#but the ones with the most talent and drive are overlooked

[prncssguya]

full interview

[northopalshore]

Pick A Card: Your next relationship 🎀🍒💄

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Choose an image & group respectively.

Pile one:

Decks used: Dreaming way tarot, sacred earth oracle, oracle of mystical moments & astrological oracle

‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋ ‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋ ‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋ ‧₊ ˚

So immediately jumping in, your next relationship will be with someone who is very goal driven. They are very passionate, intelligent & skillful. This person may have come from a lower financial status growing up. Only being able to get by on a daily basis. This person has probably been surrounded by amazing and talented people who are very dedicated to their craft, and hence grown to develop a similar habit.

Their main goal in life is to get rich lol. They want to be at a point where they can look back and not recognise themselves in the position they once were in financially. This is somebody who works wholeheartedly on their craft. They may be involved in independent business or they are working on their own brand.

They may have a very young heart as well, always looking at things from a hopeful perspective. However, they are also very logical! They are able to plan their ventures and predict things that may or may not happen with every step that they take towards their goal! That desire to change their lives will always remain as a priority & main motivation for them to continue on their path.

This person will likely have an extroverted approach to life. Wanting to explore and see everything the world has to offer.

Their career may be very competitive, and their ideas or brand may come under scrutiny very often. If they work ina directive company for example, people was have dissatisfactions with how they present themselves or thing they may be to rash when coming up with new suggestions. However, they are resilient lol! I feel like they have a lot of potential for greatness, but by the time you meet them they are somewhere in the middle of their journey.

Your relationship will be intertwined with your career. This person will be the one to get your engines running, and to reignite that passion you might have held out in the rain before. They will act as a guide to you and help you realise things you may have overlooked before.

They will prove themselves to be a very stable companion. They will teach you to be fearless & confident when it comes to your passions and beliefs.

I feel like you'll bond over common interests and backgrounds . They may be from a different race than you as well! If you work with your hands i.e build, writing, drawing, animating and so on, this person will be on your side during sudden late night inspirational drives lol. This means they will be awake with you, talking and supporting what you do even when you're both supposed to be asleep.

You will be able to draw out the both the passionate and gentle side of eachother. Respecting boundaries and personal wishes going forward.

I feel like you'll meet them through chance, or coincidentally you work in the same department for example but you will be able to click immediately.

They could have Libra, Cancer, Gemini & Pisces placements in their charts.

MBTI wise, I feel like they could be an ENFJ, ENFP, ESTJ, ESTP, ENTP, & INTJ.

Pile two:

Decks used: Modern witch tarot, bluebird lenormard & astrological oracle

‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋ ‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋ ‧₊ ˚ ⊹ ࣭ ⭑ . ₊ ⊹ .₊๋ ‧₊ ˚

Oooh pile two, this person is honestly incredible.

So first of all, they are someone very optimistic & rational. They perhaps have been born into wealth or have been blessed with a higher position in life than most. They are very mature and very calm & collected. When they speak, people may find it impossible to dispute them or overtake them. This person perhaps is great at debates or could work as a lawyer (or come from a family of lawyers). They are the type to value intelligence & fair judgement over any irrationality. They could be an only child or grew up being cared for fully by their parents. They may have shown great leadership qualities even from a young age. They are very humble & down to earth despite being at a position of power. They could own a business or inherit a business from their family. You will think that they are a dream come true or even too good to be real. Perhaps they were very studious in their younger years, performing much better than other students or seen as more mature relative to people their age. I feel like this might as well be the person you end up marrying because four of wands has shown up lol. Their parents could be divorced or living in different countries/states. They may have developed objective opinions on marriage as well. For example, if they are a woman they do not think that a man can provide her with anything she doesn't already have. They could want to marry for love rather than business or for practicality. They want to form genuine relationships with people they know are worthwhile (in their perspective). Perhaps people have used them as a means to lift themselves up and this has hurt your person. Your relationships could be very flirtatious. You both may be quite weary of eachother at first but you will soon find comfort in eachother's presence. Perhaps you will discover a soft side neither of you could have expected you'd get to. It reminds me of Anastasia and Dimitri's relationship lol. Rocky at the start but they soon develop deep feelings for eachother. They could have Sagittarius, Leo, Pisces, Aquarius & Virgo prominent in their charts. MBTI wise, they could be an ENTJ, INTJ, ENFJ, ENFP, INFJ, ISTJ, ISTP & INTP.

Pile three:

Decks used: VOX ( voice of tarot) arcana, The literary witches oracle & astrological oracle

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Welcome pile 3! So your next relationship will be with someone who I can only describe as stubborn & possessive but very unique and full of ambition. I feel like this person has had a fair share for admirers or past relationships that may not have ended very well, and has since then been quite abstinent of love or the dating scene.

They have since learned to control their energy, and find satisfaction in being alone with themselves i.e putting themselves before relationships.

They may be quite materialistic or pay a lot of attention to their finances. They are very tactical and resourceful. There may have been disagreements or issues regarding their finances. Perhaps they have had legal issues with the company they work with or there may be issues with inheritance.

This person is extremely charming and charismatic. They may have the ability to sweep you off your feet & without even realising it you'll fall for their many charms lol. They could be quite hot hearted ( & hot headed) as well, and very direct with their feelings. Your relationship will be hot and passionate, you will feel like you have manifested eachother into your lives.

They may break the expectation you might have regarding the type of people you would usually go after romantically i.e their personality will be more in your face instead of quiet and reserved.

You may be thrill seekers when you are together, and you may find that the energy can be very heavy or s*xual. You will have a lot of fun in that department lol.

They can act sort of tsundere too as in they may act mischievously or playfully, they could also like to see you getting riled up 👀 lmao. They could have Taurus, Capricorn, Scorpio, Pisces, Leo & Aries prominent in their chart. MBTI wise, they could be ENTP, ENTJ, ESTP, ENFP, ESTJ, ISTP, ISFP & ISTJ

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***entertainment purposes only: reader discretion is advised***

None of the images are mine, all rights reserved to their original creators on Pinterest

Thanks for reading!

@northopalshore

[kingdomhate]

First Date Scenarios!

Kylo Ren: Despite everything you think, Kylo Ren is a romantic. Maybe not a complete romantic, but he finds himself attracted like a magnet to wine and deep conversations. Once he sat down, at the very console that commandeered his ship, run by tech savvy officers, his gaze lingered on you, intensely. Sure, he made no real effort to dress up in a tuxedo or anything, but he was drawn to how you dressed yourself. It accentuated features about you he overlooked.

He thought you were beautiful in your most bare form, however, it seems like you radiated in this dimly lit room, and you were unaware of how he had to force himself not to stare at you. "So, Y\N. Let's start with your favorite food?" Kylo spoke out, his voice soft like a whisper but curious as a cat. Your eyes met his, sipping your wine slowly. The interest he had in yours burned almost as bright as your own.

You go on to tell him your favorite foods, colors, movies, shows and whatever else comes to either of your heads, and he shares the same. You two chat for hours, the wine bottle drains quickly and it's like you both are insatiable, it is only when one of his Admirals pops in to tell him that it is past midnight and his presence is needed somewhere else that Ren is forced out of the conversation to realize the time is way past midnight. He turned to you and walked with you a bit.

"Tonight was fun. Can we do it again, if you don't mind?" He expresses as he stops in front of you. "I really enjoyed speaking to you." You beam at him, nonverbally communicating you agreed it was a great time. Almost fictional. "Yes, of course!" Kylo donned a little smile, before you walked over to him and planted a sweet kiss to his cheek, fleeting but even after you pulled away, he could feel your soft lips on his skin. It caused his skin to heat up, and a blush to sneak up and attack his cheek and neck. You chuckle at him and tease him about it before he ultimately had to leave. His gaze was soft when he began walking to where he was needed, and directed to the floor. He felt like a schoolboy.

Anakin Skywalker: Anakin had so much planned for this date. He was determined to indulge the soft side of himself and planned a walk to a special place. He came by to pick you up in his speeder, the sky bleeding into ethereal shades of orange, pink and hints of purple as a deep shade of midnight blue planted traces of its color on the horizon, threatening to overtake the sky in time. "Hey, angel. Ready for a ride?" He asks, that grin, borderline cocky that always made you laugh because of how stupidly beautiful it was, captivating your attention before his words.

You couldn't ever deny yourself the butterflies that fluttered around wildly in your stomach at those soft and damn near seductive nicknames he had for you, they managed to make your knees weak everytime. "Obviously." You snicker, getting in. Anakin glances down at your clothing, he likes how well you pick out your outfits. It was one of the first things that enticed his fascination to about you, initially. "So... where are we going, Ani?" You inquire and he smirks. "For a little walk, princess."

As you got to Anakin's house, you were a bit perplexed. "Why are we-" Before you could finish, Anakin shushed you and went over to you, helping you get out. You both walked around a bit, and Anakin asked you questions about yourself, and vice versa. You found yourself smiling and laughing a lot, and he told a lot of stories about his Jedi life. It genuinely interested you what that life holds, and what could drive a man like Anakin, talented, charismatic and shamelessly gorgeous to chose that path. "Because I've always looked up to Jedi and the Jedi Order. My mom and I were slaves, and when Qui-Gon and Master Kenobi showed up, it amplified that admiration. Especially when Qui-Gon told me I had that potential to be what I wanted to be. It's a kid's dream to be like someone they idolize and it's difficult to describe that joy I felt when he told me I could be like him."

You process that for a few minutes, and you both stay in silence as you do. "Close your eyes." Anakin says softly, you look at him for a moment before doing as he said. You can hear his footsteps rushing to do something and then coming back to your side. "There." You open your eyes slowly to find a dazzling display of a version of a Protocol Droid. "What...?" You speak, completely at a loss for words. Anakin laughs, and rolls his eyes playfully.

"For you. He hasn't been activated yet. I made him not too long ago. I can show you how to work him, if you want. But yeah, he's all yours." Your head whips around to Anakin, his arms crossed over his chest in that confident pose. He nods to confirm that he is not lying and the droid is yours. You laugh awkwardly as you approach the droid. Anakin makes a few movements and the Droid turns on. "I am E-5O, Human-Cyborg Relations." You were at a genuine loss for words. But moved to hug Anakin tight to yourself and he hugged back immediately.

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[violetasteracademic]

On Being a Published Writer: Without a Degree

This is a bit of a vulnerable share today, and I am writing it after a sleepless night, the monster of anxiety and shame weighing heavily on my chest. However, I have come far in life and undergone an incredible amount of healing, and refuse to be ashamed of my past. I hope sharing this can help even one person like me remember that when it comes to craft, when it comes to art, the only thing stopping you from being worthy is you.

This year, I became a published writer. After years of hard work and dedication to my craft, I finally felt good enough to begin submitting my work to literary magazines. I'm proud of that accomplishment. It's a little tag I get to add to my bio now as I submit work that helps make me feel *valid.* But that quickly, all it takes is for someone to remind me that I did not have access to a degree, that I did not learn from the best, and I will spend the rest of my life without a formal education behind my writing, and they achieve the goal they set out: to make me feel less than for not having their background.

In America, the education system is for profit and public school system inconsistent. There are many factors that can contribute to whether or not a person gets through it successfully, and it often has little to do with intelligence, work ethic, or strength of character and drive before the age of 18.

So here is my story:

I graduated high school with a 2.1 GPA.

My first hospitalization (out of the 17 I would have in my life) for edometriomas happened at age 15. I spent the majority of high school struggling with chronic pain, stage four endometriosis and the accompanying endometriomas cysts, and illness. By age 16, social services was threatened by my school to be called on my home for suspected neglect and abuse. I moved out of my house that year, and was given temporary guardianship by a friends family.

By the end of my senior year, I continued to bounce around between friends houses, sometimes sleeping in my car, and struggled to keep on top of my coursework. I was enrolled in the work study program designed for students who had to keep a job during their high school years, and earned school credits for staying employed.

Despite all of this, I still maintained high grades in Advance Placement literature and language, proceeded to get 5's on my AP tests (a perfect score, and a rare accomplishment) as well as near perfect scores on my ACT's. I spent every spare second reading and writing from the moment I learned how. My intelligence and comprehension were not the issue. My health and my home life were.

The only reason I got into college at all was because I decided to audition for a school play freshman year. Much to my surprise, I was cast in the lead role, and thus the course of my life was set. I poured everything I had into acting, I finally had a purpose and something to keep me out of having to go home after school. Still, applying for colleges was one of the most stressful and shame inducing experiences of my life. I got into many top performance programs in the country, then would not get into the university itself with my GPA. The conservatories that did not look into school performance did not provide the financial assistance required for me to attend.

There was one university that offered limited talent admissions that would allow the university admission requirements to be overlooked for students that had displayed exceptional talent in their specialized field of study. I had to put together a request for the school board, complete with letters from my high school teachers providing context for my low GPA paired with high test scores, character assessments on my likely ability to maintain the minimum required GPA in college, as well as a letter from the head of the performing arts department of the university stating that I was worthy of this talent exception. The wait was unbearable. But I was accepted. And I was approved for the work study program that allowed me to gain employment at the university to help offset the cost.

I felt like my whole life had changed in college. I had gotten in. I had gotten out. I was a new person, no one knowing about my past or the stain of my struggles. I had a fresh start. While I continued to battle my illness throughout college, it was manageable with a consistent bed to sleep in every night, as well as access to physical and mental health services. And although I tested out of being required to take any English classes with AP, I still filled my elective credits with writing classes. Screenwriting, playwriting, poetry, creative writing. Performing became my work, and writing became my joy. I took every class that sounded remotely interesting, often filling my schedule more than required on top of my work and performance load.

I am withholding some of the more personal details of my life, but when I finally moved out to LA, I hit the ground running. I accomplished more in a few years than fellow artists and performers who had been out there for more than a decade. And I valued every person I met. I was in small, independent theatre shows with Juliard grads. I was on professional sets with wildly naturally talented people working to get their GED with no formal education but that undeniable *it* factor. People from all walks of life set out for the Angel City to make it, and I was one of them. I also began writing again, this time short films and audition monologues. I began writing pieces for friends and classmates at their request. I secured my first talent agent with a performance piece that I wrote, along with an offer to renegotiate my contract to include literary representation should I complete a script worth shopping. I began to organize applications for writing fellowships at top studios, when my condition became so severe the only option to move forward with my life was surgery. And then my life completely changed again.

I came out of that surgery with nerve damage that left me unable to walk for six months, as well as developed a new permanent nervous system disorder.

My career and my life never recovered. I was permanently changed. However, during that time, I turned one of my sci-fi short films I had written into a 160k word novel, with outlines for a trilogy. While it was one of the darkest times of my life, writing got me through it. I moved out of Los Angeles to a more affordable city and threw myself into writing. I learned that ivy league schools like Stanford, Harvard, and Yale shared their syllabi for continued study coursework online, including the required textbooks for the courses. Example here. I took myself through the textbooks and coursework of top schools, I took every local workshop possible when it was in budget. Any education on craft that was within my means, I reached for.

I will never be able to change the course of my life. I will likely never be able to go back to school. However, this amazing video by Bandon Sanderson helped me overcome my shame, my lack of access to returning to higher education when my life and career were irrevocably changed: Be Anything But an English Major

I had already done what he had encouraged, pick a subject I was passionate about, fill my college coursework with things I found interesting, and let it inform my writing. While this is not to disrespect or degrade English majors or say successful authors think the degree is worthless, I am simply sharing to say this video helped ME combat against English majors who made me feel worthless for not having access to their diploma.

So to anyone feeling insecure today, you do not need a degree in the arts. Whether you want to be an author, an actor, a painter, a fashion designer, a poet. And I say this as someone whose greatest privilege and joy in life was getting a performing arts degree.

We must continue to prioritize art being accessible, value diverse backgrounds, and wish for it to be open and available to all. We must continue to treat art as subjective, and reject ideals that learning from a certain set of paid individuals makes all other opinions, choices, or ideas invalid.

There is no dollar amount I could give to a piece of paper that would make my mind, my intelligence, and my ability to organize and understand words in an impactful way that would make me more valid than I am today. There is no degree that could replace my work ethic, my empathy, my desire to write stories to do good. To give something to the world and help people survive in the ways that I had needed to survive.

