#and what an improvement to their life i am heh

[callumnova]

what do you think it's your best quality?

i consider myself as fairly creative, in whichever way i can express it - whether it's hair, makeup, clothes, whether i have one of those creative phases and I actually draw or create something, whether it's every day stuff at work. im most content when i have something new to experiment with, new tasks, new clothes, new makeup, new everything. i get bored/restless with my work desk rather frequently so i rearrange it every other month. in fact, i crave something new/a change of scenery all the time but that's a different subject lol

[lilowoof]

ngl gamers, I think I'm gonna inevitably lose to the hormones and depression in the near future XD

Can't bring myself to be active cause I'm using a lot of energy to not vent post all the time. But fuck it, into the tags I go!

[dreamgrlarchive]

Dear dream girl, I really want to be my dream girl but I don’t know where to start. I feel unmotivated most of the time and I only get a burst of motivation at like 3 am. I just what to glow and radiate good energy for myself and find/do what I like

Oh, So You Wanna Be a Dream Girl? 🎀

starting your dream girl journey

Congrats on choosing yourself and your tiara; I am so proud. Prepare to not be liked, to be judged, and to stand out. It’s lonely at the top.

*this guide is for starting the process, not reaching the end result because my version of my own dream girl is inevitably different than yours. bare in mind i’m not holding your hand. i’m nudging you in a good direction.

what is a dream girl?

a dream girl is a girl that has finally fallen in love with who she sees in the mirror. she’s the girl that she can depend on. she has her desired look and she’s on the path to self actualization actively. she’s aware of her branding. she holds herself to the standards she holds other to; and they are HIGH. her self worth isn’t contingent upon a love interest, amount of money, or social status. she’s simply that girl.

do some healing.

yes, i said it. healing. like i’ve said before, you cannot put glitter on literal garbage. that’s not even the slightest bit appealing. you’re gonna journal about your childhood, your biggest influences in life, your biggest fears and how you feel life has treated you. this calls for shadow work. shadow working really helped me figure out some of my toxic traits and how some of the things that were considered normal to me as a child have affected me in the long run. you’re also gonna write hypothetical letters to your loved (and not-so-loved) ones, including yourself. let it all out. say everything you want that person to know. around you or not, dead or alive. prepare to clam up, cry, get angry, feel anxious. good. you should. you feel clammy, hot and sometimes pain when your body is fighting off and healing from a physical sickness. now you’re dealing with the developmental, mental, and emotional parts. you’re doing yourself a disservice choosing to stay the same toxic, nasty, mean, or victimized person you’ve always been.

what do you want?

before you can start to even do the smallest improvements, you have to have a clear goal. or else you’ll just be running around in circles (heh) over grandiose blurry wishful thinking. ultimately resulting in you giving up and choosing to be basic bc it’s easier. what do you want out of life? how do you want to be treated? what do you want to do? what makes you happy? and most importantly, how do you want to feel? see, it’s more than just the frills and glitter. you have to know what you’re trying to get to, internally and externally.

grab a diary, adorn it with pretty little details and commit to it. pair it with your fav writing utensil. outline all of your goals. every single last one of them. you can categorize them, scale them from short to long term, easy to hard. it doesn’t matter. do absolutely what you want to do to make a concrete record of your goals that’s digestible for you.

what are you going to do?

*fabulosity by kimora lee simmons*

compare your dream reality to the one you’re currently experiencing. what is she doing that you aren’t? that’s it. do that. anyone can read blogs about the process and other people success stories but those posts aren’t gonna change your life unless you get up and go for what you want. i don’t know what exactly you desire out of life. you do. so you have the instructions for this journey. the first part was easy, this is simple but not nearly as effortless. it’s up to you and not anyone else. you teach others how to treat you. improvements you can make include better: hygiene, self talk/treatment, outward energy, work ethic, discipline, health, consumed content, relationships, looks, habits.

the work

it’s time to apply yourself. get up everyday and actively work towards your goal. be kind to yourself. take yourself to the doctors. get active. eat right. find your passion. DO THE HEALING.

everyone’s journey is SO different so i’m just going to do a quick rundown of the importance of each of the ten facets of your dream girl journey (that build upon each other. ie; looks do not benefit you when your hygiene is insufficient):

*these facets are loosely based on maslow’s hierarchy of needs

health - are you taking care of yourself? please treat yourself how you would your loved ones. you’ll be surprised how physical issues manifest mentally, and vice versa. get adequate sleep. take baby steps if need be. some of these adjustments may be huge to you. be gracious with your journey.

consumed content - everything you engage in is your diet. the company you keep, food you eat, music you enjoy. you get the idea. do you feel light and ready to take on the day? or do you feel drained and sick more often than not. make some adjustments wherever you see necessary.

hygiene - extremely important. stick to a routine for your hygienic needs. you should have rituals you engage in everyday. don’t forget that your health and hygiene go hand in hand. oral and feminine hygiene is so crazily important. please don’t neglect yourself. i talk about my routines in detail here.

habits - daily habits are so crucial to your lifestyle. adjust these and consciously break your bad habits by supplementing your life with equal and opposite habits.

self talk/treatment - simple. be kind to yourself. hold yourself accountable for flaws and mistakes while loving yourself enough to be patient with the journey of improving.

outward energy - be very aware of the vibes you’re permeating. again this is so a huge determination of how you will be treated and how you will live your life.

work ethic/discipline - it’s gonna take serious accountability to escape the desire to stay comfortable. you have to tell yourself that you deserve *your desired end result* so you will *make specific change/adjustment.* it’s that simple (again simple doesn’t mean easy).

relationships - if you don’t like the way you’re treated by those in your life, those relationships need to be reevaluated. you can make some trims on your circle, have some honest conversations, or adjust your behaviors (because sometimes, YOU are the problem).

passion and career - in order to feel fulfilled in life, we all need a purpose. discover yours. incorporate your passion into your daily life.

looks - develop your signature and hone in on it. looks are very important to your perception (self and public). check out this guide to help with this part. however you wanna feel is how you should display yourself.

be a dream girl!

you’ve discovered all the facets of creating your dream self and reality. now it’s time to apply what you’ve learned. start showing up in life in the fashion you want to be seen in.

that’s it! the rest is up to you!

- xoxo, dreamgrlarchive 🎀

[bluetorchsky]

Birthday Thoughts

I just ramble about stuff since it's my birthday today. I'll put it under a read more but like, TL;DR: I want to keep growing and keep finding the bits and pieces of who I am, keep loving the person that I am, and be kinder to the person (me) who does and tries their best no matter what.

*blows party maker* Happy Birthday to me! I'm gonna be spending the day by myself, just going out and doing stuff. But it's gonna be a good one, I know it.

Another day, another year where my age ticks up another number. It's been one hell of a year since my last birthday and just, a lot of stuff has happened. Usually stuff happens but like...it definitely felt a lot more than usual. I just felt a lot of stuff, I did a lot of stuff in regards to work and school, even if I didn't finish school.

I don't really see myself going back to college or university at this point, just to take a course that might get me in a career that's not needed anymore. It's also been really stressful, and I think I'm just not ready to be back there. Which is totally fine, I need a break from it. Sometimes I do feel bad for not completing any of the courses in Animation, but it just didn't really click with me at all. The technically stuff stumped me, but doing character designs and what not (except layout) is what I liked doing better.

Still, I'm not about to throw more money just to take another course. At this point, I just want to take it day by day and try and enjoy the time I have. Even when I'm dealing with customers almost every day, I'm at least in a department where I don't always have to do that, heh.

I would love to learn more skills in art, but I also want to get back to writing. The last fic I did "You Are Here (You Are Love)", I really felt proud writing it. I want to do more, I want to be able to write stories and create images in the minds of the readers, that at some point they will feel like they are there, even for just one second. It's ambitious, but it really just comes down to wanting to improve on my writing.

Another day, another year where I turn a year older and feel like it's any other day in my life. But at least I know that I have changed in some ways, that I have improved in some aspects of my life, that there are people who do look to me not just for help but because I'm their friends, and even though I try to be more than myself, I love the person who I am now. I love that I am still learning more about myself. I love that I can find a piece of me either in my family or friends.

I know there are days when I put myself under so much pressure and stress, that I'm never kind to myself if something goes wrong or what I say doesn't happen. I am only human, I can only do what I can do that is in my control. So I'll keep being who I am and continue finding out who I am.

I think I've yapped a bit too much, haha. So much I want to say, but I can't always say all of it. I do want to say thank you to those who speak and interact with me as mutuals or as friends. You guys really do mean a lot to me, and I know I would not have been able to do what I do without y'all there with your support. You all really mean a lot to me, I love ya guys.

[ninjagood4]

Hello, I’m Cookie! I'm a self-taught artist, create content about Ninjago and write the comic “NINJAGO: Future of the Past” ~

YouTube · X · Instagram · Toyhou.se (soon)

You can support my work, it’s help my family and give me the opportunity to develop every day 🫂

Link to PayPal Donate Button or QR-code⭡

Life in Ukraine 🇺🇦 | 19 y.r | She/Her

A little bit about me, my hobbies and the most important thing - OC content!

ABOUT ME

Hmm, well… I'm not a fan of communication because of my closed personality, which has seen a lot addressed to it. But you know, our life is too short to waste it on fears, and so I started to work on myself. I'm also very distrustful and often doubt, I'm learning to adhere to the idea of ​​"measure seven times - cut once" (because sometimes I rush and ruin everything) xD Although I'm really silent and can seem creepy(huh?), if I find a person I trust, then on the contrary, I will not be able to shut my mouth!

