#financial stressors

[mental-health-advice]

Hello, I’m a high school student and I’ve noticed that things in my friend group have been tense lately. Whenever I say something, I’m sometimes ignored or no one will respond and there will be just silence. It’s been getting worse lately and I’ve been trying to find new topics of conversation but it doesn’t really work. Out of anxiety, I went through previous pictures of myself with my friends and have found that there is one particular person in my group who always looks uncomfortable around me but covers it up very well. This person (Lets call her T) has been friends with me for almost 2 years now. I’ve looked back on conversations with them and it’s always hard to talk them. Some key things that have happened over the last couple of months have lead me to suspect that they are a definite part of the reason as to why my friends are distancing themselves from me. I want to know if I should continue to make it up with T, build better and stronger relationships with my other friends in that group and find the core issue that’s leading to this tense atmosphere, or give up and find new friends. My family has been struggling with money this year due to COVID and to lessen the weight, Ive been thinking of whether or not I should change schools to go somewhere cheaper and make new friends. Please keep in mind that generally my friends and I have known each other for 5+ years now. I find myself attached to them but also wonder if I should let them go. They aren’t saying anything outright or being mean but they’re distancing themselves. Maybe 1 or 2 people aren’t doing so and are staying by me but I know that T has definitely said something. My relationship with T has been going down a steady decline and I don’t think it’s salvageable, but I also know that she has a strong grip on my other friends. Due to current issues with myself, I have found it difficult to connect with my friends further bc of this anxiety I feel. I’ve always been good friends with everyone in my group but they’ve always been closer with each other bc being so close to them is exhausting for me and I get really emotionally tired. I feel like I could lessen my family‘s financial burden and make new friends (but it’s really difficult for me, I’ve known these people for years) OR try to make up with them, find the issue in the group, and find a way to fix it. I think you should also keep in mind that it’s currently holidays for me and I have 6 weeks until I go back to school - I’ll be starting year 11 next year so this is really important for me. Or maybe I’m not looking at all the other options and should be thinking more outside the box. Maybe I should talk to one of my closer friends about it and tell them how I feel? Please also keep in mind that I really don’t want to talk to my family about this. I’m really sorry for how long this is. I’m just really panicking.

Hey there,

I am so sorry that you are going through all of this and especially with T. I know you probably already know this but sometimes friends may ‘outgrow’ each other or begin to go in different directions. I am not in any way suggesting that this is what is happening in this current situation but it may be something to keep in mind.

It doesn’t sound as though you have done anything to T that would result in her or your other friends being so tense when you are around them. If it was just one person who was distancing themselves from you then I’d suggest it may be because they were going through something personal that may be taking up more of their time than usual or that they had something else going on that may not even have anything to do with you. But given the fact that it’s your whole friend group makes me feel as though something else may be going on.

For example, you mentioned that you have known your friends for 5+ years and T only for 2 years, is it possible that T may be feeling jealous of you and the number of extra years you have had your other friends for? It definitely seems to me that T is the more dominant person in the friend group and as you mentioned it definitely sounds as though she has a strong grip on what happens within the group. It’s so good to hear though that at least 2 friends are sticking by your side!

It can be so difficult when things like this happens within a friend group and especially with other stressors like with covid and knowing that your parents are struggling financially also and so of course you wanting to lessen the load if at all possible and this speaks really big of yourself!

I can’t tell you what to do and so obviously I cannot tell you if you should keep with your current friend group and try and improve the situation or to change schools and start over, but sometimes when I have a tough choice to make, I find that writing a pro’s con’s list can be helpful. Even this can make things confusing though so what do you feel is best for you to do right now, keeping in mind that you have the right to be happy and feel good about whatever you do decide to do.

For example, if you stay with how things as they are, what things can you do to try and improve the situation? Perhaps you could speak to those 2 friends who are sticking by you and ask for their advice, or confront T and have a quiet chat with her in regards to how you are personally feeing about everything.

If you were to change schools, how would this make you feel starting fresh but not knowing anyone to begin with? How would you make new friends, would it make you more anxious when it comes to making new friends or would you be OK with doing this? And remember that if you do choose to change schools, you do not have to lose contact with your friends completely and especially with those 2 who are sticking by you.

These are just some things to consider!

I really hope that this has helped a bit and please do let us know if we can help to support you in any other way!

I’m thinking of you and hope that you are going well!

Take care,

Lauren

[bass-alien]

like when are things gonna start looking up, when are things gonna get better, when am I gonna stop feeling like I’m constantly fucking drowning

[ineloquent-tumbling]

Partner E is sick (not Covid), so we’ve spent the past three days playing the social distancing game. I have thus been a) in my room, b) on the porch, or c) at work, and I already feel like I’m about to start chewing the dry wall. I am gaining a new understanding of why my mental state was Like That during the height of the pandemic.