Maybe I'll tell this story again one day, and it will help another young person with my background believe there may be more in life than the cards they were dealt. Maybe this will be the first and last time sharing these words. Maybe I'll never get another piece published, but will continue to write fanfic and poetry and prose pieces to share on the internet for free because I believe in my heart it is valuable. To look at myself, and my work, and deem myself worthy of my efforts and passion.

I am proud to be a member of the community of published writers without a degree.

I am even more proud to be a member of online fandoms full of writers, artists, creators, contributors and more who give their free time and energy towards something that does nothing more than make others happy.

So,

to the people who look at the stars and wish.

to the stars who listen— and the dreams that are answered,

this one is for you.

[wonbriiize]

wonbin‘s birth chart

(sun, moon, mercury, venus, mars)

note; nothing too serious, i’m not saying wonbin is actually like this, it’s all just for shits and giggles !! also, i’m not an astrologer or anything, i used to read about astrology a few years ago so i’m not that much in touch with it anymore. take this with a grain of salt !!

sun in pisces ♓︎

… the sun sign basically stands for your identity. it shows what sign has the most influence on you when it comes to experiencing your life and who you are as a person. people who have a sun in pisces are usually very intuitive, imaginative, compassionate and emotional. they are also known to be very talented artistically, which we know wonbin is. he may not show his emotional side a lot, but he seems to be very transparent about his feelings. whenever he feels bad he lets us know, whenever he feels like crying he says it out loud — he doesn’t actually cry but he shares how he wanted to — and whenever he’s happy you can see it. pisces are also big on comfort, so wonbin doesn’t necessary like change and would like to keep things the way he’s used to them. also, wonbin‘s sun in pisces is in the 10th house and this indicates that he is literally meant to be famous. he is meant to be an inspiration for a lot of people.

moon in libra ♎︎︎

… the moon is basically your subconsciousness, it’s who you are when no one is around. it is about how you feel and just the driving force behind your emotional reactions. people who have a libra moon tend to be very flirty, open-minded, diplomatic and well balanced. they look at situations from an objective pov, they want to get to know all the sides before choosing one (if they ever choose at all because libra placements are also very indecisive). they don’t like conflict or disharmony in their life so they try to avoid it as much as possible. wonbin has his moon in the 5th house which means that he’s trusting but still conscious, and safety is very important for him.

mercury in aquarius ♒︎

… the mercury placement is all about communication (expressing yourself etc.), how you learn and process information. wonbin’s mercury is in aquarius which indicates that he’s a very smart person, his way of thinking is kinda out of the box? and sometimes it’s hard for him to feel understood because of that. mercury aquarius people are also very observant and don’t hold back with their thoughts – they’re blunt. wonbin‘s mercury is in the 9th house which means that he might be interested in philosophy or other areas that include stimulating his knowledge. because aquarius placements are rather ‘uncomfortable’ talking about their feelings, they tend to avoid it, which makes it hard for them to express themselves when they actually have to (a lot of times they don’t even know how to express what they’re feeling).

venus in pisces ♓︎

… the venus sign is all about your aesthetic, how you love and want to be loved. wonbin having his venus in pisces indicates that he’s a very romantic and dreamy person when it comes to love. he yearns for a deep, sensual and a ‘soulmate-ish’ relationship. pisces placements are all known to be flirty and they sometimes just do it unconsciously, making a lot of people fall for them without even wanting to. venus pisces people have unconditional and non-judgmental love for their significant other. sometimes though, they are too blinded by the love, which makes them overlook the flaws or negative aspects of the relationship and it can end up being toxic for them. also, people often say that pisces placements have a ‘savior complex’ — they want someone who’s broken because they believe they can fix them (of course this isn’t always the case). venus pisces people are also escapists, they would rather live in their own world than face reality. they’re also very creative people, especially when their venus is in the 10th house (which is the case for wonbin).

mars in taurus ♉︎

… the mars sign is all about our desires, will, sensuality and how we react when we are facing an obstacle. wonbin has his mars sign in taurus which indicates that he is determined, steady and goal-oriented. he knows what he wants and he will work hard to accomplish it. these people also need stability and security in life, they aren’t very good with changes. generally though, they’re calm and easy-going (which we know wonbin is). it takes a lot for them to get angry. taurus mars people also tend to be jealous, not too extremely, but still, they can be kind of possessive. they’re sensual lovers, it’s all about passion and a meaningful build-up for them.. also when it comes to making love. taurus placements are usually known for being lazy, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work for what they want. they may do it slowly, yet steadily. as mentioned, wonbin is someone who knows what he wants and he will accomplish it, doesn’t matter if it’s going to take a long time, at the end of the day he will arrive at his goal (him being a trainee for like 4 years is an example for that).

summary

overall i can say; wonbin is someone who emphasizes security, comfort and stability in life a lot. he wants to feel safe and assured that everything is going according to plan. if something unexpected happens, it can throw him offguard. if he has to face big changes, he will do it but it’s going to take him a lot of courage. according to his placements, wonbin is also a very deep person; whether it comes to loving someone or his own emotions. he seeks to build meaningful relationships in his life, not just romantically but also platonically. even though his pisces venus indicates that he’s a dreamy person who may overlook his partners flaws, his other placements contradict it (especially his mercury aquarius and mars taurus) – he’s actually very selfaware and realistic. he doesn’t get angry easily, but jealousy might be a thing. wonbin is also very straightforward and says what’s on his mind but when it comes to expressing his own feelings, he kind of struggles with it. it’s like he can’t find the right words to do so, which frustrates him, but he will keep on trying. he’s incredibly talented when it comes to arts and he’s meant to pursue it, to build a career in this area so he can connect to a lot of people and inspire them.. which is exactly what he is doing.

[m1kad00]

How it would be like to be in a relationship with them (Cyberpunk 2077 Characters)

Characters included: Judy Álvarez, Young!Viktor Vektor, Muamar Reyes, Misty Olszewski

Reader: fem. reader for Judy, otherwise no pronouns mentioned :)

Judy Álvarez (fem. reader)

-Judy is a really REALLY good girlfriend

-literally the best romance option in the game

-she was probably a bit nervous to actually tell you she had feelings for you, because of her last relationships/crushes

-but after you assured her that you indeed loved her back she was over the moon!!

-date nights include going to her lake house and having a good time

-she wouldn't care for "fancy" dates, just you and her sitting on the roof of a house and just talking for hours

-she'd also invite you to go diving with her to show you her old hometown ("I'm picky about my girls" JAZGHDZABJSIGIB)

-Judy loves gifting you stuff and hanging out with you!

-she would gift you a BD she made of her favorite moments together (probably copied it too, because she also wanted to look at it

-she's a messy girl, won't put anything where it belongs

-but she's not lazy, she'll clean eventually (probably)

-she's the big spoon

Young!Viktor Vektor (gn reader)

-you first met him when you went to watch a boxing competition

-then you saw that GORGEOUS boxer with ENORMOUS talent

-he won the fight (pretty easily, even tho he doesn't even have any chrome)

-you went over to congratulate him and he was super friendly

-of course you went to his next competition, and to the one after that, and so on

-it got so bad (or good) that Vik was even expecting you

-he began to look forward to seeing you in the crowd

-it even felt like he was fighting just for your entertainment

-at some point he just asked you out, it was obvious you'd say yes

-you went on a few dates and eventually got together

-anyone from miles away could tell he was down BAD

-when he eventually got second place on one of his competitions he found the courage to tell you he'd stop boxing

-you were fine with it of course, it's his life after all

(Ripperdoc husband is better anyways lol)

Muamar Reyes (gn reader)

-let's be real, you were one of many

-he is a FINE man, had a lot of money and he was one of NC's well known fixers

-what more could a person want?

-he really thought he wasn't the one to settle down, until you entered his life

-normaly you wouldv'e just been another merc

-but there was something about you..

-he probably confessed to you, and you returned his feelings

-after you started dating you guys spent more and more time together

-you watching him fix cars, driving around NC or just chilling together at his place

-he's a cocky bastard, so you would have a few arguments over little simple things, but you would eventually forgive him because he's just an sarcastic ass most of the time

-but when you both are overlooking Santo Domingo, without anyone disturbing you two he'd eventually talk about his feelings and how much he loves you

-also he would tell you about his life growing up in Santo, becoming a corpo and then eventually turning into his now-self

-he also would like to have kids at some point, but if you don't want any he's also okay with that (he'd also be fine with adopting)

Misty Olszewski (gn reader)

-she's a super sweet girl!!

-she met you months after Jackies death

-Misty never would have thought she'd get over what happened to him

-but there you were, listening to her problems and taking things slowly

-so after a while, you two fell in love

-you guys could talk for hours on end about the most random things

-also random tarot-board dates and doing silly stuff!

-she'd also read your futures and would teach you to read hers

-she's SUCH an artsy girl (trust me)

-you two would upsycle thrifted chlothes and do random Trends, like the one where you make bracelets based on the others eye color or the Trend where you paint eachother

-she has a thing for plants and candles

-your shared apartment is FULL of them (also those Fragance sticks)

-it constantly smells like a perfume shop

-she's a cat person, you guys would have a black cat 100% (if they'd still exist)

[valyrfia]

what's your top 5 best drivers on the grid (based on pure skill, not cars)

Excellent question anon. Let's get to it.

5. Oscar Piastri

A bold choice perhaps considering he's one of the greenest on the grid still, but Oscar is a future WDC. His attitude and approach to the sport is cool, calm, collected and reeks of a future WDC. The mental aspect is such a large part of F1, I mean, look at his teammate for example. Lando is a brilliant driver but he can't seem to overcome a mental block he has to being in P1. Oscar, on the other hand, seems almost unfazed at the idea of winning, or if he has an issue with the car he seems almost zen about it, still trying to drive to the best of his ability. And Oscar has ability, lest we forget his pedigree as F3 and F2 champion in his rookie seasons. I think Oscar will ultimately have to move teams in order to mount a proper WDC campaign, since McLaren have made it fairly clear they'd prefer to centre Lando, but I have no doubt that from 2027 onwards Oscar will be competing for WDCs.

4. Fernando Alonso

Crazy consistent and he's our beloved Shakesperean villain who just can't seem to die. He puts that Aston in places it should not be and can still pull off some pretty insane racing (his overtake on Checo in Brazil 2023?). He's still got it. Nothing more to be said really.

3. Lewis Hamilton

I physically could not place the GOAT, the greatest driver this sport has ever seen anywhere outside the top three. In fact, the only reason why he's not higher is because P1 and P2 are younger and have the benefit of having easily a decade to improve their skill further. But make no mistake, Lewis Hamilton is the greatest of them all. He's had a rocky couple of years with Merc, and I honestly think his results now are just a reflection of his and Merc's relationship breaking down and should not be taken as a deterioration in skill. I have no doubt that from next year, we will start to see Lewis wins again and maybe even a WDC campaign in 2026.

2. Charles Leclerc

We all know my heavy Charles bias is a thing that exists, but Charles is truly probably the most naturally talented driver on the grid at the moment. The way he handled that brake balance in Bahrain when probably any other driver, save the two others in the top three here, would've had to DNF. Charles's F2 season was also absolutely insane, to the point that he was drug tested more than any other driver IN THE PADDOCK (F1 included) in 2017 because the FIA were convinced he must be cheating. The hype around Charles is justified and true, and the ONLY reason why he doesn't have a WDC yet is Mattia Binotto. But I truly think 2025 could be a year for a Charles WDC, for reasons ranging from Red Bull hitting a development ceiling and Lewis Hamilton drawing in an insane amount of talent to the Scuderia. I think in a lot of ways some of the drives that Charles pulls off get overlooked because he makes them look so effortless and easy. He will be the next driver to win a WDC, make no mistake, and with the way that Fred Vasseur is setting up Ferrari, I think it's likely that we will see a period of crazy Charles Leclerc dominance before this decade is done.

Max Verstappen

I debated between Charles and Max for n1, but ultimately I think Max's consistency speaks for itself. I mean, he's won from the most positions (P1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14), and has an average race placement of 1.27 last year. Yes, Max has had the gift of a consistent car and a brilliant team for the past few years, but even before he started his crazy winning streak, his average race finishing position minus DNFs was 3rd in 2020. Max is on peak form right now, and to place him anywhere other than first would be ridiculous.

[ericdeggans]

Why hoping Lily Gladstone won an Oscar does not equal valuing race over talent.

Social media is never a great place to have discussions about race and culture. The real issues at hand are way too nuanced and detailed for outrage factories like X/Twitter and Instagram to handle.

Still, I was disappointed to see so many people – perhaps willfully – missing the point online when discussion rose after the Oscars about Lily Gladstone failing to win best actress honors.

No doubt, a win for Gladstone – who would have been the first Native American woman to earn a major acting Oscar – also would have felt like a serious triumph for champions touting the power of diversity in film.

Feeling the love big time today, especially from Indian Country. Kittō”kuniikaakomimmō”po’waw - seriously, I love you all ❤️ (Better believe when I was leaving the Dolby Theater and walked passed the big Oscar statue I gave that golden booty a little Coup tap - Count: one 😉)

— Lily Gladstone (@lily_gladstone) March 12, 2024

Those of us who clock these things regularly knew that Emma Stone’s turn in Poor Things was most likely to spoil that scenario. Stone offered a showy-yet-accomplished performance as a singular character in an ambitious, creatively weird production. A much-loved past winner delivering a career-best effort, she was just the kind of nominee that Oscar loves to reward. And, as Vulture pointed out, modern Oscar voters seem to enjoy turning against expectations in big moments like this.

But when I expressed those feelings online – that Stone was marvelous and more than earned the award, but the Oscar academy really missed a chance to make history by overlooking Gladstone’s more subtle, quietly powerful turn in a better movie – the knives came out.

The gist of most negative reactions was the implication that I and others lamenting her loss were insisting that ethnicity should trump talent. As if the only or most important reason that an indigenous woman could be nominated for such a lofty award, is by people trying to bring social justice to the Oscars. (I guess Gladstone’s wins as best actress at the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild awards, among others, were also nods to diversity?)

As if it couldn’t be possible that perhaps -- just perhaps -- some racial cultural preferences were mixed up in Oscar voters’ attraction to the story of a beautiful, young white woman who has loads of sex while learning to define herself in a male dominated world.

What really disappointed me, however, was reading an analysis which reached all the way back to the 2017 Oscars to imply that one reason Barry Jenkins’ masterpiece Moonlight won best picture honors over La La Land was the pressure to bring social justice to the Oscars.

Talk about missing the point by a mile. What I’m driving at, when I advocate for contenders like Gladstone, Barry Jenkins and Jeffrey Wright, isn’t a finger on the scale to make up for past exclusion.

It’s a plea for Oscar voters to see these performances the way I and so many other people actually see them.

I still remember watching last year’s version of The Color Purple in a screening alongside lots of folks from Black fraternity and sorority organizations. And when the moment arrived where Danielle Brooks’ character intoned about her husband, “I loves Harpo — God knows I do — but I’ll kill him dead before I let him or anybody beat me,” it felt like the whole theater said those words with her. That’s how iconic those lines -- first spoken on film by Oprah Winfrey in the 1985 production – have become for Black America.

That same feeling came after I first saw Cord Jefferson’s brilliant American Fiction, centered on a frustrated, floundering Black writer who creates a stereotypical parody of a Black novel as a dark joke, only to see it become a best seller. I felt as if Jefferson had pulled the same bait-and-switch with his movie that his lead character managed onscreen – using the outrageous premise to draw us all into a more subtle and deliberately powerful story of a Black man struggling to connect with his family after huge losses.

I needed three attempts to get through watching all of Gladstone’s work in Killers of the Flower Moon. Not because the movie was so long I had to “get my mail forwarded to the theater,” like Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel joked. But because it was so hard for me to watch a film centered on the historic exploitation and murder of Native American people by white men.

It sounds like a simple idea, but it’s worth repeating: evocative moments in films will speak differently to different people.

Sometimes, when I’m pushing for a win in an awards category, or championing a particular project, it’s not because I’m putting a finger on the scale for the sake of equality. It’s because I’m more invested in that story than some others because of who I am. And I’m challenging some people, who might not see their cultural preferences as preferences, to consider exactly why they love one thing over another.

In many ways, it is sad to see great artists pitted against each other in these contests. Comparing the delightful, dangerous absurdity of Poor Things to the gritty, punishing tone in Killers of the Flower Moon feels like a fool’s errand, anyway.

