#made this in like 5 minutes forgive the quality

[pyrotechnicdarts]

ihateanime.jpeg

[amoripomoea]

"why are you dressed like that?"

"... because you said it would make you smile?"

(i instantly thought of this spongebob scene when i saw the ep w james for the first time lmao. hopefully this hasn't been done before)

[ladyloveroll]

(These are my ACTUAL notes from my friends birthday party full of people who absolutely did not know who the fuck Itachi and Kisame were or how pairing names work or what a ship is.)

Writing kisaita (on and off) for 15 years

Never get tired of the ship

Excellent, friendly people in the fandom to keep making content (Cynni)

Presentation is less about the specific ship and more about the general qualities that make their ship S-tier. You may find this echoed in your own OTP, IDK.

Powerful, badass characters who can kick anyones asses no problem, as depicted where they are casually taking a stroll after Kisame (who still has his little fo-hawk) casually takes down the four-tails

Kisame is noted as the ‘tail-less jinchuuriki’

Itachi is clearly a fucking powerhouse, we don’t need to debate that

Working with strong characters means you are more easily able to portray their weakness and explore that side of them since that rarely gets screentime

Auxiliary, not main characters

Main characters are harder to write because they spend a lot of screen time accomplishing their goal and doing Plot

Auxiliary characters are more malleable, and morally gray ones especially so

Depicted here are Itachi and Kisame, separately, being ordered by their villages to kill their own people. They carry this order out, but do not particularly like it. Nor are they particularly loyal to their own villages, despite carrying this order out. It’s hard to say where their loyalities lie.

The answer is WITH EACH OTHER OBVIOUSLY

Any ship that has a timeskip has LOADS of canon-verse material you can work with, especially if it feels like the characters have changed or their dynamic has changed.

For Naruto especially, WTF are Kisame and Itachi doing for three years? Clearly neither of them are out capturing jinchuriki. They aren’t seen lounging around Amegakure or Akatsuki headquarters. They are just traveling the world. Probably doing hits. Probably hitting on EACH OTHER WOOOOOO

Long time skips mean a few thing: 1) Canon divergence, 2) Canon compliant, 3) pre-time skip, 4) during time skip, 5) post time-skip; and that’s not even the AU’s

They clearly haven’t made any other friends during this time either so lots of relationship to explore

The Naruto franchise is notorious for retconning. Probably because Kishimoto (the writer) was pushed to create at a pace that was impossible for any sane or healthy man to keep up with.

Fanficition writers can take advantage of this poor writing by interpreting the character in a lot more ways than if the character was solidly written.

There are a lot of different ways Kisame is written, and accepted as so

Itachi less so but we don’t have time for that

Retconning allows you to take a writers mistake and turn it into utter brainrot that ten other people (me) will reblog every 3 years

This one is kind of specific, but if you like angst then OH BOY this ship has a lot of potential for it

Any OTP that involves an angsty edgelord and a sadistic tagalong can indulge in either EXTRA ANGST and be able to balance out the angst with humor

The KisaIta ship has 4 great themes about it:

Redemption

Acceptance

Forgiveness

And Existentialism of course

Dynamic:

Sharkboy / lava girl

Edgelord / goof

Leader / follower

Maybe old? / a touch too young

Respect for each other

S-tier OTP because of strong themes and repeatable dynamics

Kinkfest here we come

S-tier OTPs must be able to withstand an intense variety of smut writing

Powerful level = able to handle pain and dish out pain

Body things? = more positions

The Shape of Water was one of the single best thing to happen to the KisaIta 18+ fics because (even though it existed before the movie came out) a lot more readers were into it now

Also, Kisame makes this ship work more than Itachi. He is fucking DEVOTED

at this point I was running out of my 10-minutes (THEY HAD THE AUDACITY TO PUT ME ON A TIMER) so i just backfilled the rest of the presentation with fanart and memes i like

Why do I like KisaIta?

I mostly write smut

They’re great at smut

I also like angst

They’re always great for angst, either character

Also look at them they are hot AF

Beefcake service-top vs. ‘shaped like a katana’ masochist

Healthy dose of hurt-comfort

They’re extremely flexible to write and so there’s a lot of stories you can create

thank you for not reporting me to the powerpoint police

[hyunpic]

HAIIIIII HAIIIII HAIIIII II III II i hit a big milestone on skz comeback day so i decided to do a lil thank u post or whatever idk. ive never done one of these in my tumblr career . As u can see ….. and the quality of the banner is trash just like where hyunjin almost fell. Can u just think of it as 5 minutes of crafts and like this is sooo five years old child making a Mother’s Day card to her mom. It’s full of love anyway 😻 i was writing this post while taking hits of my vanilla vape and it ran out of nicotine juice so im struggling and can’t focuse anymore 👍 pls forgive me this is gonna be very messy 😄

anyway these are no in particular order and sorry if i forgot someone 😔😔😔😔 this is what makes me so nervy that i have never made a post like this before like 😔 i don’t want to forget anyoneeeeeee also tumblr wouldn’t let me add more so blame them and not me DUMBLR 😡🍅🍅🍅🍅 thank u so much for sticking around and u are all so very dear to me in all of your unique ways:

@woozis @woodziecup @christakisbang @y-eontan @hyuncheols @ughbehavior @londonsboy @minchanz @minhosblr @morgoth @leenope @theboytatu @shnryjn @yang-innie @snug-gyu @jinniebit @ttathinker @digitalgirls @agibbangs @haenglixie @bangzchan @megaversed @yangjeongin @hyunchanz @seungminhos @chanstopher @chanrizard @djxiao @possession1981 @yunwooz @hyunjinz @exocean @onedoors @seungmoes @geniaparadox @kimtaegis @hyunjinz @cowboybin @farascha @wooobinz @taedongz

@strayklds: em i love to see u in my notifications and in my dms and perceiving u content and and and and etc. seeing u here always feels like the biggest warmest and welcoming hug. you are simply just like jisung - the best friend shaped guy and ilu so much for that 💖

@hanarchy: WAAAAAAA my chris.. this is so different cause we have actually met. thank y for always taking care of me… u are so so dear to me. like i will never forget the feeling of breaking down in tears when we got to lolla area and i realized i will see skz and u made sure i was okay. it will be my core memory till im in my death bed. i love u and your company and that we can bitch to each other about stuff and u just get me and i get u… i hope we can keep holding hands and making many more memories together 💘

@wantbytaemin: MY FUCKING MAIN SLAYEEEEEER it’s no joke that u stan taemin and u are a queen yourself as well… like greatness recognizes greatness. a piece of my heart is still in that weird little airbnb i shared with you in paris and whenever im sad i wish i could be there with you. my forever destined roommate or whatever idek. but i love u with all of my heart. The way we clicked right away when we met is crazy to me like i felt like i had known u forever. U are just soooOoooo amazing words can’t even describe 💘 ilyilymwahhhh

@izayaki MYYYYYY CARLYBEANNNNNNN MY CARLYBEANNNNNNNN MY CARLYBEANNN I FUCKING LOVE U U ARE EVERYTHING TO ME!!!! you could only treat me as your local sandman if u wished but i wouldn’t care like i love u so much!!!! i know i can always count u to be so crazy with me when it comes to hyunjin. also i feel like it’s worth mentioning that u make me feel so comfortable around u. i feel like i can finally be like myself whenever i talk with you :(( like u accept me just how i am and it means so much to me… idk i just feel like i will love u unconditionally and 4ever or whatever katy perry said in that one hit song of hers.