I very much love animals, VERY! I would still like to become a vet, but… it will be hard for me to come to terms with the fact that I could not save some cutie (it really hurts), so I don't go too far with it. I'm interested in psychology, love reading articles about the past of the earth, science and all sorts of discoveries, experiments, theories, facts, and other things like that… Well, and also… some memes and strange videos on YouTube that you can laugh at, holding back your laughter while everyone else is asleep ^^

HOBBY

There are actually a lot of them, but they are all related to creativity lol. Simply because it gives the opportunity to create something new and interesting! Well, and I just like handwork lol

Drawing is what I love the most! I did it all my childhood, and it was what I really know how to do. But I prefer to think that can do more than just draw :') I somehow didn't think about art school, since instantly lose interest when I'm taught. It's weird, but that's how it is, lol. So I decided to learn it myself, and focused on Ninjago, because it's my favorite series since ~2013, but I watched it from the very beginning - 2011 (I'm old 💀). In 2018-early 2019, I began to actively study natural drawing, and since 2021 I have been actively managing social networks and learning digital art. It's hard for me to say which style I prefer, I really like to parody TV series animations, including WilFilm, WildBrain and the MonkieKid style! But still, I liked combining my concept with The Lion King style, and I think I'll stop there for FotP :) BUT☝️ I will not stop parodying styles/animations, because it is very interesting (this does not mean that I challenged copyright, no!). Yes yes, I'm capable of more than just Ninjago commiss, if that's what you're talking about; just show me the style of the cartoon and maybe I'll repeat it >:D Oh, and since 2023 I started accepting commissions, and I sincerely hope to develop with their help, to make it my job (and also recently opened donations). We do not live very easily, and I am afraid that at this rate I will have to give up art. The only option is to make it my job (in fact, I am not against such a turn of events) 👉👈

Not many people know about this at all, but I compose music :) These jobs is rarer, because they require a LOT of time, and maybe that's why I think no one pays attention to it. And music is exactly what I studied for. I once dreamed of becoming a composer, because I had a passion for music and loved to compose, but my father (who refused to go to music school as a child)) decided that I would do this. Well, when he sent me for testing, I hoped that they would refuse me and send me away, but they took me. I improved my skills thanks to this, but somehow I lost my passion. Although I still compose music and love it, something has changed… At the same time, it's a shame that I did not live up to my father's expectations, but if I release tracks on YouTube, does this not look like a career as a composer? heh 🤔

In 2019, I tried to make a plush Lloyd (the photos are gone, but I sometimes remake it lol, so they kind of exist), but this was the beginning of crafts! Crafts (handmade) are also rare due to the time of work, but they exist. Because of my love for ecology, it seems to me that this also gives some kind of second chance to things. I prefer to use garbage unnecessary things for this (sometimes it's hard to say what I made this or that thing from, there is ALL), and then I put them in a box and they continue to lie :ʼ) But no, Lloyd does not lie in a box, I put him on a shelf, and later I even made Agatha for him jhvjfjgvjgcvm

Other things like wood carving (sometimes even metal), but that's rare. In short: I love absolutely everything that needs to be created, where you need to work with your hands! I think that's enough.

FANFICTION!!!! I can get so deep into the story that I forget it's non-canon (like what happened with Future of the Past). Wait, let this be canon!

Thanks to my mom, I got into cooking, by the way xD I hated cooking because it always turned out to be something smelly and inedible, but when I learned how to cook pancakes and potato pancakes — the world changed 🤌✨ I want to make a cake "Lloyd" someday. LET ME MAKE THAT CAKE

Hmm, does making stupid memes count?..

OC CONTENT

Briefly about NINJAGO: Future of the Past. I just wanted Lloyd to have a girlfriend

Ahem! I didn't plan to go this far, initially my plans were just to create my own character for fanarts, but everything somehow happened by itself. I really liked Agatha (because I had a lot of unsuccessful attempts), I was even afraid that no one would like her because of the idea itself.

Considering that I love nature and simple things, Agatha is an ordinary rice farmer, who lives in the Valley of Mountain Fires (this is a remote area in the world of Ninjago, and the Monastery of Spinjitzu is part of it!). The ninja did not know where they live hahaha))

So, therefore, Agatha spends all her time in nature, thanks to which she is very agile, fast, can climb to heights and swim. This is ✨Child of Nature✨ ​​

Agatha has a fear of the future (the unknown), longing for the past (since she made many mistakes that cannot be corrected), death and minor fears like a dislike for spiders, hatred of Tuesdays, etc :)

She also behaves freedom-loving and sometimes daring, likes to find fault with what she does not like, speaks directly and can be too rude, but at the same time she is a kind person who will not abandon you in trouble, and is always ready to support. In places she is quite timid, withdrawn, afraid to open up to a person (so Lloyd will have to go through a lot until they become friends).

As for Leo, he was invented in honor of my cat, who had the same name. I took up OCs after the evacuation in 2022 to distract myself, and then I had to leave Leo at home because of the difficult journey, which he might not survive (fortunately, our city was untouched at that time, and relatives looked after the house with Leo). But I missed him very much and thought that I would never see him again, so I made such a pet for Agatha.

And Tiger Bongo... Because they are canon, and a huge tiger thinking he is a cat sounds funny :) My cat began to feel extremely bad, but we returned after 3 months and he was waiting for us, so I managed to spend a few more months with him before he left.

I didn't think about the faction for a long time, I had inspiration for it. I create FotP trying to touch on real events from my life, so the faction became the Bandits on dragons, who are doing what is happening now in my country. They occupy the Valley of Mountain Fires, and the inhabitants (including Agatha) will have to live in such conditions for 16 years. There are many more bandits and their dragons (for which I came up with a new type), so ordinary residents cannot resist. If everything goes against their regime, Agatha's vellage will simply be wiped out, but...

Actually, I would be very happy to tell you more about this, feel free to write me questions! :D

Here I will write briefly: the plot is that Agatha and Leo decide to escape from the valley in search of the Monastery of Spinjitzu, so that "five masters led by green" can help save her home. She know that this would be the beginning of a war, but she had no choice. On the way, she is spotted by the bandit, so after 2 days, when the ninja are flying on the new Destiny's Bounty to the valley, the dragon of the robbers attacks the ship on the way and takes the ninja captive - Kai, Nya and Zane (Jay and Cole get lost in the forest, but later find Agatha's village). Lloyd, Agatha and Leo are not noticed, but given that Lloyd did not accept Agatha from the very beginning/she was afraid of him and very soon hated, they began to have a big conflict. Since the whole team was confused, they had no choice but to work together, and gradually they saw a lot in common (even though Leo doesn't like Lloyd and makes fun of him).

Later, the bandits learn that Lloyd is the green ninja, and use his power to search for the last key to Death (this creature supposedly should help them cross the border of the Monastery and create chaos in the world, but in fact it will destroy everyone). Let's just say Lloyd falls into the hands of a man who skillfully manipulates him. To stop Death, Lloyd and Agatha need to learn the Skill of Yin-Yang, which will lead to the fusion of Jade and Energy (Lloyd and Agatha's powers), because without it, Jade absorbs a huge amount of Energy and causes it to the pain, which can destroy the master of Energy.

Forgot to mention that Lloyd struggles with his Oni side, depression, and traumas throughout the series.

By the way, if you're wondering again why Lloyd is chubby - the events take place after the Crystallized, and then peace comes. Due to the imminent separation from Harumi, he falls into depression, and Wu's death becomes a turning point that awakens the Oni side due to negative emotions. Then part of the family breaks up, the ninja are also going to disperse, but Lloyd forbids them and trains them, because he believes that because of the Oni side, they will have to confront him. At the same time, Lloyd prefers to eat away his depression with food, which has negatively affected him for many years. Anyway, I also briefly told everything here. This boy thought that the ninja would have to fight against him, but he didn't expect that he would have to fight for them.

But then again, I plan to write up to 400 pages for the first season (and I'm already close to the final stage), so there is A LOT of stuff there. Even so, I practically didn't say anything about it 😭 There are some things I'm still keeping quiet about, but... if you're interested in something, just ask! 🙌🫠

DON’T MIND/LOVE AND DISLIKE

Ninjago | Only Dragons Rising (sorry 😭)

Any orientation (every person has the right to their own choice)

Distribution/propaganda (of something in greater quantity)

Any wars/those who in any way approve of it

Acceptance of equals

Racism, sexism, any kind of evil banter

This list needs to be extended…

I have a lot more to write, but let's finish this and start watching the shit I publish?) ~really, because I use a translator and I can't imagine how "beautiful" it sounds~ Hope you have fun!

Thanks to everyone who read to the end

:3 ♡

and please I would be truly grateful for donations and commissions as it really help. You can distribute the image with the QR-code it can also help. Ty :)

[contentloadingandstuff]

Voicelines About You - Inazuma Girls x Male!Reader

Kuki Shinobu

About Y/N: "He’s easily the most reliable person I know. If he says something, it will be done, no matter if the sky is falling down on us. Actually, he promised to take me to the hot springs tomorrow. Y/N has been saving up for a private bath for some time now… Heh, I can’t wait to see what surprise he has in store for me there.”

Raiden Ei

Ask Ei - About Y/N: “Y/N… Our fates were intertwined from the beginning, I am sure of that. Over the millennia we have become one - our minds perfectly aligned, despite being within different bodies. He is a capable warrior who wishes to protect me and Inazuma at all costs. I trust him fully, and he trusts me. Although we suffer some disagreements sometimes, we are inseparable.”

Ask Ei - Pasttimes: “What do we get up to in free time? Oh, hm, well, we usually have tea or spar. We can always improve in some way, no? We also walk across the capital or Inazuma as a whole. We share each meal with the other, even if sometimes in complete silence. We also do… other things.”

Ask Raiden Shogun - About Y/N: “Y/N is a capable warrior who wishes to protect Inazuma. That makes him an invaluable ally. Though he is not amongst my concerns, I have observed that he seems to be a pleasant individual. We often work towards the betterment of Inazuma together.”

Kamisato Ayaka

About Y/N: "My lo-... O-oh. He's very kind and helpful, and he always comforts me when I'm feeling unwell. Y/N and I were friends since childhood and, um… Y-yes, we're now lovers… Oh? Ah, yes, he's indeed very… Handsome… When he smiles, the sun pales in comparison…" 

Yae Miko

About Y/N: "Tsk tsk, little one. You're quite direct. You would love to know what me and my husband get up to in our free time, wouldn't you? Well, what can I say about him? He's kind, strong, good looking and loyal. A little hot headed too, as Kitsune men tend to be. Such soft fur and strong scent, and his physique… My oh my, he's really quite the treat. What else can a Kitsune like me wish for, hm?"

Nagonahara Yoimiya

About Y/N: “Oh, he’s the sweetest! Here, I’ll show you a picture. We took it during the Summer Festival last year. Hehe, what a wonderful time it was! Lots of tasty food, fun games, and the evening firework show spent in his arms… It was like a dream! I hope we can do the same this year~”

Sangonomiya Kokomi

About Y/N: “Y/N is a very kind person, and never once has he let me down. He jumps at every opportunity to help me, and that's wonderful of him, yes, but… Truth be told, I can't help but worry about him. Perhaps my work is putting a lot of stress on him too?"