But with so much that comes from an Oscar win – including proof that inclusion brings success, accolades and a great argument for more equity – it is important to understand why some people value some performances.

And part of living in a diverse society means valuing the wide range of opinions and reactions, not shrugging off those that don’t fit your worldview.

[arcielee]

Interview With a Writer

Thank you again @inthedayswhenlandswerefew for continue the Maggie's Suffering Sundays tradition with a behind-the-scenes on her latest story! As always, here is masterlist to my Interview With a Writer series and the other talented individuals who allow me to continue this self-indulgent series! 💜

Name: inthedayswhenlandswerefew

Story: Napoleonville

Paring: modern Aemond Targaryen x female!reader

Warnings: 18+ mature themes. Be mindful of chapter warnings.

What inspired the plotline for Napoleonville?

I’ve always thought that bayou country (and the Deep South in general) has a fascinating, slightly unnerving, ancient sort of beauty, and I had a vague idea that I’d use it as a setting for a fic one day. I actually wrote a short story in college that took place in rural Louisiana (it involved fraternities and murder, sounds like me, right? 😂) and really loved the experience of mentally living in that setting for a while.

One day I was thinking about this preoccupation I have with Louisiana while listening to You’re Wrong About, a podcast I really love. They have a 5-episode miniseries about Princess Diana that is super informative and also hilarious, and I go back and re-listen to those episodes a few times a year because I enjoy them so much. So the plot of Napoleonville was a marriage (pun intended) of these two seemingly random, disconnected inspirations!

I think I imagined the story as taking place in the 80s primarily because of the Princess Diana connection, but also I’m super obsessed with 80s music and fashion, so I’m sure that was a contributing factor. 😁

My Pinterest board for this series was called "Swamplands" and featured a LOT of retro 80s photos, as well as plenty of alligators and baking recipes, of course!

I sadly did not yet exist in the 80s, so extensive research was necessary.

Explain your interpretation of Aemond. What drives him? Why is he the way he is in Napoleonville?

To me, Aemond seems a lot like Prince Charles in the 80s. He’s very image-conscious and dutiful, but also deeply insecure and unhappy, and he has a secret scandalous life that serves as his escape from the emotionally devoid reality that has been chosen for him.

Aemond is at peace when he gets to feel like he’s in control, but he’s also just fundamentally starved for genuine affection, and those are things that he needs—even in secret, and even in small doses—in order to survive the stifling, relentless demands of being the heir to the Jade Dragon Energy dynasty.

Did you already have an idea of how you wanted the Targaryen family dynamic to be in Napoleonville?

In most of my fics, Viserys is either dying/dead or super distant, so I liked being able to get a sense of how the family would function if Viserys was alive and well and at least somewhat present.

He’s this dark cloud of a patriarch whenever he jets into town from his latest business trip, reminding every member of the family how they’ve disappointed him: Alicent is an unlovable wife, Aegon an embarrassment of a son, Aemond an overlooked middle child always trying to prove himself (at the risk of both his mental and physical health), and then Helaena and Daeron are barely even on his radar.

When Viserys is away, the family seems a bit happier, lazing around the pool and distracting themselves with a variety of hobbies and substances. I think the fact that Aemond picked up smoking Marlboros from Alicent—and then she shared them with Christabel as well—is very indicative about how a dynamic like this is generational. Parents suffer, and then their children develop maladaptive behaviors to survive in that environment, and then they grow up to recreate it because that’s all they know.

With Viserys still around, Otto became a different character, and this version of Otto Hightower was really fun to write. I imagined him as someone who was once a determined social striver and now—burned-out and somewhat aware that all his ambitions led to nothing but misery—has become a bit of a nihilist and is content to spend what remains of his life on a beach in the South Pacific.

Can you give us the "dad dynamic" comparison of Aemond and Willis?

Aemond, while emotionally kind of clueless, is definitely aware that he had a bad childhood and doesn't want any other kids to have to feel that way.

Also Aemond, unlike Willis, is socially open-minded. He has this fascination with scrappy underdogs who manage to take bad circumstances and make something meaningful out of them, undoubtedly because that’s deep down how he’s always felt: like someone harmed and overlooked, yet a constant striver.

When Aemond first meets Cupcake, there is a level of chemistry and attraction that he didn’t expect (although he certainly has always hoped for it), and he realizes almost immediately that this will be more than a one-time hookup and treats Cupcake accordingly. Then as he begins to learn more about her, his admiration and affection grows.

Cupcake is unassuming and yet nontraditional and defiant in the face of adversity, exactly the sort of person that Aemond respects most. He feels that—like himself, although in very different ways—Cupcake was also robbed of the agency she deserved and wronged by people who should have had her best interests at heart. Viserys was responsible for Aemond’s lost eye; Willis—in Aemond’s mind—was responsible for Cupcake’s loss of control over her body, and the loss of her educational opportunities as well. Aemond doesn’t hate Willis because he used to be married to Cupcake. He hates Willis because he consigned Cupcake to a life that was less than she deserved.

Aemond gets along so well with Cadi because, simply put, he treats her like a human. He is intrigued by her obstinate personality and pays attention to her interests, even if she’s just a kid; Aemond remembers being chronically ignored as a child, and he sees children as being fully sentient in a way that a lot of 80s parents didn’t. Since he isn’t much of a traditionalist, Aemond doesn’t care if Cadi has short hair or dresses primarily in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirts. Similarly, Aemond is not fazed that Amir is gay, and I’m sure the fact that Aemond is European has a lot to do with that. Aemond is definitely not a rural Louisianan at heart!

Willis, by the standards of the time and place, is actually a relatively decent dad; he cares about spending time with Cadi and has negotiated a schedule where he has custody three days a week, which is (sadly) way more time than a lot of dads spend with their kids! We learn in Chapter 10 that a huge source of anxiety for him has been his fear of Cupcake meeting someone who will take her and Cadi far away from Napoleonville, and thus from Willis. He also invests in certain activities that he and Cadi enjoy doing together, like boating/fishing. Willis may have a very traditional, conservative view of gender roles—and life in general—and he doesn’t always take Cadi’s interests seriously, but he isn’t an awful guy.

Although his mullet is definitely awful.

What was your favorite moment of this series?

The first vivid scene I envisioned for Napoleonville was Aemond asking Cupcake to marry him under a massive southern live oak after abandoning his wedding to Christabel—the Princess Diana of this story—but I’m not sure if I can call that my favorite moment. I was really excited to write Chapter 6 because of Aemond jumping into the alligator-filled water to rescue Cupcake, but as much as I loved it I don’t think that’s my favorite scene either.

My favorite scenes tend to be small, quiet moments, probably things that don’t stand out to anyone else. I think my absolute favorite scene of Napoleonville is in Chapter 7 when Cupcake is in bed with a migraine—sad, stressed, missing Aemond but also furious with him, reflecting on never feeling chosen, fearful of Cadi one day leaving her—and Aemond shows up and is just super gentle and kind and apologetic for the way he was the last time they saw each other.

They’re two people who are both in a lot of pain, both physically and emotionally, and they desperately want to help each other even if they aren’t sure how.

Speaking of Chapter 6, do you have an idea how it went between Aemond, Aegon, and Willis on the boat once they realized Cupcake was overboard?

Oh yeah! It all unfolded within a few seconds, so it was super quick. How I saw it happening is that Cupcake goes overboard, and all three men hear the splash and then turn around to see she’s gone.

Aegon is thinking “RIP cake lady,” because he certainly has no idea what to do about it and would sooner chew off his own arm than jump in that water. Willis scrambles to grab ropes, etc. to at least try to help her back into the boat. And then Willis starts giving Aemond orders and as he’s shouting, Aemond just dives into the bayou and Willis and Aegon are left staring at each other like “???” 😂

Aegon was so much fun in this story. I loved the relationship between him and Aemond.

I think we all know by now that I'm an Aegon girlie, and so of course Napoleonville Aegon had to have an opportunity to shine!

This is the first series since my HOTD debut (Have You No Idea That You’re In Deep?) that Aegon and the protagonist have no romantic relationship, but they still develop a friendship and fondness for each other that I think is really healing for Aegon. He has resigned himself to being the failure of the family, and is an afterthought in the Targaryen household (and to his wife, Princess Stephanie of Monaco).

Even Aemond, who Aegon loves and admires (even if Aegon is not very good at expressing this), is oftentimes preoccupied and emotionally closed-off. But Cupcake remembers Aegon and tries to make him feel included when she starts showing up at the mansion. She can't resist a sad, maligned outcast!

Were there any other characters in your story that you enjoyed writing?

Of course I loved writing Amir, Willis, and Cadi, but I think the character I grew the most unexpectedly attached to was Christabel.

She's so young and idealistic, and although she is Cupcake's rival of sorts, she is pretty impossible to hate because she never does anything wrong. Christabel is an Aemond fangirl who expresses emotions openly, even when no one around her does. She wants a real relationship with him and does everything in her power to please her fiancé and make him proud of her. And Christabel is aware on some level that things aren't right, but everyone else in her life is trying to gaslight her into thinking that all courtships and marriages are like this.

All these details are true for the real Princess Diana as well. Even years into her marriage when things were clearly dire, Diana would still choose outfits based on what Charles might think she looked good in. She spent so long trying to earn her husband's love, but it was an impossible (and agonizing) mission. Fortunately for Christabel, she didn't have to endure 15 years of torment before breaking free.

Do you feel Reader and Aemond complement one another well?

Absolutely! On a superficial (and kinky) level, Aemond likes being in control and Cupcake likes being able to rely on someone else to make trustworthy decisions, so in that sense they're a perfect match. But they also just genuinely get along well and are able to understand each other.

From the very first meeting, Aemond can tell when Cupcake is nervous, and she can tell that he's wearing his authoritative confidence like armor, and they both adjust to try to make the other feel at ease. Furthermore, Cupcake might be a high school dropout, but she is not dumb. She lacks academic training (and is often self-conscious about not knowing certain words or references), but she's a naturally clever person who can keep up with Aemond intellectually and pick out inconsistencies in his logic (as there are MANY!).

Finally, the life Cupcake has built for herself in Napoleonville is simple but has true warmth and love, something that Aemond needs.

Was there anything in specific that inspired your Reader portrayal?

So I very rarely write a Reader with a specific inspiration in mind, but I do have one for Cupcake. You'll probably think I'm insane at first, but Cupcake is inspired by my grandma.

My grandma was born in rural Western Maryland in 1945, and her family was so poor they didn't even have indoor plumbing. She was considered very beautiful and very clever and she had all these dreams about what she wanted to do with her life. Then when she was sixteen, she got pregnant and had to drop out of high school and marry my grandfather, because that's what people did back then. She wasn't given any other options.

They ended up moving to an urban area and my grandma became a real estate agent, and by any outsider's perspective she had a normal, happy, all-American existence. But my grandma also endured decades of domestic violence, substance abuse, and profound dissatisfaction with her life. This environment was not good for the children, both of whom (my aunt and dad) developed severe mental illnesses that they still struggle with to this day. My grandma was a very tenacious, passionate person and open with me about how she felt she'd never been treated right by a man, and I was a little too young then to fully understand what she meant. She passed away in 2018 after a long battle with cancer, and I think about her a lot, and I wanted Cupcake to be someone who broke free and got the fairytale ending that my grandma (and so many other women) never had.

What is next for Maggie's Suffering Sundays?

I am delighted to say that there is a new series on the way soon!

I'm not sure EXACTLY when it will be ready, because I want the rollout to be a little different this time (you'll see what I mean... 👀), but I've already begun writing. I believe there will be 12 chapters total, and 12 is a significant number! In terms of vibes, I think this new series is most similar to Now I’m Covered In You.

I hope you love it. 🥰

[aduckinpain]

I was tagged by the amazing @paint-it-red-and-black for this and I found it so adorable I had to do it!

Use this link to make your own F1 Wrapped!

DRIVERS:

1. Charles Leclerc

The world may be unraveled and built again and I will still choose this man as my top driver. While admittedly at first I was captivated by his looks, I soon started genuinely enjoying this sport. Doing so allowed me to look into his story and by God is it something straight out of a book. His mentality to learn and remember everyone he's lost and fight for them while selflessly sacrificing himself for their wishes is something I couldn't fathom in a lifetime. And yet he does fight for himself and he does it viciously. He is one of the best, one of the only who I think with a competitive car could give Max a fight and win, and I need to see him spread his full potential. I am convinced that if this man doesn't win a World Championship then F1 is unachievable and Ferrari will destroy their own legend. You cannot just find another Charles Leclerc.

Also his dichotomy is insane. He's so chaotic it makes him incredibly entertaining.

If Charles Leclerc has one fan, it's me.

If Charles Leclerc has no fans, I'm dead.

2. Lando Norris

Admittedly I completely overlooked this man for about 2 months. Absolutely no second glance he wasn't interesting enough for me.

I repent for my mistake as he's consumed my waking days and nights. An absolute talent that stemmed from hard work. His second part of the season was to die for, I believe he as well, is one of the people that could fight Max for a championship. So young as well, and even if he managed to get there slowly because of his father, he tried to make it as realistic as he could. Staying a year just getting coffee orders while he's shaking in his boots for every interviews. A genuine sweetheart that deserves every good thing. I hate how self-critical he seems to be . He needs that win, he CAN win. In 2024 maiden victory for Lando Norris come on.

3. Max Verstappen

Everything, and I mean everything that this man has achieved, is deserved. Every win, every record broken, every championship was his. Because he is a generational talent, he is someone worthy. His past absolutely destroys me, especially seeing that he is in contact with his father still, but I can understand the way he thinks. Still what he went through in childhood is no excuse for the success he has now. This man is the sweetest, kindest person I've seen. He's grown so much over the years from what I can tell and he treats everyone so equally. From past temporary teammates, to rivals. A genuine joy to be around I want to give him a hug every day and tell him that he is special. Red Bull's second golden boy but also mine.

4. Oscar Piastri

At first glance, according to people I know, I look like this man. The bangs don't help, neither does the fact that I act similarly. However I will never complain if it means I can work hard and earn the success he's had in his first year in F1. When I say wow for him, I mean it. Showstopping performance. This man will be a Champion one day he has to. Absolute down to earth guy as well but I love when I see his competitive spirit shove its head between the calm walls. It's always the quiet ones and I'd know as I am one.

5. Alexander Albon

For fifth place I could've chosen a lot of people as I genuinely really like the current grid (with a few exceptions). But Alex is amazing. Truly believe that if you put him in a competitive car he'd bring miracles. He's put that Williams in places it never dreamed of driving around. One of the most talented drivers on the grid and his personality is to die for. So so nice and lovely genuinely.

RACES:

1. Las Vegas

I hated Las Vegas. Honestly still kinda do in a lot of aspects. But the race was the best. Charles definitely deserved that win and Max's penalty was too little, but a race is a race, it doesn't matter how you win it as long as you do. Charles' driving however was absolutely phenomenal. That overtake on Checo was borderline the most exhilarating thing I could ever feel. I was so shocked when I saw it, it took me a good 5 min to collect myself.

2. Singapore

While Carlos may not be on my list, the win he had in Singapore was well-deserved and amazingly iconic. I don't think I'll ever get over my confusion of hearing this mf say it's on purpose corresponding to Lando's DRS. that's the sexiest thing this man has done. That Carlando podium added extra years to my life. Their hugs and the champagne were the sweetest things ever. And Lando's pics from the podium were very um.......👁️👁️

3. Mexico

Very simple. Lando P17 to P5. Phenomenal driving. After the Austin GP disqualification. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton on the podium? Exactly what I wished for. Brought my boy back from the slump that's called the 2023 F1 season.

4. Qatar

Now to be clear, I hated Qatar. I will hate Qatar and I hate Qatar. It was absolutely inhumane and there should've been different precautions or the race time should've changed because I don't care that these drivers are trained, that was actual torture. So when I say Qatar as my 4th favorite, I mean the sprint race.

Oscar Piastri the man that you are and the man that you will be. Rookie season and won a Sprint race. I know you will be great and I cannot wait for your future.

I do dislike how they overshadowed his win with Max's championship. While I understand the celebration, he was going to celebrate at the end of the season as well. All in all, I'm happy for both of them.