@sunmisbf we will one day smoke together. like idec how many years it will take. we will sit at that porch when we are 80 years old grandmas and we will share a joint and talk about our good old kpop days. u are a delight here and i would feel so empty if i didn’t follow u.

@dowoonyoon: my favoritest penpal.. the way u are engraved in my heart forever. u are just as lovely as taylor swift love songs, i hope u know that. im so happy to scream about anything and whatever with u. WE WILL GET MORE OF THOSE TAYLOR AND SKZ CRUMBS NEXT YEAR 🕯️🕯️🕯️

@yonglixx my sun sunny sunshine!!!! you might be one of the most supportive people on tumblr and i think we as a community need more people like u around. your light and positivity doesn’t go unnoticed. im glad to call u my friend 🌞

@ortali my cutie ortal… my favorite hyunie stan ever. me and u are the same and i miss u so dearly everyday whenever u aren’t here. tumblr isn’t the same without your presence. you bring me so much comfort and serenity and im so thankful that the world brought you to me 😣💘

@seungs: ik u hate sappy things but i will still shamelessly admit you are one of my favorite people ever here. im always here for your thoughts like i neEEED to hear them u know. you are so wise and collected and talented (ggoat = greatest gif maker of all time) that i aspire to be like u in so many ways like i just adore u so much hehe. i hope to be like u or whatever woodz said. i hope we get to meet once skz all around the world drags their booties to here mwah 💋

@seo-changbinnies: my trusted pc trader like trust all of my bin pcs will come to your way every comeback. it’s a tradition atp to stress over the international mail but i wouldn’t change a thing. u are a joy to be around and a blessing to this hellsite. so much happiness and joy radiating your tags that i couldn’t imagine tumblr without your presence. love u sososoo much 💖

@hyunsung: hello HELLOOOOO reach out to me im one of your biggest fans. i see a gifset of yours and i will be getting that thing to at least 1k notes like that’s the minimum they all deserve. you make art here and i think everyone should acknowledge it and appreciate it!!!!!!!! your name is mona just like one of the most famous art pieces of this whole world. i think it tells so much ‼️‼️

@chrisbangs my liiii my little moon… u are one of my first stayblr friends and i love u to the moon and back. whenever we catch up it’s like catching up with an old childhood bestie. nothing changed and the connection and love is always there. u mean so much to me than words could ever describe. i will forever be here rooting for you thousands miles away but our hearts will stay always connected 💘

@young-jae my forever only love sohvi. u have been here for me since the day one like im not even kidding… u know me through and through and i consider u my family at this point. i know if i fall to a dark place, i got your shoulder to lean on and that means the world to me. and same with you. you own my heart forever and always. i need to hug u so badly, i know i have the bestest hug in the world stored for u that i have been holding bag just to save it for u 💘 esc2024 here we come

@ye-xiu i feel like me and u are a married couple at this point like we have been through so much together and separately too like WOWIUUEEEEEE u are like a solid rock to me. a constant force that i can count on and i value it so much. i feel like i have told u this before but i love when u write.. u have a way with your words that always seem to touch places in my heart that i didn’t even know were there. hmm.. whatever does it ever drive u crazy how fast the night changes but it will never change me and u (that’s literally 1d lyrics but it just fits us)

@huiracha omg i adore u so much like 😭😭😭😭😭 IM SIMPLY A PEASANT WHILE PERCEIVING UR CONTENT. the way i have like actually kicked my feet few times in my bed when u rebloged something from me.. idk u are like my tumblr crush marie.. i just had to let u know here publicly!!!!!

@mybodyfails my sweetest oli with sososooooo much love to give…. u are sooooooo special. always rooting for me and hyping me up like half of my self confidence comes from your kindness. i hope you that passionate love you give out to the world will find you eventually. im glad to act as a cupid in your life too like that’s one of my greatest accomplishments and i will be mentioning it in my next job interview 😼

@hyumjim my funny guy Emily… u are like one of the funniest and craziest (in a good day at) people i have ever met. your energy irl also is just so joyful like i for real feel like i would never be depressed if i could spend at least few days a week with you (maybe that’s why u are a therapist… woah 🫨)

[silentwillowwhisperer]

Okay do you agree with me that we were severely deprived of Ezor, Zethrid, Axca, and Veronica content? Because they would be the ultimate lesbian squad like

Do not even. Get. Me. Started.

Too late.

(warning: this is a loooooong post.)

My poor girls, they were so perfect! And don't forget Narti (blind lizard gal) because as much as I think Lotor's whole villain arc thingy was dumb, I will NEVER forgive him for killing her. Never ever ever.

I do refer to them as Lotor and the Lesbians in my head, so I think it's pretty clear what I think about them. (Small note: If they were a band that would be their name.)

And Veronica! She was so cool! You know she steals all the girls her brothers bring home. Like, 'Oh you met someone cool at work? I'm just gonna take her off your hands...' Let's be real, if Veronica was not a fictional character, she would be a notorious lady charmer.

And COME ON. Ezor and Zethrid were LITERALLY DATING. I will take NO ARGUEMENTS. Do we not remember that whole episode where Zethrid went berserk on the paladins cuz she thought Ezor was dead?? And how they looked lovingly into each other's eyes? They had an END SCENE together! Well, it wasn't about them, it was that thing about Keith taking over command of the blade but WHAT-EVER. They were 2 feet away from each other because they were inseparable and in. love.

look at them.

Wait I can do better:

I'm gonna scream.

And, yeah, they were technically canon but this doesn't count. If Shiro and the dude he married (..Curtis?) get a canon kiss then so do Ezor and Zethrid.

Before I start my little spiel and Veronica and Acxa, I'm just gonna leave a picture of Narti here for those of you who don't remember her.

She was the one without eyes who could see through the eyes of her cat (honestly so real in a fictional way, love that for her).

Ringing any bells? Yeah, I cried when she died. (I made a rhyme!)

NOW.

Veronica and Acxa. They would have been SO CUTE together. And even if they didn't get together, at the very least they should have been best friends. Like the kind of best friends where Acxa is adopted into the McClain family to the point at which she can always be found there just chilling in their house like she owns the place. The kind of best friends that finish each other's sentences and know EVERYTHING about each other. GUYS. This was the VISION.

And you know what? I gonna put a picture of them here in just a sec, but you ALL know what I'm talking about when I say that they had a klance-style bonding moment.

Do not even try to tell me that they did not have potential. They're making awkward love eyes at each other.

(Also, the limited fanart that exists of them is SO. CUTE.)

Honestly, if the show really wanted to show representation that bad, then why couldn't these ships be real? Adam is great and all that, but if we're going to introduce a queer relationship in the name of representation, then maybe don't kill him off for the sake of drama after only about 5 minutes total screentime.