About Y/N - Games: "I remember the time when I didn't have anyone to play games with regularly. Y/N always wants to play some board games with me. He's gotten so good at Go recently that I can rarely beat him at it… Perhaps he has a general's talent?"

Kujou Sara

About Y/N: "Truth be told, I always thought that I wouldn't have a place for a lover in my life. I believed that being a general demands complete rejection of personal matters. All of that was before I met Y/N. Just then I got to know how love feels, and that experience opened my eyes. We have been together for a long time now. His support was constant, and I cannot be more thankful for what he has done for me. I'll disclose no more."

Thanks for reading!

[ilyuu-archive]

Congratulations on your 400 milestone! May I submit Tighnari with the prompt "one talking to the other when they think they're asleep" for the milestone event? where Nari and gn reader are friends and he confessed this way, not knowing they were awake or something like that.

once again congrats on the milestone! i hope you have an awesome friday evening!

-cherry sprite anon

hi hi cherry sprite anon! (guess i’ll make a tag for you then, hehe)

i’m sorry so the long delay! it’s only until now and a bit of yesterday had i’d come around in trying to finish this and sent it out for you! i do hope that you’ll enjoy it, and thank you for requesting as well,, :)

warnings : a bit of angst at the start, confession.

he’d always knew how he felt about you.

when? he’s not sure; there are a many a moments he could choose wherein it could’ve been the start, a start.

you, the one who bandaged him whenever he came back with welts on his skin, even when he’s capable of doing do himself? (featherlight strokes that barely felt like anything, and with such consideration and care along with it.)

you, the one who tries and tries to follow in his footsteps, taking in every tip to improve your own salves? (there’s an eagerness in you, when he has some time to spare for a few lessons, that he finds himself attached to.)

(he soon finds out that maybe you take a bit more space in his thoughts than he’d, well, thought.)

he’s aware of how it crossed the confines of affinity, intimacy, whenever he saw (felt) you near him (his ears takes it all in - small streams cascading, a soft string of chirps in the air, rustling of leaves - and always hears your voice in the midst of it.)

why not tell them? he asks himself, too many times for his liking. it’s one of those questions that he cannot find an answer for, no matter how long he looks into it.

“of course. all those words of caution and it still had little to no regard for yourself.”

so he says - and yet, something that comes close to a softness of sorts sifts into his words, a bit sweeter, than he’d let on.

the sheets shrivel to the slight shuffling of the bed, leaving a wake of wrinkles - in a way, an answer in and of itself.

you’re sleeping, swathed in sheets as sleep has long held you in its arms.

the skies fell into nightfall a while ago, and the life around and within the forests started to still into a silence that he’s accustomed to this late. lights start to fade; voices an echo; and all that is left in the depths of the darkness is nature itself.

and his words.

“though unnecessary, it was at least a way for you to get some rest. it was bound to happen, sooner or later.” he sighs, shaking his head. “so, good for you.”

silence.

“…i’m not exactly the most skilled with words, though that goes without saying, so don’t mind the particulars of what i’m about to say.”

“it’s difficult trying to compose myself whenever you’re around. and that leads me to wonder whether you’re doing it on purpose - it’s not possible though, i doubt it, but… it has to be obvious, one way or another.”

“i say that because, if you hadn’t notice, which i doubt you haven’t, i have these unique features of mine,” he tugs at the tuft of his tail, “that react quite lively: i’m sure you saw it on occasion on how it reacts considering you.”

“i’m also sure where you know where i am heading with this and, though, i prefer to say it while i could gauge out your reactions… this is the best i can do for now.”

he sighs. his hand slowly settles atop of your head, running his fingers through your hair. unruly, he tries to untangle all the knots and, somehow, it did little to nothing to rouse you awake. if anything, you only found yourself closer to the unfamiliar (very familiar) source of warmth.

“i like you, [name],” he murmurs. his voice dips a bit. “i find myself tied to you by the hip, even when it feels like the other way. heh. always wondering, always asking myself where you are if not beside me. that’s really childish, and a bit cheesy, but that’s how i feel.”

“and it’s how i’ve been feeling for a while now.”

again, silence.

all that is a remnant of him is the phantom peck of left on your forehead, the space between your brows. (the way you scrunched your nose was… cute.) that spot of tepidness lingered, even after tighnari left.

(the light is put out this time.)

and even when you let your eyes open, the world now quiet.

even in the cold, the crisp puff of wind caressing in from the cracks, you feel your face heat up bit by bit within moments. the last few minutes had finally fell on you.

he likes you.

he likes me. he likes me. tighnari likes me.

those words - his words, his voice - is said over and over again in your head, reliving the moment if possible.

for you like him as well. a smile touches your lips, one that could counter the sun itself (was it awake.)

you know now. you’re now aware.

[darksideofthemoonbot]

Slaanesh

As I previously covered my favourite chaos god, Nurgle, I thought I'd go on to my second favourite: Slaanesh. Not my favourite but the one I relate to the most. Fair warning, this gets personal and not especially amusing. Rather dark actually.

For context to start: I have chronic pain, fibromyalgia stemming from childhood trauma, since I was nine years old. I also have significant mental health issues for which I get therapy and medication. I have only been treated for the chronic pain for a few years, after about 27 years of literal constant torture by my own nervous system.

I understand obsession and chasing the next sensation. Of extremes of passion and self destructive indulgences. I self medicated in various ways for a long time. I am also, as I joke sometimes, a "recovering yandere". I've had times where I've become so obsessed with someone I only know online, that I spent the entire day staring at a message screen waiting for a reply, despite them probably being at work or otherwise busy; because interacting with them was the only thing that mattered and gave my life purpose. New sensations, greater sensations, were always needed to escape the torture chamber of my body.

On a lighter note: on to the circles of seduction

Avidity – I grew up in the 80s and 90s, when "greed is good" was really taking hold in public consciousness. Despite that, this temptation has rarely been much of a love of mine. I collect sins as a hobby but my desire for money has not generally been for money's sake, more on that later.

Gluttony – for so long, food was more an annoyance to me than anything. The suffering drowned out any enjoyment so it was merely a tedious habit I had to partake in to survive.

However! Now that I am getting treatment, I can enjoy things again. And the lack of familiarity with pleasure from food makes it so intense sometimes! Most recently I had a peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich on generic store-bought whole wheat bread. It was so good. Unbelievably good. My mouth tingled so much it tickled and I almost had to stop eating. The savoury all natural peanut butter, the sweet tang of the jelly, and the soft squishy texture of the bread. Oh dear gods it was heavenly.

Carnality – this seems to be what people first think of when they think of Slaanesh, which to people not on the ace spectrum is probably obvious. For a long time I thought I was ace. No interest, in fact I was hostile to the idea due to trauma. But trauma response is not the same as being ace, and it turns out I am not. Very not. Switch/vers, bi. And in a committed relationship of 24 years with a partner who has no complaints, heh.

Paramountcy – power, control, influence. These are a heady wine for many. I have considered running for local office, school board or something, with ambitions to perhaps state level. Not that I have the means, I am regrettably disabled and the demands of power are too much for me. Doesn't stop me dreaming. And thinking I am more worthy than others to wield such power. Perhaps foolishly.

Vainglory – remember greed above? This is where it gets me. I don't want money for money sake; I want it for all the good I could do with it. Buy and forgive debt. Start businesses that pay better and sell lower. Scholarships. Political influence to improve people's lives materially. Providing food to those in need free of charge. Building low/no rent but well maintained housing. Just do a whole lot of good with vast fortunes. Because then people will love me, cherish me, praise me for my largesse kindness. I will be invited to all the public events, have hospitals named after me, get messages of gratitude from all those I've helped. To be worshipped, in a secular way, for my use of my money. And yet remain rich, for after a certain threshold money compounds upon itself indefinitely.

Indolency – here's the circle where I die. I am... so tired. Decades of misery have drained me. Medications sap my energy even as they reduce my pain. I've had long swathes of time where I'd go to bed around 21:00 and sleep until 10:00. And then nap in the afternoon. Napping in fact was my chief hobby for many years. I didn't know relaxation until recently, as I was always tense; trying to hold myself up so less of me was pressed on a surface, because it hurt. I still struggle to relax and let a bed or chair hold me up without my effort. It is an alien sensation, frightful in a way, as though I will fall through the world if I let go.

The Palace of Pleasure – no line uncrossed, no barrier unbroken, no debasement too low, no extreme too high. Worry not, dear reader, I do in fact have scruples. But I relate to the notion well. After half a lifetime of senses dulled by endless unchanging aches and an unbalanced mind, I yearn. I yearn for all those experiences that many take for granted. The joy of a sandwich, the thrill of minor ambition, the softness of restorative rest. Pleasure. It isn't what I expected. I imagined pleasure as a passive feeling, a relaxation and untroubled feeling. A soothing of the pain, I couldn't imagine more. Yet it is more than that. It feels very much like the opposite of pain, an intense and sometimes stabbing sensation. A good one. Like a pain but you want to experience it. Pleasure can be so good and so intense, a mirror of what life used to be.

And I want more.

[soliloquy-dawn]

Ao3 Fic Meme

This is so sweet, thank you @joeyalohadream and @alienoresimagines for the tag.

Rules: go to your AO3 account and find the following:

1. What ratings do you write most of your fics under?

Explicit (25)

Teen And Up Audiences (1)

Mature (1)

2. What are your top three fandoms?

Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling (22)

Masters of the Air (TV 2024) (4)

Shingeki no Kyojin | Attack on Titan (1)

3. What is the top character you write about?

James Potter (22)

Regulus Black (22)

Barty Crouch Jr. (16)

4. What are your top three pairings?

Regulus Black/James Potter (22)

Regulus Black/Barty Crouch Jr. (12)

Gale "Buck" Cleven/John Clarence "Bucky" Egan (4)

5. What are the top three additional tags

Comeplay (14)

Dirty Talk (12)

Anal Sex (11)

6. Does any of this surprise you?

Haha! Not at all.

I got into writing very recently (beginning of 2023), after wanting to for years and years, but not having the balls to do so. A fear of failure, of not being good enough, perhaps? Surely not.

