#i've been seeing a lot of content of that stuff lately so i'm feeling salty LMAO

[auguryanxiety]

i'm firmly an "ed and izzy did not grow up together as pirates/did not sail together young" truther.

i think that Izzy joined Ed's crew as Ed was building a reputation as Blackbeard and consistently succeeding as a pirate and helped better his infamy and the legend. i think they were older when they met because of how experienced Izzy is - like with how he was known for his swordsmanship - and how deep he is within toxic masculinity and pirate culture. Also the quote of "I was honored to serve Blackbeard" or something like that - to me that felt more like he knew Blackbeard further into his career. i do think early on in their work together Izzy may have had moments of being a good first mate but as he became more comfortable with the reputation Blackbeard and the Queen Anne crew developed and all the success, he became more complacent and closer to the little nightmare (derogatory) he is now (was). And adding in Ed's history of having an abusive white father figure throughout his life, it makes more sense to have a timeline with "growing up with his Father -> serving under Hornigold -> working with Izzy" and maybe other people between the years (kind of looking at his 'whim'/experience with fishing and Pop pop maybe?). i also headcanon Izzy as at least a decade older than Ed but idk if that belief would clash with what's established in the show bc apparently Stede was only 30(ish)* when he died 💀 *referring to Stede's tombstone in the show

[alia-the-wintergirl]

wednesday, july 10 2024

what i did + ate + feel sad/proud about

non-metabolism day. yippee!

BREAKFAST: 182

apple, large - 1 apple - 116 cals - for the fiber + sweetness. i love apples!

triscuits - 3 crackers - 60 cals - for the salt. i've been really craving salt recently for some reason, if anyone has any tips.

snyder's mini pretzels - 1 pretzel - 6 cals - same reason as the triscuits.

overview: good breakfast, but didn't keep me satisfied, so i had a snack not late after. not so great.

LUNCH: 420

trader joe's miso ramen soup - one carton - 180 cals - main part of the meal. yummy!

tofu, firm - 2oz - 48 cals - for the protein.

baby carrots - 4 pieces - 14 cals - for the fiber and the color in the soup.

peanuts - 1oz - 172 cals - for the fats and protein.

snyder's mini pretzels - 1 pretzel - 6 cals - for the salt.

overview: yummy, and i liked it, but i've read that having the same meal everyday slows your metabolism, so i'm nervous about that.

DINNER: 226

power crunch bar, triple chocolate - one bar - 226 cals - for the protein before fencing practice.

SNACKS: 235

gerber's lil crunchies - 20 pieces - 41 cals - for a little snack. the 20 pieces were spread out throughout the day, with 16 being eaten before my acting program, and 4 being eaten when i got home.

chocolate non pareils - 2 pieces - 36 cals - nobody's surprised to see this one. i ate it for the flavor. luckily those two pieces were my last, and i will not buy them again, not because i don't love them, but because it hurts my self-control.

triscuits - 3 crackers - 60 cals - for the salt. right before fencing i was craving it. i will probably replace all these crackers with seaweed, because the salt content is higher and the calories lower.

nature valley granola bar - 1 piece - 95 cals - eaten at fencing, again for the salt. wasn't even that salty.

overview: i ate most of these for the salt, which is an issue i'll have to correct in the future.

EXERCISE: burned 230 cals

walking for about 3 miles - not logged - part of daily activity

tricep workout - not logged - part of daily activity - i'm so happy i did this!!

jumping rope for 5 minutes - logged - 36 cals burned - happy i did this! oddly enough, jump roping makes my arms tired, not my legs or lungs.

1 hour of general exercise - logged as 30 mins of vigorous workout video exercise - fencing practice is two hours, and the first hour is just working out, so that you're athletic enough to fence competently. the whole hour was extremely vigorous, and i really felt the burn (positive!), but i'm unsure what the exact calories burned are, so i halved it and logged it as a workout video.

fencing - 20 minutes - logged as 12 minutes - i didn't fence so much at fencing this time, because i made a new friend! we gossiped more than we fenced, lol, but we still got in a somewhat decent amount.

SAD ABOUT:

the triscuits and pretzels, simply because they were unplanned and showed a lack of self-control.

PROUD ABOUT:

a lot today!

the tricep workout i did, trying to get rid of my armpit fat. i started it and finished it, which doesn't sound like a lot, but for me it was. my arms are super weak so i used 3-pound dumbbells, but it's a start!

my first hour of fencing! i worked very hard at it, and the teacher of that class (a former Olympian, which is still crazy to me) complimented me a few times! i was very happy.

i walked a lot, and i might be delusional, but i think it's helping a lot.