In fact, Shiro's whole thing was messed up. Yes, I get that he's a queer icon, but why are these things being forced on him? Instead of putting him with another character that also only got 5 minutes of screentime, maybe his end scene could be something like, 'Shiro went and finally got the therapy he deserved' or 'Shiro and Keith spent quality time together now that they were no longer separated' or even, 'Shiro retired from military business and built a comfortable life for himself as a coffee shop owner.'

He. Does. Not. Need. No. Man.

Based on the fact that he still has that Garrison-issued arm, he is still in relations with them in some way. And maybe he quit and just got to keep the arm, but that needed to be specified. Are we forgetting his previous trauma? His periodic flashbacks? The fact that his body was taken over by alien life and used to INJURE HIS YOUNGER BROTHER? The very same brother that he was a role model to?

And maybe we could have kicked Lance's scene out and instead shown him with his family? That would have been a great place to insert Veronica and show them actually bonding like family. Did anyone else find it weird that we got basically no scenes of them interacting in space? With their personalities, they should have been gossiping and having spa days left and right, but there was nothing of the sort.

Wait, I'm sorry, I got off topic.

Where was I? Oh yeah.

The most talked about example of queerbaiting is always Klance because as main characters, they're in the spotlight, but these closeted lesbians do in fact exist.

Why did we get Allurance but not Ezor and Zethrid? They were SO CLEARLY compatible and they weren't toxic to each other like Allura and Lance. My main argument against that ship is because of Klance, it's because Allura had just lost someone important and rebounded to Lance, and Lance constantly tried to be the rock for her that she wasn't ready to lean on. He finally had what he wanted from day 1, and realized that if he really wanted it to continue, he would have to change in ways he wasn't ready for.

If that kind of relationship gets a kiss, then Ezor and Zethrid should get one too. They spent their whole time on the show supporting and relying on each other.

[atla-confessions]

"I'm an old dinosaur. When majority of fans are in this zukka-hype I will still complain about jetko. It was the main gay ship when I joined the fandom and gosh, I still think they had too little interaction, like, just two episodes; Zuko was almost indifferent and Jet tried to claim him a firebender and give him to Dai Li. Such love. Such passion. Ew."

HI, jetko defender here that unfortunately had to see this on the jetko tag. i am very passionate about this topic

1) it's literally okay not to see the vision for a ship

2) connection is about quality over quantity, just because you've known someone for years doesn't automatically make for a good relationship. and on the other side you could meet someone and only have know them for a couple of hours and it is the most electrifying connection of your life

3) their 7 minutes of screen time together has inspired countless beautifully written fics and fanart. so while you don't see the vision, there are clearly people that do

4) "Zuko was almost indifferent" the beauty of analysis is the challenge to look deeper

"and Jet tried to claim him a fire bender and give him to the Dai Li" Zuko is a firebender, and the argument of "Jet was going to do a bad thing" … dont even get me started on this… If we're going to talk about bad things and poor choices, later, Zuko is going to attempt to assassinate the only hope of the world. (and then later becomes friends with him because this is a show about forgiveness.)

The point is, when they meet, they are both two traumatized, angry teenagers that have made awful awful choices. And might I add the only two teenage boys in ATLA that would truly understand each other for being horribly hot-headed, single minded, driven people that both went WAYY too far trying to reach their goals-- as a result they've made decisions that have hurt the people they love, decisions that keep both of them up at night.

Jetko on the ferry, the famous scene, are two horribly wounded and traumatized boys trying to be friends with each other.

And Jet wanting to turn in fire benders to the Dai Li stems from his trauma that firebenders will off him on site just like they did to his family.

5) the ew comment? homophobia?

(also im pretty sure the original post was meant to be tagged as "anti jetko" instead of "jetko")

X

[acknowledgetheabsurd]

I only found your letter when I came home yesterday after dinner - and it made me sad for you and for your father. I just think that the hardest thing is to clear his system for the serum. It's going to take some time. But as soon as it is done, all hope will be given. Courage, my darling. I'm sure, for some reason, that everything will change for the better. The day was very tiring. Lunch at Gide's where I made an effort to speak. At eighty we only talk to people out of politeness, it's obvious. The eye is turned inwards - not to others. So that makes a kind and pure conversation that quickly becomes exhausting. 

After lunch I was given a room for my ritual rest. But I had neither my books nor my papers and you know I don't sleep. So I brooded. This illness sometimes discourages me. But I'll tell you another day how. At half past three I couldn't take it anymore and went for a walk. The weather was wonderful. I walked along the sea. It was the soft and blue sea of the summer days, the curve of the gulf was exact, and in all the sky the honey of the end of the afternoon was beginning to spread out. During all this time at least my heart calmed down. I was more sad than revolted. There is only nature and a certain nature especially that can save me from everything. I had found sweetness again. 

At 5 o'clock, tea with Gide who was still asleep and who repeated every two minutes: "voilà, voilà". Then we went to Dolo's, to whom we had promised to have a drink. Bloch-Michel was there. Dolo amused me for a while with her loquaciousness. Speaking of me in the house of Cabris, she said: "With your air of a Spanish nobleman reigning over a house, you would discourage Christ himself" or of my plays (she was an actress): "you lose weight playing them"; and again "Tenderness! Yes, there is tenderness, but at the last minute, at the moment of separation". Like that for an hour. Finally, she made us a fish soup, offered me an American pen, vitamins and a comb that cuts your hair while combing! And we went home. 

I sighed when I arrived in Cabris. The air was finally pure, light, delicious like fresh water. The sky was so full of stars that it looked grey. Here again, a sweetness. I promised myself not to go down again. I can't stand society anymore and there are still too many people in Cabris for me. You, the work, the beauty, that would be enough to fill my life. I went to bed - but I don't know why after reading your letter I couldn't fall asleep. That lost day was weighing on me. I tossed and turned until 4 o'clock in the morning. Everything that hurts me has gone there. I saw again (I can speak to you with an open heart, isn't that so my only love!) F[rancine's] unhappy face for a few days. It is a bad suffering from the one who can neither speak nor shout. And I suffer badly from this of which I am the author, in spite of myself. 

At certain hours when we are, most amiably indifferent, in appearance, I am torn with pity. I would like to soothe her, to speak to her gently, to tell her that it is an imaginary evil. I would especially like her to ask me anything difficult and exhausting, I don't know, work in a mine, climb the Himalayas, cure lepers. But she doesn't ask me anything, except to love her, and she doesn't even ask me - because everything is clear to her, the lie covered everything and she could live, if not happily, at least calmly, in the illusion maintained by the little we shared. Now I feel humiliated and defeated, and my helplessness is increasing. 

Forgive me for talking to you about this, but it exists, we know it well, and the certainty that I now share with you makes me more free to say here all that I feel. And then this insomnia has made me tired and more sensitive. How I love you, from the depths of my being, for helping me by the quality of your heart alone, to be truly myself. I kiss your hands with the love and respect that fill me, with the tears of joy and sorrow. 