5. Suzuka

My reasoning for this is even simpler. If you ever need to know my weak point, just look at the number of reoccurring driver things I have in my room. You will find an outstanding amount of Sebastian Vettels everywhere. On a shirt, in my phone, on my phone, on my wall and more to come. My reason for this is just his little bee project and how much I adored seeing him in his little corner waving his flags and the bee activity he did the day before. Everybody loves Sebastian Vettel. As they should.

RACES WATCHED: 12/22

Now I got into F1 during the summer break, which is the reason I wasn't able to see half of the races. However I am grateful purely because I don't think I could've experienced Charles Leclerc losing his grasp over the championship and Sebastian Vettel's retirement in 2022. That would've been my actual breaking point. And I saw a Max dominant season yes, however I saw half of it and most of the races were very entertaining still. I love Max too so.

TOP TEAM:

My genuine choices for this were McLaren, Red Bull and Williams.

I went for McLaren because of their amazing driver lineup, improvement over the second part of the season and really cool pit stops.

Red Bull however has been unbeatable and I will give them all the credit. The strategies, the pit stops, the wins, everything. Phenomenal

Williams grew on me quickly after Qatar. While the car may be frankly, shit, the team seems incredibly put together and I adore that they gave Logan a second chance. Also that they put the well being of their drivers first. James Vowles adopt me.

Thank you so so much for this, it was incredibly entertaining!!

If you want pushki do the same @h4mmert1me . I know most of your opinions tho <3

[not-that-syndrigast]

“Paul Aron deserves an F1 seat!”

That’s a quote we’ve all seen thrown around on various social media platforms, and I think we need to talk about it.

For the record, this statement was made especially often up until the beginning of July when he had the most points in the F2 championship standings, people were convinced he would win it and many people were saying that F2 champions deserve an F1 seat. I see a slight problem with that statement, which I really think should be discussed more.

First of all, as mentioned, this statement about Aron winning was made before the end of the season. Right now he’s ‘only’ third, which is not unusual for F2, since points are a lot closer and we still have four rounds left so he technically could still win. The reason why many people say the winners (or those that were close to winning the championship) should get an F1 seat is because officially, F2 is a spec series where all cars are the same so you’d think the championship standings are a reflection of talent only. Sadly, this is not quite true.

The first thing that keeps F2 from being a proper spec series is the mecachrome engine that has been consistently inconsistent, becoming a meme in itself for being so bad. Aron was pretty lucky, up until Silverstone, he was the only driver that did not suffer any retirements and as mentioned, the points are super close, so one retirement can push someone far back in the standings as we see with Aron. 

Second of all; in F2 crashes are a lot more likely. Out of the 28 Sprint and feature races this year, in only three of those no one retired, on average there are 2.4 DNFs per race, it would take years to imagine all the possible outcomes had cars not been crashed. Again, Aron not having a single DNF in comparison to other drivers was a lot of luck.

Let’s talk about driving and I fear I must mention this now; I like Aron, I really do, I think he’s a good driver and deserves to get far in motorsports but I think his treatment in comparison to other drivers is a bit unfair. He did some good moves this season, scoring points pretty consistently but he’s one of the top 12 in the points right now that has not won a race yet. I’m aware wins aren't everything and it probably possible to win the championship without a win but I think as of now, his driving isn't yet on the level to compete in F1 and keep in mind; i’m just some fan, while the teams that in the end decide who drives for them have a lot more data and can analyze a lot better if he is suited to drive their cars.

I do not want to be mean about this, but i do think that there are quite a few of his fans that are very biased when it comes to him because he is genuinely a great guy, i would love to see him in F1, but i’m not a fan of the way he is pitted against other drivers like Hadjar who have shown better driving skills that i think are more suited for F1 but have less fans. 

Last but not least, this is all meant in (even if critical) good fun and analyzing. I’d be happy if someone wants to show me where I may have made a mistake or overlooked talent from him. 

[cal100]

Roronoa Zoro is laughably bad at minigolf

hi!! just some silly fluff of Sanji and Zoro on a date, hope you enjoy!!

Zoro raised an eyebrow at the giant T.Rex who stood overlooking the entrance to the mini golf course. He still wasn’t sure about this whole affair, but Sanji had insisted it would be fun. Sanji had also provoked his competitive side by saying he would beat Zoro. “Hurry up! I want to get something to drink before we start.” Sanji grabbed Zoro’s hand and started dragging him to the ticket booth.

Five holes in and Zoro was losing horrifically; having successfully only scored one point. He had already lost three balls and had been forced to pay for extras. He was seething. “I thought a kendo champion would have better hand-eye coordination,” Sanji teased while smirking at him. Zoro rolled his eyes and didn’t dignify his boyfriend with a response. They arrived at the next hole which featured a large rock with a statue of another dinosaur perched atop it. He had to score another point. He couldn’t take the shame of losing at mini golf to his irritatingly handsome and talented partner.

He put his bright green ball on the ground and aimed so it would bounce and go around the giant rock. Unfortunately, no such thing occurred as his ball hit the edge and spun off widely causing it to totally miss the hole. After three more shots he finally managed to score another point but knew that Sanji would get the ball in after only one or two shots and get a point as well. He was correct and Sanji began to gloat once he scored.

“Only 3 more holes and I’ll win. I think you should pay for our dinner once I beat you,” Sanji taunted.

“Sure but I get to pick the restaurant,” Zoro acquiesced.

“I get veto power though because you have no taste, mon tigre.” Sanji said almost meanly but Zoro could hear the fondness in his voice.

“Hm, ok, I can accept that.” Zoro smirked at his partner’s confidence.

They finished their final three holes and, as he had predicted Sanji won. Fortunately, he celebrated graciously with only a few taunting remarks thrown Zoro's way. They gave the putters and balls back to the employee in the ticket booth and headed back out to the parking lot.

After fifteen whole minutes spent sitting in the parking lot arguing about where to eat, the two eventually settled on a little Mediterranean place Sanji liked. Zoro then listened to Sanji talk about his favorite ways to prepare lamb for the entire thirty-minute drive, but he didn’t mind. He liked that even for all their play fighting Sanji still felt comfortable enough to talk his ears off.

Once they got to the restaurant Zoro let his boyfriend order for him like he always did. Sanji knew what he liked, and it was just easier than trying to pick something.

“Thanks for paying for dinner mon chu.” Sanji kissed Zoro on the cheek. Zoro hummed in response as they walked out to the car. He looked up at the sky and noticed that the stars seemed to be especially bright tonight and an idea struck him. Zoro pulled out his phone and started playing a slow song he knew Sanji loved. He stopped Sanji from opening the car door and put his phone on the hood. His date raised a curly eyebrow in confusion, and Zoro felt his face darken as he blushed.

“Uh, I thought maybe you would want to dance a little..." Zoro trails off and rubs a hand behind his neck. Sanji grins at him softly. "Y'know since the stars look so nice tonight or whatever.-, Zoro turned his head so he didn’t have to look at Sanji when he surely started making fun of him.

“That’s really sweet, my love. I would love to dance with you.” Zoro looked at his boyfriend who was smiling adoringly at him. Hesitantly they began to dance with Sanji taking the lead. Zoro had never thought of himself as a very good dancer, but it felt almost natural in that dimly lit parking lot with the person he loved most. The stars seemed to shine brighter than ever before that night.

[herrlindemann]

Sonic Seducer, 2013 - interview with Till

Thanks to Ramjohn for the scans!

Being Till Lindemann, being a Rammstein: For almost twenty years now, the Leipzig-born Berliner by choice has been rocking and shocking the masses worldwide as the chronically oil-smeared frontman of one of the most controversial metal bands of all time. All too often, the quiet, introverted side of the multi-talented all-round artist, who is publishing his second volume of poetry with 'In stillen Nächten', is overlooked in the sparkling special effects battle. Till Lindemann on love and drives, the fascination of the ugly and the proverbial strawberry on the cherry on top.

The real quintessence of the new volume of poetry can be found at the end in the two-liner 'Kunst': "It's very good when someone understands your art.” It's actually a surprising statement - with your lyrics, one always had the feeling that you were deliberately aiming for a certain, provocative misunderstanding.

I'm talking about the art as a whole, not the content it transports. You don't have to be able to interpret or understand content. You hear or see something that is supposed to trigger a reaction in you. Only then do you form your own picture, your own thoughts about it. But first you have to deal with art, that is, allow art; find their own access.

How has your poetry changed since the publication of your 2002 debut writer, Messer? Today everything seems a little more abstract, darker and evil.

I don't think so at all! I see myself more in the tradition of a craftsman: my craft — i.e. poetry — is much finer, more mature and much better worked out today. If I compare the new things with the earlier poems, everything is much clearer and more settled today. Back then everything was more playful and open. And the fact that the poems sound badder today certainly has something to do with getting older (laughs out loud).

In general, the new pieces have a lot to do with age and the fear of getting older.

In any case. I edited the first book with my friend Gert Hof, who has unfortunately died in the meantime. It was just fun: we drove together to an old factory where mannequins were made. We could really let off steam there; I even dragged home quite a few dolls. Now, looking back after ten years, it was just funny nonsense that we drove back then. The whole book was done in a rather grand manner and doesn't even begin to have the seriousness of the new volume. What I had in mind from the start today was a book for the buttocks — a little book of poetry for the shelf and the woman's purse.

Your father is the GDR children's book author and writer Werner Lindemann, your mother is the culture journalist Brigitte Lindemann. Against this home background, do you see yourself in a certain writing tradition?

Not at all. On the contrary: I can understand artists with well-known parents very well, who constantly have to justify themselves for a supposed legacy. I think you can clearly see that I'm not following my parents' tradition at all. There are many differences between my parents' work and mine. Every son probably tries in one way or another to make his father proud. But in my case certainly not because I would want to continue his work.

Just like 'Messer', 'In stillen Nächten' is basically about the primal urges: about sex and killing. What did you learn about yourself while writing the lyrics?

I don't want to know anything about myself! I try to keep myself out of my own frame as much as possible. It's too dangerous for me to look inside myself. I have a lid over my psyche that is sealed and barred. What I write is completely detached from the private person Till Lindemann. I can just call up certain things very well and sit on this lid — that's quite enough.

You seem to find it extremely difficult to write poems about true, sincere love. A topic that you are rather uncomfortable with and that you intentionally hide behind a lot of cynicism?

The pronounced cynicism probably has something to do with the fact that I view this topic very critically. Death and destruction are incontrovertible facts to be taken as they come. It's different with love. Love is a playing field without borders. The question is: where does it work? Where does love endure and what is it anyway?

Where is it then, love? You seem to have found it!

We are all constantly looking for love. Once you've found it, you always have to see what becomes of it. With love it is like with the fear of flying: you know that the thing is actually safe. However, it could still crash. Everyone knows from experience that there are no guarantees in life. Falling in love unconditionally is very difficult. 80 percent of all songs revolve around this topic - regardless of whether it's pop or death metal. But you shouldn't put my texts on the gold scales either. Everything I write are snapshots, some of which are very good or very bad. You sublimate your thoughts, your anger or your friends with a few lines. You compensate for feelings because it is good for you. And of course it is also self-therapy.

Speaking of self-therapy: Off the stage you are extremely reserved, almost shy. Is your work with Rammstein part of this self-therapy?

I actually only became Rammstein's singer by accident. Originally I was a drummer, which I really liked. Nice in the back, in the second row, unobserved on the drum kit, without attracting much attention. And even then, my knees always trembled when I performed. The change to the frontman was an extremely difficult transition for me. One that I still find difficult every time.

Then why do you keep doing it to yourself?

It's like electricity to a machine — it just won't run without electricity. I fit into certain workflows; just like my bandmates. Some like it more, others less.

A life without Rammstein - conceivable for you?

Not anymore. Eventually you become what you do and who you portray. Ten years ago I would have said immediately that I could very well imagine life without the band - today the band has become my life. I'm amazed by the fact that even after twenty years we still treat each other like friends. We've never hit each other in the mouth; we argue a lot - and often very nasty and really mean and mean - but at the same time we are extremely attached to each other. That's how love should be! Rammstein is like a very long marriage between six people.

Back to the book: Both your Rammstein lyrics and the poems always play in a kind of mixed sphere somewhere between the Till Lindemann cosmos and the world outside.

I see myself more as an observer who satisfies the audience's curiosity. I just paint what's going on in the world a little bloodier. As in 'Mein ‘teil for example. The basic evil, the cream, exists anyway. In my lyrics I just put the strawberry on top. As morbid as it is, of course I'm very happy about such stories because they give me a lot of fodder for the lyrics. I soak it all up; sometimes to the point of disgust.

Some of the poems in 'In stillen Nächten' seem disturbingly deconstructed. To what extent is it also about a kind of destructive beauty?

That depends on the poem. Sometimes it sounds so corny that it can be a good thing to just smash the rhyme and break it. Sometimes that's actually what makes it all the more appealing. In other cases, it's all about the beautiful beauty. Sometimes a beautiful frame saves an ugly picture, sometimes it's the other way around. It is best when both harmonize.

[alwaysjustmina]

In anticipation of posting more chapters of Whispers of Rain next weekend, I started adding, editing, deleting parts of the first story, Something In The Orange. My intention is to have it and Letters to Dewdrop all updated before next weekend. Below I have the first 5 chapters that I have fixed and added too. I am also posting the link to AO3 but I ask if this is your first time reading it, only go to up to and including chapter 5. There will be more changes and additions to come. Please pay attention to the tags!

Something In The Orange

Prologue:

There was something there as soon as he met Dewdrop, something intangible. He felt something in himself just click into place, like a key fitting that lock that will never open. This is that story.

Chapter 1 - These things eat at your bones and drive your young mind crazy

Rain was summoned to the abbey to play in the Ghost project, as their new bassist. He knew that the current one was moving up to the lead guitar position, but that was all the details of the story he had received.

It was discovered early in his life that he was musically talented. He was beyond skilled at many instruments but he played the bass as if it was another appendage. His talent propelled him up the ranks as a possible player topside quickly. It is a great honor to be considered as a replacement or new band member for one of Lucifer's many band projects on the surface, to spread His word. He was one of the youngest to ever be summoned for this honor.

Upon his arrival, he went through meetings with Cardinal Copia and Sister Imperator learning was expected of him. The Cardinal and Sister had already heard many great things about Rain’s skill. They offered him a welcoming “family”, a comfort to a ghoul who was for the first time far from home. Before leaving to get settled in the ghoul wing, Copia grasped Rain into a quick embrace, telling him to let him know if he needed anything.

He was ushered from his meeting to the band quarters by Aether, the rhythm guitarist. He found him extremely congenial, chatting Rain's ear off about what to expect from the rest of the members that had already been summoned. As he listened, they passed many ghouls and members of the congregation, all offering Aether a greeting and an inquisitive nod to Rain, many trying to stop them with their questions, but Aether propelled him along, ignoring the stares they received.

“Cumulus and Cirrus, they’re the ghoulettes that play the keyboards, they normally keep to themselves and don't hang out with us ghouls much. Mountain, Dewdrop and I have been here the longest. Mountain is quiet, Dewdrop is loud and rambunctious, he can come across snide, but he is a good guy and you should be able to get along well with him. From what I understand they are summoning one other person, but they won't be here for a few more days.” Rain nodded his head, trying to keep up with his incessant chatter, only stopping when he stopped in front of a large oak door..

As Aether pulled the heavy door open, the first thing Rain noticed was the large expanse of windows on one of the walls overlooking a crystal clear lake. There was a door off to the one side of the windows that led out onto a veranda with a fire pit in the center.

Rain looked at Aether surprised at the majesty of their accommodations, “Yeah, most of us were shocked with how nice the living conditions were when we got here, they treat us pretty well too, or at least the band ghouls from what I have seen.”

He continued, “This area is just for us, the other ghouls and ghoulettes that are working on other projects are further down the corridor after the door we came in on. Let me show you your room and then show you around the rest of the quarters.”

To the left of the door there was a hallway that ran along the length of the windows, with doors on the opposite side. The fourth door was Rain's room. Aether opened the door and ushered him inside. It was a large room with what looked like a king bed on one side, a desk, with a laptop and phone already on top of it. To the one side of the desk there was already a bass on a stand waiting to be played.

A large closet was on the other wall, which led into a private bathroom, including a tub and a luxurious separate shower with a bench seat and a rainfall shower head. It all felt pretty opulent. The floor in the bedroom was covered with a plush gray carpet and had a side area with two chairs and a small side table, a conversation nook almost. Aether went around showing him various features in the room, while Rain laid his clothing and instrument bag on the bed. The instrument bag contained a bass that had been in his family for many years, and what he had learned to play on. He was looking forward to getting it out and playing out by the lake.