I’m very glad I finally bit the bullet, and now I just wish I’d started earlier. But hey, nothing can be done about that now—I can only focus on improving my craft, and have fun torturing my blorbos along the way. If it’s for my literary betterment, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.

My first fandom (that I wrote for) was the Marauders, until MotA strutted into my life and said, "Hey, forget all that, it's time to uproot your life and start on a new path to enlightenment."

I had the best time in the Marauders fandom, and made the most wonderful friends, who are now IRL friends (you know who you are, heh). But MotA has my heart now, and it’s likely it’ll hold onto it for dear life.

And I knew Come play would be my top tag before checking. I just knew it. A staple of my writing, truly. If come is not being played with, I am dead.

Tagging @angelfruittree @whirlpool-blogs @johnslittlespoon @defnotanarc and @meyerlansky if you wanna join!

[failedaethercore]

Another chapter

So...I wrote that last mini fic I posted, but had this brewing for a couple weeks in the back of my mind, so...I just wrote it.

Obviously (if you read the last one) this is only my third fic ever. So I apologize for any inconsistencies or poor writing. I'm trying to improve.

Enjoy, and please feel free to let me know if you have any requests, I am willing to try!

Pairing: Rafayel x MC (reader, usage of "y/n")

Content: Some drama, mostly fluffy at the end.

✧𖤐✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧𖤐 ✩

Rafayel twirled his paintbrush idly in his fingers, he was distracted, lost in deep thought as he remembered your last visit.

He had always put up a strong, flirtatious front. He always winked and smirked, and said something to put you on edge, especially when he could pull a clever innuendo out and make you blush first.

But more often than not, your straightforward and candid remarks, gentle and innocent touches, would drive him wild, causing his ears to turn a deep shade of pink. His blood would boil in his veins, unable to control himself whenever your naiveity showed, while you drove him closer to the boundary between respecting your boundaries, and tipping over the edge into taking what he wanted.

You had forgotten. Again. And that in and of itself was enough to drag his heart into depths of sorrow reserved only for those who lost their soulmates to the deep undercurrents. So when you fell back into his life…heh…more like, he tempted you as subtley as he could. The coral he had ground into paint was no mere coincidence. He knew what he was doing, and had hoped that somehow, in some way, you would be pulled in.

He had heard of your new position as a Hunter, so he had hoped you would be a part of the investigation. When Thomas let him know via text a Hunter had come to investigate his paintings, specifically the one that Raymond had bought before his death, he wanted to sing. But when he discovered it was you yourself, he was ready to dance as if there was a bonfire in the center of his studio. He was selfish to drag you back into his life, but he was done being the silent observer. His heart had grown too impatient, too ravenous.

Too weak.

But he gave in to the temptation, finally. His heart had won, and he was slowly playing this game with you, trying to tempt you to choose him, one more time.

Except…

Every small glance, every tiny smile, your angry face when you argued with him, the way the light reflected in your eyes when you laughed. They made his heart beat faster, his temperature rise, and his eyes darken. It would make sense to him, except you were so innocent now. Your memories would flash in your dreams, but never linger long enough to make him feel comfortable to reveal the truth. When you would mention those dreams…or sometimes, nightmares, his heart ached and growled against his ribcage, begging him to tell you. But you would remain in the dark until the day you remembered on your own.

He couldn't thrust the past sins of both your lives onto you, when you were innocent now. He would wait to let those memories resurface on their own, and let himself enjoy the time he has with you now, before the burdens of history rip you from his arms again.

He got to see you often right now, and you had come to rely on him, even if only a little. His heart sung when you would call him out of the blue, or send him a poke for no reason. You wanted to see him, to hear him, you wanted him to think of you, too. But he never needed a reminder to think of you. His heart would never let him forget you, even when he had wanted to. You were his soul, his devoted follower. His heart of itself.

✧𖤐✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧𖤐 ✩

But now he was consumed by the thoughts of you, as it had been so long since he last heard from you…your recent silence was driving him slowly mad.

He dropped the paintbrush when the phone rang, his thoughts had dragged him far away into the depths of the ocean to reminisce. At first, his irritation overwhelmed him, but then he held a glimmer of hope. Could it be…?

It was Thomas. He left a voicemail mentioning an upcoming interview for a magazine. He had been really putting the pressure on him lately to be better at his media presence. But he sighed angrily, and threw his phone across the studio. It fell with a thud under the sofa, as he reclined against his elbow, sitting halfway up his ladder and staring at the unfinished painting before him.

The blurred smears of color weren't right yet, and he was already annoyed because of that. But you hadn't called him in two weeks. He knew you were on a mission, but the fact that you hadn't so much as checked in once yet, he was ready to snap. You usually at least sent him a text or something by now, just letting him know you were alive.

He refused to text you first, he wasn't the needy type. He meant it. He wouldn't cave. He wouldn't give in. You were the one being childish. Not him. He would hold out until you came to him first.

But when Thomas called again, and wouldn't leave a voicemail, but kept ringing back again and again until Rafayel picked up… He finally picked the phone up from under the sofa, and sighed as he answered. So when Thomas was saying that his bodyguard had ended up at Akso Hospital in critical condition, he didn't hesitate to drop everything and run. He didn't even bother to remember his phone, let alone change out of his wrinkled and paint-splattered clothes. He drove like a madman, the wheels of his sports car squealing whenever he took a turn too hot, and he didn't even apply the brakes if he could avoid it. Running lights whenever he could, if it weren't for the fact that the roads were quiet, he would have been pulled over and arrested for endangering the public.

He pulled into the emergency vehicle loading zone, parking and dashing in, ignoring the shouts of the understandably frustrated paramedics and drivers who now had to deal with his haphazard parking job. He sprinted to the reception desk, immediately asking for you by name.

"And what is your relationship to y/n l/n?" The gentleman behind the desk was clearly exhausted and overworked, nearing the end of his shift, as he glowered up at Rafayel's handsome face. Rafayel didn't even miss a beat, stating bluntly, as if you had agreed ages ago to this arrangement. "My fiancee, she's just been admitted in critical condition, where is she?" The gentleman takes a moment, before making a quick and quiet call to someone on the phone. After hanging up, his face hardened into indifference, as he looked up at Rafayel and motioned down the hall. "She's already been admitted to room C127. You can wait outside until the nurse is done in there."

Rafayel strides to the room without so much as a nod, and grabs the door handle. Before he can open it, he hears a long, painful groan from inside. Your voice. It sounds like you're in agony. He throws it open, shouting your name before the nurse can shush him for being loud.

Your body is laying on the hospital bed, weak but still very much whole. Scratched and battered, and clearly not doing well, but you are not missing anything that he can see. Maybe some hair got chopped off somehow, but you look beautiful to him regardless. He would love you even if you came back as a sea cucumber in the next life, he didn't care.

So when you locked eyes with him, startled by his shout and the slamming of the door, your blood ran cold. You had dropped your phone at some point, the screen shattered and the special hard case you had gotten completely useless, so the entire mission your mind had nagged at you at how worried he must be. You spent all your time teasing and sometimes flirting, but you hadn't been able to shake this feeling that you needed to tell him something more. Your thoughts had drifted to him frequently while you were out on your mission.

So when things started going wrong, and you mean very wrong, you couldn't let him know to wait for your call, or to assure him you were going to be okay, that your wounds were mostly superficial. His eyes, piercing and intense, bore a hole into your heart as if he was trying to make you pay for your betrayal, as if you had broken a promise from centuries past that you had made with him. You quickly tried to cover yourself in a defensive position, even from the bed.

The nurse immediately began to scold him, but he ignored her, as other staff began to run over at the shout. He was about to be escorted out, when you called his name. "Rafayel…" He stopped struggling against the orderlies in that moment. "Y/n! Tell them! You're my fiancee, are you not?!" You blinked through tears of fear, the repercussions of your actions would be indeed steep. "Yes! He is my fiance! Please, let him stay!"

The staff release him soon after, deciding to let it go. Before he could take a step into the room, he was pushed past by a tall, black-haired doctor. He felt familiar, but he couldn't place him. The door was shut shortly after with a cold, short "please give me a moment, she is my patient." And Rafayel stood there, dumbfounded. And a little embarrassed.

He glanced around as people whispered and stared, until he went to sit down outside the room on the chair, and folded his arms impatiently.

He was tapping his leg in annoyance until the door opened again. He stood and watched as the doctor left. He noted now that he was very handsome, and a pang of jealousy gripped his heart as he watched him solemnly nod to you in the room, and then ignore him on his way out. The nurse left shortly after.

You were laying there, in the room. You looked a little haggard now, as if the doctor's words had drained the energy out of you. He strode in, reaching your side in three long steps, only to grab your unbandaged hand and squeezing it.

You were looking down at your hand, as you tried to brace yourself for the barrage of questions, accusations, and the inevitable fight. But suddenly you felt tears on your hand, as his eyes blankly stared at you, large tears rolling down his gorgeous face. Your eyes locked onto his, and he nearly burst into an argument on the spot.

But you held your other hand up to stop him, before he could vent his anger. "I know. I messed up." His eyes softened as he took your other hand and pressed it to his cheek. "Don't do this to me, y/n…" The tears wouldn't stop, he was so angry. He had stayed home for weeks, absolutely worried sick over you, and the first thing he learns is that you've been injured like this, and you just ignored him instead of letting him know yourself.

Then he saw tears, returning his overwhelming emotions with your own. "I'm sorry…my phone…it got damaged…" You keep your hand clasped in his, the other still gently stroking his face. His eyes softened until he found himself holding you, his face buried in your neck. "Don't you dare ever do this again. Never again. You have to tell me when things happen…you must come back to me. Every time. In one piece." Before you could make another move, he scooched you over so he could sit beside you and hold you close. "This is why I hate your work…why can't you just be my bodyguard, and never leave my side? You're not supposed to be hurt like this, y/n…"

You wrapped your arms around him and held him for a moment. Your partner had kept you mostly safe, as he could handle himself, but you had fallen down a hill because of a misstep, which was the main cause of your obvious injuries. This was the first time in a very long time you had needed so many bandages, you usually just needed a quick patch on your way home. But this time you had messed up. You were such a clutz sometimes. But you would berate yourself later.