CONCLUSION:

good day for the most part. still wanna lower my net calories to maybe 650 a day, but this is progress!

i want to increase my salt intake so that i don't eat higher-cal crackers and pretzels and stuff like that. i will probably do it with seaweed.

ate 1063 cals today (a bit much), with -230 (logged as) burned.

NET CALORIES: 833

good day! i'm hungry right now, and about to go to bed, so i get the number one feeling in the world, which is going to bed hungry!

wish you all the best <3

[salty-says-stuff]

2, 6, and 10!

Hope your day gets better Salty❤️❤️

Oh its nothing bad, no worries here, just you know how sometimes you notice a bruise and you poke at it to see if hurts and it almost always does? I did that but *emotionally* 😬 something about not picking at old wounds lol. Still, thank you sm for the pick me up ❤️

2.) What's your feel-good movie? I dont have too much time for movies anymore but I've been on a New Girl kick lately. A lot of it hasn't aged well (miss me with the fatphobic Schmidt jokes) but god there's so many bits that just absolutely fold me (this one gets me every damn time.)

6.) Say three nice things about yourself (three physical and three non physical.)

Non-Physical: I'm resilient, I'm understanding, I'm considerate. I've overcome every obstacle I've ever faced, and I'm very proud of that. And despite being dealt an objectively sucky hand, I want to leave this world a little kinder than I found it, even if that's on a very small scale. So I like to meet people where they're at within reason, and treat people with the same kindness and consideration I want to be treated with. I'm not perfect and I can fail at that, but I'm always trying to be better than the person I was yesterday, while also respecting myself and my boundaries. (Except ya know, bigots, terfs, predators, racists, anyone in current positions of power, etc. If you're a genuine menace to humanity and proud of it, I hope you get hemorrhoid's that never heal and perish miserably and alone.)

Physical: I love my freckles, I love the way my eyes look like dark amber tree rings in the sunlight, and I love that my body is soft so baby buns always has a comfy place to rest, but also that it takes up space and is strong so I'm not easily threatened.

10.) What's something you're excited for? OMG SO MUCH. I pre ordered Erio's Arcane Tarot Deck over on twitter and they just got THE MOST BREATHTAKING samples, I also splurged and ordered the Divide: Arcane Zine bundle and god there's so much cool art and goodies and almost all of the stretch goals have been met?! The book alone is absolutely stuffed with stunning content, and honestly I've found so many amazing artists just through their twitter its amazing.

I've got an art reception coming up soon, I might be popping down to C2E2 for my birthday with some close friends who have never been, Bridging the Rift: The making of Arcane drops a week before my birthday. LOTS of other small stuff too, it's really looking like this August might be my best birthday month yet and I'm so stoked about it.

[shi-daisy]

Snowed In

Well this it folks, my last Ulquihime Week entry for this year. As always it's been a joy to participate and see everything that all of the other users have created, and that those who host the event take such care to plan our ship week. I had a blast and I'm looking forward to doing this again next year. Till then however, let's all keep on making content for our otp!

Ok so onto the story, today's theme is Winter/Warmth and I really didn't know what to do, until I remembered I have a whole AU I could use and stuck with that. For those who haven't read my entries from previous years the Reunion AU basically had Ulquiorra and Orihime meet again after a few years, Orihime ran off from her wedding with Ichigo and Ulquiorra is now human(along with the other Arrancar). At this point in the time the two have been dating for a month. Hope you like!

@ulquihimeweek

Ulquihime Week- Day 6: Winter/Warmth

Snowed In

"For the last time Tia, I'll ask her but that dosen't mean she'll say yes." Ulquiorra repeated over the phone for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

His friends had all told him to invite Orihime over for Christmas dinner, and while he wasn't too keen on the holiday he knew his woman was. This would be the first time he would be asking her to spend an event with him and his 'family' and while he might deny it, Ulquiorra was nervous.

"Schiffer, of course she'll say yes. That girl is quite taken with you."

"I'd like to think so, but still, don't be disappointed if she declines."

"Yes, yes, I am ready to accept a negative answer. Still, I wanted some civilized company this year."

He could tell she directed her angry tone at Nnoitra. From over the phone Ulquiorra could hear them bickering.

"If ya don't want me to eat the cookies. Don't leave em on the table!"

"Those were freshly baked! How are you not burned?!"

"Cuz I still have Arrancar-like skin."