Aether dragged him back out to the common area, showing him the large kitchen, stating many just went to the cafeteria, explaining the abbey would keep them stocked with snacks and quick items and if there was anything in particular he found he wanted he just needed to write it down on the note by the fridge. From there he took Rain to the living room, where they continued to chat and await the arrivals of Dew and Mountain. According to Aether, the two ghouls decided to get in some quick practice before they all would meet.

Rain heard the door open and voices drifting into the living room, getting closer and louder. He looked up as the two rounded the corner. Oh. Oh. All he saw at first was his long white, blonde hair, and his orange, gold eyes, almost like a sunset. All breath left his body as he took in the rest of him. He was very slim, and seemed shorter than Rain. His horns were shorter, with almost an orange pearlescent glow.

He was wearing a pair of black, tight jeans, and with a black long sleeve t-shirt on top. It accentuated his features. Everything was very fitted, and though his body was almost delicate, you could feel the power emanating from him. His eyes met Rain's as he accessed him. At that moment, Rain felt the pull towards him. The other man just studied him back, not giving away anything, that he too felt what Rain felt.

“....This tall guy here is Mountain, he is the drummer and the one next to him is Dewdrop, the lead guitarist, guys, this is Rain, our new bassist.” Aether seemed to be talking, Rain hadn't heard anything except the end.

So this was the lead guitarist that used to be the bassist. Great. He was going to be around him a lot over the next few weeks helping to learn the songs.

“I was thinking we could maybe grill some pizza out on the deck, and get to know each other, maybe meet up in an hour out there? Thoughts?” Aether asked.

Everyone nodded their assent and dispersed throughout the quarters. Rain watched as Dew walked into the room next to his. Their eyes met quickly before they disappeared inside their respective rooms

He closed his door quietly, taking quick breaths, trying to quell the feelings traveling through his body. Trying for a distraction, Rain unpacked his belongings and pulled out his bass to move to the other stand in the room. As he brought it out of the bag, he caressed the neck, itching to play it. Looking at the clock, he still had another 20 minutes before they were going to meet. He grabbed his bass and headed outside to sit by the water, where he could strum for a little bit, and clear his thoughts.

There was a slight slope down to the lake, with lush green grass all around it. He took a seat on the ground, and started playing a simple bassline that he grew up learning while taking in all of his surroundings. There were cattails at the marshy edges of the lake and dragonflies that flitted around them. The distant sound of frogs croaking and birds chirping. Not what he envisioned when he knew he was coming here. It was a beautiful oasis for a water ghoul, knowing he would be in that lake soon enough.

As he played, his mind drifted back to Dewdrop. Guess the distraction wasn’t working. Why did he feel a draw to him, something he never had felt before. He wondered if Dewdrop felt the same pull. He could get lost in those eyes...

“Rain, right?”

Startled Rain turned around and saw the object of his thoughts kneeling to sit down beside him. Nodding, he said, “Dewdrop?”

Dew nodded, “Or just Dew, whatever works. How are you settling in?”

Maybe he did feel it, why would he have sought him out so soon. No. Stop that. He was just being friendly, knowing that he was going to need to work with you closely over the next few weeks. That was it.

“Ok, surprised how nice it is. Looking forward to getting into the lake at some point, it looks peaceful.”

“You will love it, I am half water and that half adores it,” he joked back.

So he was half water ghoul, maybe that was it, like calling to like?

“What song were you playing, it is vaguely familiar to me?”

“Something I was taught when I first learned to play. It always made me happy and I wanted to see how it would feel playing it here, at least before I started on a new instrument with new music.” Why was he going on like this?

“It has a nice feel to it, maybe you can teach me it, or I can accompany you on the guitar to it sometime?” Ok. Maybe something was there.

“Of course, whenever you want, maybe we could do it out here, it seems to fit with the surroundings.”

Dew nodded and looked out over the lake giving Rain a chance to study him up close. His hair was more gold than white in this light, it almost looked like it had glitter in it, when a breeze picked it up it looked like stars twinkling in the sky. Beautiful. A stray strand pulled out from behind his ear, he longed to push it back and see if it was as silky as it looked. Dewdrop's face was all sharp angles, but when he smiled at something he thought of or saw, his eyes crinkled and softened those angles. He wondered what his face would look like when he laughed, what it would look like in ecstasy. Satan, where were these fucking thoughts coming from? Why did it make him have to suppress a growl?

Dew looked back over at Rain. Please, tell me he didn't hear that! Dew just studied him back, Rain looked away and continued playing his bass, his fingers stuttering as he realized Dew hadn’t looked away. He felt his neck and cheeks starting to redden in a blush. All of sudden, he felt something touch his hair, he brought his eyes up quickly seeing what it was, Dew was pulling a blade of grass from his hair and tossing it behind him. He smiled at Rain. It was as if he knew what Rain had been thinking moments ago.

Dew laid back on the grass and motioned for Rain to continue playing. Rain hands trembled a little as his fingers ran across the fretboard. He needed to get a grip. Quick. They stayed like that for awhile, Dew with his hands behind his head looking over at Rain's occasionally with a puzzled look that Rain did not see and Rain looking out at the lake, noticing Dew's feet tapping along as he played the melody of home.

It ended way too quickly, this little remote island of tranquility they had created without saying anything at all, when Aether called down to them that he was starting the pizza. Dew groaned and stood up, reaching out a hand to help pull Rain to his feet. He was so warm, he didn't want to let go. Dew grinned at him again as if he knew what Rain was thinking.

They made their way back up the slope and Rain quickly put his bass away in his room, before he rejoined the group on the veranda.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Feeling bad that they were practically waiting on him.

“No, you are good, have a seat, grab a drink, food should be up in a few.” Mountain responded.

He found an empty chair around the fire and sat down. He looked up and across from him was Dewdrop who was in the process of lighting the fire. “As the sun goes down, it can get cool out here still,” he explained. The firelight played off his cheek bones and made his hair glow golden, gone was the glittery effect and instead it was like looking into the flame of a fire. Again, Rain needed to suppress that groan that was building in his throat. Dew came around to sit beside Rain, pulling the chair a little closer for easier conversation, maybe. Rain sat with his hands held tight in his lap, as Dew looked over at him.

“Would you want to help me get drinks?” He asked.

Rain nodded and followed him into the kitchen. Rain went to stand beside Dew at the refrigerator waiting for him to hand him items to carry. Dew seemed preoccupied and closed the refrigerator door without bringing anything out and just looked at Rain.

He looked like he was struggling to say something as he leaned against the island opposite of where Rain was standing next to the counter. He kept meeting Rain's eyes and then one of them would break eye contact quickly. Finally, he asked, “Tell me if I am completely out of line, but why when I look at you do I feel something, a kinship, an affinity, do we know each other from the pit and I am not remembering?”

Rain was shocked, he did feel something like what he was feeling. He quietly responded back, “I am not sure, I feel something different, too.”

Dew hummed at his answer and took a step forward crowding closer to Rain, “And what do we do about this, feeling of something different?”

“I don't know,” Rain gulped back.

Before they could continue their conversation, Aether yelled at them that pizza was done and what was taking them so long with the drinks. They quickly drew apart, startled at their sudden interruption. Leaving many things unsaid, they grabbed drinks and rejoined the others.

They didn’t have a chance to continue their conversation for weeks. After that night, practice picked. Dew would sit with Rain at least for an hour a day going over different songs outside of the normal practice. Never getting too close, but they could feel the electricity still there between each other. Rain still couldn’t shake the feeling that his life changed forever in that moment when Dew walked through the door.

Chapter 2 - It'll be fine by dusk light I'm telling you, baby

“Rain, you're going to want to play this song in drop D, the guitar techs will have a bass specifically tuned for this, but just so you know for practice,” Dewdrop was telling him as he was perfecting “From the Pinnacle to the Pit.”

They had been at it for hours, going over the setlist. They were both exhausted and had moved to the steps of the makeshift stage rather than standing the whole time playing. Sitting side by side for most of the practice, until Dew got up to get a bottle of water for the both of them. He didn't immediately sit back down, instead choosing to stand and watch Rain.

“No, that is the right note, but you may want to try playing it like this,” Dew instructed, trying to show him on the bass he had picked up. Rain tried again, but he still didn’t see what he was trying to change. It sounded the same.

“Here, wait, it is just easier to make the progression if you do it this way.” He came up and sat on the step above him motioning to put his hands on the bass Rain was holding, asking for permission to show him that way. Rain nodded.

Dew leaned over, placing his hands above Rain's to demonstrate to him the fingering. He stayed there as Rain tried it again, he may have messed up a few times on purpose to just continue to feel the hot heat of Dew behind him.

Dew reached down showing him again, and murmured in his ear, “Are you not getting this on purpose?”

Rain didn’t say anything, he was just enjoying the way Dew curved to his body as he reached around him. He subconsciously relaxed into his arms, feeling his chest rise and fall as he breathed.

“How are you doing there, Rain?” Dew asked as he moved his hands back from above his, to rest on his waist. Sliding his fingers along his sides, waiting for an answer. With Dew's hands not holding his anymore, Rain let his hands go lax, resting across the front of his legs.

“Rain?”

“Hmm?”

“I asked how you are doing? But I don't think I need that answer with how you aren’t responding.”

“Wait, what?” Rain realized he had completely succumbed to the feel of Dew around him and was not answering him. He sat up straighter and moved his hands back to his bass and showed he had the fingering down..

Dew just smirked but moved to sit back on the step behind Rain as they continued practice.

“You seem to have picked up everything pretty fast, I am glad we’ve had these times to work together.”

“Thank you. I enjoy getting to spend time with-I mean learning…you know what I mean.” Dew smirked at him as Rain ran his hands through his hair, nervously.

“I do know what you mean.” He reached forward and brushed a lock out of Rain’s face. Realizing what he did, he stood up and moved away. “I think we are good for today, same time tomorrow?” Without waiting for Rain’s answer he exited out the door.

Rain just sighed, and wondered how much he had just fucked up this growing friendship and if he even cared, as long as he could be that close to Dew again.

*****************

After a few weeks of getting settled, Papa asked if there was anything he didn't have that he might need. After being around some of the other ghouls he found he needed some more basic odds and ends, which he passed on to Papa. In turn Papa arranged a visit to the city a few days later and told Rain the time to be out front and ready to go. Thinking that it might be a group of them going or some random abbey brother or sister, he was surprised to only find Dewdrop in the driver's seat of the car out front.

“I didn't realize you drove, is it just us or are others coming?” Rain asked, straining his neck to see if others were coming towards the car.

Dew looked over at him with a smile, “Nope, just us, I had some stuff to pick up and asked if I could take you.”

“Oh.” Surprise didn't start to cover how he felt. Yeah, they had talked and had that one instance in the practice room, but it had mostly only been about music. Dew had kept his distance, always on the periphery of the group, and Rain was trying to stay away until he figured out what he was feeling.

“The drive is about an hour, if you want to find some music on my phone to play.” Rain nodded and set out to find some while Dewdrop drove.

It was a beautiful day, the windows were down, they both had their sunglasses on and Rain lounged back in his seat, putting his one foot up on the dashboard as they drove. Taking in the scenery and being content to be close to Dew, even if that is all he got. As different songs played that either of them knew, they would quietly sing along.

At one point Rain noticed that Dew kept his hand on the middle console, doing all the driving with his other hand on the wheel. He could see all the veins and tendons as he relaxed, sometimes tapping along with the music. When Rain sat down initially, he didn't realize that he had also put his arm on the consol. They were so close to touching and when the car took a sharp corner their forearms came together, causing the back of their hands to rest next to each other.

Rain didn't know what to do, his mind screamed to move his hand away, but he couldn't force himself to move at all. And the realization, he delighted that it seemed like Dewdrop wasn't moving his either. Rain could feel the heat from Dew, being this close to him. He took shallow breaths settling into the close proximity, not wanting to break the spell he felt they were under. As the next song came on and he relaxed into this new position, Dew reached out his pinky and ran it along the edge of Rain's palm. He looked over at Dew in surprise, he had a slight smile on his face, and continued to touch his palm. Rain was going to die, what was he doing? It was going to kill him. At the next red light, Dewdrop looked over at him and flipped his hand over, threading their fingers together.

Very quietly, he asked, “Is this ok?” Rain just nodded and tried to keep the groan internal that wanted to escape out. Dewdrop smiled and grabbed his hand tighter in his and pulled them over to set on Rain's leg, off the uncomfortable armrest, but still entwined. Their hands stayed like that the rest of the trip to the city. The strength he felt in Dew’s tight grip, made him sigh with contentment. It was like that first breath you take after breaking the waters edge after being under for so long, that feeling you have before falling asleep beside your mate, perfect contentment, knowing your whole body is safe with them, that they will protect you through the night. Safe, loved.

As they pulled in and parked, Dew looked at Rain in the passenger seat, Rain looking at their hands, trying to not bring Dew’s hand to his mouth, to place kisses along the top of it. Rain didn’t see the smile that crossed Dew’s lips as he looked at him. If Rain had looked up, he would seen the happiness on Dew’s face, the want, the desire that had plagued him for weeks as he tried to keep his distance from Rain. It was torture that he just was granted release from.

Dew collected himself, breaking the spell by asking Rain if he wanted him to go with him or if they wanted to split and meet back here. If they split up they would have time to stop for a late lunch on their way back, and still get the car back for who had it reserved next. They agreed to split up and meet back at the car, neither overly wanting to let go of the other's hand.

Rain got everything he needed at lightning speed and was back at the car waiting for Dew about 20 minutes before him. The whole time thinking about what happened in the car earlier. It was unexpected and no explanation came with it, but it felt so right. He had hopped up onto the trunk, his legs tapping against the bumper, lost in thoughts of Dewdrop and his perfect hands. Not even realizing that he was quietly trilling to himself with the happiest grin on his face.

Before Rain knew it, he saw Dew making his way back towards the car, he was on his phone as he approached and did not look happy. His expression quickly changed when he saw Rain already waiting for him. His face lit up and he told whomever he was speaking with he needed to go and would talk to them later. He turned off his phone and shoved it in his pocket.

“You get everything you need?” Dew asked.

Rain smiled at him, and jumped off the trunk, stumbling until he got his footing. Dew reached out to help steady him with a chuckle.

Rain, flushed from embarrassment at his clumsiness, nodded and asked as they got into the, “Everything ok?” Dew just nodded and started driving.

“Want me to put music on again?” Dew handed him his phone to get it started. As Rain was scrolling through songs a text message popped up and he really didn't try to read it, but it blurbed across the screen.

Ifrit: Come on we need to talk, don't be like this. Call me.

Who was Ifrit?

Ifrit: Droplet, please. I need to talk to you about this, I need y…

The rest of the message fell off the screen.

Droplet? Rain itched to open the last message, was this person saying they needed him?

Ifrit: This is ridiculous, stop being like this! I l…

I, what?

Rain quickly picked a song, closed the phone and put it in the cup holder. Every few minutes the phone would ping that a new message came in. Rain could see Dew’s jaw tightening every time he heard it, finally at a redlight he silenced his notifications and continued to drive.

Rain wanted to ask, but he wasn't supposed to have seen the messages as it was. And if Dew wasn't offering some explanation, it wasn't his place. It was killing him though. Were they together? What about today, and the other day in the practice room? He had to trust that Dew would tell him if there was someone else.

Rain was able to turn his attention back to the music, tapping his fingers to the song on his thigh nearest Dew. He kept looking over at Rain's thigh as he tapped. Finally he just reached across the middle console and grabbed his hand, pushing it flat on his leg and laying his on top.

“I'm sorry, I don't know why but you are driving me crazy, and not in a bad way. Is this ok? I can't be this close to you and not want to touch you.” Rain's head was spinning, they barely talked, but he was on the same page as Dew.

“I feel the same, it is ok.” Dew gave a large deep sigh of contentment and kept his hand where it was. Soon Dew moved his hand slightly off to the side of Rain's hands onto his thigh and started slowly rubbing his fingers in circles on it. Rain was slowly losing his mind to the sensation and while he tried to keep quiet he let out a small whimper hoping again he wasn't heard.