This man, this beacon of confidence and light-hearted whimsy, who always came bounding into your days with a smirk and a witty retort, was trembling in your arms, as if his world was shaken to its core. You stroked his back and buried your face in his collarbone, sighing softly in his warmth, as you waited for his quiet sobs to subside.

✧𖤐✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧𖤐 ✩

He was on top of your treatment plan after that, talking to the nurses, and even Zayne, your primary care physician. They were cold and calculated with eachother, and Zayne seemed especially displeased when he now knew the supposed relationship between you two, but you knew it was because Rafayel had wanted to see you right away, he didn't want to be hindered at the entrance. He didn't love you like that, but you were happy that he cared so deeply, nonetheless.

Zayne took him aside and spoke with him frankly in private, and you couldn't help but overhear some of what was said outside the door, as Rafayel was questioned mercilessly about his intentions, if he was lying, and if he truly even cared for you. When he flat out stated that he loved you and would die for you, your cheeks bloomed red, and you sat frozen to the spot, unable to move ever again.

When a nurse brushed past the two men glaring eachother down outside your hospital room, you were forced to focus on something else, as she mentioned you should be able to leave tomorrow, as your injuries turned out to be almost all superficial in nature. You had been covered in blood, scratches, and some severe bruising when you had arrived, but there was no internal bleeding, no deep gashes, no major bloodloss. Your Hunter partner was elsewhere in the hospital receiving treatment, and she advised you to be more careful from here on out, as she wouldn't be there tomorrow to see you released. The scolding smarted, but when the two men came back in after the nurse left, the room's atmosphere dropped to a point below freezing, as the two of them still hadn't reached an understanding.

"Um…Rafayel, this is Zayne…he's my doctor, and childhood friend…uhh…Zayne…this is Rafayel…he's…" you trail off, unsure what he was to you. Were you just friends with a deep bond? You didn't want to overstep his boundaries, making assumptions on his behalf. "Her lover." He stated flatly, still glaring at Zayne with a firey rage. Zayne maintained his aloof nature, glancing away from Rafayel to look at you. Your bright blush returned as you didn't argue the point in any way, and that seemed to answer the question he had.

"…I see." He nodded curtly to you. "Then I will leave you two to talk… Make sure she gets plenty of rest after this, and don't let her move around too much, she's still wounded." He turns to leave, before you have a chance to say anything to the contrary, and you are left in a storm of emotions, overwhelming and causing your heart to bob in your chest like a buoy at sea. Did he mean that? Did he want that…why would he say that to someone so important to you, without asking you first…you swayed between anger and fear, to warmth and joy at the idea that he wanted you to be in a relationship with him like that.

Before you can speak, he puts a finger to your lips. "Shh. I'm not going to force this, but…I was honest, what I said." Your heart flutters at that. Normally you wouldn't be swayed by his words like this, but his eyes were full of honest determination. He held your hands as he looked into your eyes. "I'm going to let you choose. But know that I want this…" He kisses your knuckles as he continues to stare into your eyes, holding you transfixed.

You gave it a lot of thought before you gave Rafayel an answer, and surprisingly, he didn't push the issue. He did spend a lot more time with you lately, making sure you ate and relaxed. He kept an eye on your bandages while you healed, and kept your mind busy with games and chatter all day when he dropped by. He almost lived at your apartment for a few weeks, so much as to even meet Xavier on his way home from the hospital himself. The two also didn't get along, and you found them outside your door having a silent argument, when you came out to see what was taking him so long to come back with the snacks.

"R-rafayel…this is Xavier…he's my partner. We go on missions together." Rafayel's eye twitches with jealousy at the mention of it. Xavier gives a faint smirk of smugness. "Xavier…this is…Rafayel…h-he's my…l-lover."

And in that instant, Rafayel's heart burst, and his smug smirk outshone even the sun. You had made your decision in that moment, without having any thought behind it. It just felt right. Xavier nodded quietly. "Well…I'm back, we'll talk soon at work…" Xavier turned to leave, and you gave him a smile and a quick "uh huh". Before he had taken even a step, Rafayel was pulling you into the apartment and shutting the door behind him.

You let out a scared gasp as he pinned you to the wall beside the door, and looked into your eyes, searching, pleading that it was true. "…are you sure?" You swallow hard, blushing deeply, before you let yourself finally nod silently. He smiles brightly, and takes your face into his hands gently, before placing a soft kiss to your lips. "Good. I was growing impatient."

✧𖤐✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧𖤐 ✩

a/n: I wanted something that pulled on some of the lore that really made you think about how Rafayel approached MC in general. I dunno, writing this made me happy. ♡

[triangularitydubs]

Edit: Wasn't ready to post this but...TUMBLR SAID I WAS.. So here we are I guess!

So I got inspired...by a post(Unfortunately I lost it) And um... wrote a full fledged Parody.

I would need a voice actor that can sing as Pomni... if I was actually willing to make this a legit project..(which I am).

Or um...idk.

But enough useless banter, you're probably wondering what I'm going on about..

.

.

.

.

.

Here

[POMNI]

So things look bad, and you've glitched down in this hole,

Your whole existence seems it's hopeless!

You’re feelin’ useless as some VR RPG!

Can’t face the world all glum and joyless..

You’ve lost your way, you think your life is wrecked.

Well, let me just say you’re correct!

[Gummigoo, spoken]

Wait, what?

[POMNI]

You’re a loser, Gummy.

A loser, my dear gummy.

You’re a spineless pathetic drongo!

[GUMMIGOO, spoken]

AY!

[POMNI]

You’re a loser, just like me!

[GUMMIGOO, spoken]

Gee thanks.

[POMNI]

You’re a screws-loose gator.

And too hopeless to cater.

You’re a mess that might just abstract.

But you got company!

[Gummigoo, spoken]

Is this supposed to make me

FEEL BETTER?!

[POMNI]

There was a time I thought that no one could relate..

To the lonley ways this world can make you.

But getting trapped digitally sometimes set you straight!

We’re all stuck inside this game of roulette!

[Gummigoo]

My world is crushed,

Found out I'm am NPC.

[POMNI]

Heh! And you think that's a bad fate?

Get outta here, mate!

We’re both losers, gummy

We’re losers, it’s okay to have some

[Gummigoo]

Thoughts of existential dread?

[POMNI]

Took the words right out of my mouth!

[Gummigoo]

I’m a loser, Pommi my

life isn't bad, it's not over

So at least I know I’m not alone

[POMNI]

You’re a loser

[POMNI & GUMMIGOO]

Just like me

[Pomni]

I got an appetite for over stressing.

[Gummigoo]

I got an appetite for bandin' round with my best mates!

[Pomni]

Go ahead buddy, sing that song, come on!

[Gummigoo]

My life's a lie, but I won't cry

[Pomni]

I'm afraid I could die!

[Pomni & GUMMIGOO]

Still we're stuck here now until

Forever

[POMNI]

You’re a loser, and so hazy

[GUMMIGOO]

A loser, but just maybe if we

[GUMMIGOO & POMNI]

Keep moving forward, things will end up differently

[POMNI]

It’s time to choose to be carefree

Improve yourself, its still you

Gummy

Don't worry now bout

being NPC

[GUMMIGOO & POMNI]

Be a loser, just like me

-------------------more more----------------------x

If you want to... do anything with the lyrics side at least. Go for it! Just.. you know be sure to credit me.

Via Tagging me directly or like I dunno #LoserGummy

Toodles!

[hana-bobo-finch]

Dingo’s dialogue on base:

Well, you may be good, but the best ranger in this Rescue Corps will always be Dingo! (Did I say that with enough confidence? It’ll be OK now. I’m still number one.)

You’ve improved substantially with my guidance, which just proves how great I really am. (They investigated every area of a planet? Even I haven’t done that.)

You know the comms guy, Collin? He’s pretty handy to have around. Very detail oriented. He’s not one for physical labor, but his project-management skills are legit. And his eyes light up when he sees a machine.

I joined the corps before Shepherd was the captain. At the time, she was still an officer in training like me. I was undefeated in everything back home, but then she absolutely crushed me at martial arts and cross-country. The cool part was how modest she was about it. She never tried to rub it in my face. I’d never met anyone else like her…

I don’t mess around when I’m in a fight. When I move, it’s at lighting speed. Too fast to track! I don’t need anyone’s help. I don’t want anyone’s directions. Yeah, that’s how you handle things Dingo-style!

The Rescue Corps has many excellent officers like the captain and me, but our budget is barely enough. You know why? Because the captain loves dogs. The food bill for the pack of mutts the corps maintains is just…ugh.

You’ve probably met the science guy, Russ. The captain is always singing his praises. He’s decent at what he does, I guess. It’s just…whenever he opens his mouth, a bunch of science gibberish spews out. Makes my head hurt.

There are some things I just can’t do, not even on the captain’s orders. Like taking a mutt along on a rescue. I’ll leave that up to you. (I just don’t get the whole dog thing.)

When I was a kid, there was this mountain near our house. I mustered up the courage to climb it one day. The higher I climbed, the more lost I got. Then it started to snow, and suddenly it became a life-or-death situation! The prior captain rescued me. I still recall how cool he looked standing heroically there in the snow. I knew right then that j was going to be a ranger someday.

The science guy’s family runs a prominent megacorporation on Giya. I hear he joined the Rescue Corps out of sheer curiosity. They throw a huge party for him every time he comes back from a deployment. Can you believe that?

The comms guy is a… Whaddaya call it? Oh yeah! He’s a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. He’s willing to take on anything you throw his way. Problem is, others tend to take advantage of him. (I suppose “others” includes me too, heh.)

The gear that the science guy makes is definitely impressive…but always too complicated! Not the way I’d do it. Instructions should be like, “Do this, do that, and bam, boom, done!” Anything longer, and everyone starts zoning out.

When I joined the Rescue Corps, I trained hard, sunup to sundown. Every single day. You though…Must be nice it have it so easy. You got dropped into the action and just started cranking out achievements.

The captain is top-notch in pretty much every way, but there’s just one thing…Why does she have to love those fuzzy mongrels so much?! Every time she takes a break, she heads out to the dog run with some Rescue Pups. Every. Single. Time.

The comms guy sounds all his free time fiddling with machines. He says it’s the mental equivalent of working out. Like how if you don’t use your body, it gets weak. Supposedly your brain works the same way. I’m not sure I buy it.

That dog you go everywhere with seems capable enough. But I don’t need any mutts running around! That’s all I have to say about it. (It’s not that I’m afraid. I just don’t trust ‘em.)

