme raining season, that would mean that the crops will be ruined that year, leading to a year of celebration. Thus spring, which marks the beginning of the year and also the beginning of the planting season, was full of traditional celebrations which wished for a good year and the blessing of the ancestors. This post will further investigate the traditional spring holidays of Korea and its unique customs which were set to celebrate such comings of life. 

Seolnal [설날], also known as the Lunar New Year and Chinese new year, marks the beginning of the new year and celebrates the rise of the first moon. Now when the first moon rises, it appears as a very small crescent figure. After 15 days, it becomes the full moon. On this first full moon of the year, the jong-wol-dae-borum[정월대보름](hereon referred to as jeong-wol)holiday is celebrated. In the very early morning of the jeong-wol, families celebrate the day by eating bu-rom[부럼], which is a set of hard nuts such as peanuts, walnuts and chestnuts. By putting the hard nut in your mouth and purposefully breaking it with your teeth, you wish for good luck. More specifically, you wish for no bad luck this year.

This bu-rom breaking tradition stems from a homophonic term with bu-rom: bu-se-rom[부스럼]. Bu-se-rom refers to little pimples, thus by breaking the bu-roms, referring to bad luck in general, the people wished to have a healthy body in the new years which is essential for harvest. Traditionally, people would eat jabgok- bab[잡곡밥], which is rice cooked with nuts, with the na-mul[나물](seasoned spring herbs)s together. 

(A picture from our family dinner in the new years week, which features the additional servings of jabgokbab, namul, and other traditional dishes)

During the middays, people went around each family’s houses and farms, each carrying traditional celebrations. Ji-bul- nori[쥐불놀이] was a ceremony of intentionally setting fire to the farmland. Attaching a small paper or a can to a long rope, the players of jibulnori would hold the end of the rope and spin it, while lighting up the small paper or can attached. After spinning the rope a few times, the player would throw the fire inside the land. The fire was thrown in not only to wish for good farming but also to eliminate the bugs and the weeds that have grown over the winter. The community came together and later played yut-no-ri[윷놀이] and many other activities. 

After spending the day together families would gather and watch the first full moon rise together. People usually granted wishes, and they also predicted the outcome of the farming through the shape of the moon as well. 

Due to the development and industrialization of Korea in the last few decades, however, many of the traditional celebrations have been reduced in its size and significance. Nevertheless, the core traditions remain and many rural parts of Korea still celebrate such traditions. 

Thanks for staying with us and we hope you have enjoyed your five minute reading with us. 

[melishade]

In the Peaceful Timeline, I can imagine Maria accidently finding Optimus or Megatron's alt mode and being excited over her discovery. So excited, in fact, that she drags her mom, Pop, and Meg to see it. Too bad it "mysteriously" vanishes, A.K.A. got tf out of there, leaving Maria very confused and frustrated.

Part 4: Arcee and Wheeljack’s lack of involvement

Oh fun. I'm gonna add a little drama to this though.

So Optimus, Megatron, and Ymir keep their powers/titan forms a secret for about six to seven years after she's born. Maria doesn't suspect anything is wrong at that age. She'll ask where Optimus and Megatron are going, and Ymir will say that they either went to help the town or went to find food and resources and all that stuff. Maria doesn't doubt it. When they do come back, they come back with food and supplies to help repair and clean the house. Additionally, they get Maria some pencils so that she can write and draw. Maria's fine with the arrangement. She still gets to be with Optimus and Megatron. She'll ask Megatron for piggy back rides and Optimus about certain items she's found. She adores her papas, and she loves her mama. However, Optimus has tried in the past to discuss with Megatron and Ymir about telling Maria the truth, only to have Megatron shut it down and Ymir acting despondent. Both of them do not want to tell her the truth, and Optimus is annoyed by that. Maria has to know eventually.

One day, Maria is out playing in the woods, finding new items to show to Optimus and ask about. However, she ventures a little too far, and spots Optimus in titan form staring out at the mountains and the skies. Maria stares in awe at the being, but she doesn't get to see his face. Instead, she runs as quickly as possible back to the cabin without alerting Optimus. When she enters, she screams at the top of her lungs as Ymir and Megatron are interrupted from a small conversation. She grabs her mom and drags her by the arm, confusing both of them. When Maria says that she saw a giant red and blue man, Ymir looks at Megatron in fear, and Megatron quickly contacts Optimus to leave without Maria noticing. Optimus quickly nopes out of there as Maria continues to guide Ymir and Megatron to the spot, but is confused when Optimus isn't there anymore. Maria is confused while Ymir is sighing with relief. Maria explains to them both that she saw something, but Megatron retorts by saying there's nothing here. He then picks up Maria and carries her on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, earning groans and complaints from Maria. But Maria notices the tracks that Optimus left behind and smiled mischievously.