At the next light Dewdrop took a left and ended up on a back deserted road with farmland all around. Rain didn't even notice, that was how focused he was on Dew's ministrations to his leg. Dew pulled over onto a dead end road that might have been a rock quarry at some point and stopped the car and got out. Rain finally pulled himself out of his headspace and realized Dew was opening his door at that point and pulling him out. He shut the door and leaned Rain up along the side of the car, blocking him in.

He pressed his forehead to Rain's and whispered his name between clenched lips. They just stared at each other with their foreheads pressed together before Rain gathered his courage and pulled Dew into him and softly kissed his lips. Dew sighed and wrapped his arms around Rain pulling him in closer to deepen the kiss. He didn't know how long they stayed like that with their arms wrapped around each other and just softly kissing, it felt like no time had passed before they started hearing a ringing in the car. Dew's cellphone. Rain started to pull away, but Dew just grabbed onto him harder. The call stopped, and then started ringing again. This repeated at least three times.

Dew groaned and pulled Rain to the side, opened the door and grabbed his phone, not abandoning his hold on Rain. Looking at it he swore and answered, “Hello?” Dew’s hand gently caressed Rain’s side, his face nuzzled in Dew’s neck opposite the side of where he held the phone, inhaling his scent. “ …. Yes, we are on our way back, we ran into traffic,” Dew continued on the phone. When Rain’s lips pursed and softly kissed Dew’s neck, he smothered the groan that desperately wanted to escape his lips. Rain was ecstatic that small touches, and kisses received this kind of reaction from Dew. “We will be there asap...yes...yes.”

“You are killing me, Rain,” Dew pulled Rain into another quick kiss, holding him tightly before letting go. “We are so late. We have to go.” He opened the passenger door and gently pushed Rain inside.

When he reached his side of the car and got in, “We still need to talk, Rain. And I am sorry we don't have time to eat, but I much rather have done what we just did than anything else.”

Rain agreed, “Soon?”

“Soon.” Dew agreed and reached back over and grabbed Rain's hand again and pulled it into his lap this time. Settling it on his thigh, palm up, where he grabbed it tightly the whole way back.

******************************

They tried to find time to talk, but when they got back to the abbey, Dew was pulled by Papa to look at some new equipment that came in for the tour. Rain went back to his room, but never heard the other come back in for the night. The next two days, he only saw him at practice and once down a hall, but he turned before he saw Rain.

A few days after the shopping trip, Rain walked into the practice room early, as usual. He wanted to tune and run through one of the harder songs for the extra practice before the rest of the band joined.

He didn't see Dew when he first came in, and he didn't see the other ghoul with him either. He sat down with his bass in his lap and looked up before strumming the first string. He guessed Dew hadn’t heard him either, as he caught sight of him with his arms around the ghoul, head on his chest. It looked intimate. Rain felt his mind stop in that minute and his heart shatter. He must have gasped because they both looked up at him at the same time.

He felt the tears gather in his eyes, he had to get out of here. He had no claim on Dew, they were just friends, who shared that one extremely long kiss. Why did it feel like his heart had just been broken though? Dew pulled away from the other ghoul and walked towards Rain.

“Rain…” Dew started.

“Oh, hey Dew, I didn’t see you two there.” Rain looked at Dew and then over to the other ghoul, and nodded hello, keeping his face as neutral as possible.

Dewdrop sighed, “Rain this is Ifrit, Ifrit, Rain.”

Ifrit's face broke into a large grin, “Finally, I have heard so much about you, so good to meet you, Rain!”

Hmph, the infamous Ifrit from the texts. Dew never mentioned him though, and he certainly didn't mention anything intimate about another ghoul.

“Nice to meet you Ifrit, I didn't realize you two were in here, I will just leave and come back at practice time, I don't want to interrupt anything.” Of course he wanted to interrupt them, his mind was reeling and needed out of this room and away from the two of them. He went to stand up and pull off his bass.

“No, no, I was just leaving, I wanted to stop and see Droplet before I left on business for the ministry.” He smiled again. “Stay, and I will get out of here.”

He was going to vomit.

He motioned to Dew to follow him to the door, he kept turning and looking at Rain as he followed Ifrit.

As soon as they left the room, leaving the door open and standing in the doorway, Rain reached in his bag and put his headphones on, he didn't want to talk to Dew when he came back in, he needed to get his emotions under check before he could have a conversation with him, like normal ghouls. He could see them in the hall, as Ifrit pulled Dew close and drew him into a deep kiss. So yeah, they were for sure together. Again why didn't he tell him? He felt the tears again, but tried to get lost in the music in his ears and warming up his fingers. He closed his eyes to tune it all out.

He came back to himself, when he felt tapping on his knee. He opened his eyes downcast to his feet, of course it was Dewdrop in front of him. He motioned for him to take out his headphones.

“What's up, Dew?” He really just wanted to curl in on himself. He couldn't leave the room now without it being obvious.

Dew didn't respond. Rain looked up and met his eyes and quickly looked away. He looked pensive, and unsure of himself.

“Dew if you don't need anything I need to finish warming up.” Harsh maybe, but he wasn't ready to talk to him. He was hurt and dying inside.

He didn't move. He stood there in front of Rain, his feet stance wide with his arms crossed in front of his chest. “I don't know what to say to you, Rain.”

What Rain thought was exasperation was actually desperation, Dew had no idea how he could right this, when they had only just started.

There was nothing to say, he read the feelings wrong. He read what he felt wrong. He read that kiss wrong. He wanted to be left alone and get lost in the music and block out all his thoughts.

“I don't know what you mean, Dew.” Play stupid, yes that is what he would do. “Did you need to tell me something about one of the songs, am I missing something?”

Dew just looked at him, Rain was now looking him in the eyes, playing stupid helped put a front up that he needed. He started to say something else, but more of the band entered at that time ending the conversation.

He went through the motions of practice, luckily he had picked up the music fast and was ready for the tour. He couldn't get out of that room fast enough. Dew kept looking over at him, so much so that some of the others were starting to pick up on it. Rain was on edge until Papa started his, “Ok, that's it for today.” He rushed to put the bass he was using on the stand and wrap up the cord neatly so he could be first out the door. As soon as he got back to his room he locked the door behind him. He slid down the door to the floor and just sat there in disbelief. What the fuck was he going to do?

He was deep in thought and until he heard a light knock, “Rain, we need to talk.” Dew. He ignored him and got up and turned on the shower, tuning him out. He eventually left. Rain heard his messages on his phone. He ignored those too.

Later that evening, he had to go out to get something to eat, he waited as long as he could to avoid everyone. He wasn't super close to anyone in the band yet, they were friendly, but the only one he had hung out with at all was Dew and he was avoiding him.

He opened his door and peeked into the darkened hall, no one was there. He quietly padded to the kitchen to grab some leftovers he had left in there the other day. Quickly heating them up, but trying to be as quiet as possible. As he looked out the windows waiting for his food to be done, he saw Dew sitting on the edge of the patio. In the moonlight he could see his glowing silver hair. The only light was coming from the end of the cigarette he smoked. He was looking out over the water. He was beautiful. As Rain looked at him, Dew turned as if he knew Rain was there. His face lit up and went to put out his cigarette and come inside. Rain quickly grabbed his food and headed back to his room. As he opened his door to slide inside, he heard him, “Rain, please.”

He stopped for a moment, with his hand on the door knob and leaned his head along the door frame. “Dew, I can't - please.” He walked in and closed the door behind him. He had no appetite. He threw himself on the bed and curled into a ball. He heard him outside his door again. “When you're ready, Rain, I will wait.” Rain fell asleep holding himself as tight as he could.

Chapter 3: I need to hear you say you've been waitin' all night

The next few days were a flurry of activity as they continued to get ready for tour, practicing blocking to see where their positions were on stage and the little choreo that they had. Papa, of course, wanted them to be as sexually explicit with each other as possible. Rain went through the motions, kept to himself, but did what was expected. And maybe when Dew came over to him in the songs they were to be together his breath might have hitched, leaning in for extra few seconds not wanting to leave his warmth. He felt safe in those moments. They would separate neither realizing the other would be looking back to each other, wanting to be together and feel that key back in the lock.

Rain was always the first to leave and would head back to his room. Dew would knock every day after practice, but Rain couldn’t bring himself to talk to him. Rain waited for this every day, standing on his side with his forehead pressed to the door, hand on the door knob, wanting desperately to open it but barring his heart from the hurt that he knew was coming. He didn’t know that Dew was in a similar stance on the opposite side of the door. Sometimes he wouldn’t even go to his room when Rain wouldn’t answer, instead sliding to the floor beside the door just trying to be closer to him. Rain was also on the other side of the wall at that time. Trying to figure out why he felt like this, why he couldn’t breathe, why he felt like his heart was pulled out of his chest. Why he just wanted to go home, but his home was no longer the Pit, it was here with Dew. He was so fucked.

They only kissed that one time, how stupid was he to get in this deep already?

Rain would get text messages from him after he left his door. Most times Dew was sending them from the floor outside his room. Rain didn’t answer.

Dewdrop: Rain please hear me out

Dewdrop: sorry I hurt you

Dewdrop: I need to talk to you

Dewdrop: I can’t believe this is where we are and that I fucked it up

Dewdrop: Rain

Dewdrop: Please…I can’t do this. Please.

Rain read them all as they came in, his heart felt like it was pulled from his chest. He started to reply at one point, he could hear the desperation in his messages, but then he erased it before sending. He just didn’t understand why Dew would kiss him if he was with someone else. He didn’t understand why he felt this way. He didn’t understand how Dew said he felt something too, if he was going to destroy him.

He finally did text him back.

Rain: Dew please stop…

Dewdrop: Rain!! Finally. Please!!! Hear me out

Dewdrop: PLEASE!!

He could hear him coming out of his room and to his door again, he knocked on his door, “Rain, I know you are in there. Please!”

Rain finally gathered himself and answered the door. He knew he looked haggard, the last few days had been horrible for him, keeping up a facade in front of the other guys, and acting like what Dew had done hadn’t bothered him when he was with him. The only time he let go was when he was alone in his room. He tried to be quiet, he didn’t know how thin the walls were. He always found himself on the floor of his shower after Dewdrop would do his daily knock, in disbelief that he could hurt this bad. He felt like his heart had been torn out of his chest.

What he didn’t expect was for Dewdrop to look the same, he looked like all the light in his eyes was out, and his skin looked so drawn and pallid. When their eyes met, Rain felt that instant connection again. He could see the hope in Dewdrop's eyes, it killed him.

“Hey.”

“Can I come in, or would you like to go outside, can we talk?” Dewdrop asked hesitantly.

When Rain took awhile to respond, Dew added with desperation, “Please, Rain, please.”

Rain turned around and opened his door wider for Dewdrop to enter. “Let’s go down to the lake, let me get shoes on and grab a hoodie.”

Dew huddled in the doorway, playing with his ring on his finger while he waited. Rain had noticed the ring when he was holding his hand in the car, it was just a plain black with a red stone inlaid in the band. He bitterly wondered if it was a gift from Ifrit.

They headed to the lake, not talking the whole way and sat in the same place that they first spoke at.

Rain couldn’t take the silence, it seemed like Dew, who now had him here, wasn’t sure what he wanted to say. “We really don’t have to talk Dew, I misread that kiss,” Rain started. “We need to be ok for tour so it won’t be torture the next few months in such a close space.”

Dew looked over at him, “Rain, you - you didn’t misread it.”

“Then why? Why would you lead me on, why would you do this?” He wanted to yell, scream. “We were fine as friends, you were the first one I had topside, I feel like I lost everything.”

Rain continued, “When I saw you, w-with him, and that kiss. It destroyed everything in me.”

He would not cry, please Satan, don’t let him cry!

“Rain, you don’t understand, I wasn’t leading you on, I feel everything you are feeling. Why do you think I haven’t stopped trying to speak to you the last few days? If I didn’t care, didn’t want you, why would I continuously try to explain, try to show you that you mean something to me?” His voice cracked as spoke. Rain looked over at him and Dew was already staring at him, with tears in his eyes.

“Who is he then to you? What is he to you?” He had to know.

“Please, hear me out. I will tell you.” Rain nodded, what other choice did he have?

“You know that I have been here for a few years, at least a year before I joined the band?”

Rain knew this already, Dew was extremely talented with all instruments and with the growing popularity of the band, it was decided it would be good to call him up to help with the equipment. Also, to be a backup if the bassist wasn’t able to perform. It ended up being an excellent decision on management's part.

“Well when I came they also called another ghoul, Ifrit. He was going to learn the lead guitarists parts, so he could step in if needed. Being that we both were looked at as a possible replacement, we weren’t well liked by the band members and were kind of ostracized. He and I became very close, sort of an us against the world thing.”

Dew paused, looking back out over the dying light on the lake. He continued to play with that ring and kind of huddled into himself.

“We became an item, I was absolutely in love with him, he became my everything, but we never stated exclusivity and I know he was with other people, but it didn’t stop how I felt.”

Rain wanted to die. He was in love with Ifrit? He felt his stomach drop and he thought again he was going to be sick, it was one thing to think this was how someone felt, but a whole other thing to hear it played out in words. All he could say was, “Oh.”

“You said you would hear me out, Rain. I don’t want to lie to you, I want you to hear the whole story.” Rain just stared straight ahead avoiding the Dew’s eyes as he continued.

“Our relationship could be tumultuous, but I didn’t see it, like I said I was in love with him. I know he cared for me, and said he loved me also, but I could never get him to commit to me, and that was where it started to fall apart. I wanted more than he was giving, so we started drifting apart. This was maybe six months ago. Then I met you and I knew in that instance, why it wasn’t meant to be with Ifrit.”

Oh.

“Recently, he knew my feelings had changed, so he started pushing for us to be together like I originally wanted, but I couldn’t. I wanted someone else, you. I told him that I didn’t want that anymore and that we were better as friends. He didn’t take that well. That day in the car, I know you saw the text messages coming through, that day I told him it was over and I was done. I would have never kissed you without ending things with him.” Dew stopped and was looking at Rain again, “Please, can you look at me?”

Rain made himself raise his vibrant blue eyes to take in Dew’s sunset hued ones. “I was planning to tell you all of this when we got back to the abbey that night, but I got called in by Papa and then I found out Ifrit had flown in and was demanding to see me. I didn’t want to wait to tell you, but I owed him this, for how many years we were together.”

“He knows we are done, but is not taking it well. I think he thought I would always be waiting here for him.”

“Dew, I appreciate this, but I saw you both in the practice room, I saw when you left, I saw that kiss, that didn’t look done to me.”

“Did you see me push him away after he pulled me in for that kiss? Did you see that I turned my back as soon as I pushed him away and came back to you?” He asked. “I am so sorry I hurt you, Rain, but I can’t not be near you, I can’t not talk to you. Please, understand that none of this was my intention.”

Rain looked back over the water, taking in everything Dew had said. He needed to process this.

“Dew, I was so hurt, I need time, please understand that.”

Dew just nodded at him. His eyes were sad, hoping that he would believe him. They sat there together for awhile neither talking, just taking comfort in knowing they were together. All Dew wanted to do was to hold him, to take his hands and cradle them in his lap, and never let go.

“I am going back inside, do you want to come? Or are you staying out here?” Rain asked as he stood.

“No, I will follow you.” Adding in his head, wherever you go, forever, Rain.

Back inside they stopped in the common room, as all the ghouls were sitting around the fire, Aether and Mountain telling Swiss stories about past tours

“Hey you two, join us!! Dew, we were just telling Swiss about that time we were in Mexico and we convinced the guitar tech to go up to the federali and ask for a light on his joint.” Aether couldn’t stop laughing as he told the story.

Rain sat down on the couch by Swiss, while Dew crouched on the edge of the armchair Aether was in. “Yes, we convinced him it was legal, and he would be fine.”

“He was not fine, and we got in so much trouble from Papa after they had to bail him out, they were lucky they were able to get him out at all.” Mountain snorted.

“Do you remember what Ifrit did, Dew?” Aether couldn’t contain his laughter as told the rest of the story. “He told Papa, it was just a cigarette and how were we to know it was illegal. Papa almost had a heart attack at how innocently he said it. Ifrit booked it out of that room so fast, taking you with him as his shield. I never knew where you two disappeared after that, we didn’t see you till the next day.”