"Fool! Your hands are red! I have to go Ulquiorra. Our gigantic toddler has injured himself again."

"No surprise there. I shall see you later."

He arrived at the cafe soon after his call ended, yet he knew things weren't right. Orihime usually waited for him outside, but despite the closed sign in the door, she was nowhere to be seen. Ulquiorra rushed into the cafe, immediately upon entering he heard a loud noise.

"I know language was never your best subject but I think the sign on the door was pretty easy to read Kurosaki!"

"Inoue, just let me explain everything."

"I told you to fuck off!" Orihime angrily took off her arpon and walked away. Ulquiorra headed towards her. The second she saw him, her anger subsided.

He dared to look at Kurosaki. The redhead was no longer the headstrong teen he had met six years ago. His hair was shorter, and while he's grown taller, Ulquiorra thought he looked less intimidating.

"How- How are you here? You died."

"I got better." Ulquiorra answered sarcastically. "Now, I believe you heard the woman. She's not interested in speaking to you."

Ichigo didn't seem keen on backing down, his surprised stare turned into a glare. "You don't get to decide for her anymore, Ulquiorra."

"Oh just shut up already, Ichigo! I don't owe you shit! Tatsuki picked up my stuff a while ago, I've kept away from you and your kin, and paid back what I owed to you father. Aside from those unresolved matters we have nothing else to talk about!"

"I think leaving one's own wedding and then vanishing for two months is something to talk about! You never gave me an explanation for that."

He'd never seen Orihime so enraged, her pale face turned red and she was clenching her fist so hard her arms shook. "You want an explanation?! Fine! I left because just as I was going to get Kenpachi-san to walk me to the altar, I found you and Kuchiki-San! Then you kissed her! When we were young I thought you were in love with her, but since you proposed to me and made me feel as if I was the one you wanted, my worries faded. Imagine how I felt at that moment! I gave up NASA for you, scholarships, internships, my own damn college ambitions all went down the drain! All because I wanted to be with you, and look where the fuck that got me!

So there's your bloody explanation! Now scram!"

There was a small moment of silence before Kurosaki left. The second he was out the door, Ulquiorra hugged Orihime close. "Let it out."

Orihime didn't want to cry over it anymore, but her body betrayed her. She shook as she cried, her sobs echoed in the small cafe and the only solace she could find was the warmth Ulquiorra's hug provided.

As he held onto her, Ulquiorra checked an alert on his phone. There was a snow storm coming to Naruki.

"Woman, it's likely we won't be able to reach your apartment in time. Would you like to accompany me home?"

Orihime stopped crying after hearing that. "Yes. I'd love to go with you."

"Good, I've sent a message to Szayel, he should be coming to pick us up before the storm gets worse."

"Okay."

Orihime stared at Ulquiorra's face for a moment. When she first saw him again after all these years he looked just as he did the day he turned to ash under her touch. Now, he seemed so different. His hair was longer and styled, he often wore leather and dark make up, and even facial jewelery. She also noticed he began doing those things when the two began dating. Maybe it was an effort to become more human like for her.

"Ulqui, are you sure it's okay for me to come home with you? I don't want to bother the others."

"It's no bother, they were all hoping to see you again." Ulquiorra cleared his throat, as he often did when he was nervous. "Actually they were insistent that I brought you home for Christmas celebrations next week."

She blushed. "Really? I'd love to go! Spending Christmas alone is not much fun. I would be happy to spend it with your family."

He sighed in relief. "I'm glad."

"You sound nervous, did you think I'd decline?"

"Well, yes. But that's not why I was nerveous. It's just the others can be quite a handful. I don't want them to overwhelm you."

"I'll be fine, I love hyper groups of people. Besides you and I can have some alone time later."

"That I won't mind."

Szayel arrived at the cafe slightly later than expected. The sky was already darkening, and the road was icy. He drove slowly but made sure to calculate the time properly.

"Inoue-san, I hope you don't mind, Halibel has prepared a room for you, along with clothes. It's likely the snowstorm will keep you from going home tonight, perhaps even longer."

"That's fine. Thanks for telling me Szayel. I'll be sure to not cause any trouble."

"Oh sweetie it's no trouble at all, we are all looking forward to having you around. Ulquiorra has told us so much about you!"

Ulquiorra, Who had been dozing off in the front seat, was now wide awake and glaring at Szayel.

Orihime laughed at the scene before her. "Does he? What has he told you?"

"That he enjoys speaking to you, and that you have a lovely aura, and that you look very pretty in a sundress."