Later that night, she still does try to explain what she saw again to get them to believe her, this time with Optimus in the room, but they all play dumb which all three are pretty guilty about and it frustrates Maria. She's telling the truth! Ymir tells her to go to bed and sleep this off, and Maria grumbles and relents. As she goes to her room, the three have an immediate discussion. Megatron is scolding Optimus for letting himself slip up, but Optimus demands why no one was watching her in the first place. Regardless, they need to tell her and they cannot lie about this for the rest of her life. Megatron is adamant. He is not telling Maria about who they are. He would rather die than tell her the truth.

"Megatron we cannot keep lying to her," Optimus told him.

"What about 'robots in disguise'? Didn't seem to be a problem back on Earth," Megatron proclaimed.

"We are helping raise a human child!" Optimus reminded.

The two get no where with that conversation and call it off, and both are annoyed. Optimus demands to know why this is such an issue, but Megatron refuses to answer. Ymir goes to check in on Maria, but screams in horror and realizes that Maria escaped though the window.

Meanwhile, Maria searches the woods and finds the same path that Optimus took in alt mode. She follows it in the rain and thunder and finds it ending at a rocky cliff. Maria thinks Optimus climbed that and tries to do it herself. But Maria ends up slipping and falling off the cliff, before she tumbles further down, Ymir finds her and transforms into her titan form to catch her. Maria is stunned at the sight as Ymir slowly brings her back up. Optimus and Megatron them and watch in horror as Ymir sets her daughter down. Maria can only watch in shock as Ymir pulls herself out of her titan form and climbs down. She sees her daughter staring at her and her titan marks, and immediately assumes the worst. Ymir tries so hard to explain, but she's just remembering all the trauma and looks of fear she's gotten in the past and can't think of anything.

Megatron is not happy. He's angry at the fact that Maria put herself in danger, but also afraid what this possibly means for the rest of them. Megatron grabs Maria by her shirt and yells at her for her stupidity. What was she thinking, putting herself in danger like that?! You could've been killed you stupid child! Optimus forces Megatron to let go, but the damage is done. Maria is looking at Megatron in fear and with tears in her eyes. Megatron never yelled or demeaned Maria like that. Usually if she did something wrong, Optimus and Ymir would explain why and Megatron would stay out of it. Sometimes he would entertain her queries, but that was it. Not this.

Optimus can only pick up Maria, who still pretty traumatized by the events, and he helps Ymir to her feet and brings them back to the cabin. Megatron ends up leaving for a while, Optimus doesn't know where. Maria watches Ymir go to her room, and her heart breaks when she hears her mom sobbing.

"Papa, I...I didn't mean to," Maria pleaded with Optimus, "I didn't mean to make mama upset. I-!"

"I need to console your mother," Optimus merely said as he took Maria to her room.

Maria waits in her room under her sheets, and it's an agonizing wait. She's trying to process what she just saw, while hearing her mother sob. Maria wants to apologize, but doesn't know what she saw. She wants answers. She wants the truth. Maria hears the door open and raises her head to see Optimus sit by her bed. Maria can only ask what happened, and Optimus explains as best as he can. He tells Maria that her mother was a prisoner of an cruel king. She came across that power she just saw and was forced to use it for the cruel king. Until he found her and rescued her from the king. They had lived a quiet life and kept her powers a secret to protect her. But Maria doesn't understand. Why didn't her mom tell her the truth? Why didn't Optimus or Megatron?

"Because..." Optimus trailed off, remembering how fearful his own Autobots were when they thought he had turned against them, "we were afraid. We were afraid that your perception of us would change, and that...you would no longer look at us the same way again. We are afraid that...you would fear us instead."

Maria was confused by the phrasing, but then remembered what she witnessed earlier, and how Optimus' clothing matched the red and blue giant she saw. "You...you're the giant man."

"...I am," Optimus relented.

And suddenly, things begin to make sense for Maria. About why Optimus and Megatron don't eat at the house. Why they take long trips. It all comes into place. She then hugs Optimus, and tells him that Ymir was still her mama and he was still her papa. Nothing would change that. Optimus is touched at such a proclamation, but there's still much to be discussed and tells Maria to get some rest. Maria tells Optimus that she loves him, and Optimus kisses her forehead and tells her the same thing.

Optimus then goes to the ship that he and Megatron found, and finds Megatron sitting down, hunched over. Optimus tells Megatron that he understands why he didn't want to tell Maria the truth, and that he was sorry for not understanding before.