I come back to this letter, unable to sleep. I have not spoken to F[rancine], she only knows that I love you. And I am unhappy, no doubt, to hit her like that and to diminish her, but it is also true that I could bear to be a thousand times more unhappy and guilty, on the condition that I possess and love you. Yes, I am also able to lose my own esteem to keep you. At least, I believe so - what is certain is that in the midst of these awful fogs of suffering and folly, I have only one light: you. I am telling you all this to take away your worries. I am here, I am waiting for you, I'm watching over you. Completely without illusion this time I repeat to you that I will understand if you don't write. What worries me are the silences without reason. But I know that you must be close to your father, help him, heal him at last. And nothing, neither silence or cries, change anything in my heart or the love with which I finally wait for you.

Albert Camus to Maria Casarès, Correspondance, February 16, 1950 [#196]

[sillybigbird]

Hello,

It's me, the girl who watches superhero productions and gets obsessed with one of their characters. I've recently watched She-hulk. And I liked it, so here's my honest review (With spoilers).

So, most of the chapters of She-hulk were comedic based, and I honestly was looking for a relax after my long periods of homework and classes. And I liked the relaxed production.

Maybe the fighting scenes weren't organic in the first episodes of the show, and that's one of my few complaints about it.

Sure, the CGI it's bad, the could've done better, but I don't think that's the point, since the show is more about Jennifer trying to accept herself and so the show expects you to do too.

I think more of the critiques about the show was about the self exploring journey of Jennifer, and honestly those people who didn't like that part can go to la verga. Because, honestly, as a Woman who has this process of self healing from trauma and insecurities via therapy made feel seen, I identified that part and I gave Marvel and applause for that. No one ever talks about how difficult is the journey in therapy and neither how can be difficult for a Woman to attend those types of problems because are minimised everyday by the society. (That's not a topic I'm gonna deep in) But, thumbs up, everyone needs to go to therapy.

I think they embraced so well what is like to be a Woman en Jennifer shoe's. I mean for a comedy show it's pretty good.

And yes, I have to admit the show gets better after Matt Murdock makes his appearance. Since he appeared all the fight and tribunal scenes felt so dynamic. Motocristo en jesucleta, the debate scene at the the court was fire, the actors have a lot of chemistry between them. And the fighting scenes between them and helping each other were so good. That's how you introduce a 5 minute couple goddamn. And they make you fall in love with Matt as the same time Jen it's. That particularly make me come back from my retirement of "Nowadays marvel sucks, I'm not watching anything new from marvel" just to see the blind man kick some asses and be handsome.

His last scene as daredevil felt a little just put it there because yes. But y'know that show have already given me more than I expected.

Specially at that scene in Marvel studios. Dude, that felt like a pamper, like a truly sincere apology. The way they spoke it so publicly ad how they criticized themselves and immediately gave a more smooth resolution to the show was something I'm gonna be very thankful for the next 3 hours. And after seeing the quality they spend in Loki S2 and X-Men 97 (DCACU fear) it makes me convinced that they fired the dude who were cagándola in the recent productions. And let me tell you something Marvel: I forgive you, you have me back

Thank you for listening

Also

SKAAR?! WHAT THE FUCK.

[darklovecat]

other glow up tips?

My Experience with Lasik Eye Surgery (Trans-PRK).

Investing in laser eye surgery was one of my most important parts of my physical glow up. My eyes are my best features, they're pretty, big round, dark brown, but didn't exactly work (5 dioptries). Either way, you couldn't tell because they were either hidden behind a frame of glasses, blodshot and half-closed due to lenses, or covered by extremely unnatural looking bright blue color contacts (God please forgive me). I ditched them all, got them lasered and look and feel 100% better.

Lenses.

I hate them. All the times I dropped and lost them, all the times my eyes would turn watery the moment I put them on, and the one time it got stuck in my eye and I couldn't find it and almost had a panic attack. This is my own experience, I'm not an ophthalmologist, so take this with a grain of salt (or two) and do your own research please. I'm here to share my own personal experience. My eyes used to start tearing like crazy just with soft breezes of wind and at times it was hard to keep my eyes open even though I followed all instructions. Lenses made my eyes look hooded as well and after getting my eyes lasered they don't have that droopy look, my eye area looks so much more open and awake now. I hated the discomfort, the redness, the sensitivity, having to put them on, having to put them out, having them. There could be a million explanations for these but it was just easier for me to get my eyes lasered and call it a day.

The surgery.

You put on your surgical gown and a hair cap, you lay down, they give you local anesthesia so you can't feel any pain in your eye. Laser beam for 10 seconds (felt more like 10 minutes). The surgery itself does not feel painful, just extremely uncomfortable, you can't close or move your eyes for 10 seconds, my surgeon counted back from 10 but I swear it felt like an eternity. I cried while they were lasering my eyes because I always do and I kept pinching myself and shaking my legs because I felt very nervous and was probably PMSing, but there is no actual pain, just intense discomfort and pressure, the actual pain only comes after the anesthesia wears off after a few hours, I would say it is a 7.5/10, you wear black goggles for 2 weeks, your eyes sting like crazy, it's like having dry eyes 24/7 for 2 weeks. And then 2 weeks later you wake up and your eyes actually work (miracle). I remember taking them off for the first time after weeks and being absolutely shocked about how well I could see (and at how terrible my eyebrows looked).

1 year later...

I wake up, I have 10/10 vision, and I love it. I feel like I can see better now than ever, I don't have to deal with eye sensitivities due to lenses, or worry about accidentally sitting on my glasses, I feel prettier too. There's another thing that feels very hard for me to describe, but I feel like I am directly living in the world, I feel more in touch with the world, my lenses and glasses always felt like a barrier. After your surgery, you need to wear sunglasses for 6 months. Not an issue, you should protect your eyes in any case and protecting them from the sun's UV rays has always been essential for me regardless. They need to be big especially on the sides so your eyes are protected.

To sum it up, here are my tips:

Go to a very reputable doctor at a specialized eye clinic. My doctor had 25 years of experience and over 50 000 cases.

Take all the medications that you are prescribed post-surgery and follow all instructions, focus on healing after your surgery.

Invest in a pair of high-quality UV blocking sunglasses. No, that chewed up pair from H&M you got 2 years ago won't cut it.

Reduce screen time, blue light blocking filters are your best friend. Make sure you have a support person.

You need to go to a highly reputable place obviously, you can't cheap out unless you have another pair of eyes, your doctor needs to be very experienced and good at what he does, use what resources you have to read up on your doc and his work, his ratings should be very high and of people who are happy with their results. My mom, my aunt, my grandpa all got LASIC eye surgery 20 years ago so naturally, I followed in their eye steps because they were all happy with their results. You need a support person, my parents were right with me during and after the surgery, my mom picked out the hospital and doctor for me and I could not go out of bed for 2 weeks so make sure you have some good podcasts ready and take at least 2 weeks off.

Feel free to message me or drop an ask if you have any questions.

[and-then-there-were-n0ne]

I started writing this as my 31st birthday approached and finally got around to finishing it.

Here are 31 lessons I’ve learned so far in my unusual life. 

1. Don’t give unsolicited advice. 

2. Have friends outside of your profession.

3. Events, both good and bad, are more often enjoyable when they become memories. 

4. Getting punched in the face once permanently reduces your fear of it happening again. 

5. Buy multiples of common use items. Nail clippers, scissors, screwdrivers, lighters, tape, etc. Spending a little extra to put one in each room is better than searching every room, drawer, and cupboard when the need arises. 