By now Ulquiorra was a blushing mess, he hid his face under the hoodie of his coat, but Orihime has already seen it. She smiled and blew a kiss in his direction. "Well I think he looks good in black clothes."

Ulquiorra caught the hint. Black was what he always wore, meaning Orihime always found him to be cute. He smiled, this time without covering his blush.

***

Her arrival had been met with hugs, greetings, an enthusiastic snuggle from the family's pet.

"Kukkapuro's no stranger to cuddling new people. He won't leave you alone for the rest of the night." Stark drowsily told her as he tried to get Kukkapuro to move. The hollow puppy ignored him.

"That's okay, Stark-san. I don't mind."

The sleepy man nodded and went back to his favorite spot, on the lap of his boyfriend. Szayel rolled his eyes and let him sleep.

She smiled at the scene, it reminded her of the times she'd act overly affectionate and Ulquiorra would be either unimpressed or dead quiet. Strangely enough she didn't mind.

"Orihime! Can you come to the kitchen? I need your help!"

She followed Halibel's voice to the kitchen. The older women had baked a new batch of cookies and wanted her opinion.

"You're the star baker after all." She told her.

The woman's tone was so sweet Orihime couldn't bear to tell her she hadn't finished culinary school.

She took a bite, savoring the sweet yet salty ginger cookie. "These are great! You're an incredible baker, Halibel-san."

"Thank you, it means a lot coming from a professional. There is something I'd like your help with."

"Anything."

***

"Are you going to chose a movie already?!"

Ulquiorra glared at Nnoitra, who had probably been banned from the kitchen.

"I am not choosing anything until the girls come back with the food. Have some patience Jiruga!"

"I am plenty patient!"

"I agree with Ulquiorra, you have a short fuse. Now be quiet." Szayel snapped.

"Tch. If I'd know you were going to be so moody I would've spent the week with Tesla and Cyan."

"Tesla might've been your fracción but I think even he knows you shouldn't be around a newborn." Stark mumbled in his drowsy state.

Ulquiorra chuckled, as he remembered the little bundle Cyan had given birth to a week ago. He didn't consider himself the baby type but that had been disproven the moment he was allowed to carry the tiny child.

"Maybe you and Inoue will produce a cute baby one day."

Ulquiorra almost fell off the sofa. "Nnoitra if you don't shut up I will disembowel you!"

Szayel shushed them both and pointed down to a sleeping Stark, but by then it was too late. The pair began bickering and Kukkapuro howled along.

***

"See? It's always like this. Can't get some quiet until bedtime."

"Don't worry. This'll warm them up!"

The girls walked out of the kitchen with cookies and hot chocolate. "Settle down! We're here with the treats! Ulquiorra you can pick a movie if you'd like."

He nodded and began browsing. Orihime gave everyone a cup of chocolate and cookies. Once her boyfriend had picked a movie, she sat down with him and their treats.

It didn't take long for the others to fall asleep. According to Ulquiorra this was a common occurrence. 'They'll be asleep before the second act ends.'

The couple was snuggling together covered by a thick blanket, they had finished their sweets and once the movie ended they would be going to bed.

"Hey Ulqui."

"Yes, love?"

"Thanks for tonight. I don't know how badly things would've gotten if I hadn't come with you."

Seeing Ichigo had soured her day greatly, and walking home alone in the freezing cold to cry herself to sleep would've been twice as hellish. Thankfully her boyfriend was there to dry her tears and make her smile again.

"You're welcome woman. I shall always be here for you, so whenever you feel like the world is falling apart remember to lean on me. It is now my eternal duty to keep you smiling."

She giggled and nuzzled close to him. "Thanks Ulqui. You're really sweet." The beating of his heart was lulling her to sleep, but Orihime resisted, she wanted to see the end of the movie. "I have to repay you one day for all the kindness you've given me. Feels like I'm only taking."

"No, you're mistaken. It is I who's repaying a debt to you. Back when I was a hollow you brought joy into my life again, and since then I've thought that one lifetime won't be enough to repay you."

"Then you better be with me in every other lifetime."

He wouldn't refuse such a request. Ulquiorra looked down at Orihime, their gazes met and he knew this was the perfect moment to do as he had planned for so long. He leaned down to press his lips against hers, a soft kiss which caused them both to blush. They both tasted of chocolate and ginger cookies, still it was perfect.

"I love you." He whispered only for her.

Orihime caressed his cheek and smiled. "I love you too."

They stayed like that for the rest of the night, tangled in a warm embrace as the snow continued to fall outside.