[missazura]

i dont know how to fix my life and myself in general i feel so battered and burnt out

[oblivioustoast]

talked to my therapist about my meds (and how they might be suppressing my enthusiasm for things) and he was lol

… sorry, my phone autocorrected to lol and that was too funny to delete

anyway, he was basically like “yeah, it could do that” and mentioned lessening my dose if i was interested

it’s not something i’m gonna do right away (or probably any time soon) because while i would like to see if it helped at all, i also know that there is still way too much financial stress in my life right now to trust i won’t have a horrific breakdown in the process

[edoro]

felt too shitty and sad to work yesterday, not sure how today is going to go, but i have to say that one thing that does NOT help is being slowly crushed by the looming weight of the knowledge of the money i'm not making by not working, because we're already barely scraping by on the maximum number of hours i can bring myself to work on a weekly basis (about 20) (which is also not really long-term sustainable because i inevitably go insane) (lmao) and the stress of knowing that I Have To Keep Doing This Indefinitely Or Else We Can't Afford Basic Necessities Like Shelter Or Food For The Cats Or Utilities

[riverofrainbows]

Turns out it's pretty overwhelming to be an aduling adult.

[symbiodyke]

okay. so. I no longer qualify for medicaid but I still don't make Enough for insurance......

I qualify for a 150 dollar per month tax credit for insurance but LOL the cheapest plan is 200+ bucks a fucking month and it's total dogshit. doctors visit is 50 dollars and each med is 30 dollars.

urgent care is 100 dollars and emergency room/hospitalization/imaging/labs etc. are not covered until after you meet the 8000 dollar deductible. then they'll cover 60 percent. what if I died instead

[artificial-condition]

Positive mood ruined by other people’s stupidity

[indomiinus]

suddenly in kind of a really low mood so i might be a little slow to respond to things. 😔

[karofsky]

very very frustrated with how slow I'm working but I got one (frustratingly small) thing done, and that's one less thing I have to worry about 😮‍💨

gonna do my best to try to stick on my normal sleep schedule, but that's kind of up in the air given [gestures vaguely at self]. If I can manage to sit down this weekend and focus, I feel like I have the energy to get at least a couple other things done. I'm just so behind and trying not to stress about it all, but it's just... god. I thought I was burnt out last year, but this is truly me losing my mind. I feel awful about it all. I definitely don't want to be known to be so poor work-ethic wise, but these last few years have really taken their toll on me, and accepting that, poor health or not, I've been a terribly shit worker is as necessary as it is crushing.

Here's to a better new year, that's for sure. Maybe some rest, or at least something changing that helps trick my brain that I'm not grinding.

[theambitiouswoman]

How To Become A Brand New Person ✨✨

Self Reflect:

Journal daily.

Think about past decisions and how they impacted your life.

Meditate regularly.

Create a vision board to visualize your goals.

Review your strengths and weaknesses.

Identify your core values and beliefs.

Figure out your passions and interests.

Think about your childhood dreams and aspirations.

Evaluate your current state of happiness and fulfillment.

Set Clear Goals:

Define specific career goals, like "Get promoted within two years."

Set health goals, like "Lose 20 pounds in six months."

Create financial goals such as "Save $10,000 for a vacation."

Establish personal development goals, like "Read 24 books in a year."

Set relationship goals, such as "Improve communication with my partner."

Define education goals, like "Complete a master's degree in three years."

Set travel goals, like "Visit five new countries in the next two years."

Create hobbies and interests goals, such as "Learn to play a musical instrument."

Set community or volunteer goals, like "Volunteer 100 hours this year."

Establish mindfulness or self-care goals, such as "Practice meditation daily."

Self Care:

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

Follow a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Practice in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga.

Take regular breaks at work to avoid burnout.

Schedule "me time" for activities you enjoy.

Limit exposure to stressors and toxic people.

Practice regular skincare and grooming routines.

Seek regular medical check-ups and screenings.

Stay hydrated by drinking enough water daily.

Personal Development:

Read a book every month from various genres.

Attend workshops or seminars on topics of interest.

Learn a new language or musical instrument.

Take online courses to acquire new skills.

Set aside time for daily reflection and self improvement.

Seek a mentor in your field for guidance.

Attend conferences and networking events.

Start a side project or hobby to expand your abilities.

Practice public speaking or communication skills.

Do creative activities like painting, writing, or photography.

Create a Support System:

Build a close knit group of friends who uplift and inspire you.

Join clubs or organizations aligned with your interests.

Connect with a mentor or life coach.

Attend family gatherings to maintain bonds.

Be open and honest in your communication with loved ones.

Seek advice from trusted colleagues or supervisors.

Attend support groups for specific challenges (e.g., addiction recovery).

Cultivate online connections through social media.

Find a therapist or counselor for emotional support.

Participate in community or volunteer activities to meet like minded people.

Change Habits:

Cut back on sugary or processed foods.

Reduce screen time and increase physical activity.

Practice gratitude by keeping a daily journal.

Manage stress through mindfulness meditation.

Limit procrastination by setting specific deadlines.

Reduce negative self-talk by practicing self-compassion.

Establish a regular exercise routine.

Create a budget and stick to it.

Develop a morning and evening routine for consistency.