Aether, Mountain and Swiss all howled, picturing Papa’s expression. Rain looked at his lap, was this how it would be now? Stories of Dew and Ifrit? He was so uncomfortable, but none of them knew what was going on between the two of them.

Dew looked over at Rain as the rest of them laughed. Fuck. He definitely remembered that night and what he and Ifrit got up too, he was willing Aether to just shut up. Rain’s eyes shot to his, he could see the pain there, he knew what probably happened that night, too.

Rain stood to leave, “I am going to go practice some, you guys have fun.”

“Rain…wait,” Dew called after him, but was over shouted by Aether.

“Sorry I should have said this when you both first came in, Papa is having a dinner tomorrow night, since it is our last night before we head out. We are all required to attend, it is here in our quarters, he is catering it in for us, it should be fun!” Aether stated.

“What time?”

“We are to be out here at 6.”

Rain nodded and continued back to his room, he could hear Dew following him. He slowed, he was going to try to act like what happened in the common room didn’t affect him.

“Rain, I’m sorry, they don’t know that Ifrit and I ended things, I will make sure they know, that should stop their stories.” Rain just nodded and went to open his door, Dew reached out to grab his arm before he could escape causing Rain to look back at him. “I am sorry, please think about what we talked about earlier.”

Rain ducked his head at him, and went into his room, closing the door. WHAT THE FUCK WAS HE GOING TO DO? He heard Dew’s door shut next to his, huh, he didn’t go back out to the common room either.

*********************************************************

The next evening, Rain made sure he was in the dining area and sat down, ready for this dinner to be over. He didn’t want to be there, he thought about what Dew said all day and he didn’t know what he was going to do. The only problem with getting to dinner early, was that there were many open seats after he sat, including one next to him. And of course, of course, Dew would sit next to him.

Both of them were very quiet the whole meal. Rain could feel the heat coming off of him. He could smell his scent, it was enough to drive him crazy. Why did he have to sit here? Why was he torturing him? How was he going to make it through the next few months in such tight quarters if they didn’t talk and figure this out?

As dinner was finishing and Papa was on his 6th glass of wine along with many of the others around the table, Rain pulled out his cell phone and texted Dew.

Rain: Want to go for a walk? Talk?

Dew took out his phone and a small smile graced his lips. He looked up at Rain and nodded.

They stood and excused themselves from the table thanking Papa and headed outside. Neither said anything as they made their way towards the path that wrapped itself around the lake. It was close to sunset, the lights on the pathway that lead into the woods would start coming on soon. Rain followed Dew's lead, instead of circling the lake they headed into the woods. Dew had both of his hands in his pockets as he walked beside Rain.

Rain broke first, he needed to make it not uncomfortable for the tour. “I am sorry, things are weird between us.”

Dew snorted, “Weird is one way to put it.”

Rain had to ask one more time, “Are you sure it is over?”

“Yes, It is for me. He is still coming to terms with it, but he knows it is over for me. We are trying to remain friends.”

“I've tried fighting these feelings I have for you, I am so tired of fighting it though. I can't fight it anymore.” Rain started, “but Dew, I’m scared.”

Dew pulled Rain to him pushing their foreheads together, “I am scared to, but I want to figure it out, do you?”

Rain nodded. Dew smiled, and his eyes crinkled like they did that first day, “Ok.”

“Can I show you something?” He didn't wait for Rain's answer, and grabbed his hand, pulling him along further down the path. About ten minutes later with no words shared, but their hands still entwined they reached a clearing that looked down over the lake. Dew pulled him to sit on a large rock that sat there. It was breathtaking. The sunset was turning the water gold, as the birds flew low going back to their nests for the evening, it was peaceful.

“I've never brought anyone here, this was always a special spot to me, where I felt my water half and fire half meet in this moment.”

Rain looked at him, “I wanted to share it with you, to show you that you mean something to me, and that you are important to me.” Dew leaned in and brought his lips softly across Rain's lips. “Please don't shut me out.”

Rain untangled their hands and put his hands on Dew's hips, pulling him closer. He leaned in this time and kissed him. Pulling his bottom lip into his mouth, causing Dew to open his mouth and let a small groan slip out. Rain pushed further, pushing their mouths together, tongues entwined. Not able to get enough of each other. This was the easy part. He pulled apart, knowing that they needed to talk.

“How are we going to do this on tour?” Rain asked.

Dew looked at him, “I am not sure yet, but I think we just take it as it comes. Start to spend some time together outside just practice and music and see where it takes us.” He looked nervous still, like he was afraid Rain would reject him. “I'd like to be with you every chance we can get to get away. Is that asking too much?”

“No. I like that plan. I just want to spend time with you, I've never felt like this before, it terrifies me.”

“Me too. We will figure it out together.”

As the sun sunk down and the moon rose they headed back to the abbey, stealing quick kisses on the way and hands entwined. Before pulling out from the cover of the woods, Rain stopped Dew and asked that they keep this to themselves for awhile, not to get the others involved. It would just complicate things. Dew agreed. They kissed once more and parted before heading back inside where the party was still in full swing. They headed towards their bedrooms and parted to get ready for tomorrow.

Rain was already packed and ready to go. He got ready for bed and laid down before grabbing his cell phone to plug in by the bed and set an alarm. When he looked at it, he realized he received a text.

Dewdrop: hey

Rain texted him back, Hi!

Rain didn't have to wait long for more conversation to come through.

Dewdrop: I missed talking to you

Rain: I missed talking to you, too.

Dewdrop: I am sorry I hurt you, that wasn't my intention.

Rain: I know, I couldn't deal with it though and needed time. I thought what happened that day in the car was a joke or something to you and I didn't know what to do.

Dewdrop: It wasn't a joke, I promise.

Rain: It is ok, I understand now. I am sorry I hurt you, too, by not hearing you out.

Dewdrop: I already miss you.

Rain's heart skipped a beat.

Rain: I miss you, too.

Dewdrop: I will see you first thing in the morning. Sleep well, Rain.

Rain: You too, Dewdrop.

Chapter 4: But when you place your head between my collar and jaw, I don't know much but there's no weight at all

Rain snuck out in the early morning hours before the sun came up, he was determined to get in that lake before they left for tour and this was his last chance. He knocked on Dew’s door to see if he might want to join him.

When he finally opened the door Rain laughed, his hair was all over the place, obviously just waking up from sleep. His pajama pants rode extremely low on his hips, leaving no illusion to the fine muscular lines of his body.

Look up Rain, look up.

He finally met Dew's eyes who were staring back at him intently, all vestiges of sleep having disappeared completely from his eyes.

"Hey!"

"Rain, hey, can't sleep?" Dew asked quietly.

"Actually I wanted to see if maybe this could be our first time we got away, just you and me. I wanted to swim in the lake before leaving and you told me that first day you liked it. Thought maybe we could watch the sunrise together?" He couldn't slow down, he wanted desperately for Dew to go with him, to start out this day together.

Dewdrop grinned happily, "Yes, give me a few? I'll meet you on the patio?"

Rain nodded and turned to walk away, but not before Dew grabbed his wrist and pulled him back flush with his chest. He put his arms around his neck and pulled Rain down for a searing kiss, which deepened as they moaned into each other's open mouths. Breaking the kiss, Dew nuzzled into his neck and growled lowly into his ear, "Did you like what you saw? Took you a minute to meet my eyes there, I know I like what I see."

Rain just groaned and pressed his body even closer to Dew's, "You're killing me."

Dew chuckled quietly and released Rain back into the hallway and disappeared back into his room.

They met on the patio, both in shorts and t-shirts with towels and hoodies ready for when they were done in the water. The moon was low in the sky, they maybe had a half an hour before the sun broke through the horizon.

The dock that jutted out about one fourth of the way into the vast lake was where they entered the water. As Rain removed his shirt it was now Dew's turn to not be able to avert his eyes. He knew he had a lean and muscular body, but wasn't prepared for the muscles lining his stomach and the deep cut of his hips that were barely covered by his white shorts. How those shorts were staying up he had no idea. A few more inches down and his body would be bare for all to see. Maybe the water would pull them down further?

Dew had to turn away before he did something neither of them were ready for, he ran his hand through his white hair and dove into the lake before Rain could comment on Dew's deep groan he let out. Rain quickly followed him into the water, never straying far from one another.

As Rain swam and explored the lake, Dew just watched him from where he held onto to the side of the dock. Getting more enjoyment out of seeing Rain in his element than actually swimming.

Rain noticed Dew watching him for awhile, he may or may not have been showing off so that he didn't look away. As if Dew even entertained the idea of taking his eyes off Rain.

Rain swam over to him holding onto the side beside him.

"Hi!" He laughed out happily, "What'cha you doing?"

"Watching a beautiful water ghoul, you?" Dew quipped back.

Rain shook his head as a blush crept up his cheeks. "I thought you were swimming with me?"

"But this is more enjoyable!" Dew laughed and pulled Rain to him again. "If you don't want me to watch you, then at least let me touch you."

Rain leaned up against the back of the dock, while Dew encapsulated him in his arms. "Can I touch you like this?" Putting his arms on his sides and rubbing up and down.

Rain didn’t answer, instead leaning into Dew's neck.

"How about this, can I touch you here?" He moved his hands from his sides to brush over Rain's hard stomach.

Again Rain didn't answer, but just melted further into Dew’s neck placing soft kisses on his shoulder as he touched him.

"How about this, can I touch you here?" He moved his hands further down, grazing over the tops of his thigh, so dangerously close to where Rain was straining for him to feel Dew’s touch.

Rain gasped as he felt his featherlight touch on his lower body, before Dew grabbed his thighs and wrapped them around his waist lifting Rain up in the water further.

"How about this, can I hold your body next to mine like this?" Rain just groaned. "Kiss me."

They smashed their lips together with all the heat and passion ripping through their bodies from the touches they had just shared. Communicating by their tongues in each other's mouth. Rain pressed his body closer to Dew's as the kiss deepened.

"I want you, Dew. I've wanted you since the first time I saw you." Rain moaned out breathlessly. He was completely wrecked by him.

Dew didn't know he could get even more turned on by kissing him. "I want you more than you can possibly know. I've never been this drawn to anyone before. If you're in a room I am in, I lose all interest in anyone but you. Watching you, wanting to be with you. Wanting to know what you're thinking, wanting to know why a smile crossed your beautiful lips, wanting to know why you creased your brow, wanting you. How did I get so wrapped up in you?"

As they pushed their bodies together, Rain could feel how turned on by their time together Dew was. He didn’t want to let go, they ground their bodies together, trying to get as much friction as they could in the water. Rain could feel the hard dock along his back, sure he was getting splinters in his back, as they rocked against one another. Dew’s finger pressed hard into his thighs, he wanted to feel Rain closer, more.

The water lapped around them, the world slowly came to light, glowing pink, then orange, then the brightest yellow. They pulled apart for a moment realizing they missed the sunrise, but not caring. The bells on the abbey started to chime and they knew their time of solitude had come to an end.

"You enthrall me with everything you do, Rain and I look forward to showing you that everyday." Dew kissed him softly once more before they slowly disentangled their bodies and pulled themselves out of the water.

Drying themselves off on the edge of the dock, they grabbed their tops and hoodies and put them on to warm up. Rain looked around to make sure no one was out before putting his arms around Dew one last time, Dew laid his head on his shoulder, between his collar and jaw as Rain whispered in his ear. "You are everything, everything."

***************

Neither of them realized that they weren't as alone as they thought.

Chapter 5: The orange touches all things around

The tour started easy enough, they were currently on their third stop of the American leg. Rain and Dew hadn't had much time yet to get away, but they were finally getting into a routine and had a day off after tonight's ritual.

Rain's bunk happened to be above Dew's on the bus, Mountain's above his. Aether and Swiss right across with a free bunk that everyone threw their crap on.

Rain laid in his bed that morning not wanting to get out from under the warm covers, but wondered if Dew was up yet.

Rain: hey, you up?

Dew: Yes, thinking about you wishing you were beside me right now

Dew’s message went straight to his dick, the thought of Dew below him, him wanting and wishing Rain was in bed with him-powerful. It did things to him.

Dew: why are we keeping this a secret again? I miss you and it's only been a few hours. Come see me!

Rain: we didn't want anyone involved, and wanted time for ourselves.

Dew: Raiiiiiiiin

Rain could hear Dew moving below him and all of sudden he heard his curtain open, and Dew climbed in, shutting it quickly behind him.

"Hey!" He whispered as he snuggled in next to Rain pulling the covers up over both of them.

He was on his elbow, looking down at Rain as he leaned in to nuzzle his neck. "I missed you, everyone stepped out a little bit ago to get breakfast, it's just us on the bus."

"Dew…what if they come back?" Rain asked nervously.

"You can hide me, let me on the other side!! Come on, I know you want me here as much as I want to be here!" He pulled the covers up and rolled over on top of Rain to get to the inside.

Of course, he stopped on top of him, of course. He leaned down and whispered, "Kiss me." He didn't wait and dove in to capture Rain's mouth in his.

Rain couldn't resist him, he brought his hands around him to hold him closer and rolled them to the side so it would look like it was just him in the bunk. He ran his hands down his back to rest on his hips.

Rain was the first to break the kiss. "You're here now, what did you plan to happen?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to snuggle and get to run my hands on your beautiful body." He had this mischievous grin planted on his lips.

Rain reached again to pull Dew's lower lip in his mouth with a little growl, pulling him in closer by the back of his neck and running his fingers through his long hair. He groaned between breaks in their kisses, " I can't get enough of you, this is torture when we have to split apart."

"I know, why do you think I crawled up here?" Dew slid his lips down onto Rain's neck pulling the skin into his mouth to suck on it lightly, trying to not leave marks. "I want to show everyone your mine."

Rain couldn't think, with Dewdrop pressed against his body and the noises he was making as his lips and tongue trailed lower onto his shoulder, trying to leave a mark that would last outside of where others could see it. Rain couldn't take this torture anymore, rolling over to press Dew beneath him on the bunk.

Dew pulled back a little in surprise as he was normally the more aggressive one, but smiled up into the lust filled eyes of Rain peering back at him. "How are you doing, Rainy?" Reminding them of the first time Dew asked that.

Rain could barely talk, "Want, ne-need you to never let go." The pull that both had felt early on firmly snapped into place between them as they had declared their feelings for one another.

Dew pressed up into Rain’s body, just as absolutely wrecked as him. "I want you too, but not here, not when we are so rushed, I want to take our time." He nipped at Rain's neck again as they ground against each other harder.

Rain wanted to say to hell with waiting, he was infatuated with Dew, he couldn't call it love, it was too early for that, right? He grabbed for Dew’s lips again, pushing his tongue in and capturing his. The sounds he pulled from Dew only flared the fire in him more. "Don't c-care, Do-n't want to…wait….need you..please?" He begged. He was so painfully hard.

"Rain, I can't believe I am saying this but let's wait until tonight, when we can have our own room." His voice might have been saying that but his body was not cooperating as he ground his dick back along Rain's.

Rain reached down between their bodies to grab at Dew, he knew he wanted it just as much as he did. "Your body is saying something else, Dew." He slipped his hand inside Dew's loose pajama bottoms stroking along his length feeling his already leaking cock kick in his hand. His whole body shuddered as Rain didn't let go but gripped and encompassed him with his soft fingers. Going faster and faster as Rain reached down to suck his own marks on Dew’s chest.

Dew let himself feel the pleasure, he was past the point of stopping and Rain didn't let up with his hands on him.

"You are so fucking sexy, I want to fuck you so bad, but I'll take this for now," Rain groaned in his ear.

Rain's hand on him was so delicate and yet strong, and extremely warm. He continued putting pressure on him and just rotating it right, gathering fluid from the top and pushing it down over his length as he moaned in his ear.

"I'm so fucking close, Rain." Dew moaned out.

"Good, let go, I want to see your face knowing that I was the one that brought you there." Dew came at his words, shooting hot liquid all over himself and Rain’s hands. Rain didn't stop gripping him as he took him through his climax, getting every drop he could out of him.

Dew collapsed back on the pillow, utterly broken and waiting for his breath to return to normal.

He laughed, "Seriously, not what I was anticipating when I climbed up here, not complaining, but this was not my plan."

Rain just grinned at him as he loosened his grip and pulled his hand out of his pants. "Let's clean up before the others get back," pushing the sheet back.