"...it was a human," Megatron mumbled, "A tiny, frail, little, human that looked at me with admiration instead of fear. I never realized how much I missed that...and I know that when she sees me, she will look at me in fear. Just like everyone else has. Just like you have....I don't want to lose that."

It was Megatron and Ymir's greatest fear the entire time. They had always been feared and ridiculed by others, be it choice or not. If they lose it with Maria, they don't know what else they would do. But Megatron was certain he ruined it with the way that he acted with Maria. Optimus places a servo on his shoulder and tells him that their might be some adjustment, but Maria would still love them. Megatron asks how could be be so sure, and Optimus says its because she's their own.

Optimus and Megatron come back to the cabin the next day in holoform, and find Ymir awake, drinking water with her red shot eyes. Optimus kneels down and rubs her back. They all hear footsteps, and turn to see Maria walking towards them. All of them are understandably tense, Megatron and Ymir absolutely dreading the worst. But Maria runs up to Ymir and hugs her tight. Ymir can't help but burst into tears and hug her back. She didn't expect this. She thought that Maria would hate her or be scared of her, but she still loved her, even with this monster inside of her. Megatron is stunned by the display, and Optimus turns to Megatron and nods his head. They show her tonight.

Later that night, Optimus and Megatron take both Ymir and Maria far from the cabin and away from any other prying eyes. Optimus then kneels down and tells Maria that they are going to show her their titans forms. And that...no matter what she thinks of them, they would always love her. Maria nods her head, and gasps when both deactivate their holoforms. Optimus drives up and transforms while Megatron flies in and lands on his pedes. Optimus slowly kneels down towards the two while Megatron keeps his distance. Optimus extends his servo to her, and Maria excitedly places a hand on Optimus digit. Optimus can't help but sag with relief as Maria giggles in excitement.

Megatron immediately looks away as he feels all eyes on him. He shuts his own optics and clenches his fists, anticipating the rejection and fear that was going to come with. He didn't want to lose Maria too. He-!

"You look like a porcupine!" Maria exclaims in excitement.

Megatron snaps his head back in shock while Optimus puts up his battle mask to muffle his laughter. Wh-! Is she serious?! A porcupine?! She reaches out for Megatron, and Megatron awkwardly kneels down to reach for Maria, mindful of his claws. And Maria places her hand on the side of his claws and looks up in adoration. It's something that Megatron treasures close to his spark.

There isn't much change in their routine, but Optimus and Megatron are finally able to share more things with Maria, and Maria gets the view of the mountain from their shoulders. Although Maria is grounded for going off on her own. Much to Maria's horror.

[sreegs]

hi! geneticist here, not trying to be snooty or a party pooper but with cats you can't tell whether a cat is a mix of breeds unless you have an actual family tree (not even dna testing will tell you anything useful. even in humans it doesn't really tell you much about ethnicity but that's another story).

selective breeding with cats is a relatively recent thing compared to dogs. cats mostly domesticated themselves without much human intervention into breeding and people didn't need to breed cats for specific roles like dogs (e.g. hunting for ducks vs hogs or whatever) so the vast majority of house cats are just normal landraces a.k.a. non-breed/moggies/domestics. pretty much any trait you see in a cat can occur in some random landrace cat's family so often a cat somehow exhibiting a specific breed's trait, e.g. colouration, is just a cat that coincidentally looks like that. in cats that are selectively bred the visual traits (e.g. spots in certain places, colours, build) will often be genetically linked to other non-visual traits (e.g. behavioural traits, specific genetic diseases, increased risks for certain other diseases). for example the seychellois was created in the '80s by breeding a siamese and a oriental cat and thus shares these breeds' behavioural traits and genetic diseases (e.g. retinal degradation, certain kidney diseases). a seychellois mix would also share some of these traits/diseases, thus might be at risk for getting them and that might be info your vet would like to know. but the odds are much much higher that a cat is a cat with a spot on its neck than that it has a rare breed as an ancestor.

again, i'm sorry if i'm raining on your parade but landrace cats are also great cats! if anything, it makes your cats more unique <3

hi! cat owner here. i looked at a chart to see what patterns and physical traits my cats have that are similar and fully acknowledged my street cats are just a mix of whatever and not anything specific. i do not care if i cant truly tell what breed my funny little guys are. i just saw a big diagram and said oh my cats kinda look like these a bit

people have enthusiastically messaged us trying to tell us the opposite of what you're saying, especially about zouzou because she looks like a Van. none of them were super serious about it, just speculating with a fun game of "what's my cat?"

it doesn't matter. have fun. maybe try posting this on the reddit thread about that guide for upvotes or something

[notquiteaghost]