Overcome Fear and Self Doubt:

Face a specific fear head-on (example: public speaking).

Challenge your negative thoughts with positive affirmations.

Seek therapy to address underlying fears or traumas.

Take small, calculated risks to build confidence.

Visualize success in challenging situations.

Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people.

Journal about your fears and doubts to gain clarity.

Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Focus on your strengths and accomplishments.

Embrace failure as a valuable learning experience.

Embrace Change:

Relocate to a new city or country.

Switch careers or industries to pursue your passion.

Take on leadership roles in your workplace.

Volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone.

Embrace new technologies and digital tools.

Travel to unfamiliar destinations.

Start a new hobby or creative endeavor.

Change your daily routine to add variety.

Adjust your mindset to see change as an opportunity.

Seek out diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

Practice Gratitude:

Write down three things you're grateful for each day.

Express gratitude to loved ones regularly.

Create a gratitude jar and add notes of appreciation.

Reflect on the positive aspects of challenging situations.

Show gratitude by volunteering or helping others in need.

Send thank-you notes or messages to people who've helped you.

Keep a gratitude journal and review it regularly.

Share your gratitude openly during family meals or gatherings.

Focus on the present moment and appreciate the little things.

Practice gratitude even in times of adversity.

Be Patient:

Set realistic expectations for your progress.

Accept that personal growth takes time.

Focus on the journey rather than the destination.

Learn from setbacks and view them as opportunities to improve.

Celebrate small milestones along the way.

Practice self-compassion during challenging times.

Stay committed to your goals, even when progress is slow.

Keep a journal to track your personal growth.

Recognize that patience is a valuable skill in personal transformation.

Celebrate Small Wins:

Treat yourself to your favorite meal or dessert.

Reward yourself with a spa day or self-care activity.

Share your achievements with friends and loved ones.

Create a vision board to visualize your successes.

Acknowledge and congratulate yourself in a journal.

Give yourself permission to take a break and relax.

Display reminders of your accomplishments in your workspace.

Take a day off to celebrate a major milestone.

Host a small gathering to mark your achievements.

Set aside time to reflect on how far you've come.

Maintain Balance:

Set clear boundaries in your personal and work life.

Prioritize self care activities in your daily routine.

Schedule regular breaks and downtime.

Learn to say "no" when necessary to avoid overcommitment.

Evaluate your work life balance regularly.

Seek support from friends and family to avoid burnout.

Be kind to yourself and accept imperfections.

Practice mindfulness to stay present and grounded.

Revisit your priorities and adjust them as needed.

Embrace self love and self acceptance as part of your daily life.

[li-ionfish]

Still too disabled to work a second job, car insurance + school + tax stuff is gonna set me back about a thousand over the next few weeks. These are still open and any help is really appreciated :’)

hii i'm cyrus, im a disabled autistic artist who umm is kind of short on cash ^_^; i was planning on picking up a second job this summer but due to recent surgery on top of my chronic pain, many jobs would put me in a pretty tough spot

if you have some extra cash and you'd like a commission, i'd love to make something for you!

cute stickers of your fav characters for your discord server, or an icon of your furry, or yourself as a pokemon trainer, or your dnd character kissing their fav dnd character, or a pinup/fake book cover/movie poster of your oc, or a gift for a loved one, or anything really… just shoot me an ask, i don't bite :D

more below, rebl0gz appreciated!

price range is pretty flexible but you'd get what you pay for- sketches for like $5-10 range, finished lines + flat colors for $20ish, fleshed out pieces for $50-100, and paintings for at least $100. extra charges for extra characters or complex designs. once again though this is flexible, shoot me an ask and we can talk about it!

i won't draw inc*st, ch*ld p*rn, anything racist/sexist/transphobic/antisemitic. i will refuse a commission if requested in bad faith

i absolutely don't mind drawing NSFW or fetish stuff, although i don't have much experience with it. same goes for mechas lol i just want to make sure you get what you pay for

i don't feel comfortable asking for donations atm bc this isn't urgent or anything, there are folks who need and deserve the money more! this is just in place of working a second job

if you're interested but unsure then pls save this post somehow, for personal reasons my blog is set not to show in searches

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Dangerousness

Dangerousness—the state in which individuals become likely to do harm either to themselves or to others, representing a threat to their own or other people’s safety

Grisso (1998) notes that areas of dangerousness to be assessed are as follows.

Past Behavior: Chronicity, recency, frequency, severity, and context.

School Problems: Truancy, dropout, and so forth. This is more critical the earlier school problems began.

Substance Use: The use of substances by juveniles who have engaged in violent behaviors increases the risk of future violence.

Peers and Community: Violent peer groups provide a social norm that encourages violence, increases the likelihood the youth will find themselves in violent situations, and provides greater access to weapons.

Family Conflict and Aggression: This creates present and future stress, makes violence more acceptable, contributes to an antisocial attitude, and increases the likelihood that children from these families will engage in aggressive and violent behavior.

Social Stressors and Supports: Divorce, serious illness, and financial stress tax coping abilities and increase feelings of insecurity, threat, and loss that can in turn lead to aggressive behavior.