6. Read at least ten pages of a book every morning. 

7. You don’t look like your favorite photos of yourself. 

8. Keep at least 50 bucks in your wallet. 

9. If you have a good idea or an interesting thought, always write it down. 

10. When seeking advice, ask people in a different life station than you. 

11. Good conversations are made up of questions. Avoid speaking for longer than three minutes without asking one. 

12. Envy knows many disguises.

13. The qualities women favor for male friends: athleticism and success. The quality men favor in female friends: Physical attractiveness.

14. Just as not all romantic relationships are meant to last, neither are all friendships. 

15. Drink less. 

16. Reading a badly-written book will remind you to appreciate well-written books. 

17. Greed is better than envy. 

18. Sleep with your phone in another room. Or at least out of reach.

19. Be strict with yourself and forgiving of others. 

20. Consciously exercise gratitude. 

21. Don’t be the smartest person in the room. 

22. People are busy, distracted, and tired. Always follow up. 

23. Listen to archived episodes of Loveline (1995-2005). Start here and work backwards.

24. Poor people pretend to be richer than they are, and rich people pretend to be poorer than they are. 

25. Your choices shape your identity, not the other way around. 

26. At funerals, people don’t talk about the accomplishments of the deceased. They talk about their character. 

27. You are what you do. Not what you say or what you believe. 

28. Originality is impossible. Just because it’s been said before doesn’t mean it’s not worth saying again. 

29. Be kind, but always have a “fuck off” chambered and ready to go just in case. 

30. If you can, tip more than you should.

31. Self-discipline beats motivation. 

[yhwhrulz]

Today's Daily Encounter Wednesday, July 24, 2024

The Blessing of Parenting

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."1

Parenting is both the greatest blessing and greatest trial that God, in His Wisdom, so graciously blessed us with; though not everyone may agree with that! Depending on what stage of parenting you may find yourself in, you may lean more one way than the other. New parents may find joy in cuddling their new baby or feel stressed by the lack of sleep that a new blessing brings. In the toddler stage you may encounter an energetic child who runs the house and doesn't understand the word "no". Jump to the adolescent years and that same toddler is still not wanting to understand that rules are made for their benefit. The teenage/young adult years bring on a whole new level of stress as our greatest blessings need their greatest guidance and we, the parents, were chosen for the task. It is during some of our best parenting moments that we may feel poorest in spirit. For example, choosing to hold and comfort a screaming baby, when all you'd really like to place her in her room and close the door, can bring peace and comfort to both your hearts; you may have to repeat this action when she's a teenager! Or taking a deep breath and explaining, one more time, that raising our voice is not the way to ask for something, or not reacting harshly when your teenager comes in a few minutes past their curfew. Parenting is often saying "no" to the flesh and relying on the Holy Spirit's power.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus explains that the characteristics that many look down on are the ones He blesses. How many times do we feel mournful? Poor in spirit? Persecuted by our co-workers, our children, or other parents? Jesus blesses that. The Beatitudes teach all the qualities we can have as a parent: gentleness, peacefulness, mercy…. Our children are looking to us for guidance. We can teach them to love. To pray for the Spirit to fill us with gentleness, peace, mercy, and purity of heart. We can set the example of not giving up when we feel persecuted and just want to hide in our rooms. Those times when we feel poor in spirit, we're blessed. Press on, and by God's grace this season of parenting will be a refreshing blessing instead of a stressful trial. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide as you guide others and find yourselves closer to and more like Jesus.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for choosing me to guide the lives of the precious children you've blessed me with. Help me lean on the Holy Spirit and rely on Your Word for guidance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Matthew 5:3 (CSB).

Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B.

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.

Daily Encounter is published at no charge by ACTS International, a non-profit organization, and made possible through the donations of interested friends. Donations can be sent at: http://www.actscom.com

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When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2005-2023 ACTS International

[sealionboards]

10 Reasons Why Inflatable Paddle Boards are the Future of Water Sports

Being out on the water surrounded by nature allows savvy paddleboarders access to unspoiled natural beauty. You get to explore the serene waterways inaccessible by land. Imagine paddleboarding on an 11ft paddle board in the UK with unbelievable balance and core strength while you disconnect from all the stress surrounding you in the concrete jungle. Won’t that be great?

In recent years, inflatable paddle boards (iSUPs) have become increasingly popular as a water sport activity. Wondering why? Well, here are 10 reasons that make iSUPs the future of water sports.

#1 Portability

One of the biggest advantages of iSUPs is their portability. Unlike traditional hard-shell boards that can be difficult to transport, iSUPs can be easily packed into a compact carrying bag and taken with you on the go. Whether you are planning a day trip to the beach, a camping adventure, or a weekend getaway, an iSUP makes it easy to bring your paddle board along for the ride.

#2 Convenience

Inflatable paddle boards are incredibly convenient to use. They can be inflated or deflated in just a few minutes, allowing you to be on the water in no time. This makes iSUPs an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy the benefits of paddle boarding without the hassle of dealing with a heavy, cumbersome board.

#3 Durability

Contrary to popular belief, inflatable paddle boards are extremely durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They are constructed with high-quality materials resistant to punctures, abrasion, and UV damage, making them a brilliant alternative for both casual and extreme paddlers.

#4 Stability

When they are built well, the iSUP boards offer excellent stability, making them ideal for a variety of water activities. They are perfect for yoga, fishing, touring, or just leisurely paddling around. The added stability also makes iSUPs a great choice for children and beginners who are still developing their balance on the water.

#5 Affordability

Inflatable paddle boards are an affordable option for those who want to enjoy the sport without breaking the bank. They offer great value for the price, especially when compared to traditional hard-shell boards.

#6 Versatility

These iSUP boards are incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of water activities. Whether you're looking for a board for yoga, fishing, or just casual paddling, there's an iSUP to suit your needs.

#7 Safety

Inflatable paddle boards offer improved safety compared to traditional hard-shell boards. They are designed to be more forgiving and less likely to cause injury if they come into contact with you or other objects in the water.

#8 Environment-friendly

Unlike any other water sports equipment, inflatable paddle boards are an eco-friendly alternative. They are made with non-toxic materials that are safe for the environment, and they don't require the same amount of energy to produce as traditional hard-shell boards.

#9 Easy to Store

In addition, these boards are incredibly easy to store when not in use. They can be deflated, rolled up, and stored in a compact carrying bag, making it easy to keep them out of the way when not in use.

#10 Fun for Everyone

The 10’6 Paddleboards in the UK are a great option for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting, iSUPs offer an enjoyable, low-impact workout that can be enjoyed in a variety of environments.

It’s a wrap! 

Inflatable paddle boards are quickly becoming the future of water sports. They offer several benefits over traditional hard-shell paddle boards, making them a great option for both experienced and beginner paddlers and when you get an inflatable paddle board for sale, you sign up for hours of uninterrupted fun with the sea winds gushing at your face! So, did you try iSUPs yet?