Hi! I was wondering if you had any recommendations for where to start getting into the mountain goats? What little I've listened to by them was incredibly good and made me feel things I can't put into words, so I want to listen to more, I just don't really know where to start. They've got so many songs! Which is a good thing, I love listening to music, it just also means that working out which songs to listen to next is hard.

i wld say, if you remember which songs you've heard & liked, then listen to the albums they're on. and, also, the jordan lake sessions were recorded when they couldn't tour cuz of the pandemic, and are recordings of gigs except the only actual audience of those gigs was the recording equipment. from my memory, they've more newer stuff than older, but they're a good discography grab bag imo

my personal Absolute Favourite songs, if you want a very simple starting point: heel turn 2, amy a.k.a spent gladiator, golden boy, deuteronomy 2:10, rain in soho, almost every door, until olympius returns, dark in here, bleed out

okay that was the tl;dr. now i am gonna infodump a bit

you can split tmg into (rough) stylistic eras: songs for patronius through to all hail west texas is the boombox era, and the majority of these songs are just john darnielle with a guitar; tallahassee through to transcendental youth is early full band, and include more instruments and actual studio recordings; beat the champ to now is later full band/the post-matt douglas era, and Holy Shit There's Woodwind Now

an important thing to note is very early tmg was all cassettes and EPs (as in actual extended play 7" vinyls), and they were then gathered into CD compilations, and only the CD compilations are on spotify (and i assume other streaming services). not all earliest tmg is on those compilations; some early tmg is just not on streaming services. if you really, really dig early tmg and want as much as you can get, you will probably need to do a small crime. this is okay; it's your only option, tmg are aware it's your only option.

another important thing to note is all tmg albums are somewhere on the concept album scale. probably the most concept album is tallahassee, which is about the alpha couple, two fucked up people who should get divorced and very much do not get divorced. but if you are into Songs With Narrative, i v much recommend looking up liner notes (tmg wiki has them) and also the annotated mountain goats (this only covers up to 2017).

also! people record tmg gigs and post those recordings online! some of those people have such good recording equipment their recordings are indistinguishable from a professional live album; best way to find these is to sort that collection by all-time views. there's a decent chunk of tours recorded. these are also a good discog grab bag

and, finally, my Official Album Recommendations:

tallahassee, as mentioned, is about two people in a deeply toxic relationship. there are more alpha couple songs than just this album (annotated tmg has a list under 'series'), but if you've heard 'no children' and liked it then you shld listen to all of tallahassee

transcendental youth is about suicidal ideation and the kinds of people who live with it; the sunset tree is about growing up with an angry man in your house; beat the champ is also about growing up with an angry man in your house but now using professional wrestling as an allegory/framing device; bleed out is about violent desperation and desperate violence, with 70s & 80s action movies as an allegory/framing device; all eternals deck is about a fictional tarot deck and, again, surviving terrible things.

[lgbtqmanga]

New Releases May 2, 2023

Crossplay Love: Otaku x Punk vol. 4 by Toru

The misunderstandings between the Otaku and Punk continue! When Shimazaki asks Hanae to help him with some modeling, Hana becomes a wig model. Mei is disappointed to see Hana with a stranger (a.k.a. Shimazaki in cosplay), worrying about what their relationship could be. Then Shuumei’s best friend, Yuzuru, recognizes Shimazaki…and figures out that Hana is really Hanae?! Yuzuru is the only one who knows both of their secrets, but what’s he supposed to say?

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi (novel) vol. 5 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

The Special Edition comes with a set of 5 postcards, a double-sided bookmark, two folded mini-posters, a sticker sheet, and a lined notebook with exclusive new art shrinkwrapped to book!

The Barnes & Noble Exclusive edition contains the same book contents as the Standard Edition, but with a bonus 8-page color comic by a special guest artist bound into the book! (This comic is not included in the Special Edition.)

FINAL VOLUME!

Foes, allies, and one reassembled fierce corpse converge on the Guanyin Temple for a climactic showdown. With decades-long schemes finally unveiled, and dark secrets unearthed, the events of this rain-battered night will decide not just the fate of the entire cultivation world–but also that of a love story two lifetimes in the making.

Also included are eight short stories that focus on the future and the past. From magical incense burners to tense banquets, to lotus-pod hunting and nighttime expeditions with the juniors, these stories span from dawn to dusk and so much more!

Happy Crappy Life vol. 1 by Harada

After his boss discovers that he has been having sex with his daughter, Kyoutarou gets transferred from his high-powered job in the big city to a ho-hum position in the Japanese countryside. Obviously his first intentions upon being transferred are to return to Tokyo as soon as possible, but after he realizes that everyone in his new village knows exactly why he was demoted he loses all hope for his future...but still finds it in his heart to embrace who he is - a ne'er-do-well with a love for a certain type of sex!