"Wait, what about you?" Dew asked as he pulled back on Rain's shoulder.

Rain turned his head and kissed Dew's palm, "I thought you wanted to take your time with me, in a hotel room? I'll wait." He responded mischievously, "Besides now you will only be thinking about me until we get there."

Dew groaned, "I already only think of you."

They got up and moved towards the bathroom, Rain washing his hands and finding a t-shirt to pull on to cover up the marks Dew had left, leaving Dew to shower quickly and meet him in the kitchen.

Rain poured the coffee from the already brewed batch into two mugs, he already knew Dew took his black whereas in his he just put in a hint of cream. Sitting on the couch he waited for Dewdrop to finish.

Dew joined him freshly showered and dressed in his usual uniform of black jeans and black long sleeve t-shirt. Sitting beside him on the couch, reaching out for his coffee with one hand and Rain’s hand with the other.

Dew never failed to surprise him, as he held his hand, he would circle his palm with his thumb and grip his fingers tightly, bringing them to his lips to kiss them. Yep, he had definitely fallen for this ghoul. Rain’s heart never slowed when he was in close proximity to him. They couldn't be closer on the couch to each other, thighs pressed tightly to one another.

Dew let go of his hand and reached over and put his arm around Rain's shoulders tugging him even closer into him. Rain placed his head on his shoulder with a soft sigh.

"I'm falling for you," he whispered to Dew.

"That's good cause I've already fallen as well." Dew pushed his fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck while Rain rubbed circles on Dew's thigh. Content in each other.

Too soon the moment between them was cut to an end as the others came back to the bus. As soon as they heard the door opening, Rain pulled away slightly and turned from Dew to the door, placing his back to Dew.

"Hey you two!! Finally up?" Aether's always pleasant demeanor infectious, "We brought back some breakfast sandwiches if you want one."

He handed two to Rain after both Dew and him nodded. Rain handed back one to Dew, who as he took it made sure he let his fingers linger offering him a small smile.

The rest of the group sat, pushing Rain and Dew closer again to each other on the couch, not that either of them were complaining. As they all broke into conversation, Rain tuned them out, Dew was once again distracting him. They were still at a slight angle to the rest of the group, so that they couldn't see his one hand. Dew kept dragging his fingers up and down over his back, lifting his shirt and pushing his fingers between the band of his pants. Breathe, Rain, breathe, he kept having to say to himself. Dew pushed his hand to the side of his hip and squeezed, pressing his hand into that beautiful curve. Rain gasped as electricity shot through his body and was able to cover it up with a cough.

The rest of the group ignored them, Dew leaned in and whispered in his ear, "I can't wait to watch you fall apart tonight." Rain reached back and squeezed his hand and removed it from his side, Dew knew exactly what he was doing to him and he had to stand up soon.

He finished his food and made his way to the back to get his shower. As he pulled some clothes out to change into the door separating the front and back opened and closed. It was Dew, no surprise there. Rain stood up scowling at him and moved to go towards the shower ignoring him. Dew moved into his space blocking him completely pushing him against the bunks, "I missed you already." And leaned in and kissed him quickly. Moving back and letting Rain pass.

Rain just shook his head and moved into the shower, shutting the door on Dew and his very fuckable body.

************************

After soundcheck that afternoon, the ghouls lounged around in the green room waiting to get ready. Aether had fallen asleep on one of the couches, and Mountain and Swiss were in a corner playing a game of cards. Dew was sitting in an armchair with his legs thrown up over the side of it, leaning back and playing something on his phone. He had his headphones in tuning everyone out, except for Rain who he would look over at every so often.

Rain for his part was trying to be a little more illusive about his interest in Dew. He had taken his cell phone out a while ago to text him.

Rain: 👋

Dew: hey sexy

Rain: Dew…

Dew: Yes?

Rain: you're incorrigible

Dew: with you, absolutely

Rain looked over at Dew to see him looking back with that sexy, half smile he reserved for only him. He could feel the heat in his body traveling south.

Rain: do you know if we have separate rooms tonight or are we paired up?

Dew: already taken care of, you're with me

Rain: oh? How did you pull that off?

Dew: everyone owed me favors and I told them I wanted to sleep with the only non-snorer. No one is the wiser.

Rain: ok. I can't wait to be alone with you for a whole night, not have to think about you below me on that bunk.

Dew: so you think of me when you're by yourself at night

Rain: how can I not? have you seen yourself?

Dew: have you seen yourself?

Dew: that ass, I swear I dream about it.

Rain lowered his head to hide behind his hair so no one could see the blood rushing to his cheeks. Dew kept typing.

Dew: that hair that you hide behind, I just want to grab it and use it to push you into me

Dew: those lips, all I want to do is kiss you and see you wrapped around me

Dew: those hands, Satan they fit in mine perfectly and around me exquisitely

Dew: those hips, I just want grab them and hold on while I fuck you

Rain: stop, I won't make it through this show tonight.

Dew: as long as you're thinking of me the whole time I don't care!

Dew: we are out of here as soon as the curtain comes down, I have a car already lined up so we don't have to wait for the bus.

Rain: fuck

Dew: fuck

He caught Rain's eyes again in his smoldering depths. As he licked his lips, Rain dropped his phone and just groaned OUT LOUD. Damn it Dewdrop.

Hearing Rain's groan, Swiss looked up, "Everything OK, Rain?"

"Yes!" Rain growled out, "I hit my elbow on the edge of the couch." He gave Dew another death glare. Dew snorted.

Dew: love you! Sorry! 😉

Rain's heart skipped a beat at those words, he knew Dew wasn't being serious, but damn if he didn't want him to be.

Rain: grrrr

Dew laughed, but also was disappointed that Rain didn't respond back to what he said. They were interrupted as the knock came on their door telling them it was 1 hour to curtain.

They all got ready, Rain turning so no one would see the marks left by Dew from that morning and once done made sure his bag was ready by the door to leave right after the show. Dew followed and did the same thing.

They made their way backstage and got suited up with their instruments. Rain held back with Dew for a moment, who when no one was looking ran his finger along his palm like he did that first car ride.

The ritual went well, Papa was definitely pleased with all the sexually charged ghouls, especially Dew and Rain who didn't stray far from one another. Not able to keep their hands to themselves for most of the show, and if it played into their stage presence so be it.

On the final bow, Rain waited on the end of the line looking for Dew who normally stood beside him. All of sudden from the other side of the stage he saw him run towards him and grab around his waist. Leaning in he asked quietly, "Ready to get out of here?"

Rain just nodded and as they exited the stage well before everyone else Dew pulled him through the tunnels, grabbing their things and rushed out back to the waiting car.

Before getting in he slammed Rain up against the side of it and brought his lips up to his, grabbing his hair, pulling him in for their most intense kiss. "Get in, I don't have much more resistance left in me before I truly take you apart."

Rain couldn’t wait either.

[dailycharacteroption]

Menhir Guardian (Monk Archetype)

(art by mohannowin on DeviantArt)

Asceticism comes in many forms, and many philosophies. As such, the search for balance is not just a pursuit of the orderly-minded, but of those that seek a balance between order and chaos as well, and particularly with nature.

And so we come to what is essentially a hybrid archetype for monk that introduces elements of the shifter, much in the same way that style shifters introduce monk techniques to the shifter.

In any case, there’s plenty of stories about martial artists that act as guardians for sacred spaces of nature. After all, natural beauty is considered very important to many cultures, and to many ascetics as well, if only because such serenity is the perfect backdrop to internal and external reflection.

These monks, these menhir guardians, work together with druids to guard such sites, seeking their own enlightenment by living in harmony with nature, but also developing a serene but vicious style geared towards preventing interlopers from progressing any further towards the sacred sites they guard.

Which of course begs the question of why they might become adventurers. Some might be ordered on special long-term missions away from their post, or perhaps they go on a pilgrimage to other sites to learn the lessons each offers, or perhaps they failed to protect their old site and now seek atonement or a new location to guard.

No matter the cause, we’ll see some elements of wild power in these otherwise ascetic warriors.

The moral philosophy of these monks skews closer to neutrality, allowing for good and evil, or even typical lawfulness, but chaos still remains beyond them. Furthermore, their proficiencies skew closer to druid weapons than monk weapons.

However, most prefer to use the blessings of the primal magics and grow claws or other natural weapons like a shifter, which also grow in power and lethality in the same way.

Naturally, they can use their claws and druidic weapons with their own version of their flurry.

Rather than stunning foes, these monks instead focus on a strike with their claws that drives away interlopers and prevents their return. At first, this merely knocks foes away, but later, it also inhibits their movement to keep them from returning or slipping past the monk, and at fully mastery, actually compels the foe to stay away.

A fairly simple archetype, but one that does it’s job well. The claws more or less function the same as the unarmed strikes do save for the damage type, but the ability to knock back foes is useful for positioning (not to mention debuffing their speed and keeping them away, so it works nicely for driving foes away from vital locations getting them into position to be targeted by allies.

These monks represent a devotion to a location or perhaps the people living or reflecting there that goes beyond a loyalty to those of the same philosophy as themselves, so it’s a good idea to explore why that is. What sort of formative experiences led to them developing such strong feelings on the matter?

Overlooked as it was during the Mage War of the last age, Naban Valley is considered a sacred space to the druidic order of the Closed Eye, which welcomes even those without the talent for druidism into their midst, training them into equally devout guardians.

Not every centaur is nomadic. Indeed, some are quite content to remain in one place. Such is the case with Pelgin of the Standing Stone, who watches over the menhir sacred to his people between their yearly visits. He even picked up a few tricks to help defend it against interlopers.

They say that Shipeater Atoll is settled by a clan of undines that are all too happy to steer ships away from the treacherous waters and hidden reefs that give it its name. While sociable enough, they are somewhat shy around visitors and prefer to keep their sacred sites safe. So, plenty of their youths learn to be guardians, able to shift their form to grow mighty shark jaws or powerful tentacles to enhance their fighting prowess.

[jonathanshaw4747]

Why Canadian Companies Prefer Digital Marketing Agencies over In-house Teams

In the ever-changing digital landscape of Canada, companies big and small have to make one very important decision: develop an in-house digital marketing team or hire the services of a dedicated agency. Far from being a routine operational issue, this choice has great implications for its competitive position, market relevance, and general growth trajectory. With the digital platform becoming increasingly complicated and the stakes of online visibility soaring high, a trend has definitely been witnessed across Canadian companies: that of choosing between the expertise and agility provided by digital marketing agencies over in-house teams.

Expertise and Specialization

This has been one of the major reasons for the tectonic shift in the approach of Canadian enterprises. Digital marketing is not a monolithic discipline but a constellation of specialized areas, each with its own particular demands in expertise. From SEO virtuosos to social media savants, content marketing maestros to PPC prodigies, agencies house a cadre of specialists under one roof. Such an assemblage of talent allows businesses to tap into a wellspring of knowledge that would be prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging to cultivate internally.

What is more, the digital marketing field keeps on changing 24/7, since that is when algorithms, best practices, and consumer behaviors change at the speed of light. This places agencies in a much better place to be updated due to their focus and the heterogeneity of their client base. They undertake heavy continuous learning and serious means of professional development investment to ensure that their strategies remain at the cutting edge of industry changes. This means a commitment to staying current translates into better marketing solutions for their clients-more effectively and innovatively.

Agency versus in-house: financial implications are huge and multi-dimensional. At face value, the retainers or project fees associated with agency services might appear huge. However, a close look will reveal that this is not true on the cost-efficiency level. By outsourcing an agency, a business may significantly reduce overheads like salaries, benefits, office space, and equipment, which are kept by full-time employees.

The next strong economic case lies in the fact that it can make that great sense of scalability and flexibility. It eases the opportunity to adjust marketing spend against seasonal demands, special campaign needs, or fluctuating economies without getting into the complexities of hiring or drastically reducing an internal team. That elasticity of resource allocation permits better budget efficiency and implores optimization of Marketing ROI.

Technology and Tools

The digital marketing arena is the haven for sophisticated tools and platforms-most of which come with heavy price tags, coupled with steep learning curves. Agencies, able to use economies of scale, invest in a wide array of premium software and technologies that would be financially unviable for most individual businesses to acquire. From advanced SEO tools to full-service social media management platforms, agencies arm their clients with the technological arsenal needed to drive marketing effectiveness.

Besides tools, agencies often have state-of-the-art analytics and reporting. These systems allow for the granular tracking of campaign performance, consumer behavior, and ROI. Insights gained from these advanced analytics become the powerhouse that drives businesses into making data-informed decisions and fine-tuning their marketing approaches with strategy precision.

Strategic Objectivity

One of the most overlooked benefits of hiring a digital marketing agency is the fresh perspective it brings to the challenges a brand faces. Sometimes a company's internal teams, despite being quite familiar with the brand, can suffer from tunnel vision or be stuck in paradigms. Agencies, drawing on diverse experience across industries and markets, have become a fertile source of new solutions and unconventional creative approaches, which for those within the organization can be virtually invisible.

This objectivity extends to performance appraisal as well. Large agencies are usually held to very tight KPIs through which they are accountable to deliver measurable results. The setup ensures a very transparent culture of business betterment, whereby the agencies fall under pressure to prove their strategies right and value-proposition-valid on a regular basis.

Time and Resource Management

For most Canadian businesses, more so for the SMEs, the job of dedicating or committing resources to build and maintain a fully-fledged in-house digital marketing team is surely going to distract them from their core business activities. By outsourcing such functions to an agency, this energy is freed for product development, customer service, and other mission-critical activities.

Furthermore, more often than not, agencies are in a much better position than in-house units to implement marketing initiatives. With the established processes, loads of already-vetted resources on standby, and a lot of previous work to its credit, an agency can consequently save time throughout the process from conceiving of the strategy to launching the campaign. This agility is paramount in the fast-paced digital landscape, where usually the early bird catches the worm.

Many of these digital marketing agencies boast of having an extensive industry network, including influencers, media, and technology partners that can open various doors of opportunity to collaboration. Beta programs and early access to new marketing channels/features fall into this category. To Canadian businesses, this is quite an invaluable asset that networks with potential new customers.

Moreover, most agencies have good relations with key platforms, such as Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn, which provide them with the latest features, premium support, and, in some cases, almost privileged rates. More probably than not, such partnerships are passed on as tangible benefits to the clients to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their digital marketing initiatives.

As a sustenance of risks

The regulatory requirements associated with digital marketing, encompassing privacy, advertising standards, and the specific policies of these diverse digital platforms, make hazardous minefields for businesses. This adds further pressure on digital marketing agencies because they possess specialized knowledge and experience in ensuring that their clients work in conformance with these regulations. This becomes even more crucial in instances involving Canada, where there are regulations like CASL, which is anti-spam law dictating strict requirements on electronic messaging.

Additionally, the agencies adapt by nature through adaptation to market changes. Their diversified client bases and regular activities with businesses in various industries enable them to identify and respond to the change in consumer behavior, change in technology, or economic conditions very fast. Adapting to the situation at hand helps hedge against potential risks associated with sudden changes in the market which could render several marketing strategies irrelevant.

Performance and Results

What's arguably most convincing in the move towards agency partnerships is the attention to accountability and measurement of performance. Most of the agencies operate on performance-based models with clear KPIs and reporting structures that generate tangible means through which firms realize their marketing return on investment. In other words, therefore, the approach is results-based, with continuous optimization of marketing to align with business objectives.

As such, agencies can contribute to performing competitive benchmarking. With many years of experience across industries and data, they can paint a view for a business regarding its relative standing in digital marketing performance from its competition and industry benchmarks. Such a comparative perspective may also help them zero in on opportunities for performance improvement and areas of differentiation.

The Future of Digital Marketing Partnerships in Canada

The trend of Canadian businesses partnering with specialized marketing agencies is showing no signs of abatement in the evolving digital marketing landscape. The recipe combining experience, the advantage of being cost-effective, technological advances, and strategic value when working with an agency makes compelling economic sense. And, of course, in-house teams will always have their role; it's actually quite important for big organizations. The passed "advantages to this kind of approach are flexibility and comprehensive capabilities available to organizations of any size.".

The collaboration with a digital marketing agency is considered an investment in terms of growth strategy and competitiveness. Increasingly, this is a cost consideration that Canadian executives are factoring in as Canadian businesses strive to find their way through digital complexities—and as a result, a way to innovate the catalyst for success in the long term.