Source: https://sealionboards.blogspot.com/2023/02/10-reasons-why-inflatable-paddle-boards.html

[yearofthemagicaltorment]

Weekly Round-up January 7th

I hope y’all had a wonderful holiday season. I know I did. I spent a lot of quality time with my family. I even visited my partner’s parents which was super awkward since my partner had them under grey rock. He had attempted to go full no contact but there is too much manipulation for him to have the ability to do that. 

Which brings me to this - If you are an adult child of an emotionally immature parent I suggest blocking them and concentrating on yourself and the family you’ve made. I know it’s difficult. It took me more than one time to block my mother completely. Emotionally you will feel guilt. You will still desire to have that parent or parents as you grow up. 

The thing that you have to remember is that they are not a parent. They never were. They do not have the ability to be. By all means, forgive them. Even tell them you forgive them. They will never comprehend what it is you are forgiving them for as they do not have the emotional capability. It gets easier. You will be happier. It's so much simpler than dealing with their cycles and being their pawn.

Now on to fun things!

Over the past few weeks, I lost track of everything I received in the mail so I’m just going to go over the highlights.

Wellness

Larq Pitcher Purevis with advanced Filter - My previous water pitcher was broken due to the lid falling off. I had been searching and this brand came up under gmadeals. The pitcher is normally $168.00. I purchased it for $139.00. It looks like that is the sale that is still on. You also get 2% through Rakuten but I always suggest checking your credit card company as well. 

The lid on this is super tight so it does not fall off and the water tastes very clean. Like bottled water. It does not leave any distinct flavors like a Brita filter. For this, there are two filter choices, either $20 or $30, and they need to be replaced every two months. To me, this is well worth the investment. 

Sakara -

I’ve canceled Sakara due to a mess of problems. This may or may not happen to you. The food is tasty. I just could not get things straight through customer service. There is one thing I cannot stand when working with a business it is shitty customer service. 

I had what I felt was a simple inquiry as I had not received a shipment in a week and a half. We got up to 19 emails (back and forth) and I did not get escalated or offered a phone call. At that point, I had been offered free items and a week of free meals. All I wanted was to know what was actually due to me and when. I wasn’t looking for free stuff. 

I was so frustrated at the end I requested to cancel and a refund for anything I had remaining. Someone else did this so I assume it was finally escalated. The really sad part is I would have remained a customer had the first person just called and talked to me for 5 minutes to clarify. 

I will continue to order their detox tea because it’s delicious. Do not confuse this with their digestive tea which is not delicious.

Trifecta -

This is what I’m trying now although so far I’m unimpressed. My first shipment did not include breakfast. They refunded me the difference but this was at the point that I was already charged for my second week. We’ll see what happens next.

Other meal plans I am looking into are Veestro and Sprinly. Sprinly looks like it might be more flavorful so I might try them next. 

Makeup

I received my Violete_FR Bisou Balm. This stuff is beautiful. The colors I purchased were Guimauve and Calisson. This is a sheer matte lipstick. These colors essentially blend into the lip giving you an MLBB look. The feel of this formula is so good. My only critique is the smell. I can’t quite put my finger on it but it’s a little off-putting when you first apply. I wear them anyway because I love everything else about them.

Because I loved this formula so much I went back to the site and noticed their skincare. I ordered the Boum-Boum Milk. This product is supposed to be a toner, serum, and moisturizer all in one. It is a probiotic-based formula that can also be used in your hair. I cannot wait to try it.

Lancome Lash Idol - This mascara gives me the biggest lashes. I think it’s the brush itself. It’s curved on one side and flat on the other so you can really manipulate how you shape your lashes. 

Ciate Wonderland - Also a great mascara. Lashes are thick and separated. The brush is nice. I go back and forth between this and the Lancome mascara. 

Melt Four Twenty Palette - I’ve used this palette a couple of times now. Only the mattes so far. They are a little bit chalky and can get muddy when blending. I’m not a pro by any means but I’ve never had this happen. I did the Smoking Sessions and Millennial Pinx Palettes during the 40 percent off sale - which is still going on! They also still have $25 and $75 mystery boxes which are an amazing deal. There is a general description of what is in the boxes but no color options (that's the mystery). I will follow up after I try the other items.

Skincare

Whish Pink Champagne Lip Balm with Bakuchiol - I received this in my Allure December box. I am absolutely obsessed with lip products but this is by far my favorite. It is a non-sticky formula with amazing slip on your lips. The bakuchiol really does help the vertical lip lines. I was able to see this right away. 

When I saw this I went to the Whishbody site and ordered the lip mask, lip scrub, and two more lip balms (Vanilla Bean and Pear - these flavors are on sale). The lip mask is more of a traditional balm. It's waxy and melts into the skin rather than sits on top of it. I put this under a lip mask or the Whish lip balm. The sugar scrub is very nice. It’s a fine-grain sugar scrub. It does a very thorough job of exfoliating. Both the mask and the scrub have bakuchiol in them and the jars are 1 oz which is giant for these types of items. 

If you are looking for a more cost-effective option. Chapstick has a very nice one -  - you can get it from Amazon for $5. It is a tiny little powerhouse of a scrub. I don’t know what a Sugarplum is or if this tastes like it but the flavor is lovely. The ingredient highlights are Vitamin E and coconut oil. The size of this scrub is .27 oz but as with all scrubs, a little goes a long way. 

Kjaer Weis Eye Balm - This stuff is so much better than expected. I have used so many different eye products and I recently tried Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment and it literally did nothing for me. I’ve been using Perricone MD High Potency Growth Factor & Lifting Eye Serum, again, nothing. I put this KW Eye Balm on and immediately I felt the relaxation under my eyes and I was able to see it. The next day I woke up and I still see it. I continue to use it and I continue to see results. I don’t know if I’m seeing what I want to, but to me it looks like the results are compound. 

For a more cost effective Eye Balm - I recommend I Dew Care Glow Key - This has Caffeine and Vitamin C. The bright pink formula camouflages the skin under the eye. It has a handy little tool with it. This stuff is great to refresh the eye area, as for heavy-duty ingredients, it just doesn’t have much. It’s more for those in their 20s or possibly when you need to refresh after a hangover ;)

Ella and Mila - I have been using nail stuff to strengthen my nails. It’s working but I am still a chronic nail-biter. I am working on it though!

I guess that’s it for now. Do y’all have any opinions on any of these products? Any suggestions for prepared vegan meal plans? How do you deal with flying monkeys? See ya soon!

[firespirited]

This photo took ten minutes to send despite being about 5 yards from the house due to spotty wifi. In that time, sis got very very upset. I came home to tears and fury something about "walking Talia without her coat" I showed my phone that proved I'd texted her the moment we sat down in the sun so she'd know Talia was warm and happy. Her phone dinged and it arrived. It wasn't proof enough.

Instead of sticking around to hear her out I went to collapse on my bed. It's been 24 hours and she's furious at me but won't tell me what i've done wrong. apparently it's been going on since winter and that's all she'll give me.

The only thing that changed this winter is one the solstice I woke up and realized I need to stop apologizing for things I didn't do. Now: I apologize for the pain caused, offer to change anything requested but I no longer unreservedly apologize to cover all slights perceived or real. I have not changed my careful, forgiving nature in any other way.

If that's the cause of the rift, it's not something i'm going back on.