If you think about it, the comms guy really is our lifeline here. With our his navigation, rescues would take at least twice as long. We literally couldn’t do this without him.

You remember the reason I decided to be a ranger? Stranded on a snowy mountain, rescued by the prior captain? Ring a bell? So, I had collapsed. When I came to, there was this open mouth right in my face. All sharp teeth and drool…I ran like a wild thing, trying to escape, but no matter how fast I went. The beat hounded me! I couldn’t get away! The captain finally brought the mutt to heel, so nothing bad happened, but every time I see a dog now, I remember that day.

also this very important image I made

[bridgerteon]

Why I love Colin Bridgerton? (Ft. Katara from ATLA)

Although I am a Kanthony shipper, I also love Polin. Pretty much I love all Bridgerton couples. Personally though, I have a soft spot for Polin. I love Penelope Featherington from the start, but I gradually fall in love with Colin Bridgerton and wishing I have a real-life Colin to date with.

To be honest, in the beginning, Colin is not my favourite Bridgerton. However, I have observed him that he is funny, caring, sensitive, emotional, and is respectful and listens to women (unless it's Marina since he's a lovesick idiota that can't recognise the deception, but I can understand when someone is infatuated and unaware. It happened to me as well until I recognised the red flags later on. Dude, I get you). So he has my respect from the get go.

Ever since season 3 though, I started to LOVE Colin more. Because of five reasons:

1. He's a sensitive boi with almost no toxic masculinity, listens to women, and supportive to the woman he loves, Penelope. He's that rare of a boi.

2. He reminds me of myself. A shy, introverted, unimportant and feeling person who wants to see the best of others, but open themselves to people they are really close to. I see myself through him, an unworthy person deserved to be loved. Same goes when I'm comparing to Luke Newton (my current crush 🤭). I feel like Luke plays himself in Bridgerton, heh.

3. He's not Anthony Bridgerton. Rather than moping and having excuses to not get the girl (I love you Anthony, my first Bridgerton crush. But you are a handful and an egotistical idiot), Colin does the opposite. Once he realises he's falling harder for Pen, he immediately decides to pursue and marry her. That takes guts and being desperate. He has my full respect.

4. He never forces anyone. He wants to help Pen and his family, but he'll back off if they don't need his help. I like that he listens. Though he does tend to be a hero to fix the mess and willing to improve himself for Pen to be proud of and that he is enough. He has flaws, but he's relatable.

5. The most important and nostalgic one: He reminds me of Katara from Avatar: the Last Airbender, theme wise.* Especially in regards to the scene that made me understand and love Polin: the Betrayal Scene or the Lady Whistledown Reveal Scene.

*(Technically Katara reminds me of Viscountess Kathani Bridgerton, personality wise. I heard lots of comparisons between Zutara and Kanthony, both ships I love, but that's another story to tell).

Let's compare between Colin Bridgerton and Master Katara and why they are both similar, theme wise.

Exhibit 1: the betrayal

In this one, I love the betrayal scene in Bridgerton way more than in ATLA.

Colin is heartbroken again because he realises Penelope is Lady Whistledown and therefore assumes Pen is deceptive, like what happened to his failed engagement with Marina, via LW. All the lies and deceits gave him love PTSD, and the uncertainty if Penelope loves him genuinely or is just pretending. The fact that Luke Newton cried in that scene displays it as heartbroken instead of anger. I LOVE THAT!!! Kudos to Master Luke Newton for being exhausted and emotional during that scene!

The Polin betrayal scene is soooo much better than the ATLA betrayal scene when Katara has to fight against Zuko for choosing the Fire Nation over Saving the World and Choosing Good. I prefer both anger and heartbroken over just anger. But then again Katara and Zuko are not that close, because they are ✨enemies✨ even though they had a heart-to-heart convo. But imagine if Katara cried in front of Zuko during the fight, like the Polin betrayal scene... It would be a divergence indeed. I hope Netflix can make that scene as heartbreaking for the live-action ATLA.

Exhibit 2: Paaaiiiinnnn (Pain)

Both Colin and Katara are hurting because Penelope and Zuko, respectively, hurt them for deceiving them. I get them. Colin and Katara wanna hurt Pen and Zuko so the latter can understand the feeling the former has been through.

But in this one, this is the reason why I'm not bothered nor upset by the "planned entrapment" comment. (Though to be honest, Colin started it! Pen did not do anything to "entrap" him other than just sitting there being sad, being very demure, very mindful, and doing absolutely nothing to impress except being herself. And then Colin have a love whiplash that caused him to fall in love with her. Heh). Blame Katara; she said it way worse than Colin. Her threatening words to Zuko from that scene above are:

"You might have everyone else here buying your... transformation, but you and I both know you struggled with doing the right thing in the past. So let me tell you something right now... you make one step backward, one slip up, give me one reason to think you might hurt Aang, and you won't have to worry about your destiny anymore, because I will make sure your destiny ends... right then and there... permanently."

Like please? Katara's threats are so frightening, Colin's comment is just a minor slap to me. But there is one major difference why he's saying it to hurt Pen: because he still loves her. If he doesn't love her, it would be less painful, but unfortunately he does love her, so he deserves to be hurt. But he ain't gonna break the engagement since he still wants to marry her: she's the missing link to his life's purpose and they have the ✨connection✨. Colin just wants to hear from Pen and be reassured that this is not an act. Meanwhile, Katara does not "love" Zuko so she gets a pass on angry love confessions and being "entrapped" (though I wish she does... But I digress).

Overall, I love Colin Bridgerton (and Penelope Featherington too!). I completely understand his perspective. And how all his qualities, including having similar emotions to Katara, made me root for his love story with Pen. Same goes with Pen as well, from being a wallflower to being a popular woman with goals and achievements is a beautiful transition. Polin will always have a soft spot for me.

P.S. If Zutara is canon, their child would be like Colin Bridgerton. 🤭

[gardenofnoah]

it lives where i live

part 3!! i didn’t think about this for a while and then wrote this all at once. i am fascinated by complex relationships and emotions if it wasn’t already clear heh

wc: 2.4k. tags: angst, tension, reader loses their shit a little bit, conflict (one sided really, dabi doesn’t say much), gn reader, no pronouns used, small mention of drinking (reader has a glass of wine), silly little moment at the end that i love a lot

read part 2 here

A slight and silent shift occurs after you patch Touya up in your bathroom. In you only, most likely. You can’t be sure if it’s an improvement or a sign that you’ve reached the end of your rope.

You know longer feel as much like you’re a stranger in your own home–and that’s good, you think, except there’s still something there. You grow bolder, more open in your hostility–Touya does not. 

It’s there when you watch him sneak into the kitchen from your spot on the couch. He doesn’t need to do that, but you haven’t told him otherwise. You wonder if a part of you likes that he’s uncomfortable–that he feels like he’s the one walking on eggshells now. 

You feel guilty about that, because he’s likely felt like that this whole time and you want him to be comfortable. But the thing that lurks on your periphery feels justified in watching him cower. Like you’re owed that, for what he’s put you through. 

And more guilt follows, then, because it feels profoundly wrong to feel victimized by someone who experienced the hell that he did. To name what exactly it is that he’s put you through brings such a nauseating wave of shame over you, because it pales in comparison to what was done to him. You don’t want to believe that he would hurt you intentionally. And maybe, if there was another way, he would’ve come back. He would’ve at least found a way to let you know that he was alive.

And yet, he did not. 

So despite the better part of yourself, watching him slink past you makes you want to lunge at him. Makes you want to let out whatever ugly thing is brewing in your gut and tell it to do what it pleases with him. To make him hurt, like you do.

Rationally, you know you’re ignoring what’s really hurting you–and that it is hurt, underneath all of the rage.You’re not sure when your philosophy toward accountability became something like an eye for an eye, but you suppose that’s what happens when you’re left to rot in the feelings that bog you down, like they have for months. 

It’s not fair. You land here every time–you know how childish you’d sound if you said it out loud, but it’s as incessant as your anger. You’d spent the majority of your life grieving over the loss of him, just to have him creep around you now like he hasn’t haunted you the whole time. He’s here and he’s still gone. You are always in purgatory. 

There’d been no follow up with you, either, which you found…telling. He has his weekly check-ins, but not once has anyone from the commission checked in with you. Not once has anyone called and asked, how are you settling in with your dead, not dead, mass murderer, childhood friend? Are you getting along?

And that’s the thing–you are, on the surface. He still rarely says anything, but he cleans up after himself and if you weren’t so painfully aware of his presence all of the time, you think maybe you’d forget he was there at all.

It just makes you wish he’d say something. Anything to acknowledge what’s happening between you–something to let you know that he understands what he’s done. That you are not the only one walking around half out of your mind. Up until he left he’d been the biggest loudmouth you’d ever met, and the thought that he has nothing to say to you now just makes you so, so sick. 

It dawns on you that he may not know about the hurt you carry around. He’d asked if you were angry, and it had caught you so off guard that you are only beginning to turn it over in your mind, weeks later. You’d have been indignant, if you hadn’t been so exhausted that night–because of course you are angry. 

You sink down further into the cushions of the couch and pull the little throw blanket up over your chin. It’s getting colder out, and the heat hasn't yet kicked on. You make a mental note to text your landlord. You consider if you should have informed him that you’ve been housing a serial killer in your apartment. You watch out the window, eyes following the descent of the sun as it tips over the horizon. There’s a commotion, and the birds in the tree out front take flight all at once, and your heart aches with the envy you feel. You wonder if they know how lucky they are, to not be tethered to anything that keeps them here. 

For the second time in the last few hours, you hear a door down the hallway swing open. Slowly, like the person opening it is an intruder and not the man you’d been cohabitating with for months. You think that right now, they are one in the same. 

“Touya.”

He freezes like he’s been caught doing something he shouldn’t. He looks at you, and despite yourself, you feel a little pity for him. You sigh, letting out a slow breath and hoping it takes the edge out of your tone. When you open your mouth, you know it didn’t.

“You don’t have to sneak around here, you know. You’re allowed to be out here when I am.”

He looks like a cornered animal, and the snarling, bitter part of you keeps him pinned there, delighting in the way that you can see he wants to hide.

“Sorry,” he mumbles, head down. 

Sorry.

Sorry.