Happy of the End vol. 2 by Ogeretsu Tanaka

After constant moving, Chihiro and Haoran may have settled down, which means a house-warming party. This sudden sense of "normalcy" is a little strange for the two of them as their lives are far from it. Whether it's the scars all over Haoran's body or the violent people in their past, finding moments of peace is their only solace in life today.

Run Away With Me, Girl vol. 3 by Battan

Maki and Midori leave Shodoshima, but instead of returning home, the two women find themselves riding away to a remote corner of a train line. Maki knows they can’t hide forever, but she can’t quite figure out how to tell that to Midori. Meanwhile, Midori doesn’t know where she is in her life any more than she knows where she is on the map, but Tazune is trying to answer that second question—and if he does, it may force Midori to answer the first… The thought of running away was once a wistful dream for Maki and Midori, but when the two women wake up to find it a reality, they’ll have to decide if it was just what they needed to find their way home.

FINAL VOLUME

The Titan's Bride vol. 3 by ITKZ

Kouichi has made the painful decision to return to his world. With their agreement satisfied and his decision made, Caius begins the magical process of sending him back. However, as the process begins, Kouichi watches as Caius’ physical form begins to fade. Unable to help him or ask why, the couple is dragged apart. What is wrong with Caius, and who, if anyone, will be able to help Koichi in his hour of need?!

[ladysunamireads]

Kikimora's Best Self

Kikimora's Best Self by SilverlockSmith

Destiny on the Boiling Isles takes a sharp left turn when Kikimora, Emperor Belos's neurotic and much-disrespected Personal Assistant, is accidentally granted a vision of the future. She never asked for this. Really, she didn't. But if the choice is between death by Draining Spell and allying with the Owl Lady, she'll just have to grin and bear it…

a.k.a. the Kikimora redemption fic no one else got around to writing. I like a challenge.

Words: 1851, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: The Owl House (Cartoon)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Gen

Characters: Kikimora, Hunter | The Golden Guard, Philip Wittebane | Emperor Belos, Lilith Clawthorne, Eda Clawthorne, Luz Noceda, Darius Deamonne, Eberwolf, Terra Snapdragon, Previous Golden Guards, Raine Whispers, The Collector, Amity Blight, Gus Porter, Willow Park

Relationships: Amity Blight/Luz Noceda, Eda Clawthorne/Raine Whispers

Additional Tags: Redemption, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Bad Girl Coven, Canon Divergence - Episode: s01e18 Agony of a Witch, The Emperor's Coven, Prophetic Visions, Fix-It of Sorts, Worldbuilding

Read Here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/45080305

[0nlinejournal]

04/28/2023 9:33pm

Second day off before a few days of work! Woke up late this morning, bf rushed to do some homework before running off to work, and I did my lil’ morning routine. I eventually texted Liz to see if she wanted to go sit outside with me (a.k.a. go to the river), but she was in the city an hour away with another friend. So I texted Frank because I knew he opened today and would be off around 1pm. He said he was down! I took longer than I anticipated to getting ready, but soon enough I was off and away.

The river was packed. It looked like there was some sort of “fest” for the university going on. There was an electric bull in the middle of the park, and a stage on the other side of the river. Luckily, all that was taken down shortly after Frank and I arrived. I brought some of my embroidery supplies, so I embroidered while we chatted. The heat caught up to us pretty quick though, so we ended up jumping in the water to cool off. We didn’t stay too terribly long, and we decided to go get ramen afterwards. We actually ended up leaving the river because our other friend Paige texted Frank that it was supposed to storm heavily for the next two hours.

It was grey by the time we were done eating and started pouring right after I got home and let the dogs out. Pretty good timing. The bf is still at work, so I’ve been doing my random houses shenanigans for a bit. Journaled, organized, watched a court case. I’m already kind of sleepy, but it’s only 10pm. I might sleep anyway. I have the window open in my room (it’s not raining anymore) and it feels so lovely. I’d really like to read, though. I’m just not into anything I’m reading yet.

God these posts are so dry. I guess there’s no point in trying to make my days sound poetic or anything, but they’re still so dull. I’d like to think of maybe a new formatting system to document the days. Maybe a way to keep them short, and I’ll just write lengthy posts on singular topics that I can expand on and are hopefully a bit more enticing. Eh, I didn’t know. It’s not like I’m writing these for others necessarily. They’re for me to document. But it does bum me out a bit to think of how boring it must be to read as an onlooker.

9:56pm