I've got 5 months worth of messages to sift through to try and find what she's been trying to tell me that I just don't understand.

The sinking feeling so far is that, that's exactly it.

Read back to september, no clues other than my change about blanket apologies.

In april, I refused to "apologize for spreading fake news" about the cass review after she sent an interview with Dr Cass where she was obviously fudging and obfuscating about "having included 60% of the science (stuff deemed medium quality) in her conclusions".

Instead I said I was open to being wrong but I needed to re-read the report and see HOW that information was included before declaring it misinfo because there are ways of citing science while rejecting it and the way it's phrased and from my cursory read I can't commit to "yes or no: on this is a lie".

I explained the only reason I'd told her about the cass review and what i'd been hearing about it was to warn her about the potentially triggering effect of hearing about a governmental report like the PACE trial which was devastating for us back then.

She was deeply upset by that conversation, like I was refusing to hear her because I wouldn't commit to any answer without doing the research. Here's how she signed off:

if you can't admit when there's been a mistake then I can't believe anything you say, because I will have no reason to believe you'll let me know should you find out it wasn't true. so instead of being able to keep hold of all the data you share with me and just discard the incorrect, I have to discard everything. And the fact you don't see any problem with that. I don't even know how we're supposed to communicate on anything 😭

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

Either way I've made up my mind, I'm going to try and meet with her therapist, I'm willing to be evaluated for not being sane myself (goodness knows my RSD is through the roof - I hate myself for not being able to fix this and have been spiralling with self loathing for two days), gonna try to get her to eventually maybe give me more clues but as far as I can tell there's a version of me that betrays her because she feels betrayal and when I can prove there was no betrayal it's not enough because the feeling doesn't go away.

I can prove that i've been working on myself and respecting her boundaries, done all the things she's asked of me, don't speak to her like she's irrational, try to sympathize and put myself in her shoes as much as possible.

I'm giving a six to nine months period of full grace and forgiveness then I'm cutting off contact for as long as she needs to get well. My presence and inability to read her mind alone seems to upset her deeply so I might have to cut off contact sooner if I can see it's distressing her.

Sunshine, local kitties and a stupid sad story I might tell someday.

[threepointseven]

hellooo this is my first time requesting, and i was wondering if you could do unrequited love with diluc and fem! or gn! reader ? like for example: reader is in love with diluc but he likes jean? sorry if this was already requested/ or is too unspecific, you can always delete this req if it bothers you!! take care <3

🌺summary!🌺- you’ve had a crush on diluc for 8 years, and he ends up falling inlove with jean. What will he do when he’s force to pick one or pay a ridiculous ransom or death, by the fatui?

Type- Fanfic 🌻

Flowers included!🌼= Diluc x reader, diluc x jean

Note🍀= I AM SO SORRY IF I GOT THIS WRONG 😕😕😕 I DIDNT KNOW IF U WANTED HC’S OR A FIC SO I MADE A FIC PLS FORGIVE ME IF I GOT IT WRONG

Genshin masterlist

💐Your bouquet has been delivered <3💐

You watched as the red haired bartender talks to jean from a table in the corner, taking a sip of your drink as you see the smile painted on Diluc’s face. Ever since you came to mondstat youve been head over heels for him. Your feelings were most definitely there hut you suppressed them until you were sure he felt the same, you guess that day wont ever come as you overhear the conversation of the blonde and the tavern owner

“Ah, you should maybe come over today. I have no work for a day or 2”

“I’ll think about it..”

His sigh of annoyance says otherwise by the red blush he’s trying to hide. You’re so inlove with him. You thought as the two exchange flirty jokes.

Ever since that night at the gates of mondstat youve been head over heels for him, youve tried your absolute best to make him look your way. Even if it was just the slightest glance youve tried it. He knew you, you’re one of his closest friends, but not as close as Jean.

It was such a waste, all your flirts and all the times youve helped him, all of it was a waste as you see the pair talk like newly fucking weds everyday.

He knows you have a thing for him, right? Theres no way he doesnt.

But.. youve been friends with him for so much more time than this woman right? Why wont he look at you. Just one glance…

Your friends were no help, clearly since as you rant about your love for diluc they seem to take Jeans side.

“Well…even if youve been friends with him for longer, quality over quantity right?”

It was a tuesday morning, 3 am when you were suddenly abducted by a group of men, seemingly fatui men. You wake up to the squirming of the grandmaster jean.

What is she doing here? What am i doing here? Where am i?!

The panic set in as the 5 fatui men discuss among eachother.

“Who are you and what are we doing here?!”

The grandmaster speaks up firmly.

“Isnt it obvious? We’re taking you hostage. Diluc ragnvindr will happily pay the ransom dont you think?”

“What does diluc have to do with this?!”

The blonde screamed as she sweat, you could see the panic set in her eyes.

“We told him that we’re holding you two hostage, simple.”

Your eyes widen as your eyes threatened to tear up. The seconds turned into minutes and the minutes turned into hours before you heard a loud bang on the building before catching a glimpse of dilucs fiery eyes, his greatsword painted with crimson.

“Diluc! So you’ve decided to pay the rans-“

Before the man could fully speak he was hit by flames along with the group of men. The entire group supposedly knocked out before he attempted to rush to our side.

He was an inch away before a beat up fatui laced with burn scars weakly stood up and put a gun to my head.

“P-pick one or pay the ransom pretty boy.”

He stuttered but he wasnt kidding as he loaded the gun and pressed it further onto my skin.

The fatui’s reflexes too fast, and the gun was simply too close. A ransom of 10 million mora wasnt impossible for Diluc but it was insane.

You stared wide eyed as Diluc freezes, staying put as he silently panics and attempts to decide.

Sweat rolls down his face as he sighs shakily and quickly wraps his arms around Jean, kissing her as an extra.

How cruel.

Love is cruel.

Tears well up in your eyes as your mind races at the feeling of the gun to your head, the fact the man youve had the biggest crush on for more than 8 years is now kissing the woman he met 12 months ago.

Your heart shattered to pieces as you see the pure sorrow in his eyes as he runs away into the fire with jean in his hands.

“Quality over quantity right?”

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS DAYLIGHT Vol.11 Tsukinami Carla [TRACK 5 + EPILOGUE]

Original title: 誓約 & エピローグ

Source: Diabolik Lovers Daylight Vol. 11 Tsukinami Carla

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Toshiyuki Morikawa

Translator’s note: It is no secret that Carla is not my favorite Diaboy, so I wasn’t super excited for his CD despite really enjoying the DAYLIGHT series so far. There is quite a lot of difficult dialogue in this one as well and with no written dialogue, it can be tricky to figure out what Carla is saying. However, I do like how it gives us some more information about the Founders’ lore and their powers. I definitely did not expect this kind of plot twist either. Knowing how cold he is during the start of his DF route, it’s crazy to see him put his own desires aside and completely prioritize his S/O.

Track 1 ll Track 2 ll Track 3 ll Track 4 ll Track 5 + Epilogue

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

TRACK 5: OATH

*Cling cling*

*Rustle*

*Cling*

[00:11] “...Heh. How many times have our eyes met during this meal?”

You apologize.