Personality Traits: Anger, impulsivity, and lack of empathy increase the risk of future violence.

Mental Disorders: Individuals with past aggressive behavior are at greater risk of future aggression if they have certain mental disorders (depression, attention and hyperactivity disorders, Schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, trauma disorders, and brain syndromes).

Opportunity: Availability of victims and weapons.

Future Residence: Secure, nonsecure, or community.

Whenever possible, it is suggested that clinicians attempt to gain collateral information by reviewing available records and interviewing collateral contacts. The more sources of information available to the clinician, the better they may be at determining risk/dangerousness.

Assessing dangerousness requires that the examiner be familiar with the factors that affect the level of risk, such as:

Prior history of violence

Exposure to violence

Mental health disorders

History of victimization

Impulsivity

Need for arousal

Access to weapons

Family role models

Capacity for empathy

Presence of cognitive impairment

Substance abuse

Alienation

Conduct disorders

Positive influences such as engagement in school and with family should also be factored in as these tend to be associated with a better prognosis (Schetky, 2003).

Sources: 1 2 ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References Writing References: Worldbuilding ⚜ Plot ⚜ Character

[jiminjamms]

sex therapy :: 30. breaking news

chapter tags/warnings: manipulative! naoya. physical aggression. verbal abuse (not to reader). infidelity/adultery. extremely strong language. corruption. family drama.

word count: 3.4k

notes: thank you again for your patience with the chapter! life update: i resigned from my company (on good terms, even though the work had sucked my mental and physical health), and i am soon doing a trip to japan and southeast asia as part of my recovery. still, i will be actively writing and responding since this community is so important to me! also, has anyone been keeping up with jujutsu kaisen's manga?! likes, comments, and reblogs are much appreciated. xoxo

fic masterlist | 01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33.

Life without a sugar daddy was rough.

As Toji Fushiguro's ex-wife and Naoya Zenin's ex-mistress, Mari faced this harsh reality since no one threw their money in her direction anymore. She slept little this past week, overwhelmed by financial stressors. While she still subsisted on the younger executive's credit card (with his fortune, Naoya hardly noticed the charges on his bill), she realized that she actually had to work for an income.

Such was the case as Mari walked home one evening after interviewing for jobs, her body and mind exhausted from fielding mundane questions about her previous professional experiences (which she had little of).

Upon unlocking her apartment door, she was immediately greeted by the sight of her illuminated living room.

That struck her as odd.

She always switched the lights off before she left.

However, when she spotted a familiar face down the hall, she found the answer.

"Tsumiki." Mari dropped her purse by the door. "What are you doing here?”

The woman had not seen her one and only blood-related child in months. While she knew that her daughter—who was, without doubt, a fantastically accomplished and intelligent young lady—just completed her second year at Oxford University, she thought the girl had chosen to remain in England for her summer break. Didn't Toji mention that she did not want to return to Tokyo?

Not that Mari complained. She was just...confused.

Admittedly, Mari should know the answer to her question, but she had been too ‘occupied’ to contact Tsumiki as much as a good mother should. As a result, Mari found herself in the dark about the girl's life in the United Kingdom, her plans for the university holiday, and her recent classes in…what was her field of study again?

Surely, Toji and his twerp son Megumi would know all the answers since Tsumiki had always been closer to her Fushiguro stepfamily. Quite a shame, since Mari would have considered her daughter as the most perfect angel otherwise.

She toed her shoes off.

“When did you arrive in Tokyo?” Mari continued with a plastered smile and approached the girl sitting with crossed arms in the living room.

Genetics ran deep between mother and daughter. Uninformed observers might even mistake the pair as sisters, the physical resemblance uncanny in how Tsumiki presented a more youthful version of the older woman by sharing the same warm chocolate-colored eyes, long dark hair, and flawless porcelain skin.

Yet, physical similarities meant nothing when Mari could not fully decipher her own flesh and blood.

“I came back to Japan earlier this week,” Tsumiki responded a terse edge in her tone.

“But I haven’t seen you until now.”

“Because I’ve been staying with Dad.”

“Oh.” So, she meant with Toji. “You mean your stepdad.”

“No,” she corrected sternly. “He's my dad.”

Theoretically, Mari could go into a whole tangent on how Tsumiki’s actual father was some middle-class nobody whom she hadn’t seen or spoken to since her first divorce (and that was many years ago). Or how the Fushiguros technically were Tsumiki’s ex-stepfamily since Mari had divorced her second husband Toji earlier this year.

But she spared her daughter from the reminders.

“Well, I’m glad to see you back, honey.” With a bottle of unfinished cabernet sauvignon in the fridge, Mari meandered to the kitchen to pour herself a full glass. She returned to living room and joined her daughter on the sofa. “How have you been? I’m guessing England has been treating you well? I have never been, so I wouldn’t know. Heard that the fish and chips are good there."

No response.

Am I being ignored? Mari commented inwardly and swirled the red wine in her chalice.