He’s…sorry?

Ah, you think. There it is.

“What for.” you clip, and it’s not a question. When it comes out of your mouth, it is a challenge. It is a warning. It is a poison tipped arrow, pointed straight at him. 

“I–” he’s still not looking at you, and you know all at once that you will not be able to stop whatever is about to come out of you, “–just thought I should stay out of the way.”

You take in the sentiment and let it roll around in your head for a moment. You pull every word from the stem, turning it over, breaking it down into pieces. Trying to understand. 

All you can gather is that he’s wrong. Fundamentally and devastatingly wrong. And if you were a better person right now, you’d console him. But the animal crawling its way out of your throat is faster and far more cunning than your own integrity.

You throw your head back and bark out a laugh. His eyes snap to you, and you know he’s trying to read what you’re feeling from your face. Enough of that, you think.

No more. 

“Stay out of the way?” you repeat, moving to stand up from the couch. You take a step toward him–he doesn’t move. There’s so much distance between you, and none at all. You feel like if you reached out to touch him, he’d shatter. It’s effort to keep your hands clenched at your sides. You understand intimately and at once why he took such a liking to violence. 

“Stay out of the way of who?” you laugh again, looking around as if there was ever anyone else but the two of you. You know you’re being cruel right now, but you let it out anyway. “There hasn’t been a second of my life that you’ve been anywhere but in the way.”

He looks at you, and you see the confusion all over his face. It does nothing but spur you on. Something inside you tells you to make it hurt. 

“Every single day since you left, I have been right here. I couldn’t do anything, Touya. I have been on that hill, waiting for you. Trying to talk to you, pleading to whoever was listening to bring you back. So you can imagine how it feels to know now that you were never up there to begin with.”

You don’t recognize the sound of your own voice. You hear it from outside yourself, and around you, the scenery changes. You are back in those woods again, far smaller, still just as angry. Just as afraid.

“You were here the whole time,” you whisper, eyes boring into his. You feel your eyes sting but you do not waver. 

“This whole time,” you’re louder now, fueled by everything you had pushed down–for him or for you, you couldn’t know– “all of the years I spent trying to come to terms with you being gone–you were right here. Alive and breathing. Someone else entirely. Doing whatever the fuck you were doing.”

By now, he’s removed all traces of emotion from his face. His jaw sets. You are overwhelmed by the sudden urge to sock him in it. This is the Touya you hate–the one that reverts back to indifference. The one that looks at you like you’re a piece of asphalt kicked up under his shoe. You feel your stomach turn. 

“I know what he did to you, Touya. I know that it was awful and that he left you there to die and I have spent every second since hating him enough for the next three people,” you feel the tears slip down your cheeks, and you make no move to wipe them. You want him to see. 

“But you left me,” you croak, lacking all of the heat you had a second ago, knowing you’ve arrived at the root of it after all, “I needed you and you left. And you took out all of those people with you. It wasn’t him that did that, Touya.”

A pin drop would be far too loud, with the silence between you right now. You look at him for a moment more, and he is somewhere else–eyes looking past you, body tense and ready to flee. You take a deep breath in, and let it out. 

“I understand it all,” you tell him quietly, “but I’m still stuck there.”

You convince your feet to move after a moment more and brush past him, legs feeling like lead all the way down the hall. You close your bedroom door softly behind you, and sag against it. A small chuckle escapes you before you can stop it. The back of your head meets the wood and you sigh–it occurs to you for the first time that the man you just berated within an inch of his life has killed at least 30 people. 

.

.

.

You don’t see him at all for the rest of the week. It’s not shocking–you expected as much.

What you were not expecting was to find him sitting on the front step as you return from your routine, weekend grocery trip.

You approach him slowly, as if he’s a great big predator that can only sense movement and you are the prey trying to outsmart him. He eyes you, but says nothing. You make it to the stoop in front of him before you decide to attempt to speak to him. 

“Hi.”

A pause. You watch him suppress the urge to bolt. And then, “hi.”

“Are you alright?”

He grunts, and looks away. You take it as a yes, because you’re not aware of an alternative. You switch your groceries to the other arm.

“What are you doing out here?” you ask softly, trying to tread lightly, “it’s cold.”

He studies you for another moment. You’re not quite sure what he’s thinking. You wonder if he’s finally decided to take you out for what you said to him the other day. 

“D’you need help?”

You balk. “I–uh. Huh?”

He nods toward the bags in your arms.

“Oh,” you blink, a little stunned. You can feel your brain searching for an explanation that Touya is clearly not going to provide. “Uh, yeah. Sure. You can take these.”

Without another word, he takes the bags from you and disappears back inside the house. You’re stuck on the stoop, reeling. Wondering if the world has started to turn in reverse.

.

.

.

You eat dinner alone, as you’ve grown accustomed to, and you plop down on the couch to assume your nightly routine of pretending to watch the TV and listening for Touya’s movements in the next room. Your nerves are buzzing from your interaction with him earlier–you bring your wine glass to your lips and take a larger swig than you should. Despite all the effort you’ve put into deciphering the meaning of it, you come up empty. 

So absorbed you are in the puzzle he’s created that you don’t notice him come out of his room until he’s blocking your view of the TV with his body. You jump, spilling your wine and hissing out a curse. You look up at him, heart rate elevated and more than a little confused. Your eyes meet the blue of his and you don’t know what to say.

“Hi,” he mutters, kicking his foot at a spot in the carpet. He’s never looked more like he did when he was 13 than he does in this moment. 

“Hi,” it comes out as a whisper, because it’s all that you can manage. 

“What’re you watching?”

You think maybe he’s already killed you. Has to have, because there is no way this interaction would happen in the reality you were living in before. Your mouth opens, and then shuts. Opens again. “Ah, uh–nothing really? Just flipping through.”

His gaze moves to the empty spot next to you. Yours follows, and you look between it and him a few times, trying to catch up. 

“Do you–” you pause, wanting to proceed cautiously, “would you like to join me?”

There's a horribly tense moment of deliberation from him, and then he decides to do just that. He settles down on the couch awkwardly, like he’s never seen a thing like it before, and you watch as he adjusts. He’s so tense and it looks stupidly comical, and a squeak of a laugh slips out of you before you can stop it. He shoots a glare at you, and it makes you laugh harder. The whole thing is ridiculous, and you laugh with your head thrown back until you feel something dislodge itself from your insides. His face softens, however minutely, and you swear you see a tiny, tiny hint of a grin at the corner of his mouth. 

“Oh god,” you choke out, trying to beat down another round of giggles. You wipe a tear from your eye and let out a sigh, allowing the smile to stay on your face. You feel something shift, if only by a centimeter, between you. 

You pay attention to what’s on the TV in front of you for the first time in months.

this fic belongs to me (@gardenofnoah). i do not allow anyone to repost, edit, or reproduce this work.

[gumnut-logic]

🤗 What advice would you give to new fanfic writers that are just getting started?

🤗 What advice would you give to new fanfic writers that are just getting started?

::rolls up sleeves and brainstorms all over the keyboard::

If you want to do it, do it. Don't hide. Everyone had to start somewhere (wanna see my first ever fic? I was 18 and the internet did not exist, also, it was really badly written; you can find my second ever written fic here - its TOS Trek). We've all been there and we are all learning. Don't be scared, Thunderfam at least is here to support. For you fanartists out there, check out How I learnt Portraiture and then check out this post to prove that I can paint, honestly, really I can :D

If you do encounter negativity - block/ban. In fandom, if you can't say something nice, shut up and go away. Don't like, don't read, and mind your own business. I'm all for self curating your online experience. The only time constructive criticism is polite is when you know the person and they've asked. Like I have several members of Thunderfam I come screaming to while writing with the question, does this suck? These are my sanity checkers - Gavii, unfortunately you have taken on this mantle and suffer on a fairly regular basis. Nutty by name and nature.

Works in Progress - anyone who has known me here at all knows I leave a wake of WiPs behind me. Some I get back to, some, not so much (I promise to pull Alex out from under that building, I do!). WiPs are part of the way an artist works (I have so many in so many media, omigod). Because fanfic is published close to the leading edge of creation, its gonna happen. Fanfic is written for fun, after all. The key is to not let them beat you up in the head. Yes, there is unfinished stuff, but it doesn't mean you can't write something else in the meantime. Don't let it stop your muse. I am notorious for unfinished stuff and the real world hates it. But this isn't the real world, THIS IS FOR FUN. I know the marketing theories and the regularity of posting and popularity and what is at stake if either not enough is published regularly or if too much unfinished stuff disappoints the reader. But again, if you let the WiPs hang around your neck too much and badger you, they will drown you. It will become a job, a burden, something you hate. So don't pressure yourself. Work with your muse and see what you can wrangle out of it...at your own pace. You might be surprised what works.

The Terry Pratchett method - I don't know if it is true or not, but there is a post flying around Tumblr somewhere that claims Terry Pratchett, famous author, only aimed to write 400 words a day. This is something I have found extremely useful. If you want to write something, don't set the bar too high so you fail. Set it at a reachable level, even 200 words or 100 words. Honestly the hardest part is actually sitting down and starting. Before you know it you will have passed your low goal and blown it out of the water 3000 words later (my highest number of words in one day was 7000 - I tend to edit as I go, so it slows me down). Rarely do we have an entire day we can write, cos life keeps getting in the way. So do it in little bits. I'm doing this method with my crochet at the moment. Lots of little bits make big bits. This is how I've written many of my longer fics. Heh, I used to have fifteen minutes in the car before work, so I'd pull up on the side of the road and write as much as I could in that time. Sometimes having a limited time helps with that as well.

But the biggest thing you can do to improve your writing is to get to know yourself very well. I'm on the autism spectrum and likely have some forms of ADHD or Executive Dysfunction (I literally cried the day I found out it had a name as to why I couldn't finish things). It's taken me years to work out how to get work out of myself. How to avoid fighting myself (a fight I never win). To learn what works best for me and how I can herd the cats in my brain into them doing what I need them to do. Find out what makes you tick. Find out what sparks your muse, what way best enables you to write. Try different times of the day, different places, bribe yourself, time limit yourself, lock the family out of the room, go to the beach, write on paper, go mobile, write on your phone, scribble notes, anything that can get your brain doing what you want it to do. Sometimes reading fic can do it, showers and manual work are great for idea sparking - let the brain idle and it comes up with all sorts of interesting things. Very late night writing can be a doozy of a trip :D Find what works then do it - until it changes and you have to find it again because yes, my brain does that too, drat it.