“Is it something to be sorry about? I cannot blame you. My gaze also keeps drifting your way subconsciously. …When I realize that this might be the last time, I cannot help but want to engrave this sight into my memory. ーー The sight of the woman I love, I mean.”

You tear up.

“Do not cry. …No, actually, I do not mind. You can weep all you want. Your tears are dear to me as well.”

You shake your head.

[01:03] “Heh. …You are strong. No matter how fragile your physical body may be, you actually made a homemade meal from scratch and managed to suppress the tears to show me a smile. I think your soul is truly precious.”

You sob.

“Fufu…Did I make you cry again? Well then, let us continue our meal. While I can imagine it must not be easy right now, you should try to eat as much as you can as well. There is only little time left until I have to depart, so why don’t we enjoy our final banquet to our heart’s content?”

*Cling cling*

*TIMESKIP*

*Thud*

*Cling*

[02:35] “Hah…It was a lovely meal. I feel thoroughly satisfied.”

You agree.

“Wait a few minutes.”

Carla gets up and leaves the room before returning shortly after. 

*Thud*

“Drink this.”

You ask him what it is.

[03:09] “It’s fruit juice which has been slightly diluted with water. I got my hands on fresh fruits from the human world and high-quality water. …In the end, you weren’t able to eat very much of the meal, were you?”

You apologize.

“It is fine. I understand your situation. This should be easy to ingest and it’s packed full of nutrients. Drink it, even if it’s just a little.”

You take a sip.

“Fufu…How is it? …Good?”

You nod and thank him for cooking for you.

[03:59] “Haha…I don’t think this would count as ‘cooking’, but somewhat, I suppose.”

You yawn.

“...Hm? What’s the matter?”

You explain.

“You’re sleepy? You must be tired. In that case, I do not mind if you go lie down.”

You suddenly pass out. 

*Cling*

[04:32] “...Haah. Forgive me. I couldn’t have you stay awake for this though.”

Carla lifts you into his arms.

*Rustle*

“...She’s so light. To think she would seem so fleeting, in such a fragile physical state. Even so, she continued to strongly express her feelings for me.”

*Smooch* 

“...My irreplaceable partner.”

*TIMESKIP*

*Drip*

*Rustle rustle*

*Drip drip*

[05:32] “...Haah. This should do. While I may be suffering from an illness, it is still Founder's blood. A contract will surely be made…between me and my partner. What is necessary is for both parties involved to feel strongly for one another.

…Well then…I, Tsukinami Carla, King of Founders, officially declare the commencement of this ritual…

*WOOSH*

*Cling*

Carla cuts himself.

*Drip drip drip*

*WOOSH*

*TIMESKIP*

*Rustle*

[06:56] “...Ugh!”

*Rustle rustle*

You run up to Carla.

“...!! So you’ve awakened…Cough, cough…!”

He coughs up blood.

“...Oh, do not worry about this. It’s the price I have to pay.”

You frown. 

[07:23] “...Hah. Color has returned to your complexion…I could almost mistake you for someone else. …In theory, any spell - no matter how high-level it may be - should succeed without fail when exchanged for a Founder’s life but still…Haah…I feel relieved now.”

You ask what he means.

“Fufufu…Just like you always did, I chased after my own happiness. There would be no point…in a world where you no longer exist.”

You disagree. 

[08:14] “...You fool! Do not talk down on yourself like that! Your soul…is the most precious thing…in this whole world…Your pure, noble feelings…willing to sacrifice everything for my sake…as well as your deep love…I simply could not let those things fade away…”

You remind him of his ambition to help the Founders flourish again.

[08:51] “Fufu…I do not need any dreams or ambitions, if it means having to sacrifice you to fulfill them…I have already sent out a message…I am confident that Shin will most definitely inherit my ambitions. …My world is right here…You are my world…So why would I not offer my own life for it…? …Cough, cough, cough…!!”

*Rustle*

[09:37] “Go ahead and live your life…as you wish…Farewell…My beloved…Haah…”

You shake his body, begging him to wake up.

*Rustle rustle*

You run to grab a knife, drawing blood before running to Carla’s side to try and feed it to him.

*Rustle*

*Gulp*

*Drip*

*Gulp*

“...Hah! 

*Gulp*

“Haah…You…Don’t tell me…Did you give your own blood…to me?”

You nod.

[10:43] “...It is true that your blood has always been the most effective way to soothe my symptoms but still…I would have never fathomed that it could bring someone back to life as well…In the end, you still harmed yourself in an attempt to save me…You truly are hopeless…

However, I will not last very long. I used a high-level spell which sacrifices the caster’s life in exchange. Even if you managed to bring me back now, you are only prolonging the inevitable…Are you prepared to have to…say goodbye to me once more?”

You claim to be prepared for that.

[11:42] “...Despair which comes right after joy is a painful thing. But you do not mind regardless?”

You nod.

“...!! …Fufufu…Good grief…Just as I thought, you really are my woman. My one and only partner…who is so very strong, and overflows from love for me. ーー That being said, to think you would get the King of Founders to go this far for you.”

*Rustle*

[12:32] “You’re quite the handful. You won’t get away with this. …I shall not let you go, no matter what happens. So better be prepared.”

You nod. 

*Rustle*

TRACK 6: EPILOGUE

[00:20] “...Take your time going down. I’m here to support you.”

You slowly go down the stairs together.

*Thud thud thud*

You apologize for making a selfish request. 

“...Hmph. This does not count as being ‘selfish’, trust me. ーー Besides, I do not dislike going around and viewing the different paintings displayed in this castle. Especially when doing it together with you.”

You remember something very similar happening in the past.

[00:56] “Yes…We exchanged our opinions on the artwork here once in the past as well, did we not? I rarely ever speak of my own interests to others though…Heh. I guess that back then, you must have already had a special place inside my heart.”

You grow flustered. 

“Fufu…Your reactions are always so genuine. Whether you’re happy or sad, it shows on your face right away. You should value that pure, honest heart of yours.”

You nod.

[01:47] “Let me repeat myself ーー but I will leave this manor today. As much as it pains me, I simply have no other choice.”

You frown. 

“You should only focus on looking after yourself. Please do not worry about me.”

You refuse.

[02:15] “Do not say that. However, time flows differently in both worlds, so you might have more alone time ahead of you than you initially thought. You can think of Banmaden as your safe haven…the castle where you can live in peace.”

You ask him if that is why the two of you came here.

“...Heh. Right. That is one of the reasons why I decided to come here. …However, can you blame me for wanting to spend as much time together with my partner as possible? 

You thank him.

[03:04] “I am the one who should be thanking you. I feel truly blessed, having the best wife imaginable.” 

Carla embraces you. 

*Rustle*

“Come on…Give me a better look at your face. Right now, I want to burn that sight into my memory, rather than that of the paintings.” 

He caressed your cheek.

[03:31] “Your scent…the way your skin feels underneath my touch…I’ll brand it all in my mind. If I were a painter, I would surely put it down onto the canvas with my brush. …In my case, I shall trace it with my lips instead.”

*Smooch*

“Your forehead…”

*Smooch*

“Your cheeks…Andーー”

*Smooch*

“...These lips of yours as well.”

*Smooch*

“Mm…”

*Smooch*

ーー THE END ーー