She took her first sip amid the long and awkward pause before switching the topic to encourage conversation. "Anyway, whenever you would like, you’re always welcome to stay a few nights here. Wouldn't hurt to spend some more time with your mother."

Only for Tsumiki to quip, “We’ve talked about this before. I don’t want to live with you.”

Now, this—Mari believed—was certainly uncalled for. "Watch your tone with me, young lady."

"For what? I am not here because I miss you," her daughter resumed. "If I had a better option, I would not bring myself to show up here and be in front of you."

The older woman placed her glass down and tried to appear calm. Hearing Tsumiki speak with such contempt twisted a deep knife into Mari's heart. Once upon a time, her daughter had been the sweetest girl—warm, full of life, and eager to express her innocent thoughts with anyone she encountered. Now, however, that same person had been tainted into someone cold, guarded, and withdrawn, demonstrated by her disrespect to the very woman who had given her life.

"That is no manner to talk to your mother," Mari cautioned.

"Well, maybe because I have my reasons."

"Which are?"

"Do you want to know why I did not bother to text or call you these past several months?" and Tsumiki did not wait for an answer before she angrily added, "Because I am so upset that you filed a divorce with Dad!"

While Mari had hoped to not bring up the topic before, she had no choice but to do so now.

"That big, burly, bulky man is not your father," she snapped. "He and his emo Harvard-bound son are not your family! In the eyes of the law, there is no longer any relation between you and them. But, I am your mother. I had given you life, and this is what you think of me?"

"Because I love them!" Tsumiki opposed through a hardened glare. "Dad and Megumi treat me more like their blood-related family than you do!”

Mari could not believe the preposterous words her daughter spewed. She always presumed that the Fushiguros had been corrupting her child, and to see her suspicions confirmed had Mari standing up promptly from the couch.

"How dare you say after all I have done for you, Tsumiki?" Mari interrogated angrily. "Did you think that I left your biological father and then divorced your stepfather for what...for fun?! These choices were difficult for me, too! But I made those judgments because I wanted to give you a better life in which we didn't have to worry about where our next meal, our next piece of clothing, or our next rent payment would come from! Your biological father is a no-name nothing. He could’ve never supported the lavish lifestyle you had experienced during your adolescent years. In fact, if I hadn’t married Toji Fushiguro, you probably wouldn't be studying at the University of Oxford right now! I, alone, could never have afforded all your years of expensive tutors or private school tuition. Please, think before you speak. I know I did not raise an ungrateful brat.”

Tsumiki furrowed her brows from the comments.

“You're the ungrateful one, Mom!” she insisted, and the said woman visibly reeled back when the girl continued to seethe with antipathy. “All the money that you had spent while married to Dad, he never asked for a single cent back. Never. In fact, he still pays for my university. In his eyes and mine, I’m as good as any blood-related child to him. He hadn't asked you to chip in because he knows you wouldn't have the money to. Divorcing the man you've been leeching off of isn't a sign of appreciation, Mom."

To hear her child defend another family, Mari wasn’t sure if she was going to laugh or cry at how ridiculous this scene was, the only thing she could process being the pain and betrayal that slammed her with one bitter blow.

"Well, did you want to become a laughingstock?" the woman rationalized. "Given our ties to the Zenin name when Toji left the company, those nasty journalists would've clung onto any scrap to label you a buffoon. You know what those tabloid writers are like! I had the foresight to divorce that man. I did not want the disgrace if we remained attached to the Fushiguros."

After that response, Tsumiki turned quiet with one sharp exhale as her eyes snapped shut, and Mari, whose entire body had undulated from heavy and irate breaths, thought that finally—finally—she had won this godforsaken argument.

Until she heard the younger girl speak again.

"Yet, you have humiliated me more than anyone," and noticing how her mother quirked a brow, Tsumiki went on. "Who are you really trying to protect, Mom? Are you truly making these decisions for my benefit? Or is it...for yourself?"

Despite hiding a gulp, the older woman noticed her heart race. "What do you mean?"

"How can you explain this?"

As though that was her cue, Tsumiki reached for her phone. She tapped onto the front page of the Yomiuri Shimbun, the most highly circulated newspaper in Japan. Before Mari could read the bold title labeled as 'Breaking News,' Tsumiki provided her with a verbal summary:

"The world knows you're a homewrecker, Mom."

Naoya found no surprise when Naobito Zenin burst into his executive suite as an angry bull would charge toward a provoking cape.

Plenty of times, his father barged into his private office completely unannounced, slamming the door open with enough force to rattle the wooden bookshelves behind him. Usually, the dramatic entrance would be followed by a slew of harsh admonitions, and this encounter—Naoya could tell—would be no different.

The astringency cast on his father's countenance gave the executive no other choice than to rise from his seat, his office chair sliding back so he could pose tall and confident as the heir to Japan's largest conglomerate should be.

"Father," he greeted, curt.

Taking hurried steps around his mahogany desk, Naoya aimed to meet the older man halfway until he instead came into contact with one harsh blow that sent his face flogging to the side.

Naoya froze, his gaze lowered.