And that is probably enough babbling from me :D I need to go find Virgil and a pick up with his name on it...or Gordon's...it's still gelling in my brain :D

I hope this helps someone, even just a tiny bit. Writing is hard work, don't let it drown you. Also, we all have up and down days, just because something sucks today, doesn't mean it will feel the same tomorrow. Never give up, never surrender, and if you do give up on one thing....ooh, look there's another one to play with.

Thank you for asking ::squishy hugs you lots::

Nutty

(who despite this will still have days where the writing will not work...in which case, I'm gonna do something else for a bit until brain decides it wants to play....stupid brain, do it on demand, you pile of goop)

[bingbong21]

"My Generation" Translation Part 1.

Next

Hello there! I haven't seen anyone translate the BB drama track yet (and I refuse to get twitter to really double check), so I am mustering all my limited willpower and throwing my hat into the ring!

This post covers from 0:00 until 11:03. Because I feel like translating 40-ish minutes of drama track would make this unbearably long. Also if you see a number, that means there's a note I want to make because I did take some liberties.

With that said, here we go!

News anchor: Yesterday the functionality of Hypnosis Mics was restored, and reestablishment of Chuohku’s command is underway.

Ichiro: It’s been a week since the Block Party and we’re already back to normal huh?

News anchor: In addition, regarding the postponed Third Division Rap Battles, the Administrative Inspection Bureau announced that it is too early to decide to cancel the event.

Ichiro: Ha…The Division Rap Battles…

Rei: Yo! Sorry to keep ya waiting. What’d you want?  

Ichiro: Thought I’d give this back. *tosses keys*

Rei: Hm.

Ichiro: It’s the keys to the car you lent me. It’s parked over in that lot.  

Rei: Hmph. Is that so?

Ichiro: That’s all. Sorry you went out of your way.

Rei: Eh, I had work around here anyway so it wasn’t a problem to come get the keys.

Ichiro: Hmph. Later. *goes to walk off*

Rei: How are they doing?

Ichiro: Aa?

Rei: Jiro and Saburo.

Ichiro: They’re away right now.

Rei: Hmm?

Ichiro: The festival made them want to see more of the outside world, so they both went on a trip.

Rei: *laughs* Finally getting used to parenting, huh?

Ichiro: Quit screwing around. They’re still kids. Until it’s time for them to enter society, I’ll be sure to take proper care of them.

Rei: Hmm.

Ichiro: It’s common sense. Later. *walks off*

Rei: Now then, wonder what’ll happen?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jiro: I’m back Aniki!

Saburo: Ichi-nii, I’m home!

Ichiro: Oh, welcome back! What’s this? You guys decide to come home together?

Jiro/Saburo: No way!/Not at all!

Jiro: We just happened to meet up!

Saburo: Ichi-nii, please listen. I’ve learned so many things because of my trip!

Jiro: Oi! I’m gonna talk first, so you be quiet!

Saburo: Grh…Don’t you shut up?

Jiro: What was that?!

Saburo: Aa?!

Jiro: Aa?!

*sounds of them fighting*

Ichiro: *laughs* Looks like nothing’s changed since before your trips.

Jiro: That’s not true! I worked together with them and learned a lot of different things!!

Saburo: Me too! I got a lot of inspiration from interacting with people in the countryside!

Ichiro: I get it, I get it. How about we go eat, and you can take turns telling me about it, yeah?

Jiro/Saburo: Yes!

*sounds of dinner*

Ichiro: Eeh? So Jiro, how did you end up traveling with the company president?

Jiro: Oh! I happened to be given a ride by the company while I was hitchhiking. His company was getting merged, so I helped him with a lot of different things.

Saburo: Heh. You probably just carried his bags the whole time.

Jiro: Did not! That’s a problem he dealt with himself!I got to do consultations with the investors. I also got to attend business meetings with clients and mediated fights between employees!

Ichiro: So, did you achieve the purpose of your trip?

Jiro: Yeah! It’s crazy how much I learned working with a lot of different people. Things can get pretty complicated when you bring together people with different ideas who all want to improve the company.

Saburo: Ha! You talk like you actually understand it.

Jiro: Shut up! Is it your turn to speak?!

Ichiro: *laughs* Well, I’m glad it seemed to be a good experience.

Saburo: Me too! I had a very interesting experience!

Ichiro: You went to the countryside, right Saburo?

Saburo: Yes! My idea was to bring technology to rural villages and encourage regional revitalization!

Ichiro: Oho, that’s a pretty grand plan isn’t it?

Saburo: But, after I lived there for a bit, I realized that the inconveniences and simple way of life (1) aren’t a bad thing.

Jiro: Yeah, I get ya.

Saburo: Ha? What do you possibly “get”?

Jiro: Well I mean, look at it this way: our journeys were different, but it sounds like you and I learned the same things, yeah? 

Saburo:No we didn’t! The depth and quality are of a completely different order of magnitude!

Jiro: Tch, why do you have to be so annoying?!

Ichiro: *thinking* They’ve been able to expand their horizons.

*door bell rings*

Jiro: Oh? Who could that be this late?  

Saburo: It’s way too late to be making a request.

Ichiro: Just a minute! *opens door* Yes? Chairman?!

Chairman: Apologies for coming so late. As the chairman of the Neighborhood Association, I have a favor to ask of you.

Ichiro: Ha…please, come in for now.

*re-enter home, gets tea*

Ichiro: So, this urgent consultation…is it about work for the Neighborhood Association or something?

Chairman: No, the truth is I’m currently in talks about a large-scale urban development project.

Ichiro: Urban development project?

Chairman: It seems that Ikebukuro’s biggest hope is to build a large suburban facility. The stores will be closed down, and those lots will be where culture, sports, and commerce come together. They want to build the largest desired large-area suburban facility. And that’s why I’m in a bit of trouble.

Ichiro: I’d like to hear more details

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ichiro: I see. You want a response and now your family is having a falling out.

Chairman: Yes. At first there was only opposition from the current generation of my sons, who are in charge of the stores. But recently my grandchildren’s generation has begun to rebel, and things are starting to get out of control.

Ichiro: That seems difficult.

Chairman: Here I am thinking of everyone’s happiness, but they just don’t understand a parent’s feelings at all.

Ichiro: When you say that…

Chairman: I’ll only say it here: it’s been tough, even for our family’s fish shop that supports the other stores. If this keeps up, we won’t be able to avoid bankruptcy.

Ichiro: And when that happens, your family’s way of life will be destroyed.

Chairman: Yes. This is a difficult decision for us Neighborhood Association officials. However, when we think about the lives of our sons and grandchildren, we’d rather replace the shops with the urban development.

Ichiro: Haa…

Chairman: They’ll get all the money from the buyout. With that amount, our sons and grandchildren will be able to live their lives without any problems.

Ichiro: Chairman…

Chairman: We are sad about the loss of the stores. But more than that, we want out children to have happy lives.

Ichiro: Me too…I’m my younger brothers’ parent, so I completely understand how you feel.

Chairman: I thought you would say that. But, that’s just how a parent is supposed to think. Ichiro-kun, could you help me to convince my sons?

Ichiro: Of course. Please leave it to me.

Chairman: Oh! You’ve really saved me!

Ichiro: So when is the deadline to respond to the urban development plan?

Chairman: The person in charge said it will be in a week.

Ichiro: Understood. If that’s the case, I won’t be able to gather the others’ opinions by then.

*door opens*

Jiro: Aniki! Let me help too!

Saburo: I heard the whole story. I want to help as well!

Chairman: Jiro-kun, Saburo-kun! But, you two are still just kids.

Ichiro: If it’s these two it’ll be alright. Please leave this matter to my brothers.

Chairman: Well, if you say so Ichiro-kun…

Ichiro: Yessir!

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Ichiro: Let’s go over the situation again. A large-scale urban development project has come to Bukuro, and the people in the shopping district are being approached to sell their land. It looks like opinions on how to respond are divided. First we have the clients, the Chairman’s generation. Then, we have the current generation who run the shopping district. Finally, below them, is the grandchildren’s generation. Here is what each of them have to say.

Saburo: So the grandchildren’s generation don’t want to sell the land and want to continue running the store there.

Jiro: But the working generation has an option to sell the land and open a store in the new facility as a tenant. Isn’t that the best option? They’d be able to get money and keep the store open.

Ichiro: It seems that the difference in selling prices is quite different.

Saburo: I see. So in other words, there’s a difference between cashing in the right to open a store and exercising the right to open a store in the facility. (2)

Ichiro: However, it seems like the shopping district manages all the stores. Meaning that if they were to become a tenant, there wouldn’t be any hope of making a profit.

Jiro: So like the chairman said, it would be best to convert everything into cash?

Ichiro: Yeah. Everyone is getting emotional and it’s difficult to have a discussion. However the response to the developers is due in a week. If we don’t hurry, we’ll run out of time.

Jiro: In that case, why don’t we gather everybody at West Gate Park and have them listen to the full story?

Ichiro: That’s a great idea!

Saburo: There’s probably a key person for each generation. If they speak for everyone, I think it’d be quicker to talk to them.

Jiro: The leader of the shopping district union is probably the one who organizes the current generation. Which in that case would be the fish shop’s old man.

Ichiro: I heard the person who organized the grandchildren’s generation is the old man’s son.

Saburo: That means it’s a three-way struggle between parents and sons, doesn’t it?

Ichiro: Aha…Well, can I leave the gathering of the people to you two?

Saburo: Yes. It’s already late today, so tomorrow Jiro and I will split up and see what we can find.

Jiro: What do you think about scheduling the meet-up three days from now?

Ichiro: Ah, there’s no problem with that. I’m counting on you.

Jiro: Yessir!

Saburo: Please leave it to me!

Ichiro: Jiro and Saburo have really changed in such a short period of time.

Notes:

Saburo actually says “mazushisa” which is poverty and I uh. Am a Saburo fan first, human being second so uh. I interpreted more favorably for him lol

This was tricky because it used “kyouju suru” which literally means “to teach” and like. Idk, maybe I’m an optimist and want to believe they have been told all their options. So I went with exercise, as in they the second generation are exercising their right to tell the new facility to give ‘em a spot