Instinctively, he reached for his throbbing cheek with one hand as the other wiped briefly over his busted upper lip. To have his father approach him physically like this didn't even register as a surprise. Despite his title as the Zenin CEO, Naoya continued to be scolded, lectured, and outright ignored because, in his father's words, he 'never seemed to get anything right.'

Even now, the older man found no hesitation in cursing out his only child.

"You fucking son of a whore! Want to explain why your affair with Toji's ex-wife is all over Japanese media?!"

Slowly, Naoya lifted his eyes from the floor. He had suspected that this would be the topic of discussion. In the last hour, Naoya saw his name plastered over tabloid pages, news websites, and social media feeds as an anonymous whistleblower tipped publishers in regards to his scandalous affair with Mari—and the millions Naoya spent to hide it. Evidence ranging from supposedly long-gone paparazzi photos to screenshots of money transfers circulated quickly with the internet.

Naturally, Naoya had seen the headlines too...

'Zenin Corporation CEO Exposed for Concealing Affair with Predecessor's Ex-Wife' 'Everything to Know About the Zenin Household's Uncovered Drama in Family, Business, and Love' 'Billionaire Naoya Zenin Entangled in Cheating Scandal, Accused of Bribing Press to Silence Coverage'

...and the comments:

'That’s why you can’t trust rich people. They never have any shame.' 'His wife and company deserve better.' 'Disappointed that this is the scumbag leading our country's largest company.' 'The Board should fire him.’

Now, that last comment struck a very particular chord, especially since the Chairman of that very Board stood before him.

Naoya clenched his hands, yet he stood mute. With every wrong move certain to cost him far too much in return, he was completely powerless in front of the family patriarch and, as a result, his first logical reaction was to defend himself.

"I do not have the evidence yet, but I am certain Toji had planned this, Father. Him, and also Sukuna, Geto, and Choso. All four leaked these details because they didn’t want to see your son succeed. I will resolve this. I am going to call Toji immediately and—“

"You're right," Naobito interrupted coldly. "If Toji had still been CEO today, he would've made sure that none of this bullshit would’ve happened.”

Naoya widened his eyes in bewilderment, not anticipating his father to twist his logic like that. He already received a literal slap across his face, but to realize that Naobito still compared him to his older cousin all these months later drove him insane!

"No, Father. What I meant was—"

"Oh, there is no need to correct me. I know what you meant," Naobito tested in a low voice. "What I gathered from this conversation is that I have given you a million chances in life, and you know what? You blew every single one of them. You're an asshole, you're a cheater, and you're a complete humiliation. I can always count on you to paint me as a failed father."

Outrageous.

With the bitter staring contest between father and son, the latter boiled internally listening to the insults from the man who sired him. For the ruthless Naobito Zenin, Naoya meant no value as an heir without the ability to achieve his high standards. 

"Some twisted brain you have for sleeping with your cousin's ex-spouse,” Naobito then chided, yet amusement remained absent in his tone. “Was that the low-class tramp I saw in the photos with you on the private jet the other day?"

The blonde kept his mouth shut.

But his father wanted an answer. "Well?!"

Suck it in, Naoya. That's all you can do now. "Yes."

What a sight, to see how someone blazing as a furious flame then erupt into a violent volcano. Naobito grabbed his son's collar, pulling him forward and shoving him against the wall. His fists shook as he sought the other's gaze.

"You're fucking married, you realize that?!" he snarled.

"I do! Which is why I have cut Mari from my life! I don't talk to that woman anymore."

Unimpressed, Naobito tugged forcefully at Naoya's shirt again. "I am truly astonished by what an idiot you are. Your answer doesn't change shit." He tightened his grip and did not care that his son wrapped both hands around his wrist to prevent himself from choking. "Let me tell you something, boy. I did everything—everything—to convince our Chief Operating Officer to let his treasured daughter marry you, you despicable bastard. He didn't want to hand the girl over because he knew—oh, that man is wise!—he knew that the union mainly served as a tactic to improve your public image and that there was little obvious benefit for his child. Power and money did not interest him when compared to his daughter, so the one promise I made is that you would love her," and he roared, "so, what the hell have you done?!"

Naoya had heard his father’s warnings countless times, yet he previously brushed each one aside with an ambivalence he now acknowledged as foolish. Unlike before, the threat to his hard-earned position suddenly became very, verypalpable. He grappled with a strange fear, unable to pinpoint what precisely unsettled him the most. The scorn from a world that no longer saw him as an honest businessman? The sneers from relatives with an undeniable reason to mock him? Or perhaps the fury from his draconian father, whose disappointment cut deeper than any public disgrace?

"I—" Naoya's choked voice resembled a croak. He could hardly breathe. "I apologize. This entire situation...this got out of my control."

Alongside his callous disregard for his son’s feelings, the Zenin patriarch even scoffed.

"This isn’t about getting out of your control, boy. This is about your complete lack of judgment. In fact, Daisuke called me when he saw the headlines, and you know what he told me?" and he had to refrain from flinging his son onto the ground before he continued, "That Y/N's been staying in her family residence again because she is going to leave you!"

Naoya held his next breath. Fuck, he knows. Naoya intended to keep his recent arguments with you a secret, hoping to resolve the situation first. However, since your father snitched...lying would be a dangerous move.

"I have not seen Y/N in a week because we've had a few fights." Naoya did not dare admit the details about how you two became arguing spectacles, first in his cousins' presence and later on at the café. "Just...marriage quarrels. We will get over—"

“She would be a moron to stay married to you,” Naobito cut off. "Y/N and your unborn child deserve more than to have a public disgrace like you in the household."

Right. Had he not been reminded, Naoya would've forgotten that he had lied to his father about your pregnancy, too. His hands grew clammy where they still seized his father’s wrist.

“There"—a cough—"there is no child,” Naoya blurted out, determining to rip all bandaids off in one go.

Naturally, his father became perplexed.

“Excuse me?” His hold loosened just enough for Naoya to gasp properly for his next breath.

“Y/N is not pregnant,” Naoya repeated, his voice hollow with resignation. “During our last family dinner, I only said that because I wanted to please you.”

The older Zenin became still, appalled by the younger one's bravery to say those words. For a moment, Naoya braced himself for another physical blow before his father released him, shoving Naoya backward such that he stumbled.

“If you weren’t so disappointing, there would be no need for you to lie to me,” Naobito pointed out coldly. "Not only to me, but also your wife, your colleagues, and your shareholders on matters about your family, your marriage, or your commitment to the company. If Toji had not brought this to the media's attention, how much longer would you have manipulated the truth for your benefit?"

There he went again.

"I don't understand," Naoya protested, unable to contain his frustration any longer. "Toji doesn't belong in this family anymore! Why do you keep talking about him? Father, you forced him to leave earlier this year, citing his threat to our family and company's reputation."

"You're the one to talk!" Naobito shot back. "At least Toji has the brain that you utterly lack." Before the younger man could react, the Chairman had already turned on his heel. "I have made my decision."

His decision?

A confused Naoya watched his father head for the exit.

"Wait, Father...!"

"Enough!" The infuriated man raised a hand right as he neared the door, a warning for him to not speak further. "Our discussion has concluded. Effective immediately, Toji Fushiguro has been re-instated as the Zenin Heir and CEO."

Instantly, Naoya slumped forward in disbelief.

Even as the older man disappeared, the room appeared to spin dangerously. Toji Fushiguro...re-instated? As the heir and CEO?

Naobito Zenin could never make up his mind, now could he? In Naoya's head, this must be some cruel joke.

Ever since he comprehended his ability to bend fate to his will, he had promised himself to fight tooth and nail to defend the (very rightful!) position that he worked hard to earn. He had disposed of his cousin through slander, he had to put up with shitty corporate politics, and, hell, he had to even marry you!

Some may label Naoya's current negative publicity as irredeemable, but he held hope the situation would normalize once the steam blew over.

With these thoughts in mind, Naoya regained his balance and rushed out as well. "Father!"

However, by the time he reached beyond the doors, Naobito Zenin was no longer there. Even his secretary could not be found as, instead, two imposing figures stood by the desk where his assistant should be. Naoya didn't recognize them. The men were tall and well-built, their muscled arms and thighs visible despite the fabric that covered their tattooed skin.

"Nice to meet you," one started after the long silence. "I am Eso and this is my younger brother Kechizu."

A stumped Naoya frowned.

"May...I help you?"

"No," the other answered nonchalantly, "because we are here to knock you out."

"Wha—"

And Naoya's vision went dark.

last chapter || next chapter

end notes: Note that Eso and Kechizu are Choso's younger brothers in JJK. (Both are not completely human in canonverse, but we shall suspend beliefs.) Also, I cannot explain the satisfaction as I wrote about Naoya and his mistress finally getting wrecked! Talk about justice being served! There were many ways these scenes could have played out, but I strategically chose Tsumiki and Naobito as the agents in the discussions. Freed from corporate America handcuffs, I plan to post again soon. Love you all!

taglist: @dissociatingdiva @httpsplanetmarsdotcom @nemoyr @huangfairy @shadowarchon @203steph @agentdedf1sh @cloudybabes @lynn-writes-things @illicitwriter @7oji @kikuchimi @chaoticjojofan @musicisme333 @kumocchin @s-guru @mwahilovemylife @hey-gurls69 @cloudsinthecosmos @moon-mumu-moon @kazscara @skilerfrostfairy @funicidals @nico707 @proteovaldez @tsukiyohanayome @marimoares @qirbys @puffaloxx @sakanoshitaa @arizzuruu @kissditrio @lewd-bunny14 @mistyheart @szired @supsii @yvy1s @lazyassfinals @katkbc @tokyometronetwork @downtown-roponggi @the-cosmos-network

[sensualnoiree]

astro notes: scorpio new moon 11/1

This Scorpio New Moon illuminates the shadowed aspects of our lives, encouraging us to face hidden truths, resolve past burdens, and reconnect with supportive communities. The New Moon's Sabian symbol, “A fellowship supper reunites old comrades,” speaks to the power of shared experiences and communal bonds, suggesting that solace can be found in reconnecting with people who have walked similar paths. The Moon's trine with Saturn offers grounding energy, helping us simplify and stabilize our priorities, while the Mars-Pluto opposition challenges us to transform destructive impulses into positive action. This potent alignment opens a path for emotional release and constructive growth.

Rising Sign Delineations:

Aries Rising With the New Moon activating your 8th house, this is a time to face deep, transformative processes that could involve shared resources or intimate relationships. Reconnecting with trusted friends or mentors from the past could help you navigate unresolved fears. Saturn’s trine in your 12th house provides a stabilizing influence, encouraging solitude and internal reflection. As Mars in the 4th house opposes Pluto in your 10th, you may feel tension between personal life and career, but there's an opportunity to rebalance and redefine your goals.

Taurus Rising This New Moon in your 7th house brings focus to relationships and partnerships, encouraging you to explore any underlying issues or resentments. The supportive energy of Saturn in your 11th house suggests that reaching out to friends or joining a community can help you feel grounded. With Mars in your 3rd house opposing Pluto in your 9th, honest conversations may reveal new perspectives, fostering growth in both personal and intellectual areas.

Gemini Rising Activating your 6th house of health and daily routines, the New Moon encourages a fresh start in self-care or work-life balance. This is a perfect time to release unproductive habits. Saturn in the 10th house enhances your career stability, helping you focus on professional goals. The Mars-Pluto opposition from your 2nd to 8th house encourages a careful approach to financial matters, urging you to align your energy with long-term investments or shared resources.

Cancer Rising With the New Moon in your 5th house, this is a time to release creative blocks and reconnect with your inner joy. Saturn’s trine from your 9th house adds a steadying influence, helping you find meaning through philosophical exploration or a structured study. Mars, at the tail end of your 1st house, opposing Pluto in your 7th, highlights a balance between personal desires and relationship dynamics, calling for compromise and deeper understanding.

Leo Rising The New Moon in your 4th house encourages introspection around home and family matters, giving you an opportunity to let go of old family patterns or find peace in solitude. Saturn’s influence in your 8th house highlights stability in shared resources or emotional connections. The Mars-Pluto opposition between your 12th and 6th houses may reveal hidden stressors related to work, offering an opportunity to heal and transform daily routines.

Virgo Rising In your 3rd house of communication, the New Moon invites you to release outdated beliefs and foster more meaningful connections. Saturn’s trine from the 7th house stabilizes partnerships, encouraging you to find supportive friends or colleagues who share your values. The opposition of Mars and Pluto from your 11th to 5th house calls for balance between personal projects and collaborative efforts, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over control.

Libra Rising This New Moon in your 2nd house signals a time to reassess values and financial matters. Reconnecting with past mentors or communities might provide perspective. Saturn’s influence in your 6th house supports stability in your daily work and health routines, making this an ideal time to simplify. With Mars in your 10th house opposing Pluto in your 4th, you may experience tension between home and career, but clear boundaries and focused energy can bring harmony.

Scorpio Rising In your 1st house, this New Moon empowers you to release old self-concepts and embrace a renewed sense of self. Saturn’s trine from your 5th house encourages creative self-expression, helping you find grounding through art or other personal projects. Mars in your 9th house opposing Pluto in your 3rd urges you to confront limiting beliefs, fostering open-mindedness and deep introspection.

Sagittarius Rising This New Moon activates your 12th house, emphasizing healing and release from subconscious fears or unresolved issues. Saturn’s trine from the 4th house promotes grounding through family or home-related stability. The Mars-Pluto opposition from your 8th to 2nd house encourages balance between shared and personal resources, inviting you to work through complex emotional dynamics for greater security.

Capricorn Rising With the New Moon in your 11th house, this is a time to reconnect with social groups or allies who share your aspirations. Saturn’s trine from your 3rd house supports stability in communication and learning. The Mars-Pluto opposition between your 7th and 1st houses may highlight power dynamics in relationships, calling you to find common ground and communicate openly with loved ones.

Aquarius Rising The New Moon in your 10th house suggests a fresh approach to career goals and public roles, possibly through reconnecting with professional mentors. Saturn’s influence in your 2nd house encourages financial planning and resourcefulness. The Mars-Pluto opposition from your 6th to 12th house might reveal hidden stressors related to health or work; releasing old patterns will help create a more supportive daily structure.

Pisces Rising In your 9th house, the New Moon inspires you to expand your worldview and seek knowledge, perhaps by reconnecting with wise friends or mentors. Saturn in your 1st house lends a steady hand to your self-development journey, encouraging clarity and discipline. With Mars in your 5th house opposing Pluto in the 11th, finding a balance between individual creativity and group collaboration becomes essential for personal fulfillment.

follow for more astro insights like this and head on over to @quenysefields or my etsy --> sensualnoiree to grab my new astrology guidebook on reading your own natal chart :)